Chapter 72 Reception
"Um……"
Seeing Xu Wangzhi holding Zhu Yuhuan's wrist with his eyes closed, Han Guilan couldn't help but ask, "Madam Xu, you've been examining me for so long and are now taking my pulse. What's wrong with me?"
Zhu Yuhuan saw her anxious expression and said soothingly, "Don't worry, I've just been a little irritated lately. Just drink plenty of water and get enough rest. She hasn't taken my pulse in ages, so I'm being so serious out of caution."
Before she could finish her words, Xu Wangzhi had already made a sound of "tsk, I'm taking your pulse. Don't move."
The palace maids nearby were frightened by Xu Wangzhi's words and actions, and they froze in place, not daring to speak.
Although Han Guilan was used to Xu Wangzhi and Zhu Yuhuan's casual behavior, considering Zhu Yuhuan's current status, she still said, "Madam Xu, His Majesty is still His Majesty..."
Xu Wangzhi released Zhu Yuhuan's wrist, pried open his eyelids, and said, "I know. Isn't he still seeing patients? When others are around, I promise to behave properly and not give them any reason to talk, let alone cause trouble for His Majesty."
Zhu Yuhuan was a little amused and said to Han Guilan, "Did you hear that? Madam Xu knows her limits."
"yes."
Now Xu Wangzhi felt a little embarrassed. "I just said it casually, don't take it to heart."
Zhu Yuhuan waved his hand and said, "I'm just looking for someone who can talk to me like this, so I don't have to be so depressed all day long."
"The pulse is steady and strong, and the tongue coating is a little heavy. It's not a big problem, but I need to pay attention to conditioning my body." Xu Wangzhi wiped the sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief. "By the way, the Mu family in Yunnan asked me to send more things to the capital. And the craftsmen at Wunong Temple have improved the steam engine. They use oiled hemp rope to tighten the joints, and the air inside is discharged more cleanly than before. How did they say... the noise inside the cylinder has become smaller. Anyway, you can listen to their introduction when the time comes. Several craftsmen came back with us this time, and they know more about this than I do."
Zhu Yuhuan suddenly felt relieved and said, "I knew they could do it..."
Xu Wangzhi showed little interest in these matters. He simply spoke enthusiastically, "I've heard along the way that the capital is bustling with activity. I've heard that many of Wang Zhen's followers have been apprehended, and officials from various regions have come to the capital to pay their respects to you. I've also heard that some people have dared to rebel. I thought Henan would be in chaos, but then I heard from other caravans along the way that even Luoyang is quiet. As soon as the soldiers were dispatched, all the guards at Prince Yi's palace surrendered and were captured, even Prince Yi."
Zhu Yuhuan smiled and said, "It seems that you are well-informed."
This is exactly the effect she wants, especially the matter of King Yi, which can make those vassal kings more cautious.
Even a scoundrel like King Yi dared to talk about her throne behind her back, not to mention others, such as King Min Zhu Yu and others, who were of the same generation as Zhu Di and were still alive.
Although these people are more distant in legal and blood relationship, they consider themselves men, and with the successful example of Zhu Di, a vassal king's rebellion, it is inevitable that some people think they can "pacify the rebellion" like Zhu Di.
Zhu Yuhuan was not afraid of them, he just didn't want to be distracted by such trivial matters and waste his energy.
Xu Wangzhi was not interested in these things and simply said, "An Han and the others are very happy for you. They say they are honored to follow His Majesty."
Zhu Yuhuan was amused by her words, and then said, "What do you mean by proud of it? It's just a matter of convenience."
She was still thinking about the issue of reforming the native system and it happened that officials from the three departments of various places were summoned to Beijing to report on their work. Officials from Yunnan were naturally no exception. Zhu Yuhuan would of course inquire about the latest situation in Yunnan and promote and select some people to go to Guizhou and other places to continue to promote the reform of the native system.
"By the way, where's the child?"
Zhu Yuhuan came back to her senses and said, "The palace maid took them to play in the side hall." After that, she signaled the palace maid to bring the two little guys over.
Zhu Jianshen can now walk much more smoothly. His two children are at the age when they like to run and jump. The nanny brings them in, one on each side, and they are both jumping around excitedly.
"Mother! Mother!"
After spending this period of time together, Zhu Yuhuan and the two children became much closer. They were like little birds on a branch, chirping and calling Zhu Yuhuan "mother".
Zhu Yuhuan had dealt with quite a few children and knew their temperaments very well. In addition, Zhu Shuyuan and Zhu Jianshen were both too old to remember anything, and the palace people were also very self-conscious, so no one mentioned Zhu Qizhen.
