For those in office, which one is not a clever and cunning mind?

  Since ancient times, hasn't the most important thing for those in power been to eliminate threats to themselves?

  One day as the emperor and one day as a minister is an unchanging principle.

  When the Grand King was in critical condition, everyone understood that some people would inevitably have to leave the Changsha Mansion. However, no one expected that the will left behind by the Grand King after his death would not only announce that the Second Prince Ma Xisheng would succeed to the throne but also stipulate that the throne would be passed down from brother to brother.

  What does it mean?

  It's just that the older brother died and the younger brother took the throne. This kingship is for brothers to take turns occupying!

  The eldest son of the Ma family, Xi Zhen, had long since abandoned his official position and left politics. The third son was even more premature in his demise. If the second son, Ma Xi Sheng, were to pass away one day, the throne would then fall to the fourth son, also known as Qi Wang.

  So why would Ma Shiying let Qi Wang stay in Changsha Mansion? What if he was eager to take the throne and got himself killed?

  Therefore, after he inherited the great treasure, the first thing he did was to immediately dispatch Qi Wang to Nan Chuan to govern the border, and set out on that very day.

  All officials are well aware that this is a dignified exile! It means to pray for the king to stay on the border from now on and not think about stepping into Changsha Prefecture again!

  Such disposal is reasonable and expected.

  But... how did the exile just disappear? Is it...

  A hint of fear appeared in the eyes of all officials, apparently they had already thought of a possibility...

  The King is dead!

  Otherwise, how can people disappear?

  "Let him in, let's hear the details!" Ma Xi's voice was full of concern, and the officials' eyes rolled around, they were already guessing whether everything that followed was a show for them to see!

  The attendants rushed in, dusty and disheveled, and knelt down at the foot of the hall to begin their report.

  "I report to Your Majesty, several days ago, General Du led the officials of Nan Chuan County to welcome King Qi's arrival for inspection at the government office. Unexpectedly, King Qi did not follow the ceremonial procession and when asked, his attendants said that he had secretly set out three days in advance, but there has been no sign of him in Nan Chuan..."

  The attendants were still speaking, but Cen Can, the Minister of Works, could not help but rush to Peng Yu, who was then the Military Governor of Wuping, and whisper to him:

  Peng Jing's position is lower than Wei, the emperor is timid and weak, the country is in chaos, the people are suffering, the officials are corrupt, the scholars are ignorant, the farmers are poor, the merchants are greedy, the workers are exhausted.

  In sharp contrast to his calmness, however, were the Left and Right Ministers, whose hostile stares at each other almost sparked fire.

  Since ancient times, royal families have had many descendants and therefore many branches.

  Left Prime Minister Yao Yanzhang and Right Prime Minister Xu Dexun both supported the eldest son, Ma Xizhen, to inherit the throne because he was the eldest legitimate son, from bloodline to talent and virtue, perfect in every way.

  But... life is unpredictable, no matter how perfect it may seem!

  The late king favored Concubine Yuan, and among the children born to her, he especially doted on Ma Xi. However, the eldest prince lost his mother at a young age, and no one could speak for him in front of the late king. Gradually, the late king paid less attention to the eldest prince. Later, it is unknown whether the eldest prince lost confidence or really became infatuated, but he surprisingly resigned from office and became a Taoist priest!

  Now it's settled! The eldest son has run away, and naturally someone else will be chosen to succeed the great treasure!

  According to order and favoritism, Yuan De's son Ma Xisheng naturally had the highest voice! However, Left Prime Minister Yao Yanzhang firmly disagreed!

  Why?

  Because he is both the left prime minister and the teacher of the princes, he knows too well what's in Marquis Hai's mind. Moreover, he believes that it was Empress Yuan De who forced the eldest prince to despair for her own son's sake, so how could he possibly be willing to support him?

  He took a liking to Ma Xi Fan, who was one of the four young masters.

  Although the Fourth Prince is very low-key and has no intention of competing for the throne, he knows that only the Fourth Prince can succeed to the great treasure and make the future of Chu State bright. Moreover, the former king liked the Fourth Prince very much, otherwise he would not have given him the title of "Qiwang" alone, so he always believed that Qiwang was the best choice for a wise ruler, and he arranged everything for him.

  Unfortunately, the previous king passed away and left a will that still passed the throne to the son of his favorite concubine, Ma Xisheng. He knew he had lost, so it would be good for King Qi to have a peaceful retreat, but now...

  Just as the attendant had finished reporting, Left Chancellor Yao Yanzhang stepped forward and said in a loud voice: "Your Majesty, I beg to report that since King Qi took office as Military Governor of Southern Jiangnan, he has often gone out incognito to inspect the people's sentiments. Now, not seeing his shadow, it is likely that he is still on a private visit somewhere and was unable to arrive on time. There is no need to be alarmed..."

  "This remark is quite wrong!" Right Prime Minister Xu De Xun hastily stepped forward and said: "I beg Your Majesty to consider that the Prince of Qi has been educated since childhood, deeply understanding the importance of etiquette. Even if it's a private visit, he cannot delay the ceremonial welcome by the officials. Since he hasn't appeared, in my humble opinion, there are only two possibilities. One is that the Prince of Qi completely disregards etiquette and intentionally wants to embarrass Your Majesty..."

  "Be careful what you say! Wish you are now reading 'Tangmen Du Zong' Chapter 17, only half of the chapter is available. To read the full version, please search on Baidu: () and then search again for 'Tangmen Du Zong'"

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