The question of succession is an unavoidable issue for any dynasty. The crown prince, the position of a half-monarch, is related to the country, and he has never been negligent. Even the fledgling Later Han had to put this issue on the agenda. Especially in the case that Liu Zhiyuan is already not young, even if he is not in a hurry, the civil and military forces under him must be anxious for him.

At the beginning, when Liu Zhiyuan was canonized as the queen and rewarded the prince and minister, someone mentioned the matter of establishing the prince, but Liu Zhiyuan lightly exposed it.

Initially, for Liu Zhiyuan, this was not a too difficult choice, and Liu Chengxun's status as a prince had been established very early. Even at the time of the founding of the first emperor, I am afraid that there is no controversy about this. However, Liu Chengyou's sudden rise became an unexpected factor.

In this era, what it means to be a prince who can fight and win battles knows what it means to have a little knowledge. What's more, it's Liu Zhiyuan.

Originally, no matter from which point of view, Liu Chengxun was a qualified heir, with the right age, ability, and reputation, but he was too weak. In troubled times, this is a hard wound.

Liu Chengxun's supporters naturally also saw Liu Chengyou's threat, especially Yang Wei. In fact, when Liu Chengyou defeated Geng Chongmei and just took Lu and Ze Erzhou, he secretly told Liu Zhiyuan to recall Liu Chengyou on the grounds of a small number of soldiers, but it was unsuccessful. Later, after entering Hebei, Liu Zhiyuan intended to recall Liu Chengyou, but he was also influenced by others.

Before Liu Chengyou came to the south, the public opinion against him in Beijing was accompanied by the trend of the East Palace. It's just that Emperor Liu Zhiyuan has an ambiguous attitude and is pressed by him.

Since Liu Chengyou entered the court, the undercurrent of the dispute over the national capital in Kaifeng City has been completely surging, but it has been covered up by some chaotic situation in Tokyo before, and now, the situation has eased slightly, and some people immediately stand up and pick up the old topic.

In the Chongyuan Palace, it was surprisingly quiet, the autumn breeze penetrated through the doors and windows, and the coolness seemed to wake up the originally tired ministers in the hall. Even Feng Dao, a "sleepy" old guy, opened his eyes and stared at the official who spoke in surprise.

Feng Dao came to Tokyo, and unsurprisingly, he was warmly praised by Liu Zhiyuan, treated well, and worshiped as a prince. However, this old man is very interesting, very restrained, just listens and doesn't speak, basically doesn't take the initiative to express any opinions, and behaves very deferentially.

The officials who came out of the list to invite were named Wang Jingchong, Liu Zhiyuan entered Beijing, and the official worshiped the general of the Right Guard, and he was ineffective. This person, with deep qualifications, used to be the tooth general of Li Siyuan of the Later Tang Dynasty Mingzong, quite appointed, and in the end of the Tang Dynasty, he failed to get out of the way, and he was not up or down, as for the Later Jin Dynasty, he was not reused, and he often sighed that he did not meet.

When Xiao Han was in charge of the military and political affairs of the Southern Kingdom and established Li Congyi as the emperor, Wang Jingchong actively took refuge and obtained a high-ranking official of the Xuanhui envoy with bribes. However, this person is very smart, he knew that Xiao Han could not hold the Central Plains, and when Liu Zhiyuan was still in Luoyang, he secretly sent money to serve and put up a number with Liu Zhiyuan. After entering Bian, he was sealed.

Sensing the "weird" atmosphere in the hall, in addition to Wang Jingchong, there seemed to be more people behind him who were eager to try. After taking a sip of water to moisten his throat, Liu Zhiyuan slowly put down the teacup, looked at Wang Jingchong, and said, "It's Wang Qing." ”

"It's the minister." Wang Jingchong lowered his head and spoke in a humble tone.

