Eunuch Rong, announce the imperial decree.

Evening, Jingren Palace in the Imperial Palace

Now, the main character of the day, the young prince, is to make his entrance. The wet nurse carries the little prince onto the stage. He toddles unsteadily to his father’s side, irresistibly adorable, and with imperfect pronunciation tries to say, “Fa…ther…” He wants to call out, “Father Emperor.”

Xuanyuan Ren smiles and lifts him into his arms, saying, “Today is your birthday, my son. Do you see all these ministers here to celebrate with you? Are you happy?” He looks every inch the doting father, no longer the stern emperor; truly, what father could be hard-hearted toward a child of one?

Consort Shu, with pride in her eyes, steals a glance at Du Haiju. Du Haiju, with an expression full of tender affection, gazes at the little prince, which fills Consort Shu with annoyance: “You can’t bear children yourself, so why look at my son like that?” She feels Du Haiju is overstepping her place.

Du Haiju, without looking, already knows Consort Shu’s expression, and smiles faintly to herself: “Your son is still young—who knows what he may become? In any case, he must call me Empress Mother. If I treat him well, he’ll eventually come to my side! I’ve always excelled at overcoming with gentleness. Didn’t I win Xuanyuan Ren’s heart?”

No one could see the silent contest between the imperial consorts, but among the ministers, open debate had begun. The Minister of Revenue was first to speak: slightly plump, he stood up and saluted Xuanyuan Ren with clasped hands, saying, “Your Majesty, though the young prince is not of the principal line, Consort Shu’s noble status marks him as one destined for great responsibility. May Your Majesty grant him the title of…” But he was interrupted—for the Cheng faction hoped the prince would be made Crown Prince, while the Rui faction did not.

A Vice Minister of Rites from the Rui faction rose and said, “Minister Li speaks too hastily. The young prince is still a child—appointing him crown prince now may not convince the court!” The scene resembled a debate, with the affirmative supporting the prince’s succession, and the opposition against it. The chairman was none other than Xuanyuan Ren himself, and this debate concerned the very fate of the realm.

The second speaker for the affirmative, the Prefect of the Capital, stood and declared, “Precisely because the young prince is so young, it is the perfect time to teach him the principles of governance, so he may understand the teachings of ‘governing by virtue, like the Northern Star, remaining in place while all stars revolve around it.’ The sooner a crown prince is appointed, the better!”

The second speaker for the opposition, commander of the Imperial Guard, immediately stood and retorted, “Prefect Dai, you are mistaken. The establishment of a crown prince is a matter of state, not to be compared with a child’s lessons. Even without being named crown prince, the young prince will surely study diligently; otherwise, how could he ever win the hearts of the people?”

Zhao Chengxian watched the back-and-forth, sipping fine wine in a detached manner, not inclined to judge. He raised his cup to Hui Yue’er, who lifted hers in response. The two exchanged smiles as they drank, their silent understanding unnoticed by the rest, for the whole court was absorbed in the debate—otherwise, their feelings would have been discovered long ago.

Seeing the situation tense, Consort Shu signaled to Li Jinzhou. After a moment’s thought, he rose and said, “Your Majesty, though I should perhaps hold my tongue, the importance of this matter compels me. The appointment of a crown prince is essential to the peace and stability of the nation. Only by settling the succession early can the imperial household be secure, and the country with it!” He claimed to have no private interest, but if he truly had none, would he have waited until today to urge for an early appointment? Was he not hoping for his own grandson to become crown prince?

Prince Rui stood, cast a disdainful glance at Li Jinzhou, and then saluted Xuanyuan Ren. “Is Minister Li truly thinking only of the nation’s future? Who does not know the young prince is his grandson? Does Minister Li wish to control the court?” When an adversary offers such an opening, neither side will show mercy.

Xuanyuan Ren interjected at the right moment, “Enough, both of you. I trust Minister Li’s loyalty to the state. As for the title of the young prince, I already have my own decision.” He looked to the eunuch behind him. “Eunuch Rong, announce the decree.” Such is the art of power.

Eunuch Rong bowed to Xuanyuan Ren, stepped forward, and read out the imperial edict: “By the mandate of Heaven, His Majesty decrees: Though my fifth son is still young, he is clever and dear to my heart. Thus, I bestow upon him the title of Prince of Sinan Commandery. Thus is my will!” In the end, no side won or lost; the debate drew quietly to a close.

Ladies and gentlemen, old and young, and those neither old nor young—shower me with your prizes, red envelopes, and gifts! Don’t hold back; let the storm of praise and generosity come in all its force!