【Under the Great Tomorrow】(74)

【The Great Ming Dynasty】

Author: hui329
Published: 2018/3/29 First Published Word
Count: 10264

Chapter 74: Remembering Old Friendships, the Emperor's Disrespectful Behavior, the Ministers' Plan

A secluded alley in the backyard of Yichun Courtyard.

Zhu Houzhao, dressed in coarse cloth and a short brown robe, huddled in the shadows of the wall, oblivious to the sounds of music from within,
staring blankly at the pink walls and green tiles before him.

"He's here after all." Ding Shou breathed a sigh of relief, finally finding the person.

Zhu Houzhao stared blankly at Ding Shou, without saying a word.

"How did you get out?" Ding Shou looked down at the unfortunate boy, his tone somewhat unfriendly.
He had been running around all day, without food or water, and his stomach was already protesting.

Zhu Houzhao was not angered by the questioning tone. He said softly, "I got
a set of . I sneaked out after work."

The dignified Emperor of the Ming Dynasty disguised himself as a laborer to sneak out of the capital. My dear, how could you do such a thing? Ding Shou
sat down next to Zhu Houzhao against the wall. "Your Majesty, I know what you are thinking, but... some things have to be done at the right
time ..."

"I know. I just wanted to come and see her, just for a quick look and then leave, but... how come she doesn't even recognize the door
..." The young emperor's voice was tinged with a sob.

With a sigh, Ding Shou said, "Your Majesty, I haven't had a chance to report this woman's background yet...
"

After hearing Ding Shou's explanation, Zhu Houzhao's face was filled with disappointment, and he said quietly, "So, she moved away,
to Datong ! Yes, I'll go to Datong..."

Ding Shou reached out and pulled the little emperor back, who was about to jump up. "Your Majesty, did you understand what I said?
The Liu woman is of lowly birth. You should give up on this idea."

"So what if she's a lowly entertainer? How is she any different from you and me?!"

Ding Shou was taken aback by Zhu Houzhao's outburst of question. "Well, Your Majesty has
three thousand . There will always be women who surpass her. Why bother with..."

Zhu Houzhao shook his head. "She's different. In her arms, I feel warm and comfortable. I've
never felt that way before..."

Is this looking for a mother or a lover? Ding Shou looked at the radiant little emperor, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. This
child must lack maternal love.

Zhu Houzhao snapped out of his daze, feeling somewhat embarrassed by Ding Shou's strange gaze. He snapped, "This is my first
woman! How could you, a playboy, understand the true meaning of love?"

Ding Shou shook his head and chuckled, pulling the young emperor to his feet. "It
's no use for us, ruler and subject, to sit and confide in each other against the wall. I'm ravenously hungry. Let's find a tavern, and I'll tell you a story."

At a small tavern on the street, a few jugs of liquor and two small dishes were laid out.

After finishing a cup, Zhu Houzhao wiped the liquor from his lips and asked urgently, "So, your first time
was also with a woman from a musician's family?"

Ding Shou nodded. "Although she was removed from the official register, she was still someone else's concubine."

"Do you miss her?" Zhu Houzhao pressed. Ding Shou's experience of conceiving through a second woman was far more complicated and
exciting than his own, evoking a sense of shared misfortune.

"She already has my flesh and blood; how could I not miss her?" Ding Shou used the jug as a cup, offering a helpless, bitter smile.

"Why not go find her?" Zhu Houzhao leaned over anxiously. "I can issue a special decree...
"

"Ruizhu is easy to deal with, but how will that child live? How will he face people in the future?" Ding Shou sighed. With his
personality , he had long wanted to get rid of that old fellow Zhang Shu to avenge himself, but considering Ruizhu and the others, he couldn't bring himself to be so
cruel. If he were to be born through artificial insemination, wouldn't he suffer the scorn of the world?

Zhu Houzhao slumped down, pondering for a moment. "Are we in the same boat?"

"I understand." Ding Shou nodded. "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will surely help you resolve this
matter ."

Zhu Houzhao extended his palm. "A gentleman's word is his bond."

Ding Shou raised his hand in return. "A promise is a promise."

The two laughed heartily. Amidst the laughter, Ding Shou whispered, "Your Majesty, this matter is not something to be proud of.
Please keep it a secret..."

*** *** *** ***

Inside the Qianqing Palace, the eunuchs, who were already as anxious as ants on a hot pan, saw the drunken
young emperor being helped back by Ding Shou and couldn't help but secretly pray for Buddha's blessing.

Zhang Yong was busy preparing a hangover soup, while Liu Jin helped the emperor change into his wedding robes. For a moment, the eunuchs, who could easily
decide life and death, were in a flurry of activity. Ding Shou, on the other hand, leisurely looked around Zhu Houzhao's living quarters
.

