The Ming Dynasty's Five Hundred Years

Chapter 263 Emperor Collapse
"British Duke."

"The minister is here."

Zhu Gaochi looked at Duke Zhang Fu of Yingguo and said softly, "Today, before I passed away, I summoned all my ministers, but I only saw you, the only military official. Do you know why?"

"I am loyal to the royal family."

“During the Jingnan Rebellion, Zhang made great contributions. During the Yongle era, he was ranked first among all meritorious officials. At the end of the Yongle era, he also helped me ascend the throne. I have always kept this in mind.”

Over the years, your integrity and prudence have been recognized by the late Emperor and I, and even by the entire court. You are the pillar of our Great Ming Dynasty. With you in court, I feel at ease. Therefore, among all the meritorious officials, I believe you are different.

"Your humble servant Zhang Fu kowtows to express his gratitude for Your Majesty's divine grace."

Zhu Gaochi's words were almost the highest praise for a military general.

Throughout history, civil officials have never achieved great merit and threatened the emperor's authority. However, any civil official who did threaten the emperor's authority was invariably involved in military affairs, such as Zhuge Liang. Therefore, it is relatively easy for a monarch and his civil officials to understand each other, but it is extremely difficult for a monarch and his military generals to do so.

Zhang Fu, however, was able to gain the approval of two emperors, who even summoned him at such a crucial moment. In contrast, the other eight ministers were all members of the crown prince's faction.

This was not simply a matter of Zhu Gaochi's trust in Zhang Fu. Since Zhang Fu was not a member of the Crown Prince's faction, the Crown Prince trusted him so much. This was tantamount to telling Zhu Zhanji that Zhang Fu was a capable person and would become his trusted minister in the future. The Duke of Ying's mansion was thus able to preserve its wealth and status in the next dynasty.

In fact, Zhang Fu was completely bewildered by Zhu Gaochi's sudden impending death. He had just helped the emperor ascend the throne a year ago, and now he was dying so soon.

Facing a new emperor is very dangerous.

Throughout history, it has never been true that having a good relationship with the emperor guarantees a good relationship with the crown prince. Take, for example, Changsun Wuji of the Tang Dynasty, who was killed by his own nephew, whom he had personally promoted. This is not an isolated case.

The spirit that had just been lifted by a bowl of ginseng soup gradually dissipated, and Zhu Gaochi's pale and ashen face returned. He forced a smile and said weakly, "My lords, let's leave the palace."

No one in the hall moved; they remained kneeling on the ground, tears streaming down their faces, unable to utter a single word as they gazed at the emperor on his sickbed.

Everyone knows that once they leave the palace, their next meeting will be separated by life and death, never to meet again in the afterlife.

"I am an unfortunate man. I have virtuous ministers in court, but my health is failing me." Zhu Gaochi smiled, then looked at Zhu Zhanji, "Crown Prince, go and see them off. It's getting late. Don't be late for dinner. It's not good to be hungry."

Tears streamed down everyone's faces as they sobbed softly, calling out "Your Majesty."

"My lords, let us leave the palace."

After bowing again, everyone stood up and turned to leave the hall. Only when they reached the door of the sleeping quarters did they hear a voice behind them say, "May the Great Ming Dynasty prosper and shine in your hands!"

The group paused, then composed themselves and left the hall.

The lingering smell of medicine dissipated completely, and the bright sunlight shone on them. The May weather was gradually getting warmer, but everyone felt icy cold all over.

Before he could finish speaking, a crow's cry came from outside the hall. It was extremely long and sharp, like a blunt knife slicing through silk, and everyone trembled.

……

Since leaving the palace, Li Xianmu had been somewhat absent-minded. Although he was still able to handle all matters perfectly, Zhang Wan, who had been his wife for more than ten years, could hardly not see the difference.

Li Xianmu didn't talk about anything related to the palace, but kept looking out the window at the courtyard.

Summer has gradually arrived in the capital, and rain has fallen in succession.

As evening approached, thick clouds gradually covered the sky, drowning out the last rays of the setting sun.

It was impossible to distinguish between day and night, but not a single raindrop fell until night truly fell...

The night was as dark as a vat of ink, swallowing even the stars. Two of the lanterns under the attic had gone out at some point, leaving only a tiny flame flickering in the distance, as if it might be extinguished by the darkness at any moment.

Li Xianmu's heart skipped a beat, for it was already May 11th, and the deadline his father had given him was tomorrow.

This sudden and drastic change in the weather...

Before I could think further, I heard the sound of fine rain, pattering across the tiles. The raindrops were extremely fine yet dense, like countless silver needles falling from the sky, gently piercing the roof and breaking into even finer mist. The mist slid down the gutters and dripped onto the copper door knocker, making a tinkling sound, like the fading sound of a water clock.

"It's raining."

