Huangming

Chapter 400: The Feudal Hearts Submit, and the Emperor's Majesty Spreads Far and Wide

Having traveled from the past, Zhu Youxiao witnessed the war in Liaodong and the infighting in the imperial court. He also clearly understood the tragedy of the original Tianqi and Chongzhen emperors' failure to educate the people, which led to the sinking of China.

Now that his eldest daughter, Huiying, has been born, and the princes will eventually arrive, the education of the princes and princesses has become a major matter that he urgently needs to plan for.

In fact, the education of the princes and princesses of the Ming Dynasty had many merits.

In the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang set the tone for education with an iron fist, and the saying "governing a country begins with education" was not an empty phrase.

From the age of eight, princes had to "leave the palace" and go to school. Every day, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., almost all of their twelve hours were spent on their studies.

Inside the main hall, renowned scholars such as Song Lian and Fang Xiaoru sat on the platform, eloquently explaining the principles of the Four Books and Five Classics and the rise and fall of the Zizhi Tongjian.

Outside the palace, on the training ground, the princes, dressed in close-fitting clothes, drew their bows and shot arrows, galloping on horseback, displaying their exceptional archery and horsemanship skills.

What Zhu Yuanzhang wanted was a successor who was both literate and martial, knowledgeable in governance and warfare.

What's even more commendable is the word "pragmatic".

Crown Prince Zhu Biao often accompanied Zhu Yuanzhang in reviewing memorials, from disaster relief reports to military reports, learning firsthand how to weigh the pros and cons.

Other princes, such as Zhu Di, were sent to Beiping to assume their fiefdoms at a young age, where they personally experienced border defense affairs and witnessed the wind and sand of the grasslands and the hardships of the people.

If there is any slackness, the punishment will be ruthless.

The Imperial Ancestral Instructions clearly state, "Those who are negligent will be punished with caning."

Once, a prince was late for his morning reading and was punished by Zhu Yuanzhang by being forced to kneel for three hours until he could recite the entire Analects from memory before he could get up.

Although the education of the princesses at that time was simple, only learning "Admonitions for Women" and "Inner Instructions", it was based on "filial piety, righteousness, respect and obedience" and they did not lose their duty.

In Zhu Youxiao's view, the education during this period, though rigorous and arduous, grasped the core of "cultivating qualified rulers".

However, by the mid-Ming Dynasty, the education of emperors had gradually become distorted.

Under the guise of "educating and enlightening the ruler," the civil service group gradually gained control over education.

Lectures outside the palace became a fixed ritual.

The Crown Prince was required to give lectures in the Wenhua Hall, alternating between daily lectures and "classical lectures" (grand lectures every ten days).

The lecturers were mostly high-ranking cabinet officials.

When Zhang Juzheng was teaching Emperor Wanli, he even considered himself the "Imperial Tutor" and regarded the textbooks compiled by the Hanlin Academy as the ultimate standard, not allowing any modifications.

The pressure of academic work has only increased.

Every morning, one should recite the Four Books more than ten times until they are thoroughly memorized.

The brief afternoon archery session became the only relaxation, but even then, hitting the bullseye was the only way to pass.

I practice calligraphy every day, writing a hundred characters. Even in the dead of winter when my hands are stiff from the cold, I can only reduce it to fifty characters.

Taking a vacation is a luxury; people can only rest on the first and fifteenth of the lunar month, as well as during extreme weather events such as heavy rain and snow.

The assessment was so rigorous that it bordered on inhumane.

When the Wanli Emperor was young, he mispronounced the character "勃" (bo). Zhang Juzheng reprimanded him sternly on the spot, which frightened the young emperor so much that he burst into tears.

At this time, education was no longer about cultivating "emperors who could govern the country," but rather about the civil service group trying to mold the princes into "wise rulers who met their expectations."

He was docile, polite, and dependent on civil officials, but gradually lost the abilities that an emperor should have.

At this time, the most outstanding emperor was actually the Jiajing Emperor, who had not received any imperial education.

Of course, in the mid-Ming Dynasty, at least there was still imperial education.

By the Wanli era, this imperial education had completely collapsed.

Due to the "succession struggle" between Emperor Wanli and the civil official group, Crown Prince Zhu Changluo was neglected for a long time and "did not receive tutoring for a long time." He was not allowed to leave the palace until he was a teenager, and before that, he lacked even basic knowledge of classics and history.

