Huangming

Chapter 451 The New Marquis Gains Favor, the Sage Returns to Heaven

Beijing in July of the second year of the Tianqi reign (1622).

The lives of ordinary people are not easy.

At the grain market in the eastern part of the city, people lined up to buy grain, stretching from one end of the alley to the other, clutching copper coins in their bamboo baskets, their eyes filled with anxiety.

The floods in Jiangnan disrupted the canal transport, and the price of millet, which used to be three qian per shi, has now risen to five qian, nearly doubling.

An old woman was tiptoeing into the grain shop when the clerk waved her away.

"Auntie, please wait a little longer. The imperial relief grain will arrive this afternoon. I'm not kidding you!"

"Buy me some first, we're running out of food at home."

"You have to queue to buy it, can't you cut in line?"

At the soup kitchen on the street corner, Imperial Guards with waist badges patrolled, keeping an eye on grain merchants who wanted to hoard food. If they found any hidden stockpiles, they would immediately confiscate them.

Thanks to this timely control, although grain prices rose, people did not starve to death, and the capital was generally still relatively stable.

now.

The Pinglu Marquis's residence in the south of the city, however, presented a completely different scene of bustling activity.

Above the vermilion gate, the four gilded characters "Pinglu Marquis's Residence" had just been painted and dazzled the eyes in the sunlight.

The large red carpet at the entrance stretched from the gate all the way to the other side of the street, and it felt soft and comfortable to walk on.

Red lanterns hung on both sides, one after another, from the lintel to the ground. When the wind blew, the lantern tassels rustled, creating a festive atmosphere.

The area outside the mansion was packed with onlookers, who craned their necks to peer inside, their voices rising and falling in a cacophony of discussion:
"I heard that this marquis was just a courier in Yinchuan last year, and he's been granted a marquisate in just over a year. It's like a pie falling from the sky!"

"What do you know? They captured Huang Taiji alive and saved countless lives on the border. How could His Majesty not favor them?"

"Today is a grand wedding, and the Imperial Household Department is personally handling all the arrangements. Even the Empress has bestowed a congratulatory gift. This scale is even more impressive than that of the old noble families!"

These people were filled with envy, jealousy, and hatred.

They wished they could be the grooms in the mansion right now.

It's lively outside.

The atmosphere inside the mansion was even more lively.

There were more than a dozen green sheds in the courtyard, under which were mahogany tables with shin-shining porcelain bowls and plates, and steaming hot dishes served on the tables.

Servants dressed in red and green moved about among them, carrying wine jugs and tea trays, their steps hurried yet orderly.

Half of these servants were sent by the Imperial Household Department, from cooks in the Imperial Kitchen to odd jobs in the Laundry Bureau. Even the craftsmen who decorated the courtyard were specially dispatched by the Ministry of Works, for fear of neglecting this newly promoted Marquis.

Inside the main hall, Zhu Zicheng was dressed in a bright red auspicious robe with python patterns, a jade belt around his waist, and a gold crown inlaid with jewels.

He was much more upright than he was in Yinchuan a year ago, and the signs of hardship on his face had lessened, but he still retained a certain ruggedness.

Who would have thought that just over a year ago, he was a courier delivering messages between post stations on horseback?

Thanks to His Majesty's appointment, I first distinguished myself in Shandong, then repeatedly achieved great feats on the Liaodong battlefield, and finally captured Huang Taiji alive, becoming famous in one battle.

Now he has been granted the title of Marquis of Pinglu, bestowed with a mansion and land, and even his wedding is arranged by the Imperial Household Department. Such favor is rare in the nearly three hundred years of the Ming Dynasty.

After all, most of the nobles in the Ming Dynasty were hereditary, and there were very few like him who rose from the bottom to become marquises through military achievements.

"My lord, Marquis Deng of Dingyuan has arrived!"

The deacon's voice came through.

Zhu Zicheng quickly straightened his auspicious attire and went out to greet them.

