nucmednet Chapter 274 Proposal to Establish a Crown Prince
Chapter 274 Proposal to Establish a Crown Prince
In Xianyang, this ancient and solemn capital, sunlight, like golden threads, pierced through layers of clouds and shone upon the towering Zhangtai Palace. An awe-inspiring solemnity permeated the palace, as if time itself had stood still.
On the high throne, a symbol of supreme power, sat the young and valiant King Ying Zheng of Qin. He wore a magnificent black robe, its hem fluttering in the wind like a brilliant star in the night. Ying Zheng's sharply defined face appeared exceptionally stern, his deep eyes like icy pools, cold and sharp, mercilessly sweeping over the respectfully standing ministers below.
The court assembly had barely begun when a slight commotion drew everyone's attention. A minister in court robes stepped steadily out from the ranks. This minister was slightly thin, but his steps were firm and powerful, each step carrying an unquestionable determination. His face was serious and stern, rarely smiling, yet his eyes revealed an almost obsessive and persistent light.
King Ying Zheng of Qin immediately recognized the man as Wu Yanli, the Imperial Censor. Wu Yanli was usually a man of few words, not one to engage in lengthy discussions in court. Therefore, Ying Zheng was somewhat surprised to see him step forward today.
Wu Yanli stepped forward, clasped his hands in a deep bow, and then spoke in his usual booming voice: "Your Majesty, I have a matter to report. The overall situation of the world is now settled, and the power of our Great Qin is growing stronger day by day, with the hearts of the people gradually turning towards us. However, the most fundamental matter concerning the nation—the selection of an heir—remains undecided. I humbly propose that a crown prince should be chosen as soon as possible, so as to stabilize the nation and the people's hearts!"
Wu Yanli's words stirred up a storm, instantly shattering the tranquility of the court. The ministers immediately began whispering amongst themselves. Some looked astonished, seemingly surprised by Wu Yanli's sudden remonstrance; others frowned, deep in thought; still others smiled and nodded frequently, indicating their agreement with Wu Yanli's viewpoint.
Ying Zheng frowned slightly, his sharp gaze fixed on Wu Yanli, but he did not rush to speak. The entire court fell into a brief silence, all eyes turning to the King of Qin, awaiting his response.
Almost simultaneously, several other imperial censors and some officials whose names the King of Qin did not know stepped forward one by one, expressing their hope that the King of Qin would establish a crown prince as soon as possible.
The King of Qin sat upright in the court, his face ashen, offering no response to the minister's earlier remarks. He narrowed his eyes slightly, like a detached spectator, seemingly waiting for the other courtiers to continue this dramatic performance.
In the brief silence, Chunyu Yue finally could not contain his eagerness and resolutely stepped out of the queue. Chunyu Yue was one of the outstanding representatives of the Confucian school, known for his extensive knowledge, wide-ranging experience, and emphasis on etiquette.
He first calmly straightened his slightly wrinkled clothes, then respectfully bowed to the King of Qin and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that what Lord Wu said just now is very reasonable. The Crown Prince is truly the foundation of the country! Establishing the position of Crown Prince as soon as possible will clarify the order of succession to the throne, thereby uniting the people and the nation. If our Great Qin is to achieve long-term stability, this matter is of utmost urgency and cannot be delayed in the slightest!"
As soon as Chunyu Yue finished speaking, Shusun Tong stepped forward. This man was skilled in establishing various rituals and systems, and held considerable prestige in the court. After bowing deeply to the King of Qin, Shusun Tong spoke with equal deference: “The wise and virtuous rulers of antiquity all established their heirs early on, thus laying the foundation for the stability of the entire nation. Now, as our Great Qin is expanding its territory and establishing an immortal legacy, we should even more diligently follow the ways of our ancestors. Establishing a crown prince as soon as possible will not only ensure the long-term continuation of the nation's fortunes but also effectively prevent future conflicts and turmoil. I hope Your Majesty will consider this matter carefully and make this crucial decision concerning the fate of the nation as soon as possible.”
The suggestion put forward by these three people caused a great uproar in the imperial court. Those ministers who strongly advocated for the establishment of a crown prince sprang into action, responding enthusiastically and loudly in agreement.
These ministers argued vehemently: "Our Great Qin Empire has now been transformed and is completely renewed! The magnificent undertaking of sweeping across the six kingdoms and unifying the world is within reach. With just a little more effort, we can achieve great success. At this crucial moment, establishing the position of Crown Prince as soon as possible is undoubtedly the key to stabilizing the country and the empire!"
In an instant, the once orderly court became bustling and noisy. The ministers eagerly expressed their opinions and views, some speaking eloquently, others arguing logically, and the entire court was immersed in a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere.
However, amidst the heated discussion, Li Si stood quietly to one side, his usually composed and calm face now unusually solemn, his lips tightly pressed together, uttering not a word. As a trusted confidant of Ying Zheng, Li Si knew the high-ranking King of Qin inside and out. He understood that Ying Zheng was a man of great ambition and aspirations, single-mindedly focused on achieving unparalleled feats. Bringing up the matter of establishing a crown prince at this moment could very well offend the King of Qin's sensitive and untouchable wrath.
It's important to understand that the King of Qin always desired immortality, attempting to maintain his supreme power in Qin forever and ensure his rule lasted for millennia. Therefore, he was likely unwilling to hastily appoint a successor.
Meng Tian, the renowned Qin general with a reputation for military prowess, did not readily reveal his stance or attitude at this moment. He stood firmly in the court, his posture as upright as a pine tree. Over the years, Meng Tian had established immense prestige within the Qin army through his exceptional military talent and fearless fighting style, earning the utmost respect and admiration from his soldiers.
However, faced with the thorny issue of choosing a crown prince, Meng Tian, after careful consideration, concluded that Qin's most urgent and crucial mission was to continue its unwavering pursuit of unifying the six states. After all, this grand goal had not yet been fully achieved and still required the concerted efforts and valiant struggle of all its subjects. As for the matter of choosing a crown prince, although it was of extraordinary significance, it was indeed not something to be rushed.
Furthermore, Meng Tian was also concerned that if a crown prince was chosen too early, it could very likely trigger a fierce power struggle within the court. At that time, various factions would inevitably engage in open and covert struggles over the position of crown prince. This would not only seriously disrupt the normal operation of state affairs, but could even endanger the stability and unity of the entire country.
Meanwhile, Ying Zheng, high above, listened intently to the heated debate among his ministers, their opinions expressed with a somber expression. As time passed, his already imposing face grew increasingly grim, as if a storm was about to break. Ying Zheng understood perfectly well that the matter of choosing a crown prince directly concerned the future rise and fall of the Qin state; once a final decision was made, there would likely be no turning back. Therefore, at this moment, he absolutely did not want anyone or any factor to tie his hands, and he certainly did not want the issue of choosing a crown prince to cause irreparable rifts and divisions within the court.