The Red Mansion

Chapter 43: Emperor Taishun Decides to Take Action (Part 1)
Li Wei, the maternal grandfather of Emperor Shenzong of the Ming Dynasty, built a "Tsinghua Garden" in the western suburbs of the capital, which was known as "Li Garden".

Emperor Jingning of Daqing expanded the "Qinghua Garden" into the "Changchun Garden", which became a large royal garden for avoiding noise and handling government affairs, and a royal palace that embodies the essence of Jiangnan gardens.

When Emperor Jingning was in power, he often stayed in Changchun Garden. Now that he has abdicated and become the Supreme Emperor, he still does so.

Changchun Garden faces south and backs north, and is divided into two areas: the southern area is the palace area, where government meetings and residences take place; the northern area is the garden area, which is mainly characterized by waterscapes.

The garden draws water from the Jade Spring, creating ponds and terraces, with pavilions and terraces scattered throughout. In spring, peonies and herbaceous plants bloom in full bloom; in summer, the lotus pond blends beautifully with the moonlight; in autumn, the sweet fragrance of osmanthus permeates the garden; and in winter, the plum grove defies the snow and frost.

During the reign of Emperor Jingning, he built a garden and gave it to his fourth prince. He personally named the garden "Yuanmingyuan", which means "round and divine, bright and illuminating".

However, even though the Fourth Prince had become Emperor Taishun, he was no longer in Old Summer Palace, but rather in Changchun Garden. This was because Old Summer Palace was no match for Changchun Garden, and because he was in Changchun Garden, it was convenient for him to consult the retired Emperor Jingning on important matters at any time.

The Taishun Emperor's daily administration and sleeping quarters in Changchun Garden were both in the Danning Residence, not the main hall of Changchun Garden, the Jiujing Sanshi Hall. And the Taishun Emperor's daily administration and sleeping quarters in the Imperial Palace were both in the Yangxin Hall, not the main hall of the inner court, the Qianqing Palace.

Although Emperor Taishun has ascended the throne, Emperor Jingning, the retired emperor, still holds great power, especially military power!
The main reason why Emperor Jingning abdicated was that he was old and sick, unable to govern the country well. If he abdicated to Emperor Taishun, even if the power was in the hands of Emperor Jingning, Emperor Taishun could still govern the country.

Emperor Jingning reigned for sixty-one years and was well aware of the tragic fates of several retired emperors in history, including those of Zhao Yong, King Wuling of Zhao, Tuoba Hong, Emperor Xianwen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Li Longji, Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, Li Song, Emperor Shunzong of the Tang Dynasty, and Zhao Ji, Emperor Huizong of the Song Dynasty. Therefore, Emperor Jingning was reluctant to cede all of Daqing's imperial power to Emperor Taishun, granting only a portion.

The reign title "Taishun" was also chosen by Emperor Jingning. "Tai" was Emperor Taishun's title when he was a prince, and "Shun" was the hope that even after becoming emperor, Emperor Taishun would remain filial and obedient to him, the retired emperor. This was not publicly announced, but rather that the reign was in accordance with the will of heaven and the smooth running of the country.

Although Emperor Taishun was under the rule of Emperor Jingning, the retired emperor, he was very diligent in his work. Since he ascended the throne, he had been working day and night, often sleeping no more than two or three hours.

……

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The architectural layout of Danning Residence in Changchun Garden embodies the philosophy of "harmony between man and nature." Its black bricks, black tiles, and eaves complement the surrounding rockery and ponds, creating a harmonious union of architecture and nature.

The eighth day of the third month was the day after Jiang Nian arrived in Beijing.

Emperor Taishun got up early in the morning as usual, and the two palace maids on duty tiptoed in front of the lights to help him change clothes and wash.

The warm water in the copper basin was emitting wisps of hot steam. When Emperor Taishun washed his face, the bronze mirror reflected his slightly haggard face, but he himself could not see clearly - he was nearsighted, and the degree of myopia was quite high.

After doing some simple morning exercises, Emperor Taishun wore glasses and sat cross-legged in front of the desk, doing his morning reading by candlelight.

