The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 118 Complete

Qi Jiguang shifted his gaze to the main seat, where he saw a young man dressed in a moon-white robe with dragon and cloud patterns sitting upright in front of the hot pot. There were two other people sitting with him, who stood up and bowed when they saw him arrive.

Zhu Zaizhen looked at the newcomer with a smile. As expected, the newcomer did not disappoint him. Although his clothes were ordinary, his outstanding spirit could not be concealed.

He was tall and upright, with broad shoulders and a solid build. His face was handsome and dashing, exuding the calm and resolute aura of a martial artist, truly living up to his reputation.

"Student Qi Jiguang pays his respects to Your Highness."

Qi Jiguang bowed respectfully. He was clear-headed. He knew that in the Ming Dynasty, without a powerful patron in the court, it was impossible for a military general to command a large army and conquer battlefields.

Since they must eventually choose a power to align themselves with, Prince Jing, as a prince of the imperial family, is undoubtedly the best choice. As for whether there will be any ups and downs in the future, who among the vice ministers, ministers, governors, dukes, and marquises can remain standing forever?

Gain and loss, fortune and misfortune, are inherently one.

Zhu Zaizhen nodded: "No need for formalities, please sit down."

Qi Jiguang straightened up, looked at the two people on his left and right in turn, and bowed to them.

After exchanging names and courtesy names, and a brief exchange of pleasantries, they officially became acquainted.

The composed and refined young man on the left is Zhang Juzheng, courtesy name Shuda; the unrestrained and unconventional scholar on the right is Xu Wei, courtesy name Wenchang; and the newlywed attending today's banquet is Qi Jiguang, courtesy name Yuanjing, who has just passed the military examination and is now in the capital to prepare for the imperial examination.

All three were outstanding talents of their time, possessing extraordinary demeanor and strategic acumen. Zhu Zaizhen was delighted to see this, and his initial disappointment at the lack of chili peppers in the pot vanished instantly, replaced by a hearty appetite.

Zhang Xingtao brought over two jars of fragrant wine, and Ma Dezhao poured them wine.

The moment the wine jar was opened, a delicate and warm aroma suddenly spread out, a blend of elegant medicinal fragrance, sweet glutinous rice scent, and subtle floral and fruity notes, filling the entire hall with a gentle, lingering, and refreshing fragrance.

Good wine, and the kind that's expensive but doesn't satisfy your cravings.

Qi Jiguang had been drinking since childhood and was quite interested in wines he had never tasted before. Seeing this, Zhang Juzheng said, "This is 'Full Palace Fragrance,' an imperial wine bestowed by His Majesty. Thanks to Brother Yuanjing, we are all able to enjoy such a fine brew today."

Xu Wei held back his words. "You ate lunch with His Highness every day in the palace. The palace was filled with the fragrance of food. When did it ever mean that your meal was missing?"

Upon hearing that this was the fragrance of the entire hall, Qi Jiguang's thoughts instantly flew back to that night in Jizhou, and he was filled with emotion.

He thought he would have to wait another ten or twenty years, until he had made great contributions, before he could drink the imperial wine.

"This is something I truly dare not accept—"

Zhu Zaizhen picked up his chopsticks and cooked two slices of meat: "There's nothing I'm afraid of. Just eat and drink. I have no obligation to you. I only hope that you will pass the military examination, go to the battlefield, lead troops to defend against the enemy, and defeat the Japanese pirates. That would be the best reward for me."

Upon hearing these words, Qi Jiguang's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, suddenly settled down, and he was overwhelmed with emotion and relief.

He was just now nervous, fearing that His Highness's exceptional courtesy and generous reward meant that His Highness intended to keep him in the palace as a guard leader and close attendant.

He honed his skills through the cold and heat of summer, and studied military strategy by night, never seeking to live a life of ease and luxury in the capital, confined to a small place.

