Zhu Qiyu gave a bitter smile. "National Preceptor, after I am gone, how will I face my ancestors?"
Pan Yun said solemnly, "If Taizu and Emperor Taizong learned of this, they would only be pleased. They would never blame His Majesty."
"Filial piety must arise from one's natural disposition. His Majesty knows in his heart that the old laws are improper, yet forces himself to uphold them. That is not filial piety," Pan Yun said gravely. "True filial piety is to faithfully continue another's aspirations and ably carry on another's deeds. If His Majesty wishes to show filial piety toward his forebears, he must first understand Taizu and Emperor Taizong's aspirations—their true aspirations."
Yu Qian immediately stepped forward. "Back then, Grand Ancestor High Emperor strictly decreed that members of the imperial clan could not leave their fiefs without an order, nor enter the capital without an edict. This was to prevent them from colluding and rebelling, thus threatening the Emperor. Now, among the descendants of the first generation of the imperial clan, some have passed their titles down to Fengguo Zhongwei, while others have been stripped of their titles for crimes. These people possess neither power nor influence and can no longer threaten imperial authority. Grand Ancestor High Emperor's concerns may be lessened."
Zhu Qiyu's heart stirred. "Yu, Your Majesty, do you mean that imperial clansmen without titles may leave their fiefs, while the rest may not?"
Yu Qian lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment before saying, "They need not necessarily be without titles. In this minister's view, exemptions may begin from Zhengguo Zhongwei downward."
The ranks Old Zhu had established for the imperial clan were such that princes of the first and second ranks inherited their titles eternally without reduction. This was the endless succession granted to