Chapter 688: Collapse
Emperors in the early Ming dynasty were known for their diligence in governance. Although Zhu Di was not as hands-on as his father Zhu Yuanzhang, he almost always attended court sessions regardless of the weather, unless he was on a northern inspection or campaign. Even in his later years, with the help of palace maids, he would still appear at Fengtian Gate early in the morning. Zhu Gaochi lacked the energy of his grandfather and father, but he still made an effort to attend every court session for over half a year after ascending the throne, only occasionally skipping them. Thus, when the emperor failed to appear at court for seven or eight days in a row, claiming to be unwell, no one, not even the common people, believed it.
That evening, after wandering outside all day, Yang Ji finally returned to his home. Hearing from the butler Yang Zhong that his father had not yet returned, his brows furrowed deeply. Without getting out of the carriage, he ordered Yang Zhong, “Go in and tell him I’ll go personally to Chang’an Left Gate to pick him up. At this critical moment, our father must not suffer any mishap.”
Seeing Yang Ji give the order without looking back and then instruct the driver to set off, Yang Zhong was stunned. Only after the carriage disappeared did he join his hands in prayer and rush inside to inform the lady of the house, feeling truly pleased and relieved. Since arriving in the capital, although the eldest son often hung around outside, he no longer acted as fiercely as before. Now that he still cared about his father, it was a great fortune—something priceless.
Yang Ji didn’t care what others thought of him. In the early days in the capital, he thought since his father was a trusted minister of the emperor, he could act arrogantly on the roads. But when he managed to meet a few like-minded young men, they looked down on him! It wasn’t until the new emperor ascended the throne that his father quickly rose in rank—first as a vice minister of the Ministry of Rites at the third rank, then as a tutor to the crown prince at the second rank. Now he could hold his head high outside as well, finally experiencing what it meant to be a true nobleman.
But if what those outside were saying was true, wouldn’t these hard-earned good days come to an end?
Chang’an Left Gate was located east of Daming Gate, with red walls and yellow tiles, three gate towers. All civil and military officials entering the palace had to dismount from their horses or palanquins and walk in. By now, it was time for the end of the workday, and many officials dressed in full official attire were coming out—one on horseback, some on mules, others in carriages… The number of attendants waiting on Chang’an Street gradually decreased.
Yang Ji sat in the carriage for a long time. Eventually, unable to bear it any longer, he jumped out and began pacing back and forth in front of it. As he walked until his head spun, he finally saw a familiar figure coming out. He quickly rushed forward and called out, “Father!”
After sitting all day on the journey from the Inner Cabinet to the palace, Yang Shiqi felt his legs as heavy as lead. If it weren’t for a young eunuch supporting him, he would have hardly made it this far. Hearing this call, he recognized his son not far away and was instantly shocked. Only after stepping over the white marble threshold and leaving the Left Gate of Chang’an did he wave at the young eunuch, take Yang Ji’s outstretched hand, and slowly walk back to the carriage.
“How did you come here?”
“Father, I was worried about you!” Yang Ji carefully helped his father onto the carriage, then climbed in himself and quickly pulled down the curtain. Seeing Yang Shiqi sitting there with his eyes closed, resting in silence, he quickly took a clean, soft cloth soaked in ice from a wooden bucket nearby and handed it to him, saying, “There have been so many rumors these days—of all kinds! Some even say… they say you and the others are just like Huang Zicheng and Qi Tai back in the day!”
His voice dropped to a whisper, completely unaware of Yang Shiqi’s expression: “Father, it’s not that I’m meddling, but how similar is the situation now to that during the Jianwen era? The crown prince is young, and there are princes and uncles outside eyeing the throne…”
“Shut up! How dare you get involved in such serious matters?” Yang Shiqi was both shocked and angry. He cut off his son, who wanted to continue speaking, his face, which rarely showed anger, now tightly clenched. “You are not allowed to go out these days. Stay at home quietly! What do you know about court affairs? Why do you randomly compare things to the past? Since you know there are so many troubles these days, you should understand that if someone seizes an opportunity against you now, no one can save you!”
His enthusiasm was doused like a bucket of cold water. Yang Ji was naturally resentful, but after all, his father had years of authority, so he didn’t dare say anything more, only grumbling to himself. When they reached the house, just as he helped Yang Shiqi out of the carriage, they heard the sound of hurried horse hooves from behind the alley.
“Lord Yang!”
A horse carrying a person rushed over at top speed. Before it even stopped, a eunuch leaped off. He rushed forward in two steps at a time, bowed deeply to Yang Shiqi, and then said respectfully, “The Emperor orders you to go to the Qianqing Palace for an audience!”