He was willing to attach himself to Prince Jing and choose this wise ruler. What he sought was not comfort and wealth, but to have a powerful patron and leverage his influence to break free from the constraints imposed on military men of the Ming Dynasty, travel to the battlefields across the world, realize his ambitions, and protect the country and its people!

"I will certainly spare no effort!"

"Alright, we've made a gentleman's promise, no need for further discussion."

Since he had no intention of taking the Xuanwu Gate Incident or the Jingnan Campaign, Qi Jiguang staying in the capital would be of no use to him. Meeting him today was simply to openly and legitimately serve as his backer, so that he could forge the Qi Family Army as soon as possible, quell the Japanese pirates, and stabilize the southeast.

With a bright mind, one is open and honest.

Qi Jiguang was completely free of his inner turmoil and was overjoyed. He truly never expected to have such an encounter.

Thus, they enjoyed a very pleasant hot pot meal, and Qi Jiguang gradually relaxed. He was not just a simple warrior, but a man of both literary and martial talents, which impressed Zhang Juzheng and Xu Wei with his eloquence and knowledge.

This level is between that of a scholar and a graduate, which is quite good. As for their strength, they could kill two people thirty times before they were even slightly out of breath.

With this basic understanding, Xu Wei became much more polite.

After drinking a jar of wine, Qi Jiguang could tell from the conversation between the two men and Prince Jing that the prince was not the kind of person who was reserved and arrogant. So he shamelessly said, "Your Highness, that horse is really good."

I have ridden the horse, but it's been so long and His Highness hasn't said it was for him. I'm really worried.

"puff."

Zhu Zaizhen almost choked. He never expected that Qi Yuanjing, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, would be thinking about good horses.

He then raised his eyes and smiled, "Of course, it's a treasure from the Imperial Stables. I specially ordered someone to steal it; it wasn't easy."

"what?"

Zhu Zaizhen paused, then added, "The Grand Eunuch of the Imperial Horse Stable is probably already at the West Garden complaining to Father Emperor."

Qi Jiguang was so frightened that he stood up immediately: "Your Highness, we should return it quickly. It's not worth offending His Majesty for a horse."

"Hahahaha." Everyone laughed, and Qi Jiguang was relieved by the laughter.

"Alright, alright, I'm just teasing you. The BMW is for the hero, and the horse is yours."

Zhu Zaizhen was telling the truth. The horse was indeed a treasure of the Imperial Horse Administration, and it was indeed he who ordered Tao Ze to lead it out, without anyone's consent.

However, he figured Gao Zhong wouldn't dare to complain. The last incident was just a minor punishment, and the matter wasn't over yet.

And even if he were to sue, what difference would it make? His father already owed him a horse, so this would settle the matter.

Although he was startled, Qi Jiguang was overjoyed to have acquired such a magnificent steed and couldn't wait to ride it around for a few laps right now!

After finishing their meal, everyone went to the courtyard. He had now bought all the surrounding houses. The two houses on the left, which were about the same size, were the residences of Zhang Juzheng and Xu Wei. The larger house on the right was Wan Quan's house, and the one behind it was where the Lu family lived.

Originally, only Xu Wei lived here, but Lu Bai and others accompanied Wan Mizhai and his family to the capital, so arrangements had to be made. Moreover, they received news that Qi Jiguang had passed the military examination, so they simply bought all the properties and had Zhang Juzheng move in as well.

It's just a matter of spending a little more money. The key is that it will be easier to arrange for guards in the future. After all, those he arranges to live here are extremely important assistants to him, and he cannot afford to lose them.

He has accumulated quite a bit of wealth over the years, and the Imperial Concubine even sent him her private savings, so this expense is really nothing.

A moment later, Wan Quan, Lü Fu, Lü Jin, Lu Jiong, Lu Bai, and their sons and disciples arrived. They ate their meal next door, which was also a hot pot with meat and vegetables and fragrant aroma.

Imperial wine is something you can't have if you can't drink it, and you can't possibly finish it all. There's as much as you want, except for the wine that's been aged for more than ten years.