In the original timeline, Zhu Youxiao was unsupervised as a child, became obsessed with carpentry, and even after ascending the throne, he could hardly understand the imperial edicts.

Although Emperor Chongzhen, Zhu Youjian, was diligent, he had never received a systematic imperial education and could only learn about politics on his own after ascending the throne. He had ambitions but did not know how to weigh the pros and cons, and ultimately hanged himself on Coal Hill amid internal and external troubles.

"The cause of a nation's downfall was sown long ago in the failure of its education."

Zhu Youxiao sighed softly.

He must not let history repeat itself.

Zhu Youxiao held the pregnant Empress Zhang Yan in his arms, his eyes unusually deep.

If princes and princesses are born in the imperial harem in the future, the education model must be completely reformed.

He already had a plan in mind.

It retains the "equal emphasis on civil and military affairs" from the Hongwu period and the "strict assessment" from the mid-period.

When a prince is eight years old, he still needs to master the classics, history, horsemanship, and archery as his foundation, and he must not slack off on his daily studies.

The absolute control of education by civil officials was abandoned. In addition to renowned scholars, lecturers were required to include retired generals (who taught military strategy), honest local officials (who discussed the hardships of the people), and imperial merchants, officials, and eunuchs (who discussed the advantages and disadvantages of the economy).

The practice of "emphasizing classics over practical experience" was abolished. Princes were required to enter the cabinet to observe politics from the age of ten, and after the age of fifteen, they were required to go to local areas to inspect the country, visit disaster areas to see refugees, and go to the border to see soldiers, so as to personally experience the "Ming Dynasty", which was not just the red walls and yellow tiles of the Forbidden City.

The new additions include "The Art of Emperorship" (teaching the art of weighing power and distinguishing loyalty from treachery), "A Global Perspective" (discussing overseas countries and grassland tribes), and "Grassroots Experience" (learning about agriculture and sericulture and understanding taxation).

What he wanted to cultivate was an emperor who "understood the hardships of the people, understood the overall situation of the world, and had the courage to make decisions," rather than a "puppet" who was trapped in paperwork and controlled by civil officials.

However, Zhu Youxiao was also aware that this reform was destined to face numerous obstacles.

The crown prince is the foundation of the nation, and the change in the education model is essentially a challenge to the "educational power dominated by civil officials".

Those courtiers who are used to disciplining emperors will surely oppose it fiercely on the grounds that "ancestral rules cannot be changed" and "the foundation of the state cannot be touched," which may even trigger a new "strength of the state dispute."

Fortunately.

Princess Huiying is still young, and the prince has not yet been born, so he has several years to go.

Over the next few years, he had to pacify Liaodong, reform the tax system in Jiangnan, and purge corrupt officials from the court, firmly grasping the reins of power in the Ming Dynasty.

Once his foundation is solid and his prestige is enough to intimidate the court and the public, he can then promote educational reforms. At that time, even if there are voices of opposition, no one will dare to truly obstruct him.

Several thousand cavalrymen arrived outside the Fengtai camp.

It was Buhe and his group who came from Liaodong.

Buhe deliberately reined in his horse and looked behind him as the Liaodong soldiers who had come to the capital with him poured into the Fengtai camp one by one.

These soldiers included Qi Jiguang's troops, the White-Spear Soldiers, and the Wolf Soldiers.
They are all elites among elites. Although each unit only sent three hundred people, they are clearly not to be trifled with.

Besides these elite soldiers, there were also wounded soldiers.

The Zhejiang soldier with a severed left arm, the Sichuan soldier with an arrow wound in his leg, and the wolf soldier whose face was contorted in rage after being blown up.
Although these soldiers were all wounded, their spirit and energy were like a sharp sword, so intense that no one dared to look directly at them, nor could they bear to look directly at them.

After parting ways with the Ming army, he and Ligdan Khan, Mangultai, and others who were being escorted there soon entered the capital.

One year old is eliminated amidst the sound of firecrackers.

Beijing was bustling with activity on New Year's Eve.

This bustling scene was a stark contrast to the bitter cold that Buhe had encountered on his journey from Liaodong.

Wrapped in a thick Mongolian fur robe, he rode on horseback, gazing at the bustling scene before him, and couldn't help but murmur in admiration:
"Is this the capital of the Great Ming Dynasty? It truly is a Celestial Empire!"

When Buhe entered Beijing, he was like a country bumpkin, finding everything strange and wonderful.

At that moment, he suddenly understood why the Ming emperor had sent those wounded soldiers to the capital.

