"The Emperor, Inheriting the Mandate of Heaven, proclaims: Since the Three Sovereigns ruled the world, the Five Emperors divided the throne, Yao and Shun reigned in righteousness, and Yu and Tang brought peace to the people. The Emperor is responsible for shepherding the people and protecting the country. Since Taizu accomplished great deeds and established his rule in the Central Plains, he has been entrusted with the Mandate of Heaven and is the Son of Heaven. Fifteen emperors have ruled the country, and the dynasty has lasted for over two hundred years."

"Now it has been passed to me. Coming to the throne at such a young age, I feel as if I am treading on thin ice. I fear I have failed the trust of the late emperor. I should embody the benevolence of Heaven, which loves all things. When the ruler is wise, the ministers will be able to perform their duties, and the government and the people will be of one mind."

"Xu Guangqi, the Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, understands my heart and the people, and advises me. Emperor Taizong of Tang once said, 'Using copper as a mirror, one can adjust one's attire; using the past as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of things; using people as a mirror, one can understand gains and losses. Looking back at the emperors of the past, all the virtuous and good ones knew how to accept advice. I wish to emulate them.'"

"All construction within the palace is halted. All remaining materials will be handed over to the Ministry of Works to be used for water conservancy projects across the country, helping the people increase their harvests. I hereby declare to the people of the Ming Dynasty that from this day forward, I will not build a new palace for any of the Ming people who are left homeless."

"This statement is witnessed by heaven and earth. All the ministers supervise it and approve it."

After hearing Zhu Youxiao's imperial edict, everyone was shocked and speechless.

Originally, everyone thought that His Majesty would only agree with Xu Guangqi's suggestions, which would be a remarkable act.

Unexpectedly, His Majesty came up with something even more ruthless. He announced to the world that His Majesty would not build a new palace for any Ming people who had no place to live.

As soon as these words came out, some people immediately realized that something was wrong, including Xu Guangqi.

Xu Guangqi quickly said, "Your Majesty, although the court is short of funds, once the court has ample funds, Your Majesty's palace must be newly built. Your Majesty's palace is the seat of prestige of the Ming Dynasty. This move is inappropriate. I urge Your Majesty to revoke your order."

After Xu Guangqi spoke, everyone else also spoke up, saying loudly: "Your Majesty, please revoke your order."

Glancing at Xu Guangqi, Zhu Youxiao didn't know whether he was speaking from the heart or had other considerations.

But it doesn't matter anymore. What Xu Guangqi said was really great. Both the timing and the sense of proportion were perfect.

Zhu Youxiao stood up and said solemnly, "I ascended the throne at a young age, relying on the assistance of all the loyal ministers at court. However, the court is plagued by numerous problems, the national treasury is insufficient, the people are suffering, the soldiers at the border are fleeing, and the ministers at court are working hard at home. How can I bear to build my own new palace?"

"My mind is made up. You shall obey my order and do not say anything more."

After saying this, Zhu Youxiao did not sit back. He stood there quietly, looking at all the ministers with an expressionless face.

Seeing that they still did not accept the order, Zhu Youxiao said loudly: "Do you want to disobey the order?"

After hearing this, everyone still didn't know how to respond.

However, several ministers in the cabinet spoke up, "We obey your order."

With the cabinet's senior officials taking the lead, the others also knew what to do, so they quickly bowed and said, "We obey your order."

After hearing what they said, Zhu Youxiao nodded in satisfaction, sat back on his dragon throne, and said with a gentle smile: "This imperial edict will be announced to the world and spread to all government offices across the country. Let all government offices spread it to the people. I want all the people in the world to know that I love them."

"We obey your order." Everyone answered again.

This matter must be announced to the world so that everyone knows. I believe that the ministers will spare no effort, because this time they did it together.

Because of the previous events, the remaining officials in the court did not have a very good reputation among the literati and the people. This was also the time for them to improve their reputation.

With such a good opportunity, they naturally would not let it go.

"If there is nothing else, let's adjourn the court." Zhu Youxiao stood up with a smile and walked to the back.

Listening to the kowtow sounds coming from behind him, Zhu Youxiao felt that the kowtow sounds seemed much louder than the previous few times when he left the court, so his steps became lighter.

In fact, Zhu Youxiao probably also understood that the ministers in the court had changed their impression of him as the emperor.

Some time ago, the atmosphere in the court was so tense that many officials didn't know what to do. They didn't even dare to speak, fearing that the emperor would implicate them.

If this continues, a trend will form where the more you do, the more mistakes you make, the less you do, the fewer mistakes you make, and if you do nothing, the fewer mistakes you make. This will push the atmosphere in the court to the other extreme, which Zhu Youxiao will never allow.

After returning to the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Youxiao did not stay for too long, but went to the Kunning Palace to meet Empress Zhang.

Zhu Youxiao wanted to talk about this matter with Empress Zhang, because someone would flatter her next, and he wanted her to be prepared.

Of course, this matter is not the main one, but a side matter.

After this incident, the situation in the court had stabilized. The ministers could focus on their work, and he didn't need to do anything in the court for the time being.

Zhu Youxiao went to Kunning Palace this time mainly to prepare for his next step.