"Your Majesty, you have this treasure here." Ding Shou noticed a copy of "The Imperial Collection of Erotic
Illustrations" on the kang table and picked it up with delight.

"Insolence!" Liu Jin scolded the clumsy Ding Shou. "This is for His Majesty."

"No need, I know what to do." Whether it was from drinking too much or from shyness, Zhu Houzhao
's face was flushed. "If you like it, I'll give it to you." "

Thank you, Your Majesty." Ding Shou said with a grin. "Then I'll take my leave."

"What time is it? Don't go back." Zhu Houzhao waved his hand impatiently and staggered towards
the palace gate.

Where am I supposed to stay then? Ding Shou looked at Liu Jin with difficulty, hoping to get some advice from the old eunuch, but
Liu Jin stepped forward and helped the stumbling Zhu Houzhao towards Kunning Palace.

Ding Shou scratched his head and looked around, noticing Zhang Yong standing there dumbfounded. Remembering something, he said, "Eunuch Zhang
, I have a favor to ask."

"Please speak freely, Lord Ding," Zhang Yong said calmly.

"The Leopard Chamber construction has begun. I was wondering if we could send another person from the Qianqing Palace to supervise the work, so His Majesty can inquire about the progress
at any time ."

Zhang Yong looked Ding Shou up and down. "Is Lord Ding worried that Zhang Zhong might sabotage it?"

"You flatter me. I have absolutely no such intention. I just thought that such a significant matter as the Leopard Chamber shouldn't be
left unattended ." Ding Shou smiled broadly.

"Then I thank you, Lord Ding," Zhang Yong said, cupping
his hands in thanks. He then looked at a forty-year-old eunuch behind him carrying a hangover soup and beckoned him over.

"Sun Hong, you also grew up serving His Majesty. You must know how important the Leopard Chamber is. Tomorrow..."
"Go to the West Garden to serve today."

The eunuch named Sun Hong had an honest face. Hearing this, he didn't say much, but simply bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

*** *** *** ***

Inside Kunning Palace, the red candles were about to burn out.

Empress Xia was uneasy. Was she going to sit alone until dawn?

"He's here, he's here, His Majesty has arrived!" A servant of Kunning Palace ran in from outside the palace with great joy.

With a weight lifted from her heart, the sixteen-year-old Empress Xia concealed her joy and pretended to be calm, saying, "What's the rush?
What kind of behavior is this!"

The palace maid murmured "Yes," and helped the Empress to sit upright in the dragon and phoenix tent. Then, the unsteady little
emperor stumbled in.

As Zhu Houzhao's drunkenness intensified, he squinted his hazy, intoxicated eyes and gazed at the beautiful woman's fair face inside the tent. He slurred and
chuckled, "Sister Liu... Sister Liu, you look so... so beautiful tonight. You've lost so much weight!"

Empress Xia was silently reciting the palace etiquette taught by the female officials, struggling with how to consummate the marriage with the emperor, when she never
expected him to utter such a remark.

Startled, Empress Xia touched her cheek. She realized the Emperor was not referring to her. Thinking of her sleepless night,
only to be met with such unfair treatment, she felt a surge of resentment and indignation. She pursed her thin, red lips and said solemnly
, "So that Your Majesty may know, I am Empress Xia, chosen by both palaces as the Empress, not some woman surnamed Liu.
"
[attach]3045082[/attach]
Zhu Houzhao shook his head vigorously, finally recognizing the person in the tent. He realized his earlier lapse in decorum and said awkwardly
, "I was drunk and rude; please forgive me, Empress."

"Your Majesty, I dare not."

Empress Xia replied respectfully, but a thorn seemed to pierce her heart. She wondered who this woman surnamed Liu was, trying to bewitch
the Emperor—how outrageous!

Guided by their respective attendants, the two performed the nuptial ceremony. Then, palace servants removed their crowns, robes, and headwear, and
lowered the bed curtains…

Soon after, intermittent, disordered breathing and a fearful groan could be heard from within…

“No…don’t pinch there…Your Majesty…please…don’t pinch anymore! I…I
can’t…I can’t take it…um…um…”

Empress Xia’s voice trembled, her breath coming in short gasps.

Inside the red bed curtains, Emperor Zhengde pressed tightly against the naked Empress, his lips sucking
incessantly , his right hand pinching the round, firm nipples, the two nipples already red and erect from stimulation.

A tingling pain frequently surged from her chest, and Empress Xia could not help but moan softly, her hands tightly clutching
and gripping the brocade quilt beneath her.