Though it was just a short sentence, Yang Shiqi was deeply shaken. After responding, he didn’t even need Yang Ji’s help to climb onto the carriage on his own. Turning to see Yang Ji about to follow, he ordered in a stern voice, “Stay at home with your mother. Do not go outside. Yang Zhong, keep a close eye on him. If he steps outside, I’ll hold you accountable!”
On the way back, they reached the Left Gate of Chang’an, and it was already completely dark. Two eunuchs who had been waiting there helped Yang Shiqi out of the carriage and then supported him, one on each side, as they led him inside. After all, Yang Shiqi was already in his sixties. Judging from his pace, it would take him about fifteen minutes to walk from the Left Gate of Chang’an to the Meridian Gate, and who knew how long it would take to reach the Qianqing Palace. With those two carrying him at a brisk pace, he had no need to exert effort and couldn’t help but think about what was going on in the Qianqing Palace.
Had the emperor awakened and ordered them to draft a will? Or had the emperor passed away and Empress Zhang summoned them to handle the aftermath? Or perhaps the imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy had finally managed to save the emperor’s life?
Anxious and restless, he didn’t put those chaotic thoughts aside until he was carried up to the last step in front of the Qianqing Palace. Guided by others, he entered the room as if he knew it well. There, he saw that all the members of the Cabinet were present—whether it was Yang Rong and Jin Youzi, who usually wore smiles, Du Zhen, who was always stern, or Huang Huai, whose face was pale from years in prison—all sat there solemnly, their expressions grim. In addition, Jian Yi and Xia Yuanji were also there, both looking worried. Seeing this, he couldn’t help but sit down and wait as well.
“Eminent lords, the emperor has summoned you!”
Upon hearing the word “summoned,” the seasoned officials stood up one after another. Seeing that it was Liu Yongcheng delivering the message, their hearts grew uneasy. According to the established order, Jian Yi and Xia Yuanji entered first, followed by Yang Shiqi, then Huang Huai, Yang Rong and Jin Youzi, and finally Du Zhen. Du Zhen, who was at the back, heard Huang Huai coughing uncontrollably ahead and noticed his hunched back, sighing deeply in his heart.
Huang Huai had spent ten years in the Jinyiwei prison. Although the emperor now trusted him, his health still needed time to recover. If something happened to the emperor, would the new ruler still remember the hard times he had endured in prison?
Empress Zhang personally helped Zhu Gaochi sit up straight and ordered the palace maids to place two soft cushions behind his back. Seeing his deathly pale face and profuse sweating, she felt heartache but could not show it. When she saw everyone enter the room to pay their respects, she had no choice but to speak on behalf of her husband, telling them to rise. Once everyone stood up, she reminded him, “Your Majesty, everyone is here.”
It was the first time Zhu Gaochi had seen foreign officials in ten days since falling ill. He had been half-conscious these days, often losing consciousness after speaking just a few words. The imperial physicians had been attending to him day and night in the Qianqing Palace. Previously, he had been awake for a longer period but only had a long conversation with Empress Zhang. Following her advice, he summoned Zhu Ning, but before he could see him, he fell into a coma again. Now, even without looking at the cautious expressions of the physicians, he already knew the truth they dared not speak out.
For many years, he had longed to escape the awkward position of crown prince, to not have to live each day in such fear. Yet, after just over half a year of such relief, it seemed his time was up. His grandfather had lived to seventy, his father to just over sixty—yet he himself was not even fifty yet! Thinking of his ambitions over these past few months and his unrestrained indulgence, he gritted his teeth tightly.
“Your Majesty.”
It was not until Empress Zhang’s voice reached his ears again that Zhu Gaochi came back to his senses. Glancing at those summoned, he spoke slowly and clearly, “I have called you all here today to discuss my succession. After Minister Yang drafts the edict, if the crown prince has not returned by the time I pass, follow the usual procedures and keep the truth hidden from outsiders. All matters in the court shall be decided by you, with the Empress giving her final approval. Once the crown prince returns, treat him as you would me!”
After barely finishing these words, Zhu Gaochi felt short of breath again and nearly collapsed. Seeing the situation worsen, Empress Zhang quickly signaled the court physician, Shi Quan. Without hesitation, Shi Quan inserted needles into the emperor’s Baihui, Jueque, and Shenque acupoints, then at Zhongwan and Zusanli. Only when the emperor finally opened his eyes did he step back, drenched in sweat.
“Minister Yang, draft the edict!”
