Xiao He also stepped forward, saying, "I think Doctor Lu is overthinking it. The Crown Prince is kind and compassionate towards the people, and he will surely be a good emperor when he inherits the throne. As for those remnants of the rebel army, I believe that our dynasty has a strong army and many capable generals, so the remnants of the rebel army are nothing to fear."
"Your Majesty! The Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation. The current Crown Prince is benevolent and wise, and has not committed any misconduct. How can the foundation of the nation be shaken and a new heir be established? Grand Master of the Palace Lu Jia is spouting nonsense and slandering the Crown Prince. He should be severely punished to set the record straight!" Shusun Tong said, suppressing his anger.
Click!
Liu Ji slammed his short blade down on the table, his face cold and angry, "Did I allow you to speak? If you dare to disrespect me again, don't blame me for turning ruthless!"
"Hmph! If the Crown Prince were capable of such a great responsibility, would I have needed to go to quell Ying Bu's rebellion while I was ill? And if I hadn't gone, would I have suffered such a serious injury? Therefore, I believe Lu Jia is right; the Crown Prince should be changed!"
For a moment, you could hear a pin drop in the main hall!
Chapter 197 Has he gone mad?
It was no secret among the court officials that Liu Ji disliked the weak Liu Ying.
If Liu Ying hadn't been born before Liu Ji raised his army, Liu Ji would have killed him long ago as a bastard. He doesn't resemble him at all.
Liu Ji was often called a kind and generous elder, but in reality, that was just an act he put on to win people's hearts. But Liu Ying was genuinely kind, benevolent, and compassionate, just like a little girl.
If such a person were to inherit the throne, wouldn't he be bullied to death by those ministers?
On the contrary, Liu Ruyi, the third son born to Lady Qi, showed ambition to rise to power at a young age. He would often report on Liu Ying, and he could make up lies as if they were true. He was clever and sweet-talking, and he was very popular with Liu Ji.
Most importantly, Lady Qi was the most beautiful and pleasing of all of Liu Ji's concubines. With so much whispering in his ear, she naturally leaned towards Liu Ruyi.
The problem was that Liu Ying was made crown prince early on, and the Lü clan provided too much help to Liu Ji. It can be said that without Lü Ze, there would be no Han dynasty.
Moreover, the Lü clan was powerful, Lü Ze and Empress Lü were highly respected in the court, and many generals were former subordinates of Lü Ze and had now been enfeoffed as marquises, making it too difficult for Liu Ji to change the crown prince.
Furthermore, the reason why Liu Ying became like this was because Liu Ji had scared him by pushing him out of the carriage three times!
How much psychological trauma would a five- or six-year-old child suffer after experiencing something like this?
If it weren't for Liu Ying's sister protecting him, he would have died from the fall!
After such an incident, it would be strange if Empress Lü Zhi gave Liu Ji a friendly face. Liu Ji, fearing Lü Ze, dared not do anything to Empress Lü Zhi and could only tolerate her. As a result, he would run away whenever he had a chance to avoid Empress Lü Zhi.
After Liu Ji unified the country and became emperor, he wanted to reward those who had contributed to the country. According to Lü Ze's merits, he was qualified to be made a king, but Liu Ji was unwilling because he believed that Xiao He, Zhang Liang and others should also be made kings. The country was only so big, and there were already so many kings. If Liu Ji were to be granted more land, there would be even less land.
Therefore, Liu Ji asked Lü Zhi to persuade Lü Ze to voluntarily give up the title of king. If even someone as meritorious as Lü Ze was not granted the title of king, then Xiao He, Zhang Liang, and others would have no reason to ask for the title of king.
More importantly, after Liu Ji gained control of the empire, he no longer wanted to give the benefits that he had promised to the various vassal kings in order to win them over. He even wanted to eliminate these vassal kings one by one who had helped him seize the empire.
If Lü Ze were made a king in this situation, and Xiao He, Zhang Liang, and others were also made kings, then who would be left under Liu Ji's command?