"Since the founding of the country, there have been people who have been advising me about the prince. Since Wang Qing brought up this matter again in the court today, then the secretaries will discuss it. Liu Zhiyuan didn't wait for a fluctuating voice to sound in the hall, and looked at Wang Jingchong calmly: "Wang Qing thinks that the sons under my knees, who can be the heir." ”

When these words fell, the ministers were more energetic, and most of the people's eyes looked at the Liu Chengxun brothers in front of them, intentionally or unintentionally. Liu Chengxun was refreshed and abandoned the negative state of his body. Liu Chengyou's face was full of indifference, his eyelids drooped slightly, his body was relaxed, as if he hadn't heard it, he didn't care, he was more Buddhist than Feng Dao.

Hearing this, Wang Jingchong looked like he had already prepared, buried his head, and opened his mouth to come: "The second prince Chengyou, who is wise in civil and military affairs, has great ambitions, is prosperous in the country, has outstanding meritorious achievements, and can be established as the crown prince." ”

As soon as Wang Jingchong's words came out, Liu Chengyou was slightly stunned, and he couldn't keep his mind alone, and he glanced at Wang Jingchong, and was very stunned. He and this Wang Jingchong had no contact before, and even when they met, they didn't necessarily know each other. However, at this moment, in this hall, this person is so diligent in promoting himself, in order to sell himself well?

For some reason, Liu Chengyou was a little unhappy.

"Oh." Liu Zhiyuan responded, his eyes swept over Liu Chengyou, did not stop at him, and swept a circle of courtiers: "Wang Qing thinks that Chengyou should stand, what about other Aiqing?" ”

"The minister seconded the proposal! The second prince is brave and resolute, has experienced Rong Xuan, and is mighty and heroic, and can be the heir. ”

A bit unexpectedly, after Wang Jingchong, a string of people seconded the proposal, saying that Liu Chengyou should stand. Of course, there are also some people who firmly support Liu Chengxun, but compared to Liu Chengyou's voice, it is much weaker.

Liu Zhiyuan, obviously a little surprised, automatically skipped those calls, his eyes swirled on the two sons, and observed their reactions.

Liu Chengxun's somewhat pale face couldn't hide his consternation, his hands were tightly gripping the handrails, and the white knuckles showed his uncalm psychology. As for Liu Chengyou, he had regained his composure, just standing there silently, and he couldn't see anything from his face, but his hands under the sleeves of his robe were subconsciously pinched together. And Liu Zhiyuan also believes that his second son's heart is by no means as calm as his face shows.

Liu Zhiyuan's eyes narrowed slightly, and he didn't say anything for a while, so that the air in the hall condensed for a while, and when the atmosphere became more and more depressed, he looked at Yang Wei and spoke: "Yang Qing, what do you think?" ”

Previously, people with real power like Yang Wei and Wang Zhang were very stable and did not speak. It can be said that the courtiers who stand up are basically those who have no right to speak.

In the face of Liu Zhiyuan's inquiry, Yang Wei had a serious face, clenched his fists without hesitation, raised his voice very high, and firmly expressed his support for Liu Chengxun: "The eldest prince is orderly and orderly, the eldest prince is modest and filial, generous and courteous, and can be the prince if he is in governance!" ”

Yang Wei's reaction was not unexpected, after all, Yang Wei's friendship with Liu Chengxun has also been around for some years, and he supports Liu Chengxun, and many people know it, including Liu Zhiyuan.

Slightly surprisingly, Shi Hongzhao took the initiative to stand up, glanced at Liu Chengyou, and said loudly with a little pride: "The minister also thinks that the eldest prince should stand." ”

As soon as these two spoke, Liu Chengyou's "overwhelming" advantage immediately weakened a lot, and those who supported Liu Chengyou, no matter how enthusiastic they were, were not as good as the attitudes of Yang Wei, Shi Hongzhao and others.

"Guo Shumi, what do you think of you?"

Guo Wei's waist bent slightly, and his face was as usual: "The canonization of the crown prince is not only a state affair, but also a family matter, please Your Majesty, and the ministers will fully support it." ”

"Fengji, what about you?"

Su Fengji wanted to speak a long time ago, a pair of shrewd eyes turned around twice, thinking of Liu Chengyou's previous overtures to him, glanced at Yang Wei, took a step forward, and said respectfully: "The minister thinks that the two princes are talented and capable, and their majesty is the heir." ”

"Wang Xiang, what do you think?"