I've heard that there will be a military parade on New Year's Day. When the parade takes place, these soldiers bearing the marks of war will surely make the officials and people of the capital understand:
The glitz and glamour we enjoy today were bought with the blood and flesh of countless soldiers.

Your peaceful and tranquil life didn't come from nowhere; it's because someone is bearing the burden for you.

He couldn't help but think of the winter on the grasslands, where herders struggled for a single bite of food, while the people of the Ming Dynasty could revel so freely on New Year's Eve. A complex feeling welled up in his heart.

Amidst the complex emotions of Bu and Taiji, the group arrived at the meeting hall.

This courtyard, located in the heart of the capital and adjacent to the Ministry of Rites, features blue bricks and gray tiles. A gilded plaque bearing the words "Huitong Hall" hangs above the vermilion gate, flanked by stone lions, exuding solemnity and majesty.

The courtyard had already been cleaned, and palace lanterns hung under the eaves. Several officials dressed in blue official robes with embroidered patches were waiting at the gate. Upon seeing Buhe and his entourage arrive, they hurriedly stepped forward to pay their respects.

"I am Zhou Xian, the Director of the Guest House of the Ministry of Rites. I respectfully welcome Buhe Taiji."

The leading official bowed respectfully, his voice steady and calm.

"His Majesty has decreed that the Taiji and his entourage shall first be accommodated at the Huitong Hall. Before the New Year's Day ceremony, I, along with the interpreter from the Siyi Hall and the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies, will explain the etiquette of the audience to the Taiji."

"Okay, okay, I'll do as you say."

Buhe followed the officials into the meeting hall, his eyes constantly scanning the area.

The courtyard is paved with bluestone slabs, and there are neat side rooms on both sides, with lotus scroll patterns carved on the window frames.

Inside the main hall were rosewood tables and chairs, a copy of "A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains" hung on the wall, and fresh plum blossoms were placed in an official kiln porcelain vase on the table. Even the air was filled with a faint sandalwood fragrance.

All of this made him feel as novel and curious as "Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden":

He reached out and touched the wood grain of the table and chairs; it was so smooth that there wasn't a single burr.

I picked up the porcelain cup on the table; it was as thin as a cicada's wing, yet it shone with a warm luster.

These objects, which are rarely seen even by nobles on the grasslands, are merely ordinary furnishings in the Huitong Hall of the Ming Dynasty.

"The Huitong Hall has prepared food and lodging for the Taiji. Three meals a day are provided by the kitchen staff as usual. If there is any need, the staff can be instructed to report it."

Zhou Xian led the way while explaining the situation.

"I would like to trouble you, Taiji, to know that according to the regulations of the Ming Dynasty, once an envoy has settled in, there are restrictions on his entry and exit and the time for transactions. He may not leave without the permission of the Ministry of Rites."

The pavilion had a designated area for the Taiji's entourage to conduct tribute trade, with interpreters from the Four Barbarian Pavilion assisting with communication.

As they were speaking, two officials dressed in blue uniforms stepped forward.

One of them was a Mongolian translator at the Siyiguan (Foreigners' Office). He smiled and said, "I will come every day to explain Chinese and documents to the Taiji (Taji).

The other person was the Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, who held a scroll of "Court Etiquette" and said softly, "When paying homage to His Majesty, one must perform the ritual of five bows and three kowtows. I will teach the Taiji to chant the greetings line by line to ensure that there are no mistakes during the ceremony."

As Buhe followed behind the officials, listening to their methodical arrangements, his awe of the "Celestial Empire" deepened.

However, at this moment, Buhe remembered the past glory of the Mongols!
More than two hundred years ago, this place was the capital of the Yuan Dynasty.

His ancestors were descendants of Genghis Khan, who once sat on the dragon throne in this place, commanding the world and making all sides submit.

The Mongol cavalry of that time roamed the world, how majestic they were!

Now, they can only live in the harsh, cold lands of the northern desert, relying on the rewards of the Ming Dynasty to survive, and even when they go to the capital, they have to abide by the rules of the Ming Dynasty.

Thinking of this, Buhe frowned deeply.

The warm red palace lanterns reflected on his face, half of which showed his awe at the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty, and the other half of his barely concealed resentment.

Why should the Mongols be confined to the snow and wind of the grasslands?
Why is it that the Ming Dynasty can monopolize such a rich land?
He gazed at the "A Panorama of Rivers and Mountains" painting in the main hall, a sharp glint in his eyes:
Ming Dynasty?

