Huangming

Chapter 202 The Empress Dowager Reigns Supreme, the Court is Rectified

The case of Zhu Chunchen's treason was like a boulder suddenly thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples that shook the court and the country.

In the imperial court, the once arrogant nobles were now silent as cicadas in winter, even their breathing was extremely soft, for fear of attracting the attention of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

In the Six Ministries, officials who had corresponded with the Duke of Cheng's mansion were extremely uneasy, secretly burning all their correspondence under the cover of night, fearing that they might leave behind even the slightest incriminating evidence.

On the streets of the capital, the Imperial Guards moved like ghosts, their horses' hooves shattering the silence of the night, and the cold glint of their embroidered spring knives reflected on every terrified face.

The iron gates of the imperial prison opened and closed day and night, and the mournful screams and desperate pleas for mercy could be faintly heard, sending chills down one's spine.

This sudden purge, like a storm, swept through the entire court, and no one could remain unaffected.

Qianqing Palace.

Inside the East Warm Pavilion.

The flickering candlelight illuminated Zhu Youxiao's serene face.

He leaned against the dragon-patterned imperial couch, holding a secret report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard in his hand, his gaze slowly sweeping over every word on it.

Gradually, a meaningful smile appeared on his lips, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes.

"Duke of Cheng, Zhu Chunchen, has been executed; Duke of Ding, Xu Xigao, has committed suicide out of fear of punishment; Marquis of Huaining and Marquis of Wu'an have been imprisoned..."

He read the report in a low voice, his fingertips lightly tapping the report, as if he were pondering or savoring the afterglow of the victory.

He paused, then looked at another list, his smile deepening: "Officials from the Six Ministries, censors from the Censorate, officials from the Six Departments, even local powerful figures... Ha, the connections are quite extensive."

He raised his eyes and glanced at the three people standing respectfully in the hall: Wei Zhongxian, the director of the Eastern Depot; Wang Tiqian, the director of the Western Depot; and Zhu Chengzong, the heir of the Duke of Cheng, who had just "sacrificed his own family for the greater good."

"Wei Dadang, Wang Dadang, and Zhu Qing, you have done a good job on this matter."

Upon hearing this, the three immediately bowed and paid their respects, displaying the utmost humility.

"We dare not claim credit!"

Wei Zhongxian's shrill voice rang out first. He raised his head slightly and gave a fawning smile.

"Zhu Chunchen's rebellion was truly audacious and reckless. The reason his conspiracy was thwarted was entirely due to Your Majesty's wise and discerning eyes!"

Wang Tiqian followed closely behind, bowing his head and saying meekly, "Your Majesty's divine might is boundless, and the traitors have nowhere to hide. We were merely acting on orders, how dare we claim any merit?"

Zhu Chengzong knelt deeply on the ground, his forehead almost touching the cold gold bricks, his voice trembling slightly: "To serve Your Majesty to the death is my duty! I... dare not speak of merit!"

Zhu Youxiao watched them quietly, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

After a moment, he smiled gently, his tone mild but with a hidden meaning: "I will not forget your contributions."

As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell silent, save for the flickering candlelight that illuminated the three men's varied expressions:
Wei Zhongxian's eyes gleamed, Wang Tiqian lowered his head and looked meek, while Zhu Chengzong clenched his hands tightly in his sleeves, his nails digging deep into his palms, but he dared not reveal the slightest emotion.

"The rewards that are due will not be denied by me."

These words naturally elicited deep gratitude from the three of them.

After rewarding the three people.

Zhu Youxiao looked at Wei Chao, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, and asked:
"Wei Daban, regarding the land survey in Beizhili and the reorganization of the Beijing garrison, is there anyone in or outside the court who opposes them?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Chao immediately stepped forward, bowed, and reported, "Your Majesty, no one in the court or among the people dares to utter a single word against the new policies!"

