Huangming

Chapter 158 The Xie Zhi sharpens its blade, and the Dragon Garden proclaims its might.

Yang Lian walked slowly out of the vermilion palace gates of the Forbidden City, the afterglow of the setting sun gilding his blue robe with a layer of dark gold.

He politely declined the invitations from several colleagues to gather at a restaurant and walked alone through the bustling streets.

The sedan chair bearers carried the small blue cloth sedan chair through the alleys of Xicheng in the twilight.

Yang Lian's residence was located at the very end of a hutong in the western part of the city.

This is the official residence allocated by the imperial court. When he was the Minister of War, the residence had three courtyards. Now that he is the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, the official residence he was allocated has one more courtyard and is much larger.

bang bang bang~
There were few servants in the Yang residence. Yang Lian knocked on the door, and after a long time, a woman dressed in coarse cloth opened the door.

The woman who opened the door was Zhang, Yang Lian's first wife.

Although he was only in his early forties, he already looked old, with gray hair growing at his temples.

Years of hard work have left her with sallow, rough skin, calloused hands, large and deformed knuckles, and several purple marks from healed chilblains on the back of her hands.

The woman exuded an air of poverty, making her seem out of place in this four-courtyard official residence.

"Master, you are back."

Zhang's face lit up with joy, but it quickly dimmed.

"Why did you suddenly come back? There wasn't a word from the capital."

Her voice trailed off, and she avoided eye contact with Yang Lian.

"There are only some coarse flour flatbreads left on the stove, along with pickled vegetables... how can this be given to the master?"

As she spoke, she unconsciously tugged at the patched hem of her clothes, as if that could cover up her shabby appearance.

A faint aroma of mixed grains wafted from the kitchen, along with a subtle hint of the bitterness of wild vegetables.

Zhang stood awkwardly by the door, a blush of shame rising on her sallow face.

Her husband was a high-ranking official in the imperial court, yet he couldn't even prepare a decent meal for her when he came home.

Yang Lian sighed and said, "If you can eat it, why can't I?"

He slowly walked into the courtyard, where Zhang served him food.

A few coarse flatbreads, a dish of pickled vegetables, and a bowl of wild vegetable porridge.

Yang Lian sighed inwardly: In the past, in order to gain a good reputation, he would rather donate his salary than let his family use it.

All the classical texts I've read over the years have been completely wasted.

He looked at his wife's rough hands and her patched-up clothes, and his throat tightened.

Yang Lian slowly took out ten taels of silver from his waist, gently placed it on the table, and said to Zhang Shi, "Use this silver to buy some decent clothes for Zhiyi and the others, and some meat to nourish their bodies."

Zhang was stunned, her fingers trembling slightly as she dared not touch the silver, as if it were burning hot coals.

She stammered, "Master, this is unacceptable. You have always disliked extravagance. If people knew that we were eating meat and wearing new clothes at home, it would damage your reputation."

Yang Lian shook his head, his voice low but firm: "You've suffered so much these past years. I, Yang Lian, have been seeking fame abroad, yet my wife and children have been left to freeze and starve. What kind of husband am I? What kind of father am I?"

He paused, then added, "From now on, I will keep half of my monthly salary for household expenses."

Zhang's tears suddenly rolled down her cheeks. She hurriedly tried to wipe them away with her sleeve, but the more she wiped, the more tears streamed down her face.

The silver gleamed faintly under the oil lamp, making the tears in her eyes glisten.

There was a rustling sound coming from outside the kitchen.

Several children peeked through the crack in the door. The eldest, Yang Zhiyi, stared at the silver on the table, swallowed hard, and whispered, "Mother, can we really buy meat with this?"

"From now on, we'll have meat to eat every day!" Yang Lian assured them.

These words were like a key, instantly unlocking smiles on the children's faces.

They cheered, and the youngest child even jumped and ran into his older brother's arms, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Seeing this scene, Yang Lian suddenly felt something in her heart quietly loosen.

Those years of obsession with a good reputation and empty honors led to my wife and children living in poverty; how laughable it seems now.

"Empty fame is ultimately just a mirage."

The true way of a gentleman lies not in seeking fame and fortune, but in being down-to-earth.