If they didn't have to consider the issue of getting married and studying, I'm afraid these two children would just assume that everyone in the world has two mothers.
Isn't this just another example of "substituting a cat for a prince"?
Xu Wangzhi examined the two children and said, "I can tell at a glance that the nanny is taking good care of them. They are in good spirits. Just pay attention to their diet and don't starve them if you worry about them getting sick."
Zhu Yuhuan placed the two children on the Luohan bed and had someone wipe the sweat off their bodies. Then he walked aside with Xu Wangzhi and asked in a low voice, "What's wrong?"
Xu Wangzhi first looked around before speaking, "I checked the eldest prince's complexion and pulse. He doesn't seem to be in good health..."
Zhu Yuhuan wasn't surprised at all. He simply said, "The Imperial Concubine became pregnant again shortly after giving birth to Yuan'er. The age difference between the two siblings is less than a year. I guess the Imperial Concubine's health hadn't recovered yet... She's younger than the Emperor anyway."
Xu Wangzhi already understood Zhu Yuhuan's implication and said, "No wonder..."
"You didn't take the Emperor's pulse, but you know Tongtong and Auntie's pulses. Can the Emperor's eldest son recover?"
Xu Wangzhi stroked his chin and said, "It's hard to say. Everyone's physique is different, and it won't necessarily affect the next generation's physical foundation. Besides, as long as you take good care of yourself, at least the illness won't affect your mind."
Zhu Yuhuan was very satisfied to hear this answer and said, "I'd like you to go and check on the Imperial Concubine's health later. After all, she gave birth to two children in one year and she is still young. It would be best if she doesn't suffer from any postpartum illness."
Xu Wangzhi saw that she seemed relieved after learning that the eldest prince's health would not affect future generations, and he understood Zhu Yuhuan's thoughts.
It seems that Zhu Yuhuan intends to take a longer-term view.
"Don't worry, if there's any problem, my mother can help. I'm sure there won't be any underlying problem."
Zhu Yuhuan looked at her and asked, "How is your book going?"
Speaking of this, Xu Wangzhi clearly became interested and said, "The collection is basically complete. An Han and the others also helped me organize it roughly. I just need to polish it a little bit..."
Zhu Yuhuan half-jokingly said, "Why does this sound so familiar? I think I heard this before, not long after we met..."
Xu Wangzhi alternately looked up at the sky and down at the ground, muttering, "Alright, alright, I just want to improve it as much as possible... But I've gained a lot from my time in Yunnan. I've also learned a lot about diseases I haven't seen before. At least this time, I will definitely finish the book as soon as possible and give you a completed copy for printing and distribution."
Zhu Yuhuan clasped his hands together in a pretentious manner and said, "Then I must thank all the gods in heaven for finally allowing Madam Xu's light to bless all living beings..."
Xu Wangzhi was so embarrassed by her that he was speechless. After a while, he finally said, "Are you practicing Taoism or Buddhism? Why do you change your clothes every day?"
Zhu Yuhuan said with a smile: "Follow your heart, follow your heart."
Of course, use whichever one is more convenient.
Compared with the relaxed meeting with Xu Wangzhi, the occasion when Zhu Yuhuan summoned Huang Jinfeng to meet was much more serious.
The reason was simple. This time Huang Jinfeng entered the palace to meet him as a noble lady. Like Wang Ji, she was entertained with a formal court banquet, so the occasion naturally could not be simple and relaxed.
Although Huang Jinfeng was a traveling merchant, this time she was involved in national affairs and had made contributions like Yuxiang, so she was awarded the title of Gongren and became a legitimate fourth-rank lady.
And because Huang Jinfeng's husband had passed away, it was enough to prove that she won the imperial edict with her own ability.
Also attending the audience with Huang Jinfeng was Shang Lu, who had accompanied him on the diplomatic mission to Uriankhai. After the mission, Shang Lu was ordered to conduct a temporary inspection in the Liaodong area. Only after he got the results did he return to Beijing with Huang Jinfeng to report on his work.
Zhu Yuhuan took a sip of the wine in his glass, glanced at the two of them, and said, "Why are you so reserved?"
In the past, Huang Jinfeng had worn silk and satin while traveling as a merchant, but today she was wearing clothing that only those with imperial decrees could wear. Naturally, her movements were not as casual as before. Upon hearing this, she replied cautiously, "In reply to your Majesty, I..."
Zhu Yuhuan waved his hand and said kindly, "Lady Huang has made great contributions this time. There is no need to be modest. Just refer to yourself as this minister."
Huang Jinfeng said nervously, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty..."
Zhu Yuhuan didn't take it seriously and asked, "You reported earlier that Yesen and Toghtobuha were at odds, and that there were signs of a split in the Oirat?"
