Cao Dejiang nodded, "During his lifetime, he wasn't on friendly terms with the aristocratic families and always disapproved of their excessive power overshadowing the imperial authority." He paused, studying Fu Laiqing's still youthful but perceptive demeanor. Since the young man had already entered officialdom, he would inevitably learn certain truths sooner or later. After a moment of hesitation, Cao Dejiang continued, "Moreover, there were irreconcilable conflicts between Rong Qian'an and the aristocracy."
Fu Laiqing was puzzled, "Conflicts?"
Cao Dejiang looked up, "How much do you know about the matter of the Crown Prince Li?"
"Not much. Grandmother wouldn't let me ask, and few people who know speak of it," Fu Laiqing replied.
"Do you know how the Crown Prince Li was disgraced?"
"I heard it was treason?" Fu Laiqing hesitantly answered.
Cao Dejiang glanced at him, "Have you ever seen a Crown Prince, securely seated in the Eastern Palace and well-loved by the people, needing to rely on treason to ascend the throne?"
Fu Laiqing was stunned. Realizing the implication of these words, his eyes widened, "Are you saying that the Crown Prince Li was..."
"I didn't say anything," Cao Dejiang interrupted sharply, stopping him before he could utter the word "wronged." Seeing Fu Laiqing's shock and barely concealed astonishment, he spoke in a low, calm tone.
"Back then, the Crown Prince Li was very influential in court. He had long recognized the issues within the government, arguing that the aristocracy's monopoly on power would erode the foundation of the state, and that the court's reliance on the recommendation system to appoint officials would only strengthen the aristocracy, undermining imperial authority and stifling the rise of truly capable individuals."
"The Crown Prince wanted to reform the system, shifting from recommendation-based appointments to competitive examinations, opening up pathways for commoners and talented individuals to advance. However, this reform threatened the interests of the aristocracy and many officials in court, who resisted it. At the time, Rong Qian'an was one of the few who supported him."
Fu Laiqing had only a superficial understanding of past events, and both the matriarch of the Fu family and Cao Dejiang had always been reluctant to discuss the Crown Prince Li. Now, hearing Cao Dejiang bring it up voluntarily, he straightened up, listening intently.
"And what happened after that?" he asked.
"It ultimately failed," Cao Dejiang said, his expression darkening. "The aristocracy's roots were deeply entrenched, and their influence spread throughout the court. The Crown Prince's proposal was seen as a threat to their foundation, cutting into the interests of the aristocracy. The reforms were immediately met with fierce opposition.
"Those whose interests were threatened not only united against the Crown Prince but also used various means to sabotage him. Within a short time, the Crown Prince's supporters suffered heavy losses, and the Emperor remained noncommittal, refusing to take a stand. Some who had initially stood with the Crown Prince could not bear the pressure and withdrew, leaving the Eastern Palace's power severely diminished. The Crown Prince's position became increasingly precarious. During this period, many lost faith in him, but Rong Qian'an, who had always stayed out of court disputes, continued to stand by him, advocating for reform and lobbying on his behalf."
Recalling the events of that time, Cao Dejiang's eyes were filled with a mix of emotions.
The reform had gained considerable support, including many officials like Cao Dejiang who worked behind the scenes. They didn't want to see the aristocracy monopolize the government and hoped for fresh, capable talent to enter the administration. They secretly helped the Crown Prince push the reforms, and with Rong Qian'an's standing in the literary world and his status as a respected elder statesman, there was a brief period when the situation seemed to improve, and the Crown Prince began to make headway.
But fate had other plans. Just when success seemed within reach, a scandal erupted during the first round of competitive examinations. Corruption and favoritism marred what should have been a rigorous process, and, worse, it led to fatalities.
All the efforts up to that point were rendered meaningless, and the Crown Prince's situation became even more dire.
"After the examination scandal, the reforms were forced to halt, and the aristocracy seized the opportunity to accuse the Crown Prince of corruption," Cao Dejiang sighed.
