Chapter 271: Peoples Hearts Are Unpredictable

When this question came up, not only did the old eunuch’s hands tremble, but so did Yin Zhaoxian’s body and mind. Could such a question be answered casually?

Yin Zhaoxian got down from the chair almost the very instant after he heard those words, and knelt directly in front of the bed, cupping his hands up by his head and bowing with his head lowered all the way down.

“Your Majesty, this official is just a governor. I am far from the capital, and I am not familiar with the affairs of the court. I also know very little about the two princes. In terms of qualifications and understanding, I cannot answer this question. The only one who can determine the future of Dazhen is His Majesty. As long as it Your Majesty’s appointed prince, I will assist them wholeheartedly!”

Yin Zhaoxian spoke these words quickly and clearly, and did not dare to look up to see Emperor Yuan De’s expression.

The old emperor just leaned against the headboard of the bed and looked at Yin Zhaoxian’s panicked expression.

“Dear Minister Yin, get up and sit down, let’s talk. Give me the tea.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Only then did Yin Zhaoxian dare to stand up, and the old eunuch beside him hurriedly brought over the tea.

“Thank you, Eunuch!”

“Lord Yin, you are welcome.”

The emperor was not in a hurry to speak, just watched Yin Zhaoxian drink the tea.

Yin Zhaoxian thought quickly in his heart. Judging from the previous question, it seemed that he would not be able to avoid this matter today. However, he felt that he had never misspoken. Even though Prince Jin had given him a lot of support, he was merely grateful, and did not intend to take sides.

After Yin Zhaoxian drank some tea, the old emperor also calmed down and spoke again.

“Good Minister Yin, do you know why I value ​​you?”

Yin Zhaoxian knew in his heart that it was likely because he was loyal and capable, but he couldn’t say this himself.

“Your Majesty has his own wise judgment.”

“Because although you, Yin Zhaoxian, are strong and loyal, you are not an inflexible minister. No other person in the court could have performed as well as you did in Wan Province. If it were someone else, they would have either gone along with the corruption, or gotten hurt. Even if they had succeeded out of luck, they would never have though of cleaning up the entirety of Wan Province…

“In just two years, Wan Province has been put back on the right track. The taxed silver from spring and summer alone was twice the previous entire year’s taxed silver from Wan Province. The people of Wan Province are living and working in peace and contentment. You have made great contributions.”

Yin Zhaoxian put down the teacup and bowed.

“Wan Province has grown to such a state thanks to Your Majesty’s grace. Now everyone in Wan Province is aware that the Emperor acquiesced to eliminate the corrupt officials. I was just carrying out Your Majesty’s will!”

“Hahahaha… You, Yin Zhaoxian, also have outstanding skill in flattery.”

1

“Your Majesty, if you look closely, even your flatulence is fabulous for flattery!”

2

Yin Zhaoxian joked, which made the old emperor smile even more.

Many of the eunuchs beside them were secretly wiping away their sweat, while others quietly patted their chests in relief.

The old emperor looked at the white hair that was slowly appearing on Yin Zhaoxian’s head. Considering that Yin Zhaoxian was nearly 40 years old, the already had a lot of white hair, which showed how much effort he had spent on the affairs of Wan Province.

“Good Minister Yin, in retrospect, fortune has always been present in my life. Even the unpredictable path to immortality has been within reach several times…”

Yin Zhaoxian couldn’t help but think of some of the rumors about the Water and Land Assembly in the Capital Prefecture, particularly the two stories about “fishing for the moon in a pool of water” and “beheading the immortal,” which were the most widely circulated. Various versions had also been derived from them, and even spread among the people all the way to Wan Province.

If it were not related to Dazhen’s royal Yang family, there would likely have been multiple versions of the story. Even so, it was enough for Yin Zhaoxian to understand some things.

It was generally agreed that it was the emperor himself who hadn’t grasped the opportunity, particularly with the matter of “beheading the immortal,” which was bizarre enough to make people sigh.

“I no longer have much time left, and I have let go of these things. However, I may leave, but Dazhen is still my Yang family’s country after all, and I don’t want Dazhen to be thrown into chaos after I die.”

Yin Zhaoxian just listened quietly, then bowed again at this point.

“Blessings upon Your Majesty, blessings upon Dazhen!”

The old emperor waved his hand.

“Just now, I asked you which of the two princes is more capable for this great task. In truth, I was not joking. I have been seeking immortality for so long, and although I have not achieved the result I desired, I have seen some extraordinary, miraculous things. I am more willing to believe that you, Yin Zhaoxian, have a great and righteous spirit. Not even that dark quagmire of Wan Province can stain you. No need to mention the future; even now, you are already a loyal minister of the court.”

Emperor Yuan De spoke so many words in a single breath, and took a break before continuing.