He can take his place!
As long as he can use the power of the Ming Dynasty to stabilize the Khorchin tribe and reunify the grasslands, one day the Mongols will be able to rise again and reproduce the glory of the Mongol Empire!

At that time, everything in Beijing will be his!
"Taijitsu, this way please, your room is ready."

Zhou Xian's voice pulled Bu He back to reality.

He quickly composed himself, a submissive smile returning to his face, and followed the official to the side room.

But deep within that smile, the seeds of ambition had already been sown.

The prosperity of the Ming Dynasty was both a temptation and the spark that ignited his ambition for the grasslands.

New Year's Eve arrived.

Then it's time to truly celebrate the New Year.

The festive atmosphere of the New Year in the Forbidden City was so strong it was almost palpable.

Inside the Qianqing Palace, candlelight shone brightly, and on the table were neatly arranged rewards according to rank.

The cabinet ministers were given scrolls with the character "福" (fortune) inscribed by the emperor, Hangzhou silk made in the palace, and Wuyi rock tea from the palace collection.

The six ministers were given gilded paperweights inscribed with the words "Peace and Prosperity" and silk.

Zhu Youxiao sat on the dragon throne, watching Wei Chao register the list of those who had been rewarded one by one, occasionally raising his hand to flip through a few congratulatory memorials handed over by court officials.

Fortunately.

Few dared to present the congratulatory memorial as a "Memorial on Public Security".

"Your Majesty, the rewards have been tallied and will be delivered to the respective prefectures by the Ministry of Rites tomorrow."

Wei Chao bowed and reported.

"Ah."

Zhu Youxiao nodded, got up, and rubbed his lower back.

Now that things have been settled in the outer court, it's time to go to the inner court and enjoy the blessings of having multiple wives.

After serving the Ming Dynasty like a beast of burden for a year, it's time for me to have a good rest.

"Set up the carriage at Kunning Palace."

Soon, Zhu Youxiao arrived at Kunning Palace.

now.

During the grand ceremony at Kunning Palace, a family banquet for New Year's Eve had already been prepared.

Each person has a dish with auspicious meaning on the food tray in front of them.

Steamed perch symbolizing "abundance year after year," auspicious ruyi rolls symbolizing "good fortune and happiness," and glutinous rice cakes symbolizing "rising step by step" were all specially prepared by the concubines according to folk customs.

Zhang Yan, dressed in empress's palace attire, was sitting at the table coaxing Huiying in her arms.

Consorts such as Wang Wanbai and Li Shuzhen were also dressed in their everyday clothes, which made them less reserved and more warm and cozy.

Upon seeing Zhu Youxiao enter, everyone quickly stood up and bowed.

"I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

"Please sit down. It's New Year's Eve, no need for formalities."

Zhu Youxiao smiled and stepped forward, first touching Huiying's little face.

The little one was sleeping soundly, his little fist still clutching Zhang Yan's clothes.

He then looked at Zhang Yan and asked gently, "How is Zhao Shuyi's recovery?"

"Zhao Shuyi is recovering very well."

Zhang Yan responded softly.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao nodded, feeling much relieved.

Since it was a family banquet, Zhu Youxiao did not set any rules.

Therefore, the atmosphere at the family dinner was exceptionally harmonious.

Zhu Youxiao occasionally served Zhang Yan a piece of mutton, listened to Wang Wanbai talk about the New Year's Eve customs of Shuntian Prefecture, and chatted with Li Shuzhen about the New Year's customs of Jiangnan. The hall was filled with laughter and joy.

Zhu Youxiao did not get up until the end of the Xu hour (7-9 PM).

"We need to get up early for the grand ceremony tomorrow, so you should all get some rest as well."

Knowing that Zhu You was extremely busy with state affairs, the concubines did not linger.

They all respectfully saw the emperor off as he departed.

Only then can these women relax.

After all, with the emperor present, the pressure was still too great for them.

Zhu Youxiao returned to the Qianqing Palace alone. Wei Chao took out a red plate, intending to invite him to choose a concubine, but Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and refused.
"The New Year's Day parade is a grand national ceremony, and no negligence is allowed. Go to bed early tonight."

Zhu Youxiao's words already carried a hint of reproach.

This Wei dynasty, they can't wait for him to die, can they?

How can your body handle sleeping with women every day?
After the emperor refused, Wei Chao immediately removed the plate.