Deng Shaoyu was dressed in a purple nobleman's uniform, holding a brocade box in his hand, with a warm smile on his face. Behind him were several servants carrying several boxes of congratulatory gifts.

"Brother, congratulations!"

Deng Shaoyu stepped forward and patted Zhu Zicheng on the shoulder, his tone as warm as that of a longtime friend.

"Today is a joyous occasion for your wedding, and I, your humble brother, have come to offer my congratulations!"

Zhu Zicheng returned the greeting with clasped hands, his tone humble:

"You're too kind, my lord. Please come in."

The two walked inside side by side, Deng Shaoyu lowering his voice, with a hint of ingratiation:

“My dear brother, my niece’s marriage into the Marquis’s mansion is entirely thanks to Her Majesty the Empress’s discerning eye and to your willingness to accept my marriage.”

Now that our two families are related by marriage, we're practically one family. If there's anything I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask!

He really meant what he said.

Although the bride, Deng, was his distant niece, and their relationship was far beyond the fifth degree of kinship, she was just a minor girl from a collateral branch with no official status. However, she was the perfect match personally chosen by the Empress.

Since the Empress herself spoke up, even if it was just a distant relative, or even an ordinary commoner, he would have to happily send her off on her wedding day.

Moreover, Zhu Zicheng is now a favorite of the emperor, holding some military power, and his future is limitless.

The Dingyuan Marquis lineage has gradually declined in recent years, so to be able to get this marriage is nothing short of "marrying up," so naturally they want to publicize it extensively, wishing the whole capital knew about it.

In the main hall.

The seats were already mostly filled with guests who had come to offer their congratulations.

There were officials in the imperial court, such as the secretary of the Ministry of War and the chief clerk of the Ministry of Revenue.

There were military generals, such as the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the assistant commander of the Beijing Garrison.

There were also some newly promoted nobles, who had been promoted in recent years based on their military achievements. They surrounded Zhu Zicheng to congratulate him, their tone full of envy.

Only a few old nobles sat in the corner, holding teacups, their eyes filled with complex emotions.

Their ancestors followed the founding emperor and the founding emperor in conquering the country, but now they see a man who started as a courier rising to prominence, and they can't help but feel a little resentful.

However, even if they felt bad inside, they didn't dare to show it on their faces.

After all, Zhu Zicheng was a favorite of the emperor, and no one dared to offend him.

"The auspicious time has come!"

As the eunuch in charge shouted, the sound of drums and music suddenly rang out in the courtyard. The sounds of suonas, gongs and drums mingled together, creating a deafeningly lively atmosphere.

The bride, Deng Lan, wearing a bright red wedding dress and a red veil, walked in from outside the mansion gate, supported by two maids dressed in brocade.

Her wedding dress was specially made by the Imperial Household Department, embroidered with a design of a hundred sons and a thousand grandsons, with the hem trailing on the ground and held up by a maid.

The phoenix crown on her head was also made of pure gold and inlaid with pearls and gemstones. With each step she took, the strings of beads on the crown would sway, exuding an air of great dignity.

Zhu Zicheng stepped forward, reached out and took the bride's red silk ribbon. His gaze fell on the red veil, and he couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

From the dilapidated post station in Yinchuan to the grand wedding at the Marquis's mansion, it all feels like a dream.

If it weren't for the emperor's trust, and if he hadn't risked his life on the battlefield, he would never have had such a life.

He gripped the red silk in his hand, silently vowing in his heart:
in the future.

I must be loyal to His Majesty and live up to this favor.

"Congratulations, Lord Marquis!"

May Your Excellency enjoy a long and happy marriage!

The guests rose to offer their congratulations, and the cheers, drumbeats, and laughter in the courtyard mingled together, drowning out the anxiety of the East City Grain Market and the gloom of the Jiangnan floods.

This grand wedding was not only a personal honor for Zhu Zicheng, but also a microcosm of the new dynasty's situation.

The old noble families gradually declined, while new forces rose up based on their military achievements. Behind all this was Zhu Youxiao's determination to reshape the court and control military power.

