The Forty-sixth Father and Son

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  Written with great enthusiasm, strongly seeking votes.

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  The twilight was low, and in the vast Forbidden City, the palace lanterns began to be lit one by one. In the long and deep alleys, eunuchs and palace servants carrying lanterns passed by everywhere, presenting a lively and bustling scene.

  Suddenly a loud "bang" sound rang out, and beautiful fireworks rose from the top of the Qianqing Palace. Zhu Cixuan, who had been waiting for a long time at the foot of the palace steps, was also invigorated... With this firework display, Chongzhen returned to the Qianqing Palace.

  The matter that had been discussed for a long time since early this morning was continued in the afternoon, and it was not until the sky was about to darken that the emperor returned to the palace and the ministers dispersed.

  It was also a rare sight at that time.

  "Your Highness," a eunuch hastily ran down from the palace steps, bowed to Zhu Ciyan and said: "After the Emperor returned, he was in a very bad mood. He walked back and forth in the Mingjian Hall with his hands behind his back, his face red with anger. The slave reported that Your Highness had been waiting for a long time, but the Emperor waved his hand and said not to see you, telling you to return to the palace and reflect on your mistakes. In a few days, when he has time, he will speak with you again."

  The eunuch raised his head and said anxiously, "Look at the emperor like this, it's really not light to be angry. It's better for me to go back early and avoid offending the emperor again."

  The speaker was Wu Xiang, the eunuch in charge of the Qianqing Palace, who was loyal and mature. He was one of the few capable people around Chongzhen, and because of his honesty, he had always stayed by his side, unlike Gao Qiyan and Du Xun, who were sent out to supervise military affairs in various places.

  Wu Xiang was indeed kind-hearted, and at this point, it was clear that the overall situation had already been decided, and further contention would be of no avail.

  Zhu Ciyan himself came, just to ask for a peaceful and reasonable solution. He had already made up his mind, so no matter how furious Chongzhen was, he insisted on seeing him.

  Duan Xia turned to Wu Xiang with a smile: "It doesn't matter, just go and memorialize the Emperor for me again. Tell him I won't leave unless I see him."

  As he spoke, he also went up with Wu Xiang, and when they reached the outside of the Mingjian Hall, he stopped in his tracks. Wu Xiang entered, and before long, Chongzhen's angry voice was heard from inside: "I haven't even looked for him yet, and he dares to come again? Does he really think I have no way to deal with him? Come in..."

  "Your Majesty, calm your anger..."

  It seems that a palace maid knelt down first, and then in the Qianqing Palace, there was also a group of people kneeling in a dense crowd. At this moment, Empress Zhou had already rushed over after hearing the news, her eyes red as she glanced at Zhu Ciyan before entering herself.

  "Hey, what brings you here!"

  Under the lamp, Chongzhen can be seen stomping his feet on the spot, while Empress Zhou is already kneeling on the ground, removing the imperial crown from her head, begging for mercy.

  The first to kneel down and plead for Zhu Ciyan was Wei Qinghui, the housekeeper of the Qianqing Palace. Although she was a woman, she was very capable and clever. At this time, she came out and stood in front of Zhu Ciyan, advising: "Alas, why must...".

  Causing such a big commotion, Zhu Ciwen himself was pale-faced, but his eyebrows were still strong-willed. He looked at Wei Qinghui and shook his head: "Today is not a family matter, but a national affair, so no matter what, I must see."

  Wei Qinghui was already well aware of the prince's temperament, usually looking at him with a smile, not easily getting angry, and his airs were getting smaller and smaller. He also knew the cold and warmth of these palace people, especially since the young master had investigated her family background and promised to let her out early in the future.

  Generally, the women in the palace, unless they are favored or have a mind to climb up, all want to be released from the palace as soon as possible. Zhu Ci had made such a promise, and Wei Qinghui naturally took care of everything.

  In fact, with Zhu Cixuan's current status and image, even if there was no prior effort, Wei Qinghui and others would still be willing to help sincerely.

  "In that case," the leader of the palace maidens, who was also a decisive person, nodded slightly while biting her lip and said to Zhu Ciyan: "You're on your own, young master, take care of yourself!"