Zhu Zaizhen and Wan Quan entered the main room. Since the medical sage of our time had arrived, how could they not let him examine them properly?

The rest of the people started packing. After Lu Jin and Lu Bai asked where Qi Jiguang's luggage was, they arranged for someone to retrieve it. They also sent someone to buy some other daily necessities.

Qi Jiguang naturally thanked him repeatedly. From struggling to find a place to stay all alone to being surrounded by newly acquainted friends, Qi Jiguang felt very good. Looking at the stable, he felt even warmer inside.

His father, Qi Jingtong, was honest and upright throughout his life. He wouldn't even buy a decent horse, let alone an imperial horse.

On his first day in the capital, he rode the imperial horse, stayed in the courtyard prepared for him by Prince Jing, and dined with princes, Hanlin Academy editors, and great scholars. Father, your son has made something of himself.

Except for Lu Bai, none of the Lu family's sons were good at studying. When they saw Prince Jing go in, they immediately surrounded Qi Jiguang, insisting on asking him for advice.

Qi Jiguang was also young, and excited from drinking, he went into the courtyard, picked up a spear and practiced a few spear techniques. The Lu family boys begged to become his apprentices.

Lu Jin and Lu Bai admired Zhang Juzheng even more. How could this man's brain be so clever? A few casual words from him could make them feel enlightened. He was truly a rare and excellent teacher.

Xu Wei sat alone on the threshold of the main room, leaning against the door frame, holding a cup of wine in his hand, sipping it slowly.

He squinted at the lively scene in the courtyard, neither joining in nor feeling neglected. Those boys disliked his bad temper and dared not get close to him, so he was happy to have some peace and quiet.

His gaze swept over Qi Jiguang, who was wielding a spear in the courtyard, and Zhang Juzheng, who was discussing politics in the corridor. Suddenly, he chuckled out of the blue, tilted his head back, and finished the rest of his wine. He muttered to himself, "One can govern and bring peace to the world, the other can quell rebellions and secure victory. Add my advice and strategies, and we have both civil and military talents. Isn't that enough?"

Inside the main room, the atmosphere was quiet and peaceful.

Wan Quan did not rush to take the pulse. He first consulted with Ma Dezhao, carefully inquiring about Prince Jing's daily diet, lifestyle, and routines.

He inquired about my preferences for hot and cold weather, as well as my childhood illnesses, symptoms that easily flare up during seasonal changes, my recent sleep, appetite, and mental state, and whether my vital energy was leaking out on its own. He asked detailed and thorough questions, leaving no stone unturned.

After inquiring about all the details of Zhu Zaizhen's daily life, he stepped forward and respectfully invited Zhu Zaizhen to sit down. He then gently checked Zhu Zaizhen's wrist pulse and looked down to examine his tongue coating, complexion, and demeanor.

Wan is over fifty years old, but if Zhu Zaizhen said it, most people would mistake him for being only around thirty years old, still looking like he's in his prime.

His beard and hair were jet black, without a trace of frost. His face was smooth and gentle, with few wrinkles. He was tall and upright, with dignified features, and full of energy and spirit. He looked much more energetic than Xu Wei.

Wan Quan concentrated intently on taking Zhu Zaizhen's pulse for a long time, carefully discerning the pulse's strength and weakness with his fingertips. He then raised his eyes to examine Zhu Zaizhen's complexion and the color in his eyes again. After a moment, he slowly withdrew his hand, and the cautious look between his brows completely disappeared.

"Your Highness has no serious hidden illnesses. Although he was born with some deficiencies and weak vital energy, and his internal organs were somewhat weak, he has recovered well through years of self-repair and dietary supplements."

The pulse is now steady and even, and the vital energy is abundant.

In addition, through self-discipline, exercise to nourish one's energy, stillness to nourish one's mind, moderation in diet, and regularity in daily life, one can transform weakness into strength and heal old damage.

From this point on, abide by these five principles: do not be greedy, do not overwork, do not be depressed, do not be cold, and do not take medicine.