Chapter 7: Huzhongtianman (Part 7)
In the 35th year of Yuanguang, the emperor ordered another expedition against the Jurchens. However, this time the emperor did not go in person, but entrusted the task to Shi Jing, the general commander of Jizhen. The only difference was that this time the crown prince was still sent to act as the military supervisor.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that the emperor wanted to give the crown prince a chance to gain experience, just like the young emperor did in the past.
This man was ordered to patrol the Liaodong border at the age of thirteen or fourteen, conquered Luchuan at the age of twenty-two, and commanded the army to attack the Oirat to avenge the previous humiliation at the age of twenty-eight. Even though he was over fifty years old, he still personally led the expedition against the Uriankhai and Jurchens.
Not to mention that even if the emperor did not personally go to the battlefield, there have been constant battles of all sizes over the years, such as the battle of Wang Yue in the northwest and the battle to destroy Malacca, which all prove that the emperor himself not only possessed military qualities, but also attached great importance to military and political affairs.
In this way, the future emperor's training in this aspect will naturally not be left behind, and it is obvious that he wants the current crown prince to be like him.
After all, the emperor is old and can no longer take the crown prince on tours and teach him personally like he did when he was young. Besides, there are some things that the crown prince needs to understand on his own.
Although Zhu Youhuan was nervous in his heart, he remained calm and composed.
She knew very well that this was her grandmother's training for herself and also her expectation for her.
The emperor may not fight in person, but he must be familiar with military affairs, especially the operation of the army. The emperor must know everything clearly. Otherwise, the emperor will not be able to judge the situation on the battlefield and can only rely on those under him, becoming a plaything at the mercy of others.
Fortunately, Zhu Youhuan had military experience of accompanying his grandmother on border patrols, and was familiar with the officers of the Liaodong Regional Military Commission, so he was not completely in the dark.
The last time the emperor personally led his army here, he had already greatly defeated the main force of the Jurchens. In the past few years, the Liaodong Regional Military Commission has been peaceful and secure.
The small number of Jurchens who were captured at the time have gradually integrated into the daily lives of the local people in Jizhen, and some young and middle-aged people have even joined the Ming army.
Therefore, Zhu Youhuan’s mission this time was not difficult. The most important thing was to train himself.
Zhu Youhuan was naturally very concerned about this. When he was with the army, he inspected the troops every day and wrote his thoughts and memorials. Except for not going to the battlefield in person, he tried his best to do everything perfectly.
It was still too dangerous to go to the battlefield. After all, Zhu Youhuan was the precious crown prince. Supervising the battle already had certain risks. It was naturally impossible for others to let Zhu Youhuan go to the battlefield to face the enemy in person.
The emperor was able to supervise the army in Luchuan because she was not the emperor at that time. Otherwise, the emperor probably would not have had the record of conquering Luchuan.
Although the emperor was not present in person, the expedition against the Jurchens was still a great victory. All the Jianzhou Jurchens were incorporated into the territory of the Ming Dynasty, and some Haixi Jurchen tribes also surrendered to the Ming Dynasty in this battle.
According to the emperor's wishes, the Jianzhou Jurchens were moved inward and settled in dispersed areas, so as to facilitate the assimilation of the Jurchens in the same way as some of the Oirat people were assimilated in the past.
These matters were complicated and tedious and could not be resolved in a short time, so Zhu Youhuan stayed in Liaodong to deal with the issues of the Jurchens' naturalization into the Ming Dynasty.
Nurgandusi is a cold and harsh place. The Ming Dynasty is not short of manpower, and the Jurchens nowadays obviously do not have the strength worthy of the Ming Dynasty's fear. In fact, there is no need to take it over. However, Zhu Youhuan thought of the silver mines on Kyushu Island, and felt that perhaps there might be something worth discovering on this land.
More importantly, my grandmother does have a trustworthy ability.