  She was a person who knew Chongzhen's mind well, and there is such a saying that Zhu Ciyan's heart also sank suddenly.

  He has gone all out today!

  If the proposal to move south is not adopted, it would be waiting for death in the capital city. Unless he takes his own measures, wearing casual clothes and a small hat, bringing along attendants like Wang Yuan and Li Gong as escorts, anyway, he has horses and money outside the city, and can rush straight south, arriving within twenty days or so.

  But without the emperor's edict, what pretext does this crown prince have to go south? In today's world where civil officials are opposed to imperial power and military generals are not subject to restraint, a 15-year-old empty-headed crown prince, with no foundation of his own, only has a few lecturers from the Eastern Palace who can be considered trusted, and some sixth-grade or lower palace guards to support him. With such a small foundation, is he going to go to Nanjing to seek death?

  Chongzhen issued an imperial edict, and he had to come back obediently! Moreover, it was likely that the crown prince's position would not be preserved!

  In that case, I can only give it my all!

  ……

  ……

  This afternoon's court meeting was indeed Chongzhen throwing out the suggestion made by Zu Zhongyan Li Mingrui yesterday, and then several senior officials such as Wang Jiayan and Li Banghua expressed their support.

  But their statement is not important, in Chongzhen and the hearts of the group of officials, the attitude of the cabinet is the most crucial.

  Chen Yan and Wei Zaode and other cabinet ministers were all silent, and when Chongzhen asked them questions, they only knocked their heads.

  The cabinet's attitude was not to support and refused to take responsibility for the expedition to the south. This attitude made Chongzhen hesitant, and the intense performance of Bingke Geshi Zhong Shiheng further led the court discussion back to its original historical track.

  "Our great Ming dynasty guards the country gate with the Son of Heaven, sits in the capital, and nurtures all directions! If bandit alarms are heard, then let the city be abandoned and flee. I ask you, how will the soldiers and officials on the front lines defend their posts? If during the Jing Tai years, we also fled upon hearing of strong enemies, where would today's great Ming dynasty be?"

  One remark was made with great fanfare, and the officials in the hall were momentarily speechless. Li Banghua and Li Mingrui's faces turned pale, Wang Jiayan stomped his foot in anger, while Gong Dingzi and Chen Mingxia exchanged a glance, both seeing the mocking intention in each other's eyes... Who still has confidence in this court and its ministers?

  What a huge joke!

  The wind direction in the palace changed, and Zhu Ciyan, who was waiting outside, already knew the news. There were several people around Chongzhen who were willing to inform him of the news, and under the temptation of gold and silver, they could get any information.

  Originally, according to his idea, it was normal for the cabinet not to make a statement, after all, the matter was too big, and with the current cabinet's several old foxes' attitude, they would never come out to strongly support him. Moreover, now Zhu Cixuan also vaguely felt that historical records were not necessarily entirely accurate and reliable, based on his observations and intelligence, Chen Yan and Wei Zhide were not mediocre, on the contrary, they were very astute.

  How many of those who can enter the cabinet of the great Ming are truly mediocre people?

  With such a clever and cautious attitude, the ultimate goal is quite intriguing. This time, he took the initiative to launch ahead of schedule, also intending to change history. Since the launch date was advanced, the attitude was very resolute, but it remains to be seen how effective it will be?

  The cabinet was silent, but on the court, a generous and passionate Guang Shi-Heng still emerged!

  This bloody chess piece and conspiracy are too obvious!

  Why is it him?

  Why is it always him?

  Really won't give yourself trouble will die...

  The light was shining brightly, with a confident and upright expression, under the golden stage of Wenhua Hall, speaking fluently and proudly, Zhu Ciyan had already made up his mind.

  Familiar with history, making small conspiracies and even changing the course of some historical events, all by taking advantage of his identity as a crown prince.

  Making small clever moves, hiding behind the scenes and doing some minor writing.

  Even the purchase of lectures by Fu Mai himself, creating some good reputation for the Crown Prince's intelligence and eagerness to learn, plus the cooperation with the inner court martial arts officials, the image of the Crown Prince being both civil and military was also established a bit.

  But is it enough?

  Obviously not enough!

  Politicians must have a sense of responsibility. At critical moments, when others are weak and timid, they themselves must be able to stand up to the challenge. This is what Zeng Guofan meant by "uprightness".

