Chapter 7 Before Departure

After mid-July, Zhu Yuhuan had prepared everything he needed and officially set off for Yunnan.

Before leaving, Zhu Qizhen inevitably gave some instructions, so Zhu Yuhuan was summoned to the Qianqing Palace to listen to the emperor's personal teachings and receive an imperial edict in person.

In the Qianqing Palace, not only Emperor Zhu Qizhen sat at the top, but also the powerful eunuch Wang Zhen of the Silijian was also there.

When only the eldest princess and the emperor and his sister were discussing government affairs, Wang Zhen's appearance here was enough to show the emperor's trust and reliance on Wang Zhen.

Zhu Yuhuan knew this very well, and she was even more aware that these two were waiting for her to leave Beijing to settle the score with Yang Shiqi and Yang Ji, father and son.

However, Zhu Yuhuan was the one who pushed this matter in the first place, so she was certainly not surprised.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

Zhu Qizhen was in a relaxed and cheerful mood. He waved his hand and said, "Now it's just the two of us, brother and sister. Why are you being so polite, big sister?"

Zhu Yuhuan said with a smile: "Etiquette cannot be abolished. Your Majesty and Eunuch Wang have treated me with such courtesy, how dare I be rude."

The brother and sister exchanged a few jokes before Zhu Qizhen spoke: "The memorial Wang Ji gave me mentioned that Yunnan is currently implementing the policy of converting natives into officials. We are just waiting for you, elder sister, to lead the manpower and resources to Yunnan to take charge of the overall situation."

Zhu Yuhuan said solemnly, "I will definitely not let your majesty down."

Zhu Qizhen gave a look to Wang Zhen next to him, and Wang Zhen handed the decree that Zhu Qizhen had prepared to Zhu Yuhuan.

Wang Zhen saw Zhu Yuhuan about to perform the ceremony and said hurriedly, "This decree was drafted long ago by His Majesty. Your Highness does not need to perform the ceremony."

He could not bear the courtesy of Princess Shunde, for fear that he would offend the princess and shorten his life... When others saluted him, Wang Zhen could still feel a bit majestic, but when the princess saluted him, Wang Zhen was only worried that he would be in big trouble next.

Zhu Qizhen stood up and supported Zhu Yuhuan's arm, saying, "I wrote this secret decree myself. Yunnan has been managed by the Mu family for many years, and their prestige is extremely high. However, the Mu family has never had enough power to deter the local officials in Yunnan. The transformation of the native officials into commoners requires coercive measures. In addition to the army, someone who can enforce the process is needed. Most people may not have the courage of my elder sister. I feel most at ease leaving this matter entirely to my elder sister."

Zhu Qizhen was no fool, and naturally understood the importance of this matter. He also knew that Zhu Yuhuan was a person who would absolutely put the interests of the Zhu family first, and would never lose to his subjects in terms of loyalty, not to mention that Zhu Yuhuan was less of a threat than the vassal kings.

But because of this, Zhu Yuhuan also needed the emperor's support to have enough prestige to "command the people", and Zhu Qizhen had to delegate power to her. Compared with the rewards and benefits, Zhu Yuhuan's threat was negligible, and Zhu Qizhen certainly would not miss such a "business" that was sure to make money.

Zhu Yuhuan was touched and said, "Your Majesty is so thoughtful. If my grandmother and the emperor were still alive, they would surely be very pleased."

Mentioning these two people who had personally taught him, Zhu Qizhen's expression became more relaxed. He said, "Grandma and Dad must have known about the sacrifices we made to Xianling and Jingling earlier. They must be happy for me and my elder sister."

Zhu Yuhuan smiled, then spoke earnestly, "I'm going to Yunnan this time, and I don't know when I'll be back. I have a few words for your consideration, Your Majesty. While maintaining peace in the southwest is important, we must not neglect the northwest. The Wala's ambitions should not be underestimated, and Your Majesty should be on high alert."

Wang Zhen, who was originally in a relaxed mood, felt a tightness in his heart.

What you fear will come true.

The Oirat Mongols are much more obedient now. On the surface, it is because of tribute, but in fact it is because smuggling has satisfied the Oirat Mongols' demand for weapons. In addition, the Oirat Mongols are now attacking other tribes on the grassland, so naturally they cannot spare the time to attack the Ming Dynasty.

The Ming Dynasty had just ended the war against Luchuan and was in the process of recovery. It was also busy with the issue of transforming the native tribes into Han people. Many soldiers still needed to be stationed in Yunnan, and the supply of food and grass could not be cut off. Naturally, it had no time to care about the affairs of the Oirat.

