Ming Dynasty: Charge, Emperor Yongle!

Chapter 85: Captives Presented at the Imperial Ancestral Temple; Blood-Written Letter Shocks the Court!

Mao Shi, the time of dawn.

The streets of the capital were already packed with people, and the imperial guards, fully armored and armed, stood by the roadside, with colorful banners fluttering in the wind.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites were responsible for arranging the road from Fengtian Gate to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. A grand royal procession appeared before countless eyes, including a band, chariot horses, five palanquins, and precious elephants. Civil and military officials wore their most solemn ceremonial robes. Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang changed his usual attire, wearing a twelve-tassel flat crown and a twelve-symbol ceremonial robe, gazing ahead.

"Waaah—"

"Thump! Thump! Thump!"

The melodious and deep sound of horns and the thunderous sound of drums resounded in all directions.

"Da da da! Da da da!"

Zhu Di appeared before everyone, riding a white horse, wearing a crimson robe with five dragons, and with his hair tied up in a purple-gold crown. He was tall and straight.

"Tap tap..."

Three thousand Mongol cavalrymen from the Three Thousand Battalion followed closely behind, followed by ten thousand elite soldiers from the Five Armies Battalion and 3800 men from the Divine Machine Battalion, who filed in single file.

The scene was silent. Everyone stared intently at Ayushiridara, the last emperor of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, who was being escorted by the imperial guards. The former emperor of the Great Yuan Dynasty was now disheveled, and his eyes were filled with resentment and unwillingness.

"Long live His Highness the Prince of Yan!"

"Long live the Ming Dynasty!"

"Long live! Long live! Long live the Emperor!"

In an instant, cheers from countless people erupted like a landslide and a tsunami.

Since the Mongols came to power, the Han people have lived in misery, all of which can be attributed to the rule of the Golden Family.

Now that Prince Yan, Zhu Di, has captured the last emperor of the Northern Yuan, it signifies that the humiliation of the past century has been swept away. How could they not be excited?

Wang Baobao, Nairbuhua, and other Northern Yuan generals and officials had mixed feelings when they saw Borjigin Ayushiridara.

"Your Majesty, I have obeyed your command to drive the Yuan people north. After conquering them, I returned and captured their chieftain. I hereby respectfully report this to Your Majesty and our ancestors!"

Zhu Di dismounted at Fengtian Gate, knelt on one knee, and shouted loudly.

"Okay! Okay!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was deeply moved and personally stepped forward to help Zhu Di up, saying, "Our Great Ming Dynasty now has an invincible general!"

"Great General King!"

"Great General King!"

"Great General King!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers reacted with varying expressions, while the common people roared in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and the earth.

Zhu Di's emergence provided a channel for members of the imperial family to seize military power, and no one dared to deny his achievements; even Xu Da could not do so.

From now on, in addition to the imperial nobles, the Ming Dynasty also had the option of having members of the imperial clan command the military, thus forming a stable triangle among civil officials, imperial nobles, and members of the imperial clan.

"The sinner Borjigin Ayushiridara has offended the wrath of Heaven and begs only for death!"

The imperial guards escorted the last emperor of the Northern Yuan Dynasty to kneel at Fengtian Gate.

"The Yuan Dynasty ruled China for nearly a century, making it the land of China."

"By the grace of Heaven, I have established the Ming Dynasty and adopted the reign title Hongwu. I hereby pardon you from the death penalty and bestow upon you the title of Duke of Disobedience."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked down at the last emperor of the Northern Yuan Dynasty, and his loud voice spread out.

"Disobedient scoundrel!"

Borjigin Ayushiridara gave a self-deprecating laugh and kowtowed again: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your divine grace!"

"Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Ming Dynasty!"

Li Shanchang, the Duke of Han, spoke first, followed by the assembled officials: "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Ming Dynasty!"

"Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Ming Dynasty!"

The soldiers and civilians present roared in unison, their voices echoing throughout the heavens and earth.

"well!!!"

Wang Baobao sighed deeply. "The title of 'Duke of Disobedience,' which means defying the will of Heaven, is still better than the title of 'Duke of Ignorance' that the Jin Dynasty bestowed upon Emperor Huizong of Song in the past."

