Chapter 271: Unpredictable Hearts

The moment the question was asked, not only did the old eunuch's hands tremble, but Yin Zhaoxian's entire body quaked physically and mentally. Was this truly a question one could answer so casually?

Almost immediately after hearing the question, Yin Zhaoxian got down from his chair and knelt directly before the bed, bowing with clasped hands held high, not raising his head.

“Your Majesty, your servant is merely a Prefectural Governor, far from the capital and unaware of court affairs. I know very little about the two princes. Whether by qualification or understanding, it is by no means for your servant to answer this question. Only Your Majesty can determine the future of our Great Zhen. Whatever Crown Prince Your Majesty establishes, your servant will certainly assist with all his heart!”

Yin Zhaoxian spoke quickly and urgently, articulating his words clearly, and dared not look up at Emperor Yuande’s expression.

The old emperor merely leaned against the headboard, watching Yin Zhaoxian’s fearful demeanor.

“My dear Minister Yin, rise, sit, and speak. Grant him tea.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Only then did Yin Zhaoxian dare to rise. The old eunuch beside him quickly brought over the tea.

“Many thanks, Eunuch!”

“There’s no need to be polite, Lord Yin.”

The emperor was not in a hurry to speak and simply watched Yin Zhaoxian drink his tea.

Yin Zhaoxian’s mind raced. From the previous question, it seemed this matter today was unavoidable. However, he felt he had never done anything wrong; even though Prince Jin had given him much assistance, it was merely out of gratitude, with no intention of choosing sides.

After Yin Zhaoxian drank some tea, the old emperor composed himself and spoke again.

“My dear Minister Yin, do you know why I value you so highly?”

Yin Zhaoxian knew in his heart it was certainly because of his loyalty and competence, but he could not say that himself.

“Your Majesty, you have your own discerning judgment.”

“Because although you, Yin Zhaoxian, possess integrity and are utterly loyal, you are not a pedantic official. Regarding the affairs of Wanzhou, no one else in the court or outside could have handled it as well as you. Had it been someone else, they would have either succumbed to corruption or blindly charged forward, suffering severe losses. Even if they had miraculously succeeded, they would have considered purging Wanzhou entirely... In just two years, you have brought Wanzhou back on track. The tax revenue from spring and summer alone is twice what Wanzhou collected in an entire year before, and its people are living in peace and prosperity. You have indeed rendered outstanding service.”

Yin Zhaoxian set down his teacup, clasped his hands, and bowed.

“Wanzhou has reached this state only through Your Majesty’s divine benevolence and care. Now, everyone in Wanzhou knows that the Son of Heaven decreed the removal of corrupt officials. Your servant merely carried out Your Majesty’s decree!”

“Hahahaha... Even your flattery, Yin Zhaoxian, is exceptional.”

“Your Majesty, if we’re being precise, it’s ‘dragon’s praise’!”

Yin Zhaoxian’s remark made the old emperor laugh even more heartily.

Several eunuchs nearby secretly wiped their sweat, while others quietly patted their chests in relief.

The old emperor noticed the frosty white hair appearing on Yin Zhaoxian’s head. For someone nearing forty, this amount of white hair was considerable, indicating the immense mental effort he had expended on the Wanzhou affairs.

“My dear Minister Yin, looking back, my life has always been blessed with good fortune. Even the unpredictable path to immortality seemed within my grasp several times...”

Yin Zhaoxian couldn't help but recall the rumors surrounding the Water-Land Ceremony in the Imperial Capital. The stories of "scooping the moon from water" and "slaying the immortal" were the most widespread, with various versions emerging among the populace, even reaching Wanzhou. Had it not concerned the imperial Yang clan of Great Zhen, there would likely have been numerous storytelling versions. Even so, it was enough for Yin Zhaoxian to understand some of the events. Overall, the emperor himself had failed to seize these opportunities. The "slaying the immortal" incident, in particular, was extraordinarily strange and quite lamentable.

“Now, my days are numbered, and I have come to terms with these matters. I may depart, but this Great Zhen, after all, is the empire of my Yang clan. I do not wish to see Great Zhen fall into chaos after my death.”

Yin Zhaoxian listened quietly and at this point, clasped his hands and bowed again.

“Heaven bless Your Majesty! Heaven bless Great Zhen!”

The old emperor waved his hand.

