Chapter 924: Peaceful Years and Prosperous Eras
The higher one’s position in the government, the more worries they tend to have. Even someone like Zhang Yue, who came from a wealthy family and had a stable career, would often toss and turn for a long time after waking up in the middle of the night before falling asleep, let alone the emperor himself, Zhu Zhanji. Thus, he didn’t take the first part of what was said seriously, but when he heard the latter part, he frowned.
During the day, aside from court meetings and discussions in the Wenhua Hall, it was his free time. What that was like, Zhang Yue didn’t know. Even Wang Jin, though close to him and in charge of the Imperial Surveillance Bureau, might not know clearly. How could this man tell? Curious, he leaned forward slightly and asked more carefully this time, “Did this sir really tell that I’m easily distracted by my pulse?”
“If I were that accurate, I might as well become a fortune-teller,” Feng Yuanming replied with a smirk before adding calmly, “When I took your pulse earlier, your eyes first scanned me curiously for a while, then turned to look at the courtyard. You also exchanged a few words with Zhang Yue from time to time, and then seemed lost in thought. Just in that short time, it’s clear you’re like this most of the time. Since you get along so well with Zhang Yue, you must share his temperament—practicing martial arts despite being an official. That’s why you think about hunting while working, and think about official duties while hunting. Even when relaxing, you can’t help but be distracted.”
Even though Zhang Yue had revealed quite a bit of information to Feng Yuanming beforehand, he really didn’t expect this once-stout old man to also be capable of acting like a charlatan. He was both surprised and delighted. As for Zhu Zhanji sitting beside him, his eyes were filled with amazement. After a while, he nodded repeatedly in admiration, saying, “The old man is absolutely right! What’s more remarkable is that he didn’t base his judgment on the pulse, nor did he act mysterious like others. He truly has real skills!”
Over the past few years, Feng Yuanming had been revered as a sage doctor on the grasslands, and he was immune to all kinds of praise. Even being addressed by an emperor didn’t make him feel particularly honored. But for Zhang Yue’s sake, he managed to hide any reaction, smiled slightly, and changed the subject before saying seriously, “As one’s position grows and responsibilities increase, it’s inevitable to suffer from insomnia at night and lack of energy during the day. Practicing martial arts to strengthen the body is the best way to regulate one’s health. But there’s another method: diet. You seem only a few years older than Zhang Yue, but you’re already starting to gain weight—probably because you eat too much meat and other rich foods.”
Zhu Zhanji glanced at Zhang Yue and immediately remembered the incident when Empress Dowager Zhang fell ill. Since then, although Empress Dowager Zhang hadn’t gone completely vegetarian, she had eaten much less meat and fish. Now, not only had her energy not declined due to her diet, but she even seemed healthier. Moreover, the imperial physicians in the palace said that her heart disease was likely inherited from her family, with a high likelihood of recurrence in later generations, which made him somewhat alert. Though he had never noticed any problems of his own in this regard, he was not yet middle-aged, and gaining weight was certainly no good sign. He didn’t want to regret it when he could no longer ride a horse or draw a bow.
Although Zhang Yue and Zhu Zhanji got along well as emperor and minister, as a high-ranking official, it was not easy for him to discuss health preservation with an emperor who at least appeared to be in good health. Moreover, it was simple enough to say certain things to Zhu Ning, but since the young princess was now trying to avoid going to the palace as much as possible, he naturally couldn’t just leave difficult issues to her. So, when Zhu Zhanji truly became interested, Feng Yuanming began discussing various key points regarding diet, then explained using medical principles why one should consume less salt, oil, and meat, as well as the benefits of practicing Tai Chi in the early morning. Zhu Zhanji nodded inwardly, thinking he hadn’t wasted his effort in seeking help.
Feng Yuanming was no longer an imperial physician, but having once worked in the Imperial Medical Academy, he naturally knew well the habits of the nobility. Therefore, he was quite careful in his speech—some of it was insightful, while other parts were just jokes from an old man. With Zhang Yue filling in the gaps, after half an hour, Zhu Zhanji was almost ready to suggest appointing someone to the Imperial Medical Academy. However, Zhang Yue didn’t want Feng Yuanming, who should have been “dead” in this context, to be “revived” in public. Besides, many of the methods he mentioned were preventive strategies against heart and blood vessel diseases that he had heard about later in life. So, he quickly used an excuse to pull Zhu Zhanji away, then took the initiative to speak again once they were in another corridor.