He knew he had displeased His Majesty, so he quickly offered his flattery:

"Your Majesty is devoted to the country, working tirelessly day and night, which I truly admire. Even on your birthday, you didn't hold a grand celebration. Everyone in and out of the court praises Your Majesty as a wise and virtuous ruler, with the style of Emperor Wen of Han."

In fact, the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month was Zhu Youxiao's birthday, also known as the Longevity Festival, which should have been celebrated in a grand manner according to custom.

He held a banquet, watched a play, and bestowed gifts upon his officials.
However, the war in Liaodong this year has not yet ended, and the Ministry of Revenue reported that there is still a shortage of military supplies. In addition, the preparations for the Emperor's birthday celebration cost at least several hundred thousand taels of silver.

Without hesitation, Zhu Youxiao issued an edict: "Cancel the Emperor's birthday celebrations, save 200,000 taels of silver, and allocate the entire amount to Liaodong."

When the court officials jointly petitioned for the restoration of the ceremony, he only replied, "The people are still suffering from hunger and cold, and the soldiers are still shedding blood. How can I bear to waste public funds for my own celebration?"

Such frugality for the country earned the secret admiration of people both inside and outside the palace.

Since the emperor did not choose a concubine, the Wei dynasty naturally made preparations for the emperor's rest.

Not long after, Zhu Youxiao fell into a deep sleep in his bedchamber.

soon.

The time came to the first day of the first month of the second year of the Tianqi reign. Before dawn, the Forbidden City was awakened by a series of hurried footsteps.

Musicians, carrying their instruments, lined up outside the Meridian Gate; Imperial Guards, dressed in flying fish robes and with embroidered spring knives at their waists, stood guard on both sides of the route the procession would take.

Zhu Youxiao, dressed in imperial robes and supported by eunuchs, first went to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to perform the sacrificial ceremony.

Inside the Imperial Ancestral Temple, incense and candles burned before the ancestral tablets, filling the air with smoke.

He performed the four prostrations with proper decorum and offered sacrifices and prayers.

After offering sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, he dispatched Yuan Keli, the Vice Minister of War, to the drill ground outside Desheng Gate to offer sacrifices to the flags.

According to the regulations of the Ming Dynasty, a grand review must be conducted before the flag is sacrificed with a large offering (ox, sheep, and pig) to pray for the overwhelming military might.

Shortly after, three muffled cannon salutes rang out from the direction of the Deshengmen parade ground, the sound of which caused the snow on the Forbidden City to slide off in a flurry, thus beginning the New Year's Day grand review.

"Your Majesty, let's go!"

The eunuch's voice echoed along the palace road.

Zhu Youxiao boarded the imperial carriage, and the ceremonial guard slowly set off from the Meridian Gate:
At the forefront were twelve imperial guards leading the way, carrying golden maces, axes, and stirrups.

Next came the imperial carriage, pulled by sixteen fine horses, with dragon and phoenix patterns carved on the carriage walls and bright yellow curtains hanging around it.

Behind them were civil and military officials, lined up in order from the first to the ninth rank. The civil officials wore official robes of various colors, such as scarlet, blue, and green, while the military officials wore bright silver armor.

The people along the way, young and old, had already been waiting on the street. When they saw the procession approaching, they all knelt down and shouted:

"Long live your majesty!"

The sounds rose and fell, and even the cold wind seemed to be driven away by the enthusiasm.

The beginning of the Chen hour.

The ceremonial guard arrived at the drill ground outside Deshengmen.

The place was already packed with people:

The army was arrayed on the west side.

On the east side stood civil and military officials, arranged in several rows according to rank, all looking towards the direction of the imperial carriage.

Zhu Youxiao stepped down from the imperial carriage, his black robes fluttering slightly in the cold wind.

The soldiers, officials, and civilians around them knelt down again, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" The sound was so loud that even the trees beside the drill ground seemed to tremble slightly.

He walked slowly toward the platform.

The temporary reviewing stand was about three zhang high, and twelve divine flags were planted around it, each embroidered with a pattern of a blue dragon, a white tiger, a vermilion bird, a black tortoise, and so on. When the wind blew, the flags fluttered.

Below the stage, a ceremonial procession of drums and gongs was set up, with drummers holding drumsticks, their expressions solemn, awaiting the command.

"Your Majesty, please ascend the platform to review the three armies!"

The Vice Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial announced the order in a loud voice, which pierced through the crowd and spread throughout the drill ground.

