Chapter 66: The Oriole Behind?
“Prince Zhuo is young and promising. I believe his future is worth looking forward to.”
The entire sleeping palace became extremely lively, everyone speaking over one another.
Chen Bai’s brush hovered above the paper. The corners of his mouth could not help but curl in amusement. Prince Zhuo, that wastrel, was young and promising? They really dared to say anything.
In the end, the King actually gave a sound of agreement.
Chen Bai could not help frowning slightly. True enough, when the royal family established an heir, it had always been the King who made the decision. If the King insisted on appointing someone, then that would be proper and legitimate.
The brush in his hand deliberately went back to dip into the inkstone. Sure enough, in that tiny gap of time, someone else stepped forward.
“Your Majesty, this does not seem to conform to ancestral law. By principle, the heir should be chosen by seniority. Now that Crown Prince Jiao has lost virtue and can no longer serve as Great Qian’s heir, if the order is pushed down, there are still three princes older than Prince Zhuo. No matter how one looks at it, it should not be Prince Zhuo’s turn.”
“Please reconsider, Your Majesty. Prince Zhuo’s reputation as a wastrel is known throughout Shangjing. Now that Great Qian is at war with Yan, this is precisely the time to rouse ourselves and temper our will. Prince Zhuo’s character is truly…”
The voice grew smaller and smaller, because the King had narrowed his eyes and looked over.
Although the King was now sick and weak, under the prestige accumulated over many years, the speaker still fell silent. “I naturally know whom I wish to establish as Crown Prince. Why would I need your remonstrations? Put away those little schemes behind your backs.”
That was somewhat awkward. It seemed as though the King could see straight through their intentions.
Chen Bai was not anxious at all, because before entering the palace, he had already guessed that he might be called to draft an edict, so he had long since prepared.
The King was just about to speak when Lu Qingqi, one of the Three Dukes, suddenly stepped forward. Even when the arguing had been so intense earlier, none of the Three Dukes had spoken. Everyone could not help turning their eyes toward him.
“Your Majesty, this minister has an important matter to report.”
Everyone was stunned. What matter had to be reported at this precise moment? Could it be more important than Great Qian establishing its heir?
The King glanced at the thin-faced Lu Qingqi, and a trace of mockery appeared in his expression. At last, someone weighty enough could not hold back.
But what Lu Qingqi said left everyone somewhat confused.
“Congratulations, Your Majesty. The day of Great Qian’s rise is now within sight.”
“Just now, a retainer came to report that a large number of salt merchants suddenly appeared in the eastern and western markets of Shangjing, selling refined salt at extremely low prices. The quality of the refined salt is even comparable to tribute salt, yet its price is only slightly higher than coarse salt. Even commoners can afford such good salt.”
The King: “…”
So he was not speaking about the matter of establishing the heir?
Even Empress Dowager Zhaosheng, who was standing to the side, could not help speaking. “Is this truly so? Refined salt is only slightly more expensive than coarse salt? Why?”
“This minister was also puzzled, so I specifically had people pay attention to it. In the end, those salt merchants said that their purchase price was extremely low, and that a new process for refining salt had appeared. Not only is the output large, the salt is also of excellent quality.”
“In the future, the people of Great Qian will all be able to eat refined salt, and they need never again worry about having no salt to consume.”
Hiss.
Who knew how many people sucked in a breath.
The common people could… could all eat refined salt? This had been completely unimaginable in the past.
“The people will have salt to eat, and with lettuce being widely planted, this, this…”
No wonder Lu Qingqi had just said it was cause for congratulation. No matter how one looked at it, Great Qian had recently begun to develop with astonishing speed.
Gan Xun and Shang Wangshu, however, frowned slightly and glanced at Lu Qingqi. If they remembered correctly, Lu Qingqi had recently approved a sum of state funds, seemingly for the construction of a saltworks.
Now that low-priced refined salt had appeared on the market, if someone said there was no connection at all, they definitely would not believe it.
The King’s expression became much more pleased. Under his rule, Great Qian was growing better and better; did that not prove he was truly favored by Heaven? He said, “Has it been confirmed that a new process for refining salt has truly appeared? This is not some street rumor?”