"Years of the aristocracy's accumulated power came crashing down, plunging the court into chaos. There were even disturbances across the land, threatening the very foundations of the Wei dynasty. The Emperor, unable to quell the situation, publicly reprimanded the Crown Prince for his overzealous actions, ordered his confinement, and stripped him of his authority, all to appease the aristocracy. But who could have predicted that, while under house arrest, the Crown Prince would suddenly descend into madness..."
The once brilliant and promising heir to the throne became mentally unstable, sometimes lucid, other times violent. Not long after, the Crown Prince was accused of treason, setting fire to the imperial palace.
Hundreds of people in the Eastern Palace perished in a single night. All those associated with the Crown Prince were ruthlessly purged.
The capital was drenched in blood, with countless families ruined, both guilty and innocent. Anyone remotely connected to the incident was executed, leading to months where the execution ground never saw a break. The bodies piled up in mass graves on the outskirts of the city, and the air of the capital was thick with the stench of blood.
During that period, everyone in the capital lived in fear, and no one in court dared to be associated with the Crown Prince. Although Rong Qian'an was not charged, his close association with the Crown Prince had stained him.
Sensing the danger and perhaps understanding that staying in court would lead to his death, Rong Qian'an retired from politics soon after the Crown Prince's downfall.
The aristocracy might have considered moving against him, but Rong Qian'an was a three-generation elder statesman who had educated countless officials. By voluntarily stepping down, they neither dared nor could act against him.
Yet, Rong Qian'an was already advanced in years. The turmoil left him with lingering ailments, and after the tragic deaths of Rong Daniu and Song family's second son, he was bedridden with grief. Not long after, he too passed away."
Fu Laiqing was deeply shaken by what he heard, both by the bloody past and by some vague thoughts stirring in his mind. "Uncle, was the Grand Tutor Rong really sick when he passed away?"
Cao Dejiang glanced at him, "That's what the Imperial Medical Bureau said." As for the truth, who could say?
He had considered investigating and had his doubts about the events surrounding Crown Prince Li, but all the clues related to that matter had been thoroughly erased. The moment he tried to probe a little, he nearly brought trouble upon himself, and it was at a time when the new emperor was consolidating power and purging the court.
Emperor An rose to power with the support of the aristocracy, and it was only because Crown Prince Li was disgraced that he had the opportunity to ascend to the throne. During that period, both the emperor and the aristocracy were extremely sensitive about the matter of the Crown Prince, and the aristocracy's power was at its peak.
It was already a challenge for him to preserve himself under the suppression of the aristocracy. Even if he had suspicions, no matter how many doubts he harbored, he could not risk the lives of the entire Cao family.
Cao Dejiang looked at Fu Laiqing, who seemed deep in thought. "I'm telling you all this so you understand the methods of the aristocracy."
"To them, imperial power has never been something to revere. But for Xiao Yan to make it this far, right under their noses as a mere eunuch, and force Lu Chongyuan to resort to desperate measures to strike at him on the outskirts of the capital, only for Xiao Yan to still manage to escape—he is no ordinary person." His tone was solemn, and his words carried a warning.
"The means and cunning of Xiao Yan are far from ordinary. From what I have observed, his demeanor and actions do not resemble someone from a lowly background. It's natural to be curious about him after entering the court, but don't be quick to dig into his background, and certainly don't provoke him. Otherwise, you might bring trouble upon yourself and the Fu family."
"As for these past events, it's enough for you to know them in your heart. Be mindful of them, but no matter what you're thinking, do not let it show when you're outside, and do not investigate the matters of the past. Otherwise, the Fu family will end up like the Duke of Song's household. Understand?"
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T/N: If I was told to not investigate, this would make me want to investigate more
You can read ahead to chapterr 234 here
Ooh look, logic in the wild! 🕵️♂️
ReplyDelete"Have you ever seen a Crown Prince, securely seated in the Eastern Palace and well-loved by the people, needing to rely on treason to ascend the throne?"