It seemed that she never made the wrong decision. Even if there was a slight deviation, it was completely under her control and could be easily corrected.
Zhu Youhuan couldn't help feeling confused.
Even if she tried her best, could she really become an emperor like her grandmother?
The model of an empress in her mind should be like her grandmother, but she seems unable to truly become her.
Despite feeling so confused, Zhu Youhuan did not show any unnecessary emotion on his face, and just handled the matters at hand as usual.
At least she was clear about one thing, that is, she must not let her grandmother down.
Not to mention that the simply dressed people on the street reminded her all the time that the prosperity of the capital was just a tiny corner of the country, and that people in many other places in the world were living such a life. Even the emperor's grandmother was running around for this and refused to stop, let alone her?
According to Zhu Youhuan's consideration, he originally wanted to stay in Liaodong for two more years, but someone from the capital soon came to report the news and asked the crown prince to return to the capital.
The reason was simple: cabinet minister Han Guilan died in office at the age of seventy-four. The emperor bestowed upon him the title of Taifu and the posthumous name of "Wenxiang".
Han Guilan had been the enlightenment teacher for the Crown Prince, Prince Hui, the Crown Prince, and the other two grandchildren of the Emperor. Unlike other cabinet ministers, she did not merely teach the future heir to the throne in name only. Naturally, her funeral ceremony was more grand than that of other cabinet ministers.
Moreover, Han Guilan herself was born in the vassal state of Korea, but she rarely begged for any extra grace for Korea, nor did she recommend Korean tribute women to the court. Her loyalty to the emperor was evident to all. In addition, she remained unmarried throughout her life in the Ming Dynasty. She only had one old acquaintance, the eunuch Zheng Tong, who begged the emperor to show mercy and allow him to leave the palace to guard Han Guilan's tomb. Naturally, the emperor would not be stingy.
However, the emperor took into consideration his advanced age and selected four households from the Changping Imperial Farm to offer sacrifices to Han Guilan during festivals and holidays. At the same time, he took care of Zheng Tong and gave him land tax exemptions and extra subsidies every year. It can be seen that the emperor "loves the house and the dog".
By the time Zhu Youhuan returned to Beijing, Han Guilan's body had been lying in state for almost seven days, the time specially reserved by the emperor for Zhu Youhuan to pay his respects.
Zhu Youhuan was originally a little worried that Han Guilan's family would be deserted, but he didn't expect that there were so many people at Han's house on the seventh floor. Zhu Youhuan only knew a few of the female officials and knew that they worked in the Six Ministries. There were also a few censors from the Censorate, and they all came to pay tribute to Han Guilan.
Seeing Zhu Youhuan coming, everyone bowed.
Zhu Youhuan raised his hand slightly and said, "Everyone, please stand up. I am here to pay my respects to Master Mu today. How can I ask you to bow before her spirit?"
"yes."
Zhu Youhuan glanced around and couldn't help but sigh in his heart.
Han Guilan devoted her entire life to self-realization and the Ming Dynasty. Fortunately, her grandmother and her students did not let her down.
It is enough for a person to be remembered like this throughout his life.
Zhu Youhuan, not being overly proud of his status, bowed deeply to Han Guilan's coffin amidst the slightly surprised gazes of the crowd. Zheng Tong, who had been standing nearby, knelt down hastily, saying, "Your Highness, such a generous gesture..."
Zhu Youhuan said calmly, "It is thanks to Master Mu's guidance that I am who I am today. Furthermore, Master Mu has served as an official for over twenty years, with a clear conscience towards the country, Your Majesty, and the people. He deserves this gift. It's a pity that my father and I can't personally see Master Mu off."
Zheng Tong bowed again, not refusing, and simply said, "She would be very pleased if she knew about this in the afterlife."
He first paid a visit to Han Guilan's coffin. Zhu Youhuan stayed outside the palace for a few days, and after washing and changing clothes, he entered the palace to pay a visit to his grandmother.
