I am Emperor Wanli

Chapter 734: The nobles who went to the palace like visiting a grave

On the fourth day of September, in a room in the backyard of Duke Cheng's mansion, Zhu Xizhong stood behind a screen with his hands raised, allowing his concubine to dress him and put on a hat, while his wife Liang was beside him directing everything.

The robe embroidered with golden python, the black gauze hat, and the white jade and gold ribbon show his power.

When she was about to put on her official boots, Zhu Xizhong suddenly waved his hand to stop his concubine.

"What's wrong, sir?"

"That official uniform of the crane should still be there."

"Crane official uniform? The master is a noble military officer, where did the crane official uniform come from?"

"The one bestowed by Emperor Sejong."

"Oh, Master, I remembered it now. I kept it well. After Emperor Sejong passed away, I haven't worn it for several years. I don't even remember it."

"Bring it here, sir. I want to wear that official uniform today."

Liang immediately asked her concubine to fetch it, and asked curiously, "Why did the master want to wear this official uniform?"

"Today, the Emperor summoned us nobles, as well as important officials from the cabinet and military government, to discuss matters in the Taiji Hall in the Western Garden."

"Master, aren't you changing into your official uniform and getting ready to go?"

"Hidden reefs and dangerous shoals, hold a candle in the wind. This crane official uniform bestowed by Emperor Shizong may be my life-saving talisman."

The maid brought the official uniform of the crane. Liang first instructed her concubine to take off the python uniform and put on the official uniform of the crane with a strong smell of mothballs, then put on the jade belt and the black gauze hat.

Liang waved her hand and told the concubines and maids to leave. She personally straightened Zhu Xizhong's collar and corners, put an ivory plate on him, and muttered something softly.

"Master, you were not this nervous when you went to Xiyuan to meet Emperor Shizong before."

"No man is good forever, no flower is red forever. A new emperor chooses new ministers."

"Master, that's not what I meant. I meant that Emperor Sejong is awe-inspiring and unpredictable. But I think that the civil and military officials, including you, are more afraid of the emperor than Emperor Sejong."

Zhu Xizhong looked up at the roof with complicated eyes and bitterness on his face.

"Alas, it's hard to put it into words. Although the emperor is young, he is a rare saintly ruler in the country. He has lofty ambitions and clever means. Is your mind ready?"

Liang quickly replied, "Master, you are dressed."

"Is the carriage ready?"

"Go ask Zhu Jiu if the master's carriage is ready?" Liang shouted outside, then took a bowl of ginseng soup.

"Master, have a few sips to refresh yourself."

Zhu Xizhong took the bowl and took two sips. "I'm old now and not very useful anymore. I need to refresh myself."

Liang took a towel and wiped Zhu Xizhong's beard, wiping off the soup on it.

A maid outside replied, "Madam, the master's carriage is ready and waiting in front of the stable."

Zhu Xizhong lifted his front lapel and said, "Let's go!"

Liang and her concubines stood at the backyard gate and respectfully saw Zhu Xizhong off.

Zhu Xizhong was picked up by the steward Zhu Jiu and led to the stable in the front yard.

"Have you greeted the Second Master and the Marquis of Zhenyuan?"

"In reply to the master, we have already arranged everything. The second master will get on the bus at Shuangnian Street, and the Zhenyuan Marquis will get on the bus at Dengshi Street."

"it is good."

Zhu Xizhong got on the carriage, two of his followers climbed onto the seats at the back of the carriage, and another follower climbed to the front and sat next to the coachman.

Hearing Zhu Xizhong stamping his feet in the carriage, the coachman shook the reins, and the two horses started to move forward. They went out of the side door, turned onto Chongwenmen North Street, and drove south at a leisurely pace.

When they arrived at the intersection of Shuangnian Street, a carriage was parked there. It was the carriage of Duke Chengguo's Mansion, and Wanning Earl Zhu Xixiao, Zhu Xizhong's second brother, got in.

"Brother."

"Old Gu is in front."

"it is good."

When they arrived at the intersection of Dengshi Street, the carriage of Duke Chengguo's Mansion had just stopped, and Marquis Zhenyuan Gu Huan got out of his own carriage and got in.

Zhu Xixiao and Gu Huan sat opposite Zhu Xizhong. The three of them looked at each other, and finally Zhu Xizhong spoke.

"Ying Zhen from my residence was arrested by the Jinyiwei Zhenfu Division."

