ATPnovel Chapter 2778 Hereditary Succession
Chapter 2778 Hereditary Succession
According to the "Zhenguan Decree", the son of a prince who succeeds to the throne is granted the title of Prince of the Second Rank, and his other sons are granted the title of Duke of the Commandery. Those who are promoted by imperial favor are granted the title of Prince of the Commandery. Those who inherit the title of Prince of the Commandery or the title of Prince of the Second Rank are granted the title of Duke of the State.
This means that the eldest son of a prince inherits the title of prince, and the prince is younger than the prince but second only to the prince and older than the prince of the second rank.
The prince's other sons, including both legitimate and illegitimate sons, were all granted the title of Duke of the County. Only those who received special favors or imperial grants were exceptionally granted the title of Prince of the County.
The son of a prince who inherits the title will be demoted to a duke. For example, Li Xiaogong's son, Li Chongyi, will become a duke when he inherits the title.
Therefore, everyone felt that Li Shimin's promise to give Li Shen the title of Prince was a great favor, and Prince Ji would certainly not refuse.
After all, the title of King is very difficult to obtain.
But Li Shen showed no joy. As for the title of Prince, that would come to him after Li Chengqian inherited the throne.
Based on his years of experience watching TV dramas, he learned that during the reign of Emperor Gaozong, many sons of princes were granted the title of Prince of the Second Rank.
This is also a way to win over members of the royal family.
Li Chengqian valued family ties more than Li Zhi, after all, he was the eldest brother and these people were his younger brothers and sisters.
It's hard to say about others, but Li Shen himself has done so much for Li Chengqian, he simply doesn't believe he can't get two princely titles.
"What's with that expression? Is a mere princely title not enough for you?"
Li Shimin's face darkened.
This guy is too greedy; a mere princely title isn't enough.
"Your Majesty, this journey has been fraught with difficulties and dangers. Not to mention how much it will cost, how many of the people I sent will actually return alive?"
How could a child let someone else lose their life for his own sake?
Father often taught his son to love the people as his own children and never to persecute them. Knowing full well that their lives were in grave danger, yet still sending them on their way—how is this any different from persecuting the people?
Li Shen spoke earnestly, his tone very sincere.
Unfortunately, Li Shimin was a tough guy who had fought Li Shen for over ten years. How could he not understand what Li Shen meant? It was nothing more than two words: more money.
"Tenth Brother, you're too greedy."
Li Shimin frowned as he stared at Li Shen, feeling that a title of Prince was enough.
Li Shen shook his head.
"Father, I wasn't trying to have a heart-to-heart talk, it's just..."
Before Li Shen could finish speaking, Li Shimin waved his hand, telling him to stop.
"Tell me, what do you want?"
It's better to be direct when talking to Li Shen. Otherwise, if you keep beating around the bush and playing riddles with him, you'll easily get led astray by him.
“My father is a straightforward and cheerful person, and I like to deal with intelligent people like him.”
These two crops are potatoes, which are beans that grow in the ground, and corn, which is rice that is wrapped up.
If you can bring back these two crops, and they yield as much as you say, I wish to inherit the title of Prince.
"Your Majesty, this is absolutely not allowed!"
As soon as Li Shen finished speaking, before Li Shimin could even reply, Gao Jifu was the first to step forward.
“Yes, Your Majesty, this hereditary system is entirely harmful and has no benefit whatsoever. We must not set a precedent,” Yu Zhining added.
Li Shimin looked at someone else, and Changsun Wuji, though somewhat reluctant, stepped forward anyway:
"Your Majesty, hereditary succession can easily lead to the rise of numerous feudal lords. The Han dynasty enfeoffed many kings, which resulted in the Rebellion of the Seven States. The drawbacks of hereditary succession are a lesson from the past and present. Those who rely on their titles and forget the dangers will inevitably cause chaos."
Those who are content with wealth and status and have little experience are more likely to become arrogant, extravagant, and mediocre. They are not only unfit for important tasks, but are also more likely to abuse their power, deplete the national treasury, and disrupt the order of the nation.
Furthermore, hereditary fiefdoms and power gradually erode the authority of the imperial court, and over time, these power will become uncontrollable; unification of the empire is the only inevitable trend.
Changsun Wuji's words were powerful and persuasive, presenting facts and reasoning, and explaining all the harms of hereditary succession.
His words were almost identical to those he used when he offered advice and remonstrances during his political career.
Back then, Li Shimin also wanted to establish a hereditary system, but Wei Zheng advised against it, and even Li Lizhi entered the palace to participate in the persuasion.
Now, Changsun Wuji used the same words to advise Li Shimin.
For Prince Ji to want the throne to be hereditary is simply a pipe dream. How can the benefits be enjoyed by Prince Ji alone?
"Your Majesty, I believe that the Duke of Zhao's words are reasonable. This matter is of great importance, and I hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully."
Xu Jingzong bowed and echoed.
"What do the other ministers think?" Li Shimin did not answer but looked at the others.
"Your Majesty, I also feel this is inappropriate. We cannot be careless about the matter of hereditary succession."
Your Highness Prince Ji, this old minister feels that your request is a bit too much. His Majesty's bestowal of the title of Prince is already an immense favor.
To date, not a single prince's son has received an official title from His Majesty. Prince Ji should be the first.
"Food is a matter of vital importance to the people of the world. This old minister begs Your Highness, for the sake of the common people, not to delay any longer."
Xu Jingzong bowed to Li Shenshen and said with a pleading tone.
Li Shen gave him a cold look, then glanced at the people who were opposing him: Changsun Wuji, Xu Jingzong, Gao Jifu, and Yu Zhining.
Four of the nine officials stood up to oppose it.
"You all think so too?"
Li Shen looked at the others.
“Your Highness Prince Ji, grain is the foundation of the nation. If we can truly retrieve these two divine treasures, Your Highness will have accomplished a great feat.”
However, I dare not speak presumptuously about the hereditary succession of princes; this is a matter for the imperial family.
Ma Zhou was the first to express his opinion.
“Ma Zhongshu, you are mistaken. How can this be a matter of the royal family? This concerns the stability of the country.”
Gao Jifu immediately retorted, but Ma Zhou did not respond. He was not from a prominent family, and this matter had nothing to do with him, a poor man.
Seeing that everyone else was silent, even Hou Junji remained quiet, Li Shen was somewhat surprised. He had thought that Hou Junji would also stand up and object.
"The common people? If that's the case, then I implore you all, for the sake of the common people, not to stand up and oppose us."
"Once I have achieved my goal, I will certainly bring the divine object back, which will then benefit all the people of the world. What do you think?"
"This..." No one expected Li Shen to ask a rhetorical question, which immediately stumped them.
Even Changsun Wuji was speechless. Why was Prince Ji so clever?
"See? You disagree again. I don't think you care much about the common people."
Those who constantly talk about the common people and the world, I think you're only thinking of yourselves.
They talk about benevolence and morality all day long, but they are all selfish and only care about themselves.
"Tell me, how can my Li family entrust this empire to your rule? Give His Majesty a reason."
Li Shen pointed at the group of people, indignant and righteous, and finally roared, the sound echoing throughout the hall.
"Your Majesty, this old minister is utterly loyal to Your Majesty, and my heart is entirely devoted to the court. Heaven and earth bear witness, this old minister has absolutely no selfish motives."
(I've been really busy lately, the house renovation is almost finished.)