The Ming Dynasty's Five Hundred Years

Chapter 237 Waiting for the Mountain to Collapse

"Squeak."

The sky was barely light when several servants trudged through the snow and together removed the bolts from the gate. The bolts were icy cold, and touching them was painful. "This year is probably going to be a harsh winter."

Another slightly older servant grinned, looking at the snow inside and outside, "It's only November, and it's already this cold."

"In previous years, it didn't snow until after December, but this year we've already had two snowfalls in November, each one thicker than the last. Just wait and see, once the coldest days of winter arrive, people in the outer city will probably freeze to death again."

"What nonsense are you spouting?" Manager Li from the front yard suddenly appeared and scolded, "Has the snow in the yard been swept? Some of the young masters and ladies slipped and fell. Be careful with yourselves."

After the servants begged for mercy, they scattered like birds and beasts.

In the master bedroom of the Li family mansion's backyard, Li Xianmu couldn't sleep. He quietly got up and stood by the window, his brows furrowed.

It is now the seventh day of the eleventh month of the twenty-third year of Yongle. A few days ago, he ended the mourning period and returned to the Li Mansion, which was formerly the Princess Mansion. Those things that exceeded the regulations had naturally been demolished long ago.

"Husband, what are you looking at?" Zhang Wan gently hugged Li Xianmu from behind and asked softly.

Li Xianmu held his wife's fair, soft hand and said gently, "Look at this snow."

Zhang Wan then realized that it had snowed again. A layer of white had fallen outside, covering the treetops, pavilions, towers, and even the rockery and lotus pond, making the world look pure and pristine.

If a poet were here, he would probably compose a poem, but she had been by Li Xianmu's side for many years and naturally knew what this meant. She frowned and said, "Although the snow is not heavy, it is a bit abnormal. If this continues, December will be difficult. I wonder if the court has any relief measures."

“Even if there is one, it won’t be very powerful.” Li Xianmu sighed. “A few days ago, I went to the palace to see the Emperor. The former Minister of War has been transferred to Nanjing. The Emperor intends to appoint me as the Minister of War, in charge of the fifth Northern Expedition. We will set off at the end of February next year.”

Zhang Wan understood: the imperial court was preparing for a northern expedition, so naturally there would be less money available for disaster relief.

"Your Majesty is going to launch another northern expedition?" Zhang Wan hesitated for a moment. "I thought my husband would try to dissuade His Majesty, after all, the last one just ended not long ago."

The court actually knew that there were very few battles during the third northern expedition, and during the fourth expedition, as soon as the Ming army entered the grasslands, the Oirats and Tatars ran away without making any contact with the imperial army.

It was less of a northern expedition and more of a border patrol, only the patrol went quite deep, reaching into the homes of the Mongols, where they flexed their muscles in a show of force.

However, he has been showing off too frequently in recent years. It's as if Zhu Di could sense that he was about to die, so he had no intention of staying in the capital and only returned when the supplies ran out.

After ruling the capital for twenty years, Zhu Di finally wanted to enjoy the thrill of war.

Li Xianmu sighed and said in a low voice, "An emperor who created immortal achievements in his youth cannot be persuaded in his later years."

When everything went smoothly for them, arrogance would arise in their hearts, and they would think that everything was nothing special.

In old age, people tend to become stubborn, believing only in their own life experiences and viewing young people as nothing more than inexperienced and naive youths.

Moreover.

Li Xianmu thought to himself, "This is the emperor's last northern expedition, and he may even die on the way. There is no need to go against the emperor at this time."

Zhang Wan automatically ignored Li Xianmu's somewhat disrespectful words and instead asked, "When will my husband take office as Minister of War?"

"It should be in the next few days. There are only three months left before the northern expedition. If we don't take office soon, it may be too late to do many things."

After they finished speaking, the couple embraced, feeling the fragrance and warmth emanating from each other, and said nothing more. Snowflakes fluttered down from the branches, splashing up specks.

……

"It's so cold." Minister of Revenue Zheng Huan tucked his hands into his sleeves, the cold wind making his face red. "Mingda, His Majesty really values ​​you. He took you on a northern expedition as soon as you returned. This is a good job. I don't think you'll stay as Minister of War for long. Minister of Personnel is your ultimate goal."

It was indeed a good job. There was no danger, there would be a reward upon return, and it would add a lot to one's resume. One could even participate in military affairs, which would be very beneficial for future development.

“Indeed.” Li Xianmu’s eyes darkened. By accompanying the emperor on the northern expedition, he could react quickly should any unexpected situation arise.

He hadn't forgotten that the Prince of Han, who had always coveted the throne, was still in Shandong. Had he really given up his pursuit of the throne? That didn't seem like the Prince of Han's character.

“Mingda, I’ve brewed a pot of fine wine myself. Why don’t you invite a few friends to my residence for a gathering? It just so happens that Governor Wang Gen recently returned from Southern Zhili. You fellow disciples haven’t seen each other for a long time, have you?”

Li Xianmu pondered for a moment and said, "Tomorrow, perhaps. Today I plan to go to the East Palace; there are some things I need to discuss with His Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing that the matter concerned the Crown Prince, Zheng Huan ceased his attempts to persuade him.

It's obvious to anyone with eyes that His Majesty is getting older and older. He is already sixty-four years old this year, which is quite old for a young emperor who charged into battle on horseback. At this point, the Crown Prince's position is already unshakeable.

