Jingtai: Making the Ming Dynasty Great Again

Yongning Palace is located on the western side of the inner palace. It is not large in scale and its furnishings are simple and plain.

When Zhu Qiyu entered the hall, Consort Wu was sitting under the lamp doing needlework.

Upon seeing him enter, Consort Wu immediately put down her work and stood up.

Zhu Qiyu bowed and said, "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

"Get up, get up quickly." Consort Wu stepped forward to help him up, looking him up and down with concern in her eyes. "My son, you've lost weight these days from working so hard for the country."

Zhu Qiyu felt a warmth in his heart: "Thank you for your concern, Mother. I am doing well."

The mother and son took their seats, and after the palace maids served tea and refreshments, they withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the hall.

Consort Wu spoke up, "I've heard some of what happened in court today..."

Because of her humble origins, Consort Wu was always cautious and timid in the palace, never daring to compete for favor or get involved in any trouble.

Even after Zhu Qiyu was granted the title of Prince of Cheng, she continued to live a secluded life, rarely interacting with the outside world.

It's strange that I know about the front yard today.

Zhu Qiyu frowned and asked, "What did Mother Consort hear?"

Consort Wu: "I heard that Minister Yu... advised you to ascend the throne. I also heard that the Emperor... was knocking on the door of Xuanfu City."

Zhu Qiyu calmly replied, "That is indeed the case, but I refused on the spot. Although my brother is temporarily in trouble, he is still the emperor, and I have no disloyal intentions."

Consort Wu grasped Zhu Qiyu's hand and said earnestly, "That's good, that's good. Qiyu, listen to your mother. We are of humble origin, and being granted the title of prince is already a great blessing. We must never have any more unrealistic ambitions."

The Zhu family places great importance on the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children. Your elder brother was the emperor appointed by the late emperor.

Although you share the same father as him, you are ultimately born out of wedlock. This boundary must never be crossed.

Zhu Qiyu looked at his mother with a mixture of helplessness and sorrow.

The traditional values ​​and etiquette of that era were deeply ingrained in her, making her instinctively believe that illegitimate sons should behave themselves and never covet the position of the legitimate heir.

Zhu Qiyu said gently, "Mother, rest assured, I understand."

"Also, you must do everything in your power to bring your brother back. If anything happens to him, how will the world view you?"

Zhu Qiyu felt a warmth in his heart: although his mother's words seemed to be about caring for Zhu Qizhen, she was actually worried that he might face criticism if he failed to save his brother.

"Your Majesty, I have already dispatched an envoy to the Oirat to negotiate, and I have also ordered the Minister to strengthen the defenses of Beijing. As long as we can repel the Oirat army, there is hope of rescuing my brother."

Consort Wu shook her head: "I don't understand those important military and national affairs. I only know that you must do your best."

The Empress Dowager must also be treated with respect and obedience.

Our mother and I were able to live in the palace thanks to the grace of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor; we must never forget this kindness.

Qi Yu, your mother knows that you now bear the heavy responsibility of overseeing the country, and that many things are beyond your control.

But no matter what, remember your mother's words: Be dutiful, be loyal, and don't give anyone any leverage against you.

Looking at his mother's worried face, Zhu Qiyu felt a mix of emotions welling up inside him.

Her perspective may have been narrow, but her maternal love was genuine.

Zhu Qiyu solemnly said, "I will keep Mother's teachings in mind. You should also take care of your health and not worry too much."

Consort Wu nodded, then suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, Consort Wan and Consort Yun came to see me the other day, and they brought the children with them. Jianjun and Jianji have grown quite a bit taller, and the two maids have become even more beautiful."

When her grandchildren were mentioned, a smile finally appeared on her face.

Zhu Qiyu smiled and said, "Once the situation has stabilized a bit, I will bring them to see you again."

"Good, good, I'm relieved to see that you're all well."

After sitting for a while, Zhu Qiyu got up to take his leave.

Consort Wu saw him off to the palace gate, holding his hand with reluctance, saying, "No matter how busy you are with state affairs, you must take care of your health."

If... if it really comes to an absolute last resort, remember your mother's words: saving your life is the most important thing.