For Wang Zhen, proposing friendly relations with the Oirat not only provided effective advice to the emperor, but also made it easier for him to make money through smuggling and feed the officials, eunuchs, and even the garrison commanders in his faction. Everyone benefited. Moreover, Wang Zhen was by the emperor's side and had the clearest understanding of the emperor's movements. Even if the emperor wanted to conduct a thorough investigation, he could notify others to stop.

We are all grasshoppers on the same rope. It is not a good thing for anyone to be caught. We can only protect each other and benefit together.

Zhu Qizhen had some understanding of the situation in the Ming Dynasty, and Wang Zhen also strongly advised that the current situation in the southwest should be given priority. Therefore, even though the number of people paying tribute from the Oirat obviously exceeded the prescribed number, Zhu Qizhen did not care.

Just like rich people don’t care how many beggars come to beg for food every day, or whether there are any unfamiliar faces among them. They just give them some money to send them away. Anyway, a few beggars can’t cause much trouble.

"I understand, don't worry, big sister."

When Zhu Yuhuan heard what he said, he knew that Zhu Qizhen was just responding with a few words. If he continued talking, not only would he fail to persuade Zhu Qizhen, but it might even have a counterproductive effect.

Therefore, Zhu Yuhuan did not say anything more, but just said: "Your Majesty should pay more attention to the Holy Body. The two Empress Dowagers are waiting to hold the future grandson."

Zhu Qizhen coughed lightly, showing a rare hint of embarrassment, and said, "Big sister... this won't happen overnight. It depends on the queen's health."

Zhu Yuhuan covered his lips and smiled, "The Emperor and Empress are role models for the whole nation. Seeing the harmony between the Emperor and Empress, how could the Empress Dowagers be worried?"

Zhu Qizhen was naturally very clear about this. Unlike his father, he had chosen the empress himself and had no dissatisfaction with her. Not to mention that the empress had a gentle personality. It would be great if she could give birth to a legitimate son, but it would not be a big deal if she couldn't. Having two empress dowagers at the same time set a precedent, and no one would be wronged.

If the emperor and empress live in harmony and there are more concubines who give birth to royal heirs, the throne will only become more and more stable.

If an ordinary person cared about the issue of Zhu Qizhen's offspring, he would inevitably be suspected, but Zhu Yuhuan's identity was different. There was not even a trace of anger on Zhu Qizhen's face, which made Wang Zhen secretly shocked.

He was thinking of finding Princess Shunde's weakness so as to completely take her down.

However, the emperor repeatedly elevated the eldest princess's status, perhaps intending to use the eldest princess to suppress the civil officials. They were both pawns of the emperor. If they attacked each other, I'm afraid the emperor would be the first to get rid of him.

Princess Shunde is a princess after all, while Wang Zhen is just a eunuch. In terms of identity, Princess Shunde already has an innate advantage.

Thinking of this, Wang Zhen couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.

No wonder Princess Shunde has always ignored him and has no intention of attacking him. She must have considered this a long time ago.

Zhu Yuhuan noticed Wang Zhen's gaze and said with a smile, "With Eunuch Wang by your Majesty's side, I'm sure everyone can rest assured. I heard that Eunuch Wang put a lot of thought into the Taoist temple that your Majesty gave me."

Wang Zhen’s guess was correct, but this was not the important reason.

Zhu Yuhuan was still waiting for Zhu Qizhen and Wang Zhen to pull down Yang Shiqi and Yang Pu together, so that other people could fill in.

According to Zhu Qizhen's considerations, he would definitely give priority to people who were more suitable for him now. Zeng Heling was one of them, who fully met the cabinet standards in terms of age and resume. After all, he was the top scholar in the 19th year of Yongle, and he had served in the Hanlin Academy for many years and presided over the provincial examinations. There was no problem in using him as a transition.

It is enough as long as the later person is not the same kind of person as Yang Shiqi and Yang Pu. Especially since Zeng Heling is not young anymore, and there is no guarantee that he will be gone one day, someone else can still take his place at that time. He is the best candidate to join the cabinet.

Wang Zhen is such a useful tool that not only Zhu Qizhen but also Zhu Yuhuan likes him.

Even though Wang Zhen was too selfish as a tool, for the emperor, such a tool was easier to use. Once something went wrong, Zhu Qizhen could simply put the blame on him and replace him with a new tool.

Wang Zhen looked flattered upon hearing this and said, "Your Highness, I am truly honored. I am only doing my best to help you."

Seeing that the two were on good terms, Zhu Qizhen said, "On the day of your departure, I will not be able to see you off in person, so let Wang Zhen go on my behalf."

Wang Zhen felt a stomachache at the thought of having to meet Princess Shunde again, fearing that she would find out something. However, this was the emperor's order, and he had no choice but to agree.

Zhu Yuhuan still had a smile on his face and said, "I thank your Majesty."