She seemed to have aged a little, and her eyes were a little more confused, but when she looked at Zhu Youhuan, there was a little more brilliance in her eyes.
"Grandson, please get up."
Zhu Youhuan stood up. The palace maid had already brought a chair. She sat down obediently and said, "After entering the city, Huan'er went to pay respects to the teacher first, and then washed up briefly outside the palace before returning to the palace to pay respects to the grandmother, so as to avoid any disturbance."
The emperor nodded slightly and said, "The Crown Prince has always been attentive." She glanced at Zhu Youhuan and saw that he seemed to have grown taller, but not as strong as before. She said, "It seems that the Crown Prince has been very busy in Liaodong."
Zhu Youhuan quickly said, "The naturalization of the Jurchens is a matter of national importance. I dare not slack off in the slightest. Besides, the officials at all levels have done their best to entertain us. I am just putting in a little more effort, so it is not considered hard work."
The emperor chuckled and said, "You've been in Liaodong for nearly two years. How do you feel?"
Zhu Youhuan had long anticipated that her grandmother would ask about these matters. Even though she had already given the answer countless times in her mind, she paused before speaking. "Grandmother sent troops to the Jurchens twice, not only for the sake of the current land and population, but also for the future development of the Ming Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty needs to continue to expand outward to ensure peace and prosperity for the people."
When the emperor heard the first answer, a smile appeared on the corner of his lips. It was not until Zhu Youhuan finished the answer that the emperor looked thoughtful.
Zhu Youhuan kept his head down, so he naturally couldn't see the emperor's expression. He was just a little nervous because he didn't hear the emperor speak.
She was only nineteen years old this year, which was not very old in the Ming Dynasty today. It was also her first time to be on a business trip abroad. Although everything went smoothly and the emperor did not criticize her, Zhu Youhuan was still a little worried that everything he did would not please his grandmother.
Huai En, who was standing by, knew very well that the emperor was thinking about the crown prince's answer.
The emperor believed in experience, but she did not rely solely on it. In her view, no matter who said something, it was worth thinking about.
After a long while, the emperor finally said, "The Crown Prince has indeed grown up. He thinks things through more complicated paths than before. This makes me feel more at ease."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Youhuan stood up and bowed, saying, "Huan'er thanks Grandmother for the compliment."
"It's time to find a suitable person to take care of the Crown Prince's daily life."
Zhu Youhuan was slightly stunned, but soon understood what the emperor meant. He wanted to find a marriage for her.
The emperor himself remained unmarried throughout his life, so naturally there was no reference for the wedding ceremony of a female heir to the throne. I'm afraid the Ministry of Rites will have to make some careful plans.
Seeing her frozen in silence, the Emperor smiled and asked, "What kind of man does the Crown Prince like? If you've made up your mind, tell me. If you haven't decided yet, have your mother tell me later. Men from the south of the Yangtze River are a bit shorter, which is a bit of a drawback, but judging by your great-uncle's appearance, he seems to be very caring. Men from the north may be less educated and have less good temperaments, but they can also be sent to the Imperial Academy for gradual instruction. As for what to call him... why not just call him Little Prince, and he'll be treated like a county prince. Huai'en, what do you think?"
Zhu Youhuan came to his senses belatedly and said quickly, "Everything depends on Grandmother's arrangements. Huan'er has no requests."
She looked at her parents. Although she knew what a married couple looked like, she couldn't figure out how she should get along with the extra husband, let alone what that man should look like.
The emperor noticed her confusion and said with a smile, "Don't worry. Both Northern Zhili and Southern Zhili will take some time to select. Once we have a rough idea of the candidates, we'll let you choose for yourself." She smiled slightly and continued, "Huan'er, I have a few words of advice for you. The one you choose must be someone you like. But no matter how much you like him, it's enough to give him some small favors. Never give him your heart. This is my grandmother's only requirement for your marriage."