With the influence of these three men, they could easily divide up all of Liu Ji's forces, leaving Liu Ji with no one to command. Although these men would still be under Liu Ji's command after being granted titles, and would obey his orders, it wouldn't be as comfortable as not having them as kings.
Therefore, no matter the cost, Liu Ji must make Lü Ze give up the throne. They are all relatives, so why be so particular?
Empress Lü must have played a crucial role in this, and the conditions were not hard to guess: she was determined to secure Liu Ying's position as crown prince so that he could inherit the throne in the future.
Once everything had settled down, and even the kings of different surnames had been dealt with, Liu Ji began to consider changing the crown prince. Can promises be eaten?
Strength is the only true measure of power. Liu Ji was no longer afraid of the Lü clan. What could they do to him if they turned against him? What could Empress Lü do to him? Would she stop him from sleeping with her? Liu Ji couldn't be happier!
Now that Lü Ze is dead and the Lü clan's power has been greatly reduced, what is there to fear? It can be said that Liu Ji is determined to succeed in this succession change.
The only obstacle was the civil and military officials. After a show of force, at most only Zhou Chang, Shusun Tong, and Xiao He, those three stubborn and unyielding fellows, would jump out to oppose it.
This will be done as long as most people keep silent.
As Liu Ji had predicted, things unfolded much as he had expected. Unlike the previous change of heir, this time, apart from Xiao He, Zhou Chang, and Shusun Tong, everyone else in the court remained silent.
Anyone can see that Lu Jia was deliberately arranged by Liu Ji. Liu Ji even killed Lü Ze in order to change the heir apparent, but the Lü clan did not retaliate. Wouldn't it be crazy to side with the Lü clan now?
Xiahou Ying and the others all turned their attention to the newly appointed Chancellor Zhou Bo. If Zhou Bo were willing to stand up and speak for the Crown Prince, they, the ministers, would have a pillar of support. However, Zhou Bo chose to remain silent at this time.
Come to think of it, Liu Ji had just promoted Zhou Bo, so how could Zhou Bo possibly undermine Liu Ji at this time?
As for Chen Ping, Li Shang, and others who were not originally in the Lü clan's camp, their silence at this time actually expressed a neutral attitude of not taking sides.
With the top leadership remaining silent, the middle management watched closely, and the remaining ministers dared not speak out.
Who knows where Liu Ji's knife will strike next?
After a long pause, Liu Ji sneered, "Besides Xiao He, Zhou Chang, and Shusun Tong, who else opposes my decision to change the crown prince? Stand up and speak now. If there is no one, I will take it as your agreement."
The faces of Zhou Xie and other staunch supporters of Liu Ji were almost bursting with smiles. Among Xiao He, Zhou Chang and Shusun Tong, Xiao He held the highest official position and had just been demoted. The minority had to submit to the majority, and the matter was settled!
Not only was the crown prince replaced by Liu Ruyi, whom Liu Ji favored, but also, with the son's rise in status, the next step would be for Consort Qi to become empress.
Once Empress Lü Zhi loses her position, the power of the Lü clan will be further diminished, and they will no longer be able to cause any significant trouble.
Zhou Chang turned to look at his subordinate, Imperial Censor Zhao Yao, and kept giving him meaningful glances, signaling him to take the lead in standing up against it.
Zhao Yao kept his eyes down, his nose closed, his mouth shut, and his mind completely blank, showing no intention of standing up to speak.
Liu Ji discovered this and said with a smile, "Imperial Censor Fu Xi, since Zhou Chang asked you to speak, then you may speak."
Zhao Yao stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Yes, Your Majesty. I believe Your Majesty's words are reasonable, and I wholeheartedly agree!"
Liu Ji clapped his hands and laughed, "Hahaha... Only three out of all the civil and military officials object. In that case, to appease the people, I have no choice but to change the crown prince..."
"Wait! I also oppose changing the crown prince!" said Guo Meng, Marquis of Dongwu, clasping his hands in a fist salute.
Everyone turned to look at Guo Meng, utterly shocked. Had Guo Meng gone mad?