At this moment, Lu Qingqi waved his hand. Two young attendants entered from outside, each carrying an enormous hemp sack.
“Your Majesty, please look. This is the refined salt that has appeared on the market. It is indeed different from tribute salt, and it is even finer and whiter. Only a new refining process could produce such salt.”
Everyone could not help gathering around. Someone dipped a finger into the salt and put it into his mouth. “It really is as fine as sand, pure white without the slightest impurity. The saltiness is rich and pure. One spoon of refined salt could probably be used in place of several spoons of coarse salt. Such good salt is truly only a little more expensive than coarse salt?”
He still found it hard to believe. In the past, refined salt had been standard for noble households, while commoners being able to afford coarse salt was already considered decent.
“Duke Lü, such a major matter must be investigated clearly. It must not turn out to be nothing more than a joke.”
This was far too important.
At this moment, Chen Bai put down his brush and stepped forward. “Your Majesty, honored colleagues, what Duke Lü says is indeed true, because this salt also has a small share belonging to this minister. I am clearer than anyone about its price and process.”
Everyone was stunned. “That is not right. As far as I know, the Court Commandant’s Residence has no salt fields and no salt production rights.”
Chen Bai smiled and raised his head. “The Court Commandant’s Residence indeed does not. But did Prince Zheng’s fief not receive tax exemption and development rights? His fief happens to contain a salt lake. This salt was refined from that salt lake. As for why this minister has a small share in it, that is simply because the new process for refining salt was developed by me and the students of Cloudtop Academy at the prince’s request…”
“With this new refined-salt process, Great Qian will never again have to worry about salt…”
Silence fell. No one paid attention to what Chen Bai was saying anymore, because they had heard the key point.
This salt was produced from Prince Zheng’s fief. This refined-salt process had been developed at Prince Zheng’s request.
Not long ago, Prince Zheng had also had Cloudtop Academy improve lettuce, solving Great Qian’s yearly famine and the plight of people starving to death.
Leaving aside his other merits for the moment, these two alone had already accomplished things that generations of emperors might not have been able to achieve.
To be honest, compared to the other princes, Prince Zheng was truly worlds apart. Now, that difference seemed even greater.
The ministers who had just been trying hard to praise the other princes could not help their faces turning red. Compared to Prince Zheng’s contributions to Great Qian, the tiny bit of merit they had barely managed to pin onto the other princes counted for nothing.
No one dared to praise the other princes anymore. Even forced praise would not work, because the contrast was far too obvious.
For a moment, no one spoke.
Even the King could not help opening his mouth. “…”
At this moment, Chen Shouye stepped forward. “This minister believes that Prince Zheng has achievements in both internal governance and military affairs. Just the contributions he has already made to Great Qian are enough to qualify him to be established as heir. Moreover, according to ancestral law, the heir should be chosen by seniority. Prince Zheng ranks second among the princes, so this is both reasonable and proper. Please reconsider, Your Majesty.”
“If a prince who has made such great contributions to Great Qian is not qualified to be established as heir, then this minister believes the other princes are even less qualified.”
These words pricked at one’s conscience, but they also struck the heart of the matter. If it was truly for Great Qian’s lasting foundation, Qi Zheng was absolutely the best choice.
Everyone could not help glancing at Chen Shouye, truly somewhat astonished. Had Court Commandant Chen not always been impartial and never taken sides? Why was he suddenly speaking up for Prince Zheng at such a time?
This change had come far too quickly. Moreover, the words of one of the Nine Ministers could not be ignored by just anyone. They carried considerable weight.
Chen Shouye added, “This minister has absolutely no selfish motives. I speak only for the royal house and for Great Qian. I ask Your Majesty to reconsider.”
Everyone: “…”
The Court Commandant’s Residence had staked its entire fortune on Prince Zheng.
Although what Court Commandant Chen said was indeed reasonable.
But just because something was reasonable did not mean that person would be established as Crown Prince. Everyone knew the King disliked Qi Zheng. This time, Court Commandant Chen was taking a desperate risk, and he was likely to capsize.
Someone was just about to speak when Lu Qingqi suddenly said, “This minister believes Court Commandant Chen’s words are reasonable.”
Hiss!
