Chapter 915: Noble Bloodline

The Imperial Lectures at the Hongwen Pavilion had been held four times so far. By April 15th, although several officials had been promoted for their suggestions, it was still unclear how many had won the emperor’s favor. Ultimately, no conclusion had been reached. On that day, as the chaotic discussions came to an end, the powerful figures who had remained silent throughout seemed like bodhisattvas—some approving, some admiring, some annoyed, and some expressionless—as they watched the court officials who had been so eloquent moments earlier now fall silent. Unexpectedly, Zhu Zhanji, who usually composed a poem for the officials after each lecture, did not wait for the eunuch to announce the end of the session. Instead, he stood up.

“The topics for the next Imperial Lecture at the Hongwen Pavilion will be taxation and corvée labor, as well as military households. After you return, you may discuss these with your colleagues and think carefully about them. Our dynasty originally set light taxation, but over the years, the amount owed has not decreased. Instead, due to people avoiding corvée labor, thousands of households are lost each year from the official registers, especially in the Jiangnan and Huguang regions. As for other groups such as boatmen, they often suffer from having to deliver goods to the capital. As for military households, people consider them lowly laborers, so many of them leave as well. The Ministry of War and the Armory Department struggle to fill these positions, as there are often no suitable candidates. In the border regions, military households are used for farming, which results in heavy casualties when the Tartars attack, precisely because everyone’s focus is on the military farms…”

The emperor spoke at length for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Though those listening paid close attention, they all harbored doubts. What about those three matters discussed earlier? Were they set aside for now, or had a decision already been made? Moreover, there had been quite a stir among the censors earlier regarding these issues—what was the outcome? Yet, after the emperor finished speaking, it was an experienced Hanlin scholar who stepped forward and bowed.

“Your Majesty, regarding those three matters discussed earlier…”

“Those three matters will be discussed at the next Imperial Lecture. I will announce the relevant decisions then.”

This is what it means for things to settle down. For a while, the ministers dared not ask further questions. When they saw that the cabinet ministers remained, many cast envious glances at them. However, although Huang Fu, the Minister of Revenue who had just arrived from Nanjing, filled a vacant position as minister, the heads of the Ministry of Punishments, Ministry of Works, and Ministry of War still remained unfilled. Since the Yongle era, the imperial administration had become increasingly stable, with the positions of the six ministers hardly ever changing, though the vice ministers occasionally did. There had never been such a situation of vacancies before. Although everyone was eager for positions, it took months to decide on a candidate for the vice minister of the Ministry of War alone, so no one dared to use overly aggressive methods.

As for the Hanlin scholars, since Yang Pu still hadn’t been granted the title of Grand Secretary, their hopes of entering the cabinet were even lower. Among the senior ministers, Yang Shiji and Yang Rong had been in charge of cabinet affairs for over twenty years and seemed likely to continue for another decade or so. Huang Huai had retired, Jin Youzi was often ill, and Du Zhen never suffered from even a minor headache. Now that Yang Rong had gone to Yunnan, the remaining three managed affairs so efficiently that nothing could disrupt them. Zhang Ying and Chen Shan simply resigned, leaving no hope of their return.

In the imperial court, the only place left for these middle-aged officials to speak was the Hongwen Pavilion.

Zhang Yue, who wasn’t considered part of the middle-aged group, spoke briefly with the other cabinet leaders in the Wenhua Hall before leaving with them. But as soon as they reached the door, they were stopped by Wang Jin, a eunuch from the Imperial Household Department. This time, he took Zhang Yue straight to the Qianqing Palace to discuss matters related to the princely states. When Zhang Yue mentioned that the imperial families of the Tang and Song dynasties hardly ever engaged in rebellion, Zhu Zhanji’s expression changed slightly before he shook his head.

“I understand what you mean. During the Han dynasty, Emperor Gaozu established the system, but by the time of Emperors Wen and Jing, changes had already occurred. By Emperor Wu’s reign, the powers of the princely states had been greatly reduced. The same is true in our dynasty. Initially, princely states had as few as nine thousand to as many as fifteen thousand troops for protection, but now few of the imperial relatives still retain such guards. As Minister Yang mentioned earlier, adding rules such as prohibiting them from leaving their fiefs without permission, from petitioning the court arbitrarily, or from seizing civilian land should be sufficient.”