After reading for two quarters of an hour in the morning, he was busy reviewing memorials. He was seen holding a pen and drawing on the memorials, either writing quickly or thinking deeply, with a serious look often between his brows.

Reviewing memorials was the most important job of the Daqing Emperor. As for the morning court, it was generally only held on the fifth, fifteenth, and twenty-fifth days of each month.

Emperor Taishun spent an hour reviewing memorials before starting to have breakfast.

After finishing breakfast, Emperor Taishun went to pay his respects to the retired emperor and the empress dowager.

After paying his respects, he returned to Danning Residence and continued to review memorials, summoned ministers, and issued edicts...

Today was a clear, sunny day. Bright sunlight filtered through the carved window lattices, casting a riot of light and shadow on the delicate blue brick floor of the warm room.

Emperor Taishun, now forty-six years old, sat cross-legged on a bed decorated with arhats, clad in a bright yellow dragon robe with delicate cloud and dragon patterns embroidered on the lapels. The table above the bed was piled high with memorials, some already reviewed and neatly stacked, others still unrolled, the paper still tinged with the faint scent of ink.

In a corner of the warm room, green smoke rose from a bronze incense burner, and the faint scent of sandalwood filled the air.

Outside the window, a few birds were chirping on the branches, their voices clear and pleasant, adding a bit of vitality to Danning Residence.

At this time, the first minister summoned by Emperor Taishun today stepped into the warm room. He was his closest brother and most trusted minister - Prince Zhongyi.

Prince Zhongyi bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I respectfully greet you!"

Emperor Taishun said, "Get up and take a seat."

Prince Zhongyi did not pretend to refuse. He stood up and sat down again, his eyes falling on the slightly haggard face of Emperor Taishun.

Emperor Taishun deliberately dismissed the eunuchs in the warm room, leaving only him and Prince Zhongyi.

At this time, Emperor Taishun picked up a memorial, his fingertips paused on the vermilion lacquer cover, and then handed it over: "Thirteenth brother, this memorial was urgently sent to me last night, please take a look."

Prince Zhongyi hurriedly stood up, bowed, and took the memorial. He sat down again, unfolded it, and began to read it carefully. The memorial was covered in tiny, dense calligraphy, and the words between the lines exuded the atmosphere of war from the west. As he read, his brows furrowed deeper and deeper.

Several months ago, to ensure a smooth abdication, Emperor Jingning recalled Yuan Zhen, the Fourteenth Prince and General of Fuyuan, to the capital. Subsequently, Lobsang Danjin of Qinghai, taking advantage of Yuan Zhen's return to the capital, launched a rebellion. Last month, Emperor Jingning ordered Wang Shou, the Minister of War stationed in Xining, to convey an order for Lobsang Danjin to withdraw his troops.

The current memorial reported that Lobsang Danjin had detained Wang Shou!
"Lobsang Danjin truly has wicked ambitions!" Prince Zhongyi closed the memorial, his gaze piercing. "Your Majesty, at this point, we must prepare for war and quell the rebellion."

Emperor Taishun rubbed his temples and asked, "If we are preparing for war to quell the rebellion, who should we appoint as the general?"

"How could the Emperor allow you, Fourth Brother, to make the decision on this matter?" Prince Zhongyi sighed inwardly, but said, "Sichuan Governor Yue Qi can be promoted to General."

Yue Qi was a trusted military general promoted by Emperor Taishun, and he had outstanding military talents.

Emperor Taishun smiled bitterly and shook his head: "I also want to make Yue Qi a general. However, Yue Qi is only the governor of Sichuan. His qualifications are not deep enough to be a general."

Emperor Taishun lowered his voice and continued, "Besides, Yue Qi is not considered a close confidant of Father. The general of the Western Expedition must be a minister that Father can trust."

Prince Zhongyi was silent.

Emperor Taishun said helplessly, "Just now I went to pay my respects to the Emperor and discussed this matter with him. The Emperor also felt that we must prepare for war and put down the rebellion. He has already selected a general."

Prince Zhongyi was curious: "Who is it?"

Emperor Taishun said: "Wang Ziteng!"

(End of this chapter)