He should not only serve the court with his true talents and knowledge, but also shoulder the responsibilities of being a husband and a father.

Simply copying Hai Gangfeng's style is useless.

Right now.

bang bang bang~
A knock came from outside the gate of the courtyard house.

Just as Yang Lian put down her chopsticks, a hearty laugh suddenly came from outside the courtyard.

"Wenru, you returned to the capital without even letting me know. I was thinking of hosting a welcome dinner for you!"

Before the words were finished, a middle-aged man dressed in a brocade robe stepped in.

He was around forty years old, with a fair complexion, a well-trimmed beard on his chin, and an air of refinement and composure in his eyes.

Two servants followed behind him, one carrying a mahogany food box and the other carrying two jars of aged wine sealed in mud, the aroma of which wafted out faintly.

If it wasn't Qian Qianyi, then who was it?

Upon seeing this, Zhang hurriedly stepped aside, bowing her head to straighten her clothes, afraid that her shabby appearance would be unsightly.

Yang Lian rose to greet him, his expression calm: "Brother Qian, you flatter me. Simple food and drink are nothing out of the ordinary."

Qian Qianyi smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over Yang Lian's simple robes and Zhang's rough hands, a subtle, complex expression flashing in his eyes.

He gently waved his folding fan and said, "I've brought some Jiangnan delicacies today, and I'd like to share a drink with Brother Yang. Would you do me the honor?"

Yang Lian nodded and said, "Please!"

The two arrived at the quiet room and sat facing each other.

Two servants opened the food box and poured out two bowls of fine wine.

The aroma of food and wine was enticing, yet Yang Lian remained calm and composed.

Qian Qianyi tapped the edge of the table lightly with his fingertips, paused slightly with his folding fan, and asked with feigned concern, "Brother Wenru, has your inspection of the grain transport been completed?"

Yang Lian remained calm, his gaze fixed on the ripples gently moving in his wine cup. He slowly shook his head and said, "Not yet. His Majesty has already issued an order for me to inspect the canal transport again."

As soon as he finished speaking, the candlelight in the room suddenly flickered.

Qian Qianyi unfolded half of the Xiangfei bamboo fan in his hand with a "whoosh," obscuring the glint of shrewdness in his eyes.

His smile deepened, and he leaned forward, lowering his voice to say, "Brother Wenru, you have once again received an imperial decree, which shows that you are currently enjoying the Emperor's favor!"

Before he finished speaking, he gestured for the servant to pour wine, then raised his celadon wine cup and gave Yang Lian a perfunctory bow: "In that case, we should celebrate even more. I've heard that the newly transferred courtesans from the Imperial Music Bureau are proficient in all the arts, especially undressing women."

He drew out his words meaningfully, tapping his palm lightly with the ribs of his fan.

"Brother Yang, you are busy with national affairs all day long. Why not take this opportunity to relax?"

Yang Lian frowned almost imperceptibly, her fingertips tracing the rim of the rough pottery bowl.

The oil lamp cast his shadow on the gray wall, solidifying it into a taut straight line.

"I appreciate your kind offer."

He looked up and stared directly at the other person. In the past, he might have had such thoughts, but now, he no longer did.

"With the inspection of the grain transport imminent and the corruption case involving the grain transport not yet thoroughly investigated, I'm afraid Mr. Yang will not be able to enjoy it."

Qian Qianyi's smile froze for a moment, then his eyes darted around before he smiled again and said, "Brother Wenru, why make yourself suffer? How can those corrupt officials from the Grand Canal be eradicated in a day?"

He suddenly covered his mouth with his fan, leaned closer and whispered mysteriously, "If Brother Yang can be lenient with those grain ships from Songjiang Prefecture during his inspection of the grain transport this time, I, Qian, am willing to offer three thousand taels."

"boom!"

Yang Lian slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly, causing the wine in the bowl to spill out.

His temples were bulging with veins, but he laughed in anger: "Brother Qian, are you here today to reminisce about old times, or to act as someone's go-between?"

“Wenru, there’s no need to get excited. This three thousand taels can be donated to the refugees so that Brother Yang’s good name can be passed down for generations.”