Zhu Youxiao climbed the steps and ascended the general's platform.

By the time I stepped onto the stage, the sun had fully risen.

Zhu Youxiao gave the order in a deep voice.

"Fire the cannons! The parade begins!"
"Bang bang bang!!"

As soon as he finished speaking, three cannon salutes rang out, the sound of which made the ground tremble slightly.

As the cannons roared, the drummers struck their golden drums, the "boom boom boom" of the drums mingling with the shouts of the soldiers, echoing through the sky.

The viewing seats on both sides of the platform had already been arranged according to regulations. On the east side were the civil and military officials of the Ming Dynasty, and on the west side were the envoys of vassal states and tribal leaders who had come to pay tribute.

Buhe Taiji, dressed in a brocade and leather robe of the Khorchin tribe, with a jewel-encrusted scimitar at his waist, sat in the head seat on the west side.

The Siamese envoy beside him, dressed in a bright yellow sarong inlaid with gold, occasionally glanced curiously at the army on the parade ground.

The Annamese envoy stared intently at Zhu Youxiao on the platform, his eyes filled with awe.

The envoys from Burma, Sulu, and other countries also adopted different postures, some talking in hushed tones, others observing with bated breath.

However, among the vassal states of the Ming Dynasty, there was no trace of Japan.

original.

Since the Imjin War during the Wanli era, official tribute from Japan has been interrupted, and relations between the Ming Dynasty and Japan are now strained.

Zhu Youxiao would certainly not let the Japanese get away with it.

Once the Ming Dynasty has been largely reformed, it will be time for the Japanese to call them "daddy."

Apart from the vassal states of the Ming Dynasty.

Several blond-haired, blue-eyed European envoys, from Portugal, Spain, England, and France, sat at the far end of the west side.

Their Hanfu and crosses looked rather incongruous.

The Ming Dynasty's foreign policy was "no trade without paying tribute."

If one wishes to trade with the Ming Dynasty, one can only come under the guise of "tribute," and even if one is unwilling, one has no choice but to abide by the regulations of the Celestial Empire.

in fact
If Zhu Youxiao hadn't wanted to intimidate the Western barbarians, they wouldn't even have been qualified to be present.

Just then, the drums sounded.

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

After three thunderous drumbeats, the military parade officially began.

The first to step forward was the Beijing Garrison contingent.

Three thousand soldiers from the Beijing garrison, clad in gleaming silver armor and wielding halberds and shields, marched in perfect unison, as if they were one person.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!" The sound of footsteps made the ground tremble slightly.

Zhu Youxiao sat on the platform, looking at the troops, a smile of appreciation on his lips, and suddenly felt like he was reviewing a military parade in later generations.

He was practically shouting "Comrades, you've worked hard!"

"Yuan Keli has been supervising the training of the Beijing garrison for a long time, and today's results are remarkable. Such a formidable force deserves to be rewarded!"

Since assuming the post of Commander of the Beijing Garrison, Yuan Keli has eliminated long-standing malpractices and rigorously trained the troops, transforming the originally loose Beijing Garrison into an elite force, and the new recruits have also been trained to a high standard.

The neat array at this moment is the best proof.

On the viewing platform, the Siamese envoy couldn't help but exclaim in amazement:

"The army of the Celestial Empire is so well-organized!"

Buhe frowned slightly; the ambition he had felt yesterday was somewhat suppressed by this display of force.

He had never seen such a disciplined army. Although the Khorchin cavalry were brave, they would probably be no match for this army.

After the Beijing garrison formation passed, the flags of the Liaodong Army were slowly raised.

The White-Clad Soldiers wielded specially made long spears with white waxwood shafts, the tips of which were covered with iron plates and gleamed coldly in the sunlight.

The Qi Family Army, dressed in their iconic red uniforms, carrying muskets and long swords, moved with steady steps, exuding the killing intent of a battle-hardened army.

The Guangxi wolf soldiers were barefoot, wielding short axes and rattan shields, their figures agile, their eyes revealing a fierce and fearless spirit.

What was most moving was the remnant soldiers who followed closely behind.

Some of these soldiers had lost their left arms, their empty sleeves tied around their waists, yet they still gripped their broken guns and maintained their marching posture.

Some had broken their right legs and, leaning on wooden canes, walked forward step by step with difficulty but determination.

Others had hideous scars on their faces, and one eye was covered with a cloth, yet they still stood tall with piercing eyes.