With a cold smile on his lips, he said, "Those officials in the Ministry of War used to make excuses for the reform of the Beijing Garrison, but now they wish they could copy the reform documents a hundred times and submit them overnight; the local tyrants in Beizhili used to hide their land and obstruct the land survey, but now they are vying to present their land registers, afraid of falling behind even a little."

Zhu Youxiao was not at all surprised by the actions of these civil officials and local powerful figures.

At this critical juncture, if anyone dares to utter a word of dissent, the Imperial Guard's warrant will arrive in a day, and they will be labeled as accomplices to the traitors. At best, their homes will be ransacked and they will be exiled; at worst, their entire family will be executed!
How dare they be so presumptuous?

After Wei Chao finished speaking, he naturally offered a compliment: "It is all thanks to Your Majesty's wise guidance that the new policies are now being implemented without any obstacles!"

Zhu Youxiao nodded slightly, his expression calm.

The repercussions of Zhu Chunchen's treason case continue to reverberate, and everyone in the court is on edge.

Those officials who had previously outwardly complied with the new policies but inwardly defied them are now silent and trembling with fear; local tyrants are even more terrified as they witness the collapse of the powerful clans.

This is the perfect time to implement the new policies.

He withdrew his gaze and turned to look at Zhu Chengzong, who was kneeling on the ground.

This heir of the Duke of Cheng, who had put righteousness before family, had survived, but was now as frightened as a bird startled by the mere twang of a bow.

"Zhu Qing."

The emperor's voice suddenly softened.

"Although you have made great contributions, you still need to make new contributions if you want to successfully inherit the title of Duke."

He lightly tapped the map of Beizhili on the table with his fingertip and said softly, "You shall set off immediately to assist Hong Chengchou in the land survey."

Zhu Chengzong trembled.

Land survey?

This is asking him to stir up a hornet's nest!
Which of those powerful local lords wasn't deeply entrenched in connections with officials in the imperial court?
If he succeeds in this matter, he will surely become the target of public criticism.

But when he looked up and met the emperor's ambiguous smile, a cold sweat broke out on his back.

The crime of patricide can be covered up, but if he disobeys the imperial decree, he will probably have nowhere to stand in this world.

"Sir, obey the order!"

He kowtowed heavily, his voice hoarse.

Since we've already offended all the officials in the court, what's wrong with offending some local powerful figures?

Having boarded this ship, there's no choice but to follow the emperor to the bitter end.

After making arrangements for Zhu Chengzong, Zhu Youxiao looked at Wei Zhongxian.

"Wei Daban, in your opinion, how should these traitors be dealt with?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Zhongxian immediately stepped forward, bowed, and reported, "Your Majesty, treason is the most heinous crime."

A ruthless glint flashed in his narrow eyes.

According to the "Great Ming Code", the principal offender should have his entire family wiped out, and the accomplices should also have their property confiscated, beheaded, and exiled as a warning to others.

"If that's the case..."

The emperor's voice suddenly turned somber.

"The three judicial departments shall immediately conduct a joint trial and strive for a swift resolution. After the case is determined, the list of traitors and their crimes shall be published in the Imperial Daily and announced to the world."

A glint of light flashed in Wei Zhongxian's eyes, and he immediately replied, "Your Majesty is wise! This old servant will immediately go and oversee the compilation of the 'Records of Traitors,' ensuring that the crimes of these rebellious officials are exposed to the world!"

Don't you civil officials cherish your reputation?
Isn't it for fame?
Anyone who dares to oppose me or go against the affairs of the state should prepare to have their name recorded in history!

Wang Tiqian quickly echoed, "Your Majesty's move is excellent! Let the whole world see what the consequences of treason and rebellion are!"

"This matter must be handled quickly. I want to see results within three days."

"The slaves obey the orders!"

The next day.

The morning mist over the Forbidden City had not yet dissipated, but the golden roof of the Cining Palace was already gleaming solemnly in the morning sun.

The bloody storm of the Duke of Cheng's treason case still echoed outside the palace walls, but at this moment, the main hall of Cining Palace was solemn and peaceful.

The selection of the new Empress of the Ming Dynasty is quietly unfolding on the first sunny day after this bloody storm.

