Volume One, Chapter 14: I Cannot Help but Ask

“Are we really going to stand by and watch that unfilial son snatch the throne from our hands?”

“Besides, he ascended without an imperial edict. Can his brothers truly remain unmoved? If Zhang’er and the others cause trouble, won’t the people of Ming once again suffer the horrors of war?”

Though Zhu Yuanzhang understood the current situation, his heart was filled with deep reluctance.

It wasn’t a clinging to power. Had Zhu Biao been willing back then, Zhu Yuanzhang would have gladly passed the throne to him long ago. His unwillingness stemmed from unfinished matters, from uncertainty about the future of the Ming dynasty.

Tang He and Fu Youde, seeing the mighty Hongwu Emperor reveal such an expression at this moment, felt an uncommon pang of sympathy.

They had never seen such vulnerability from him, not even during the greatest crisis when Chen Youliang’s six hundred thousand troops marched against them.

After a brief hesitation, Fu Youde could only offer words of consolation: “Your Highness, tonight is no time for you to appear publicly. Since matters have come to this pass, we can only take things step by step.”

“Indeed, Your Highness! Perhaps Prince Ning will not disappoint you or the countless people of Ming. Even if he cannot shoulder the realm, we can find a way to ‘revive’ you later and perhaps regain the people’s hearts,” Tang He suggested a hopeful plan.

This idea was born from their early days in the Red Turban Army, which had initially gained support through mysticism and superstition during the chaotic late Yuan period.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang lowered his gaze, pondering deeply before slowly nodding with a sigh: “Ah! It seems there is no other way. I never expected to have trapped myself in this way.”

Unaware of the old emperor’s thoughts, Zhu Quan in the Qianqing Palace first helped Ren Hengtai to a seat, then summoned others to assist Fu Youwen and the rest.

Only after the four had somewhat composed themselves did he wipe his eyes again and speak.

“Master Ren, and the three of you, now that the late emperor’s passing is a fact, whether as children or ministers, we must first consider what comes next. Isn’t that right?”

“What does Prince Ning mean?”

The scholars’ quick minds were no match for Blue Jade’s horde. They immediately turned their gaze to Zhu Quan, scrutinizing him carefully.

After a moment, Chen Jing asked, “Why have we not seen Jiang Duan, Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, nor the Crown Prince since His Majesty’s passing?”

Since Zhu Biao’s death, it was well known that Zhu Yuanzhang often kept Zhu Yunwen close, sometimes personally instructing him in state affairs.

Chen Jing’s inquiry was thus reasonable; rumors had long circulated that Zhu Yuanzhang intended to name Zhu Yunwen Crown Prince.

As for Jiang Duan...

“Look! Isn’t Commander Jiang right there?” Zhu Quan, suppressing a smile, nodded toward a corner.

Ren Hengtai and the others turned their eyes swiftly, their eyelids twitching uncontrollably.

This was the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Hongwu Emperor’s bodyguard and head of intelligence.

Who could have subdued him?

“Prince Ning, where is the Crown Prince?” Ren Hengtai shook off Zhu Quan’s hand and looked at him coldly.

This old scholar was both wise and stubborn.

Having accepted that Zhu Yuanzhang intended to make Zhu Yunwen Crown Prince, his first concern was naturally the young man’s safety.

“Heh! Master Ren need not worry. He is quite well,” Zhu Quan replied with a smile, though a hint of displeasure flickered in his eyes.

Ren Hengtai was clearly dissatisfied and prepared to press further.

But just as he opened his mouth, Zhan Hui gently tugged his sleeve.

Seizing the moment, Zhan Hui bluntly said, “Prince Ning, calling us to the palace so late is surely not merely to inform us of His Majesty’s passing.

If you have something to say, speak plainly. It’s best we avoid unnecessary closeness, lest we invite criticism.”

Close relations between princes and high ministers often caused trouble, even impeachment.

But Zhan Hui’s words were not said for that reason.

Zhu Quan frowned slightly inwardly but maintained a gentle and polished smile as he looked at the four and said softly, “Indeed! My summons tonight is not simply to inform you of the late emperor’s passing...”

If it were only to inform, a messenger would suffice; there was no need for such a grand assembly.

His words faltered, then meeting their faces again, he continued, “The sole reason I have brought you here is to ask for your support in tomorrow’s morning court for me to succeed my father’s throne.”

Crack—

Fu Youwen’s tea cup shattered on the floor, and Chen Jing’s mouth dropped open in shock.

“Nonsense!”

Ren Hengtai snorted and rose from his seat.

His whitening beard trembled as he pointed at Zhu Quan’s nose and began to scold vehemently.

“Who do you think you are? Neither legitimate nor eldest, yet you dare to covet the throne? Have the principles I taught you—Heaven, Earth, Sovereign, Parent, Teacher; Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, Fidelity; and the Three Bonds and Five Constants—been learned only to be thrown away like dirt?”

Though not harshly spoken, Ren Hengtai was Zhu Quan’s former teacher, and such words were a severe reprimand.

Zhu Quan’s expression changed, surprised by the old man’s obstinacy.

Yet he only paused briefly before smiling lightly and asking, “Then, Master Ren, who do you think is the rightful heir?”

“Hmph! Naturally, the Crown Prince, the heir recognized by His Majesty before his death,” Ren Hengtai replied, looking as if his eyes and nose were not his own.

The three beside him suppressed smirks, thinking Ren Hengtai was too rigid. Clearly, Prince Ning controlled the palace now; if there was to be opposition, it should wait until tomorrow’s court.

If nothing else, some ambiguous words to muddle through would suffice.

Unexpectedly, Zhu Quan’s smile remained unchanged; “Oh? So Master Ren believes a son born of a concubine can be considered the legitimate eldest?”

Clap, clap, clap—

He began to clap inexplicably, “Then let me ask, if Zhu Yunwen counts as the eldest, what about Zhu Xiong Ying? And Zhu Yun Tong?”

Ren Hengtai’s face stiffened, nearly choking on his own breath.

...