The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

After finishing his breakfast, Zhu Zaizhen went to the Wenhua Hall. This hall was originally where the Crown Prince observed the government and supervised the country. A few years ago, the emperor changed the green tiles on the roof to yellow tiles on the grounds that the Crown Prince was too young to govern, and it was officially upgraded to an imperial palace.

After the emperor moved from the palace to the West Garden, this place became a place for the princes to study, although it was only a side hall.

Zhu Zaizhen met with Prince Yu outside the Wenhua Hall. A eunuch from the Crown Prince's side came to report: "Your Highness Prince Yu and Your Highness Prince Jing, the Crown Prince went to the West Garden to express his gratitude early this morning. He told you two not to wait and to go straight in to study. Be sure to concentrate on your studies."

"promise."

Upon entering the hall, the Hanlin Academy scholars were already waiting. After exchanging greetings with the two princes, he began his studies as usual, focusing on the Four Books and Five Classics, with particular emphasis on the "Extended Meaning of the Great Learning" and the "Essentials of Governance in the Zhenguan Era".

The difference lies in the fact that after the crown prince leaves the palace, he continues his studies with governance as the core, and also gets involved in political affairs.

When princes leave the palace, the focus is more on moral education to avoid interference in politics.

Zhu Zaizhen listened attentively and only went to relieve himself twice at noon. The morning passed quickly.

At this moment, the Crown Prince also returned, his face showing much less worry, and his demeanor was even more imposing, clearly indicating that he had received more promises from the Emperor.

It's unclear whether the emperor acted out of genuine concern or was forced by circumstances.

The purpose of living forever is simply to remain the only person in the world, enjoying endless wealth and glory.

If the price of immortality is eternal suffering and poverty, few people would be willing to accept it.

After having lunch together, Zhu Zaizhen mentioned that he would be practicing health cultivation techniques with Imperial Physician Zhou that afternoon and invited his two elder brothers to join him.

There are very few secrets in the palace, so it's impossible to keep anything hidden, and there's nothing worth keeping anyway. Who doesn't want to live longer, especially someone who has just recovered from a serious illness?

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince agreed, saying, "This is a good thing. Zaizhen, since you are going to practice, you must persevere. As for me, I have been busy lately, so let's talk about it later."

Prince Yu had long wanted to avoid associating with the two of them, and immediately shook his head: "I'd rather study with the scholar this afternoon."

Zhu Zaizhen stopped trying to persuade him. After the meal, he sent someone to ask the scholars for leave. According to the system set by Emperor Taizu, the afternoon should have been for practicing archery and horsemanship. However, the civil officials were powerful and the military officials were insignificant, which led to the afternoon being occupied by the Hanlin scholars.

Two years ago, this leave would most likely not have been granted, but now that the Crown Prince has left the palace, the Princes don't need to learn so much about governing the country, so the restrictions will be much less.

…………

After returning to his own palace, Zhu Zaizhen took a nap. When he woke up, he saw that Zhou Shouzhen had already arrived. After paying his respects, he changed into a light robe.

Then they arrived at a clean and bright side hall, which was obviously specially ordered by Ma Dezhao to be cleaned up.

"How did Your Highness rest?" The title "Master" wasn't given lightly; Zhou Shouzhen, no longer so cautious around Prince Jing, bowed and stepped forward to take his pulse, asking, "How did you feel upon waking?"

Zhu Zaizhen felt he didn't have any particular feelings, but he still explained in detail: "I rested fairly well, and I don't have any particular feelings, except that my legs and feet are still a little sore, my lower abdomen is a little bloated and cold, but I'm also a little hungry."

After listening, Zhou Shouzhen simply stroked his beard and didn't say anything more.

"Master Zhou, we're about to practice, wouldn't it be good to eat something first?"

Zhu Zaizhen's digestion wasn't very good, but he always felt hungry quickly. He would lose his appetite after eating, but then become greedy again after a while.

Zhou Shouzhen shook his head: "Avoid eating raw or cold foods for an hour before and after practicing, to prevent damage to the spleen, stomach, and yang energy."

"Alright, let's begin then, Master Zhou. What should we practice first?"

