Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 788: Your Majesty, can you ask this question to someone else?

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. There will be no mistake in this matter."

Xiao He bowed and agreed, his voice steady but with a barely perceptible tension. Gao Yao's instructions were still ringing in his ears, and he dared not hesitate for a moment. This mission not only concerned the king's orders, but also directly involved Gao Yao's reputation and credibility - this was the cornerstone of his future position in the court and commanding the world, and there was no room for error. Xiao He's knuckles exerted a little force, and his fingertips brushed the edge of the bamboo slips, as if he wanted to carve this caution into his bones.

Gao Yao withdrew his gaze from the heavy dusk outside the window, and the light and shadow in the carriage flickered on his face. He was silent for a moment, and his knuckles unconsciously tapped on the smooth table, making a light sound. The air in the carriage seemed to stagnate. Finally, he raised his eyes and his gaze fell on Xiao He. His tone was deliberately casual, but it contained a weight that could not be ignored:

"Old Xiao," Gao Yao's voice broke the silence, "I'm asking you this question, not as a monarch and a subject, but... just as a friend, tell me, do I really need to appoint a crown prince now?"

This question came suddenly, like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake. Xiao He's heart jumped suddenly, and he could almost hear the sound of his blood rushing. He subconsciously held his breath, and his brows were instantly knitted into a deep "chuan" shape.

He would rather Gao Yao treat him as a minister forever! Crown prince? Heir? This is simply the abyss that ministers throughout history have been afraid to avoid! Whether standing on the side or expressing their opinions, a little carelessness will lead to eternal damnation. Even though he knew that Gao Yao was not a mean and unkind ruler who would kill at will, this was related to the foundation of the country and involved the vortex of the princes and countless forces. Who would dare to gamble? An unintentional remark could be interpreted as forming a clique for personal gain and interfering with the succession, which would be a disaster for the entire nine clans!

Cold sweat soaked Xiao He's shirt quietly. He forced himself to remain calm, and with a helpless expression on his face, he responded with a bit of "complaint": "Your Majesty... I really can't speak about this matter." He paused, and spoke cautiously but with an obvious "evasion" intention, "You asked me last time... This, this is a matter of great importance to the country and has far-reaching implications. Can... Can't I be the only one to ask? At least... ask others too? It's safer to gather everyone's wisdom."

"Don't let my friend die, I won't die" - Xiao He was calculating very fast. He avoided it last time with vague words, and he wants to do it again this time? The risk is too great, he must drag others into the water! The law does not punish everyone, and sharing the pressure is the best policy.

Hearing this, Gao Yao leaned forward slightly, his eyes became as sharp as a hawk, the corners of his mouth curled up in an arc that seemed like a smile, and his tone suddenly turned cold:

"Oh? From what you said, you mean that I, Gao Yao, can't treat you as a friend now? I can't trust you anymore?"

These words were like an ice cone, piercing Xiao He's heart. Xiao He's face turned pale, and he cried out in his heart: If he had known that this was the "trust" between "friends", he would rather have this trust fall on someone else! Now he was being roasted on the fire, with a cliff ahead and an abyss behind. It was a dead end whether he said it or not!

"Your Majesty, calm down!" Xiao He hurriedly bowed, his posture even lower, "I...I am terrified. Since you said it's from a friend's perspective, then I...will dare to speak out a few words of my thoughts. These are by no means definitive, but only for Your Majesty's reference."

He calmed himself down, knowing that further refusing would only add fuel to the fire. "I think it is a little too early to appoint a crown prince right now. Your Majesty is in his prime, and appointing a crown prince at this time will inevitably lead to unnecessary suspicion and comparison among the princes. Exposing the pros and cons too early will be bad. However..."

He changed the subject and lowered his voice, "If we leave it unresolved for a long time, it is not a good idea. The root of the crimes of the people we dealt with last time, Your Majesty is very clear, isn't it because they tried to figure out Your Majesty's intentions and were eager to attach themselves to a certain prince in order to gain the credit of being crowned as king? If we crown him, we may be afraid that the brothers will quarrel and the trouble will arise from within; if we don't crown him, we may be afraid that people's hearts will be unsettled and the villains will covet him again, causing turmoil in the court. This is really a dilemma!"

Gao Yao seemed touched by Xiao He's frank analysis, and his tense expression eased slightly. He sighed, leaned back on the table, rubbed his brows, and actually opened his heart, telling the problem that bothered him. This was indeed his real worry, which concerned whether the foundation he built could be firmly passed on.

After hearing this, Xiao He felt relieved, knowing that Gao Yao was indeed seeking a solution, not testing or forcing him to take sides. He bowed deeply again, his tone sincere and firm: "Your Majesty, please understand! If we talk about solutions, I... may have a plan. But," he raised his head suddenly, his eyes burning, with unquestionable insistence, "If you ask me which prince is suitable to be the crown prince, I dare not say this even if I die! Today, the king is magnanimous and does not care about my words, which is my honor. However, if the king thinks about my words today and has any grudges in his heart in the future, I will die! If the king wants my life, I will not hesitate and will commit suicide in front of the palace immediately. But if because of what I said today, the king suspects that I have formed a party, confused the court, and plotted to kidnap the young master... I can't bear this stigma that will last for thousands of years! Therefore, I can't say anything about the selection of people! This is the basic rule for a minister, and it is also a way to protect yourself. I hope the king will understand!"

These words were powerful and not only stated the position, but also revealed the fear and helplessness of the ministers in the face of huge political risks. They were sincere and heartfelt.

Gao Yao stared at Xiao He's face which was full of earnestness and stubbornness. After a long while, he shook his head helplessly, with an expression that was both angry and amused: "You... Xiao He, Xiao He! You really are... stubborn enough!" There was not much blame in his tone, but instead a hint of appreciation.

Xiao He did not relax because of this comment. Instead, he straightened his back and his eyes became clearer. "Your Majesty, this is not because I am stubborn, but because I have to be careful! If I speak of any of the young masters, no matter what my original intention is, Your Majesty will inevitably be affected by my words today when he thinks about it in the future. You will think: Why did Xiao He choose this person? Does he have any dealings with this boy privately? Does he intend to support him? Even if Your Majesty is wise and has no grudges, I cannot argue with what others say! This is human nature and common sense, and I am not exaggerating. Therefore, the selection of the crown prince should be decided by Your Majesty, and the ministers must not interfere. This is an eternal rule!"

Gao Yao listened, his eyes gradually deepening. Xiao He's words revealed the most naked and subtle logic of power at the core of power - any hint could become the seed of future suspicion.

Xiao He's intelligence lies not only in his talent for managing the country and benefiting the people, but also in his survival wisdom of seeing through people's hearts and avoiding disasters! Rather than being tactful, it is based on a deep understanding of human nature and the laws governing the operation of power, and is an instinct tempered by countless political storms.