Huangming

Chapter 193 Diligent Governance Under the Bright Candle, Enjoying Pleasure Behind the Phoenix Curtain

After discussing state affairs with his ministers, it was already dusk.

As the setting sun gradually disappeared outside the palace, its afterglow shone on the vermilion palace walls, gilding the solemn imperial city with a golden glow.

Duke Zhang Weixian and the others bowed and took their leave. Amidst the rustling of their robes, they whispered in unison, "We take our leave."

Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly and watched them slowly leave the hall.

As dusk deepened, the figures of several high-ranking officials gradually disappeared into the distance under the illumination of the palace lanterns, eventually merging into the growing darkness of the night.

After the officials left, Zhu Youxiao also rose from his throne.

At the service of the palace servants, he removed his court robes and changed into a light military uniform.

Inside the East Warm Pavilion, the candlelight flickered red. He calmed his mind and practiced the Five Animal Frolics and the Eight Pieces of Brocade step by step.

As the wind blew from his fists and palms, beads of sweat gradually appeared on his forehead, and his tense muscles and bones relaxed.

When I finished my breathing exercises, I felt completely refreshed, as if all the fatigue from the past few days had been expelled with the sweat.

"Prepare the carriage for the Warm Pavilion, I wish to take a bath!"

As soon as Zhu Youxiao finished speaking, Wei Chao bowed and replied, "This servant will go and do it right away."

He turned and strode out of the hall, whispering to the waiting eunuchs, "Go and prepare quickly! Has the imperial water at Yuquan Mountain been boiled? Are the orchid grass and sandalwood ready?"

The Greenhouse Hall is located to the west of the Qianqing Palace. Everything is prepared inside the hall before the emperor's arrival.

The huge copper bathtub is filled with steaming spring water, and amidst the mist, medicinal herbs such as orchids, sandalwood, and poria can be vaguely seen floating on the surface.

This water was specially taken from the imperial spring water of Yuquan Mountain. After being boiled, the palace maids repeatedly tested the temperature to ensure it was just right.

The steam, carrying with it a rich aroma and a faint medicinal scent, filled the hall. If someone unaware of the situation smelled it, they might mistake it for some kind of delicacy being preserved.

After all, this spectacle, rather than a bath, seemed more like a meticulous preparation of the Ming emperor as an ingredient!
The bronze bathtub was exceptionally large; it could comfortably accommodate not only the emperor but also five or six people.

However, the palace maids who served her during her bath were all women over thirty years old, with gray hairs already appearing at their temples.

This was established by ancestral rules, specifically selecting older and more dignified individuals to serve the master, as they were knowledgeable in bathing rituals and could prevent the master from being seduced by their beauty.

The rules for bathing before the emperor are quite particular.

Although the palace maids serving her were no longer young, their techniques were extremely skillful and experienced.

First, they brought warm medicinal soup, soaked a plain silk cloth in it, and gently applied it to the emperor's face. Once the hair and beard softened, they took a loofah sponge, dipped it in a special bath powder—made from mung bean powder, pig pancreas, and soapberry—and carefully rubbed it on the emperor's body.

As the palace maids gently rinsed the body with warm water using silver spoons, they were extremely careful not to let the sacred body be completely immersed in the water, lest the 'dragon energy' dissipate.

Finally, rose dew is gently patted all over the body, a process called "fragrance retention".

After the entire process was completed, when Zhu Youxiao stood up, the previous sweat and grime had completely dissipated, leaving only a faint and elegant fragrance around him, with even his hair lingering with a subtle scent of orchids and musk.

As soon as Zhu Youxiao put on a plain white robe, Wei Chao entered carrying a vermilion tray, bowing with a beaming smile and asking, "Your Majesty, would you like to choose a concubine tonight?"

Although it was called a selection process, there were actually only two candidates to choose from: one was Zhao Qingyue, a palace maid in charge of the bedchamber, and the other was Yu Peizhen, a young lady temporarily residing in the Western Six Palaces.

As for Zhang Yan and the others, they are still going through the post-selection process.