Although there were two cabinet scholars surnamed Yang here, everyone knew the emperor was referring to Yang Shiji. As Zhu Di had favored Yang Rong in his later years and often addressed him as “Scholar Yang” without using his full name, Zhu Gaochi continued to use this title as well. Yet when it came to handling major matters or drafting edicts, Yang Shiji was usually the one to write on his behalf. Now, seeing two eunuchs bring a lacquered stool in front of him, quickly presenting the four essential writing tools, and waiting nearby to grind ink, Yang Shiji did not hesitate any longer. After bowing, he sat down.
Compared to Zhu Di, who had spoken little and written even less in his final days, Zhu Gaochi, though struggling to stay awake, wrote in great detail, word by word. Yang Shiji, seated below, took notes while making minor revisions. By the time Zhu Gaochi finished speaking, his draft was already complete, and Yang Shiji immediately began writing swiftly as if inspired. Being an eloquent scholar himself, he finished drafting the imperial edict in no time. After reviewing it twice to ensure nothing was amiss, he handed it to Fan Hong, the deputy head of the Imperial Secretariat, who was waiting nearby.
“I, though of humble virtue, inherit the great legacy of my ancestors. Having reigned for just over a year, I am deeply concerned first and foremost because my late father, Emperor Taizong,’s mausoleum is not far away; I am filled with sorrow and reverence. Secondly, the people across the country, both north and south, are still suffering from hardship, and I worry day and night for them. Illness struck suddenly, leading to my rapid decline. Death is an inevitable part of life, as seen in the examples of past sages—there is no need for excessive mourning. Yet the state and its people must have a ruler. My eldest son, the Crown Prince, is naturally kind, filial, wise, and brave. My late father had high hopes for him, and all subjects revere him greatly. He is fit to ascend the throne to uphold the divine order and govern the vast population.
Since I ascended the throne, my benevolent influence has not yet reached all the people, and I cannot bear to impose further burden on my father’s mausoleum. The rituals should be kept simple. The mourning period should be shortened from days to months, and everyone, both inside and outside the country, should resume normal activities on the 27th day, with no restrictions on marriage or music. The princes outside the capital must remain in their respective territories, and all military commanders, officials, and civil servants of all ranks must not leave their posts without permission. From the day of mourning, they may mourn day and night at their own places, without needing to go to the capital to pay respects. The mourning rules for my father, Emperor Taizong, shall follow the orders issued last August.
Alas, the burden of supplying resources from both north and south has exhausted the military and civilians across the land. All have long relied on Nanjing, and this has always been my intention. The subjects and the state should unite as one. All civil and military officials, both inside and outside the country, should serve the successor emperor with loyalty and integrity, ensuring peace and prosperity for our people. Then I will have no regrets. This edict shall be announced throughout the country.”
Gathering his strength to finish reading the edict, Zhu Gaochi nodded stiffly. Looking at the flickering candlelight in the room, he felt his vision gradually blur, and the voices around him faded away. He stretched out his right hand toward Empress Zhang with all his might, but before that familiar hand could grasp his, he lost consciousness for the last time.
While grief reigned in the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Ning was not in the Kunning Palace. Though she had promised Empress Zhang, she had no intention of establishing any authority in what might become the former emperor’s harem. Yet the news that had just arrived was extraordinary; even if she wanted to turn a blind eye, she could not ignore such an incident.
Compared to Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Di, Zhu Gaochi had few concubines, most of whom were from the Eastern Palace. Among them, Concubine Guo, who resided in the Changning Palace of the Eastern Six Palaces, ranked second only to the empress and had given birth to three sons. As the granddaughter of the Marquis of Wuding, she was far superior to the other concubines.
The Changning Palace consisted of two courtyards. At that moment, all the maids and eunuchs serving there stood beneath the stone screen in the first courtyard, not daring to make a sound. When Concubine Guo was favored, they walked in and out with their heads held high. But ever since the emperor fainted there and was carried out, all six palaces were sealed off. They knew the tide had turned. Even though their master held a noble status and her family was distinguished, they feared this ordeal would be difficult to overcome.
Seeing Concubine Guo standing there with a pale face, Zhu Ning couldn’t help but frown. She didn’t even turn to look at Empress Zhang’s two palace officials and simply asked coldly, “Concubine Guo, were you the one who incited Wang Jieyu to cause trouble?”