Although the old palace maid had given her instructions on matters of love beforehand, the unprecedented pleasurable and tingling
sensation between her breasts still left her bewildered. Her sparsely haired vulva was already slightly wet with dew. Was this what
lovemaking ? It seemed quite pleasurable…

If Zhu Houzhao had patiently prepared foreplay, he might have given the young empress a wonderful memory. However, Emperor Zhengde, who
had only one experience, was unaware of this. He impatiently parted her delicate legs, lay on top of her
, and thrust his lower body forward. Suddenly, a terrified cry of pain rang out…

“It hurts…it hurts so much…no…Your Majesty…please get up…it hurts so much…
sob…”

The sudden sharp pain made the young empress tremble. Her body struggled uncontrollably, her long legs
kicking and bending without any support. Fine sweat had already seeped from her forehead.

Suddenly breaking through the resistance of the girl's lower body, the unexpected thrust of the dragon root also caused some pain. Zhu Houzhao thought to himself
that it was different from when he was with Sister Liu. Although he didn't know why, he still comforted the lovely woman beneath him with the tone of someone who had been there before
:

"Don't be afraid, it's already inside! It won't hurt in a while, and it will feel good."

"But... Your Majesty, it really... really hurts... Please... be gentle..."

"Hmm... Don't worry... I'm starting to move..." Zhu Houzhao comforted her a few times, and then tried to slowly
thrust his dragon root in and out.

"It hurts... it still hurts a little... and it's swollen... um... um..."

As the young emperor thrust gently, Empress Xia's brows gradually relaxed, and the pain from the injury in her lower body seemed to lessen. Her delicate
body also twisted slightly.

Seeing that the person beneath him looked somewhat like the woman surnamed Liu when they had intercourse, Zhu Houzhao thought the time was
right and immediately increased the force.

"Ah...it hurts...it hurts so much...Your Majesty!"

A trembling moan suddenly rang out. Empress Xia placed her jade-like hand on Zhu Houzhao's shoulder, her head shaking slightly as she pleaded
, "Please, Your Majesty, hold on."

Zhu Houzhao, already impatient from the alcohol, pulled away and complained, "Why is it so troublesome?
It was so much easier when I was with Sister Liu!"

Hearing this, Empress Xia could no longer suppress the grievances and bitterness she had endured throughout the night. "If Your Majesty
feels that I am unworthy to be the mistress of the six palaces, then depose me and punish me. Why have you repeatedly humiliated me with a vixen
..."

"Shut up! You are not allowed to speak of her like that!" Zhu Houzhao's anger flared.

Startled by Zhu Houzhao's rebuke, the Empress felt even more distressed and choked back sobs.

Zhu Houzhao also felt he had gone too far. He wanted to apologize but didn't know where to begin. Frustrated, he lifted
the bed curtains and shouted, "Help me dress!"

Several palace maids bowed and entered, hurriedly helping Zhu Houzhao. The young emperor casually glanced down and exclaimed, "Blood
, blood! I'm injured?!"

An old palace maid bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, this is the Empress's virginity." Zhu Houzhao gave

a soft "oh." This man at least knew that this was a symbol of a woman's chastity. Thinking about what he had done tonight, he realized he had indeed gone
too far. He softened his tone and said, "You should rest well, my dear. Tonight I will sleep in the Qianqing Palace."

Inside the red gauze curtains, Empress Xia watched the emperor's figure disappear. Two lines of tears streamed down her jade-like face
...

*** *** *** ***

Inside the warm pavilion of the Qianqing Palace.

Lord Ding was engrossed in reading the royal sex education book, his face relaxed, drool
almost dripping from his mouth, until Zhu Houzhao approached and he snapped out of his reverie.

"Your Majesty, why have you returned?" Ding Shou asked, wiping his drool.

"What a spoilsport! Too fast, too slow, too gentle, too forceful—it's all so unpleasant," Zhu Houzhao replied.
Sitting on the bed, puffing out his cheeks,

Ding Shou said, "Sister Liu is so kind, she only complains that I'm not strong enough." He coughed, realizing he'd overheard something he shouldn't have. "Your Majesty, please don't worry.
How about I accompany you on a hunting trip to Nanhai Lake to relax another day?"

"You know the Empress Dowager won't let me leave the palace?"

"I'll go and get that imperial decree, and tell her that Your Majesty wants to personally hunt some game for the Empress Dowager to nourish her body." Ding Shou
patted his chest

, making a promise. "Ha, I forgot, you have a lot of influence with the Empress Dowager." Zhu Houzhao clapped his hands, teasingly.

Unable to tell if this was praise or criticism, Ding Shou was a little hesitant. He said softly, "Since Your Majesty is returning to the palace, I
'll take my leave."