Zhu Youxiao ignored Wei Chao's question and instead asked, "How is the selection of the empress progressing?"

Seeing that the emperor showed little interest in choosing a consort, Wei Chao noticed a hint of disappointment in his eyes and quickly bowed to report: "Your Majesty, the ceremony for selecting the empress is drawing to a close. Consort Li has specifically instructed that Your Majesty should personally attend the final selection to 'guide' the process and make a decision on the empress's choice—to observe her character and virtue, as well as her appearance and demeanor."

That's right, the emperor can decide who the empress is.

of course
This is how it is when the emperor holds real power.

If the emperor is young and the country is in turmoil, and powerful ministers hold sway, then the so-called selection of an empress is nothing more than a puppet show.

The final placement of the phoenix crown on the head of any young lady depends entirely on the machinations of those behind the scenes; even the emperor is merely a puppet with a stamp of approval.

"Since it was specially arranged by the Dowager Consort, I will go and see for myself."

Zhu Youxiao did not disrupt or overstep the established procedures after the election.

Of the women who entered the palace, apart from Yu Peizhen, who was rejected, none of the others were even seen.

I only looked at the portrait.

Zhu Youxiao attached great importance to the selection of future consorts, especially the empress.

He knew that a virtuous empress would contribute to the emperor's achievements.

Just as Emperor Taizong of Tang had Empress Zhangsun assisting him in the inner court, Emperor Taizu of Ming had Empress Ma holding the harem in place, and Emperor Chengzu's imperial career was also inseparable from the assistance of Empress Xu.

If the emperor and empress can be of one mind and one heart, the court will naturally be well-governed; but if the empress loses her virtue and the harem is not peaceful, how can the emperor concentrate on governing the country?
Zhu Youxiao recalled the wildly popular TV series "Empresses in the Palace" from his previous life, and felt a little amused:
If the harem during the Yongzheng reign was truly as treacherous and unpredictable as depicted in the drama, with the affairs of state already exhausting and the harem constantly rife with intrigue and power struggles, even the most resilient emperor would not have been able to withstand such torment. Under such internal and external pressures, it is not surprising that Emperor Yongzheng succumbed to illness and died.

He didn't want to die young like the Yongzheng Emperor, vomiting blood.

Naturally, one should live like a tortoise, living as long as possible.

Seeing that the emperor was somewhat interested, Wei Chao quickly stepped forward, bowed and reported: "Your Majesty, the ceremony for selecting the empress has been scheduled to be held in Cining Palace in five days. Your Majesty is welcome to attend and witness the selection of a virtuous empress."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao's eyes flashed with satisfaction, and he nodded, saying, "This arrangement suits my taste perfectly!"

After circling around for a long time, seeing that the emperor still hadn't answered the question about choosing a concubine, Wei Chao had no choice but to bite the bullet and bow again to ask, "Your Majesty, shall we choose a concubine tonight?"

Seeing the fat eunuch's persistent appearance, Zhu Youxiao couldn't help but laugh and finally nodded in agreement.

Although beauty is harmful to health, he had not been near women for nearly seven or eight days, so it wouldn't hurt to indulge occasionally.

His fingertips gently caressed Zhao Qingyue's green plaque. After a slight hesitation, he finally turned over Yu Peizhen's plaque.

Let's open a new abalone shop today.

"I still have state affairs to attend to. Go and make preparations."

Upon hearing this, Wei Chao immediately bowed and replied, "This servant obeys the decree."

As he left the palace, he was secretly anxious: if His Majesty really did not get close to women, how could a eunuch like himself, who had no real talent or learning, stand in front of the Emperor?

After much thought, I realized that the only option was to focus my efforts on these unorthodox methods.

After taking a bath, Zhu Youxiao felt refreshed and went straight to the East Warm Pavilion to review memorials.

Under the candlelight, the Ming emperor sat upright before his desk, the memorials piled on it casting dappled shadows in the flickering candlelight.

He picked up the vermilion brush, his gaze calmly sweeping over each memorial, sometimes frowning in thought, sometimes making annotations with a flourish of his brush.