The wedding was completed quickly.

The guests at the Marquis of Pinglu's residence gradually dispersed.

However, Zhu Zicheng did not immediately go to the bridal chamber.

in contrast.

He then took Deng Lan, who was dressed in a wedding gown, and quickly walked towards the carriage outside the mansion gate.

This grand wedding is a gift from His Majesty and the Empress, and we must express our gratitude immediately.

"Hurry up and set off to the palace to express our gratitude."

The carriage wheels rolled over the bluestone road, heading towards the imperial city.

Deng Lan gripped Zhu Zicheng's sleeve tightly, her fingers clenching slightly.

Although she was from a collateral branch of a noble family, she had never set foot in the palace, let alone met the emperor and empress, so she couldn't help but feel a little timid.

Zhu Zicheng sensed her nervousness, gently patted her hand, and whispered:
"Don't be afraid, His Majesty and the Empress are both very easy to get along with."

Even so, his own palms were damp with a thin layer of sweat.

soon.

When the carriage arrived at the Meridian Gate, eunuchs were already waiting and led the two through the deep palace passage.

The palace walls stood tall, with dark green moss climbing on the blue bricks. The evening breeze swept through the palace, carrying a touch of coolness and making the robes rustle.

The lights of Kunning Palace could be seen from afar.

"Gentlemen, please enter the hall!"

The eunuch leading them spoke slowly.

"Thank you, father-in-law."

Zhu Zicheng bowed to him and then stepped into the Kunning Palace.

now.

Smoke curled up inside the Kunning Palace, and ambergris lingered around the dragon-carved pillars in the hall.

On the main seat.

Emperor Zhu Youxiao of the Ming Dynasty was dressed in a bright yellow robe with a nine-dragon jade belt around his waist and a gentle smile on his face.

Empress Zhang Yan, standing beside them, wore a crimson phoenix robe, with kingfisher feather hairpins adorning her temples. Her dignified features and gentle gaze were captivating as she looked at the two of them.

"Your subject Zhu Zicheng and your wife Deng Lan pay their respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty the Empress. Long live the Emperor!"

The two men knelt down, their voices filled with barely concealed excitement.

Zhu Zicheng, in particular, felt a sudden pang of sadness when his knees touched the cold gold bricks.

"Get up."

Zhu Youxiao's voice was tinged with laughter as his gaze fell on Zhu Zicheng.

"Today is my wedding day, and I should have drunk more wine, but you rushed to express your gratitude. You are more attentive than I expected."

Zhu Zicheng slowly stood up, his hands still trembling slightly.

He looked up at Zhu Youxiao, his eyes already red, his Adam's apple bobbing, unable to speak for a long time.

A thousand words stuck in my chest, but in the end, they all boiled down to one sentence:
"Your Majesty... minister..."

Before she could finish speaking, tears almost welled up in her eyes.

"Why is a grown man crying and sobbing?"

Zhu Youxiao joked with a smile, but there was no blame in his tone.

Zhang Yan also said softly, "The Marquis of Pinglu is grateful for His Majesty's favor, and he is also a man of deep feelings."

Zhu Zicheng quickly wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes with his sleeve, his voice choked with emotion:

"His Majesty once said, 'A man does not easily shed tears, unless he is truly heartbroken.'"

I am not saddened, but joyful and grateful.

A year ago, I was a post station worker in Yinchuan, barely able to feed myself or clothe myself.

Now, thanks to His Majesty's grace, I have been granted a title and a mansion, and I must ask the Empress to choose a suitable wife for me...

This kindness is something I can never repay in my lifetime.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao laughed heartily.

"Your dedication to serving the country is the best way to repay my kindness."

After speaking, he raised his hand to signal Wei Chao beside him.

Wei Chao immediately stepped forward with a red lacquered tray, on which were placed two white jade wine vessels, the wine clear and gleaming with an amber light.

"Zhu Qing, your parents passed away early. Today is your wedding day, and according to custom, you should offer a toast to your parents."