Yang Shiji was being cautious, fearing that pressure from the imperial relatives might become too severe and lead to even more chaotic situations—like the Rebellion of the Seven Kings during the Han Dynasty, along with subsequent uprisings, which not only resulted in Chao Cuo’s death but also affected many others. He firmly believed that Yang Shiji also did not want Du Zhen to get trapped in such turmoil. Yet, considering the temperament of his father-in-law and mentor, he still shook his head and said, “Your Majesty, although the imperial relatives no longer possess the power they once had, they still outnumber the rest. The princes and generals of several major families together account for more than half of the imperial clan. Since they cannot take the imperial examinations or become officials, they certainly won’t engage in farming or business. If they remain confined in that state for too long, they will inevitably become restless.”

Stillness breeds restlessness, and restlessness breeds change.
Without Zhang Yue reminding him, Zhu Zhanji naturally knew these eight words. He hadn’t yet agreed to Yang Shiji’s proposal, thinking that requiring concubine-born sons to forfeit their titles was somewhat harsh. After all, the rules regarding princes taking wives had been established since the early Hongwu era, as did the regulations in the imperial genealogy, though they had never been strictly enforced. Thinking of how two of his brothers had lost their titles due to the lack of heirs, while other imperial relatives had even lost their status as princes, he finally nodded after much deliberation.

“Very well. For those without titles, allow them to engage in farming and commerce. As for reducing titles for inheritance… let’s proceed step by step.”

Zhang Yue had indeed considered sending those imperial relatives who couldn’t inherit titles overseas—reports from the Great Ming Divine Might ships showed that there were prosperous places abroad. But in an era where loyalty to one’s homeland was paramount, it wasn’t the right time to propose such a thing rashly. After discussing the details of the military examinations with the emperor for a while longer, he stood up, but before he could ask to leave, someone rushed in like a gust of wind.

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty! Concubine Wu… Concubine Wu is in labor!”

Zhu Zhanji’s feelings toward Concubine Wu were merely ordinary. Moreover, due to the previous palace coup and the unborn child involved, he had been somewhat displeased. But since having heirs was difficult, and advised by Empress Dowager Zhang, he had visited her several times. Hearing this news now, he immediately stood up, his face a mix of shock and anger.

“Weren’t those imperial physicians saying it would take at least half a month?”

Fan Hong was so anxious that he was sweating profusely. He hurriedly explained, “The palace maids said that Concubine Wu felt discomfort in her womb while exercising this morning. After summoning the imperial physicians, they determined it was a premature birth, so midwives and physicians are already there. By the time I reported to the Empress Dowager, she had already ordered that everything be done to save the child. After all, it’s April now, the weather is hot, and yang energy is strong; even if it’s premature, the child should be able to survive.”

“Then why waste time? Go and stay there!”

Zhu Zhanji finally couldn’t care less and gave a stern order. Seeing Fan Hong respond eagerly and leave in a flash, he then noticed that Zhang Yue was still there. Feeling somewhat embarrassed, he sighed after a while and said, “I envy you. You have two sons and two daughters, and your wife is pregnant again. I only have two daughters and one son. Because of this, I’ve been scolded by the Empress Dowager countless times, and so many officials are worried… Yuanjie, if this child is a son, that’s fine. But if it’s a daughter and your son is also a son, how about I arrange for her to marry your son?”

This wasn’t the first time the emperor had brought up this matter, but this time his tone didn’t seem like a joke. As Zhang Yue was still pondering, the emperor stepped out from behind his desk with his hands behind his back and sized him up from head to toe.

“I know what you’re worried about. You should know that some officials once suggested that it’s not a good thing for relatives of the emperor to hold too much power. That’s why my two uncles—one inherited the title of Marquis of Pengcheng, while the other lost his military authority. During the Hongwu era, most princesses were married to relatives of the emperor, and their lives were fairly happy. But for my aunts, some had happy marriages, some died young, and some gave birth to scoundrels like Li Maofang… I’m not trying to force you to take a princess as a daughter-in-law. I think there should be a proper system for princesses to marry into ordinary families. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, how many princesses have actually ended up in good marriages? I only have a few children, so I care deeply for my daughters. Since you’re so resourceful, come up with a good idea.”

It was indeed a reality since the Tang and Song dynasties that the emperor’s daughters had difficulty finding husbands. So, Zhang Yue was already shocked at the idea of the emperor forcing a princess onto his family, but hearing what followed scared him even more. It was true that the princesses of the Ming and Qing dynasties were pitiable, but weren’t their husbands also pitiable, aside from a few who acted as they pleased? Just as he was about to refuse, Zhu Zhanji didn’t even give him a chance.