Gu Huan replied: "Cheng Zu from my house was also arrested by the people from the Pacification Bureau."

Zhu Xixiao replied: "I have asked, and those arrested also include Xu Wenshuo from Yongkang Marquis's Mansion, Guo Yingyong from Wuding Marquis's Mansion, Jiang Jiansong from Dingxi Marquis's Mansion, and Zhu Jicheng from Funing Marquis's Mansion.

In addition, the sons, nephews and in-laws of the mansions of Marquis Anyuan, Marquis Wu'an, Marquis Fengcheng, Marquis Ningyang, Marquis Longping, Earl Xinning, Earl Yingcheng, and Earl Pingjiang were all arrested.

A total of 21 noble families were implicated in the case."

"These past two days, these old friends have sent people to find me, wanting to come to my house to discuss this matter," Zhu Xizhong stroked his beard and said slowly, "but I had people stop them."

"What are we discussing at this time? Isn't this going to bring disaster to our brother?" Zhu Xixiao complained.

Zhu Xizhong looked at Gu Huan and asked, "Old Gu, how far do you think the emperor will trim his hair this time?"

Gu Huan replied quietly, "This is what worries me the most. God's will is unpredictable."

"What information did Xue Guozhang find out?"

"Duke Cheng, what information do you think you can find out?"

"Alas, we are a little panicked."

"Because of the Huai salt incident, seven families of the nobles in Nanjing were expelled; half of the royal family was expelled from the country, and 90% became commoners; and then the civil officials and scholars in Shanxi and Jiangnan were completely eliminated.

It's our noble family's turn now. Who wouldn't be nervous when faced with this?"

"There's no point in panicking. The Emperor has already planned this matter."

"Yes, if we make the slightest move, I'm afraid that's when disaster strikes!"

Zhu Xixiao was a little puzzled, "Brother, Marquis Zhenyuan, you said that the emperor had already planned it, what do you mean?"

Zhu Xizhong glanced at him and asked, "Where are Xue Lin and Xue Yi from Yangwu Marquis's Mansion, Gu Yuan from Lao Gu's Mansion, Song Kebing from Xining Marquis's Mansion, Wu Rufang from Gongshun Marquis's Mansion, Zheng Liang from Wu'an Marquis's Mansion, Liu Siyi from Anyuan Marquis's Mansion, and our nephew Zhu Qian?"

"He followed Qi Laiyang to the Western Expedition," Zhu Xixiao suddenly realized, "All of our nobles' sons and nephews who have some success and serve in the army followed him to the Western Expedition.

We were very excited at the time, thinking that this was a great opportunity to bring glory to our family and consolidate our family's honor. We never imagined that the emperor had such an intention. "

"The emperor is plotting an open conspiracy to drive away our wings in the new army's Beijing camp. We should thank him."

Zhu Xixiao sighed, "I have to thank God for his grace. Brother, Marquis Zhenyuan, when did you realize something was wrong?"

Zhu Xizhong shook his head and said, "Taizu founded the country, and from Hongwu, Yongle, Hongxi, and Xuande, the emperor was strong and the ministers were weak.

Until the Zhengtong period, when Emperor Yingzong ascended the throne at the age of nine, the ruler was young and the country was in doubt, the ruler was weak and the ministers were strong. The civil and military assistants fought openly and secretly, and Teng and Xue competed for supremacy, which eventually led to the Tumu Incident.

The nobles were wiped out, the military generals were seriously injured, and then the civil officials became the only ones in power, not only holding the map but also holding the banner and the axe. During the Zhengde and Jiajing years, the two former emperors Wuzong and Shizong were determined to strengthen the country and wanted to change their ways and return to the path of checks and balances between civil and military officials.

Unfortunately, the ambition was not fulfilled
Today, the emperor is wise and his methods are incredible, but they are like thunder from the sky. The political situation has changed dramatically, and the emperor is strong but the ministers are weak, just as bad as during the Hongwu and Yongle periods.

The Ming dynasty has turned back to the path of checks and balances between civil and military forces, or in other words, checks and balances between multiple parties. "

Gu Huan nodded in agreement, "Your Majesty's divine power is not inferior to that of Emperor Taizu. With such majesty, the court cannot tolerate a single dominant family, nor can it tolerate a minister who is too strong and a monarch who is too weak." Zhu Xixiao understood what his brother and Gu Huan meant, "Civil officials, royal family members, and nobles are destined to be eliminated in turn.

