Chapter 39: Avoid the Edge
The burial matters were mainly handled by Xing'an Earl Xu Heng and the Right Vice Minister of Works Zhang Qi. Zhu Yuhuan and Zhu Zhanji did not need to interfere too much, they just needed to be responsible for supervision.
The scenery along the way was late spring and lush greenery. If they were not escorting the coffin of the Empress Dowager to burial, it would have looked more like a group of people going for an outing.
The uncle and nephew also took this opportunity to reminisce about the past. There was no barrier between them along the way, and when they stopped to rest, they started chatting.
There is not much to say about Zhu Zhanji. After all, he is just an idle prince. The only thing he can mention is the scenery of Xiangyang and other places.
In comparison, Zhu Yuhuan has a lot to say.
Zhu Zhanji only knew a little about what was happening in the capital. In addition, he would have to stay in the capital for a few days and also had to deal with the emperor's nephew. He couldn't go into battle without knowing anything.
Zhu Yuhuan could naturally see the subtle worry in Zhu Zhanji's face and comforted him, "Don't worry, Uncle Wu. I'm here."
When Zhu Qizhen asked her and Zhu Zhanji to follow the procession to bury the Empress Dowager, he told her to observe Prince Xiang carefully to confirm whether he had any ill intentions.
After all, Zhu Zhanji was rumored to be a "very popular" candidate and almost became the emperor.
Seeing her so calm, Zhu Zhanji realized she was no longer the clever little girl she once was. He couldn't help but sigh, "After all, she's now a princess assisting in government affairs. She's the first one since the Song Dynasty to do so. She's really different from before."
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but smile upon hearing this and said, "That's also inherited from my grandmother's legacy and is protected by our ancestors' family rules. Even so, isn't there enough talk outside?"
On the way to Beijing, wherever he stayed, as long as news spread quickly, Zhu Zhanji would occasionally hear people talking about it.
However, in places more remote from Zhili, most of the discussions were among scholars, and such things that were obviously contrary to ethical principles would naturally not receive any positive feedback.
In other words, most people were afraid of the Jinyiwei and did not dare to say anything too harsh, for fear of accidentally causing trouble.
Seeing Zhu Zhanji's strange expression, Zhu Yuhuan simply said, "It's said, 'Crying day and night, can you cry Dong Zhuo to death?' Cursing day and night, can you really curse me to death?"
When Zhu Zhanji heard her compare him to Dong Zhuo, he couldn't help but burst out laughing and said, "I'm surprised you thought of that."
Zhu Yuhuan seemed to sigh with emotion and said, "As long as Your Majesty can take charge of the government as soon as possible and not be deceived by others, I will have fulfilled my grandmother's instructions to me and have no regrets."
Zhu Zhanji heard her say this, and seeing Zhu Yuhuan's calm expression, which clearly showed that he had no other extraneous thoughts, he also said, "It's good that you think this way, but don't let a few words from outsiders affect the relationship between our family."
He knew very well that his niece was definitely not a fool and would not do anything stupid, so he was unwilling to be suspicious of Zhu Yuhuan like his brother.
What's more, his niece was taking the blame for him this time to avoid the emperor's suspicion. Zhu Zhanji was also willing to accept Zhu Yuhuan's favor. If there was anything he could do to help, Zhu Zhanji would not hesitate.
"That's exactly what Uncle Wu said."
Zhu Zhanji confirmed his niece's intentions and didn't dwell on the matter any further. He simply said, "After Mother is buried, I'll stay in the capital for a few days. I'll have to ask you to take me around. I've heard that your business is booming, with your teahouse and cloth shop."
"Don't worry, Uncle. I'll let Uncle know when the time comes, and I'll definitely take you on a nice tour." Seeing that Zhu Zhanji had relaxed, Zhu Yuhuan said, "Uncle, you don't know yet, but His Majesty is very diligent in government affairs and often seeks to increase revenue. He's currently preparing for something important, and Uncle will definitely need his help with the planning."
Zhu Zhanji had been quite relaxed, but upon hearing this news, he immediately became alert and asked in confusion, "What kind of open-source initiative? What's the important matter?"
When he left the capital to become a vassal, Zhu Qizhen was still a baby. He only knew that his nephew, the emperor, was raised in great pampering. After all, Zhu Qizhen was canonized as the crown prince shortly after he was born, and he also had the crown prince's estate. Although it was usually managed by Zhu Yuhuan's subordinates, it was enough to show Zhu Zhanji's love for his son. How could the later King of Qin receive such treatment?
As for Zhu Qizhen himself, Zhu Zhanji didn't know him very well, but he vaguely heard from Zhu Yuhuan that Zhu Qizhen was indeed somewhat willful and reckless.
Because of this, Zhu Zhanji absolutely did not want to be involved in these matters. He now had a wife and children. Even if his relationship with the royal family was alienated, he still received the treatment of a top-level vassal king. He could live in the vassal state for the rest of his life without worries about food and clothing. Naturally, he wanted to stay away from such right and wrong.