“Your Majesty, Master Zhong, just like his senior brother, has a peculiar temperament. He is more interested in medical knowledge than in treating patients, so he delves into topics that others disdain. That’s why he has spent years wandering in places like the grasslands, where other doctors don’t want to go, even venturing into Tibet. Staying in the Imperial Medical Academy would likely bore him, not to mention the competition and intrigues among his colleagues, which he also doesn’t want to get involved in. As for what he just said—others hearing it…”
“I find it rather interesting,” Zhu Zhanji said with a smile, waving his hand. Then, as if casually, he added, “Though some of those taboos are things found in the Imperial Pharmacy, and some I’ve never even heard of, upon reflection, there is some truth to them. Over the years, I’ve implemented so many new policies—what if… I don’t want to burden the younger generation with everything. Now that Renshou Palace already has a small kitchen dedicated to the Empress Dowager, I can simply set up another one; I have the money for it.”
It was just a joke. But as for money, Zhu Zhanji didn’t really care much these days. Like his grandfather Zhu Di, he had considerable control over the court, though he wasn’t as capricious as Zhu Di. He listened more to the opinions of his ministers and didn’t imprison high-ranking officials easily. Moreover, since Zhang Yue was in charge of the Ministry of Revenue, necessary funds for building palaces and other expenses were allocated readily, with only occasional complaints. As a result, the treasury for the palace’s expenses grew even more prosperous, with the clerks from the Ministry of Revenue also keeping track of it, aside from the Imperial Supervision Bureau.
Since he was already there, Zhu Zhanji didn’t leave right away. After walking around the courtyard, he shifted the topic to his children. Due to the many policies implemented in previous years, the matter of arranging marriages for princesses and noblewomen had been overlooked by both the emperor and his ministers. Now that the topic came up again, as Zhang Yue recounted the plans discussed with Zhu Ning and Du Wan, Zhu Zhanji nodded thoughtfully before saying lightly, “I have few children, so I naturally pay more attention to them. I also hope their marriages go smoothly… Well, once I return, I’ll discuss this with the Empress. We’ll settle it soon. As for everything else, you’re right about one thing—marrying someone, even if it’s not ideal, is still better than marrying someone worse than an animal. Character is more important than talent. By the way…”
Zhu Zhanji paused suddenly and then looked at Zhang Yue, saying, “The Crown Prince is five now and should start his education. The Three Yangs of the Cabinet can all serve as lecturers. I actually favored you for this role, but it’s a significant responsibility, and you’re still young. Yuanjie, since we get along well, I might as well be honest. I want you to give regular lectures to the Crown Prince, but without a formal title. You may not be as learned as the great scholars in classics and history, but your ideas are quite interesting.”
Before the northern tour, Zhu Zhanji had also disguised himself and visited the Duke of Yingguo’s residence, where he met Tianci and Jingguan. He was quite impressed by the uncle and nephew—one martial and the other scholarly. While it wasn’t uncommon for a twelve-year-old to be eloquent, it was rare for them to have such thorough knowledge of various aspects of society, including prices, industries, and different social classes. Though their knowledge wasn’t profound and might be dismissed by scholars who dedicated themselves to in-depth study, for someone who had grown accustomed to new ideas over the years, these two children seemed quite appealing. At least they were more interesting than those who were always stern and formal like they were dealing with high-ranking guests. Unfortunately, the two children were already too old to serve as the emperor’s companions—plus, the Zhang family was already extremely wealthy, so it wasn’t appropriate to have another pair of companions. Thus, as he spoke these words, he looked intently at this “honest and remarkable man.” After many years, although Zhang Yue could be very shrewd sometimes, in his presence he usually spoke freely. So, in his eyes, these five words already signified loyalty to this confidant who was both a minister and a friend. Seeing Zhang Yue tilt his head in thought, he smiled and asked, “Well, will you agree or not?” “If there’s a formal title, then I dare not accept it. But since the emperor says there isn’t, I’m willing to take on this role.” Zhang Yue agreed readily, and Zhu Zhanji was naturally pleased to agree as well. The two exchanged glances and smiled at the same time. However, this wasn’t the place to laugh out loud, so after smiling, Zhu Zhanji stood up. The anger he had felt a few days earlier when suddenly chased by the Oirat army had completely vanished. “Come with me to find the Duke of Yingguo. Let’s go to the north wall of Kaiping together!” Although Duke Zhang Fu hadn’t commanded troops for a long time, he took charge of the central army during this northern tour and fought against the Oirat cavalry who had arrived. This immediately reminded many junior soldiers of his reputation as a top general. But now, in Kaiping, he didn’t overstep his bounds; all matters were handled by the Ministry of War. When the central army and the various detachments met, he reverted to his usual quiet demeanor. After finishing his military duties, he called his eldest son, Zhang Zhong, over and was personally testing his martial skills when he heard that the emperor had arrived with Zhang Yue. He immediately stopped practicing and went out to greet them.