The only sounds in the hall were the scratching of the pen tip across the paper and the soft dripping of the water clock.

After a long time.

Wei Chao quietly added new candles and served a cup of ginseng tea, saying in a low voice, "Your Majesty, it is already 9 PM. Your health is of utmost importance..."

Zhu Youxiao didn't even raise his head, but waved his hand and said, "The report on the drought in Shaanxi has not yet been finalized. Please wait a moment longer."

He tapped an urgent document on the table with his fingertips.

That was a debate within the Ministry of Revenue regarding the opening of granaries for disaster relief. The cabinet ministers advocated for strict control of grain prices, while local officials requested a relaxation of restrictions on grain requisition. Zhu Youxiao dipped his brush in vermilion and wrote at the end, his words penetrating the back of the paper: "The Three Departments are hereby ordered to immediately review the disaster situation and determine the appropriate regulations within three days. I want concrete solutions, not empty talk!"

After reviewing the last memorial from the Ministry of War regarding troop deployments, the night watchman's drum had already sounded three times outside the window.

It was already midnight.

Zhu Youxiao rubbed his sore wrist and looked at the mountain of memorials piled on his desk, and couldn't help but smile bitterly.

The experience of being a diligent ruler is truly more agonizing than one can imagine.

He couldn't help but feel a bit weary, but then he thought of the beautiful woman in his bedchamber, and the urge to relax arose in his heart.

"The way of a ruler is not to do everything personally."

"If one were to emulate that muddle-headed ruler, entrusting all state affairs to cabinet ministers and indulging in wine, women, and horses all day long, wouldn't one be as carefree as an immortal? Why suffer like an old ox burdened with heavy paperwork, toiling away like this?"

However, the momentary fatigue was fleeting. Zhu Youxiao's eyes sharpened, and he secretly rallied:

"In your previous life, you were merely a minor official. Now that you have ascended to the throne, how can you waste this heaven-sent opportunity? Zhu Youxiao, you must work diligently to govern the country and create a glorious and prosperous era! You must live up to the expectations of the people of the Ming Dynasty and the opportunity that Heaven has given you to change history!"

As he was talking to himself, Huang Hua knelt down and presented a warm handkerchief, saying, "Please wash your face, Your Majesty."

The moment the hot towel touched his face, he let out a long sigh of relief, as if the fatigue and weariness of the past few days had dissipated with the rising steam.

After a while.

Seeing that the emperor was still engrossed in reviewing memorials, Wei Chao quickly knelt down and said urgently, "Your Majesty, it is midnight. There will be a court meeting tomorrow. Please take care of your health!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao paused slightly with his vermilion brush in hand and looked up towards the outside of the hall.

The night was deep, and the sound of the water clock could be clearly heard.

He put down his pen, rubbed his temples, and said, "Alright, let's call it a day."

Wei Chao was overjoyed and quickly stood up, saying respectfully, "This servant has already ordered a warm sedan chair to be prepared. Your Majesty may depart immediately."

As Zhu Youxiao stood up, his gaze inadvertently swept over the memorial on the table detailing the selection of the empress, and a slight smile appeared on his lips, as if he had remembered something.

He stepped out of the East Warm Pavilion, the night breeze brushing his face, carrying a slight chill.

Wei Chao hurriedly handed over a brocade cloak and whispered, "Your Majesty, be careful not to catch a cold."

Zhu Youxiao put on his cloak and said calmly, "Before the court meeting tomorrow, summon Grand Secretary Li Ruhua of the Eastern Pavilion and Minister of Revenue Li Changgeng for questioning."

Your Majesty is truly a wise and benevolent ruler who is diligent in governing and loves his people!

Wei Chao was filled with mixed emotions.

I recall that when the late emperor was on the throne, he indulged in women all day long and neglected state affairs. Now, Your Majesty rises early and retires late, reviewing memorials until midnight, and is concerned about the affairs of the country and the people's livelihood every single day.

The Ming Dynasty was fortunate to have such a diligent and capable ruler!

