Chapter 8: Reckless Boldness

Eunuch Li was exceptionally perceptive and had long since prepared a desk that could be placed atop the emperor’s couch. Zhao Yu set his essay on the desk, then helped the old emperor sit up properly before stepping aside. This scene was observed by the four ministers present, each of whom was filled with satisfaction, all praising the Fourth Prince’s admirable filial piety.

Such praise delighted Zhao Yu immensely; his spirits soared, and he looked proudly and provocatively at Crown Prince Zhao Su, as if he already saw the position of crown prince beckoning to himself.

“Not bad at all. It seems Old Fourth has indeed applied himself these past few years. These strategies for governing the realm are most insightful,” the old emperor exclaimed repeatedly as he read the essay, unable to contain his admiration whenever he encountered a particularly brilliant passage.

Zhao Yu, overwhelmed by such favor, replied, “Thank you, Father Emperor, for your praise. All of this is owed to Your Majesty’s and the Grand Chancellor’s guidance. Over the years, your policies have deeply influenced me. What I have written is but a modest, dutiful following of your example.”

He dared not claim credit, instead attributing all merit to his father and the Grand Chancellor. When it came to the ways of the world, he was certainly adept.

True enough, the emperor stroked his beard and laughed heartily, “You, you…”

Zhao Yu bowed even lower, the respect on his face even more pronounced.

Not only the emperor, but even Grand Chancellor Li Chengyun was smiling with satisfaction, a sense of pride in having such a worthy protégé.

The essay was quickly finished. The emperor nodded in approval and looked to the Sixth Prince. “Xiao Liu, present your essay.”

Zhao Heng hurried forward, placing his essay before the emperor with both hands, thoughtfully weighing one corner down with a paperweight.

“Xiao Liu’s calligraphy is quite impressive; it appears he has truly inherited Minister Yu Wen’s style,” the emperor remarked with a smile.

Grand Tutor Yu Wen Chengshun promptly bowed and replied, “Your Majesty, the Sixth Prince is exceptionally intelligent. At such a young age, he has already grasped the essence of calligraphy. Given time, he will surely become a master. Even more remarkable is his keen insight into statecraft—he is truly capable.”

“Teacher flatters me. All my progress is due to Father Emperor’s and your instruction,” Zhao Heng responded with humility.

Marshal Yuchi Wei, however, was incensed. Pointing at Yu Wen Chengshun, he barked, “Yu Wen, Grand Tutor, don’t forget your station!”

He practically spat out the words “Grand Tutor” through gritted teeth.

Yu Wen Chengshun, experienced and shrewd, was not about to rise to the bait. He understood perfectly well what was implied, especially as the Crown Prince Zhao Su’s gaze alighted upon him. Even with his seasoned composure, he could not help but feel awkward.

After all, he was the Crown Prince’s tutor and should have been devoted to the prince’s education. Yet for three years, he had neglected this duty, favoring another prince instead. What did this signify? At best, a dereliction of duty; at worst, defiance of imperial will—perhaps even plotting to have a new crown prince installed.

Yu Wen Chengshun simply flicked his sleeve dismissively, refusing to engage further.

His role in instructing the Sixth Prince was known throughout the court; the emperor could not be ignorant of it. Since no prohibition had been issued, it was tacitly permitted. Therefore, he was not concerned about punishment.

The emperor, seemingly oblivious to their argument, continued to read the essays in earnest, nodding occasionally and voicing his approval at particularly brilliant sections.

Zhao Heng was inwardly smug but outwardly humble and courteous.

When both essays had been read, the emperor made no mention of reviewing the Crown Prince Zhao Su’s essay. Instead, he indicated the essays to Eunuch Li: “Let the princes read each other’s essays as well.”

The two essays circulated among the four young men, each offering measured praise, their attitudes apparently impartial.

As if to needle Marshal Yuchi Wei in retaliation for his earlier remark, Yu Wen Chengshun handed him the essays with a smile. “Marshal, please have a look at the fine works of the two princes.”

Zhao Yu and Zhao Heng exchanged looks but said nothing, their gazes shifting to Crown Prince Zhao Su. In their estimation, no matter who triumphed today, victory would not belong to Zhao Su.

Marshal Yuchi Wei snorted coldly and glared at Yu Wen Chengshun but still took the essays to read.

He was astonished by what he found. Although neither prince’s strategies could compare with those of the cabinet ministers, they were nonetheless astute. Both had clearly made the most of their three years of participation in court affairs, each offering unique perspectives on governance.

At this, Marshal Yuchi Wei’s heart sank in despair.

His own grandson, the Crown Prince, had never participated in government nor reviewed memorials. He had no understanding of statecraft—how could he possibly compete?

It was lost, truly lost this time. My daughter, your old father has failed, unable to secure Su’er’s position. The marshal could not hold back his tears, which nearly soaked through the paper in his hands.

Zhao Su, seeing his grandfather weep, grew curious. Could it be that his two younger brothers truly possessed such astonishing talent?

He stepped forward and took the essays, skimming through them. His anger flared. “Utter nonsense! How could such drivel be presented here in public?”

Before all present, he threw the essays to the floor. Still unsatisfied, he stamped on them twice.

“Your Highness!” Everyone in the chamber was stunned by the Crown Prince’s actions.

Yu Wen Chengshun was furious, his beard bristling as he pointed at Zhao Su. “Such disgraceful conduct! Have you no sense of propriety? As Crown Prince, do you not know the rules of decorum?”

Zhao Su met his gaze directly, enunciating each word: “Teacher, if you have not taught me, how should I know what propriety is?”

The others assailed Zhao Su with harsh words, spittle flying as if a storm had broken. If not for the emperor’s presence, Zhao Su might have struck them all in his rage.

Zhao Yu’s lips curled into a cold smile. For Zhao Su to be so reckless here, surely the position of crown prince was as good as lost.

Zhao Heng said nothing, as if the essay Zhao Su had trampled was not his own.

At last, the emperor could bear it no longer. He slammed the desk violently. “Enough! Silence, all of you!”

Perhaps he had exerted himself too much, for he began to cough violently, his face flushing deep red.

“Elder Brother, look what you’ve done to Father Emperor! Kneel and apologize at once!” Zhao Yu shouted, pointing at Zhao Su.

Zhao Su was taken aback at the emperor’s state and hastened to bow and apologize, though he still protested, “Father, in my view, these two essays are utterly absurd. If Great Qin were governed according to their proposals, within ten years the empire would be overturned.”

“Crown Prince, mind your words!” The assembly was aghast; none expected the Crown Prince to utter such a dire prediction.

The emperor’s face darkened with rage, and he seemed on the verge of rising to strike someone.

Marshal Yuchi Wei was sweating with anxiety and hurriedly urged, “Crown Prince, kneel and beg His Majesty’s pardon!”

Zhao Su, however, held his head high. “I spoke nothing but the truth—why should I apologize?”

“You—” The marshal wanted to speak but could find no words.

The atmosphere grew tense and deadlocked, until the emperor, in fury, snapped, “You claim their strategies are wrong, but do you think your own scrawled essay is correct?”

With that, the emperor threw Zhao Su’s essay to the ground.