Huangming

Chapter 150 Golden spears fall to the ground, pearl-embroidered shoes serve as gatekeepers.

Prince Fu's carriage slowly traveled north, taking a full five days to traverse the 120-mile official road.

Upon arriving in the capital, the Tenth Prince's Mansion had already been thoroughly cleaned and tidied, with its vermilion gates wide open. The eunuch in charge of the mansion led more than a hundred servants to kneel and wait before the steps.

Prince Fu alighted from his sedan chair and saw that the mansion was brightly lit, and even the bronze crane incense burner under the corridor was newly polished to a shine.

He adjusted his python robe and jade belt, and with the help of those on either side, stepped over the high threshold. The vermilion gates of the Tenth Prince's Mansion slowly closed behind him, shutting out the hustle and bustle of the capital.

The prince, who weighed over 300 pounds, was already suffering terribly from the journey. The boils on his back were festering and oozing pus, and he dared not even touch the thinnest brocade mattress.

Every night, the excruciating pain would strike like a bone-deep abscess, and I would often be awakened by a cold sweat as soon as I closed my eyes.

Now, curled up on the sandalwood couch in the Tenth Prince's mansion, he can only pant like a wounded, trapped beast, and even turning over requires the help of three or four eunuchs.

Aside from reluctantly presenting his nameplate to the Emperor and secretly contacting Consort Zheng's former subordinates, this once domineering prince now even needs to be fed a sip of ginseng soup.

And the other side.

As soon as Wang Tiqian arrived in the capital, he immediately went to the palace to meet the emperor.

The emperor also gave him a VIP passage, and he arrived at the training ground in the West Garden without any obstacles.

now.

Inside the West Garden training grounds, the emperor was testing the results of more than a month of training by the nobility's camp.

On the inner training ground, a gentle spring breeze blew and banners fluttered in the breeze.

The sons of the nobility, dressed in close-fitting clothes, stood in formation, each with a solemn expression.

Most of them were descendants of military families in the capital, and had practiced martial arts since childhood. At this moment, they were demonstrating their martial arts skills to the emperor.

The first to appear was Zhu Chengzong, son of the Duke of Cheng.

He flipped himself onto the horse, squeezed its flanks with his legs, and the warhorse shot off like an arrow.

Zhu Chengzong drew his bow and nocked an arrow, aimed at the target a hundred paces away, released the bowstring, and the arrow flew through the air, hitting the bullseye!
Cheers erupted from all around the training ground.

As the son of a duke, although he was a spoiled brat, he still had some basic martial arts skills. After a month of special training, he had regained a lot of his skills and his martial arts were actually quite impressive!

Next, the son of the Marquis of Dingyuan took the stage. He galloped on his horse and fired three arrows in quick succession, each hitting the bullseye, which earned a slight nod from the emperor.

Deng Shaoyu was a fallen nobleman, and it was precisely because of his downfall that he needed to work hard to improve his martial arts skills. He and his sons were among the most skilled martial artists in the nobility.

Next, the other sons of noble families took turns to speak.

But the effect wasn't as good.

Some fell off their horses halfway up, some drew their bows but couldn't even touch the target, and some nearly shot other noble sons dozens of meters away.
These people's abilities are the norm for nobles today.

After archery, it was time for hand-to-hand combat.

Xue Zhao, the nephew of Marquis Yangwu Xue Lian, strode forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and then assumed a fighting stance.

He practiced Taizu Changquan, a style characterized by its fierce and powerful moves, with the wind howling around his fists. His set of punches was so impressive that it drew cheers from the onlookers.

Then, Zhang Wenming, the son of the Earl of Huian, took the stage. He was agile and nimble, and used a set of Southern Fist, which combined strength and gentleness, with each move being fierce.

The two sparred for several rounds, and neither could gain the upper hand, ultimately ending in a draw.

The rest of the participants went up on stage to compete, and apart from a few who were impressive at the beginning, there were not many others who were noteworthy.

Finally, the grand finale was a martial arts demonstration.

