Following this incident, the court split into two distinct factions: one supporting the Second Prince and the other supporting the Fourth Prince.
The two sides were nearly evenly matched, forcing the neutral officials to choose a side.
Originally, the neutral faction in the court had believed the Fourth Prince was the most promising candidate for the throne. Aside from the Emperor's favor, an Imperial Noble Consort in the palace, and a maternal grandfather who was the head of the General's Estate, he possessed genuine power and influence.
Chapter 208