Zhu Zhanji, clad in a crimson robe, did not dismount. Instead, he glanced at the father and son, then nodded and said, “I wish to go to the city walls. If Duke Yingguo has nothing to do, he may accompany Tianci and me on the walk.” Zhang Fu gave Zhang Yue, who stood behind the emperor, a reproachful look, but ultimately agreed. Although there were many Jinyiwei guards by the emperor’s side, he still called for his personal guards to accompany him. By the time they reached the northern city wall, many noble generals had already arrived upon hearing the news. Seeing this, Zhu Zhanji knew immediately that his incognito outing had been uncovered. Fortunately, the nobles were not as talkative as the civil officials. After a group of them stepped forward to pay their respects, they surrounded Zhu Zhanji and helped him ascend the city tower.
July was the season when the weather was clear and the horses were in peak condition. Standing on the city walls and looking into the distance, Zhang Yue first saw herds of cattle, sheep, and horses on the green grasslands, then turned his gaze to the distant lush mountains. He then looked up at the clear blue sky before gently closing his eyes. Even in this season, the wind on the grasslands was strong. Coupled with the great height of the city walls, the gusts blew directly into his face, causing his skin to tighten unbeknownst to him. After a long while, he opened his eyes again, propped his hands on the parapet, and looked down, feeling somewhat dazed.
This city had once required great effort and wealth from Yuan Emperor Kublai Khan. Once completed, it was named Shangdu and was hailed as the most splendid jewel in the grasslands. However, when chaos erupted at the end of the Yuan dynasty, the Yuan emperor fled here with his civil and military officials and troops. Yet, this once-impenetrable city could not withstand the flames of the rebel forces; everything from pavilions and towers to precious treasures was reduced to ashes. By the Hongwu era, the city was completely abandoned and nearly lost to history. Even after it was rebuilt, it could no longer display its former grandeur.
But now, Kaiping City had been rebuilt. It was no longer the Shangdu that the Mongols took pride in, but rather the foremost city beyond the Great Wall that the Ming people were proud of! It was unknown whether Toghon of the Oirats, when leading his troops here, would feel inspired by this strong city; nor whether Arutai of the Tatars, when visiting the capital to pay tribute last year, would feel a sense of longing for something unattainable upon seeing this city; nor whether the descendants of the once-powerful Golden Family would glow with anger upon seeing Kaiping…
Starting in the east from Korea, extending west to Tubo, encompassing Annam in the south, and reaching the Great Desert in the north, Luchuan in the southwest has been pacified, and Burma is pleading for tribute. Annam has fully become a province of the Great Ming. Its treasure ships intimidate both the East and the West. This country, from north to south and east to west, spans vast distances—truly a realm of boundless lands.
Zhang Yue glanced to the right and saw Zhu Zhanji waving at him. Only as he stepped forward did he realize the emperor was reciting poetry. He had thought the emperor was composing a poem on the spot inspired by the scene, but to his surprise, after reciting four lines, Zhu Zhanji suddenly turned to look at him.
“‘Again, imperial carriages enter the heavenly court; beautiful ladies sing and dance in years of peace. Courtiers praise heaven with joyful faces; wine for longevity is passed among the princes in turn.’ How do you think these four lines are?”
Although Zhang Yue had read many books but few poems, he pondered these lines for a while before suddenly realizing, “Is the emperor not mocking me? With references to imperial carriages and princes, every word praises the emperor. Without the emperor’s grandeur, it certainly couldn’t be written by a subject of our dynasty. These four lines are probably poems composed by those court poets who followed from Dadu to Shangdu during the Yuan dynasty.”
“You’re quite perceptive!” Seeing several nobles looking uneasy, Zhu Zhanji knew they were relieved they hadn’t blurted out something foolish that would expose their flattery. He stepped forward again but waved them off, then said with a smile, “Among these four lines, there are two words that suit the current situation. Which two do you think they are?”
“Naturally, ‘peace’!”
Zhang Yue answered without hesitation. Seeing the emperor nod repeatedly with satisfaction, he couldn’t help but smile slightly and also look into the distance with Zhu Zhanji. In times of peace and prosperity, there was no need for songs and dances to celebrate—it was enough to see the peace and joy of the common people, for such a prosperous era was right before their eyes. Otherwise, why would someone say, “Better to be a dog in peace than a displaced person in chaos”? Suddenly, a soft voice reached his ears.
“Zhang Yue, may there be peace year after year and prosperity season after season. If I bestow a hereditary title upon you someday, I will use the word ‘peace’!”