Guo Zhen, son of Guo Peimin, a popular candidate for Marquis of Wuding, wielded a long spear with a red tassel. The spear moved like a dragon, its cold light flashing, and he wielded it with impenetrable skill.

With the tip of his spear touching the ground, he used the momentum to leap into the air, a "returning spear" move that drew cheers from the audience.

Immediately afterward, Zhu Guodong, the younger brother of Marquis Zhu Guobi of Funing, entered the arena with a sword. He used the Zhu Family Army sword technique, his sword movements were steady and powerful, each strike carrying a sharp killing intent, as if charging on the battlefield, his momentum was imposing.

The titles of Marquis of Yangwu, Marquis of Wuding, and Marquis of Funing are now vacant.

These three families were exceptionally diligent in their pursuit of this title, and they always performed the best in front of everyone.

After the sword and spear drills, the battle began!
The soldiers of the new battalion were competing against the noble battalion.

Both sides formed their own formations, and the newly trained soldiers of Qi Jiguang's army quickly assembled their ranks.

Meanwhile, the nobles' camp dragged its feet, taking almost an incense stick's time to barely manage to form ranks.

Inside the training ground, the two armies faced off, and a tense atmosphere permeated the air.

The soldiers of the Noble Camp, dressed in bright armor, lined up on the east side, with Zhu Chengzong, son of the Duke of Cheng, and Xue Zhao, nephew of Xue Lian, Marquis of Yangwu, in front of them.

Holding a long spear, Zhu Chengzong glanced contemptuously at the opposing New Camp's army formation and sneered, "They're nothing but a rabble of refugees. Do they even deserve to fight against us noble sons?"

Xue Zhao also pointed his whip at the new camp and shouted, "Brothers, let these peasants see what real elites are like!"

Before the words were even finished, the drums of the Noble Camp sounded loudly, and the cavalry charged ahead, their hooves thundering and dust billowing.

However, the opposing New Camp's formation remained as solid as a rock, with veteran soldiers from Qi Jiguang's old army holding wolf-tooth rakes and rattan shields, their eyes cold and stern.

"Stand up your shield!"

At the command of the new battalion commander, the shield bearers in the front row instantly formed a battle formation, their spears gleaming coldly as they emerged from the gaps.

The noble cavalry charged to the front of the battle line, but their horses were stopped by wolf-tooth rakes, and their momentum was greatly reduced.

"Fire arrows!"

The archers of the new camp fired in unison, unleashing a rain of arrows that sent the front ranks of the noble camp sprawling and their formation thrown into chaos.

Zhu Chengzong's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly ordered his infantry to advance. However, the new battalion changed formation very quickly, and the musketeers on both flanks were already in position.

"Bang! Bang!"

Amidst the smoke of battle, the infantry of the noble battalion fell in droves before they even engaged the enemy.

Xue Zhao roared and led his personal guards forward, but they were entangled by the new camp's Mandarin Duck Formation. The Three Talents Formation was unpredictable and was quickly divided and surrounded.

In less than half an hour, the noble camp was routed. Zhu Chengzong's helmet was askew and his spear was taken by the soldiers of the new camp. Xue Zhao was covered in dust and was pinned to the ground by the rattan shield bearers.

On the high platform, Zhu Youxiao stood with his hands behind his back, his brows slightly furrowed, and sighed softly: "So-called elite troops of noble families are nothing more than this. Most of the soldiers in this new camp are from the background of refugees. It's just that the front row is made up of veterans of Qi Jiguang's army. The sons of noble families are no match for refugees?"

After the martial arts demonstration, Zhu Youxiao gathered everyone in front of the reviewing stand.

Zhu Youxiao stood with his hands behind his back on the high platform, his piercing gaze sweeping over the generals and soldiers below.

The soldiers of the new battalion were well-disciplined, and their mandarin duck formations moved with the fluidity of flowing water. Although the noble battalion was defeated, some of the descendants of military families, such as Zhu Chengzong and Xue Zhao, still performed reasonably well, managing to salvage some of their reputation.

