Although the succession of the imperial throne in the Great Song Dynasty did not strictly depend on primogeniture, if all three individuals were in similar circumstances, the status of the legitimate son would be the final straw.
Moreover, at this critical juncture, Wang Fu was excluded from the core circle of power by the emperor.
He even learned about the imperial decree to enfeoff Lady Liu as Empress from the official gazette.
How long could a vice-chancellor who was not trusted by the emperor remain in his position?
If it were an ordinary person, they would have already submitted a memorial to resign, as preserving one's dignity would leave an opportunity for a comeback. However, Wang Fu had never known what it meant to retreat in the face of difficulty.
Although he lacked much political talent, he was exceptionally skilled at conspiracy, framing others, and flattery.
After failing to see Liang Shicheng several times, he decisively chose to brazenly attack Yu Shen.
As it turned out, his talent for conspiracy and schemes was indeed astonishing, and the timing of his move was also very appropriate.
He first allied with Prince Yun and then, on several occasions, through Prince Yun, added seemingly plausible but misleading notes to the intelligence reports of the Imperial City Department, causing Grand Tutor Yu to offend the emperor unknowingly.
Of course, these were all underhanded tactics. Even if the emperor was displeased, he could not use them as evidence of guilt.
After all, he was the chancellor of a nation, and even if he stepped down, there had to be a reasonable explanation.
Therefore, ten days ago, this Grand Tutor Yu, who hadn't even settled into his seat, was severely reprimanded by Emperor Huizong for suggesting that the emperor reduce the supply of fruits and flowers from Fujian.
And this was not done in private, but publicly in the imperial court.
Faced with such an uncivilized approach by the emperor, Yu Shen, no matter how shameless he was, could not continue.
Thus, he had no choice but to submit his resignation to the emperor after the court session.
Of course, even at this point, the dignity of a chancellor had to be maintained. The pretense of three resignations and three concessions was almost over, and it was estimated that within three to five days, the matter would be settled.
The position of chancellor was the ultimate aspiration for all civil officials.
As long as one had served as chancellor, even if, like Yu Shen, they only held the position for a few months before stepping down, they had still been part of the chancellor's lineage!
As a chancellor, one could be recorded in the annals of history.
Was this not what literati pursued?
To achieve this ideal, Wang Fu had even abandoned his foster father. How could he possibly offend Prince Xin to death at this moment?
Even if he wanted to deal with Prince Xin, it would have to be after he ascended the throne.
But now, this scoundrel, without his permission, had directly agreed to deal with Xu Churen at this very moment.
Moreover, he had left evidence for others because of this matter. How could he endure this humiliation...
"My Lord, but, but the money has already..."
Seeing the naked killing intent in Wang Fu's eyes, Wang Chao'an said tremblingly.
"My Lord, Prince Yun has arrived! He is descending from his sedan chair outside the gate!"
Just as Wang Fu was hesitating whether to kill this brat, the voice of the old housekeeper suddenly came from outside.
"Hurry up and clean up the ground, then get out of here!"
Upon hearing that Prince Yun had arrived, Wang Fu could only glare fiercely at Wang Chao'an before turning and walking out.
How long does it take for a bustling mansion to become deserted?
In officialdom, it might only take an instant.
The prime minister's mansion, which was once crowded with visitors, became deserted overnight.
The entire Yu Mansion, inside and out, exuded an extremely oppressive atmosphere.
Under the pressure of this atmosphere, even the servants in the mansion spoke in hushed tones.
However, at this moment, an inconspicuous black-canopied carriage stopped outside the Yu Mansion.
"Sir, we have arrived!"
As soon as the carriage stopped, the old servant driving it said hurriedly.
"Go and knock on the door!"
Inside the carriage, Mr. Yuan, dressed in blue, held a volume of poetry and books, his face calm and composed.
"Yes!"
As the old servant spoke, he went directly to the gate of the Yu Mansion to knock.
"Who is it? My master said he is not receiving guests!"
Hearing the knocking from outside, the doorkeeper, who was dozing off, was too lazy to open the door and replied impatiently through the side door.
"My master has come from his old home in Fujian to pay his respects to the Prime Minister. Please inform him!"
"Old home in Fujian? Do you have a calling card?"
Upon hearing the man's words, the old servant quickly took a name card from his sleeve and handed it in through the slightly opened door gap.
"Please wait, sir. I will go and inform him. Whether he sees you or not depends on my master's wishes!"
"Thank you!"
After the old servant finished speaking, he returned to the carriage.
"My master invites you in!"
A moment later, a small side door next to the prime minister's mansion slowly opened, and a doorkeeper dressed as a servant hurried out, bowing towards the carriage.
"Thank you!"
Mr. Yuan Xingchi, whose movements were slightly inconvenient, slowly alighted from the carriage and followed the doorkeeper into Yu Shen's study.
"Greetings, Prime Minister!"
"Please be seated, honored guest!"
Yu Shen, dressed in a scholar's robe, no longer possessed the majesty of a prime minister. He looked like an old Taoist living in seclusion in the mountains, his face filled with dejection.
After the servant served tea, Yu Shen sent them all away, leaving only Yu Shen and Yuan Xingchi sitting opposite each other.
"You said you are here to resolve my doubts?"
Without the burden of his prime ministerial identity, Yu Shen's speech became much more direct.
"That's right. I am here today for two matters!"
"Oh? It seems you are well-prepared!"
A hint of a playful smile appeared on Yu Shen's face.
"If it weren't for that, how could I dare to disturb you, Prime Minister!"
"Hahaha, interesting. I won't ask who you are. I'm just curious, why do you think I would help you?"
Yu Shen suddenly started laughing.
"No, no, no, Prime Minister, you are not helping me. I am here today to make a transaction with the Prime Minister."
"A transaction?"
This statement made Yu Shen even more interested.
He was about to step down, yet this fellow wanted to make a transaction with him. This fellow was truly interesting.
"That's right, it's a transaction. I will resolve your doubts, and then I ask the Prime Minister to do a small favor for me!"