Chapter 1224: Chapter 191: Emperor Yong'an's Intentions
Chapter 1224: Chapter 191: Emperor Yong’an’s Intentions
The serious illness of Emperor Yong’an is impossible to conceal. Furthermore, Emperor Yong’an never intended to hide it from the world. After falling ill, he immediately wrote a letter requesting Zhao Yao to return to the capital, and asked Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu to temporarily handle state affairs.
Once Zhao Yao returned to the capital, Emperor Yong’an promptly issued an edict appointing Zhao Yao as the regent, responsible for managing all court matters.
The arrangement by Emperor Yong’an did not surprise the civil and military officials of the court. Now, the only prince remaining healthy is Prince Han. As for Prince Chu, the ministers are well aware that Emperor Yong’an would never allow him to return to the court. Furthermore, Prince Han is the most trusted younger brother of Emperor Yong’an.
Emperor Yong’an has been married for many years without offspring. After ascending the throne, he did not take concubines, and to this day has no children at all. Now, as Emperor Yong’an is seriously ill and has appointed Prince Han as regent, his intentions are evident.
The ministers in the court are clear that Prince Han is destined to be the next emperor, hence no opposition to Zhao Yao’s regency.
Soon, Prince Han is about to ascend the throne; opposing his regency now would be equivalent to not valuing one’s life.
Although the ministers do not oppose Zhao Yao’s regency and handling of state affairs, many officials question Zhao Yao’s competence, as he has never shown exemplary performance in the court previously.
Some ministers are not quite honest, attempting to manipulate Zhao Yao, not realizing that Zhao Yao had already discerned their intentions.
Zhao Yao’s methods of handling state affairs, while not as extreme and severe as Emperor Yong’an’s, are very incisive, intimidating the officials into not daring to play tricks.
Even though Zhao Yao has been in Swamp Prefecture, it does not mean he is unaware of court matters. Since Emperor Yong’an ascended the throne, Zhao Yao has been vigilant, always keeping an eye on the capital’s movements. He is thoroughly informed about everything happening in the court, whether major or minor events. Many ministers, relying on Zhao Yao being far in Lingnan, believed he wouldn’t understand court affairs and tried scheming under his nose, only to hit a snag.
While in Swamp Prefecture, although Zhao Yao did not attend court daily nor review memorials every day, and even entrusted the cabinet with the handling of various affairs, it does not mean he is ignorant. Besides his sources of information, he could discern everything from the reviewed memorials.
For cabinet officials wanting to manipulate affairs and deceive Zhao Yao, it is utterly impossible.
After assuming the regency, upon reviewing memorials that Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu had handled, Zhao Yao could ascertain the numerous matters recently transpired in the court.
Officials who believed Zhao Yao was easy to deceive were stunned and frightened by Zhao Yao’s methods, subsequently becoming obedient and refraining from causing trouble.
Initially, Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu were worried about Zhao Yao’s handling of state affairs as a new regent, only to find Zhao Yao at ease and skillful.
After witnessing Zhao Yao’s handling of state affairs, Prime Minister He and Grandmaster Liu both breathed a sigh of relief, lamenting that Zhao Yao indeed deserved the Supreme Emperor’s selection.
Prime Minister He, Grandmaster Liu, and the Minister of Rites exited the East Warm Pavilion of Zichen Hall after discussing next year’s imperial examination matters with Zhao Yao.
Emperor Yong’an’s extermination of the Li Family hurt the hearts of scholars nationwide, leading to a decrease in those participating in the imperial examinations in recent years.
After assuming the regency, Zhao Yao decided to hold a special imperial examination next year, conducting provincial, metropolitan, and palace examinations. By regulation, these exams occur every three years. But noticing the decreasing number of scholars participating, Zhao Yao decided to expedite the exams to next year.
The news of the special examination quickly spread across Great Zhou. Upon hearing that it was proposed by Prince Han, literati from all parts decided to partake in next year’s special examination.
Meanwhile, scholars who had traveled to various state prefectures in Lingnan learned of Emperor Yong’an’s serious illness, Prince Han’s regency, and the special exam next year. They packed up to return home and prepare for the imperial examination next year.
Zhao Yao has always been very popular among civilians, winning their deep reception. After Emperor Yong’an ascended the throne, Zhao Yao’s prestige increased, and civilians wished for him to become emperor. Now with Emperor Yong’an’s serious illness and no offspring, civilians are aware Prince Han is set to be the next emperor, filling them with joy.
Since ascending the throne, although Emperor Yong’an did not commit appalling acts to harm the civilians, his cruelty, coupled with employing the Jinyi Guard to monitor places, instilled great fear among the people.