Zhu Youxiao's tone became more serious, carrying a hint of solemnity.

"I originally intended to go to the Marquis's residence myself and drink this cup of wine for you, but the palace rules are strict, and I cannot make exceptions again..."

As soon as he said this, Zhu Zicheng was suddenly jolted.

His Majesty is treating him like a nephew, and is going to accept the courtesy on behalf of his parents!
He didn't dare hesitate for a moment and immediately pulled Deng Lan down to kneel down again.

"His Majesty!
Although I have no parents, I have a sovereign father!

Your Majesty and the Empress are my second parents!

This toast should be offered here!

Wei Chao looked at Zhu Zicheng's reaction and a hint of approval flashed in his eyes.

This person is quick-witted and can instantly understand His Majesty's intentions; no wonder His Majesty values ​​him so highly.

He smiled and handed the wine cup to the two of them:

"Lord Marquis and Lady Marquis, please offer a toast to His Majesty and the Empress."

Zhu Zicheng accepted one wine cup with both hands, and Deng Lan also held another cup. The two walked to Zhu Youxiao and Zhang Yan respectively and raised the wine cups high.

"Your Majesty, I respectfully wish you good health and that the Ming Dynasty enjoys peace and prosperity!"

Zhu Zicheng's voice was firm and resounding as he raised the wine cup above his head.

Deng Lan also said softly:
"Your Majesty, I respectfully wish you good health and a long and blessed life."

Zhu Youxiao took the wine cup, drank it all in one gulp, and felt a slight warmth as the wine went down his throat.

He put down his wine cup and patted Zhu Zicheng on the shoulder:

"Good! That's the kind of heart I want from you!"

In the future, I hope you will achieve many military exploits for me, guard the borders of the Ming Dynasty, and not disappoint my expectations.”

"The minister obeys the order!"

Zhu Zicheng kowtowed repeatedly.

"Whatever Your Majesty commands, I will brave mountains of knives and seas of fire, even unto death!" He was truly sincere at this moment.

His Majesty gave him a new life and glory. He would never hesitate to fight, let alone risk his life.

Zhu Youxiao nodded inwardly at his resolute expression.

Such loyal ministers are the foundation of the Ming Dynasty and its core support!

He smiled and waved his hand:

"Alright, get up."

"A moment of blissful night is worth a thousand pieces of gold, so I won't keep you any longer. Go back now."

Zhu Zicheng and Deng Lan exchanged a glance. Deng Lan's cheeks were already flushed, and Zhu Zicheng was also a little embarrassed.

The two bowed to the Emperor and Empress again before slowly leaving the hall.

As they walked along the palace path, a gentle evening breeze caressed their faces. Deng Lan couldn't help but look at Zhu Zicheng and whisper:

"Your Majesty and the Empress have truly shown us great kindness."

Zhu Zicheng gripped her hand tightly, his gaze fixed on the lights of Kunning Palace, his tone solemn:

"Therefore, we must live up to this favor."

Deng Lan nodded.

"So what do we do next?"

Zhu Zicheng pretended to be composed, but he was still a little embarrassed.

"Of course, we're going to... to the bridal chamber!"

Zhu Zicheng gritted his teeth.

He wasn't even afraid of the Jurchens!
Why would he be afraid of the wedding night?
Inside the Kunning Palace.

Zhu Youxiao watched the two figures leave, his smile undiminished.

Zhang Yan said softly, "The person His Majesty chose is indeed someone who knows how to repay kindness."

"He is not only grateful, but also knows how to behave appropriately and has courage."

Zhu Youxiao picked up the remaining wine and took a small sip.

"Datong is still waiting for people, and he may be able to help Xiong Tingbi a lot in the future."

As Zhu Youxiao gazed at the empty palace gate, the solemn expression he had displayed when facing the court officials gradually faded, replaced by a gentler look in his eyes, befitting an ordinary man.

He turned around, his gaze falling on Zhang Yan beside him, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curved into a smile.

