I've heard that the old fox will demand tomorrow that you appoint the young prince as the crown heir.

Nighttime, Heavenly Harmony Hall in the Imperial Palace

That evening, Zhao Chengxian hurried into the palace to find Xuanyuan Ren, pulling him from his bed in Phoenix Residence to Heavenly Harmony Hall. Xuanyuan Ren looked at Zhao Chengxian and asked, "Is there something urgent?" Zhao Chengxian had never come to the palace so late before; it must be a matter of great importance to the state. Xuanyuan Ren thought for a moment and inquired, "Is it about the little prince's first birthday celebration tomorrow?" He knew Zhao Chengxian well—if it weren’t about tomorrow, Zhao Chengxian would never have come at such an hour, and tomorrow’s only major event was that.

Zhao Chengxian nodded with a smile, "No wonder you’re the emperor—so clever!" His tone was still irreverent. Xuanyuan Ren glared at Zhao Chengxian, as if to say, "You woke me up just to hear you ramble?" Zhao Chengxian grinned, then said seriously, "Tomorrow is the little prince’s first birthday. I’ve heard that the old fox is planning to demand you declare him crown prince. I received word only tonight!" He continued in his usual manner, "That old fox Li really doesn’t mind appearances, does he? I know you’re not ready to name a crown prince, so I’ve come right away to tell you. Aren’t I loyal?" Their private conversations had never bothered with the formalities of ruler and subject—so long as no one else was present.

Xuanyuan Ren glanced at Zhao Chengxian and chuckled, "Yes, you’re the most loyal. Satisfied? You—really, to be two years older than me and still so childish!" The two had always worked in perfect harmony, except for the matter of Hui Yue’er. Xuanyuan Ren looked at Zhao Chengxian and asked seriously, "So, do you have any good ideas? I’d like to wait a few more years before naming a crown prince; I’m still young, after all. The Empress has stood by me for so many years—I must consider her." Everyone knew Consort Shu disregarded the Empress entirely; if her son were made crown prince, she’d become even more arrogant.

Zhao Chengxian agreed, "If Consort Shu’s son becomes crown prince, old fox Li will grow even more domineering in court—soon, his faction would monopolize power, and you, the Son of Heaven, might not even matter to him. We must find a way to resolve this!" His analysis was sharp. Moreover, the prince was only a year old; it was impossible to tell if he had the talent to govern. Naming him crown prince now was far too risky, and it would affect the future of the nation.

There were many reasons to prevent this. Xuanyuan Ren began to analyze the situation seriously: "The court is divided into two factions; half support the Cheng faction and won’t oppose Li Jinzhou’s proposal…" He was interrupted by Zhao Chengxian.

Zhao Chengxian mused, "Can’t we stop worrying about who will support or oppose, and instead strike unexpectedly? The decree is yours, after all; in the end, you make the decision!" Ruthless—first raise their hopes, then dash them.

Xuanyuan Ren nodded, "Let them say what they wish, then have Eunuch Rong announce the decree conferring the little prince as a County Prince—let them be left speechless!" A County Prince ranked lower than other princes; none of Xuanyuan Ren’s sons had been given titles yet, so making the little prince a County Prince was already granting Li Jinzhou some face. Surely, he wouldn’t dare press for the crown prince’s title after that. It was the classic tactic: strike with a stick, then offer a sweet date. A ruler must balance severity and kindness.

With the problem resolved, Zhao Chengxian prepared to leave. He stretched and said, "Now that we have a plan, I’ll be going. For your sake, I’ve even sacrificed my sleep. Tomorrow, I must come and see the old fox’s crestfallen expression!" The thought made him laugh. He didn’t ask about Hui Yue’er these days, knowing Xuanyuan Ren had no time for her, and besides, asking would have felt awkward.

Xuanyuan Ren joked, "You’re not the only one missing sleep!" Zhao Chengxian strolled away, waving with a carefree air—this was the way the two truly interacted.

Ladies and gentlemen, old and young, and those neither old nor young—quickly shower me with gold medals, red envelopes, and gifts. Don’t hold back; let the storm rage even fiercer!