"Return to what? There are dozens of beds in the nine warm rooms of Qianqing Palace, and not one for you
. Tonight, you'll sleep side by side with me." Zhu Houzhao grabbed Ding Shou's wrist.

"You unlucky brat, not sleeping with your wife on your wedding day, what's the meaning of dragging the Second Master along?" Ding Shou already
maliciously speculated that this brat had a penchant for picking up soap.

"Tell me in detail about you and that Ruizhu..." At this moment, Zhu Houzhao had a
smug , completely lacking the majesty of the supreme ruler of the Ming Empire.

*** *** *** ***

Dawn broke.

Inside Kunning Palace, a dozen palace maids bustled about, serving Empress Xia as she washed and dressed.

Empress Xia's beautiful almond eyes were now swollen like two pink peaches, which she tried her best to cover with face powder.

"Your Majesty..." A palace maid rushed in.

"What's the rush!" Empress Xia reprimanded sternly, then waved for the surrounding palace maids to leave.

After the palace maids had dispersed, Empress Xia stood up anxiously and asked, "Well, where did His Majesty
sleep last night?"

"This servant found out, His Majesty did indeed return to Qianqing Palace last night," the palace maid replied.

"Are there any other female officials serving you?" Empress Xia pressed.

"No, but..." the young palace maid hesitated.

The Empress immediately tensed up. "But what?"

"Last night, His Majesty slept with Ding Shou, the Imperial Guard." After saying this, the young palace maid's
head almost touched her chest.

"Does His Majesty have homosexual tendencies?" The Empress frowned, biting her red lips, and said hatefully
, "A sycophantic villain, serving the emperor with flattery..."

*** *** *** ***

Imperial Horse Stables.

Zhang Zhong sat diagonally behind a rosewood desk with upturned corners, coldly observing Sun Hong, who was checking the accounts.

Sun Hong was focused, seemingly unaware of Zhang Zhong's unfriendly gaze. After a long while, he stood up, holding the account book
to Zhang Zhong.

"Eunuch Zhang, there seem to be a few discrepancies in these figures," Sun Hong said, pointing to the account book.

Zhang Zhong didn't look at the account book in front of him, but closed it with one hand, his face full of smiles. "Old Sun,
although you were promoted to eunuch at the beginning of the year in Qianqing Palace, you still came from the Imperial Horse Administration."

Sun Hong nodded in agreement, "

I was greatly appreciated for your help back then, Eunuch Zhang." "It's not a matter of help. Although you are in Zhuozhou and my family is in Bazhou, we are still fellow townsmen from Zhili. It is only right
to help each other ." Zhang Zhong waved his hand generously.

Sun Hong just nodded repeatedly without replying.

Zhang Zhong got up and pressed Sun Hong into his chair, saying with a bit of earnestness, "We
poor people have no children and cannot engage in sexual relations. Serving His Majesty well is our duty. The rest is just
to save some spare change for our old age. Don't you think that makes sense?"

"Eunuch Zhang is very insightful." Sun Hong nodded.

Zhang Zhong was quite satisfied with Sun Hong's attitude and continued, "You know the ins and outs here, I know it all.
Everyone in the palace knows it inside and out. His Majesty is also considerate of his servants, so..."

Zhang Zhong pushed the account book on the table toward Sun Hong, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Turning a blind eye to some things
will surely bring you benefits."

Sun Hong looked at the account book in front of him, then looked up at Zhang Zhong and smiled, "No need for benefits. I am just a
lowly eunuch, with no family support and no diplomatic needs. I'm all alone and don't need much money. My salary is
more than enough."

"This money belongs to that sucker in the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Why are you saving it for that kid?" Zhang Zhong raised
his voice and said urgently.

"Whose money it is doesn't matter. This job was assigned by His Majesty. We can't even be buried in our ancestral
graves and can't fulfill our filial duties. We can't be without the word 'loyalty' at all." "

Please consider the pros and cons carefully, Eunuch Zhang. Let's pretend today's events never happened. Take care."
Sun Hong got up and took his leave.

Zhang Zhong glared as Sun Hong left the room, his anger flaring. He kicked over the table and
then smashed everything around him in a frenzy.

"Eunuch Zhang, what's with all this anger?" A mocking voice sounded behind him.

Zhang Zhong became even angrier, turning around sharply and snarling, "Which blind bastard is
laughing ?!"

Xu Zhi, from the Directorate of Ceremonial, stood by the door, and instead of being angry, he smiled, "If Eunuch Zhang is in the mood,
how about I prepare a feast to calm you down?"

*** *** *** ***

The autumn sun shone warmly, and a gentle breeze blew.

Wang Ao, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, stood with his hands behind his back outside the Zuoshun Gate, leisurely observing the palace gate's double eaves.