  "Thus... I request that Zu Zhongyuan Li Mingrui be executed to apologize to the world!"

  In the end, a lot of saliva was sprayed, but the tone remained full of energy and the attitude became more and more intense.

  "The Emperor's son also requests to execute Shi Lang, the Minister of War, for his crimes of spreading false rumors to interfere with politics and not understanding the overall situation, which misled the military. He will be put in prison by the Ministry of Justice, and an imperial edict will be issued to demonstrate this punishment to the world as a warning to future generations!"

  The sound had hardly fallen when Zhu Ciyan, tall and slender, with a heroic air about him, also entered from the side of the Wenhua Hall.

  This was the former Crown Prince's study, where he studied and read books in his early years. Strictly speaking, it can also be said to be his turf. This place is extremely close to the East Palace, and the transmission of messages is also fast. When Zhu Ciyan made up his mind, it coincided with the scene of Guang Shiying finishing his work.

  He often attended court meetings, and the Crown Prince would enter abruptly, even declaring that he wanted to execute outspoken officials... The other ministers were shocked.

  Chen Mingxia and Gong Dingxi were both in the same shift, their positions close to each other. Originally listening to Guang Zhiheng's non-stop gunfire, they both had a look of boredom on their faces. But now they were both invigorated!

  Gong Ding's eyes met Chen Mingxia's, and he said in a low voice, "What about it?"

  "Heh," Chen Mingxia stared at Zhu Ciyan without blinking, her mouth corners unmoving as she said: "In any case, I admire the Crown Prince's courage..."

  "Me too."

  "But it's easy to get on stage, but hard to get off... " Chen Mingxia was full of worry and said: "Your Highness is indeed the mastermind behind this matter. The Emperor didn't know before, but now he understands everything. According to our imperial system, the Crown Prince cannot interfere with state affairs, let alone form a party! This time, the Crown Prince has committed a great taboo, I think..."

  At this point, Chen Mingxia shut her mouth.

  Although everyone was discussing and no one was paying attention to them due to Zhu Ci's appearance, it was still inconvenient for them to say too much at the moment when they were in the imperial court and attending the imperial meeting.

  However, Gong Dingzi also understood Chen Mingxia's unspoken words.

  This young master is truly bold and daring, making people extremely respectful. Moreover, he is astute in observing things and knows that Guangxu Emperor is using great righteousness to control the emperor, putting the emperor on the fire to roast, with a very sinister intention.

  However, the current emperor is not a wise and capable ruler... The emperor, whose face has already turned very unsightly, is preoccupied with preventing the crown prince from taking his power and secretly forming cliques. Moreover, due to the lessons of Emperor Wanli and Emperor Tianqi, the emperor attaches great importance to ancestral laws and various rules, and does not dare to take a wrong step. Therefore, even the Donglin Party, those bookworms who are good at biting people, cannot find fault with the emperor. But everything has its pros and cons, and over time, the emperor himself may not even know how to write the word "offense".

  Following rules is right, but following them too rigidly is "adhering to the letter and disregarding the spirit" or "not knowing how to adapt".

  Even if the crown prince speaks with great reason, he may still be unable to bypass this ancestral tradition.

  "What are you doing out here!" Chongzhen was indeed very angry, sitting on the throne, his eyes were also staring at Zhu Ciyan, and he said in a low voice: "Quickly retreat!"

  Zhu Ciyan had already knelt down, listening to Chongzhen's words, but only touched his forehead slightly, then raised his head and said: "Your son was outside, heard Guangxu's words, extremely angry, so rashly entered the palace, violating the rules, please father emperor punish me as you see fit."

  "Knowing the mistake, hurry up and get down!"

  "I, your son, have something more to say!"

  "Don't say another word!"

  Chongzhen was already extremely angry, shouting loudly. Under his furious anger, few people dared to persist, but before Zhu Cizhao came in, he also considered all the consequences and thought it through carefully before entering. A few words made him retreat, how could that be possible?