"Soldiers of the new battalion, listen to my command!"

Zhu Youxiao's voice was clear and bright, and his eyes were filled with approval as he looked at the new soldiers.

"Today's martial arts demonstration saw you defeat the enemy using the Mandarin Duck Formation. You shall be rewarded with five taels of silver and three bolts of silk!"

The Ming army is not satisfied with its pay, but it is invincible if it is fully paid!
Although this newly formed battalion included many retainers from military families, it consisted mostly of emaciated refugees.

They originally didn't even know how to grip the hilt of a sword, but in just two months, they were able to form a wall of formation and advance and retreat with perfect discipline.

Zhu Youxiao distributed his salary like snowflakes, and the camp had enough coarse rice for every meal. These men, who were once so hungry they were swaying, now stood up straight and trained.

The sounds of battle were deafening on the training ground; no one could tell that he had looked so hungry just a month ago.
It is evident that as long as the Ming army's food and supplies continue, their blades will naturally become sharper!

"You all must train hard, and one day you will pacify the Jurchens for me!"

He was praised by the emperor and received a reward.

On the drill ground, hundreds of newly recruited soldiers knelt down in unison, as if cleaved by knives and axes, and a deafening roar of slogans suddenly erupted:

"We are capable of winning battles!"

"Excellent conduct!"

"Absolute loyalty!"

"Long live your Majesty!"

The sound was like thunder rolling across the training ground, sending dust flying.

The sons of nobles unconsciously took a half step back. They looked at these peasants they had once ridiculed, who now appeared as sharp and ruthless as unsheathed blades, and couldn't help but exchange bewildered glances.

Losing to such a fierce and powerful army is not a disgrace to the illustrious name of our ancestors.

However, before they could finish their thoughts, the emperor turned to look at the noble camp, his gaze suddenly turning cold, and said, "Zhu Chengzong, son of the Duke of Cheng, is decent at archery; Xue Zhao, nephew of the Marquis of Yangwu, Xue Lian, has not lost his family's style in spear fighting. The two of you are still worthy of the jade belts at your waists."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Chengzong and the others broke out in a cold sweat and lay prostrate on the ground, not daring to raise their heads.

As for the others

Zhu Youxiao frowned, his dissatisfaction evident on his face.

"Zhao Zhilong, the nephew of the Earl of Xincheng, was defeated by a mere soldier of the new camp in three moves; Liu Shaozong, the son of the Marquis of Anyuan, had a sword technique as soft as a woman embroidering! And these eight good-for-nothings."

He traced the last ten names on the list with his fingertip, his tone leaving no room for doubt, and said sternly, "Get out of the Noble Camp immediately, and your titles will be inherited by the heirs in line!" The noble sons whose names were called immediately turned ashen-faced.

Zhao Zhilong crawled two steps on his knees and wailed, "Your Majesty, have mercy! I am willing to volunteer to serve on the frontier!"

Before he could finish speaking, the Imperial Guards had already grabbed his arms and dragged him out.

Liu Shaozong was even more distraught, collapsing to the ground and wetting his brocade robe.

Zhu Youxiao coldly glared at the noble sons kneeling and begging for mercy below, his eyes flashing with a sharp, icy light.

These pampered young men, who spend their days consuming the lifeblood of the Ming Dynasty, are now even training in such a pathetic manner.

"I have given you a full month."

The emperor's voice was neither hurried nor slow, yet it struck everyone's heart like a heavy hammer.

"If you are still this useless after a month, it is clear that you have long forgotten the glory that your ancestors fought and bled for."

He slammed his hand on the table and rose abruptly, the gilded throne thudding with a dull thud: "Since you have forgotten your roots, this title has nothing to do with you anymore! The Ming Dynasty does not support idlers; the capable rise to the top, and the mediocre can only kneel and watch others ascend!"

Zhu Youxiao's icy gaze swept over the nobles below like a blade, each word like an ice pick piercing to the bone, as he said:
"I will give you another three months. If you are defeated by the new camp again in the next martial arts competition, these ten people will suffer the same fate!"