Fame doesn't just fall into your lap; without spending some money, who will promote you?
"enough!"

Yang Lian's gaze suddenly sharpened, a cold smile playing on his lips. He slowly said, "Brother Qian, those 'capable henchmen' you recommended last time repeatedly tipped off the grain transport officials during the inspection tour, hindering us at every turn. I originally thought it was out of consideration for our old friendship, but now it seems they are only after their own interests!"

He stood up abruptly, his sleeves fluttering as he wielded his bamboo chopsticks, making a clanging sound: "During this inspection of the canal, I, Yang, will uphold the law impartially, with absolutely no room for leniency!"

Yang Lian's gaze swept across Qian Qianyi's suddenly stiff smile like a blade, and she said sternly, "If there's nothing else important, I won't see you off!"

Upon hearing this, Qian Qianyi snapped his folding fan shut and his refined smile turned cold.

This guy, he won't listen to gentle persuasion?
He slowly rose, the white jade pendant swaying gently at his waist, reflecting a chilling light in the oil lamp.

"Brother Wenru, why must you speak so definitively?"

"The genuine 'Landscape of Clear Mountains and Streams' that you accepted two months ago came from the hands of the second-in-command of the Grand Canal Gang. If people find out that a dignified imperial censor is secretly keeping stolen goods, Wenru, your reputation will be ruined."

Yang Lian's pupils suddenly contracted.

That painting was clearly a gift from Qian Qianyi himself two months ago, said to be a copy made by a friend from Jiangnan!

Now it's considered genuine?

"Hahaha~"

Yang Lian burst into laughter, the sound shaking the roof tiles.

He flicked his sleeve, his knuckles clanging against the rough wooden table, and said, "You people behind me, bring on whatever moves you have! I, Yang Lian, will take them all!"

Qian Qianyi snapped his folding fan shut, his fair face flushing crimson. "Yang Wenru!"

Qian Qianyi suddenly tore off his refined facade, and a secret letter in vermilion ink slipped from his sleeve and slammed it on the table.

"The 38 grain transport ships of Songjiang Prefecture involve more than just the grain transport office!"

Yang Lian recalled the emperor's heartfelt words to him earlier that day, especially the phrase "My patience has its limits," and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

Yang Lian abruptly flicked his sleeve, causing the wine cups on the table to clink, and sternly said to Qian Qianyi, "Show the guest out!"

Qian Qianyi's face turned ashen, and the folding fan in his hand snapped in two with a "crack".

He chuckled sinisterly, "What an iron-faced censor! I hope that Lord Yang's tough bones can withstand the bloodshed on the Grand Canal."

After saying that, he kicked over the brocade stool, and left with his servant, slamming the door behind him.

Yang Lian watched Qian Qianyi's departing figure, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Whether for the sake of the people or for his own career, he had to distance himself from these people.

He was determined to thoroughly reform the grain transport administration of the Tongzhou Canal, even at the cost of his life!

February 1st, the first day of the first year of the Tianqi reign.

Beijing is very lively.

This is because the emperor is preparing to hold a spring hunt today.

The Ming Dynasty established itself on military strength, and the spring hunt has always been regarded as an important military exercise.

In the past, Emperors Yongle and Xuande often personally led large armies on northern hunting expeditions. Wherever their iron cavalry went, the sounds of bows and horses filled the air, which not only intimidated the Mongol tribes but also solidified the border defenses invisibly.

However, times have changed. The Ming Dynasty is in decline, and border defenses have become lax.

Zhu Youxiao knew perfectly well that if he followed the ancestral system and made a northern tour, he would probably not be going to show off his military might, but rather to "study in Mongolia".

Therefore, this spring hunt was only held in Nanhai Zi, south of the capital region—also known as Nanyuan, which is only a stone's throw away from the Forbidden City.

With no fear of wild beasts or surprise attacks from barbarian cavalry, it is the safest option.

In addition to civil and military officials, the entourage included Korean envoys and Ligdan Khan's envoy, Guiyingqia.

Zhu Youxiao's spring hunt had three hidden meanings:
First, to show off one's power and prestige.