Wang Zhang arched his hand and replied more cautiously: "The prince's matter must not be rushed, and it needs to be cautious, Your Majesty is prosperous in the Spring and Autumn Period, and you can investigate the two highnesses more to determine the best candidate." ”

After listening to the opinions of several important ministers, Liu Zhiyuan's expression suddenly relaxed, his body leaned back and leaned slightly on the throne, his eyes were in a trance, and he flew to Feng Dao, who was serving with his head down: "Taishi, do you think, who will be the lord of the East Palace?" ”

Feng Dao was below, in front of the people eating melons with great interest, and suddenly heard the emperor asking, he was very surprised, such a thing, can he express his opinion casually, the two princes, each of them is so offended.

After thinking about it, he came out of the ranks "trembling and majestic", and the old eyes seemed to be even more cloudy, and he said: "Your Majesty, the old minister thinks that the two highnesses are both outstanding people in the world and have outstanding talents. The old minister is foolish, and he really doesn't care about judgment, please ask Your Majesty to judge ......"

It is estimated that Liu Zhiyuan didn't intend to hear an exact name from Feng Daokou, muttered for a while, turned his head, looked at Liu Chengyou, examined him, and asked faintly: "Erlang, most of the princes of this Manchu Dynasty want you to be the prince, yourself, what do you think?" ”

At this time, everyone's attention in the Chongyuan Hall was on Liu Chengyou. At this question, huge pressure fell on Liu Chengyou, and others didn't care, but Liu Zhiyuan's gaze made Liu Chengyou feel a little nervous.

At the beginning, Liu Chengyou was still a little confused, confused, and puzzled, but as those courtiers he knew and didn't know spoke out in support, he couldn't react anywhere. Among the courtiers who just spoke, perhaps not all of them communicated well, and some went with the flow and followed the crowd when they saw the opportunity. However, he didn't believe that those people were impressed by his "domineering spirit".

Before that, he didn't have any foundation in the court, so many people, it would not be too surprising if they all agreed to appoint Liu Chengxun, however, the reality is just the opposite. organized so many people and worked together to support him as the prince, but he didn't know it beforehand.

Kill!

Someone is calculating him behind his back, and his eldest brother Liu Chengxun probably doesn't have this scheming, so there is only Yang Wei.

Yu Guang glanced at Yang Wei coldly, this person's face was peaceful, but Liu Chengyou always felt that the corners of his mouth were a little proud.

"Is my question embarrassing to you?" Liu Zhiyuan asked again, his tone slightly impatient.

As soon as his eyelids were raised, his eyes made a slight contact with Liu Zhiyuan, and he blinked vigorously, Liu Chengyou took a deep breath and arched his hand and said: "Since ancient times, the matter of establishing a prince has been based on the eldest first, and the second is virtuous. However, the sons and daughters are not as good as the eldest brother in terms of elders and virtues. The son has no virtue and does not dare to compete with his brother. ”

Liu Chengyou's deep voice was very steady, but when his words fell, there was some uproar in the hall. Especially those who follow the crowd, listen to that meaning, the righteous lord doesn't want to fight with his brother anymore, do you want to change your words?

"Your Majesty, the second brother is smart and resolute, far better than me, please be the crown prince!" What's even more unexpected is that Liu Chengxun almost immediately followed Liu Chengyou's words and opened his mouth to express humility.

Looking at his two sons, Liu Zhiyuan suddenly chuckled, and his tone was inexplicable: "You two, but you are humble!" ”

After saying that, a look of exhaustion appeared on the old man's face, and Liu Zhiyuan waved his hand happily: "I'm tired, let's come here today, retreat!" ”

After saying that, he left without giving anyone time to react.

......

After the next dynasty, Liu Chengyou did not go to the Privy Council, but went back to his house directly. On the way home, his expression has been gloomy. Today, from the appearance, it is basically that he Liu Chengyou is interested in the East Palace, uniting those courtiers to attack the position of the crown prince.