These words were vague, but Zhu Qiyu understood their deeper meaning: if Beijing could not be defended, escaping was more important than anything else.

"Your subject understands. Mother, please go back. It's chilly at night."

As Zhu Qiyu stepped out of Yongning Palace, he took a deep breath of the cool autumn night air.

Having met two mothers in one day, Empress Dowager Sun's shrewdness and scheming, and Consort Wu's weakness and naivety, are both microcosms of women in this era.

They were confined to the deep palace, their thoughts and ideas unable to escape that enormous cage.

The eunuch asked softly, "Your Highness, shall we return to the residence or...?"

Zhu Qiyu looked at the stars in the night sky and suddenly said, "Go to the Ministry of War."

He wanted to see if Yu Qian was still working.

When the carriage arrived at the Ministry of War, it was indeed found that the building was brightly lit.

Zhu Qiyu gestured to the eunuch that there was no need to announce his arrival, and quietly went inside.

Inside the room, Yu Qian was writing furiously at his desk, surrounded by military reports sent from all over the country.

He was so focused that he didn't even notice Zhu Qiyu's arrival.

Zhu Qiyu called out softly, "Minister Yu."

Yu Qian then realized what was happening and quickly rose to bow, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness! I was unaware of Your Highness's arrival and have failed to greet you properly..."

"No need for formalities." Zhu Qiyu waved his hand and walked to the desk. "Still busy so late?"

Yu Qian smiled wryly and said, "The military situation is urgent, and we dare not be negligent. We just received an urgent report from Xuanfu that Esen's army has left Xuanfu and is heading towards Datong."

Zhu Qiyu's heart tightened: "So fast?"

Yu Qian's expression was grave: "The Oirat cavalry are swift in their movements; if left unchecked, they could reach Datong in a few days. If Esen were to allow His Majesty to..."

Yu Qian didn't finish his sentence, but Zhu Qiyu understood what he meant.

If the emperor knocks on the gates a few more times, how can we defend this city? How can we fight this battle?

Zhu Qiyu remained silent for a moment, then suddenly spoke: "Minister Yu, if I were to ascend the throne, do you truly believe it would be beneficial in defending the capital?"

Yu Qian was taken aback, then said solemnly, "Your Highness, everything I said in court today came from the bottom of my heart."

Now that the nation is facing a crisis, it needs a monarch who can command the people and inspire the military and civilians.

The Crown Prince is too young; only Your Highness is capable of shouldering this heavy responsibility!

"But what about the Empress Dowager..."

Yu Qian was unaware that Zhu Qiyu had already met with Empress Dowager Sun.

He interrupted Zhu Qiyu, saying, "The Empress Dowager is very wise and understanding. We have already informed her of today's matter, and she ultimately had no objections."

Zhu Qiyu looked at Yu Qian, this famous loyal minister in history, his eyes filled with determination and enthusiasm.

"Minister Yu, if I ascend the throne, how will I treat my elder brother when he returns? Should I relinquish power to him?"

Zhu Qiyu's actions could be seen as a form of coercion: "You've nominated me to be emperor now, but what if Zhu Qizhen comes back and removes me from power? This needs to be clarified first."

Yu Qian replied without hesitation, "Your Highness, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures."

To prioritize one's posthumous reputation over the affairs of the nation is not the act of a wise person.

As for the Emperor's return, with the throne already secured, what else is there to say!

In my opinion, the most urgent task is to defend the capital and repel the Oirat Mongols.

As for the rest, we can deal with them gradually.

Zhu Qiyu understood these words: First, preserve the country; everything else can wait.

Anyway, Zhu Qiyu is determined to become emperor; all that's needed now is for him to show some respect.

Seeing that his goal had been achieved, Zhu Qiyu nodded: "Alright, I understand."

Zhu Qiyu then discussed specific defenses of the capital with Yu Qian.

It was nearly midnight when we left the Wenhua Hall.

Zhu Qiyu boarded the carriage and closed his eyes in deep thought.

The second resignation has been completed; according to etiquette, there is still one final resignation to be made.

The next time he is urged to ascend the throne, he will "reluctantly" accept, thus fulfilling both the proper etiquette and the will of the people.