Mr. Zhenze was open-minded and of noble character. Although he hadn't been promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel as recommended by the court, which he slightly regretted
, he felt that his official experience was inferior to Jiao Mengyang's, so he didn't hold a grudge.

"Lord Zuo Tang, what brings you to the palace?" Wang Yue, the Grand Master of Ceremonies, greeted him with a smile.

Wang Ao smiled and bowed, taking a lacquered box from behind him. "Greetings, Grand Chancellor. During the previous lectures
, His Majesty inquired about the wild tea from my hometown and bestowed upon it the name 'Biluochun.' My family recently visited the capital and brought
several kilograms. Not daring to claim it all for myself, I have come to present it as a wedding gift for His Majesty."

"You've gone to great lengths, sir. Your relationship with His Majesty is one of perfect harmony, a true teacher-student bond, a
story that will surely be remembered in history," Wang Yue said, taking the lacquered box. Wang

Ao stroked his beard and smiled broadly. "Grand Chancellor, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise. Where is His Majesty? Please introduce me."

Wang Yue's expression was strange. "His Majesty is not in the palace at the moment, but at 'the corridor'..."

Wang Ao followed Wang Yue's lead to the Yongxiang Alley of the Imperial City. He saw shops lined up one after another, with vendors hawking their wares
. Groups of two or three customers were picking and choosing, haggling over prices, yet everything was orderly.

"Who dares to be so bold as to conduct business within the Imperial City? Where is the decorum!" Wang Ao was so angry at
the strange sight that his beard almost stood on end. He rolled up his sleeves and said, "Where is His Majesty? I must submit a memorial to remonstrate."

Wang Yue smiled bitterly. "Left Master, come with me." He led Wang Ao into a tavern. There was an accountant at the counter,
using an abacus, and even a woman selling wine at the counter.

"Who...who are these people? Unauthorized persons are barging into the Forbidden City. What has become of the royal dignity..." Wang Ao was
so shocked by the chaotic scene that he was incoherent.

Wang Yue invited the old man to sit down at a square table, reassuring him, "Don't worry, Lord Wang, these people
are all dressed as palace servants, not commoners."

Wang Ao remained worried and urged, "Quickly, lead this old man to see His Majesty."

"What would you two like to order?" a waiter approached.

Wang Ao waved his hand dismissively, "Mind your own business, go away, go away! His Majesty…
why are you dressed like that?"

Only after the old man looked closely did he realize that the waiter before him, wearing a felt hat, a linen short coat, a white
apron , and a handkerchief draped over his shoulder, was none other than his beloved student, the Emperor Zhu Houzhao of the Ming Dynasty. Startled, Wang Ao
immediately stood up.

"Master Wang, please sit down. What would you like to eat? This meal is on me," Zhu Houzhao said generously, his business dealings quite
extensive .

"This… this is…" the old man stammered, still bewildered.

"Wang Zuotang brought some local specialties from his hometown, 'Biluochun' tea, to present to Your Majesty," Wang Yue explained from the side.

Zhu Houzhao was overjoyed upon hearing this. "That's wonderful! We don't have any good tea to serve our guests here. Master Wang, you've worked hard
."

"Your Majesty..." Wang Ao suddenly wailed, tears streaming down his face.

Zhu Houzhao was startled. "What's wrong? Get up and speak."

Wang Ao knelt on the ground, wiping away his tears, and cried, "The late Emperor's passing is still fresh in our minds. Although the grand wedding is over and
the auspicious rites are complete, Your Majesty should be even more diligent in state affairs. Now you are indulging in pleasure and wasting your energy. How can you achieve a peaceful
reign? I have neglected your upbringing. How can I face the late Emperor in the afterlife..."

Wang Shouxi's words were sincere and heartfelt, with tears streaming down his face. However, Zhu Houzhao had already experienced Xie Ge Lao's incessant
verbal attacks. These few spittles were nothing to the young emperor; they went in one ear and out the other.

"Master Wang is absolutely right, I understand." Zhu Houzhao said, and tried to help Wang Ao up.

Master Zhenze, now truly moved, could only plead and beg, refusing to stand.

"Meow—meow—"

"Why are there livestock here?" Interrupted, the old master Wang was extremely displeased, turning to reprimand him, then immediately
collapsed to the ground in fright.

A cheetah was lurking behind him, its furry head shaking and baring its teeth.

"Meow—," it meowed again, then was pulled aside by a leather rope around its neck.

"Lord Wang, I'm so sorry, so sorry, you there, quickly lead the big cat away." Ding Shou
handed the rope to the attendant behind him and hurriedly helped Wang Ao up.