  "The prince will naturally retreat after finishing speaking." With his head held high and his chest out, Zhu Ci said in a low voice: "Guang Shiying is truly a deceitful person who confuses the people! The emperor guarding the national gate is indeed an ancestral tradition, but it also depends on the situation. When the situation changes, can we still adhere to the old rules without changing? If there are no troops outside that must be rescued, then there is no city inside that must be guarded. At present, Shanxi has no soldiers or generals, and the capital has less than 10,000 soldiers in the Imperial Guard, with internal emptiness reaching an extreme degree! The Xuanfu Army has not yet received a clear order to mobilize, and the soldiers and horses of the southern and northern garrisons are floating and unstable, lacking grain and supplies, and the deployment is losing its effectiveness... I ask you, when the bandits arrive at the capital, how many garrison troops will come to defend the city? How many soldiers can be recruited in the city to guard the city? And how much silver will there be to reward the army, and how much grain and grass will there be to support the relief efforts? With no internal or external strategy, the cabinet ministers and the Ministry of War have no response plan. Can the country's major policies only be based on these empty words about the emperor guarding the national gate? Guang Shiying only cares about his reputation, using deceitful words to confuse the people, which is really despicable. Executing him cannot make up for his crime, and it is indeed necessary to flay him alive as a warning to future generations!"

  "It's really said with great relish..."

  The crown prince is really an understanding person.

  "Indeed, it's all in one word!"

  Among the many officials, there are certainly not a few who understand. However, when those in power are muddled, clear words are taken as nonsense, and it's pointless to give charming glances to the blind.

  The crown prince's words were well-organized and logical, with a clear hierarchy and strong reasoning!

  Indeed, it was Emperor Chongzhen's nature. Having heard the end, he also seemed to be somewhat moved. The violent anger from just now had disappeared, leaving only suspicion behind. His eyes no longer stared fixedly at Zhu Cixiang but instead sized up Guang Siheng, whose face had turned pale.

  Indeed, as the prince said, this guy is really despicable and deserves to be killed...

  The hall was silent for a moment, and it was clear that many of the officials also agreed with the Crown Prince's words. Even the Emperor seemed to be moved... Zhu Ciyan also secretly breathed a sigh of relief, his desperate gamble seemed to be working!

  "I think that the Crown Prince has committed many acts of impropriety and violation of regulations, which should be dealt with by Your Majesty. I dare not speak rashly. However, I think that what Your Highness said is all empty and false!"

  At the most critical moment, the senior minister Fan Jingwen stepped forward and made a personal plea.

  This veteran minister, who is approaching his sixtieth birthday, opened his mouth and many people who were eager to try their luck retreated again.

  Chongzhen's face also showed a serious expression, and he brushed his sleeve, saying: "Fan Qing can speak in detail."

  "The supreme one is the Son of Heaven, and the greatest one is reason. In front, they are slaughtering each other in blood, while in the back, they are shouting to personally lead the expedition, but in reality, it's a retreat and escape to the south, this doesn't make sense."

  Fan Jingwen was known for his integrity and outspokenness, and his words were also plain and unadorned. As soon as Zhu Cixiu heard him speak like this, her heart sank, knowing that something big had gone wrong.

  "At present, the most important thing is to boost morale. If His Majesty goes south, people's hearts will be stirred up and cannot be calmed down. I wonder, what will happen afterwards? How will people all over the world view our Emperor?"

  Fan Jingwen was indeed very cunning, and every sentence he spoke struck a chord deep within Chongzhen's heart.

  This emperor, who cherished his feathers to the depths of his soul, Chongzhen can be said to be a political figure with a political phobia. He was only concerned about and demanded that his reputation in history must be spotless and far above that of his imperial grandfather, father, and brother!

  Nothing is more urgent than this.

  When the world is in a state of turmoil, this Son of Heaven does not speak of defending the country's gates to boost the people's morale, but instead turns his back and flees. If he could turn things around by fleeing, that would be fine, but if he still ends up losing everything, wouldn't that be the greatest joke in heaven?

  He refused to escape, his heart was in Fan Jingwen's words!