After the two parted, Li Xianmu went to the East Palace.

Zhu Gaochi greeted Li Xianmu warmly, but as soon as he got closer, he heard Li Xianmu say in a low voice, "Your Highness, the journey of a hundred miles is only half complete at ninety. It would be better to avoid suspicion."

Zhu Gaochi was taken aback, then suddenly understood. He stood in front of Li Xianmu, the palace doors were wide open, and the two sat facing each other, with Zhu Zhanji beside Zhu Gaochi.

Li Xianmu first inquired about Zhu Zhanji's studies. He was Zhu Zhanji's teacher and would give him a lesson once a week, without stopping even during the mourning period.

"Does Your Highness intend to advise His Majesty against the northern expedition?"

“Years of northern expeditions have gradually depleted the once-prosperous treasury. The court needs money for all its expenses, and this year’s harsh winter will also require additional expenditures. I hope Your Majesty can postpone the northern expeditions for two years until the court’s finances have recovered somewhat.” “Your Highness is benevolent and kind, a blessing to the people of the Ming Dynasty!” Li Xianmu bowed earnestly and said, “On behalf of all the people of the world, I thank Your Highness, but Your Highness need not offer any further advice.”

"Huh?" Zhu Gaochi was stunned. He thought Li Xianmu had come to discuss advice with him, but he didn't expect him to stop him.

"Your Highness, there are reasons why His Majesty has been launching continuous northern expeditions in recent years, which is contrary to his usual practice."

One reason is that His Majesty gradually felt physically weaker and wanted to do things he enjoyed.

Secondly, he felt that the Mongol border troubles were not yet resolved, and the attack was intended to find an opportunity to wage a major war and secure another twenty years of peace for the Ming Dynasty's borders.

Li Xianmu said earnestly, "No matter the reason, Your Highness, you cannot persuade him. His Majesty's mind is made up. Under these circumstances, all we can do is to do what His Majesty has arranged."

"Isn't it a minister's duty to speak frankly and offer advice?"

“Your Highness!” Li Xianmu raised his voice slightly, “As a subject, one should serve a young emperor, a middle-aged emperor, and an elderly emperor with different attitudes.”

"Your Majesty is advanced in years. What if you were to become ill from anger? Wouldn't that bring pain to your loved ones and joy to your enemies?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaochi immediately fell silent, realizing the unspoken meaning in Li Xianmu's words.

The emperor is getting old.

What if you do something in a fit of anger, Your Highness? What are your thoughts? Wait until you become emperor before you act on them. For now, you must restrain yourself.

If he angers the emperor now and is deposed as crown prince, he may not even have a chance to regain his position. What then would all his forbearance over the past twenty years mean?

"Mingda, I understand now. Thank you for reminding me."

Zhu Zhanji, standing nearby, said thoughtfully, "This is what my teacher once said: a king must always examine his own behavior and reflect on himself."

Because ministers cannot actually restrain the emperor, and the emperor's unrestrained use of power will harm the country and its people.

"Yes."

"In fact, when His Majesty was preparing to launch the northern expedition, I had already told His Majesty that the current situation of the Ming Dynasty was not suitable for the northern expedition, but His Majesty still insisted, so I could only help His Majesty reduce the losses."

Because the Ming Dynasty is only unsuitable for a northern expedition at present, not completely unable to do one!
Unless Your Majesty's actions are truly outrageous, like when the commoner forced Prince Xiang to commit suicide, my late father resigned and left."

Seeing that Zhu Gaochi had taken it to heart, Li Xianmu continued, "Your Highness, His Majesty is preparing for a northern expedition and will surely appoint you as regent again."

In every subsequent regency, it is imperative to ensure close communication between the northern expeditionary army and the imperial court.

Regardless of whether or not they could contact the northern expeditionary army, they had to send someone every day to report on the affairs of the capital.

Remember, it's essential to submit reports daily without interruption!

Li Xianmu's expression was somewhat serious, and Zhu Gaochi also tensed up, not quite understanding. Zhu Zhanji, however, instantly realized what was happening and exclaimed, "Teacher, are you worried about Grandfather while he's away..."

"Shh!"

Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Zhanji were so shocked they could barely sit up.

"Your Majesty is getting old, and fighting is a physically demanding activity; anything can happen."

Historically, unexpected events are most likely to occur during the transition of imperial power.

Poor communication is the primary reason for this.

Moreover, the Prince of Han often accompanies the northern expeditions. If he were to return to the capital claiming to have a will and ascend the throne, and then seize control of the army, how would Your Highness deal with him?

If the emperor dies in the palace, the crown prince will naturally ascend the throne; there's nothing more to say about that.

If the emperor were to die in the field, and the Prince of Han had always been highly respected in the army, he might actually be able to succeed to the throne if he forged an imperial edict.

Zhu Gaochi immediately felt a chill.

"Mingda, you are truly brilliant and incredibly meticulous!"

"When I ascend to the throne, I will never fail to live up to Mingda's assistance today."

"Your Highness is kind-hearted and has the demeanor of a ruler. I am merely following in Your Highness's footsteps out of gratitude."

After the three discussed the matter in detail and reviewed their statements for the day, Li Xianmu left the Eastern Palace.

Walking outside the hall, he took a deep breath, the cold air flowing into his lungs through his nostrils.

Her steps became lighter.

Everything is ready, all that's left is for the mountain to collapse.

(End of this chapter)