Chapter 790 - 571: Illegitimate Child
Crown Prince Zhao Jing stood before the Eastern Palace, gazing towards Wuji Palace as he pondered Master Taiyi’s identity and his relationship with the current Emperor.
His intuition told him that this Master Taiyi had a deep connection with his father, having known him for a long time.
Otherwise, given his father’s disposition, it would have been impossible for him to recklessly bestow the position of State Preceptor upon an obscure mountain Daoist.
Although his intuition said so, Zhao Jing couldn’t find any evidence to prove that Master Taiyi and his father were acquainted early on, because Zhao Jing, being the legitimate son, was born when his father was sixteen. At that time, his father was still an unappreciated Eighth Prince, his residence humble and his guests few. He knew and had met many people, but absolutely not this Daoist.
Zhao Jing frowned in deep thought but still couldn’t find a clue.
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, it was Prince Xin who initially introduced the Master Taiyi. Perhaps you should inquire with Prince Xin." A nearby official quietly suggested.
Prince Xin, Zhao Rui?
Zhao Jing’s expression shifted slightly. Zhao Rui was his half-brother, exceptionally intelligent and talented. If it weren’t for his lack of legitimacy, the position of Crown Prince might have fallen to him. However, after ascending the throne, their father decisively enfeoffed the brothers and sisters, either as princes or commandery princesses, keeping them away from the Capital to prevent the recurrence of the fight for succession among the eight sons.
Thus, his position as Crown Prince was as stable as a rock, unshakable.
In this regard, Zhao Jing admired his father’s decision, directly cutting off disputes at their source.
"As the elder brother, I indeed should pay a visit to my brother." At this moment, Zhao Jing withdrew his gaze, no longer looking towards Wuji Palace, and immediately ordered arrangements to be made for a visit outside the palace.