As they passed the viewing stands, the people on both sides of the parade ground fell silent, even their breathing ceased, and many had tears in their eyes.

It was these soldiers who fought valiantly in the icy and snowy lands of Liaodong that brought peace and stability to the Ming Dynasty.

The climax of the military parade was the display of the Ming Dynasty's latest weaponry and equipment.

Ten bronze cannons, each weighing several thousand kilograms, were pushed forward by soldiers. The cannons were engraved with exquisite dragon patterns, and the muzzles gleamed with a dark luster.

Several craftsmen also demonstrated a new type of repeating musket, which made a "bang" sound when the trigger was pulled, and the lead bullets accurately hit the bullseye in the distance.

There are also improved rocket launchers; after the fuse is lit, the rocket roars into the sky, drawing a long arc.

"boom--!"

A cannon was fired, and the shell landed on the open ground in the distance, exploding in a cloud of smoke and dust, shaking the ground.

The envoys from the vassal states in the audience stood up one after another, their eyes filled with shock.

The Western envoy turned pale.

They had never seen such a powerful cannon.

Even they didn't have cannons with that kind of power.

Upon seeing such a powerful weapon, the one who panicked the most was Buhe.

Yesterday he was still thinking to himself, "They can be replaced," thinking that the Mongols might be able to restore the glory of the empire, but today he saw the military might of the Ming Dynasty.

The neat formations, the valiant soldiers, and the incredibly powerful weapons made him feel suffocated when he thought about the small number of troops in his own tribe.

Even if the Khorchin tribe united all the tribes on the grasslands, they would probably still be no match for the Ming Dynasty.

"Perhaps... being a dog for the Ming Dynasty isn't such a shameful thing."

The thought suddenly popped into Buhe's mind. This idea, which he had once looked down upon, now seemed incredibly real.

The Ming Dynasty could grant him the title of Prince Shunli, allow him to enjoy a life of luxury, and protect the Khorchin tribe from invasion by other tribes. Such "dependence" was far wiser than recklessly confronting them.

He looked up at Zhu Youxiao on the platform. The young Ming emperor was looking at the army with a firm gaze, exuding an aura of absolute authority.

Buhe quickly lowered his head, suppressing all his ambition, and only felt awe in his heart.

From this day forward, he dared not have the slightest thought of resistance and could only obediently serve the Ming Dynasty.

As the last column of the parade marching formation passed the drill ground, Zhu Youxiao on the platform slowly rose to his feet.

His dark robes fluttered slightly in the cold wind. He raised his hand to the jade belt at his waist and glanced at the dark mass of people below.

The soldiers, still in their armor, wore the same high spirits they had during the military parade.

The officials stood solemnly, awaiting the next decree.

On the west side of the viewing platform, the envoys from the vassal state and Buhe and others held their breath and even lowered their breathing.

"Everyone!"

Zhu Youxiao's voice was not loud, but it carried across the entire training ground on the wind, carrying the unique majesty of an emperor.

"Today's grand review has demonstrated our military might; I have also prepared a 'grand gift' for you all:"
"Lindan Khan, the Great Khan of the Chahar tribe on the steppe, is a direct descendant of Genghis Khan. Today, I specially invite him to present a steppe dance for me and for the Ming Dynasty!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the training ground fell silent; even the wind seemed to stop.

All eyes turned to the east side of the training ground.

There.

Two imperial guards were leading a man dressed in the attire of the Khan of the grasslands out slowly.

That man was none other than Lindan Khan.

The once arrogant face of the steppe Khan was now flushed red, like a boiled shrimp, his head bowed low, his neck stiff.

How could he accept this?

Once upon a time, he was the undisputed Khan of the grasslands, able to summon tens of thousands of cavalry with a flick of his whip, and even the Jurchens had to give him some leeway.

But now, he has become a prisoner of the Ming Dynasty, forced to dance for amusement in front of thousands of people.

This shame pierced his heart like a needle, making him wish he could disappear into a crack in the ground.

But he knew even better that if he didn't comply, he would only face an even more humiliating death.

He wanted to live.

Only by living can we have a future!
The sound of the morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) slowly rose from the grassland, its melody carrying a touch of desolation, but lacking the former boldness.

Lin Danhan took a deep breath, forced himself to raise his head, and moved his feet stiffly in rhythm.

His movements were extremely clumsy, completely lacking the agility he once displayed on horseback across the grasslands. His arms swung haphazardly, and even his footwork was often disordered. Compared to the graceful and lithe movements of the beauties dancing in the palace, it was a world apart.