The vermilion palace gates slowly opened, and three women who had passed through layers of selection walked gracefully down the white marble steps.

Behind them lay the unattainable path to becoming empress, a path unreachable by thousands of other candidates; before them lay the final leg of the journey that would determine the fate of the mother of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhang Yan, standing in the center, wore a lotus-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), and the kingfisher feather hairpins in her hair swayed gently with her steps. Her features were exquisite, yet she possessed an innate air of authority, as if she were born to rule the world.

On the left, Duan Xiurong wore an apricot-colored dress, her dimples revealing the elegance of a woman from Jiangnan. The crisp sound of her waist straps added a touch of life to the solemn palace.

On the right, Wang Wanbai was dressed in a moon-white silk robe. She was half a head taller than the two women, typical of Shandong people. Her slightly aloof face showed no emotion and carried a faint air of aloofness.

"Please wait here, my three young masters."

The female official gently reminded them, but her eyes couldn't help but linger on the three of them out of the corner of her eye.

With such looks and demeanor, it's no wonder she stood out from among five thousand beautiful women.

Upon hearing this, the three women bowed to the female official in unison. Their skirts swayed gently, and their hairpins swayed slightly, yet there was not a sound of their jade pendants clashing, demonstrating that palace etiquette was deeply ingrained in their very being.

As the footsteps of the female official faded into the distance, only a stagnant silence remained in the small waiting room outside Cining Palace.

The incense smoke rose in wisps, but it couldn't dispel the unease that lingered between the three people's brows.

Duan Xiurong unconsciously twisted the silk ribbon of her apricot-colored dress with her fingertips, stealing a glance at Zhang Yan beside her.

The figure in lotus-colored robes stood upright like a bamboo stalk, her hair adorned with kingfisher feather hairpins that remained perfectly still, as if she had stepped out of a painting.

She pursed her lips, the smile in her dimples turning into bitterness.

This Miss Zhang has the demeanor of a lady of high society in every gesture. I heard that even the headmistress praised her as "born with the grace of a phoenix". Compared to her, how can I, a young lady from a humble family in Jiangnan, compare to her?

Zhang Yan lowered her eyelids, her long eyelashes casting a faint shadow in the candlelight.

She appeared to be resting with her eyes closed, but in reality, her heart was churning with emotion.

His Majesty will personally attend the ceremony for selecting the Queen today.

The thought lingered in her mind, like a bell hanging from the eaves being plucked by the wind, creating a delicate tremor.

When the palace maids discussed it privately, they always said that although the emperor was young, he had already shown ruthless methods.

The bloody end of Zhu Chunchen's treason case, the swift and decisive land survey in Beizhili...

Every single thing reveals the emperor's indomitable will.

Yet, when the older palace maids spoke of His Majesty, there was a hidden reverence in their voices:
"His Majesty is compassionate and genuinely cares about us servants."

"His Majesty is the most diligent emperor in history, often reviewing memorials until the third watch of the night, and even the lotus seed soup sent by the Imperial Kitchen has gone cold."

"If what they say is true, what kind of person is the current emperor?"

Zhang Yan sighed softly to herself.

A monarch who can win the sincere praise of the palace women must be an exceptional person.

Just like in the painting "A Wise Ruler Playing the Qin" in my father's study, where King Wen of Zhou is depicted with his eyes lowered as he plucks the strings...

Am I really worthy of His Majesty?
"The election begins!"

The high-pitched announcement from the female official suddenly shattered the silence and disturbed the complicated thoughts of the three young ladies-in-waiting.

"A beautiful woman named Duan from Yingyang Guard, Yingtian Prefecture, Southern Zhili!"

The first to go to the final selection was Duan Xiurong.

Zhang Yan suddenly opened her eyes and met Duan Xiurong's bewildered gaze.

The girl from Jiangnan parted her cherry lips slightly, her slender fingers gripping the hem of her apricot-colored skirt, instantly creating several messy folds on the satin surface.