  "As for the current situation, I think that apart from uniting the people's hearts and firmly defending while waiting for reinforcements, there is nothing else to discuss. As for the Crown Prince, he is still young and inexperienced, how can he have any insight? What he said earlier was mostly taught by others. I also heard that Left Grand Councilor Li Banghua had proposed that the Crown Prince take control of the government in the south. I think this is just a ploy by these people to gain wealth and power. The Crown Prince is still young and inexperienced, he doesn't know about the difficulties of the world, he doesn't know about military affairs, he doesn't know about farming and agriculture. What benefit would there be for him to take control of the government? It's just a selfish desire of Li Banghua and others! Now that His Majesty has awoken and is taking action, severely punishing the treacherous officials, if the Crown Prince returns to the Eastern Palace to study and reflect, it would be the greatest good!"

  Looking at this old minister with the reputation of Qingjie, speaking fluently and looking at himself, he also had a stubborn expression. Zhu Ciwen understood in his heart that this person may not be of one mind with Chen Yan, and this speech was probably eight or nine out of ten from the bottom of his heart.

  Such a pedantic and conservative Confucian scholar always thinks that the truth is in his own hands, and with their appeal, it's far from comparable to this young prince...

  Indeed, a word made Chongzhen deeply moved, and the group of ministers was also silent. In the ranks, only Chen Mingxia and others showed a cold smile.

  "I've made up my mind..." Chongzhen was also deeply moved, stepped down from the golden stage, and personally helped Fan Jingwen up. Everyone saw clearly that even Chongzhen's eyes were red.

  The emperor, who had always been strict and firm, looked at the officials with a calm tone but with very sincere emotions, intense and profound: "Since I ascended to the throne, I have considered myself not to have lost virtue. If Heaven assists me, then the country will naturally pass through this calamity. If it is not so, then even if the Ming dynasty has a Son of Heaven guarding the national gate, I have punished many officials who have lost power and territory. Should things come to a head, can I only punish officials and yet myself flee in defeat?"

  Chongzhen smiled slightly and said to the officials: "My mind is made up! As the Son of Heaven, I will defend the country gate; as a king, I will die for the altars. If the fate of the country and the mandate of heaven are not with me, then I have no shame before the altars and the people!"

  Having said that, he sternly ordered Zhu Ciyan: "I have nurtured the people and governed the country for over ten years, yet I still dare not say that everything is going smoothly as I wish. You are just a young child, how dare you rashly discuss state affairs? However, considering that you also worry about the country's situation, what you see is not entirely unreasonable. Today's matter, I will no longer punish you for it. Go down first and reflect on your mistakes!"

  Although the words were severe, they actually gave Zhu Cihuan a step down, and punishment was definitely not going to happen, at most it would be just a closed-door reprimand.

  This crown prince, although Fan Jingwen claims not to dare say anything, but with each step, he tramples on Zhu Ciyu's face, extremely humiliating. His words also have a market among many officials. After all, the Ming dynasty has not punished people for their words in recent decades, and the power of the literary ministers is enough to counterbalance the imperial power. Chongzhen, intentionally or unintentionally, can be said to be protecting this son who is somewhat rebellious...

  A court debate, and yet it still ended up like this. Zhu Ciwen bit her lip tightly, and fresh blood flowed out without her even realizing it.

  I'm really too weak after all... No matter how hard I try, I still can't change the course of this heavy history. Everything is still moving in its original direction, at least for now...

  He bit his lips tightly, knocked his head on the ground once, and then strode out with his head held high.

  No matter what, for himself, for Zhang Ping and Zhao Ren, for Zhou Hou and Yuan Fei, for several brothers who were not very close to him, he had to stick to the end!

  Even for... this emperor before our eyes, Chongzhen!

  The Son of Heaven guards the gate of the country, and the king dies for the altar... Foolishness is foolishness, and stubbornness is stubbornness. But when Chongzhen spoke, the radiant glow on his face still had a charming personality. People who are not in this situation can hardly understand the profound meaning hidden in it!

  ……

  ……

  "Little master, the emperor has summoned you."

  At this moment of standing still, someone inside had already called out, Zhu Ciyan smiled slightly, adjusted his clothes and hat, and stepped forward with big strides.

  Chongzhen was furious, his eyes fixed on the place where Zhu Ciyan had come from, while Zhou Hou, dressed in plain clothes and with a humble expression, knelt on the ground to apologize for Zhu Ciyan.