“Although it’s said that one should not enter places of ill omen without permission, I can’t help but worry. I’ll go visit the Empress Dowager and recite a few verses of Buddhist scriptures… It’s getting late. I grant you leave to go home and see your wife. Oh, I forgot—Aunt Ning said it was fine, and she’s already taken the two children there; they’re probably at your place by now.”

The emperor walked fast, leaving Zhang Yue feeling a bit dizzy as he left the palace. Some problems he could solve with experience from later generations, but others… were truly troublesome. Thinking of Zhu Ning’s concern for her children’s future and her effort to reduce constraints by refusing to include Zhu Rujun and Zhu Ruyun in the imperial family genealogy, and considering the chaos caused by dealing with vassal states, he couldn’t help but shake his head. He realized Zhu Zhanji was serious this time, which made him more alert.

Zhu Zhanji was still young and in good health. How could such an emperor only reign for ten years?

With these thoughts in mind, Zhang Yue returned to the Ministry of War. Using the emperor’s permission as an excuse, he legitimately passed off a pile of official tasks to Xu Kuo—of course, since he had been pressing Xu too hard lately, he promised to work overnight at the ministry for the next ten days to get by. By the time he rushed home from Xuanwu Gate Street, he indeed heard that Zhu Ning had brought the two children to visit Du Wan, who was playing in the back courtyard. After a brief thought, he sent someone to announce his arrival before rushing in.

Zhu Ning was Du Wan’s close friend. Though she wasn’t married yet, raising two children had made her act completely like a mother. Seeing the children crawling around on the thick Korean carpets, her face naturally radiated motherly warmth. Seeing Zhang’s two children, who were about the same age as Rujun and Ruyun, also crawling around, and knowing she was pregnant herself, she couldn’t help but lower her head and press it against Du Wan’s belly to listen.

“Aunt Ning!”

“Why be shy? Hasn’t Zhang Yue heard it before?” Zhu Ning smiled at Du Wan. Seeing her give her a annoyed glance, she laughed and said, “I just thought that when I have the chance to have children later, it might not be fun for them to play alone. So I’ll bring my children here often so they can grow up playing together. Oh, and there’s also that child from the Xiao Wu family. Don’t glare at me—more children mean more fun. Don’t you want that? I get it—if you’re worried I’ll interfere with your time together, I’ll leave as soon as he returns and come back after he’s gone. Is that okay?”

Amused by Zhu Ning’s joke, Amber and Qiu Hen inside the house also started laughing, while Du Wan looked utterly helpless. Zhang Yue, who happened to be outside the door, heard Zhu Ning’s words and, after pausing for a moment, wore a thoughtful expression. In the past, whenever she saw Zhu Ning, she couldn’t hide her helplessness, but now, just by hearing her voice, he knew that the princess had completely let go of those thoughts—otherwise, she wouldn’t have made such jokes typical of a married woman.

So, after they reported their arrival, he entered. The weather was already hot, and both inside and outside the house, Xiangfei bamboo curtains had been installed. Since children crawled on the floor, laying just bamboo mats would leave marks all over their bodies, so carpets were still used, thinking it was just a matter of getting sweaty. As soon as he entered, he felt a small figure bump into him. Looking down, he saw a round child who babbled at him for a while before suddenly calling out “Dad.” After being momentarily stunned, he bent down, picked up the child, and teased them playfully with a smile.

“Little one, you called me wrong—it’s godfather, not dad!” he said, looking at Du Wan. “Didn’t you say last time you wanted to be the godmother of Ru Jun and Ru Yun? Since Sister Ning brought the child here, why not give the gifts?”

Zhu Ning had been embarrassed by Ru Jun’s call earlier, but upon hearing this, she finally breathed a sigh of relief, turning annoyance into joy. Du Wan quickly understood and slapped her own head in realization, then nodded at Amber, who rushed out like the wind and returned shortly with two pouches. Since the two families often interacted, gifts had already been exchanged. Holding those two pouches, even though she knew it was Zhang Yue trying to ease the awkwardness, Zhu Ning couldn’t help but smile at the address “Sister Ning.”

After chatting for a while, Du Wan inevitably asked why Zhang Yue had returned so early. When Zhang Yue recounted the events from the palace that day, she was instantly stunned and turned to look at Zhu Ning, only to find that Zhu Ning was also looking her way.

The emperor said it was a princess, but who knew if there wasn’t also Zhu Ning’s influence behind it?