When the Korean envoy and Ligdan Khan's envoy Guiying happened to be in the audience, they could not hide their shock at the sight of the heavily armored and skilled archers and horsemen of the Beijing garrison.

Zhu Youxiao specially arranged for three thousand elite troops to surround the hunting grounds. Their iron armor gleamed in the sunlight like scales, and their spears and halberds advanced like a forest, making the casual horsemanship and archery that the grassland envoys were used to look rather dull.

This is precisely what Zhu Youxiao wanted foreign lands to understand: although the Ming Dynasty is showing signs of decline, its might still remains.

Secondly, it demonstrates legitimacy.

Spring hunts were often combined with sacrifices to heaven, earth, mountains, and rivers (such as Emperor Yongle's sacrifice to heaven after hunting at Juyong Pass), reflecting the idea that "the emperor receives his mandate from heaven."

By reproducing the ancient system of "spring hunt, summer harvest, autumn hunt, and winter hunt" from the Rites of Zhou, the legitimacy of the Ming Dynasty in inheriting the rule of the three dynasties is highlighted.

Third, select outstanding talents.

The hunting grounds were like a microcosm of the imperial court; the strength of a general drawing his bow and the posture of a civil official riding his horse could not escape the emperor's keen eyes.

It's obvious who has the ability and who is skilled in martial arts!
Of course, for Zhu Youxiao, the spring hunt was not only a ritual to follow ancestral rules, but also a rare opportunity to escape.

The deep palace walls could not ultimately confine the heart of an emperor who longed to see the true nature of the world.

Before the imperial procession, the rituals of offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and reporting to the Imperial Ancestral Temple had already been solemnly completed.

Amidst the rising smoke from burning firewood, the display of sacrificial offerings, and the chanting of praises by the officials, the young emperor bowed deeply in the secluded halls of the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

With our ancestors above us, he wanted to go hunting to see for himself where the problems of the Ming Dynasty lay.

After the sacrificial ceremony.

Zhu Youxiao rode slowly out of the palace in his palanquin, with the imperial guards in full armor standing tall on both sides of the imperial road, their banners fluttering like clouds.

Twelve pairs of golden maces and axes led the way, while the imperial guards' riders, their hands on their embroidered spring knives, scanned every tree shadow along the route with eyes like hawks.

The elite troops of the Beijing Garrison lined up on either side of the imperial carriage, their iron armor reflecting the spring sun, shimmering coldly like scales.

All the civil and military officials accompanying the emperor held their breath and focused their attention.

Civil officials wore green robes and jade belts, while military generals wore robes adorned with qilin (mythical creatures). The sound of horses' hooves mingled with the jingling of imperial bells, yet no one dared to utter a word in private.

Before the emperor's procession, even the wind seemed to freeze.

Upon arriving at the hunting grounds, craftsmen from the Ministry of Works had already erected a yellow-draped palace.

The golden-topped tent sits atop a high platform, surrounded by a wooden fence that forms a forbidden wall. Secret sentries of the Imperial Guards are hidden in the woods, their crossbows nocked and aimed at every corner where assassins might be hiding.

The emperor's safety rested on this impenetrable defense.

Zhu Youxiao's imperial carriage slowly entered the Nanhaizi hunting grounds. The golden carriage curtains were lowered, and it stopped in front of the dragon tent, surrounded by the imperial guards and the embroidered guards.

Inside the tent, the eunuchs had already prepared light armor.

The emperor removed his elaborate imperial robes and put on a finely forged soft armor, covered with a bright yellow dragon-patterned arrow-shaped vest, with a gilded and precious bow hanging at his waist.

He mounted his horse, which neighed and its hooves pounded through the spring grass, splashing up tiny dewdrops.

The civil and military officials were already lined up to wait.

The Grand Secretaries wore robes embroidered with golden pheasants, the nobles wore battle robes with qilin patterns, and the military officers wore bright armor; all stood solemnly according to their rank.

When Zhu Youxiao, holding his precious carved bow, rode out of the tent, the hunting ground suddenly fell silent.

As if drawn by an invisible hand, all the civil and military officials bowed their heads in unison, their python robes, jade belts, and qilin-embroidered garments trembling slightly in the spring breeze.