The dignity of the Mongols was preserved in the case of Borjigin Ayushiridara, and Yuan officials and generals could then serve the Ming Dynasty with peace of mind.

"Your Majesty, the time has come!"

An official from the Ministry of Rites offered a reminder.

"Fourth brother, go ahead, your eldest brother is waiting for you."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand in acknowledgment.

"Yes."

Zhu Di mounted his horse again and galloped towards the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

"Tap tap..."

The Three Thousand Battalion, the Five Armies Battalion, and the Divine Machine Battalion followed in turn.

A white sash was tied around the neck of Borjigin Ayushiridara, and he was led to stand facing north outside the gate of the Temple of Heaven.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao personally presided over the ceremony of presenting captives at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, loudly proclaiming, "Kneel!!!"

pat!

Borjigin Ayushiridara bowed his head.

Then, they were taken to the Altar of Earth and Grain, where they received the same rites, before finally being taken out of the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

This grand ceremony of presenting captives at the Imperial Ancestral Temple signified that the Ming Dynasty was now on the rightful path of Chinese rule, inheriting the highest power and prestige of the Han people.

At 1-3 PM, at the Fengtian Hall.

Civil and military officials stood together on the side, while inside the hall, led by Prince Yan Zhu Di, stood the generals who had made great contributions to this northern expedition.

"Your Highness, proclaim the imperial decree!"

Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne, looking down at those below, a hint of self-satisfaction showing on his square face.

"Yes, Father."

Holding the imperial edict, Zhu Biao faced the assembled officials and loudly proclaimed: "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The fourth son of the Emperor, Prince Yan Di, is brave and decisive, virtuous and talented, and has rendered great service to the country. He is hereby appointed as the Grand Protector of Southern Mongolia, in charge of the Hebei Provincial Secretariat, and in charge of military affairs in Liaodong and Liaoxi."

boom!!!

The moment those words were spoken, the entire hall was astonished.

This is equivalent to handing over all military power in southern Mongolia, Liaodong, western Liaoning, and Hebei to Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan.

Prince Zhu of Jin was so envious that his eyes turned red. In this way, Zhu Di would probably be the person who controlled the most troops in the entire Ming Dynasty.

"Your subject obeys the decree!"

Zhu Di strode towards Zhu Biao, the two brothers exchanged a smile, everything understood without a word.

"Kökö Temür, King of Qi of the Northern Yuan!"

The eunuch in front of the palace took out another imperial edict and began to read it aloud: "Having fought a hundred battles without yielding, and being loyal and devoted, you have abandoned darkness and embraced light. I am very pleased. I hereby confer upon you the title of Duke of Yuan, with a fief of four thousand households, and grant you the additional title of Left Commander-in-Chief of the Grand General's Office."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Wang Baobao remained calm as he stepped forward to receive the imperial edict.

"this???"

The faces of the group of nobles from Huaixi turned extremely ugly; they had suffered many losses at the hands of Wang Baobao.

It should be noted that in the third year of the Hongwu reign, His Majesty bestowed titles upon meritorious officials. Li Shanchang, the Duke of Han, received the largest fiefdom, with 4,800 households. Although it was a nominal title, the actual benefit was an annual stipend of 4,000 shi (a unit of dry measure), which made him the head of the nobility. Wang Baobao, on the other hand, received the title of Duke and 4,000 households simply for surrendering.

"Xu Da, Duke of Wei, was granted an additional 1,500 households as his fief and appointed Grand Commander of the Grand Commander's Office."

"Li Wenzhong, Duke of Cao, was granted an additional 800 households as his fief and appointed Right Vice Commander of the Grand General's Office."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Xu Da and Li Wenzhong both stepped forward to receive the imperial decree.

"Giggle!"

Duke Feng Sheng of Song was so angry he gritted his teeth. Now he was completely powerless, a commander without any real authority.

Marquis Changxing Geng Bingwen, Marquis Yingchuan Fu Youde, and others had grim faces. They would either have their merits and demerits cancel each other out, or they would be reprimanded.

"Marquis Tang He of Zhongshan devoted himself wholeheartedly to serving the country and was awarded the title of Grand Protector of the Northern Desert."