The nobles felt as if they had been struck by lightning, as if the ancestral tablets in the ancestral temple were pressing down on their backs.

What this young emperor clearly wanted were fierce generals who could wield swords and ride horses, not pampered playboys living in luxury.

But looking at the fierce new recruits on the drill ground, their clenched fists were covered in cold sweat.

How can they be transformed in three months from a group of pampered young men into a formidable force capable of defeating even the fiercest and most ruthless enemies?
Zhu Youxiao was well aware of the thoughts of the sons of noble families, and he reiterated his previous statement:

If you can do it, then do it; if you can't, then get out!

Zhu Youxiao still didn't believe that there couldn't be any capable people among the nobles.

After dealing with the reorganization of the Noble Camp, Zhu Youxiao turned his gaze to others like a hawk.

Wang Tiqian, a eunuch serving in the Directorate of Ceremonial.

Or perhaps it's the Prince of Fortune!
"This servant, Wang Tiqian, greets Your Majesty."

Looking at Wang Tiqian's appearance, Zhu Youxiao sighed and said, "Wang Da Dang has lost weight and gotten darker on this trip."

Being remembered by the emperor, Wang Tiqian was flattered and hurriedly said, "Serving Your Majesty, being a little thin and dark-skinned is nothing. It is Your Majesty who is busy with countless affairs of state, which is much more tiring than the meager things this old servant does."

Everyone likes kind words.

Zhu Youxiao smiled and said, "I will remember your merits. This is not the place to talk. Let's go back to the Qianqing Palace and report back!"

The emperor's entourage passed through many palace gates and quickly returned to the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Youxiao walked straight into the East Warm Pavilion, where candles had already been lit, illuminating the imperial desk.

After Zhu Youxiao was seated, he asked Wang Tiqian, "How is the Prince of Fu?"

Wang Tiqian honestly replied, "Your Majesty, Prince Fu has already moved into the Tenth Prince's residence."

Zhu Youxiao nodded, then asked, "Why is the journey so slow?"

Wang Tiqian slowly explained, "The road is muddy and difficult to walk on, and Prince Fu is also..."

"so what?"

Wang Tiqian, recalling the arrogant expression of Prince Fu, said, "Prince Fu considers himself Emperor Shenzong's son and often ignores the urging of his servants, which is why the journey has been slowed down."

"Oh?"

The emperor's unexpected anger made Wang Tiqian somewhat nervous.

"I've heard that Prince Fu has developed sores, is that true?"

Gollum~
Wang Tiqian's forehead began to bead with sweat. "Your Majesty even knows about this?"

The old eunuch dared not hide the truth from the emperor any longer and hurriedly said:

"Yes, Prince Fu has herpes."

"You went to Luoyang on this trip. What was the situation in Luoyang? What was the attitude of the local people towards Prince Fu?"

Wang Tiqian answered honestly, saying, "The people of Luoyang are suffering and have more resentment than affection for Prince Fu."

"During this journey to deliver the imperial decree, I heard that a plot of rebellion has occurred?"

Wang Tiqian immediately said, "Your Majesty, it is indeed true. Chen Liangbi, the commander of the guards of the Prince of Fu's residence, led his troops to surround the post station where I and the Imperial Son-in-Law were staying."

Zhu Youxiao's eyes flickered as he asked, "Is the Prince of Fu involved in this?"

In the past, Wang Tiqian would have definitely implied that Prince Fu was behind it all.

However, after being warned by the emperor, Wang Tiqian dared not deceive him and honestly said, "It should be Chen Liangbi who acted on his own initiative, and it has nothing to do with Prince Fu."

After receiving these answers, Zhu Youxiao smiled and praised Wang Tiqian, saying, "Wang Da Dang handled this trip to Luoyang very well."

Wang Tiqian prostrated himself on the ground, his forehead pressed against the gold brick: "This servant is merely fulfilling his duty; all is due to Your Majesty's wisdom."

"Get up."