“If the princess says so, then it must be so. I have nothing to defend myself with.” Since all six palaces were in mourning for the former emperor, Concubine Guo was dressed very simply, wearing only a simple hairpin adorned with woolen flowers. At that moment, she tightly clenched her hands before finally speaking after a long pause, “The sealing of the Eastern and Western Six Palaces was an imperial order from the empress. I cannot and dare not say anything. But as concubines of the six palaces, we naturally want to know how the emperor is doing. Besides…”
She suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with anger as she stared at Zhu Ning. “After the kind and filial Empress passed away, Concubine Zhang and Concubine Wang took turns managing the affairs of the six palaces. Then, when the former emperor fell seriously ill and there were no high-ranking concubines in the palace, the princess served for a while in the Western Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace. Now, though I am guilty, there are still Concubine Wang and Concubine Zhao, both of whom were crowned empresses on the same day. If the empress doesn’t trust me, she certainly doesn’t trust them either. How could she rather entrust such important matters to an outsider like the princess?”
Even though she was reluctant to take on this troublesome task, being scolded in such a manner by Concubine Guo, Zhu Ning naturally wouldn’t swallow her anger. She immediately sneered and said, “It’s truly novel that Concubine Guo would claim to be trustworthy. Since you were conferred the title of imperial concubine on the same day as the empress, you should remember the teachings of female virtue. The emperor has been ill for days now. The empress has advised him—have you ever advised him? Have the other concubines advised him? With things having reached this point, how can the empress trust you all? Now that the emperor’s health still hasn’t improved, with internal and external troubles, the empress is busy handling state affairs and has no time to deal with you. That’s why I, an outsider, have to step in.”
“You…”
Concubine Guo wasn’t familiar with Zhu Ning. She had only heard occasionally in the Eastern Palace that Zhu Ning was highly favored by Emperor Zhu Di. When he was ill, she had once taken care of him in the Western Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace and also managed the six palaces. She had never personally experienced the presence and authority of this noblewoman from the imperial family, and now she was so stunned she couldn’t speak. She dug her nails into her palms hard before regaining her ability to speak.
“I was rude. Now that none of us may leave the palace, could you please inform the emperor about his condition?”
“The emperor’s condition is being taken care of by the Imperial Medical Academy. Concubine Guo, at this point, you should reflect seriously. You are the daughter of a military family, not some ordinary lady. Stop doing things that bring shame. Remember, you still have the Princes of Teng, Liang, and Wei!”
Glancing at Concubine Guo’s pale cheeks and deeply sunken eyes, Zhu Ning knew she must have understood the implication in her words. She immediately turned around and left. Only at the door did she give orders: “Leave four maids and two eunuchs in Changning Palace. Everyone else must be confined strictly in the two rooms to the north and south of the side halls and must not be released without orders.”
As she hurried down the steps, she heard a pitiful cry coming from inside the palace. Though feeling frustrated, she didn’t stop until she entered the Jinghe Gate with its single-eave hip-and-gable roof on the east side of Kunning Palace, where she finally regained a little energy. She should have gone straight back to Kunning Palace, but somehow, she felt an urge to visit Qianqing Palace. So, after giving instructions to the two palace officials, she took only two eunuchs and left Jinghe Gate again, walking slowly toward Qianqing Palace. When she reached the east side of Qianqing Gate, she saw a group of officials leaving and stopped to silently count them.
Seven people… There were actually seven!
Zhu Ning had spent many years in the capital and was extremely familiar with the court. By counting on her fingers and considering the colors of their clothing, she could roughly guess which officials they were. After standing there in silence for a while, she gave up the idea of meeting Empress Zhang and turned to walk back inside without looking back. When she returned to Kunning Palace, she went into the inner chamber and found that the two palace maids had not yet returned, which puzzled her. She then went behind the curtain to burn incense. Just as she was about to come out, she heard two people whispering outside.
“It’s even worse now—Princess Wang of Xianyang Palace left a suicide note. She caused such a fuss without considering the bigger picture, and now things have gotten even worse.”
Hearing Palace Maid Lu mutter this, Palace Maid Li shook her head indifferently. Seeing that no one else was around, she softly sighed, “It’s no wonder Princess Wang ended up like this. Death is death either way—she couldn’t have had children anyway, and after causing such a huge disaster, how could she possibly survive? Not to mention her, even Concubine Guo should be waking up to the situation by now. If it weren’t for her three sons, given her faults, it would only be fair to execute her along with the emperor!”
In an instant, Zhu Ning’s heart pounded violently, and she took a deep breath. She naturally remembered Princess Wang’s terror when she visited Xianyang Palace earlier; she never expected her to take such a drastic step so quickly. Emperor Hongwu had over forty people executed along with him, and Emperor Yongle had over thirty. If the current emperor died, how many more would be sacrificed? Even though Concubine Guo had three sons, wouldn’t it be easy to force her to sacrifice herself then? At this point, she could only hope that Concubine Guo would truly understand her situation.