"My sister went first."

Duan Xiurong's composure trembled as she curtsied, the pearl strings on her kingfisher hairpin swaying shakily, making her small face appear even paler. Zhang Yan and Wang Wanbai returned the greeting in unison.

After that apricot-colored figure disappeared behind the vermilion screen, the two men's hearts began to pound faster involuntarily.

Waiting is the most painful form of torture.

At this moment, in the main hall of Cining Palace.

Inside the hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood, and golden silk curtains hung low, while sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, scattering golden fragments across the floor.

Consort Li, who had recently been promoted to the rank of Dowager Consort, sat upright in the guest seat. Her crimson palace dress accentuated her fair skin, and although she was nearly thirty, she still retained her charm.

She tilted her head slightly, her eyes flashing with a hint of flattery, as she looked at the young emperor sitting in the main seat—Emperor Tianqi, Zhu Youxiao.

"Your Majesty, I have carefully examined these young ladies. They are indeed exceptionally beautiful and have dignified bearing."

Consort Li spoke softly, her fingertips gently caressing the rim of the teacup, as if trying to use this to shorten the distance between herself and the emperor.

Zhu Youxiao remained calm, nodding slightly before taking out a sheet of Xuan paper that had been prepared in advance from his sleeve and handing it over: "When testing someone's temperament, ask them these questions."

"Yes, I understand."

Consort Li accepted the paper with both hands, her eyes quickly sweeping over the dense writing on it, secretly thinking that the Emperor had put so much effort into it.

She wanted to find something else to say, but Zhu Youxiao had already turned his head slightly and looked outside the hall, clearly not wanting to say anything more.

A hint of disappointment flashed in Consort Li's eyes, but she quickly composed herself and sat upright with proper decorum.

Just then, light footsteps sounded outside the hall, and a eunuch bowed and announced, "Lady Duan has arrived!"

Before he could finish speaking, a beautiful figure gracefully entered.

Duan Xiurong, dressed in an apricot-colored dress, walked with light yet steady steps to the emperor and gracefully bowed: "This commoner, Duan Xiurong, pays her respects to Your Majesty and to the Empress Dowager."

Her manners were impeccable, and her voice was clear and melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate.

Consort Li scrutinized her closely and saw that the woman had exquisite features and skin as white as snow. Although she wore no makeup, she possessed a natural and refined elegance.

What's even more remarkable is that she has a round and full face, with a broad forehead and square jaw, which is exactly what the physiognomy book describes as a "face that brings good fortune to her husband".

"He's a promising talent..."

Consort Li secretly admired him, but showed no sign of it on her face. She simply asked, "What talents do you have?"

Duan Xiurong's fingertips trembled slightly, but she quickly regained her composure and her voice remained steady: "Your Highness, I am somewhat skilled in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and I dare not slack off in needlework."

"Oh? Proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting?"

Consort Li raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone carrying a hint of scrutiny, "Can you play 'Guangling San'?"

Duan Xiurong replied neither humbly nor arrogantly: "This humble woman is of dull talent and has only learned 'Three Variations on Plum Blossom,' I dare not presume to claim that I am an expert."

This answer showed both humility and confidence.

The smile in Consort Li's eyes deepened. She then picked up the Xuan paper written by the Emperor, glanced at it, and chose a question to ask: "If any of the concubines in the palace commit a transgression, how should you deal with it?"

Duan Xiurong was slightly taken aback, but quickly recovered and replied with her head bowed, "I will first try to reason with him. If he does not change, I will then report to His Majesty. I would never dare to act on my own."

Consort Li remained noncommittal, and then raised several more questions:
"If a relative of the emperor asks you for a favor, how will you respond?"

"If His Majesty is busy with state affairs and rarely visits the inner palace, how will you conduct yourself?"

"If the ministers disagree with His Majesty, what will you do then?"

The questions grew increasingly pointed, and Duan Xiurong's face gradually paled, fine beads of sweat appearing on her forehead, but her answers remained impeccable:

“It is a great taboo for the country for relatives of the empress to interfere in politics. I, a commoner, will firmly refuse and request Your Majesty to investigate this matter.”