The emperor raised his hand in a gesture, and Wei Chao, who was standing to the side, quickly brought out a gilded tray covered with bright yellow silk.

Zhu Youxiao lifted the silk, revealing three imperial gifts: an ivory whisk inlaid with jewels, a jade belt plaque, and a bright yellow imperial edict.

"A whisk is bestowed upon you to cleanse the palace, and a jade tablet symbolizes your pure and noble heart."

Zhu Youxiao's gaze swept over Wang Tiqian's slightly trembling hands, and he slowly said, "As for this imperial edict, I hereby promote Da Dang to the position of Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, concurrently in charge of teaching at the Inner Academy. Furthermore, I intend to re-establish the Western Depot, and I entrust this matter to you as well."

Upon hearing this, Wei Chao's pupils contracted sharply, and his fingers clenched involuntarily beneath his python robe.

Upon hearing this, Wang Tiqian almost grinned from ear to ear.

The Inner Study Hall was a place where eunuchs were taught to read and write.

Eunuchs formed a "civilianized" group through the Inner Study Hall, which countered the outer court.

It was equivalent to the Whampoa Military Academy in later times.

If he is in charge of this matter, doesn't that mean His Majesty wants to promote him to the position of Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial?

As for the West Factory
That would mean immense power!
Wang Tiqian was breathing rapidly, but he still retained his composure. He kowtowed heavily and said, "This servant is terrified! The position of the Grand Secretary of the Directorate of Ceremonial is of great importance, and the affairs of the Inner Secretariat and the Western Depot are even more powerful. This servant is of limited talent and learning, and I fear I am not up to the task. This servant only hopes to serve Your Majesty by your side, and has no other requests."

"I know you have a long-standing feud with the eunuchs, but to brave the blades of three hundred guards and extract five million taels of silver from the Prince of Fu's residence for me—who in the entire court can match such courage?"

Zhu Youxiao's tone was firm and left no room for refusal.

"My words are law; do you expect me to retract my decree?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Tiqian dared not refuse any longer.

It would be impolite to refuse again.

He suddenly banged his head on the ground and shouted, "This servant is willing to give his life for Your Majesty!"

"Remember what I said today."

Zhu Youxiao stroked the jade paperweight, then suddenly chuckled, "I heard that Da Dang is keeping a diary on his trip to Luoyang?"

Wang Tiqian was startled, realizing that his trip to Luoyang had exposed him to the emperor completely, as if he were naked.

He immediately nodded and said, "This servant has indeed recorded what I saw and heard along the way."

As he spoke, he pulled a thick notebook from his pocket.

Wei Chao handed it to the emperor. Zhu Youxiao opened the 'diary', read a few pages, and glanced at Wang Tiqian with some surprise.

"Da Dang really put his heart into it."

Who keeps a diary?
Moreover, Wang Tiqian's diary is meticulous in detail, especially his fondness for writing about the lives of ordinary people, making it a veritable eunuch version of "A Journey to Luoyang in the Ming Dynasty".

Zhu Youxiao read some of the materials, which greatly helped him understand the local area of ​​the Ming Dynasty.

Wang Tiqian immediately smiled and said, "It is my honor to be able to share Your Majesty's burdens."

"You must be tired from your journey. You may leave now. The matters concerning the Inner Secretariat and the Western Depot are not urgent for now. I will grant you five days to rest."

Wang Tiqian was indeed a bit tired, but he dared to rest after being promoted by his superiors.
Wang Tiqian immediately replied, "I am but a rough servant, how can I be considered tired? I can go to work tomorrow."

"Good good!"

Zhu Youxiao's face showed praise.

With a herd of nuclear-powered oxen and horses under my command, why worry that the Ming Dynasty will not be restored to its former glory?
Note: The "Collected Statutes of the Ming Dynasty - Ministry of War" stipulates that when inspecting firearms, lead balls must be removed and smoke must be released to demonstrate their power; those who violate this rule will be punished with one hundred strokes of the cane.

The military exercise involved arrows without sharp edges and muskets firing blanks.

(End of this chapter)