"Your Highness, I have consulted with some of my colleagues. Given Your Highness's condition, it is advisable to first practice the Eight Pieces of Brocade sitting exercise. Once your physique is strong and healthy, you can then practice standing exercises and the Five Animal Frolics."

"Once Your Highness comes of age, it would be best to seek out the Three Elements Technique from the Imperial Physician. With consistent practice over the years, combined with nourishing soups and medicines from the Imperial Medical Academy, you will be able to prolong your life and maintain a health as evergreen as a pine tree."

Zhou Shouzhen guided Zhu Zaizhen to sit cross-legged: "Your Highness, remember to silently recite the word 'He' when you inhale to protect your heart meridian, hold your breath and visualize golden light pouring into your head, exhale and recite the word 'Chui' to strengthen your kidney energy, and hold your breath and focus your mind on your dantian."

"it is good."

To concentrate your spirit, close your eyes and sit upright. Gently tap your upper and lower teeth together thirty-six times, press your tongue against the roof of your mouth, and swallow your saliva in three gulps. Tapping your teeth is like striking a chime, gathering your primordial spirit in the Niwan point (the area above the head).

Place both hands on your knees, and slowly rotate your head and neck three times to the left and right. As the Heavenly Pillar shakes, the dragon energy rises, moving slowly like clouds.

Press down on the Baihui acupoint with your left palm facing down, and support the Mingmen acupoint on your lower back with your right palm facing up. Repeat this three times. Press the Tianmen acupoint to strengthen the spirit, and then press down on the Mingmen acupoint to calm the essence…

Under Zhou Shouzheng's careful instruction, Zhu Zaizhen slowly but accurately performed these eight exercises in conjunction with the Four Symbols Breathing Method twice, stopping only when he was sweating profusely.

Teaching others is far more arduous than practicing yourself. Zhou Shouzhen's forehead was also sweating. He accepted the handkerchief handed to him by Ma Dezhao and thanked him. Then he instructed, "Your Highness, after practicing, your pores will be open. You need to avoid wind and cold. It is best to sit quietly in the room for half an incense stick's time after you finish practicing."

Zhu Zaizhen nodded slightly, letting Zhang Xing wipe his sweat, thinking that he would need to take a bath to relax that night.

"Mr. Zhou," Ma Dezhao followed up, "Are there any other taboos? Please inform this servant."

"From now on, it is best to practice at the hour of Mao (5-7 AM), when the Yang energy is just beginning to rise and is most compatible with the body. Avoid practicing late at night as this will disturb the Qi and blood. Also, anger will cause the Qi to rise and grief will cause the Qi to dissipate. It is not advisable to practice when your emotions are unstable. You should also not practice during thunderstorms or the Awakening of Insects."

Seeing that Prince Jing showed no signs of getting tired, Zhou Shouzhen said, "For the next few days, I will come to accompany Your Highness in the mornings to practice. Once Your Highness is familiar with it, you can practice on your own."

"Okay, thank you for your help, sir."

A moment later, Zhou Shouzhen took his leave. Zhu Zaizhen changed into dry clothes and went back to his bedchamber to lie down. He then asked Tao Ze to bring him some refreshing fruit.

Ma Dezhao walked in and whispered, "His Highness the Crown Prince has also received a pass to the West Garden."

"Where is Prince Yu?"

"This servant has not heard of His Majesty bestowing any rewards upon Prince Yu." Ma Dezhao hesitated for a moment before asking, "When does Your Highness plan to visit the West Garden again?"

"Let's wait a couple of days."

He performed quite well yesterday, but let the emperor digest this first. Besides, he's been going too often, and he's not always confident he can appease his father, who is ruthless, ungrateful, suspicious, and cunning to the core. Even his own son has to choose a time when the emperor is in a good mood to go.

Ultimately, a token can be given away at will, and taken back when the time is up. Then there's nowhere to cry out for justice. The emperor and the father, loyalty and filial piety, all come down on you at once. Who can withstand that?

Hearing His Highness say this, Ma Dezhao breathed a sigh of relief. He was afraid that His Highness would really think that he had won the Emperor's favor and would go to the West Garden every day.

Those who have spent the longest time in the palace know that, except for those who value power over life, the further away from the Emperor the better. You might not be able to get enough of his favor, but his thunderbolts can really kill you.

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