"Your Majesty values ​​the well-being of the nation above all else. As a common woman, I should remain virtuous and obedient, and I would never dare to disturb Your Majesty's peace of mind with my personal feelings."

"I have no right to comment on matters of state. I only hope that Your Majesty will make the decision. I will simply wait in the palace for Your Majesty's decree."

The hall fell silent for a moment, broken only by the ticking of the water clock. Consort Li gazed at her for a moment, then suddenly smiled and said, "Young lady, please go and rest."

Duan Xiurong felt as if she had been granted a pardon, bowed again, and slowly withdrew.

After her figure disappeared outside the palace, Consort Li turned to the Emperor and asked softly, "Your Majesty, what do you think of this woman?"

Zhu Youxiao's gaze was deep and unfathomable. He tapped his fingertips lightly twice on the table, but did not answer.

Next, Wang Wanbai, the queen of the show, appeared. Her performance was similar to that of Duan Xiurong, except that her tall figure aroused Zhu Youxiao's interest.

Finally, the last to appear was the imperial concubine Zhang Yan.

"Zhang, a woman from Xiangfu County, Kaifeng Prefecture, Henan Province, is hereby presented to the emperor!"

As the female official announced the names in a clear and melodious voice, a graceful figure walked slowly through the palace gate.

Zhang Yan was dressed in a lotus-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with only a moon-white silk sash tied around her waist. A plain silver hairpin in her hair reflected the candlelight in the hall. She was truly 'a lotus emerging from clear water, naturally beautiful without any adornment'.

She walked with ease, her skirts motionless, and when she gracefully bowed before the emperor, even the sound of her clothes rustling was barely audible.

Zhu Youxiao, who had been leaning lazily against the dragon-patterned armchair, unconsciously leaned forward slightly.

This woman was completely different from the previous two.

Duan Xiurong was dignified but appeared reserved, while Wang Wanbai was beautiful but lacked gaudiness.

The woman before me had eyebrows like distant mountains shrouded in green, eyes like autumn water reflecting light, and what was even more remarkable was her innate composure, as if she were born to rule the world.

Consort Li picked up the jade teacup, took a sip, and examined it closely behind the lid.

Zhang Yan has an extremely noble appearance, with a broad forehead and round jaw, which is exactly what the physiognomy book says: "A square and round chin indicates immeasurable nobility."

What's even more remarkable is that when she walks, her back is as straight as a pine tree, but when she bows, she is as supple as a willow, a remarkable combination of strength and gentleness.

"Is Miss Zhang, the candidate for the imperial concubine, skilled in any arts or crafts?"

Zhang Yan replied calmly, "This humble woman is rudimentary in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and has some knowledge of 'Admonitions for Women' and 'Biographies of Exemplary Women'."

"Oh?"

Consort Li raised a slight brow and asked, "Have you ever read 'The Great Learning'?"

"Know a thing or two."

Amidst the ticking of the water clock at the corner of the palace, the Empress Dowager posed several questions to test the Emperor.

Zhang Yan answered fluently, and when quoting classical texts, she was able to corroborate the "Book of Songs" and "Rules for Women," clearly showing that she had put in a lot of hard work.

Zhu Youxiao played with the Hetian jade paperweight in his hand, his interest growing stronger.

"If a certain concubine becomes arrogant because of the emperor's favor and repeatedly provokes you, what will you do?"

The Dowager suddenly changed the subject and began a structured interview.

Zhang Yan's eyes flickered slightly, and after a moment of contemplation, she said, "I will first try to reason with him. If he does not change, then I will ask Your Majesty to make a decision."

The Dowager Princess nodded in satisfaction, and then asked several more difficult questions.

Zhang Yan always thought for a moment before answering, showing neither impatience nor cowardice.

Just as the Empress Dowager was about to dismiss her, the Emperor, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke:
"If the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs and the Cabinet were to clash, what would you do?"