Lu Qingqi, one of the Three Dukes, had taken a side, and the side he had chosen was Prince Zheng.
Gan Xun and Shang Wangshu exchanged a glance. As Three Dukes, even if they did not choose sides, their families could continue to enjoy wealth and status. At the very least, while they were alive, their families would not decline. Although not taking sides would inevitably make the new emperor somewhat cold toward them, it was safe. Safer than choosing the wrong side.
The corners of Chen Bai’s mouth could not help rising. He suddenly opened his mouth and said something completely baffling. “There is a mountain in Prince Zheng’s fief. The mountain is planted full of fruit trees. In not too long, fruit should ripen. When that time comes, it should sell for a good price. Oh, right, after the money is made, I will have someone send it to Duke Gan’s residence and Duke Shang’s residence. There are also several among the Nine Ministers who have shares. When the time comes, it will have to be sent to them as well…”
What?
Even Duke Gan and Shang Wangshu could not help trembling.
“Chen Zixu, stop talking nonsense. Since when have we had any dealings of interest with Prince Zheng?”
Saying such a thing at this time, was that not deliberately making others misunderstand?
Yet Chen Bai looked surprised. “How have you all become so forgetful?”
“Gan Xin of Duke Gan’s family, Shang Jujiu and Shang Zhizhou of Duke Shang’s family, and the young masters of several other honored families all used what they had learned to guide the commoners in planting fruit trees on the mountain. Their condition was that when the fruit ripened, they could eat as much as they wanted, and they would also receive ten percent of the profits…”
Trying to cut ties now? Not happening.
Someone had just been about to speak when Chen Bai looked over with a faint smile. “My lord, perhaps you should think carefully before speaking.”
Hiss!
If… if Prince Zheng really did overpower the other princes, and they now opened their mouths to refuse, would they not offend him completely?
In the past, at most, they had simply not spoken in support of Prince Zheng. Even if accounts were settled later, nothing serious would happen to them. But now it was different. If they refused, then when accounts were settled later, the first ones to be dealt with would be those who had kicked someone while he was down.
Chen Zixu was forcing them to make a choice.
The key was, before this, no matter how one looked at it, Prince Zheng had no chance of becoming Crown Prince. But was it the same now? Prince Zheng’s momentum had already crushed the other princes by who knew how many streets.
What were they supposed to do? Chen Zixu had directly pushed them into a dilemma. Who knew how many people stared at Chen Bai with red eyes.
Back then, they had sent their children to study because they had seen that the children could indeed learn things there. Who would have thought that today it would become a weak point for someone else to grasp?
This matter was neither too big nor too small. If the new emperor was petty, what if he minded that they had once had financial ties with Prince Zheng?
Although none of them would likely care at all about the so-called ten percent profit, and it was probably just children playing house, in the end, it was still a financial entanglement with Prince Zheng. It was possible for that to cause suspicion.
Who knew how many people were so angry that their noses flared and their eyes glared? For a moment, their faces flushed red. Refusing was wrong, but not refusing was also wrong.
Even Gan Xun and Shang Wangshu exchanged a glance.
Suddenly, the King spoke from the side. “Very good. My Grand Secretary of the Brush is truly impressive.”
Chen Bai’s heart trembled. The Grand Secretary of the Brush was not supposed to take sides. His attitude was now so obvious that it was actually extremely inappropriate. But if he did not force these people at this moment, Qi Zheng’s situation would become even more difficult.
Fortunately, although the King’s face was displeased, he did not say anything. True enough, the main point right now was not him, a mere Grand Secretary of the Brush.
The King gave a cold snort. He had sent people to investigate the interactions between Chen Bai and Qi Zheng. He had thought them ordinary, but he had not expected…
Just as he had never expected that the Court Commandant’s Residence had completely stood on Prince Zheng’s side.
The current situation was actually already very clear. Gan Xun and Shang Wangshu were somewhat undecided, while the other Nine Ministers each had their own stance.
Lu Qingqi, one of the Three Dukes, and the Court Commandant’s Residence, one of the Nine Ministers, had clearly taken Prince Zheng’s side. Added to that was Prince Zheng’s unparalleled contribution to Great Qian.
In truth, the situation was still quite favorable for Qi Zheng.