Because in everyone's impression, Guo Meng was Liu Ji's confidant.
However, some people who knew the inside story quickly realized that Guo Meng was actually Lü Ze's man!
He had been Lü Ze's bodyguard for a long time, following Lü Ze in his campaigns in the south and north. He had previously defeated the Qin army at Gangli and Quyu, and later made many meritorious contributions in battles against the Chu army, and was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Dongwu.
However, after being granted the title of Marquis, Guo Meng inexplicably became Liu Ji's confidant.
"Are you crazy?!" Liu Ji's eyes widened. He never expected that at this crucial moment, Guo Meng would actually stand on the side of the Lü family!
Xiao He raised an eyebrow. Guo Meng's clear support for the Lü family at this time played a significant role. Could it be that this was someone else's doing again?
Liu Ji, Liu Ji, you probably don't know what a powerful deity you've offended, do you?
Hehe, the tyrant Liu Ji didn't last long before he was caught. This is what they call karma!
Chapter 198 Undeterred
Guo Meng actually opposed the change of heir apparent, undermining Liu Ji's efforts!
Liu Jiqiang suppressed his anger, forcing a smile, and uttered two words with difficulty, "Why?"
"The remnants of the rebel army dared to kill Lü Ze, which is truly outrageous. The Crown Prince may indeed be incompetent, but are the other princes necessarily capable? I imagine His Majesty will certainly not make Liu Fei, who is born out of wedlock, the Crown Prince."
The Crown Prince is the eldest, having just come of age. The Third Prince is merely a ten-year-old child; how could he possibly share Your Majesty's burdens?
Furthermore, Ying Bu's forces are formidable. Even His Majesty himself was wounded and returned after going there. If the Crown Prince were to go instead, he might be able to win by risking his life. But if the younger Third Prince were to go instead, even if he fought to the death, he probably wouldn't be able to win.
Furthermore, compared to the Third Prince, the current Crown Prince is more capable of stabilizing the country. Even if the Crown Prince is slightly lacking in some aspects, with the Empress's guidance and support, he is still better than the young Third Prince and the Imperial Concubine.
"Your Majesty, does Consort Qi understand state affairs? And how many ministers are willing to follow her? That's all I have to say. If we're talking about reason, I believe Grand Tutor Shusun Tong and others are more capable than me, but Your Majesty doesn't allow them to speak. Isn't that inappropriate?" Guo Meng shrugged.
Liu Ji's forehead veins throbbed as he turned his gaze to Lu Jia, as if to say, "Aren't you eloquent? I had you start this debate precisely so you could argue with them."
Lu Jia swallowed hard, continued to look at Guo Meng without speaking, seemingly lost in thought and having gained some insight, cleverly avoiding Liu Ji's gaze.
Originally, Liu Ji was in the wrong, but the reason he was able to intimidate the officials was mainly due to the power of Lü Ze's death and Xiao He's demotion.
If a real debate were to take place, even if Lu Jia argued forcefully, he would find it difficult to convince the crowd. This was also the reason why Liu Ji did not allow Zhou Chang, Xiao He, and Shusun Tong to speak.
To depose the crown prince, one needs a convincing reason. You can't just depose him because he's kind, can you? Saying the emperor is too kind and easily bullied by his ministers? Where does that leave the entire court? Who wouldn't be confused by that?
To say that the Crown Prince's failure to lead troops into battle caused Liu Ji's injury is even more far-fetched, because Liu Ji had agreed to the matter in the first place, and he could have chosen not to go. With a large group of famous generals such as Lü Ze, Zhou Bo, and Guan Ying, plus the troops from other vassal states, how could they not defeat Ying Bu?
It's because Liu Ji doesn't trust these military generals and insists on keeping military power in his own hands; some things are obvious to anyone with eyes to see.
Besides, wasn't Liu Ji's injury entirely his own doing? Wouldn't it have been better to just watch the battle from the fortress?
Just as Liu Ji was about to throw away his pride and name Lu Jia, he was shocked to find that all the civil and military officials present, except for Xiao He, Zhou Chang and Shusun Tong, were trying to guard against Liu Ji's gaze!