"Gu Cheng, the chief secretary of the Central Route Army, was promoted to Earl of Jiangdu and appointed as the Deputy Protector-General of the Northern Desert for his meritorious service in the army."

"Mu Ying, the Assistant Commander of the Grand General's Office, recovered Beiting and Hexi, captured the Liang King of the Northern Yuan, and was promoted to Marquis of Xiping and appointed Grand Protector of Beiting."

"General Nairbuhua of the Yuan Dynasty was exceptionally loyal and brave, and fought valiantly for the country. He was promoted to Marquis of Suining and appointed as Deputy Grand Protector of Beiting."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

As the eunuch read out the four imperial edicts of bestowal and reward, Tang He and the others stepped forward together.

The assembled officials all turned their heads in dismay. This battle had resulted in the addition of one Duke, two Marquises, and one Earl.

However, the next imperial edict caused the entire audience to erupt in commotion.

"The daughter of the Duke of Yuan, Boyalun Haibie, is intelligent and charming, and is suitable to be a concubine of the Prince of Yan."

"On behalf of my daughter, I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness!"

Wang Baobao had anticipated this and was not surprised at all, gladly accepting the imperial edict.

Old man, you really know how to have fun!

Zhu Di narrowed his eyes, inwardly cursing Zhu Yuanzhang for using empty promises and this marriage contract to deceive him about his immense achievements. Zhu Yuanzhang's imperial cunning was truly remarkable.

The expressions of Li Shanchang, Hu Weiyong, and other Huaixi Party members all changed.

Wang Baobao was not the former Prince of Qi of the Northern Yuan, but the Duke of Yuan of the Ming Dynasty, the Left Commander of the Grand Military Commission, and a powerful figure in the military. If he were to marry Prince Yan, Zhu Di, it would be equivalent to having two dukes as fathers-in-law behind Prince Yan, which would be an insurmountable mountain.

In the future, anyone who wants to take action against the Prince of Yan will have to take Xu Da and Wang Baobao into account.

"Ministers, if you have something to report, please speak now; otherwise, the court may adjourn!"

After the imperial edict was read, Zhu Yuanzhang said somewhat impatiently.

Before the assembled officials could recover from the revelations, Prince Yan, Zhu Di, walked to the center of the Fengtian Hall and announced loudly, "Father, I have a report to make."

"brush!!!"

Immediately, all eyes were focused on Zhu Di.

Fourth brother!

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly. He didn't understand what Zhu Di wanted to do, so he could only nod and say, "Granted!"

"Come on, bring them in."

Zhu Di shouted loudly.

"Yes."

A response came from outside the hall, and then a young novice monk appeared before the civil and military officials.

Hu Weiyong, Zhu Liangzu, and others felt a sense of worry and tension.

"Student Tie Xuan greets Your Majesty!"

The young novice bowed his head in worship, his voice cold and stern, filled with anger and hatred.

"student?"

"Are you a student?"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the young novice monk in front of him and vaguely guessed what was going on.

"Your Majesty."

"A year ago, the student was ordered to go to Huaixi and Henan with a group of colleagues to carry out missions."

Boom!

In an instant, the entire hall was in turmoil, and Elder Li Shan's eyes widened instantly.

Hu Weiyong, Zhu Liangzu, and others were greatly shocked; they were indeed the fish that had slipped through the net in Henan.

"Cheol-hyun".

"Say everything you see and everything you want to say today."

Zhu Di stood with his hands behind his back and said calmly.

Tie Xuan raised his head, his eyes bloodshot, and glanced at Huai Xi Xun Gui. His resounding words echoed in the hall: "This student submits a petition written in blood by the people of Fengyang Prefecture, accusing Huai Xi Xun Gui of abusing his family and servants, abusing his power to seize fertile land, committing murder and arson, and committing all sorts of evil deeds."

What?

Upon hearing this, all the civil and military officials changed color, and the people wrote a petition in blood, realizing that this matter was of utmost importance.

"When I passed through Henan, I heard a folk song."

"Would you gentlemen be willing to listen?"