Zhu Youxiao spoke softly as he took two steps closer to Zhang Yan.

"Is Kun-ge asleep yet?"

When the eldest son of the emperor, Zhu Cikun, is mentioned, his eyebrows light up with warmth.

Since Zhang Yan gave birth to the child more than two months ago, he would go to the side hall to see her whenever he had free time.

Sometimes, when the child is fast asleep, he can stare at that exquisitely beautiful little face for half an hour, forgetting even to approve his memorials.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan's ears turned slightly red. She raised her hand and gently twirled the pearl hairpin at her temple.

"The wet nurse just came to report,"

Her voice was gentle, carrying the tenderness of a new mother.

"She fell asleep after being fed, her little face was rosy, and she seemed more settled than yesterday."

Her eyes lit up when she talked about her child.

Zhu Youxiao stepped forward, gently placing his hand on her waist, the warmth of his palm passing through her phoenix robe.

His movements were very gentle.

"Is your body truly fully recovered?"

"I saw you walking with your back a few days ago, and I was thinking of having the Imperial Hospital send some more tonics."

Zhang Yan's body stiffened slightly from the heat of his palm, and she quickly lowered her head, her neck turning pink.

"Good morning."

Her voice was barely audible.

"The people from the Imperial Medical Academy come to check my pulse every day, and they all say that my blood and qi have been replenished. It's just that His Majesty is worrying unnecessarily."

Despite this, she did not push Zhu Youxiao's hand away, but instead leaned slightly closer to him.

After giving birth to the eldest son of the emperor, she became more dependent on Zhu Youxiao.

The initial awe towards the emperor was gradually diluted by the intimacy between husband and wife. At this moment, she is like an ordinary wife, who would act coquettishly towards her husband.

Seeing her like this, Zhu Youxiao couldn't help but chuckle softly, his laughter full of doting affection.

"If I don't worry about you, who will I worry about?"

He leaned down and whispered in her ear, his warm breath brushing against her earlobe.

"Zhu Zicheng considered this spring night worth a thousand pieces of gold. Although we are an old married couple, shouldn't we also cherish this spring night?"

His voice carried a hint of playful banter.

Since Zhang Yan gave birth, although the two still lived in Kunning Palace, they had fewer such intimate moments because of her weak health and the need to take care of the child.

"His Majesty!"

Zhang Yan suddenly raised her head, her cheeks as red as ripe cherries. She reached out and gently pushed Zhu Youxiao's chest, her tone tinged with embarrassment and annoyance.

"How indecent! This is still in the main hall..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by Zhu Youxiao's sudden action.

He stretched out his arm and lifted her up by the waist!
"ah!"

Zhang Yan exclaimed in surprise, instinctively stretching out her arms to tightly wrap around Zhu Youxiao's neck, her fair fingers gripping the jade button on his collar.

Her body trembled slightly, not from fear, but from the sudden intimacy that left her somewhat flustered. Her cheek rested against Zhu Youxiao's shoulder, unsure whether it was from joy or shyness.

Zhu Youxiao carried her in his arms and walked steadily toward the bedchamber.

Zhang Yan was very light, and he carried her without any effort. His gaze fell on the reddened tips of her ears, and his smile deepened.

“If the main hall is not proper, then I will take you to a place where it can be ‘proper’.”

He lowered his head and whispered in her ear, his voice full of teasing.

In the sleeping hall.

The calming incense had already been lit, the curtains were half-drawn, and the brocade quilt embroidered with lotus flowers was neatly laid out.

Zhu Youxiao gently placed Zhang Yan on the bed and leaned down to look at her.

The candlelight shone on her face, making the curves of her breasts, slightly swollen from the engorgement of her breasts, appear even more magnificent.

He reached out and gently touched her cheek, his tone filled with affection:

"Kun-ge'er is fast asleep. I'll taste the remaining 'rations' for him to check the saltiness, so as not to waste them."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan was so embarrassed that she quickly closed her eyes and reached out to push him away, but Zhu Youxiao grabbed her wrist.