At the mention of official business, Huang Jinfeng perked up and immediately said, "I later made careful inquiries. Yesen first pretended to submit to Toghtobukha, claiming that he would hand over the position of Grand Tutor. Toghtobukha naturally didn't believe it. Then, internal strife broke out within the Oirat, and Toghtobukha was defeated and fled to Uriankhai Shabhutan. Yesen then honored Toghtobukha's son with his sister as Khan. However, the Oirat was severely weakened, and this was also due to Yesen. The Oirat was inevitably torn apart."
Shang Lu also spoke up, "Your Majesty, your command is sound. With General Liu leading his troops to attack the Oirat from a roundabout route, and joining the Datong army in attacking from both sides, the Oirat wouldn't have been defeated so quickly. Now that the Oirat are severely weakened, I believe the border will be peaceful for a while."
Huang Jinfeng nodded repeatedly and said, "Shang Gelao is right. Thanks to Your Majesty's timely dispatch of troops, the Oirat Mongols were defeated, and the Wuliangha who were watching from the sidelines no longer dared to act rashly."
Zhu Yuhuan, who had been enjoying himself, sighed quietly and said, "As the saying goes, in times of peace, be prepared for danger. This time, while inspecting the border, in addition to repelling the enemy, I also carefully observed the lives of the border soldiers. They are truly experiencing hardships. It's clear that there are reasons for the border troops' declining combat effectiveness. I cannot help but worry."
Shang Lu vaguely understood what Zhu Yuhuan meant, which was obviously to give the border troops a good reorganization.
"I've already ordered the reorganization of the military farms and the relocation of the families of officials implicated in recent incidents in the capital to the border." Zhu Yuhuan smiled slightly and said, "Datong has already escorted all the Oirat captives to the capital, making it a good opportunity to cultivate the newly allocated northern Zhili arable land."
Shang Lu met her smile and immediately stood up and said, "It is my duty to relieve Your Majesty's worries. I will make good arrangements for this matter."
The topic has come to this point, how could Shang Lu not agree?
What's more, Shang Lu was a man who won the top three places in the imperial examinations and became an official in the court. He was once quite trusted by Zhu Qizhen. Now that the dynasty has changed, he has to find a way to gain the trust of the new emperor.
"Moving the population to the border to cultivate and farm can certainly reduce the burden on officers and soldiers, but if we want to improve the soldiers' treatment, we need to fill the treasury." Zhu Yuhuan said solemnly, "I am waiting for the cabinet and the six ministries to come up with some favorable measures and present them to me. Whether it's the reform of the aboriginal system or the training of the army, we all rely on tax revenue..."
Shang Lu accepted the order and understood the thoughts of this emperor, who had personal experience in military affairs and people's livelihood.
Any emperor with some aspirations would hope to achieve something through his own decrees, not to mention an emperor like Zhu Yuhuan who ascended the throne through a "special means".
When the emperor needs help, others will naturally provide it.
Life is nothing more than power, money, fame and fortune. If you can have one of them, you are already outstanding. If you have two of them, you are a dragon among men.
From the emperor to the common people, no one can escape these four tests.
The same is true for Shang Lu.
Moreover, Shang Lu grew up with his mother since he was a child, so he did not have the prejudice that more or less existed in the minds of some people.
After the banquet, Zhu Yuhuan left Huang Jinfeng in the palace to further inquire about the affairs of the Oirat Mongols.
She didn't believe that Yesen would just let it go like that.
"To be honest, Your Majesty, the Oirat did privately send someone to inquire about Min Dashili... I considered this matter to be of no small importance, so I concealed it and did not disclose it to Lord Shang."
Zhu Yuhuan chuckled and said, "He is indeed a filial son. He thinks about his mother but doesn't care about his wife and children."
Liu Yongcheng's surprise attack was unexpected by Wala. Afterwards, Shi Heng counted the captives and found that they not only captured Minda Shili, but also Yesen's wife and two sons.
"For him, he can have another wife and children, but he only has one mother..." Huang Jinfeng said with an embarrassed look, "Yesen...Yesen said that they could secretly exchange him and send...send that person back to the Ming Dynasty. If Your Majesty is not convenient, he can also help."
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but sigh at Zhu Qizhen's vigorous and powerful vitality, and asked, "Words are not enough, he must have given you some token of his love, right?"
Huang Jinfeng then pulled out a letter from her sleeve and handed it to Zhu Yuhuan. "This was sent by Yesen, who said that Your Majesty would definitely recognize it at a glance."
Zhu Yuhuan took the letter and glanced at it briefly, and recognized the owner of the letter.
It was Zhu Qizhen.
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