kvmb Chapter 535 Examination
Chapter 535 Examination
Emperor Jing'an summoned the ministers who had been sent to Northern Qi to welcome the bride to the Taiji Hall. After listening to their reports, he told the ministers to go back to their residences and rest, leaving only Prince Yu behind.
"I know that you have faced many hardships on your mission to Northern Qi. I am sorry that you have suffered so much." Emperor Jing'an stood up and slowly walked to Prince Yu's side. "When you were in Northern Qi, you helped Yi'er a lot. I am very pleased with that."
Emperor Jing'an knew very well that Prince Yu, though seemingly gentle on the surface, was actually cold-hearted.
In Prince Yu's eyes, there was no absolute distinction between good and evil; he always prioritized his own interests.
Even if they fight to the death with each other for profit today, they might lend a helping hand to each other for profit tomorrow.
Take Zhao Yi for example. Prince Yu initially regarded Zhao Yi and Shen Qingtan as obstacles to his becoming the crown prince and wished he could get rid of them as soon as possible.
Now that Zhao Yi has gone to Northern Qi, he no longer has any conflict of interest with Prince Yu. Not only does Prince Yu not oppose Zhao Yi anymore, but he also helps Zhao Yi gain a foothold in Northern Qi.
On the one hand, Zhao Yi remained in Northern Qi and posed no further threat to Prince Yu.
On the other hand, Prince Yu hoped that Emperor Jing'an would favor him more when choosing the crown prince, considering his help to Zhao Yi.
“Father, this is my duty.” Prince Yu said gently and humbly, “From a personal perspective, my cousin is my aunt’s only bloodline, and I must protect his safety. From a legal perspective, if my cousin can become the new emperor of Northern Qi, he will not start a war with Great Zhou. The two countries can form an alliance, which will also benefit Great Zhou in its recovery.”
Emperor Jing'an couldn't help but look at Prince Yu again, vaguely sensing that his son had changed.
It's just that I can't quite put my finger on what exactly has changed.
"After the defeat of the Northern Qi, they intended to make peace with the Great Zhou through marriage, so that the two countries could form an alliance and share peace. I sent you to the Northern Qi to personally welcome the bride, which is enough to show the sincerity of the Great Zhou. However, the Northern Qi did not take the Great Zhou seriously. They sent secret guards to hunt you down along the way, trying to kill you at all costs. They also wanted to use your cousin to sow discord between me and the Prince of Zhenbei and launch an attack on the Great Zhou."
At this point, Emperor Jing'an said angrily, "You and Princess Guangning haven't even had your wedding ceremony yet, so this marriage can be called off. Jing'er, what are your thoughts on this marriage?"
Prince Yu's mind was in turmoil. He didn't know whether Emperor Jing'an brought up this marriage proposal to test him or whether he was truly angered by the Northern Qi Emperor's actions and unwilling to continue the marriage alliance with Northern Qi.
But now he personally welcomed Princess Guangning back to the Great Zhou Dynasty and settled her in the Huitong Hall, just waiting for the wedding ceremony.
This marriage is a matter of national importance; how can it be so easily dropped?
Furthermore, rumors were circulating throughout the Northern Qi court and among the people that the Right Pillar General had imprisoned the Northern Qi Emperor, seized control of the court, and caused widespread suffering among the people. The people were pleading with Zhao Yi to raise an army to punish the Right Pillar General and rescue the Northern Qi Emperor.
Regardless of whether the rumors are true or false, as long as Zhao Yi takes this opportunity to raise an army, it will solidify the Right Pillar State's crime of plotting to usurp the throne, and the Northern Qi Emperor will not survive.
In this way, Zhao Yi not only broke the Northern Qi emperor's plan, but also naturally seized the throne.
Thinking of this, Prince Yu's eyes darkened slightly, and then he became even bolder in his thinking.
Perhaps the appointment of the Right Pillar of State was originally a scheme devised by Zhao Yi and others for the Northern Qi emperor.
Otherwise, Zhao Yi will be in a dilemma.
Alternatively, we can attack the Great Zhou.
Or, they will die a violent death.
Prince Yu composed himself and said respectfully, "Your subject has no other thoughts and will follow Your Majesty's arrangements."
Whether Emperor Jing'an was testing him with this marriage or genuinely wanted to cancel it, it was not something he could freely express his opinion on.
Once Zhao Yi becomes the new emperor of Northern Qi, the relationship between Northern Qi and Great Zhou will only become closer.
