The one who seconded the motion was a vice minister from the Ministry of Personnel named Li Li. Emperor Jingcheng glanced at him casually and said, "Minister Li has something to say."
It's not surprising that Li Li is a student of Grand Scholar Mu. It's said that the two had a relationship before Mu Wanyu entered the palace. However, no one knows the reason why Mu Wanyu went to such lengths to enter the palace except for the parties involved.
"Your Majesty, I believe the Grand Secretary's words are not without merit." Li Li did not utter anything shocking.
Di Jingcheng nodded, a wicked smile on his face: "Is that what all of you think?"
The ministers remained silent, and many dared not say anything more, only bowing their heads and waiting for the emperor to speak. The court was instantly silent.
Zheng He stood quietly to the side with his head down, waiting for the emperor's order. He was certain that someone was going to suffer today.
Just when everyone thought the emperor was about to fly into a rage, he calmly changed the subject, leaving everyone puzzled and inwardly marveling at the emperor's unpredictable temper.
"Since the late emperor, the issue of ethnic minorities on the frontier has been given great importance. Many ethnic groups live in the southern region of our dynasty. Although the late emperor had won their hearts and minds during his lifetime, we still cannot relax our efforts."
The Minister of Revenue quickly stepped forward: "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Your humble servant has already written a memorial on the ethnic issues in the south in recent years, and I humbly request Your Majesty to review it."
Zheng He immediately went down and presented the memorial, respectfully handing it to Emperor Jingcheng.
Emperor Jingcheng examined the memorial carefully, feeling quite gratified. These officials still knew what they should and shouldn't interfere in. The chief minister closed the memorial, his expression remaining unchanged.
"What the Minister of Revenue said resonates deeply with me. Just as he stated in his memorial, only when the Central Plains set aside their prejudices and discrimination and actively engage with them can the stability of the border regions be truly consolidated."
The Minister of Revenue quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I thank you! However, this is a long and arduous task. I believe we should start with cultural exchange and intermarriage, rather than resorting to forced reforms."
"I second that proposal!"
"Your Majesty's words are excellent!"
"Your subject agrees."
...Many ministers had already turned their attention to politics, and the court was filled with heated discussions, with everyone offering suggestions and advice to the Minister of Revenue. However, Grand Secretary Mu and the Consort Shu's father, the Minister of Works, were not very happy. Although they were also responsible for the affairs of the country, they could not swallow their anger at their daughter being wrongly punished because of a woman of unknown origin.
Seeing that the political discussion was almost over, Emperor Jingcheng said, "This matter will be fully handled by the Minister of Revenue, and all the other ministers should also assist him."
"Your humble servant obeys the decree!"
"Do any of you gentlemen have anything else to report?" Zheng He asked, raising his voice as he saw that the emperor was already exhausted.
The Grand Secretary and the Minister of Works stepped forward together: "Your Majesty!" The two looked at each other in bewilderment.
Finally, the Minister of Works spoke first. He held a jade tablet in his hand, bowed his head, and knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty, I believe that Your Majesty should carefully consider the matter raised by the Grand Secretary just now."
Grand Secretary Mu also knelt down, clearly extremely anxious. After all, she was his only precious daughter, born to his beloved deceased wife in his old age. At this moment, tears streamed down his face.
"Your Majesty, this old minister knows that he should not interfere in the affairs of Your Majesty's harem. I beg Your Majesty to consider that this old minister has served three emperors with utmost loyalty and is now advanced in years, and to spare my daughter."
The Minister of Works' pupils contracted slightly. This old man's idea was different from his own, but he immediately composed himself and kowtowed to the ground: "Your Majesty, the Grand Secretary's words are absolutely right. I beg Your Majesty to consider this carefully."
Emperor Jingcheng slightly curled the corners of his mouth: "The Grand Secretary's daughter first committed insubordination and then disobeyed the imperial edict. My decision to banish her to the Cold Palace is already an act of extraordinary leniency." If it weren't for Azi speaking up, that woman would have already been beheaded.
"Your Majesty's good intentions are appreciated, and I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness. However, I had a son late in life and am now all alone. I cannot bear the pain of losing my daughter any longer. I beg Your Majesty to banish my daughter from the palace. I would be eternally grateful."
“When I was young, the Grand Secretary taught me many principles. I am not a heartless person, so I will grant your wish.”
The Grand Secretary was even more excited. He quickly kowtowed three times to express his gratitude and withdrew, leaving only the Minister of Works.
"Does Minister Wu have anything else to say?" Di Jingcheng narrowed his eyes, his cold gaze fixed on the Minister of Works.
"Your Majesty, I dare not say that. However, there are people of unknown origin around Your Majesty, and I am very worried about Your Majesty's safety."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingcheng nodded in a pretentious manner: "Minister Wu is quite right, and I am well aware of the truth. However, she is not someone of unknown origin, but rather my savior."
"My lords, do you still remember when I was hunted down by Nalan's faction a month ago? Fortunately, she risked her life to save me. She is resourceful, intelligent, and loyal, which is why I am safe and sound here to see you all today."
Upon hearing this, everyone sighed with emotion. They realized that there was such a story behind the emperor's pursuit. Their impression of the mysterious woman who "caused chaos in the harem" improved considerably, and they all wore expressions of "I see."
Di Jingcheng rubbed his forehead, feigning sadness, and continued, "Not only that, she is also a hardworking and virtuous woman from the southern ethnic groups. Although she is not from the Central Plains, her actions demonstrate her loyalty to our dynasty."
I spent more than half a month with the people there. They are hardworking, kind, and warm-hearted. Although they may not be very familiar with my culture, they all know the authority of my Western Central Plains.
Upon hearing this, the ministers nodded repeatedly, their faces filled with anticipation as they awaited the emperor's next words.
Di Jingcheng glanced at their expressions and smiled mysteriously: "Just now, all of you ministers believed that maintaining friendly relations with the southern ethnic groups is of paramount importance."
"Your Majesty, that's right!"
"Your Majesty is wise."
Di Jingcheng waved his hand, raised his voice, and a bright smile appeared on his face like never before:
"Therefore, I have decided to lead by example and set a good example for my subjects. I will use intermarriage to set an example and promote the integration of Central Plains culture and ethnic cultures."
"Announce the imperial decree!" Before anyone could react, Emperor Jingcheng, beaming with pride, looked at Zheng He'er beside him.
Zheng He presented the imperial edict with both hands, stepped forward, and announced it from his high position. Before anyone could say anything, they immediately prostrated themselves on the ground to listen to the decree.
By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:
"There is a daughter of the Southern tribe, Ranla Azi, who is naturally gentle, kind, virtuous, intelligent, and well-mannered. I have appointed her as the Empress of Xijing Palace. She has long been known for her virtuous character and is worthy of receiving a grand honor, so that her good reputation may be spread throughout the palace. I am moved by Azi's rescue and praise her gentle and virtuous example, serving as a model for mothers both inside and outside the palace. Therefore, in accordance with the will of Heaven and the wishes of the people, I hereby appoint Ranla Azi as Empress, known as Empress Chengyuan, to the central palace. She will uphold the ancestral sacrifices of Xijing and bring forth auspicious omens. This is hereby proclaimed throughout the land, so that all may know."
It is Chengyuan, not Yuancheng.
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