Even if some of the officials wanted to help Liu Ji, they had to have the ability to do so. If they raised their voices at this time and were misunderstood by Liu Ji, and were called upon to speak, and couldn't explain themselves, wouldn't they incur Liu Ji's resentment?
Liu Ji cursed inwardly, "I have to step in again. Marquis Dongwu, you misunderstand. When did I stop them from speaking? But there's a time and place for speaking. Just now, Lu Jia was speaking with me. How could I allow others to interrupt? However, I understand their point of view. They simply disagree. But so many people here agree. What's wrong with me changing this crown prince?"
"Your Majesty," Xiao He said, bowing, "the silence of the officials does not signify agreement, but rather disagreement. They are simply afraid to speak out because they fear Your Majesty. Your Majesty might as well try asking how many people agree to change the crown prince."
"I second that!" Zhou Chang said loudly, finally able to vent the pent-up anger in his chest.
Liu Ji's lips twitched violently. Of course he knew what was going on, otherwise he wouldn't have asked who objected. There was no doubt that if he asked that question now, there would definitely be people who would respond, but it would certainly not exceed half, and it might not even be a third.
"What if I insist on changing the crown prince?" Liu Ji said through gritted teeth.
“Then I will refuse to obey the imperial edict!” Zhou Chang immediately retorted.
The situation was extremely awkward for Liu Ji, and his hatred for Zhou Chang intensified, yet he had no good way to punish him.
Seeing this, Shusun Tong stepped forward again, tearfully advising, "Your Majesty! In the past, Duke Xian of Jin deposed the crown prince because he favored Li Ji and installed Li Ji's son, Xi Qi, as the new crown prince. As a result, the state of Jin was in chaos for decades and became a laughing stock of the world."
The Qin Dynasty also failed to designate Fusu as crown prince in a timely manner, which allowed Zhao Gao to exploit the loophole, forge a will, and install Huhai as crown prince, thus leading to the demise of its own state. This is something Your Majesty witnessed firsthand.
The current Crown Prince is known throughout the land for his loyalty and filial piety; Empress Lü has shared joys and sorrows with Your Majesty, how can Your Majesty betray her? If Your Majesty insists on deposing the Crown Prince and establishing a younger son in his place, then this old minister begs to die before Your Majesty!
Upon hearing this, Liu Ji threw down the knife in his hand, chuckled, and said, "Enough, enough, I was just joking."
Shusun Tong said with a dark face, "The Crown Prince is the backbone of the country. If the backbone is affected, the entire country will be shaken. How can Your Majesty joke about the country like this!"
Liu Ji laughed heartily, "Alright, I will heed your words. Issue an edict to prepare a state banquet. I will be hosting a banquet for all the princes and the entire court in a month."
"Here you go."
...
After the court session, Xiao He and Shusun Tong went to Empress Lü's palace together. Although the crisis of changing the heir apparent had been resolved, everyone could see that Liu Ji was still unwilling to give up. There might be something fishy going on at this state banquet, so they had to make thorough preparations.
Zhou Chang glared fiercely at his subordinate Zhao Yao and left in a huff. He represented justice, so he could not side with Empress Lü like Xiao He and Shusun Tong.
However, when Zhou Chang left the main hall, he was shocked to see Guo Meng foaming at the mouth and unconscious. He immediately ordered someone to rescue Guo Meng and send him back to his residence for treatment.
"Useless!" the black dragon's voice rang out again.
Liu Ji had already guessed that the Black Dragon Society was dissatisfied with this. "Dragon God, please don't be angry. Even if I can't kill Xiao He or change the Crown Prince, I will definitely give you a satisfactory explanation. Besides, the matter of changing the Crown Prince is not over yet. Maybe we can get it done at the banquet."
"Heh heh, you wouldn't dare kill Lü Zhi, would you? I'm not holding out much hope for changing the crown prince. Tell me how you're going to give me a satisfactory explanation," the black dragon sneered.