  Today's affairs, if one were to speak of Zhu Cizhao's usurpation, it can be said that he was truly daring. If Chongzhen were to investigate and abolish him as the crown prince, it would also be entirely possible.

  "Your son has come to pay his respects to Your Majesty!"

  "You don't have to get up!" Chongzhen was extremely angry and shouted: "Do you think I really can't demote you? As for the matters of the imperial court, I have already tolerated you!"

  "Yes, I am clear in my mind and grateful for your kindness." Zhu Ciyan raised his head and said firmly: "But what Guang Shiren said is indeed unreasonable. I still ask Your Majesty to make haste and plan to move south. Dying in the capital will not bring any benefit. Going to Nanjing to wash away the old officials, rectify the army, control the financial land, there is still a chance for revival!"

  As he spoke, he kept knocking his head against something, making a loud noise. Even when blood started flowing from the corner of his forehead, he didn't stop.

  Whether it's breaking into the imperial court or entering the Qianqing Palace again to plead, Zhu Ciyan has made up his mind and will do his best!

  A person with a deadline looming in front of them is still considering whether the medicine has side effects, isn't that a huge joke?

  Even if the crown prince is deposed, what of it!

  He was so strong, but Chongzhen became more and more angry. His temperament was like this, too weak and he would despise him, too strong and he would suspect that others despised him. Originally, this son was to be preserved because Zhu Ciyu's literary and military talents made him very appreciative, and seeing things also became clearer and clearer. The country was passed on to this eldest son, Chongzhen was still at ease.

  If it weren't for this, after today's morning court session, he might have ordered the prince to be arrested!

  But this son is completely unaware of his own bitter heart and actually dares to persist in such a way, with an attitude that is simply like blackmail!

  After a while, she fully understood Chongzhen's temperament. At this time, she was also extremely frightened. She was about to go forward and stop Zhu Cixiang, but suddenly felt a blackness in front of her eyes, feeling that the soles of her feet had swayed, and the lights around the Qianqing Palace had also swayed violently!

  "Earthquake?"

  Everyone's face turned pale, Zhu Ciying hastily stood up, first pushing Empress Zhou under the imperial desk, then went forward with open arms to hug Chongzhen, saying: "Your Majesty, please retreat for a moment."

  Chongzhen's face turned pale, he glanced at Zhu Ciyu and didn't dodge, walked to the front of the gate, father and son both looked out, but saw outside the dark wind howling, flying sand and walking stones, between heaven and earth a desolate scene, dozens of steps away, nothing could be seen.

  "Alas, this is a warning from heaven..."

  Chongzhen's face was very unsightly, a few days ago, Fengyang had an earthquake, the whole Beijing was discussing this matter, now the capital has such a strange phenomenon, isn't it a warning sign?

  He was deeply grieved in his heart, looking at Zhu Ciyan again, and felt that after all, this son was loyal and filial, so he let out a long sigh, patted Zhu Ciyan's shoulder hard, and said softly: "My child, you don't understand, I won't leave until the last moment. Governing the world requires both virtue and talent, with virtue coming before talent. Those ministers are all watching us closely, and if we're not careful, it'll be like a swarm of bees attacking our heads..."

  Such heartfelt words, Chongzhen was not moved to a certain extent and would not have said them. At this time, Zhu Ciyu was also startled, understanding in his heart that the great power of the late Ming dynasty's literary officials, Chongzhen's various hesitations and indecisiveness, now seem to have their own reasons and difficulties...

  "But, Your Majesty..."

  "I know, I know!" After a brief moment of weakness, Chongzhen regained his imperial composure. His hand half-raised in the air, he spoke to Zhu Cixiang: "Don't you have some inner court troops? Send some outside to scout out and gather information. If the bandits invade the border and the capital is still unable to cope, we'll leave. How's that? My son, don't worry... I won't let you die trapped in the city. I want you to be a peaceful emperor. You've learned from others, your temperament is also very much like mine. The fate of the Ming dynasty rests on your shoulders, and I am at ease..."

  "Yes, I understand." At this moment, Zhu Ciyan also had nothing to say. His gaze was with Chongzhen, looking at the vast sky together. There was no peaceful and prosperous world that Chongzhen had imagined. All there was, was the rolling yellow sand, bringing only the majestic and stern power of heaven!