“I just heard from a heavenly master that people with great righteous spirits are very rare in this world. If left to themselves, they will become great scholars of high virtue, who can write excellent books and establish schools. If they enter the court, they will definitely become famous officials and wise ministers, and recognize an emperor’s wisdom…”

As he spoke, the old emperor suddenly smiled and asked.

“Good Minister Yin, tell me: am I a wise ruler, or a foolish king?”

Yin Zhaoxian frowned, looked at the emperor, and bowed with cupped hands.

“To me, Your Majesty is naturally a wise ruler!”

“To you… Haha, then I will ask you one more question. Are either Prince Wu or Prince Jin incompetent?”

This question once again made the hearts of everyone in the room leap to their throats. Yin Zhaoxian took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and thought for a while, before slowly opening his mouth.

“The two Royal Highnesses have different personalities. In terms of talent and intelligence, both are excellent choices. Neither of them are foolish or incompetent!”

“Oh? You have no preference in your heart? If I am not mistaken, were you not also present at the family banquet on New Year’s Eve at Prince Jin’s Palace, right before the Spring Festival?”

The old emperor kept staring at Yin Zhaoxian as he spoke, but he did not see the same fear as before on the other party’s face.

“Your Majesty is correct. I was indeed present. I was a commoner then, so I was surprised to have been invited to the palace.”

Since the emperor knew about this matter, Yin Zhaoxian didn’t want to make any excuses. He bowed to show his respect, and acknowledged the truth in a low voice.

The emperor nodded, and then spoke to the surrounding attendants.

“Everyone, leave. Let only Good Minister Yin stay!”

Several eunuchs looked at each other, and then accepted the command and slowly exited the bedroom. Now only the old emperor on the bed and Yin Zhaoxian on the low chair in front of him were left in the large room.

The old emperor looked at Yin Zhaoxian very seriously.

“Good Minister Yin, you and I are the only people in the bedroom at this moment. Just speak frankly, I will pardon any offense. Which of the two princes do you think is more capable of holding this position?”

It was still the same question. Yin Zhaoxian knew that he could not avoid answering. He needed to guess the emperor’s intentions and formulate a perfect answer. If he was wrong, even though the emperor spoke in a dignified fashion before, he would probably not be able to escape death.

Yin Zhaoxian could sense that the old emperor’s previous praises were all sincere, but the more he valued his ability, the less he could afford to answer this question wrong. If a capable minister were at odds with the emperor, and held enormous influence…

Yin Zhaoxian didn’t dare to be distracted any longer. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When he exhaled, he opened his eyes again, and looked at the emperor very seriously. Both faced each other, neither giving in.

“Your Majesty, this minister has made it clear that both Royal Highnesses are of the highest capability. No matter who succeeds the throne…”

At this point, Yin Zhaoxian stood up, his tone slightly heavier, and when he bowed, he looked directly at the emperor, and spoke a sincere oath.

“As long as that Highness trusts this minister, this minister will do my best to assist him, to ensure the prosperity of the realm, to ensure the fate of our dynasty, to spread education in this world, to enforce the laws of our country — as long as I, Yin Zhaoxian, am here, this government will not fall into chaos! I am confident that I have this ability!”

When Yin Zhaoxian said these words, his righteous spirit rose like a flame, and even produced some strange illusions. In Emperor Yuan De’s naked eyes, he felt that the room was full of light, and his heart was deeply shaken.

Emperor Yuan De did not speak for a long time.

“Good! Good! Good! I believe you!”

After returning to his senses, he exclaimed “good” three times in a row, and even pushed himself up with one hand, stretched out the other, and lifted up Yin Zhaoxian’s hands, which were cupped in a bow.

“I will give you a Red Document

3

and an Iron Token.

4

I hope the Good Minister will not forget the words you have spoken today!”

“Your Majesty, on my life!”

5

Emperor Yuande smiled. It was not his usual majestic smile, but a more relaxed expression.

“Sit, sit.”

“Yes!”

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

“In truth, I am also aware that Prince Jin’s talents are better than Prince Wu’s, and I even prefer Prince Jin…”

The way Yin Zhaoxian understood this sentence, it seemed to imply bad news for Prince Jin. Sure enough, the old emperor changed directions.

“But Prince Wu is the eldest son, and he has been performing his duties for many years without making any mistakes. He has great prestige in the court, and he is not a mediocre individual. Haha, in the end, they are all my sons, and I know their temperaments. I will leave a secret decree with you. If the one who succeeds the throne in the future wishes to take his brother’s life, you should show it to him…”

Yin Zhaoxian sighed secretly, he basically understood who the old emperor wanted to choose.

“I have decided: the throne will pass to the eldest prince. I will issue the succession decree in ten days. Good Minister, you must assist him wholeheartedly!”