Zhu Youhuan nodded slightly, thought for a moment, and then asked, "Grandmother, why didn't you let Kai'er have children, and then ordered Huan'er to follow your example and adopt a nephew?"
Han Guilan was her educator and she read countless stories about emperors and generals, but those were all about men and did not seem to fit in with Zhu Youhuan's identity and situation. Although Zhu Youhuan understood the methods involved, he was unable to put himself in the shoes of these emperors. The only person she could emulate and learn from seemed to be her grandmother.
This time it was the emperor's turn to stand there in a daze, and then he couldn't help laughing and even patted the armrest.
Seeing this, Huai En raised his hand and signaled the palace servant to bring a handkerchief and hot tea, fearing that the emperor would choke accidentally.
When the emperor finally stopped laughing, Huai En personally handed the tea over.
The emperor hummed softly, took a sip of tea, and then said with a smile, "Did your father tell you about our family affairs?"
Zhu Youhuan nodded and said, "Of course I did. That's why I feel that my grandmother has had a hard time..."
In all fairness, how many people would be willing to hand over their wealth to a child who wasn't their own? Especially not to someone like the emperor who held the entire world in his hands?
"Then you should understand why I chose your father to be the Crown Prince." The Emperor looked at her and said, "Things are different now. If that's the case, why repeat the same mistakes? From your great-aunt to your aunt, and even the daughters of the Xiang and Wei princes, I have bestowed titles upon them. Their daughters will all take the Zhu surname and inherit the titles. This is so that by the time you reach your age, no one in the world will question it anymore, only 'it was supposed to be this way.'"
Zhu Youhuan met her gaze and stood there in a daze.
She seemed to see a long and distant time in those eyes.
It turned out that the road under her feet gradually extended forward after being consolidated by others.
The emperor put down the teacup in his hand and said, "Huan'er, no one in this world can walk two identical paths. You can never become me, and you will never become me, just like I will not follow the old path of Wu Zhou."
Zhu Youhuan couldn't help but say, "But I'm worried that I'll disappoint Grandmother's trust and won't be able to become a wise ruler like her..."
"Where in the world is there a single path marked with the words 'wise ruler'? A beacon today, a sinner tomorrow, why bother?" The emperor said this with a remarkably relaxed expression, seemingly unburdened by any pressure. "Besides, wise rulers are made, not imagined. Is the Ming Dynasty today the same Ming Dynasty as when I was young? If you come to imitate me, isn't that like carving a mark on a boat to find a sword? Huan'er, you may have followed in my footsteps to get to where you are today, but the road ahead has no classics or teachers. You have to rely on yourself. No matter how you progress, there will always be those who will stand at your crossroads, watching you from behind. All you have to do is keep moving forward."
Zhu Youhuan then felt as if everything had suddenly become clear.
It turns out she doesn't need to follow anyone. She can forge another path, let others follow her, and then choose and extend a brand new path...
After Zhu Youhuan left, the emperor sighed and said, "She is still too young. It's my fault. I haven't taught her enough."
Huai En comforted him, "The Crown Prince is gifted and exceptional, and much of this is due to your Majesty's teachings. However, as your Majesty said, the Crown Prince is about to embark on a path that has never been taken before and will never be taken again. How much can your Majesty's experience and advice help the Crown Prince?"
The emperor also understood this. Zhu Youhuan grew up under her care. However, as he was in the royal family and was canonized as the crown prince since he was a child, he knew that he had a heavy responsibility. For the stability of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Youhuan naturally hoped to take a foolproof path, and imitation was the best choice.
But in today's world, following the rules is bound to have no good results. Even the emperor cannot guarantee that he can absolutely predict future changes in the situation. He can only do his best.
The emperor turned his head slightly to look at Huai En, who had aged with him, and said, "Huai En, your words of comfort have become more and more sophisticated over the years."
Huai En said with a smile: "Your Majesty, please move forward, and so will Huai En."
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