“My question earlier about which of the two princes is capable of great responsibility was not a jest. I have sought immortality and inquired about the Dao for so long. Though I have not achieved true enlightenment, I have witnessed some miraculous occurrences. I am even more willing to believe that you, Yin Zhaoxian, possess a formidable righteous spirit. Even a murky swamp like Wanzhou could not corrupt you in the slightest. Not to mention the future, you are already a pillar of the court now.”

Emperor Yuande spoke so much in one breath that he paused to rest for a moment before continuing.

“I heard a Celestial Master say that those who possess a formidable righteous spirit are exceedingly rare in the world. As scholars out of office, they become virtuous Confucian masters, capable of writing books, establishing biographies, and founding schools of thought. If they enter officialdom, they are bound to become famous ministers and wise chancellors, even capable of discerning whether a ruler is enlightened or foolish...”

At this point, the old emperor suddenly smiled and asked, “My dear Minister Yin, tell me, am I an enlightened ruler or a foolish one?”

Yin Zhaoxian frowned, looked at the emperor, and clasped his hands in a bow. “To your servant, Your Majesty is naturally an enlightened ruler!”

“To you, you say... Heh heh, then let me ask you again: are Prince Wu and Prince Jin foolish or incompetent?”

This question made everyone in the bedchamber hold their breath again. Yin Zhaoxian took a deep breath, closed his eyes, pondered for a moment, and then slowly spoke.

“The two princes have different temperaments, but in terms of talent and wisdom, both are exceptional choices, neither foolish nor incompetent!”

“Oh? You have no preference? If I’m not mistaken, you were present at Prince Jin’s New Year’s Eve family banquet before the imperial examination?”

The old emperor stared at Yin Zhaoxian as he spoke, but the latter did not show the same fear as before.

“Your Majesty is correct. Your servant was indeed present then. As a commoner, I was greatly surprised to be invited to the princely manor.”

Since the emperor already knew about this matter, Yin Zhaoxian did not wish to argue. He bowed respectfully while quietly admitting it.

The emperor nodded, then addressed his attendants. “All of you, withdraw. Leave only my dear Minister Yin!”

The eunuchs exchanged glances, then bowed and slowly withdrew from the bedchamber. In the vast room, only the ailing old emperor on his sickbed and Yin Zhaoxian on a low chair before him remained.

The old emperor looked at Yin Zhaoxian very seriously. “My dear Minister Yin, it is just you and I in the bedchamber now. Speak freely and without worry. I grant you immunity from punishment. In your opinion, which of the two princes is capable of great responsibility?”

It was still the same question. Yin Zhaoxian knew he could not evade it today. He needed to gauge the Emperor’s true intentions and provide a perfect answer. If he answered incorrectly, even with the Emperor’s grand words of immunity, he would likely not escape death. Yin Zhaoxian could sense that the old emperor’s previous praises were sincere. However, the more his abilities were valued, the more critical it was not to answer this question incorrectly. A capable minister whose views diverged from the Emperor’s and who wielded significant influence...

Yin Zhaoxian dared not let his mind wander further. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and as he exhaled, he opened his eyes, looking equally seriously at the emperor. Their gazes met without wavering.

“Your Majesty, your servant has already stated clearly that both princes are of exceptional caliber. Regardless of who ascends to the throne...”

At this point, Yin Zhaoxian stood up, his tone slightly more emphatic. As he bowed, he looked directly at the emperor and spoke as if making a solemn vow.

“As long as that prince trusts your servant, your servant will spare no effort to assist him, ensuring the prosperity of Great Zhen, preserving our dynasty’s destiny, establishing education throughout the land, and strictly enforcing the nation’s laws. As long as Yin Zhaoxian lives, the imperial order shall not be disturbed! Your servant is confident that I possess this ability!”

As Yin Zhaoxian spoke these words, a formidable righteous spirit surged from his entire being like a flame, even creating a visible phenomenon. To Emperor Yuande’s mortal eyes, the room seemed to brighten considerably, and his heart was deeply moved.

Emperor Yuande remained silent for a long time.

“Good! Good! Good! I trust you!”

After regaining his composure, he repeated “good” three times, then, struggling to support himself, he extended a hand and lifted Yin Zhaoxian’s bowed hands.

“I will bestow upon you an Iron Scroll of Exemption. May you, my dear Minister, not forget your words today!”

“Your servant will not refuse, even if it means death a thousand times!”

Emperor Yuande smiled, not his usual dignified smile, but a relaxed one.

“Sit, sit.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Yin Zhaoxian helped the emperor steady himself, then sat back in his original spot.