In Zhu Youxiao's opinion, this Lin Danhan's dancing skills are not good!
But nobody cared whether his dance moves were graceful or not.

Everyone stared at his face, which was filled with shame, at the clothes he wore that symbolized the "Khan of the Grasslands," and at the way he bowed and danced on the training ground of the Ming Dynasty.

On the west side of the viewing area, the Portuguese envoy's eyes were filled with shock.

He had heard the legend of "Genghis Khan" in his own country.

The man whom the French called "the Scourge of God" led the Mongol cavalry across Eurasia, making all of Europe tremble.

But now, his direct descendants have to dance before the Ming emperor?

what does this mean?
This means that the strength of the Ming Dynasty had long surpassed that of the Mongol Empire of yesteryear!
The Spanish envoy also turned pale and whispered to his companion, "In the future, when trading with the Ming Dynasty, we must not show the slightest disrespect."

The civil and military officials on the east side were filled with turbulent emotions.

Grand Secretary Fang Congzhe gazed at Lin Danhan's figure, a hint of emotion flashing in his eyes.

When Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, ordered the Khan of the Western Regions to perform a dance, it was a famous story that has been passed down through the ages.

Today, His Majesty has also done it!
This is no simple "dance performance"; His Majesty is declaring to the world:

He wanted to be a great ruler like Emperor Taizong of Tang, and to restore the glory of the Ming Dynasty!
Li Ruhua and Sun Ruyou exchanged a glance, both seeing relief in each other's eyes.

With such a charismatic monarch, how could the Ming Dynasty not prosper?

The most excited were the civilians and soldiers below the drill ground.

"See that? That's the Khan of the Steppes! Even he's dancing for our Emperor! Who says the Ming Dynasty is doomed? This is clearly a time of revival!"

The soldiers around him erupted in cheers, their fatigue from the battle replaced by a sense of pride.

Wasn't this the moment they fought so hard for?

In order to make the might of the Ming Dynasty awe-inspiring to all directions!
The Ming Dynasty was the coolest!

A sense of pride in being the Celestial Empire welled up within me!

When the song ended, Lin Danhan seemed to have lost all his strength; his legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground.

The Imperial Guards stepped forward and pulled him aside, but he kept his head down, not daring to look at anyone.

Zhu Youxiao raised his hand to suppress the cheers, and the cheers in the training ground gradually subsided.

"Lindan Khan's performance of the dance was due to the majesty of the Great Ming Dynasty."

His tone was calm, and his gaze turned to the parade troops.

"All soldiers who participated in the parade today will be rewarded—the soldiers of the Beijing Garrison will each receive five taels of silver, the soldiers of the Liaodong Army will each receive ten taels of silver, and the wounded soldiers will receive double the amount!"

Then he looked at the envoys on the west side.

"The envoys from various countries have come from afar, and I will also bestow upon them generous rewards. The Ministry of Rites will send them to the Huitong Hall later."

"Long live your majesty!"

Cheers once again resounded across the drill ground. Soldiers raised their weapons and shouted, while the people knelt and kowtowed. The envoys also rose to pay their respects, and the sounds echoed everywhere.

The first day of the second year of the Tianqi reign.

The grand New Year's Day ceremony began with a breathtaking military parade, culminated in a powerful dance performance, and concluded amidst cheers of "Long live the Emperor!"

It acted like a shot in the arm, allowing the court and the public to see the strength of the Ming Dynasty, uniting the scattered hearts of the people, and letting the foreign tribes around the world know the might of the Ming Dynasty.

But Zhu Youxiao stood on the platform, looking at the grand scene before him, yet he did not slacken his efforts in the slightest.

He knew this was just the beginning.

The Jurchens in Liaodong have not yet been wiped out, the accumulated problems in the Nine Garrisons have not yet been eliminated, the troubles on the grasslands have not been completely resolved, the tax reform in Jiangnan still needs to be promoted, She Chongming in the southwest is stirring up trouble, and the Japanese and European powers overseas are also waiting for him to deal with them.

He still has a lot to do.

"Prepare the carriage and return to the palace."

Zhu Youxiao turned to Wei Chao and gave the instructions in a calm and even tone.

Under heaven, all land belongs to the king.

All within the realm are subjects of the king.

With this momentum, I believe there is nothing the Ming Dynasty cannot accomplish!

ps:
8800 words.

(End of this chapter)