Chapter 43

There were still people who saw a deeper meaning to this decision. The Crown Prince only had mediocre achievements, and the rest of the princes were too powerful. Many ministers in the Imperial Court had chosen sides, and powerful men were constantly talking of passing over the eldest in favor of the capable. Some days ago, the power of the Crown Prince's seal had been frozen, and the other princes had eagerly taken action. Princes fighting for dominance never heralded good for a dynasty, but the Emperor had watched without comment. Today, with the Qing Ming Academy's outstanding display of merit and the achievement of the Crown Prince, the old man had finally made his move, and with this one action, sent forth a warning to all the princes and their allies - the Crown Prince was still favored in the court, cease your petty plans!