Zhu Yuhuan smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty intends to officially launch the military examination. From now on, it will be held according to the usual practice, just like the civil examination, to select military officers."
Zhu Zhanji was stunned upon hearing this and asked in astonishment, "We're going to have to select military officers every three years from now on? Can those nobles accept such a thing?"
Since the founding of the country, the country's military officers have mostly relied on inheritance from father to son, from military officers to soldiers, almost all of them are like this, even military officers promoted from the bottom are no different.
Although there were old precedents for military examinations, they were often not held regularly, especially in today's peaceful and prosperous times, when there was no need to replenish military officers. If the emperor rashly held a military examination, it would probably cause an uproar among those who had won military honors.
There is a salary for every job. Who can watch their job being taken away by others?
Zhu Yuhuan smiled and said, "Your Majesty only has this idea now, but has no specific plan on how to implement it, so I need Fifth Uncle's help to discuss it."
Zhu Zhanji felt a chill run down his spine and quickly said, "In any case, it's not my turn to help Your Majesty with this matter, is it?"
He would never do something that would only offend people. Wouldn't this be a blatant offense to those nobles?
Even if it wasn't from his own perspective, Zhu Zhanji was also somewhat worried about Zhu Qizhen's behavior. What would happen if this matter failed to be accomplished in such a blatant manner?
Zhu Yuhuan saw Zhu Zhanji's panic and couldn't help laughing in his heart.
As long as they tested her again and again, she could still amuse them.
Zhu Yuhuan suppressed his smirk and first glanced around to make sure no one else could see him. Then he reassured Zhu Zhanji, "Don't worry, Fifth Uncle. Your Majesty is only asking because he has his own plans. Fifth Uncle is always good at handling such matters. There's nothing to worry about."
Zhu Zhanji breathed a sigh of relief after hearing her say this. "I've only met Your Majesty a few times, so I don't know your personality. I'm afraid I might accidentally cause trouble." He hesitated for a moment, but finally asked, "But... has Your Majesty made up your mind about this matter?"
If Zhu Qizhen was still just the crown prince like before, at least he would have the late emperor to help him and he would always be able to smooth over the situation.
But now Zhu Qizhen has to govern a country alone, and still do whatever he wants. This is not a good thing for the country, his family, or even himself.
Zhu Yuhuan nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty's personality is similar to my father's. He is more tenacious than anyone else. Once he sets his mind to something, he will do it no matter what."
Zhu Zhanji couldn't help but sigh when he heard this. He looked at Zhu Yuhuan with some sympathy and said, "Even if you are His Majesty's sister, there are always things that you have to do... It's difficult for you."
If Zhu Qizhen had a gentler personality, Zhu Yuhuan would have been able to persuade him from the side. However, considering how Zhu Qizhen had dealt with several officials before, it is likely that Zhu Yuhuan, the once-in-a-century "Princess Regent", would only enjoy a superficial glory and suffer a lot behind the scenes.
If Empress Dowager Zhang had held on for a few more years, Zhu Yuhuan would not have to suffer such a dilemma.
Although Zhu Zhanji felt sorry for his niece, he was afraid that he would be the one to suffer if Zhu Yuhuan was not there. Zhu Zhanji naturally did not say much, but kindly reminded: "Anyone with a discerning eye can see that His Majesty's opinion is the most important. You must not argue with His Majesty, even if you get scolded. It's no big deal."
Whether it is court officials or others, who dares to scold the emperor?
How could the emperor be wrong? Those who are wrong are just the people below him.
Especially since Zhu Yuhuan is a woman, she is more likely to be at the center of public opinion. If she is not careful, the good reputation she has accumulated before may become the so-called "fame-seeking".
Zhu Yuhuan just smiled when he heard him say that, and said, "I know, but since Grandma has entrusted this matter to me, isn't it because she hopes that I can protect His Majesty from the wind and rain? How can I retreat?"
When Zhu Zhanji heard her words, he fell silent.
He asked himself, even as a vassal king, he might not be able to be as dedicated and conscientious as Zhu Yuhuan, and even give up the wealth and glory that he naturally enjoyed.
Zhu Zhan'an couldn't help but sigh that his mother had indeed found the most suitable candidate to assist in the administration.
Looking at the royal family, only Hu Shanxiang and her daughter could do such a thing.
Zhu Zhanji sighed deeply, then half-jokingly said, "That's good. Once the military exam is announced to the officials, I'm afraid they won't be in the mood to scold you anymore."
Zhu Yuhuan was amused by Zhu Zhanji's words and said, "Fifth Uncle is right." She then warned, "Compared to me, Fifth Uncle should be more cautious. Your Majesty remembers all the rumors and gossips that were spread when Your Majesty ascended the throne. Fortunately, the emperor has always been magnanimous, and Your Majesty does not intend to delve into it..."