The Second Master has been having a blast lately. He never imagined the Ming Emperor would use leopards instead of hunting dogs for hunting – what an extravagant
lifestyle ! One of Ding Shou's greatest pleasures now is leading leopards and falcons, a thousand horsemen sweeping across the plains
. The birds and beasts of the South Sea Hunting Grounds have been having a terrible time lately.

"You…you…you've disgraced us!" Whether from anger or fear, Lord Wang's finger
trembled .

"Master Wang's words are all about the well-being of the country and its people; I will follow them. Please rest assured and return to your residence,
" said the young emperor.

Wanting to offer further advice, but seeing the leopard baring its teeth beside him, Lord Wang was still shaken and, supported by
Wang Yue quickly left.

"What did you hunt today?" Zhu Houzhao wiped his face with his sleeve. Master Wang had spoken too much earlier
; he couldn't wait to dry his face.

"Three rabbits, two roe deer, and a gazelle," Ding Shou's servants said, taking the game into the kitchen.

Zhu Houzhao kept shaking his head, complaining that there wasn't enough.

"Your Majesty, please bear with us. This humble subject only has a few men to hunt with," Ding Shou said helplessly. He wasn't the gazelle
hunter Huang Taiji or the rabbit-killer Emperor Kangxi. If it weren't for that 100 km/h speed boost, he might
not have even managed to catch this much.

Zhu Houzhao continued to shake his head, but when he saw the lacquer box on the table, his eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, "Quickly
, change the sign! Our shop has just received Biluochun tea. We urge all our guests to patronize us..."

*** *** *** ***

East Depot, inner hall.

Bai Shaochuan whispered in Liu Jin's ear.

Liu Jin remained expressionless. Only after Bai Shaochuan stood respectfully to the side did he nod and say, "Understood
. Go."

Bai Shaochuan didn't move, and whispered, "Should I remind Brother Ding?"

"No need," Liu Jin uttered softly.

Bai Shaochuan hesitated slightly before speaking, "The Grand Eunuch always proceeds cautiously and gradually.
Brother Ding's ostentatious behavior might attract attention both inside and outside the court, potentially causing trouble and ruining the Grand Eunuch's plans..."

"Xiao Chuan..." Liu Jin's voice turned cold, "You've said too much today."

"Yes, I admit my fault. I'll take my leave." Bai Shaochuan said no more, retreating to the foot of the hall and turning to leave.

"You spoil that boy so much, aren't you worried about your subordinates harboring resentment?" Accompanied by a cough, Gao Feng
emerged from the back hall.

Liu Jin stared blankly at the empty hall, a hint of warmth suddenly appearing on his cold face, "Young people
are playful, let him be. He can play carefree for a few more years..."

*** *** *** ***

On the full moon of August, at the Fengtian Hall, the grand court assembly was held.

"Your subject Yang Yuan, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau's Five Officials Supervisor, reports: On the day of Xin-You in the sixth month, thunder struck the suburban altar gates, the roof ridge beasts of
the Imperial Ancestral and the chiwen (
a mythical beast ornament) of the Fengtian Hall. In early the eighth month, the stars Arcturus and Antares shook, and the stars Merak, Phecda, and Megrez became unclear. These are all warnings from Heaven. I humbly request Your Majesty to personally appoint senior ministers, dismiss the favored eunuchs, and allow them to reside peacefully within the palace, abstaining from frivolous activities and prohibiting hunting."
"Stop bowing and horsemanship, strictly enforce orders, and do not enter or leave lightly..."

Grand Secretary Liu Jian, listening at the head of the table, nodded secretly. His old buddy Wang Ao had been quite infuriated in the palace a few days ago, and
he wanted to vent his anger. But frankly, he'd already talked enough about the emperor and his entourage's trivial matters
; Grand Secretary Liu himself was embarrassed to bring them up again. This

was just the right opportunity. The so-called interaction between heaven and man, the change in celestial phenomena, must be a sign of the ruler's wrongdoing,
prompting a warning from heaven. If he didn't make a big deal out of this, Grand Secretary Liu would be failing in his professional ethics as the head of the civil officials
.

After Yang Yuan, the vanguard, finished his report, Liu Jian stepped forward and said, "What a ruler fears most is Heaven and his ancestors.
At the beginning of Your Majesty's reign, celestial anomalies occurred repeatedly, therefore, benevolence and vigilance are of utmost importance. According to the precedents of previous dynasties, whenever celestial anomalies occurred, meals and music were reduced and music was stopped.
Now Your Majesty should also rise early every day to pray to Heaven and worship at the temple before holding court, to cultivate yourself and reflect on your negligence in governance, so that
the people's hearts may be appeased and Heaven's will may be restored..."

