66Chapter 66: Liu Zhi becomes a disciple, and the struggle for succession to the throne
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The world believed that the struggle for the throne had come to an end, and the ultimate victor was the First Imperial Prince residing deep within the palace—in fact, both Liu Zhi and Liu Rong, and even Consort Li, felt that there was no longer any room for dispute in this matter.
Currently, Emperor Jing's health seemed to be experiencing a final burst of energy, but how long could such a resurgence last?
It could not last for long!
The Royal Tenth Prince was young and ignorant, only ten years old. Even if Emperor Jing could live for another three to five years, he would still only be thirteen, fourteen, or fifteen. Could Emperor Jing hand over the reins of government to such a young child?
Handing it over to the Royal Tenth Prince would be tantamount to entrusting imperial power to the Grand Empress Dowager, or even the Empress?
Whether it was Empress Dowager Dou or the current Lady Wang, either of them holding power would lead to the rise of external relatives' influence—and it would be even more terrifying if Empress Dowager Dou held power, as she might depose Emperor Jing and enthrone the Prince of Liang.
Would Emperor Jing allow his throne to fall into the hands of his younger brother?
No.
Therefore, Emperor Jing's current choice was only one.
First Imperial Prince Liu Rong!
Only two people had some "doubts" about this matter: one felt that the throne might not fall into the hands of First Imperial Prince Liu Rong, while the other was absolutely certain that this throne would not fall into the hands of First Imperial Prince Liu Rong.
The person who believed it would definitely not fall into the hands of the First Imperial Prince was "Guandu Marquis" Chen Xi.
And the person who believed the throne might not necessarily fall into the hands of the First Imperial Prince was "Emperor Jing" Liu Qi.
Yes.....
Emperor Jing also did not want to give the throne to Liu Rong!
There was only one reason.
"This child does not resemble me."
A very simple, very direct, and very destructive reason!
Why was Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang unwilling to pass the throne to Liu Ying? Because "this child does not resemble me." So, he first wanted to pass the throne to Zhao Prince Liu Ruyi, who "resembled him," even going so far as to fall out with Lü Zhi, his wife of many years.
Later, he discovered that Zhao Prince Liu Ruyi only "resembled him" on the surface, so he decisively gave up on Consort Qi, simply packing Zhao Prince Liu Ruyi off to Zhao, leaving Consort Qi for Lü Zhi to vent her anger on.
Why did Emperor Wen want to pass the throne to Liu Qi? Was it merely because Liu Qi was his legitimate eldest son?
That was only one aspect of the reason; the other, and most important, reason was because "this child resembles me."
"This child does not resemble me" was the most feared and hated scar in the hearts of the Liu clan emperors, a wound so deep that no one could touch it!
Those who touched upon this matter.
Died!
And the reason for Liu Qi's hesitation was precisely the reason why the world believed the struggle for the throne had ended—Liu Zhi was simply too young! Even with Chen Xi, the Guandu Marquis, he could not be sure whether Chen Xi would be able to suppress the double combination of the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager!
If he could suppress them, he would naturally be at ease.
If he could not suppress them.....
Emperor Jing sighed deeply, with a hint of hesitation and pity in his heart.
If he could not suppress them, he could only see if Heaven would grant him a few more years!
..... .....
Fifteenth Year of Emperor Jing, late summer.
As the torrential rain fell to the ground, while Liu Rong was already prepared to accept the throne, Liu Zhi was desperately trying to find an opportunity to "survive."
Yes, he had to find an opportunity to survive.
Liu Zhi clearly knew that after getting involved in the struggle for the throne, he had no retreat. Liu Rong would most likely not spare him—the reason he helped Liu Rong was because he knew that the Prince of Liang would definitely not spare him after ascending the throne!
One might not spare him, and one definitely would not spare him. Was there even a choice?
It was merely picking the healthier one among the lame.
In the late summer of that year, a heavy rain fell, and Liu Zhi finally found a suitable "candidate" to save himself, and he had sufficient methods and reasons to make this person help him.
..... .....
In Weiyang Palace.
Emperor Jing looked at Liu Zhi in front of him, a half-smile on his face: "Oh?"
"Didn't you say a few days ago that you were still young and unwilling to take a master? Why do you want to take a master and study now?"
Liu Zhi lowered his head; he was just gambling at this moment.
Gambling on what?
Gambling that his father was unwilling to let Liu Rong ascend the throne!
As for why....
If he were willing to let Liu Rong ascend the throne, why was he still unwilling to establish a Crown Prince at this time?
The world thought Emperor Jing was testing Liu Rong, but only Liu Zhi, with his keen intuition, saw through it—there was nothing Emperor Jing could not do. If there was, it was because he did not want to do it!
Emperor Jing did not want Liu Rong to be the Crown Prince. Was the meaning behind this not obvious?
So, Liu Zhi came to gamble.
"A few days ago, your son was merely a young child, acting on natural childish impulses. After returning to the palace, I pondered over it and finally understood Father Emperor's painstaking efforts. Father Emperor commanded me to study to enlighten my mind and help me understand principles."
"Your son deeply appreciates Father Emperor's benevolent fatherly heart and has finally come to enlightenment, which is why I am willing to study."
"Please, Father Emperor, appoint a teacher for your son."
After speaking, he looked eagerly at Emperor Jing, and a smile also appeared in Emperor Jing's eyebrows, with a hint of satisfaction deep in his eyes.
This boy is good.
So he pretended to ponder, and after a moment of thought, said: "Since it is your teacher, it must be someone you can accept."
"Among the court officials, there are Military Commander Chen Qing, General Zhou Yafu, Lang Zhong Ling, and Court Attendant Chen Xi. These three all possess great talent. You may choose one from them, and I will personally go and speak on your behalf, perhaps one of them might accept you as a disciple."
Liu Zhi barely thought and said directly: "Your son wishes to take Lang Zhong Ling Chen Xi as his teacher."
He only said Lang Zhong Ling, not Court Attendant.
And Emperor Jing naturally understood the flattery in his words, and immediately pointed at him, laughing and scolding: "You sly fellow, fine, fine, I will personally speak to Guandu Marquis on your behalf."
He glanced at Liu Zhi and said: "I cannot guarantee that he will accept you as a disciple. If he is unwilling, then you may take the Military Commander as your teacher, how about that?"
Liu Zhi understood Emperor Jing's painstaking efforts and immediately prostrated himself: "Your son thanks Father Emperor. Father Emperor has taken great pains."
..... .....
Fifteenth Year of Emperor Jing, winter.
When the first heavy snow fell, the struggle for the throne, which had already quieted down, stirred up waves once again.
The Royal Tenth Prince, Liu Zhi, took Chen Clan Head, Guandu Marquis, Lang Zhong Ling, and Court Attendant, Chen Xi, as his master.
He became Chen Xi's first and only disciple.
..... .....
Inside the Imperial Palace.
Consort Li looked at Liu Rong in front of her, with an arrogant expression on her face: "Son, your uncle has sent several letters. Haven't you decided what official position to give him yet?"