Wei Chao admired the emperor from the bottom of his heart and bowed, replying, "This servant obeys the decree."

The sedan chair slowly began to move, and Zhu Youxiao leaned against it, closing his eyes to rest.

The night wind swept across the palace walls, swirling up a few fallen leaves that swayed uncertainly in the moonlight.

When the sedan chair arrived outside the palace, female officials from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs and eunuchs were already kneeling and waiting in front of the palace gate.

Upon seeing the emperor's arrival, the crowd immediately prostrated themselves, their foreheads pressed against the white marble steps, and shouted in unison:

"May His Majesty enjoy boundless blessings!"

Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly, signaling them to rise, and then stepped into the hall.

The hall was brightly lit with candles and filled with the fragrance of incense. Yu Peizhen was already kneeling before the bed, dressed in a plain nightgown, her head bowed and eyes lowered, not daring to raise her head.

Zhu Youxiao walked up to her and said calmly, "Get up."

Yu Peizhen then slowly rose, still not daring to look directly at the Emperor's face, and only said softly, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."

In the candlelight, Yu Peizhen's plain nightgown was slightly open at the collar, revealing a section of her jade-like neck, her skin as smooth and lustrous as fresh snow.

Her slender figure was faintly visible beneath her plain clothes, and the loosely tied belt around her waist outlined the delicate curves unique to a young girl—not as flamboyant as a voluptuous woman, but like a newly blooming peony, her well-proportioned figure exuding the unique vibrancy of youth.

She bit her lip lightly out of nervousness, her pearly teeth sinking into her full lower lip, leaving faint teeth marks, adding to her unconsciously charming demeanor.

With such a beautiful woman before him, Zhu Youxiao's breathing quickened involuntarily.

He waved his hand, signaling the attendants to leave, leaving only Wei Chao waiting outside the hall.

Zhu Youxiao reached out and gently supported her arm, his voice gentle: "Don't be so reserved, just treat tonight as a normal conversation between husband and wife."

Yu Peizhen trembled slightly, her fingertips unconsciously tightening the hem of her clothes: "Your Majesty, I obey."

However, the sound was so soft that it was almost inaudible.

Seeing her like this, Zhu Youxiao couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Am I that scary?"

He reached out and tapped her reddened earlobe. "Relax, I won't do anything to you."

The young girl's eyelashes trembled slightly, her voice quivering with a hint of youthful awkwardness: "Your Majesty, this is my first time serving you, and I am naturally apprehensive."

She almost fell silent towards the end, and even her neck turned a light red.

Seeing her youthful appearance, Zhu Youxiao was not in a hurry. He simply raised his hand and gestured for her to come closer.

As the candlelight flickered, the girl's slender figure trembled slightly as she approached.

The pure white nightgown shimmered softly in the warm light, its hem swaying gently with each step, like a pear blossom just beginning to bloom under the moon.

Zhu Youxiao reached out and put his arm around her waist. The girl stiffened, but dared not dodge. She could only lower her eyelashes and let the emperor's aura envelop her.

Three-quarters of an hour passed in the blink of an eye.

Zhu Youxiao held the soft, fragrant woman in his arms, his fingertips tracing the girl's silky skin, a hint of the emperor's unrestrained arrogance flashing in his eyes.

This is the taste of being the supreme ruler.

By day, the emperor's vermilion brush bestows imperial edicts upon the realm; by night, he spends warm spring nights in a red silk tent.

Having borne such immense weight, why not enjoy some earthly bliss?

He looked down at Yu Peizhen's shy and timid appearance, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.

With this magnificent land in my hands, I can naturally appreciate all the beauties of the world.

Outside the palace, Wei Chao listened to the commotion inside and a satisfied smile appeared on his lips.

If Yu is favored, his position will be much more secure.

He gave the lady-in-waiting a wink, and she understood, picking up her pen and solemnly recording it in the "Book of Imperial Favors":

"At the third quarter of the third month of the first year of the Tianqi reign, the Emperor visited Lady Yu in the sleeping quarters of the Qianqing Palace."

(End of this chapter)