Chapter 147 Resignation
Chapter 147 Resignation
Chapter 147
Ye Yunzhou was immersed in his own thoughts when he suddenly heard his father's question. His thoughts turned back and he pondered for a moment before slowly expressing his thoughts.
"Father, I came here today because I have something to discuss with you."
Seeing his eldest son's serious expression, the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery was startled, thinking something serious had happened. He dropped his leisurely demeanor and hurriedly asked, "What is it? Tell me now."
Ye Yunzhou gave Marquis Zhongyong a soothing look and said, "Father, don't worry. Let me explain it to you in detail."
When Marquis Zhongyong heard his eldest son say this, he felt relieved and signaled to his eldest son to speak faster.
Ye Yunzhou pondered for a moment, polished his thoughts, and then casually asked, "Father, have you noticed the undercurrents in the court these days?"
Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery became alert and looked around. Seeing that the doors and windows were closed, he lowered his voice and asked, "Father, I have noticed that the atmosphere in the court has become somewhat tense recently. But now that you ask this, have you discovered anything?"
Ye Yunzhou wasn't surprised that his father could sense the atmosphere in the court. However, without any concrete evidence, he didn't dare to speak rashly. He just said vaguely, "There are undercurrents between the princes, and they are constantly making small moves. The same is true in the court."
Upon hearing this, the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery grew even more solemn. He said in a deep voice, "The Emperor is now in good health. How many people would dare to be unfaithful?"
Upon hearing this, Ye Yunzhou leaned back slowly, his attitude becoming somewhat casual. He sneered and continued, "Father only sees that the emperor is in good health now, but what if one day he is no longer so strong? How could the princes not think about preparing for a rainy day? After all, who wouldn't want to ascend to the supreme throne?"
The loyal and brave Marquis's eyes flashed, and all kinds of possible situations emerged in his mind, and his mood became heavier.
He looked at Ye Yunzhou who looked nonchalant, and felt relieved. He thought that since his eldest son said this now, he must have some ideas.
Ye Yunzhou nodded and shook his head slightly, his expression complicated.
The loyal and brave marquis was puzzled and asked, "Did you find out or not?"
Ye Yunzhou responded, "I haven't found anything substantial, but I've discovered some clues. This matter is extremely difficult to investigate, after all, it concerns the royal heir."
Upon hearing this, Marquis Zhongyong tapped his fingers lightly on the table, thought for a moment, and then stood up.
He knew his son had always been a very righteous person, and since he was laying it all out with him today, he must have made a decision. But seeing how serious he was, he knew the decision was no simple one.
Marquis Zhongyong pondered in his heart, waiting for Ye Yunzhou to explain further.
Ye Yunzhou took a look at his father's expression and knew that his father had probably guessed it, so he didn't keep him in suspense.
He stood up and bowed deeply to the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery.
Marquis Zhongyong frowned and looked at him, completely puzzled as to why he was performing such a grand ceremony.
"I ask my father to write a letter to strip me of my title as the crown prince." Ye Yunzhou said solemnly.
The Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery had already guessed what was going on, so he wasn't surprised to hear his response. However, his expression remained serious, his gaze fixed on Ye Yunzhou, awaiting further explanation.
Ye Yunzhou stood up, looked directly into his father's eyes, and expressed his thoughts after two days of careful consideration: "I am the Inspector General of the Hidden Dragon Division appointed by His Majesty. I am subordinate to His Majesty and should be His Majesty's most trusted person. However, because I was granted the title of Crown Prince at a young age, and because of my status as the Crown Prince of the Loyal and Brave Marquisate, His Majesty has always been somewhat distant from me."
"My Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery holds a very important position in the military, so it's understandable that His Majesty would be wary. However, this matter is extremely inappropriate for us. If I continue to hold the title of Crown Prince, His Majesty's suspicions will only deepen, which will be of no benefit to either the Marquisate or myself. Only by asking my father to write a letter to strip me of my title of Crown Prince can His Majesty's suspicions be dispelled and the Marquisate's safety be guaranteed."
"in addition,"
He paused slightly, seeing his father's grim expression, but he could only continue, "If I depose the prince, I will forever lose the qualification to inherit the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery's Mansion. In the future, Your Majesty will probably value me even more. This way, if I investigate the affairs of the princes and there is indeed something wrong, Your Majesty will not be suspicious. This will only benefit us, not harm us. I hope father will agree."
The Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery closed his eyes tightly, then opened them again. Looking at his eldest son, who had suffered so much since childhood, he felt a slight pang of pain in his heart. He knew that the Hidden Dragon Secretary, as His Majesty's trusted confidant, must not have any other help. And His Majesty had been waiting for him to resign the throne on his son's behalf.
But he couldn't bear it, so the matter was delayed again and again.
But with the court now turbulent, how could he abandon it? After all, state affairs took precedence over family matters. If something were to happen to Emperor Yuanzhen, the princes wouldn't be crowned kings, and His Majesty wouldn't appoint a crown prince, then a bloody conflict would ensue, with only the soldiers and civilians suffering. How could he bear it?
Seeing his father's wavering expression, Ye Yunzhou sighed slightly, walked forward, poured a cup of tea, and handed it to the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery.
Marquis Zhongyong glanced at him but did not reach out to take it.
Ye Yunzhou was not discouraged and continued to hold the teacup, but his tone was very calm: "Father, don't feel sorry for me. Whether it's me or Ah Xing, we are both descendants of the Marquisate. Now that I have obtained the position of Supervisor of the Hidden Dragon Division, the Zhongyong Marquisate should naturally be inherited by Ah Xing. I don't feel wronged. Father, please don't think too much."
The Loyal and Brave Marquis looked at his son, his face calm, and felt a surge of guilt. He knew his son's decision was a huge sacrifice, but given the situation, there was no better solution. He reached for the teacup, his eyes complex.
After a moment of silence, the Marquis of Loyalty and Bravery spoke again: "Since you have made your decision, your father will obey you. But you must think it through. Once you make a decision, there is no turning back."
Ye Yunzhou nodded, his eyes firm: "Don't worry, father, I understand."
The father and son discussed in the room for a full hour before Ye Yunzhou said goodbye and left.
Marquis Zhongyong looked at his eldest son's back and sighed softly, feeling helpless, but there was nothing he could do.
After leaving Kyoto Prefecture, Ye Yi had been waiting eagerly. When he saw Ye Yunzhou coming out, he hurried forward to greet him.
Seeing his anxious expression, Ye Yunzhou suddenly felt an ominous premonition in his heart, and hurriedly asked anxiously: "What's wrong? Tell me quickly!"
Ye Yi looked nervous and pulled Ye Yunzhou's sleeve hard, pulling him a little further away from the gate of Kyoto Prefecture.
He looked around cautiously, and after confirming that no one was around, he spoke in a panic, "Didn't you ask me to go look for Second Young Master Liu today? I rushed over early this morning, but when I got there, I found out he had already left the mansion. I felt something was amiss, so I asked around, and what I found was incredible. I discovered he'd secretly gathered a group of thugs, and they didn't look like good people. Afterwards, they all headed out of the city. I think there's definitely something fishy going on, and they seem to be plotting something."
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