Three thousand imperial guards suddenly knelt on one knee, the sound of their armor clashing like a sudden downpour striking a bronze chime.

"Long live! Long live! Long live!"

The deafening roar erupted from before the emperor, spreading outwards in layers.

The birds startled into flight from the forest had not yet taken flight when they were shaken off the branches by the thunderous sound.

The Korean envoy tilted his teacup slightly, the amber tea rippling on the rim; Gui Ying instinctively pressed his hand on the curved sword at his waist, his knuckles turning white from the force—never before had the most valiant warriors on the grasslands gathered unleashed such a terrifying aura.

A realization dawned on him: though the Ming Dynasty was old, even a centipede with a hundred legs does not die easily; it remained a powerful empire!

"Just kidding~"

At this moment, the soldiers of the Beijing garrison had quietly surrounded them.

Thousands of elite soldiers, armed with spears and shields, slowly advanced from the outside, contracting like an iron wall.

woohoo~
The horn blared low, the drumbeats grew louder, and the startled deer, foxes, and rabbits were driven to flee towards the center of the hunting grounds.

Amidst the swirling dust, the panting of wild beasts mingled with the clanging of armor, and a chilling atmosphere permeated the entire landscape.

"Your Majesty, please shoot the deer!"

Minister of Rites Sun Shenxing presented the gold-embroidered arrows to the Emperor with a bow.

Beneath his lowered brows, a profound meaning flashed – the deer symbolizes heavenly blessings; when the emperor draws his bow, it is to proclaim to the world that he holds power.

Zhu Youxiao ran his fingertips over the arrow fletching.

The white deer stood on the grassy slope ten steps away, the sunlight gilding its edges, making it look like a mythical beast.

The courtiers held their breath, only the clanging of armored vehicles echoing in the spring breeze.

The bow is drawn as full as a moon.

The moment the arrow was released, the deer raised its head—

It was as if he were gazing at a king.

The sound of something cutting through the air broke the silence.

The white deer staggered and knelt down, the arrow piercing its heart.

Blood beads meandered down the veins of the grass, blooming into a scarlet flower in front of the imperial boots.

"Your Majesty's arrow pierces the heart of heaven!" Sun Shenxing was the first to prostrate himself and shout.

"Long live the divine archer!" The courtiers roared in applause.

Zhu Youxiao breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, he hadn't lost face on this grand occasion. Originally, the deer should have been shot from a hundred paces away.

However, Zhu Youxiao was aware of his own abilities, and thus shortened the distance by just a little bit.

After all, given his abilities, being able to shoot a deer from ten paces away and hit it is already extremely difficult.

After the emperor shot the deer, the atmosphere at the hunting ground suddenly became lively.

The princes and nobles were the first to step forward, their brocade robes gleaming in the sunlight. They drew their bows and nocked arrows with elegant and composed postures, and the arrows shot through the air like shooting stars across the sky.

Military generals and nobles followed closely behind, their armor clanging, their arm strength astonishing. With the bowstring trembling, sharp arrows shot out, carrying a fierce momentum, aimed directly at their prey.

In an instant, arrows rained down, their whistling sounds echoing across the hunting grounds, forming an invisible net.

The beasts scattered in terror, and foxes and rabbits fled, but none could escape the overwhelming barrage of arrows.

The courtiers cheered loudly or praised in hushed tones. The scene displayed both the majesty of the imperial family and the subtle competition—the accuracy and power of each arrow demonstrated their archery skills and were also related to their chances of receiving the emperor's favor.

Zhu Youxiao sat upright on his imperial horse, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, a faint smile playing on his lips.

This spring hunt, including the deer hunt, is just an appetizer; the real highlight is the military parade that follows.

A new dynasty should bring a new look!
He wanted these envoys to see for themselves, and for all the officials to experience firsthand, how glorious and mighty the Ming Dynasty would be under his rule!

Wherever the iron cavalry goes, it will surely make the barbarians tremble; wherever the blade points, it will surely make envoys from all directions submit.

What a 'weak dynasty', what 'frequent border troubles', all of them will vanish before this magnificent military might!
(End of this chapter)