Zhu Di's lips curled into a sneer as he spoke: "Speaking of Fengyang, speaking of Fengyang, Fengyang was originally a good place, but since the Zhu Emperor came, it has been barren for nine out of ten years. The rich sell their mules and horses, the poor sell their sons, but I have no sons to sell, so I carry a flower drum and wander around."

The sky has fallen!

The officials who heard the song trembled with fear and were terrified.

Everyone knows that the current emperor is from Fengyang, and even wants to move the capital to Fengyang. The people of Fengyang are living in such misery. Isn't this a slap in the face to the emperor?

"Bang!!!"

Zhu Yuanzhang flew into a rage, stood up, and roared, "Guards, bring me the blood-written letter!"

"Yes."

The eunuch immediately took the blood-written letter from Tie Xuan and presented it to the emperor.

Zhu Yuanzhang picked up the blood-written letter with trembling hands and read it word by word, as if the people of Fengyang Prefecture were appearing in his eyes.

It’s over! ! ! "

Zhu Liangzu and other nobles from Huaixi were trembling.

"Your salary and emoluments are the blood and sweat of the people; the common people are easily oppressed, but Heaven is hard to deceive."

"How...how dare you?"

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at the group of people, including the Huaixi Xun Gui, with a ferocious expression. The atmosphere in the entire Fengtian Hall suddenly became extremely tense.

"His Majesty."

Feng Sheng, Zhu Liangzu, and others all knelt down and bowed their heads.

"Your Majesty, student Cheol-hyun begs you to uphold justice for the people!"

Tie Xuan kowtowed violently, the dull sound echoing throughout the entire hall.

Damn it!

Upon seeing this, Feng Sheng, Zhu Liangzu, and others were so eager to skin Tie Xuan alive and devour him.

The cover-up in Henan and Huaixi has been lifted, exposed to the officials. Their actions can no longer be hidden. If the emperor does not punish them, how can he face the people and the nation?

"His Majesty."

"This matter is of great importance. I request that the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, and the Court of Judicial Review cooperate in handling it."

Hu Weiyong acted decisively and stepped forward, speaking loudly.

"I second that proposal!"

"I second that proposal!"

A group of Huaixi Party members readily echoed this sentiment.

"Father."

"Your subject believes that what the Left Chancellor said is not without reason."

Seeing that the situation was beyond control, Crown Prince Zhu Biao offered his advice.

Tie Xuan watched helplessly as officials he had once held in high esteem lied through their teeth, trying to cover up the truth. His hatred was so intense it could overturn mountains and rivers. He could only turn his gaze to Zhu Di and plead desperately.

"It seems Lord Hu is in a hurry."

"Don't rush, this is just the beginning."

"Someone come here!"

Zhu Di beckoned again.

"Tap tap!"

Zhang Wu and the others entered the hall together and threw all their weapons in the center of the hall.

A hint of fear appeared in the eyes of Marquis Tang Shengzong of Yan'an, Marquis Lu Zhongheng of Ji'an, Marquis Zhou Dexing of Jiangxia, Marquis Hua Yunlong of Huai'an, and Marquis Gu Shi of Jining, while Marquis Zhu Liangzu of Yongjia forced himself to remain calm.

"I was attacked by more than 300 assassins at the post station in Anqing Prefecture. These are the assassins' weapons, which are engraved with the six characters 'Supervised by Fengyang Prefecture'."

boom!!!

These words struck the entire Fengtian Hall like a bolt from the blue.

Who had the audacity to ambush princes and nobles, or use weapons manufactured in the army?

Fourth brother, what exactly are you trying to do?

Even Crown Prince Zhu Biao couldn't calm down, staring intently at Zhu Di.

"I would like to ask you gentlemen a question."

"Anqing Prefecture and Yingtian Prefecture are separated by a river, only a few hundred miles apart."

"If these people can assassinate me today, will they dare to storm the palace and overthrow the dynasty tomorrow?"

Looking around at everyone, Zhu Di's gaze lingered on the group of nobles from Huaixi for a while before he spoke loudly.

"hiss!!!"

The assembled officials all gasped in shock—a decisive blow!

Those damned bastards!

How could Li Shanchang, the Duke of Han, not know that someone had stirred up trouble, and that this person was most likely involved with him?