Of course, the most important thing was still the King’s decision. No matter how much they did, it was only to influence that decision.
The King was just about to speak when Empress Dowager Zhaosheng, who had been watching from the side, suddenly said, “News arrived this morning. Yan has joined the alliance between Ba and Wei…”
Hiss. She truly would not speak unless her words shocked everyone. Ba, Wei, and Yan—three great states had actually formed an alliance. This… how were the other states supposed to survive?
Yan, which had been wavering left and right, agreed to ally with them. That was probably not unrelated to Great Qian’s army pressing on Yan’s border.
Of course, now was not the time to talk about that.
Empress Dowager Zhaosheng continued, “Whether Great Qian can survive in this increasingly chaotic age depends on how the King chooses. The King must not become a ruler who destroys his own country because of a moment of personal feeling.”
Her tone was plain, but the content of her words was likely something only Empress Dowager Zhaosheng dared to say aloud.
Chen Bai froze. Although Empress Dowager Zhaosheng’s words seemed only like a warning, within them she had faintly revealed her choice.
Chen Bai’s eyes could not help lighting up. Empress Dowager Zhaosheng’s step was far too important…
Chen Bai quickly added, “Great Qian’s heir must guard Great Qian’s gates. As the saying goes, the Crown Prince guards the nation’s gates, and the ruler dies for the state. May Your Majesty reconsider.”
And the one capable of leading Great Qian to guard its gates—no matter how one looked at it—was only Qi Zheng, who had already displayed some military ability.
“…”
After a long while, the King suddenly laughed. “It seems you are even more anxious than I am.”
“Very well. Let the position of heir go to the capable. Three days from now, all my legitimate princes shall bring their retainers and strategists to compete. Under the witness of Great Qian’s officials, and under the witness of Great Qian’s people, the victor shall be Great Qian’s heir. Fair and just. Are you all satisfied?”
Chen Bai was stunned. He had never imagined this would be the result. The King had actually handed the choice over to the princes themselves.
The others also opened their mouths.
But this did indeed seem the fairest.
A struggle over establishing the heir came to an end, yet it had only just begun.
After everyone left, only Empress Dowager Zhaosheng and the King remained in the sleeping palace.
In the silence, the King’s voice sounded. “Imperial Mother ordered the three armies to press on Yan’s border. Was it merely to seek justice, or was it deliberately to transfer away all military strength, leaving me with no one at my disposal, forcing me to take everyone’s considerations into account, as I have now?”
The old lady opened the door, and her voice drifted from afar. “You already know the answer, so why ask? As Great Qian’s ruler, you should have always received Heaven’s mandate above and answered the people below. I have never heard of a ruler who insists on his own way and still comes to a good end.”
A bitter smile appeared on the King’s face. He could not help thinking of that female general from back then, clad in armor, and that voice so calm it seemed devoid of all emotion.
“Among the princes, you are weak, but at least you have Great Qian in your heart. From today on, you are Great Qian’s king. Live for Great Qian, and die for Great Qian. Can you do that?”
Chen Bai made a trip to Prince Zheng’s residence. Now he was entering and leaving Prince Zheng’s residence almost openly. There probably was nothing left to hide. Sigh.
“Does this count as winning the first battle?” Chen Bai looked somewhat delighted. At the very least, the King had finally given Qi Zheng a fair chance.
Qi Zheng, however, gave a bitter smile and looked at Chen Bai. “The rules for the competition just came from the palace.”
“Each prince’s retainers and strategists may compete at most once each.”
This rule was obviously aimed at Mountain Lord of his residence. Everyone knew that his residence’s chief retainer had the ability to fight a hundred alone. This directly restricted him to death. No matter how capable Mountain Lord was, he could only help Prince Zheng win one round at most.
Chen Bai was stunned. “There’s a rule like that? Then the other retainers in your residence… I don’t think I’ve really seen any of them.”
Qi Zheng’s face darkened. “Is it not because you said back then that having you alone was enough? I did not put much thought into recruiting retainers.”
Chen Bai’s mouth formed an O.
Damn it. The King had actually kept one move in reserve.
The competition was imminent. Where were they supposed to find people for Qi Zheng at a moment like this?