The civil officials were the most powerful, and together with the literati, they were the most severely pruned. The civil officials and the royal family had been pruned one after another, and the relatives of the emperor were not able to become powerful, so it was indeed the turn of the nobles.

But if the emperor does this, isn't that just reducing his own power?"

Zhu Xizhong looked at him and shook his head, "You are confused! Wings are made up of feathers. Besides, we are the nobles who were canonized by Taizu and Chengzu. The emperor also canonized us, so are we no longer nobles?"

Zhu Xixiao was silent for a while, "Of course they are also nobles. They were all awarded titles for military merit, and there are hundreds or thousands of newly-granted honors and hereditary military positions.

The army and horses of the whole world are in the hands of these newly promoted nobles. There is also the money of the Shaofu Supervisor. With these two things, what branches and leaves of the world can't be cut by the emperor?"

Zhu Xizhong and Gu Huan looked at him and couldn't help but sigh.

Seeing the two people's worried faces, Zhu Xixiao also felt that the future was bleak for a moment.

One emperor and one courtier.

As the emperor expanded the territory, his trusted generals were awarded titles for their military merits and became new nobles. Wouldn't that mean the end of this group of "nobles of the old era"?

No, the title of Wanning Earl was conferred on me by the Emperor Longqing when the Emperor was the Crown Prince, based on the example of hard work and great achievements. So am I an old noble or a new noble?

Moreover, as the Earl of Wanning, he was not granted an iron certificate like the titles conferred on relatives by marriage, which meant that the title would only last for one lifetime and could not be inherited by the next generation.

In this case, I should just sit aside and watch the show like the other in-laws, and not get involved in this drama.

But I am the younger brother of Duke Chengguo!
Confused!
The carriage rumbled along and soon turned into East Chang'an Avenue. In front was Chengtian Gate, and after passing that, Nanhua Gate was not far away.

Zhu Xixiao suddenly had an idea, "Brother, will the Marquis of Zhenyuan and the Marquis of Runing, Lord Lu, be in the Taiji Hall together today?"

Among the newly promoted nobles in the capital were Hu Zongxian, Duke of Xuancheng County, and Tan Lun, Marquis of Dongning, and several others.

Hu Zongxian was ill in bed and could not come, but Tan Lun would definitely come. However, he and Hu Zongxian were civil officials who were awarded titles for their military merits, just like Yangming Gong.

There were only a few military generals in the capital who had been awarded titles for their military merits, headed by Lu Tong.

Zhu Xizhong and Gu Huan looked at each other and said, "Lu Tong is in good health and will definitely come. He has a close relationship with the Southeast Clan. The turmoil in the Taiji Hall today was all caused by Shuntian Prefecture Governor Pan Fengwu, a capable general of the Southeast Clan.

Well, Uncle Wanning was right in reminding me.

They may have consulted with Lu Tong to prevent him from standing on the side of the nobles if a disturbance occurs. If he loses his temper and causes trouble, it will be a big trouble.”

"Second brother, you have a good relationship with Lu Tong. When you do the routine inspection at Nanhua Gate later, find a chance to find Lu Tong and ask him a few questions."

"Brother, what are you trying to find out? You have to let me know what's going on."

"Second brother, what we are most worried about now is whether the emperor's attack on us will only be superficial or will go deep into our bones."

"I'll go find out. But I think Qi Laiyang is the backbone of their team. Now that he's not here, it's hard for Lord Lu to know anything."

"Try to save the situation and see if it works."

"it is good!"

The carriage soon arrived at Nanhua Gate, where five or six carriages were parked. As soon as the people got off the carriages, they left immediately.

There were already more than forty people standing at the door, divided into two groups.

One group was the Shangshu Zheng and the ministers, talking around Zhang Juzheng, Zhao Zhenji and Tan Lun; the other group was the nobles, talking around Duke of Yingguo Zhang Yong and Marquis of Yangwu Xue Han.

Looking closely, there are two people who are close yet distant from their respective circles.

One of them was Lu Tong, who was actually practicing Shaolin Changquan in the open space next to him. His moves were vigorous and powerful, and he didn't look like a man in his seventies at all.

The other one was Pan Yinglong, who stood aside and explained something to the two men.

"Second brother, who are the two people talking to Pan Fengwu?"

"One is Nangong Ye, the Chief Clerk of Shuntian Prefecture. Brother, the Marquis of Zhenyuan, you don't remember him, but he used to be the Emperor's secretary."