Grand Secretary Liu was over seventy years old after all, and he took a breath to clear his throat, intending to continue, when suddenly
a person from the back of the left rank said, "Grand Secretary Liu's words, this humble official dares not agree with."

Xie Qian, who was still in the ranks, raised his eyebrows. This scene was somewhat familiar. He turned his head and, sure enough,
it was Wang Tingxiang, the Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of War, who jumped out.

Wang Tingxiang stepped forward and said, “The vast blue sky is singular, but the number of countries under heaven is countless.
Changes in celestial phenomena are reflected in all countries. Does the good or bad conduct of a ruler change with the same course of events every day and month? If all
warnings from celestial phenomena are admonitions to His Majesty, then why does Heaven favor China alone?” “This…” Liu Jian stroked his beard and remained silent. The Ming people’s vision was clear. The previous debate between

Yang Tinghe and Ding Shou in the Wenhua Hall had already made things very clear. It would be unreasonable to stubbornly deny it. If he were to stubbornly argue that China was the Celestial Empire and the rest were barbaric and insignificant lands, and that Heaven favored the Ming Dynasty and what could he do about it, then sorry, Grand Secretary Liu did not have the courage to make himself a laughing stock . 　　Xie Qian felt a surge of anger upon seeing Wang Tingxiang, secretly thinking that this Prince Heng must have joined Liu Jin's faction, a true scoundrel of refined . He immediately stepped forward and retorted, "Then what does it mean according to Wang, the remonstrator?" 　　Xie, the Grand Secretary, was always eloquent and determined to refute , find a fault to demote him from the central government, and save him from causing trouble for his brothers. 　　Wang Tingxiang knelt before the throne and respectfully said, "Rather than worshipping Heaven, it is better to serve the people diligently. I humbly request Your Majesty to dismiss the hawks and hounds , cease horseback riding and archery, reduce expenditures and labor services to ease the burden on the people, promote the virtuous and remove the wicked, revitalize the court, reward merit and punish crime, and rectify the law. This would be a blessing for all the people and a boon for the Ming Dynasty." Wang Tingxiang's thinking was simple: submit a memorial if you will, he had no objection to discussing the matter at hand, what was with all this nonsense about 　　celestial anomalies as a warning ? 　　Liu Jian and Xie Qian exchanged a glance, surprised by Wang Tingxiang's words. However, they had no time to ponder them further, as their own thoughts had already been uttered. They both bowed and said, "Your Majesty, we second your opinion." 　　Zhu Houzhao had initially enjoyed watching his ministers bicker, but now the spearhead had shifted to him. "Cut expenses and reduce labor service?" he thought. "I need to cut expenses too! The Guanglu Temple's stipends have been reduced; am I supposed to expect a whole bunch of people in the palace to live on meager porridge and vegetables every day? Why? You and your sons indulge in nightly revelry and debauchery, why should I suffer all this hardship? " 　　Zhu Houzhao grew increasingly angry, on the verge of exploding. Ding Shou, a guard beside him, tugged at his sleeve and whispered , "Your Majesty, let's adjourn the court." 　　Ding Shou understood the young emperor's resentment, but at this moment, a confrontation would leave Liu Jian and Xie Qian unscathed , while Wang Tingxiang's small frame couldn't withstand the emperor's wrath. Ding Shou truly didn't want his friend Ziheng to become a scapegoat. 　　Zhu Houzhao glared at the ministers below who had angered him, swallowed his anger, and nodded, saying, "I understand what you have said. Court adjourned." 　　*** *** *** *** 　　Grand Secretary Li Dongyang's residence, flower hall. 　　"Wang Ziheng is a follower of the Qi School. His views on the theory of Heaven and Man sometimes differ from ours. Why must Mu Zhai engage in a petty argument with a junior?" Li Dongyang gently comforted his old friend. " 　　We offered our earnest advice, but His Majesty turned a deaf ear. We submitted memorials impeaching him, but they were all kept in the archives and ignored. He merely said 'I understand' and brushed it off. How can this be tolerated?" 　　Xie Qian said indignantly, slamming his hand on the armrest of his nanmu chair. 　　"Mu Zhai, calm down. After all, the matter has reached His Majesty's ears. Let's wait and see how things develop," Li Dongyang continued . 　　"Alas, I fear His Majesty is surrounded by treacherous villains who may mislead His Majesty, and the matter will ultimately remain unresolved." Wang Yue, , was present, leisurely sipping his fragrant tea. 　　"Who exactly led His Majesty to that household in the corridor?" Recalling what he had seen in the Yongxiang Palace that day, the mild-mannered Wang Ao could no longer contain his anger. 　　"Who else could it be but Liu Jin, oh, and Ding Shou, whom he recommended to His Majesty." Wang Yue put down his teacup , adding fuel to the fire, "Not only that household in the corridor, but also the Leopard House, which is now undergoing massive construction in the Western Garden, was also arranged by him ." 　　"A mere child, suddenly attaining a high position, does not know gratitude for the Emperor's grace, but instead misleads the Holy Emperor, truly unworthy of being called a son." Wang Ao said indignantly to Liu Jian and the others, "Huian, you all hold important positions in the cabinet, and if you merely sit idly by , wouldn't you be betraying both the late Emperor and the current one?" 　　"Shouxi, calm down, Hui'an will make a decision." Li Dongyang quickly came to Liu Jian's rescue. 　　The usually decisive Liu Jian was now somewhat hesitant. Based on his past experience dealing with the young emperor, he knew that whether it was dismissing the officials in charge of imperial affairs or reducing the imperial stipends, as long as the regents threatened to resign, the matter would be settled , ending with Zhu Houzhao giving in. However, 　　methods that work well cannot be overused. The young emperor was only a few years old; he had a long life ahead of him. He couldn't keep submitting his resignation every few days Besides, Grand Secretary Liu had already sensed Zhu Houzhao's growing resentment towards them. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, "Late Emperor, this old minister truly misses the days spent with you." 　　Liu Jian tapped his fingers lightly on the table beside him, pondering for a long time, but still couldn't make a decision. "Speaking frankly and offering advice is the duty of a subject. Moreover, the current emperor is young and easily instigated by treacherous people. We should follow the old system and constantly remind His Majesty to be close to the virtuous and keep away from the wicked. This is the right path." 　　Wang Ao was somewhat dissatisfied with this old-fashioned reply and turned to the person beside him, saying, "Dongshan, what do you think ?" 　　Liu Daxia, the former Minister of War who had retired but still remained in the capital, kept his eyes lowered and remained silent.