He leaned down, his warm breath enveloping her, the curtains swaying gently in the breeze, enveloping their figures within.

This night is destined to be sleepless.

soon.

The next day arrived.

The warmth of last night's intimacy still lingered, and the brocade quilt on his body carried a faint calming fragrance, allowing him to sleep soundly without any dreams, and he woke up feeling exceptionally refreshed.

The bed beside her was already slightly cool, and Zhang Yan had gotten up early.

Zhu Youxiao turned his head and looked out. He could see several palace maids quietly tidying up in the dim light coming from outside.

One of the palace maids, who was carrying warm water, saw that he had woken up and quickly tiptoed, whispering:

"His Majesty has awakened?"
The Empress rose at the end of the Yin hour (3-5 AM), saying she was going to see the eldest prince in the side hall. Before leaving, she instructed the servants to prepare breakfast as soon as His Majesty woke up.

Zhu Youxiao stretched, his joints making a slight cracking sound.

He sat up and glanced around the bed.

The phoenix shoes that Zhang Yan changed out of last night were still there, the toes of the shoes embroidered with phoenix patterns slightly turned inward, suggesting that her legs must have been sore when she got up this morning.

Zhu Youxiao's lips curved into a smile, and a warm feeling welled up in his heart.

"Serve me as I wash and dress."

Zhu Youxiao lifted the brocade quilt, and palace maids rushed forward, bringing warm water and a face towel.

After washing up, he changed into a moon-white casual robe, with a red jade belt around his waist and a winged crown on his head.

Breakfast was already prepared, a dazzling array of dishes, each with its own unique color, aroma, and flavor.

After a quick breakfast, Zhu Youxiao boarded the imperial carriage and headed towards the Guanghan Palace on Qionghua Island.

The morning mist over Taiye Pond had not yet dissipated, and dewdrops rolled on the emerald green lotus leaves. Occasionally, a dragonfly would skim across the water, stirring up ripples.

The imperial carriage traveled on the Nine-Bend Bridge, the wheels rolling over the bluestone slabs, the sound of which was shrouded in mist and sounded exceptionally gentle.

Zhu Youxiao lifted the carriage curtain and gazed at the lotus flowers in the pond, but his mind was already calculating the political affairs of the day.

Just as I sat down in the Guanghan Palace, I heard footsteps outside.

Luo Sigong, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, strode in carrying a black lacquered box in both hands and bowed respectfully.
"Your subject Luo Sigong pays his respects to Your Majesty."

The confidential reports for today have been compiled and are submitted for Your Majesty's review.

His voice was low and respectful, and he kept his head down, not daring to look Zhu Youxiao in the eye.

The secret reports from the Embroidered Uniform Guard were mostly confidential, so he was extremely cautious every time they were presented.

Zhu Youxiao raised his hand in a gesture:
"Send it up."

Luo Sigong placed the lacquer box on the table, opened the lid, and inside were neatly stacked more than a dozen secret reports, each sealed with ink, with the source marked in the upper right corner:

Jiangnan, Datong, Shandong, Tianjin...

Zhu Youxiao casually picked up the top document, his gaze sweeping over the opening line "Urgent report from Qufu, Shandong," and his expression paused slightly.

Unfolding the secret report, a line of text came into view:
"At the hour of Yin on the first day of the seventh lunar month, Duke Yansheng Kong Shangxian passed away at the age of seventy-eight."

The Duke Yansheng's residence has been closed for mourning, and the students within have not yet made any unusual movements.

Zhu Youxiao paused for a moment, his fingers holding the letter, then slowly let out a sigh of relief.

It felt like a stone that had been weighing on my heart for a long time had finally been lifted.

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the Taiye Pond outside the hall, his thoughts drifting back to the chaos in Shandong the previous year.