Zhu Zhanji already understood the hidden meaning behind Zhu Yuhuan's words.
Zhu Qizhen was very dissatisfied with the news that Prince Xiang had succeeded to the throne. Zhu Yuhuan dissuaded him, and Zhu Qizhen did not intend to pursue the matter further. However, he was still thinking about this in his heart, so he planned to take advantage of this meeting between uncle and nephew to carefully consider Prince Xiang.
If Zhu Zhanji could perform "outstandingly", Zhu Qizhen would let bygones be bygones. Although the uncle and nephew would not meet often, they would still be good uncle and nephew in the future. After all, Zhu Qizhen now only had Prince Xiang as his biological uncle, so naturally he hoped to live in peace with Zhu Zhanji.
Zhu Zhanji has now come to a complete enlightenment. He couldn't help but mutter to himself that his nephew is young, but his mind is the same. He is so calculative at such a young age. Fortunately, he did not choose to stay in the capital, otherwise he would have been severely punished by this kid.
Thinking that Prince Qing was this boy's brother, Zhu Zhanji felt a little pity for Prince Qing.
Who told Zhu Qizhen not to get married yet? Before his offspring grows up, Prince Qin will probably not be able to leave the capital and can only live under the shadow of the emperor's nephew.
Zhu Yuhuan saw that Zhu Zhanji had understood his intention, so he said, "With your wisdom, Fifth Uncle will definitely not be disrespectful before the Emperor. If we meet His Majesty together, there will be no need to worry."
Zhu Zhanji smiled upon hearing this and said, "Fifth Uncle would like to thank you very much. It seems that the shop was not given away in vain."
When the uncle and nephew returned from Xianling, Zhu Qizhen summoned them in for a face-to-face meeting, without any worry that they were in collusion.
Zhu Zhanji had already received the news from Zhu Yuhuan, so he was confident in dealing with Zhu Qizhen. As soon as they met, he greeted Zhu Qizhen respectfully, without any uncle airs in his words and deeds. He praised Zhu Qizhen from time to time and soon coaxed Zhu Qizhen into submission.
Zhu Yuhuan was listening nearby, showing no emotion on his face, but he was already beaming with joy in his heart.
Zhu Qizhen was still young, and Zhu Zhanji only said a few light words to make him overjoyed, which was very different from his expression when he was discussing with Zhu Yuhuan how to test Prince Xiang.
However, Zhu Yuhuan deliberately exaggerated Zhu Qizhen's pettiness, originally intending to bluff Zhu Zhanji. Anyway, these two people would not "agree on answers" over such a small matter.
"Did Big Sister tell Uncle Wu about the martial arts exam?"
Seeing that he had finally asked this question, Zhu Zhanji paused for a moment before immediately offering the answer he had prepared long ago. He said, "Your Majesty is wise and benevolent, diligent and vigilant. You are fully versed in state affairs and have a far-sighted vision. You act solely for the stability of the country and the prosperity of the people. I dare not add any further words."
Zhu Qizhen was already quite satisfied when he saw his respectful expression, without a trace of pretense. However, he continued, "Prince Xiang is the emperor's younger brother. He also served as regent in the capital when the emperor suppressed the rebellion. Logically, Prince Xiang should be the one to assist in the administration."
Zhu Zhanji chuckled and said, "I am but a prince in idleness. Although I have studied poetry and literature, my talent and learning are far inferior to that of the late emperor. How could I dare to point fingers at government affairs?" He finished by praising, "Empress Chengxiao has already made arrangements. Empress Dowager Cihui is known for her kindness and generosity. Princess Shunde is utterly loyal to the imperial family and is a blood relative to Your Majesty. Your Majesty's protection is sufficient for me. What else do I need?"
This answer satisfied Zhu Qizhen. He smiled and said, "We are all family. It's a bit strange for Fifth Uncle to say that."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuhuan lowered his eyes to prevent himself from laughing out loud.
Zhu Zhanji was such a shrewd person that Zhu Qizhen's words could only fool someone like him who was determined to retreat.
Zhu Zhanji followed up on Zhu Qizhen's words and said, "Yes, if Your Majesty had not been so lenient and allowed me to enter the capital, I would not have been able to see my mother for the last time... Now that my mother has been laid to rest, I beg to return to my fiefdom to avoid the gossip of the ministers."
Zhu Qizhen no longer had any intention of guarding against Prince Xiang. He waved his hand and said, "Don't worry. The three main halls will be completed soon. Uncle Wu can stay and have the banquet together before returning to Xiangyang."
Seeing Zhu Zhanji's eagerness to return home, Zhu Yuhuan spoke to comfort him, "Since Your Majesty has asked you to stay, there's no need to worry. The renovations on the three main halls will be officially completed in about a month."
Zhu Zhanji naturally understood that this was a good result, and immediately took advantage of the situation to back down, saying, "I understand."
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