What do other people think, Liu Chengyou can't care, but what about Liu Zhiyuan?

"Your Highness, Tao asks to see you in the matter!" When he returned home, before he had time to take a sip of water, Li Chongju came to report.

"Bring him in!" Liu Chengyou couldn't suppress his anger a little.

After Wei Renpu was placed in the Privy Council, Tao Gu couldn't sit still, this person was very interesting, and when he saw Liu Chengyou, he gave him a little "hint". In order not to favor one over the other, Liu Chengyou also operated for him, and with Tao Gu's previous qualifications, he was appointed as the middle of the matter.

Taogu's side, it is estimated that after the next dynasty, he came directly to Liu Chengyou's side. Before entering the hall, he heard the sound of the porcelain cup breaking from it, and he couldn't help but be shocked, and he could imagine how angry Liu Chengyou was at this time.

"Your Highness." Inside, glancing at the broken porcelain pieces on the ground, Tao Gu whispered.

"You're here. Sit. Liu Chengyou closed his eyes, gasped slightly, opened his eyes, looked at him, and said, "What do you think about the things that are up?" ”

"It's been calculated." Tao Gu sighed, his brows furrowed: "Such a group discussion will only backfire, and the people behind the scheming are very scheming!" ”

"The ministers are looking at the court today, and they are all shocked!"

"I was careless!" Liu Chengyou sighed.

"This kind of thing can't be prevented!" Tao Gu shook his head and analyzed Liu Chengyou: "The other party is a killing strategy, it is very poisonous." Previously, His Majesty was already jealous of His Royal Highness, and above the court, it was not His Highness's advantage, but this time it made His Majesty's vigilance even heavier. On the side of the eldest prince, on the contrary, he is more humble and filial, while His Royal Highness is scheming......"

Tao Gu said that Liu Chengyou actually knew very well in his heart that there were too many such things that he had "seen" and "heard" before.

However, because of this, he was angry, and in addition to anger, he was a little aggrieved and ashamed.

Liu Chengyou didn't do this, he knew it in his heart, but Liu Zhiyuan didn't have to. Perhaps in his opinion, Liu Chengyou secretly and quietly bribed such a group of courtiers, and took advantage of the day of the dynasty to suddenly initiate, intending to have a decisive effect.

"What's next, Lonely?" Liu Chengyou had a straight face, and his eyes flashed with coldness, as if he wanted to make trouble.

Seeing this, Tao Gu hurriedly persuaded: "Your Highness, at this time, you must not act rashly. Otherwise, in the eyes of His Majesty, the situation will be even worse. ”

Tao Gu thought a lot, but he had already gotten on Liu Chengyou's boat, and at this time, he was also planning for him with his heart: "Next, let's wait and see how the situation develops and changes for a while, and we are doing it." Today, in your palace, you take the initiative to humble your speech, which is an excellent response. The matter of the crown prince, His Majesty is obviously hesitating, as long as it has not been decided, there is a chance......"

"This time I was calculated by others and fell down, if it is the position of the East Palace, what if it is determined by this?" Liu Chengyou had already calmed down and suddenly asked.

Hearing this, Tao Gu was stunned, but seeing Liu Chengyou's indifferent expression, his eyes flashed, he gritted his teeth, and said in a low voice: "Even if it's decided, it's just the prince!" Since ancient times, how many can succeed to the throne as the crown prince? ”

"Tao Gu, what you said is very bold!" Liu Chengyou stared at Tao Gu fiercely.

Under Liu Chengyou's gaze, Tao Gu's body trembled, and he fell to his knees: "The minister is vain, the minister is just loyal to His Royal Highness......"

"That's it!" Liu Chengyou waved his hand, unexpectedly showed a smile, and muttered: "You are right, even if it is settled, so what." ”

"Say something you might not believe."

Tao Gu was stunned: "What? ”

"The humility of being alone in the Chongyuan Hall is a bit sincere!"

"I don't want to be troubled, but someone is trying to plot against me. I made a note of this! ”