Capítulo 1001: Chapter 548: Establishing the Crown Prince!
Sima Qian, Sima You, and Sima Ke exchanged glances and spoke in unison.
Jingtai paid no attention and continued to speak:
“Birth, aging, sickness, and death are natural human experiences. There is no immortal in this world; I am aware of this in my heart. However, the matter of establishing a Crown Prince is of great importance. For the sake of the empire, I will not make a hasty decision.
However, Qian’er, You’er, Ke’er, I have decided to choose one among you three to become the Crown Prince and take charge of the Eastern Palace.”
Jingtai’s words caused the other princes to look somewhat displeased, while the three mentioned couldn’t help but feel a surge of joy, though they quickly turned their vigilant eyes to others.
Father… who will he choose?
The Empress opened her mouth to speak:
“Your Majesty, isn’t it a bit too early for this matter?”
“Indeed, Your Majesty.”
Both Noble Consort Yang and Noble Consort Xu also spoke up.
“It’s not early. While I still have some time, I must lay the cornerstone of the nation. This is of utmost importance.” Jingtai shook his head.
“Then whom does Your Majesty believe to be more suitable among the three?”
The Empress asked gently.
Sima Ke and the others felt a tightening in their hearts, fearing they might be excluded.
After all, it’s the position of the Crown Prince, the future Emperor!
Have they not strived so hard precisely for this day?
“Right now, it’s hard to tell, but I will set a test for each of them. Whoever performs well, winning my satisfaction and deemed suitable, naturally, it will be him.”
The eyes of Sima Ke and the others tensed, unclear about the test the Emperor referred to.
“What test will Your Majesty give the three princes?”
“Great Jin is founded on might, with separation of powers. Your test will involve one aspect, Qian’er….” Jingtai spoke aloud.
“Your son is here.”
Sima Qian responded quickly.
“You have a fondness for military strategy, so I will dispatch you to the main military camp for training. Learn from several generals, and do not let me down.”
“Yes, your son obeys the command.”
Sima Qian felt his heart sink at once.
“You’er.”
“Your son is here.”
“You have been versed in literature since childhood and are proficient in Confucian Dao. I will send you to the Hanlin Academy for training, to be among Great Scholars and court ministers; remember to remain humble and eager to learn.”
Sima You breathed a sigh of relief and replied quickly:
“Your son obeys the command.”
“Ke’er.”
“Your son is here.”
“You have talents in both literary and martial arts, but your eldest brother is in the military, and your second brother is in the Hanlin Academy. Where do you wish to go?” Jingtai asked calmly, looking at him.
“I await father’s decision.”
Sima Ke lowered his gaze and humbly replied.
Jingtai squinted his eyes in thought for a moment, while Noble Consort Yang and Sima Ke found their hearts in their throats, intently listening to the Emperor’s next words.
“The Heavenly Patrol Bureau is likewise an important agency of the court with significant responsibilities; you might as well take a post at the headquarters of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau for a time, learning from the Divine Envoys.”
Jingtai said in a deep voice.
Just when Sima Ke felt his heart soar with joy, as he had little foundation in both the military and the academy, the Heavenly Patrol Bureau was different.
With Chen Yuan’s support and assistance, he was bound to achieve something.
Heaven assists me!
At this moment, Sima Ke only wanted to say this.
Meanwhile, Sima Qian and Sima You’s expressions darkened, looking a bit unpleasant.
Chen Yuan’s power and reputation within the Heavenly Patrol Bureau were enormous—who would dare to deny him face?
Could Father be inclined towards the fourth child?
“How is it?”
Jingtai’s authoritative voice slowly arose.
“Yes, your son will certainly not disgrace Father’s order and will make some achievements in the Heavenly Patrol Bureau.”
“Hmm, that will do.”
Noble Consort Yang’s expression relaxed considerably.
She reckoned that she and Chen Yuan could consider themselves as ‘daoist friends,’ and he might indeed assist Ke’er diligently—it’s truly fortunate; could it be Chen Yuan’s influence?
Noble Consort Yang couldn’t help but think.
“Oh, right, speaking of the Heavenly Patrol Bureau, I remember you, Ke’er, have a good relationship with the Marquis of Wu’an, hmm… he is a rare talent, learn from him well, I hold him in high regard.”
“Yes, your son obeys and will certainly consult with the Marquis of Wu’an extensively.”
“Hmm… I also heard that there has been much talk recently about Chen Yuan in the Capital, have any of you heard?” Jingtai spoke nonchalantly.
“There certainly has been a lot of talk about the Marquis of Wu’an recently, even I have heard quite a bit in the palace.”
The Empress opened her mouth to speak.
“What’s being talked about?”
“Hmm… it seems that the Marquis of Wu’an is yet unmarried, and since Your Majesty bestowed a marquis title upon him, a number of noble young ladies in the Capital’s palace have been quite moved, their hearts set upon him.”
“Now that the Empress mentioned it, I do remember; truly, the Marquis of Wu’an Chen Yuan is not young, and he indeed should be ready for marriage, but as a dragon among men, ordinary nobles’ daughters surely are not suitable.”
Jingtai said with a faint smile.
Princess Pingyang’s face gradually turned grim, having already anticipated something.
“Father is right, the Marquis of Wu’an is a marquis of ten thousand households, with illustrious merits and in his prime, so naturally, the daughters of nobles might seem inappropriate. I believe only a daughter of unparalleled nobility would be suitable.”
Thinking of furthering his relationship with Chen Yuan, Sima Ke couldn’t help but comment.
Noble Consort Yang frowned, glaring angrily at Sima Ke.
Princess Pingyang also frowned but didn’t look at Sima Ke. She knew well that since Father said so, regardless of whether anyone responded, discussions would inevitably lead to her.
“Ke’er is right. I think so too. For this person, I want him to focus more and be better nurtured in the future, hmm…” Jingtai’s gaze lingered on Princess Pingyang for a moment, and he spoke:
“You, not yet married, could match with the Marquis of Wu’an; now there is only Pingyang, you are not young, and it is also not appropriate to remain unmarried,
Pingyang, what do you think? Does the Marquis of Wu’an, Chen Yuan, meet your expectations?”
Princess Pingyang opened her mouth, about to say something, but Noble Consort Yang’s voice already sounded:
“Your Majesty, I think this is not quite appropriate.”
If Chen Yuan truly married Pingyang, it would truly go against human ethics.
Would it not result in mother and daughter serving the same husband?
This… how could this be allowed?!
Noble Consort Yang instinctively resisted strongly, having been treated by Chen Yuan, she really had no desire to lose this daoist friend…