He slowly opened his eyes, glanced at everyone, and said, "What Hui'an said is true. Eliminating the treacherous and wicked requires
careful planning ."

Seeing Wang Ao's disappointed expression, Liu Daxia comforted him, "Shouxi, don't worry too much. Being prepared for everything ensures peace of mind
. We have been planning this for a long time."

After listening to Liu Daxia's explanation, Wang Ao suddenly understood and praised repeatedly, "Dongshan truly deserves his long tenure in the Ministry of War
. He is well-versed in the art of war."

Liu Daxia's thin face twitched with pride as he looked at the composed Wang Yue, "Prime Minister,
how are your arrangements going?"

"I'm taking precautions. I have my eyes on every move those people make," Wang Yue said with a chuckle, gently wiping
his lips with a handkerchief.

*** *** ***

Sihaiju, though not as famous as Songhelou, nor possessing the exquisite peach blossom wine, has managed
to stand firm in Beijing's bustling tavern scene, which speaks volumes about its unique qualities.

The owner, a native of
Sichuan is frequented by a steady stream of customers, who all praise the owner's good fortune and prosperity.

The owner himself knows his own limitations; his ability to maintain a foothold in the heart of the capital, a place teeming with corrupt officials, is all
thanks to a powerful figure. Not only do officials never bother him, but even petty thugs who
are routinely disappear after a single visit, as if such a group of people had never existed in Beijing
.

The distinguished guest was now drinking alone in a private room. Each time he came, he only asked for a pot of "Wenjun Lao" from Sichuan, and
he didn't need anyone to serve him. He poured and drank it himself, and paid for it when he left. Although his behavior was strange, the owner's business philosophy
was to never ask questions he shouldn't. 　　One pot, one cup.

Bai

Shaochuan, dressed in brown and upright, sat at a square low table, savoring
the taste , seemingly only experiencing a faint bitterness. "A down-on-his-luck man from Xizhou, with a muddy wine cup, drunk, he climbed the zither platform several times. Laughing at his unrestrained life in his blue shoes, he came again to the Wenjun Well ." Bai Shaochuan softly recited this poem, "Wenjun Well," a trace of sorrow appearing on his jade-like face. Wenjun's elopement and selling wine at the counter is a timeless tale. If Zhuo Wenjun had foreseen the day she would compose "The Ballad of the White-Haired Woman," would she have regretted listening to "The Phoenix Seeks Its Mate"...? 　　"Self-pity, self-pity, self-sorrow, what injustices and unfair things has Brother Bai encountered?" 　　The blue curtain was lifted, and Fan Heng, the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, dressed in plain clothes, entered, raising a cup... 　PS: My computer broke down, so updates may be unreliable. Also, some friends suggested creating a group to discuss writing; those interested can send a private message to let me know the number of participants.

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【Under the Great Tomorrow】(74)

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