"It turned out to be him."

"The other one is Pan Fengwu's clerk, Shen Wanxiang. He is a classmate and good friend of Wang Yi'e's clerk Li Mingchun."

"It looks like he's handling official business."

"It really is a busy day."

Zhu Xizhong and Gu Huan spoke in a calm tone.

Gu Huan glanced at the door of the duty room and his face changed.

"Duke Chengguo, the people who are in charge of the routine inspection in the duty room today are Chen Ju and Li Chun?"

"Oh, the routine inspection of Nanhua Gate and Xi'an Gate has always been the job of the Imperial Horse Administration. Nanhua Gate is usually taken care of by Liu Yi and Lin Fu. How come they are not here today, with such a big scene?"

Zhu Xizhong and Gu Huan looked at each other, with endless astonishment flashing through their hearts.

Liu Yi and Lin Fu went to the Beijing camp to command!
In addition to being responsible for the guards of the Forbidden City and the Western Garden together with the Fengchensi, the Imperial Stables also had another important responsibility which was to supervise the Beijing barracks.

Gu Huan had served as the governor-general of the Beijing Camp and knew this rule. The current governor-general of the Beijing Camp is Ningdebo Wang Rulong.

A famous general led by Qi Jiguang, he made great military achievements in the southeastern suppression of Japanese pirates and the northern battle against the Tatars. He was honest and upright by nature and loyal. When he was about to be conferred the title of Earl, he was impeached by the censors, who said that he was arrogant and lawless, and had many "crimes" listed.

The memorials came in like snowflakes, with an overwhelming force, and it seemed that if the title could not be conferred, then punishment would be sought.

The emperor ignored the opposition and insisted on conferring the title of baron on Wang Rulong, and also gave him kind advice.

It is said that you, Wang Rulong, have not been granted a title of nobility because the emperor, considering your bravery, has kept you in the capital to guard the city instead of accompanying the army to the battle, which has delayed your success. He also encouraged that he would definitely give him a chance in the future to strive for a title of nobility.

Wang Rulong was born as a gangster leader, and before he joined the army he was a local tyrant with a long history of bad deeds. This was also the main basis for the censors to criticize him.

But the emperor insisted on rewarding according to merit, and even patted Wang Rulong on the shoulder and said that he was the Zhou Chu of the Ming Dynasty.

Wang Rulong, holding the imperial edict conferring the title and the iron certificate of hereditary succession, knelt at the Nanhua Gate and cried loudly like a child in his forties.

From then on, he was loyal to the emperor. Even if the emperor asked him to die, he would draw his sword and commit suicide without hesitation.

What does it mean to have such a loyal general as the governor of the Beijing camp, and two eunuchs and a deputy eunuch in charge of the Imperial Stables to garrison the Xishan Camp and Qinghe Camp respectively?
Zhu Xizhong and Gu Huan were in a heavy mood as they watched Zhu Xixian approach Lu Tong. Soon the two of them started practicing Ba Duan Jin together.

The two followed Zhang Yong, Xue Han and other nobles, and entered the Western Garden after the routine search. They were led to the right room in front of the Taiji Hall to sit down and rest.

The nobles were all thinking about their own things, and they were in the same mood as if they were visiting a grave. They forced themselves to smile and chatted with each other in a disjointed manner. Only Xue Han told jokes without any care, and then he threw his head back and laughed loudly, his laughter shaking the window frames.

Zhu Xizhong and Gu Huan looked around, looking at the road in front of the palace, looking for Zhu Xixiao. Finally, they saw him and Lu Tong coming in, talking and laughing.

After a few words, Zhu Xixiao said goodbye to Lu Tong and walked to Zhu Xizhong.

"How about it?"

Zhu Xizhong and Gu Huan asked impatiently.

"Empress Song!"

Zhu Xixiao replied.

Concubine Song?
What do you mean?
Zhu Xizhong and Gu Huan had a lot of question marks on their faces. Before they could ask in detail, Qi Yan walked in and said with a bow, "My lords and uncles, the emperor is coming soon. Please go to the palace."

The two had no choice but to suppress their doubts, act calm, and follow everyone towards the main hall of the Taiji Hall.

Soon, the nobles stood in four rows on the right side of the main hall, and the civil and military officials stood in four rows on the left side. As soon as their eyes met, they heard the eunuch shouting.

"The Emperor has arrived!"

(End of this chapter)