Xu Hongru's Wenxiang Sect uprising swept through Shandong. Qufu, as the hometown of Confucius, should have been a peaceful place, but it was unfortunately affected by the chaos. The sons of the Duke of Yansheng's mansion either died or fled, and even the originally designated heir, Kong Yinzhi, perished in the chaos.

Since then, Kong Shangxian has been hanging on by a thread, sending his chief secretary to the palace several times to plead with the emperor to appoint a new Duke Yansheng.

He feared that if he died, the Duke Yansheng's mansion would be leaderless and would no longer be able to maintain its former dignity.

However, Zhu Youxiao kept delaying, neither refusing nor agreeing, only saying, "We will discuss this matter again after the situation in Shandong is stabilized."

Others assumed he was too busy suppressing the rebellion to pay attention, but only he knew the considerations behind this "delay."

The Duke Yansheng's Mansion has a history of over a thousand years and holds a special place in the court and among the people because of its reputation as a "descendant of Confucius".

Emperors of all dynasties gave the Duke of Yansheng some face, even allowing him to interfere in local affairs. Sometimes, when ministers in the court discussed matters, they would cite the "words of the sages" to corroborate their arguments.

Since Zhu Youxiao ascended the throne, he had always wanted to consolidate imperial power and firmly grasp the power of the court, local governments, and the imperial clan. Naturally, he could not tolerate a Duke Yansheng's mansion interfering with imperial power by using the name of "sage".

As long as Kong Shangxian lives, countless eyes will be watching him.

The Confucian scholars of Qufu, the civil officials in the court, and even the local powerful families were all waiting for His Majesty to appoint a new Duke Yansheng so that they could use this relationship to curry favor.

But once Kong Shangxian died, the situation changed.

Without the constraints of the current Duke Yansheng, he could dispose of the Duke Yansheng's mansion according to his own wishes:
Either select an obedient descendant from a collateral branch of the Kong family to succeed him, thus turning the Duke Yansheng's mansion into a complete vassal of imperial power.

Either weaken the Duke Yansheng's authority, retain only the empty title of "descendant of a sage," and prevent him from interfering in any political affairs.

"A saint, after all."

Zhu Youxiao murmured softly, his tone carrying a hint of clarity.

"To be enshrined in a temple and receive incense offerings from the people is the best possible fate."

"If anyone tries to use the title of 'Sage' to interfere in my affairs of state or discuss my family matters, even Confucius himself would have to step aside."

Luo Sigong stood aside, listening to His Majesty's whispers, his heart filled with apprehension.

Although he did not know why His Majesty treated the Duke of Yansheng's mansion this way, he could sense the emperor's attitude.

He quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, regarding the passing of Kong Shangxian, should we immediately issue an imperial edict to Qufu to appease the people in his household?"

Zhu Youxiao withdrew his gaze, picked up his vermilion brush, and wrote "Understood" on the secret report. He then looked up and said:

"By imperial decree, the Shandong governor shall immediately send someone to Qufu to supervise the funeral arrangements of the Duke Yansheng's residence and prohibit the establishment of an heir without authorization."

Furthermore, have the Embroidered Uniform Guard investigate which members of the collateral branches of the Kong family are of upright character and have not engaged in factionalism or corruption; then compile a list and submit it to the emperor.

"The minister obeys the order!"

Luo Sigong quickly agreed, already understanding the situation.

His Majesty intends to personally select the new Duke Yansheng and completely control the Duke Yansheng's mansion.

Zhu Youxiao put the secret report back into the lacquer box, his eyes gleaming.

Kong Shangxian's death was just the first step.

Next, they need to reorganize the military power in Datong, stabilize the floods in Jiangnan, and even deal with pirates on the sea frontier...

The path to imperial power is never smooth.

But at this moment, he felt unusually calm.

Holding the secret report of the Duke Yansheng's death, he clearly felt that the reins of imperial power were being tightened by him little by little.

This world.
It's the Zhu family's world!

It was his domain!

Any force that attempts to supersede imperial power, whether it be a member of the royal family or a descendant of a sage, must submit to his will.

(End of this chapter)