After traveling through time, I became Han Zhang’s grandson?

Chapter 358 Establishing an Heir

"Then I will write an edict and you can take it back to the Privy Council for approval and send it to Wang Shao."

"Han Jiang is currently in charge of Shaanxi Road, and his brother Han Wei is in charge of Hexi. The subsequent local governance can be left to these two brothers."

Emperor Shenzong quickly sorted out his thoughts, wrote an imperial edict and handed it to Han Ming.

"Yes, I will inform Han Jiang and others as soon as possible to carry out the subsequent social stability maintenance work."

"But Your Majesty, have you ever considered what to do with Dong Zhen himself if Qingtang Tubo is captured?"

As soon as Han Ming opened his mouth, Emperor Shenzong fell into deep thought.

"Logically speaking, Dong Jian has always been close to the Song Dynasty and actively cooperated since his father Zuo Silu passed away."

"It's really difficult for me to take such drastic measures to eliminate the entire Qingtang area."

Emperor Shenzong was still very grateful for Dong Zhen's contributions to the Song Dynasty over the years, but national affairs should never be put behind personal feelings.

The geographical significance of obtaining Qingtang is not small, and of course there are also many resources in the Qinghai area.

We can also use Qingtang's location to spy on deeper Tibetan areas. These are all good things.

Emperor Shenzong is now very keen on expanding territory. He did not have the strength before, but now he has enough strength. He feels that the surrounding countries are all good lands that must be incorporated into the territory of the Song Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, why not write a letter to Dong Zhan in person, using sincere words to offer some comfort? Perhaps this incident can be easily resolved."

Han Ming gave his ideas for Emperor Shenzong to refer to.

"Well, if this method succeeds, it would be a good thing. At least it would save us from a lot of war."

Emperor Shenzong nodded in approval, then wrote a touching letter to Han Ming.

"That's all!"

Han Ming put away the imperial edict and letter and prepared to say goodbye and leave.

"Jingyuan, don't go yet. I have something I can't figure out. Can you help me?"

Emperor Shenzong looked at the other party with a helpless smile.

"Your Majesty, what is this?"

Han Ming vaguely sensed what the official meant.

"You also know that I was a little too hasty in launching the Yuanfeng Northern Expedition, which led to a disaster and harmed countless people."

"For the past six months since then, every time I wake up in the middle of the night, I always see those soldiers fighting bravely in the battle."

"My health deteriorated and I became extremely worried."

"Therefore, I would like to first decide on the position of crown prince..."

As soon as Emperor Shenzong finished speaking, Han Ming froze on the spot. He didn't dare to say a word and just kept his head down.

"I know what you are thinking. As long as it is someone I appoint, you will definitely assist him wholeheartedly."

"But I can't make up my mind..."

Emperor Shenzong took Han Ming into the side hall and whispered his inner worries in a tired voice.

"Your Majesty is still young and strong. You shouldn't be so anxious. You can take your time!"

Han Ming thought for a long time before he finally came up with these words of comfort.

"I know my health condition very well. If I can live another ten years, it would be a blessing from God."

"Let's put that aside. Which of my sons do you think is capable of inheriting the throne and handing over the era we created with our own hands?"

Looking at Emperor Shenzong with shining eyes, Han Ming could only smile bitterly.

Emperor Shenzong had many children, but many of them died young. As of now, he has lost five sons.

The sixth son, Zhao Yong, who would later become Emperor Zhezong Zhao Xu (after changing his name), was only four years old at the time.

This was the eldest son of Emperor Shenzong. The others were the seventh son Zhao Jia, born in the tenth year of Xining, and the eighth son Zhao Ti, born in the first year of Yuanfeng.

It’s a question whether these two guys can talk to each other now, not to mention the issue of choosing a crown prince.

"Your Majesty, do you feel you have a choice?"

As for the present, among the three sons, Zhao Yong is the eldest, but he is born to Zhaorong Zhu; the other two are born to Xianfei Xing.

In terms of status, the Xing family still has the upper hand.

But Han Ming knew that this virtuous concubine Xing was a pitiful and unlucky person. All four sons she gave birth to died young.