“Actually, I also understand that Prince Jin’s abilities are somewhat superior to Prince Wu’s. In fact, I even prefer Prince Jin more...”

The way this statement began did not sound like good news for Prince Jin to Yin Zhaoxian. As expected, the old emperor’s tone soon shifted.

“However, Prince Wu is the eldest legitimate son, and he has always diligently adhered to his duties without error for many years. His prestige within the court is also considerable, and he himself is not incompetent. Heh heh, in the end, they are all my sons, and I know their temperaments well. I will leave a secret decree for you, my dear Minister. If the successor to the throne ever threatens his brothers’ lives, then present it...”

Yin Zhaoxian secretly sighed, now largely understanding whom the old emperor intended to choose.

“My decision is made. I shall pass the throne to the First Prince. The imperial edict of succession will be issued ten days from now. My dear Minister, you must assist him with all your heart!”

“Your servant, I obey the decree!”

Before Yin Zhaoxian had even settled back into his seat, he rose again and knelt directly before the bed to bow.

***

At Prince Jin’s Residence, Prince Jin, Yang Hao, stood in the garden pavilion, gazing at the overcast sky outside. Accompanying him were not only Junior Tutor Li Mushu but also the head of the Chu family.

“Your Highness, Lord Yin went straight to the imperial palace upon entering the capital this morning, without even a moment’s rest in between. He still hasn’t emerged...” The head of the Chu family finished his tea and asked this question.

“Mm.”

Prince Jin merely hummed in response, saying nothing else.

Li Mushu, who now showed all the signs of old age, stroked his long beard and looked at Prince Jin’s back. “His Majesty likely values Governor Yin’s opinion quite a bit. Your Highness, do you think Governor Yin will find a way to help you?”

Prince Jin turned to look at his tutor, who was now very old, and sighed, shaking his head. “Unless my elder brother is truly incompetent... Alas, Yin Zhaoxian is not that kind of person... Father Emperor’s health... Why couldn’t he have a few more years?”

Compared to Prince Wu, Prince Jin greatly wished Emperor Yuande would remain healthy for a few more years. This was not merely a question of filial piety, but also a crucial factor in the struggle for the throne. He had originally thought he had at least five more years, but the Water-Land Ceremony was too great a shock, and Father Emperor’s health deteriorated too rapidly. This, one might say, was quite ironic...

***

At this very moment, at Prince Wu’s Residence.

Prince Wu was boiling wine in front of his hall, with fruits laid out on the table. Two trusted confidants sat with him: a Minister from the Ministry of War and an official from the Secretariat. The atmosphere here was relatively more relaxed than at Prince Jin’s Residence. Prince Wu, Yang Qing, was well aware that the current situation was very favorable to him; the other princes were not a concern, and his third brother, Prince Jin, was still young and his influence not yet fully established.

“Yin Zhaoxian has been in the imperial palace for a long time now, hasn’t he?”

Prince Wu naturally valued Yin Zhaoxian greatly; he was undoubtedly a capable minister. Prince Wu had tried to win him over several times. Although Yin Zhaoxian had never declared his allegiance, he should at least have a good impression of Prince Wu. Furthermore, being far away in Wanzhou, he knew little about the capital’s affairs and was unlikely to have any strong leanings.

Hearing Prince Wu’s words, the man beside him nodded in affirmation. “Yes, it’s been more than two hours. His Majesty clearly holds Yin Zhaoxian in very high regard, and summoning him at this moment...”

The official from the Secretariat was cut short in mid-sentence by a series of urgent shouts.

“Your Highness! Your Highness!”

A grey-clad servant rushed in from outside, running swiftly into the hall.

“What is it?” Prince Wu asked with a frown.

The servant took a few breaths to steady himself, then handed over a note. “Top-secret news from the palace...” The servant glanced at the two officials beside them.

However, Prince Wu considered the others as his trusted confidants and paid no mind. He immediately tore open the seal and began reading. The more he read, the paler his face became.

“Yin... Zhaoxian... He’s actually the Third Prince’s man! Father Emperor actually asked him several times about the choice for Crown Prince, and even dismissed everyone else, leaving Yin Zhaoxian alone!”

“What?!” “How did Your Highness come to know this?” The two ministers beside him were also greatly astonished.

“I have my own people by Father Emperor’s side. See for yourselves...” Prince Wu handed the note to the two men, his face contorted with changing expressions, grinding his teeth.