The air in the hall suddenly froze.

This is clearly a major political matter, and according to ancestral rules, the empress dowager should not interfere in politics.

Zhang Yan's long eyelashes trembled slightly, casting a shadow beneath her eyes.

After a moment of silence, she bowed solemnly: "This concubine dares not interfere in politics, but only hopes that Your Majesty will be discerning and ensure that everyone, both inside and outside the court, fulfills their duties."

Zhu Youxiao's lips curled slightly, and he unleashed another deadly move: "The Empress's duty is to assist me. If I make a wrong decision, what will you do?"

This time, Zhang Yan's thoughts clearly took longer.

The flame on the gilded dragon candlestick flickered in her eyes, and she finally spoke, "This humble woman should learn from history and offer this gentle reminder."

"What if I do not accept?" the emperor pressed.

Zhang Yan suddenly raised her head, a sly glint in her eyes: "Your Majesty is a wise ruler, how could you refuse to accept your mistakes?"

This seemingly strategic retreat actually threw the difficult problem back at them.

Zhu Youxiao was taken aback at first, then clapped his hands and chuckled. What a clever woman! She actually dared to turn the tables on him!
Zhu Youxiao lightly tapped the imperial desk with his fingertips, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes, before suddenly throwing out a tricky question:
"If an official from outside the capital tries to influence my decisions in the name of righteousness, how will you respond?"

There was a moment of silence in the hall.

Consort Li paused slightly in her teacup, her brows furrowing slightly.

This problem is even more serious than before, as it tests whether Zhang Yan will be used by the court officials and examines her ability to weigh "righteousness" against "the emperor's will".

Zhang Yan's eyes flickered slightly, but she did not show any panic.

She smiled slightly and said gently:
"I will first ask them: 'Since you gentlemen understand the greater good, why don't you speak frankly to His Majesty?'"

Zhu Youxiao raised an eyebrow, his interest growing even stronger.

Zhang Yan continued:
If they answer, "I fear I might offend His Majesty," I will reply, "Since you all know His Majesty is wise, why should you fear to offer advice?"

"If they answer, 'It concerns the fate of the nation, so we have to take a roundabout approach,' then I will ask again: 'Since you all know the nation is of utmost importance, why don't you submit your petition openly and honestly, instead of resorting to a woman's words?'"

Her voice was clear and gentle, neither hurried nor slow, yet each word was like pearls falling onto a jade plate, resounding and powerful.

Zhu Youxiao's smile deepened, and he deliberately pressed for an answer:

"What if they get angry and accuse you of being 'inconsiderate'?"

Zhang Yan blinked, then suddenly smiled:
"Then I respectfully saw them out, and ordered someone to prepare a copy of the 'Collected Statutes of the Great Ming Dynasty' so that they could review the ancestral precept that 'the empress must not interfere in politics'."

"Pfft~"

Zhu Youxiao finally couldn't help but chuckle softly.

This answer not only fulfilled the name of "righteousness" but also subtly satirized the pedantry and hypocrisy of the officials outside the capital, and added a touch of humor at the end.

He ran his fingertips along the dragon pattern on the paperweight, sighing inwardly:

This woman is not only intelligent, but more importantly, she knows how to speak eloquently within the bounds of propriety, leaving no room for criticism.

Consort Li also covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes full of admiration.

Seeing this, Zhang Yan lowered her head at the opportune moment and softly added:
"Of course, if there is anything of vital importance to the nation, I will report it to Your Majesty truthfully and would never dare to neglect public duty for private reasons."

This statement both clarified the emperor's stance and gave him a way out.

Zhu Youxiao looked at her deeply and suddenly felt that this deep palace might really have a bit more vitality.

No wonder that even though Wei Zhongxian tried his best to stop her, he could not prevent Zhang Yan from becoming empress.

Compared to the other two, Zhang Yan is indeed far superior to them.

What is this called?
A natural-born queen's body!
PS:

6000 big chapters!

(End of this chapter)