“This Minister shall obey your commands!”

Yin Zhaoxian stood up from his char even before he had time to sit down again, and knelt in front of the bed to salute.

. . .

In Prince Jin’s palace, Prince Jin Yang Hao stood in the garden pavilion and looked at the gloomy sky outside. In addition to the young master Li Mushu, the head of the Chu family was also present.

“Your Royal Highness, Lord Yin went straight to the palace when he entered the capital this morning. He didn’t even take a break beforehand, and he hasn’t come out yet…”

The head of the Chu family sipped his tea and asked.

“Hmm.”

Prince Jin just responded without saying anything else.

Li Mushu, whose old age was already showing, stroked his long beard and looked at Prince Jin’s back.

“Your Highness should be more concerned about Governor Yin’s opinion. Does His Highness think Governor Yin will find a way to help you?”

Prince Jin turned to look at his teacher, who was already growing very old, shook his head, and sighed.

“Unless my eldest brother is really unbearable… Alas, Yin Zhaoxian is not that kind of person… With Father Emperor’s health… Why couldn’t it have lasted a few more years…”

As opposed to Prince Wu, Prince Jin hoped that Emperor Yuan De would stay healthy for a few more years. This was not only a question of filial piety, but also an important factor in competing for the throne.

He had originally thought that he had at least five years left, but the Water and Land Assembly was too stimulating, and his father’s health had collapsed too quickly. This could be said to be a kind of irony…

. . .

At this moment, in Prince Wu’s palace.

In front of Prince Wu’s main hall, wine was being heated up, and there were numerous fruits on the table. Sitting with him were two of his confidants, a minister of the Ministry of War, and an official from the Department of State Affairs.

The atmosphere here was relatively more relaxed that that in Prince Jin’s palace. Prince Wu Yang Qing was also 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 inexperienced.

“Yin Zhaoxian has been in the palace for a long time, no?”

Prince Wu naturally valued Yin Zhaoxian highly. He was definitely a capable minister. Prince Wu had already tried to win him over several times. Although Zhaoxian had never expressed his position, at least he should have made a good impression.

Moreover, he was far away in Wan Province, and thus knew very little about the affairs of the capital. He was unlikely to have any inclinations.

Hearing Prince Wu’s words, the people around him nodded.

“Well, it has been more than two hours. His Majesty must think Yin Zhaoxian is very important. To summon him at this time is…”

The official of the Department of State Affairs was interrupted halfway through his words by a hurried shout.

“Your Highness! Your Highness!”

A grey-clothed servant ran from the outside all the way into the hall.

“What’s wrong?”

Prince Wu frowned and asked.

The servant took a few breaths to ease himself, and handed over a note.

“There is top-secret news from the palace…”

The servant glanced at the two officials nearby.

However, Prince Wu regarded the others as his confidants and didn’t care. He immediately opened the paper seal and read it. The more he read, the paler his face became.

“Yin! Zhao! Xian… He turned out to be the third brother’s man! The emperor asked him several times for his choice of crown prince, and even dismissed his attendants, leaving Yin Zhaoxian alone!”

“What!”

“How did Your Highness find out?”

The two ministers nearby were shocked.

“I have people around my father, you can see for yourselves…”

Prince Wu handed the note to the two of them. His face was gloomy and he grit his teeth…

T/n: Thanks for your patience, friends! We’re back with hopefully more chapters. And man, I do NOT want to be in YZX’s position, how the heck was he not freaking out

Lit. “patting a horse’s buttocks,” comes from practice where people would compliment the horse regardless of its condition

T/n: ok fun TL moment here. The exchange is based heavily on Chinese idioms. As seen in the prev. footnote, the expression for flattery is literally “patting a horse’s butt,” and YZX is making a pun with a literal interpretation of the idiom. His words translate to, “even if I’m patting a butt, it’s still a dragon (i.e. emperor) butt, not a horse butt,” meaning “even if I’m flattering, you’re still the emperor, so it’s warranted.” But it’s also joke, so it needs to be translated accordingly to keep the flow, meaning, and context. I don’t want to leave it as “patting the horse’s butt” because that’s a nonsensical phrase in English and would break immersion, so I translated it fully and chose a different path to make a joke: alliteration!

丹 (dān): red/cinnabar, 书 (shū): book/document/letter -> “Red Writing” or “Red Document.” In ancient China, red ink or cinnabar was used for sacred or imperial writing, and Red Documents were formal written imperial promises or decrees, usually involving succession or appointments.

A physical token made of iron, granted by emperors to trusted officials, granting lifetime titles, hereditary privileges, or immunity from certain punishments. Acts as a guarantee of imperial favor or protection

万死不辞 (wànsǐbùcí): lit. “ten thousand deaths will not prevent me,” idiom means “ready to risk life and limb”