This time was different from the previous expedition to Luchuan, and there was no need for a grand display. Therefore, when Zhu Yuhuan left Beijing this time, in addition to a large team following him, such as craftsmen, officials and escorting troops, there were also carriages carrying various books and drawings.

The most eye-catching one among them is naturally Wang Zhen. After all, he is the eunuch beside the emperor. In just over a year, many officials in the court and the country obey his orders. People can't help but want to see what this legendary eunuch in charge of the Imperial Household Department looks like.

Wang Zhen himself was quite uncomfortable. He had been so popular that year, so who would dare to look at him like that? But now that Princess Shunde was right beside him, Wang Zhen had no chance to lash out even if he wanted to.

Zhu Yuhuan could see that he was feeling uncomfortable, but he just didn't point it out.

Anyway, she wasn't the one who felt uncomfortable. Besides, the team had just started to set off, and they still had to spend a long time together on the way. Scolding others after just a few glances would only cause trouble for the subsequent work.

Xu Wangzhi, who was following nearby, could not help but approach Zhu Yuhuan and whispered, "This is the all-powerful Wang Dayong."

"how?"

Xu Wangzhi said gravely, "It feels like his eyes are on top of his head." She added seriously, "You are all from the royal family, so it's understandable that your eyes are a little higher. What is there for him to be proud of?"

Zhu Yuhuan was amused by her words and said, "Isn't this the case for all those who work for the royal family? When Jin Ying was in power, his sons and nephews openly beat up vendors on the street. Those in power are all like this."

Xu Wangzhi curled her lips and said, "My mother always told me that if you climb high, you will fall hard. Humph..." After she finished speaking, she couldn't help but sigh and muttered, "But he seems to be very important. I heard from Zhong Ge'er's wife before that His Majesty seems to value Wang Zhen very much..."

Zhu Yuhuan shook his head indifferently and said, "Climbing high doesn't necessarily mean falling hard."

It is also possible that he fell to his death.

Xu Wangzhi had no interest in Wang Zhen. He simply glanced around and asked curiously, "Can we really accomplish the so-called transformation of the native officials with these people? It would be better to bring more soldiers. I heard that there are many native officials in Yunnan who will kill people with knives if they disagree with them..."

Zhu Yuhuan was a little amused and said, "Luchuan was just beaten so badly. Most of the soldiers who returned, except for some civilians and soldiers from Yunnan and Guizhou who were released, are still stationed in Yunnan. With the army there, even if there really is chaos, it won't happen." She touched her chin and continued, "That being said, you must not think of going alone in Yunnan. Whether it's treating patients or going up the mountain to collect herbs, you must have someone accompany you. If you don't have anyone, just stay by my side. Do you understand?"

Yunnan was still relatively uninvolved in the region at that time, and the Luchuan Campaign had only recently ended. The local officials who had joined the Luchuan uprising were only temporarily pacified, and who knew if they would suddenly revolt? If Xu Wangzhi truly misstepped, Zhu Yuhuan would be too embarrassed to return to the capital.

Xu Wangzhi didn't understand much about this, but he still said, "Okay, okay, I'll listen to you..."

Seeing that time was almost up, Wang Zhen had already escorted him to the outskirts of the capital, and if he went any further he would have reached the people's fields. Zhu Yuhuan finally spoke up, "His Majesty has ordered Eunuch Wang to see him off. It's enough to have escorted him here. I'll trouble you to accompany him all the way."

Wang Zhen quickly dismounted and said, "Your Highness, your words are truly humiliating to me. Your Highness is leaving for the sake of His Majesty and the country. The little I can do is to see you off."

Zhu Yuhuan pulled the reins, smiled slightly, and said, "You, Eunuch, are underestimating yourself by saying that. What matters of the court, big or small, don't need the review of the Imperial Household Department? Even the Yunnan affairs require Eunuch Wang's attention. The transformation of the natives into Han Chinese is a major event presided over by His Majesty. If anything goes wrong, I won't be able to explain it to His Majesty."

Wang Zhen immediately understood the implication of Zhu Yuhuan's words.

If there was any mistake in the policy of converting the native people into Han people, it would not only be the responsibility of Princess Shunde Zhu Yuhuan, but also the eunuch Wang Zhen of the Imperial Household Department would be unable to escape.

So even though one of them is in the capital and the other is in Yunnan, their interests are bound to conflict, but when it comes to things the emperor wants to accomplish, they both must be on the same side, otherwise the emperor will never sit idly by.

Wang Zhen met Zhu Yuhuan's gaze, laughed dryly, and said, "I understand."

Although many years had passed, Wang Zhen still couldn't help but think of the panic he felt when the female officials held knives to his neck in front of Empress Dowager Zhang.

Princess Shunde's gaze always reminded him of the chill he felt back then.