Chapter 419: The Hem of the Clothes of Seocheon (4)
The Crown Prince commanded silence from the gathered ministers.
Though these were words that could hardly be expected from someone of his high status, many immediately ceased their protests.
Not everyone, though.
A group of scholars from the Hanlimwon gathered near the crimson carpet that stretched across the Great Hall.
One of the elderly officials, who had been silent until now, spoke up, as if ignoring the Crown Prince’s words.
“Please, Your Highness, reconsider.”
This was the voice of a veteran official, one of the high-ranking cabinet members who held a position close to that of the Prime Minister.
“We are in a time of famine, when the state is in turmoil, and the people's hearts must be considered. We, the followers of the Taoist traditions like Wudang and Mount Hua, have always emphasized the importance of such teachings. As Your Highness knows, it has not been an easy task for the scholars, yet there are times when the greater good must take precedence.”
“So?”
“Your Highness, as the heir to the throne, you must look to the present rather than the future. You should not seek to take the Emperor’s authority.”
“That’s crossing the line, Minister. I’ve never once claimed the throne for myself. I’ve lived my life as such,” the Crown Prince replied sharply.
“If you seal this letter again, we shall pretend as though you have never privately read the Emperor's personal letters.”