The tenth day of the eleventh lunar month in the twenty-ninth year of Emperor Chongzhen, morning assembly.
According to protocol, the morning court session was to be presided over by the Senior Grand Secretary, Xie Sanbin. Just as Xie stepped forward to speak, Qiu Yu, the Minister of Personnel, cut in ahead of him: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has been missing for half a year now. Garrison forces, merchants, and the common people have searched tirelessly, yet not a single clue has been found."
"A nation cannot go a day without a ruler, and a ruler cannot go a day without an heir. I propose that, in accordance with the tradition of favoring the legitimate line and, in its absence, the eldest, we should appoint a new Crown Prince!"
Chapter 1341