Yan Zilian finally chose Shen Hexuan and Yan Sikong as the prince's attendants, which did not surprise everyone.
The crown prince, Du Mu, had just turned thirteen years old, and it was actually a few years too late to give lectures in the cabinet, because he had just been conferred by the policy this year. Although Chen Kuang is the eldest son of the emperor, his mother and concubine are only a court lady, not allowed to be a holy family. The mother and son have been quite neglected in the palace for many years. The queen has no children, and the emperor always wanted to have a son of his favorite concubine, but was opposed by the ministers. The monarch and his ministers had been struggling for several years. Xie Zhongren was in the way, and Yan Zilian fought with his life. How many people sacrificed their careers and even their lives for this, only to preserve Dasheng's tradition of "If you have a heir, you will establish a heir, and if you have no heir, you will establish an elder".
This was all before Yan Sikong became an official, and he had no chance to see the situation of the battle for the crown prince with his own eyes.
However, the establishment of a prince does not mean that he will be able to succeed to the throne in a safe and secure manner. Today, the emperor has not yet reached the age of 40. This long time is by no means smooth, and there are still young princes who are easy to leave.
Now the prince has five lecturers, Yan Zilian is the head, cabinet minister Wang Shengsheng, rite minister Zuo Shilang, Longtuge University scholar Huo Li are assistants, and Shen Hexuan and Yan Sikong are the second assistants.
As the chief assistant of the cabinet, Yan Zilian had heavy official duties and was mostly in name only. Wang Shengsheng belonged to Xie Zhongren's faction, and was inserted by Xie Zhongren to monitor the prince. In fact, only Huo Li, Shen and Yan were the ones to give lectures.
This point, everyone in the DPRK knows it.
Before Yan Sikong became an official, he spent two or three years investigating the resumes, township affiliations, and party affiliations of officials in the DPRK and China, not only Beijing officials, but also the dispatched governors and important officials of various prefectures and counties. Although it can't be considered exhaustive, but I have already understood the general structure of the government. After entering the Imperial Academy, I spent a lot of time looking up all the past official documents. In addition to more than a year of on-the-spot observation, I have a clearer understanding of Dasheng's bureaucratic situation. He realized that he was able to gain Yan Zilian's appreciation in such a short time because he had figured out Yan Zilian's likes and dislikes, expectations and concerns. Now being able to stand outside the East Palace was only the first step of his plan, and this step Have everything under control.
After standing there for a while, they listened to the inner eunuch summoning them.
Yan Zilian led the two of them into the East Palace, knelt down to pay respects: "My lord, I greet His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"Your Majesty waits to kowtow to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
A clear youthful voice came from far above his head: "Sir, please get up." He paused, and then said, "Both of you, get up too."
Yan Sikong just stood up and looked up. On the main seat, sat a handsome young man with porcelain white skin and black pupils. Even if he was receiving courtiers in his own palace, he would keep his back straight. At such a young age, he already showed the majesty of the king.
"Give me a seat, sir." Prince Qi said.
The two inner eunuchs hurriedly moved the stool in front of Yan Zilian, Yan Zilian thanked him and sat down.
"I heard that His Highness suffered from the wind and cold a few days ago, I hope His Highness must take care of your body."
"Thank you sir, I'm fine."
After the two exchanged a few words, Yan Zilian got to the point. He said: "These two are the two attendants selected by the old minister for His Highness. They are both newly promoted Jinshi last year. They are full of talents. Among them..." He looked at Shen Hexuan, "Shen Hexuan's name, His Highness should have heard of it."
Prince Kui nodded: "I heard that you are a rare talent in Lianzhong Sanyuan. When I saw you today, you really have an extraordinary bearing."
Shen Hexuan bowed and said: "I am not talented, thank you Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"This Yan Sikong, on top of the Sutra Banquet, is even praised by Bo Shengzan. His lectures are profound and interesting."
The crown prince's eyes fell on Yan Sikong, and he looked him up and down curiously: "I know too, I heard that you can tell some anecdotes about unofficial history."
Yan Sikong smiled: "I made His Highness laugh."
"The old minister chose these two because they have real talents and learning, and secondly, they are still young. Compared with the old minister and Mr. Huo, His Highness may feel more relaxed." There are many. The crown prince's foundation is shaky, and he must start cultivating his own power early, and Shen and Yan, who have clean backgrounds and promising prospects, are just right.
Prince Kuo nodded: "In the future, there will be two Laos."
The two clasped their hands together and said in unison: "This minister should live up to His Highness's high expectations."
Yan Zilian stroked his beard and smiled.
Yan Sikong saw that Prince Qi secretly looked at him from time to time, but he remained calm. He has been outstanding in appearance since he was a child, and he has become accustomed to paying too much attention to others. He is also looking at the prince, and he must take care of this little prince in the deep palace. This may be his biggest bargaining chip in the future.
—
The emperor's birthday is approaching, and the editing work is drawing to a close. Finally, one day Yan Sikong can go home early and rest for half a day.
But he didn't go home, but went to buy two jugs of good wine, and went directly to Fengfu.
The concierge didn't know who Yan Sikong was, and according to the usual practice, he directly refused: "My lord, I have offended you. My family's son is not in good health. I don't see any visitors. I hope you will forgive me."
Yan Sikong smiled and said: "I didn't come here to ask for a meeting." He raised the jug in his hand, "I just passed by here, and I remembered that His Royal Highness invited me to drink a jar of good wine, and I want to give it back to His Highness. You will Just give him these two jugs of wine."
"My family's eldest son also declined the gift."
"Two jugs of wine, what kind of gift is it?" Yan Sikong laughed, "It's okay, I'll put the wine at the door, if His Royal Highness doesn't like it, just throw it away." After speaking, he left gracefully.
The concierge looked at Yan Sikong hesitantly, and then at the jug at the door, unable to make up his mind for a while.
When Yan Sikong returned home, a man in his forties with an ugly and frightening face came out to greet him, Yan Sikong said: "Ali, prepare a table of food and wine for tonight."
The man called Ali nodded and gestured with his hands. It turned out that he couldn't speak.
Yan Sikong smiled lightly, and said firmly: "Yes, there are guests coming."
He has made up his mind.
When dealing with Feng Ye, he should neither take the initiative to flatter him nor be too alienated. The two of them are no longer young and ignorant. If Feng Ye feels that he has other purposes, then their old friendship, which has been worn down by time, will soon fade away. The smoke cleared.