These include Emperor Shenzong’s second son Zhao Jin, fourth son Zhao Xian (xian with the fourth tone), the seventh son Zhao Jia mentioned above, and the eighth son Zhao Ti who was born just one year ago.

Even though Zhao Jia and Zhao Ti are doing well now, they will probably pass away early in four or five years just like their brother.

In this way, Zhao Yong has firmly secured the throne of the oldest person. Although he passed away at the age of 25, at least he lived to adulthood.

Han Ming was helpless as he thought that since Emperor Yingzong, this family had all died young.

"Apart from the servant, I really don't have any good candidates..."

Emperor Shenzong covered his head in distress, and his whole appearance became dejected.

"If Your Majesty can take care of his health, it's possible that he and the Empress will have another son. This way, your status and position...will also be protected."

Han Ming himself didn't believe what he said. When the news got to the Zhao family, they were basically stuck in a vicious circle.

As long as he can live longer, doesn't have too many messy things, and his mother's family is decent, he can basically be discussed about the position of emperor.

Even if you search high and low among the emperor's brothers, you can find several uncles and cousins ​​who are qualified to inherit the throne.

It can be said that the short-lived problem of Yingzong's lineage was cured by his grandson, the great artist Emperor Huizong Zhao Ji.

He and his sons Qinzong and Gaozong lived long lives and brought disaster to the Song Dynasty for half a century.

Thinking of this, Han Ming immediately slapped his head. Oh, that Song Huizong seemed to be not born yet. Should he find a reason in advance to nip him in the bud?

I remember that Huizong's mother, Empress Qinci Chen, seemed to have been selected to serve as an imperial attendant in the palace since she was a child, and she probably had not yet caught the eye of Emperor Shenzong.

Han Ming stroked his chin, completely unaware that Emperor Shenzong was observing him.

The official felt relieved when he saw Han scratching his head, patting his head and touching his chin, looking like he was in great distress.

Look, this is a good minister and a wise prime minister, a loyal minister. He was so worried just because I asked him a question.

Emperor Shenzong was very pleased, but he never expected that Han Ming was considering whether to suppress one of his future sons.

"You're right. Perhaps the Queen and I can have a few more children. Then we won't have to worry about this anymore."

Emperor Shenzong sighed, recalling Han Ming's wandering thoughts.

"Your Majesty, there are some things that a subject shouldn't say, but if I don't, I'll feel a little guilty."

Han Ming thought about it, then bowed and spoke out his true feelings.

"Your Majesty, have you ever considered passing the throne to Prince Zhao Hao of Yong or Prince Zhao Yu of Cao?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire side hall fell into silence. Emperor Shenzong's expression changed instantly, and his eyes stared at Han Ming, who had an expressionless face.

"Where did you hear that?"

Emperor Shenzong knew that these words could not be what Han Ming was thinking. If he really thought so, this treacherous man would not have said it so clearly.

After all, he knew how to protect himself from the first day he entered the officialdom.

"I have no idea. This is all my conjecture. After all, compared to the young and ignorant young master, Your Majesty, your two younger brothers seem to be in their prime, strong, and ambitious!"

Kill people and destroy their hearts!!!

Han Ming was clearly telling Emperor Shenzong that if he wanted to pass on the throne, he had to be wary of his brothers, unless he wanted to choose someone from among his brothers to sit on the throne.

"call--!"

"If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have almost forgotten all these things..."

Emperor Shenzong lay back in his chair, somewhat tired, closing his eyes and sighing.

Did he forget?

Of course not, he just didn't want to think about the problem. After all, his two younger brothers had a very good relationship with him since childhood, and neither of them had any intention of coveting the throne.

"Actually, Your Majesty, there's no need to worry too much. Compared to the young master, brothers are indeed an option."

It's very bold. This is something that no subject would dare to say.

"Brother Hao and Brother E are very loyal, which is great, but I am unwilling to give in..."

How could Emperor Shenzong, who valued power so much, want to hand over the throne to someone else?

"Then I wish Your Majesty to give birth to a dragon son soon and fulfill your wish."

After almost finishing the conversation, Han Ming was basically certain that Emperor Shenzong wanted to pass the throne to his son.

Then, it depends on whether Zhao Yong or someone else can stand out. I'd better just be an invisible person and continue to assist in the administration.