Zhang Wan walked over and looked at it, then suddenly said, "It doesn't seem like the rain in the capital. It's more like the rain in Jiangnan, drizzling and not crisp."

Li Xianmu's gaze seemed to pierce through the rain curtain, reaching into the palace, as if he could see the imperial palace through the rain and the emperor within it.

……

In the palace.

The palace doors were flung open with a bang, and a gust of cold wind carrying rain rushed in, causing dozens of candles to go out all at once.

"His Royal Highness!"

The eunuch cried out in alarm, "His Majesty is dying! The Empress requests your presence."

Zhu Zhanji's eyes narrowed. He hadn't taken off his clothes yet, and upon hearing this, he immediately rushed outside, with several eunuchs holding lanterns in front of him.

He followed behind, and the rain grew heavier, the gutters overflowed, and the water rushed down the steps.

The Huagai Hall was still brightly lit, swaying in the wind and rain, making the hall look like a giant ship sailing in the dark night, its keel trembling.

The ship is sinking, and its owner...

Zhu Zhanji dared not think any further and hurriedly entered the side hall. As soon as he entered, he saw that his father only had time to take one last look at him before his outstretched arms slowly fell down.

"Father!"

Zhu Zhanji rushed forward, but no matter how much he called out to Zhu Gaochi, he could no longer wake up.

In the early morning of May 12th, amidst wind and rain, the Emperor died in the Huagai Hall!
The wind and rain were relentless, while the lamplight flickered dimly.

The wind and rain continue, but the lights have gone out!
A long line of palace servants knelt in the Hall of Literary Glory. The emperor had passed away, and everyone was trembling with fear. Empress Zhang cried so hard that she almost fainted.

Zhu Zhanji wiped away his tears and stood up, then helped Empress Zhang up. "Mother, Father has passed away. The affairs of state are of utmost importance. Please take good care of yourself."

Empress Zhang, still weeping, nodded silently, "Leave all matters to the Crown Prince."

Zhu Zhanji then said expressionlessly to the palace servants, "The late Emperor has passed away. Prepare the late Emperor's remains in accordance with the usual procedures."

There are rules for the emperor's death, and the palace has long been prepared. With such a large organization as the inner court, it is easy for them to accomplish these things.

Zhu Zhanji glanced at the wind and rain outside and said, "The rain is heavy tonight, and it is already late. The palace gates are locked, so I will not summon the officials to the palace for the time being. Tomorrow, after the palace gates are opened, the bell will be rung, and then the national mourning will begin! Go and get to work."

A large number of palace servants quickly stepped forward to prepare the body for the late emperor. The coffin that had been prepared was placed in the main hall. Outside, the wind and rain continued, but inside the palace, there were busy figures coming and going.

……

The people in the capital were naturally unaware that, in their sleep, the Ming emperor had already passed away.

The next day.

As dawn broke and the capital city began to stir with life, it was instantly shattered by the iron hooves that emerged from the palace, waking the entire city from this sudden commotion.

These messengers from the palace brought astonishing news: the emperor had passed away last night, and the crown prince and empress had summoned high-ranking officials to the palace to read the emperor's last edict.

When the angel arrived at the Li residence, Zhang Wan was so surprised that she didn't know what to do. But when she saw her husband's unsurprised expression, she realized that her husband had been worried about this matter.

The news of the emperor's death naturally caused a great uproar in the capital, and with the help of those with ulterior motives, it quickly spread to all corners of the country.

It was only at this point that most people realized that when the emperor fell ill ten days ago, his health was probably already failing. The emperor's summons of two ministers and six cabinet ministers to the palace the day before yesterday was likely to be to give his final instructions.

Upon learning of the emperor's death, all the events of the past came together, proving that there are never any isolated people or things in this world.

Li Xianmu happened to encounter several other people entering the palace at the palace gate. No one spoke, and they entered the palace in silence. Outside the eaves, the sun was already high, and the raindrops on the glazed tiles were refracted by the sunlight into seven colors, which were reflected in their eyes.

The first group to enter the palace today were the same ministers that Zhu Gaochi had met before his death. After they entered the palace, the emperor was naturally restrained.

Summer is approaching, and the body must be placed in a coffin as soon as possible; otherwise, if a putrid smell appears, the dignity of the deceased emperor will be compromised.

The purpose of this visit to the palace was naturally to discuss the arrangements for the late emperor's funeral.

Li Xianmu readily agreed, saying, "Let me handle the funeral arrangements for the late Emperor. After that, first summon all the officials to the palace to read the imperial edict. The funeral arrangements should also be carried out in accordance with the late Emperor's edict."

Everyone was present that night and naturally knew that the late emperor had made arrangements for his funeral. Now, he had summoned his ministers to the palace first. The Minister of Rites was not here, so some things were difficult to do.

Zhu Zhanji was very efficient. He immediately sent people to summon the officials to the palace. Long before the news of the emperor's death spread throughout the capital, most of the officials had already made preparations to enter the palace.