At that time, Emperor Jing'an will naturally forget the unpleasantness brought by the Northern Qi Emperor.
Upon hearing Prince Yu's reply, Emperor Jing'an raised an eyebrow.
Prince Yu remained as cautious as ever, leaving no room for criticism.
In Emperor Jing'an's eyes, based solely on Prince Yu's actions in Qingzhou, he was already ineligible for the throne.
Now, it seems that Prince Yu's state of mind has changed slightly.
Emperor Jing'an remained silent for a moment, then asked, "Jing'er, in your opinion, given the current state of the Great Zhou, how should the country be governed?"
Prince Yu felt a chill run down his spine, sensing something unusual in those words.
If nothing unexpected happens, his father is probably testing him.
After pondering for a while, he replied prudently, following Emperor Jing'an's policies for governing the country: "Given the current situation of the Great Zhou, it is not advisable to wage war; we should focus on recuperation and development. In my humble opinion, we should widely solicit opinions and listen to the thoughts and suggestions of officials and the people. We should seek out talented individuals and allow the best talents in the land to display their abilities, thereby strengthening the national power of the Great Zhou. With strict laws, the wicked and evil will not dare to act recklessly, thus ensuring peace and prosperity for the Great Zhou. Secondly, we should develop water conservancy projects and reclaim wasteland so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment. Only when the country is prosperous can it have a strong and powerful army."
Upon hearing the familiar policy of governance, Emperor Jing'an smiled slightly and said, "The people are at peace and the country is prosperous; what you say makes perfect sense." After a pause, he continued, "Let me test you further. I have organized an autumn hunt, stipulating that the person who kills the most prey will win the prize I have set. One person killed the most prey, a full twenty animals. Another person did not kill any prey, but only captured a few alive. In your opinion, who should receive the prize?"
Prince Yu lowered his eyes slightly. Emperor Jing'an continued to question him, clearly dissatisfied with his previous answers and wanting to hear his truest thoughts.
In particular, the example that Emperor Jing'an is using to test him is a real one that happened during the winter hunt two years ago.
At that time, he shot the most prey, while the third prince captured three prey alive.
Logically, he should be given the reward.
Prince Rui said, “My third brother’s reluctance to kill shows his benevolence, and this reward should go to him. Our father governs the country with benevolence, which earns him the love and support of the people. My third brother has the same qualities as our father, and we should take him as our role model.”
The ministers unanimously agreed with Prince Rui's suggestion, and the reward was ultimately given to the third prince.
The following day, all the prey that the Third Prince had captured died.
Many people suspect that he did it.
When Prince Yu recalled this incident, a surge of resentment welled up within him.
Although he's not exactly a saint, he wouldn't stoop to doing something so low-class.
In his view, the Third Prince was the same kind of person as him, the most hypocritical.
Prince Yu pondered for a moment and said carefully, “Father, rewards and punishments are fair. The person who shoots the most prey should be the winner, but the person who captures the prey alive is merciful and has the heart to refrain from killing. They should be given other rewards.”
Prince Yu's answer was extremely fair in terms of the rules of this hunt, and there was nothing wrong with it.
The reason Emperor Jing'an brought up this old matter again to test Prince Yu was to see if Prince Yu's mindset had truly changed.
Clearly, from Prince Yu's answer, it can still be seen that he values rules and does not care about morality, so he does not agree with awarding the reward to the person who captures the prey alive.
The extra reward given to the one who captures the prey alive is merely to appease him and pass his test.
Emperor Jing'an knew very well that his son was very intelligent, shrewd, and resourceful, making him very suitable to be emperor.
Unfortunately, it lacks the two most important qualities: benevolence and magnanimity.
Emperor Jing'an sighed inwardly, "No matter how much a person changes, they can never change their nature."
That was just Prince Yu's nature.
“You’re right. The rules can’t be broken, but people of pure and good character should also be encouraged.” Emperor Jing’an patted Prince Yu’s shoulder. “As for the marriage alliance, the Great Zhou has always taken etiquette as its standard. We should prioritize the overall situation. Choose an auspicious day to welcome Princess Guangning into the palace.”
Prince Yu responded, "Your subject obeys."
"You must be tired from your journey. Go back to your residence and rest well." Emperor Jing'an waved his hand and said, "You may leave."
"Yes, I will retire."
Prince Yu performed his farewell ceremony and left the Taiji Hall. Gazing at the long staircase, his expression gradually turned cold and somber.
What Emperor Jing'an wanted was not an answer, but to see through his heart through the answer.