Chapter Ninety-Seven: A Shift in Attitude

Zhu Hao’s gesture was the greatest courtesy a prince could offer a minister. Although he was deeply reluctant, he endured it in order to gain the support of Zou Yuanbiao and Zhao Nanxing. As he bowed, he secretly cursed, “With this bow, may you both swiftly ascend to paradise!”

Harboring such “wishes” toward Zou Yuanbiao and Zhao Nanxing brought Zhu Hao some relief. However, their next words unsettled his recently calmed heart, nearly provoking him to curse aloud.

Among the two, the more straightforward Zou Yuanbiao spoke first: “Your Highness, I am curious—your eagerness for the throne suggests ambition. Remember, the late Emperor Taizu’s injunction was clear: ‘Establish the eldest legitimate heir.’ Therefore, I advise you to abandon any improper thoughts and promptly return to the palace to observe mourning for the late Emperor Daxing, fulfilling filial piety as a son and loyalty as a minister.”

No sooner had Zou’s words fallen than Zhao Nanxing interjected: “Yuanbiao, your words are somewhat harsh! I believe the Fifth Prince is not such a man.”

Though this seemed to reproach Zou Yuanbiao, Zhao Nanxing then turned to Zhu Hao with a respectful bow: “Your Highness, while Lord Zou’s words were sharp, they are meant for your benefit. You should return swiftly to the palace and perform filial mourning for Emperor Daxing, fulfilling your duties. Regarding the events in the Qianqing Palace, it would be best if Your Highness refrained from involvement to avoid future slander. Moreover, the courtiers understand their own responsibilities. If we were to approach each other for persuasion or collusion, it would violate the sage’s teaching that gentlemen do not form factions. This matter must not be pursued! Please return, Your Highness.”

Listening to the two, Zhu Hao felt as if one had struck him sharply, and the other had tried to soothe the bruised spot, only to strike it again moments later. He cursed inwardly: “What nonsense is this? Might as well just hit me again! Are you trying to kill me? And this talk of not colluding, not violating the sage’s teachings—it’s all rubbish! The Donglin Party holds half the important positions in court; how could they not be colluding? What do you expect—sharing a bed?”

Though angry and frustrated, Zhu Hao had no solution to sway these two crusty old hardliners, as stubborn and foul as old foot-binding cloth. Helplessly, he glanced at Yang Lian, who had urged him to come here, thinking, “You brought me here to meet these two relics, yet you’ve said nothing. I nearly got sandwiched between their barbs, as if I were some sausage! Now it’s your turn—if you keep playing dumb, I’ll just turn around and leave. I refuse to believe that without a butcher, I’d have to eat a bristled pig!”

Though unaware of Zhu Hao’s internal grumblings, Yang Lian read his glance and knew it was his turn to speak. He said, “Esteemed elders, today’s visit by the Fifth Prince is at the behest of the old Chancellor. Due to prior misunderstandings, the Chancellor instructed His Highness to see me first, so I could accompany him to meet you both. We humbly ask you to consider His Highness’s proposal carefully.”

As Yang Lian finished, Zhu Hao thought, “This fellow is truly remarkable. If he’s not a friend, he’d be a formidable adversary. He directly invoked Old Chancellor Guo’s name to pressure them, forcing their attention, while also distancing himself from any direct conflict with these two old cronies.”

He silently admired, “A clever man indeed!”

Upon hearing Yang Lian’s words, Zou Yuanbiao and Zhao Nanxing exchanged glances, their expressions shifting. They hadn’t expected Zhu Hao to bring such a strong external ally. But after reflection, they realized the Chancellor was unwilling to intervene directly—if he intended to, they wouldn’t be involved at all.

Their confidence wavered briefly but soon returned. After a series of subtle exchanges, Zou Yuanbiao spoke first: “Yang Lian, I must ask—why did you come with the Fifth Prince without informing the household guards beforehand, delivering your card before announcing his arrival? Were you afraid I would avoid meeting the Prince? What are your true intentions?”

Zou Yuanbiao’s words were a veiled accusation, followed by a stern rebuke. Yang Lian found no grounds to argue or explain—he certainly wouldn’t admit, “Yes, I feared you would evade the Prince’s presence,” as that would irreparably fracture relations. As a shrewd man, Yang Lian remained silent, lowering his head like a child scolded by a parent.

Seeing this attitude, Zou Yuanbiao’s vanity swelled; he merely snorted coldly as a warning, then let Yang Lian off.

After Zou’s words, Zhao Nanxing refrained from attacking Yang Lian and instead addressed Zhu Hao: “Fifth Prince, with the old Chancellor’s recommendation, we dare not refuse. But this matter is grave; we ask Your Highness to return to the palace and await news. When we decide, we will notify you.”

Zhu Hao understood their tacit agreement, though it was clear they wished to exclude him, intending to monopolize the credit for enthroning the new emperor. Though Zhu Hao was close to Zhu Youxiao and confident he would be rewarded after his brother’s ascension, he was unwilling to surrender the majority of the merit to these two old cronies.

Resolved not to comply, he raised an eyebrow and said, “I once thought you two, pillars of the court, would set aside personal biases in this critical hour for the realm’s sake. Today, it seems I was naïve! If that is so, I shall not trouble you further. Upon my return to the palace, I will order the gates sealed again. I do not believe five thousand imperial guards cannot deal with a mere attendant like Li. Gentlemen, await good news here.”

This caused Zou Yuanbiao and Zhao Nanxing’s faces to darken instantly. If Zhu Hao truly did this, the credit for the new emperor’s accession would no longer rest with them. Even if Zhu Hao later sought their help, their share of the glory would be greatly diminished. Sealing the palace gates meant they couldn’t even enter. They intended to oust Zhu Hao, but now he held the keys to their entry. Realizing this, they had no choice but to relent.

In unison, they urged, “Fifth Prince, please stay. This must not happen!”

Zhu Hao had no intention of such rash action. If he truly cared nothing for his elder brother’s safety and was willing to coerce Li by force, he wouldn’t have ventured outside the palace at all. His words were merely for show; after speaking, he only turned around without stepping out.

Hearing their pleas, Zhu Hao turned with a sound of “Oh?” and asked with feigned curiosity, “Gentlemen, do you have any further insights? I am all ears.”

Zou Yuanbiao, a blunt man, felt awkward at his own backtracking, forcing a smile but saying little of substance.

In contrast, Zhao Nanxing’s thick skin showed no embarrassment. He smiled broadly and said, “Your Highness, please do not be so agitated! Upon consideration, you are right. In such a dire hour, we should not refuse your call. I will now contact the courtiers, and together we shall proceed to Qianqing Palace. Please, Your Highness, do not seal the palace gates!”

Zhu Hao thought to himself, “This old crony truly prioritizes profit above all, caring not for his own dignity. It seems in this world, only interests can move people; everything else is just nonsense.”

Reflecting on their earlier evasions, Zhu Hao sincerely wished to admonish them. With a solemn air, he said, “I believe it is unnecessary. I think it best if I handle this matter myself. After all, as you both said, it’s difficult for you. Confucius said, ‘Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.’ I shall abide by this sage’s teaching and not press you to do what you find burdensome.”

Both Zou Yuanbiao and Zhao Nanxing, seasoned and cunning, clearly understood Zhu Hao’s intent to reprimand them. Now knowing Zhu Hao held the key to their involvement, and with his words so pointed, they could only clasp their hands, smile obsequiously, and abandon the dignified images they had tried to maintain.