The courtiers, who were usually only summoned during grand court assemblies, all entered the palace.

Even though they had been given enough time to process their emotions, they still couldn't believe it when they saw the plain white silks scattered throughout the palace. How could the emperor have suddenly passed away?

The late emperor has been dead for less than a year!
The reign title of the new emperor had only been used for less than half a year when he suddenly passed away!
Many officials felt as if the sky was falling and the Ming Dynasty was doomed. They entered the palace in a daze, saw the emperor's coffin, and then wept bitterly.

Zhu Gaochi's prestige among his ministers was indeed high. When he died, many ministers were truly grieving as if they had lost their own parents, and their cries were completely heartfelt.

When Zhu Yuanzhang died, even Li Qi couldn't help but want to laugh, creating a stark contrast between the two.

"Gentlemen, His Majesty summoned Duke Zhang Fu of Yingguo, Minister of Personnel Jian Yi, and Minister of War and Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Glory Li Xianmu to the palace the day before yesterday to make his will. Today, all of you have entered the palace, and it is time to read it aloud."

A group of high-ranking officials, such as the Left and Right Censors-in-Chief and the Ministers of the Six Ministries, looked at Yang Shiqi and his group with some envy upon hearing this. Those who were summoned to the palace before the emperor's death were the emperor's true confidants.

All six cabinet members were able to see the emperor one last time, while three of the six ministers were unable to enter the palace. In the eyes of the world, this meant that their status and influence were different.

Li Xianmu personally read aloud the edict he had written on behalf of the emperor. After the edict was read, the palace was filled with deafening cries of grief, and this time it was not just the civil officials who were crying.

The palace servants and even the imperial concubines kept kowtowing.

No one expected that the late emperor would exempt the Taizu Emperor from the policy of being buried alive with him in his will.

It should be noted that the late emperor had many concubines, most of whom had no children. The vast majority of them were forced to commit suicide to die with him. Only those from prominent families, such as Consort Zhang, daughter of Zhang Fu, could receive special treatment because of their fathers.

Even if they can only spend their lives in a royal temple, it is still much better than being buried alive with the dead. This is absolutely benevolent governance.

The weeping of the empresses and palace maids was genuine.

The civil officials were also sincere. They shared the same thoughts as Li Xianmu: such a benevolent and capable wise ruler had passed away so suddenly, and the more they thought about it, the more regrettable it felt.

Can the next emperor compare to this one?
"With the passing of the late Emperor, and thanks to the trust of the Empress Dowager, I am in charge of the funeral arrangements."

After glancing at the assembled officials, Li Xianmu said in a deep voice, "For all matters, the Minister of Rites should first draft a plan and submit it to me."

The temple name and posthumous title of the deceased emperor, for officials of the third rank and above, were discussed in the palace and decided by the new emperor.

The new emperor.

The ministers all felt a tremor in their hearts. Zhu Zhanji also raised his head from the dark crowd. He looked at his father's coffin in the hall behind him and remained silent for a moment.

"Your Majesty, please judge!"

First came a moment of silence, then a chorus of cheers erupted: "Your Majesty, please make your judgment!"

A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. The enthronement ceremony will naturally be held later, but the distinction between ruler and subject must be established as soon as possible, since there are still wolves and tigers watching from the outside world.

"Long live my emperor! Long live! Long live!"

Countless people bowed to the new emperor of the Ming Dynasty like a tidal wave. Zhu Zhanji had seen this scene countless times before, with countless people kneeling before his grandfather and father, but this was the first time he had become the protagonist.

A surge of pride welled up within him, and at that moment, he understood what it meant to be the supreme ruler of the world.

He understood what his father had been thinking when he saw his grandfather's coffin.

He was already heroic and had a straight posture, but now his back was even straighter, because there was no one above him anymore.

He is God!

"Rise, my lords!" His voice was more authoritative than ever before, and all traces of his usual rambling had completely disappeared.

Li Xianmu looked over and nodded slightly.

That magical chair changed a person once again the moment they sat on it!

A being that was neither male nor female was born, and its name was—the Emperor!
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Emperor Renzong reigned for one year. While his great achievements and virtues are beyond description, there are five things that his subjects and people universally praise: reverence for Heaven, love for the people, respect for ancestral temples, love of learning, and willingness to listen to advice. These five qualities were practiced throughout the land, which is why he was considered benevolent.

On the day of his death, the whole world wailed in grief, as if mourning the loss of their own parents. Even in the deepest mountains and remote valleys, people ran about, weeping and wailing without ceasing. This was due to his natural benevolence, humility, and frugality. For five hundred years, the Ming Dynasty was known for its peace and prosperity. To this day, no one remembers him more fondly than Emperor Renzong! — *History of Ming Dynasty, Annals of Emperor Renzong*

(End of this chapter)