Chapter 598
Emperor Chongzhen is about to abdicate!
Before dawn, the imperial road leading to the Imperial Ancestral Temple was already under strict security, with soldiers from the Five Cities Garrison and officials from the Shuntian Prefecture clearing the streets. But this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the people.
Countless men, women, and children, young and old, crowded outside the cordon early in the morning, craning their necks and looking on with genuine, radiant smiles on their faces.
This smile wasn't feigned; it stemmed from a genuine feeling of peace brought by victory, the abundance of food at low prices, and pride in a powerful empire.
At the auspicious hour of Chenshi (7-9 AM), Emperor Chongzhen, dressed in his most solemn twelve-symbol imperial robe and wearing a twelve-tassel crown, rode in a huge jade carriage carried by thirty-six eunuchs. Surrounded by his ceremonial guards, the burly generals of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, meritorious officials, and civil and military officials, he left the Meridian Gate in a grand procession and proceeded slowly along the imperial road toward the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
Banners blotted out the sun, and music filled the air; the scene was incredibly grand and majestic.
Emperor Chongzhen sat upright in his jade carriage, looking through the beaded curtain at the jubilant crowds lining both sides of the road, and listening to the deafening shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" His heart was filled with surging emotions, and he could not contain himself.
Although there were some setbacks in the Kong family's affairs a few days ago, compared to this unprecedented achievement, those minor incidents seem insignificant.
He, Zhu Youjian, personally led an expedition, sweeping across Liaodong, recovering Korea, and expanding the territory! In the nearly three hundred years of Ming Dynasty history, who else could compare with the founding emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang? Even the five expeditions of the Chengzu Emperor against the Mongols did not involve such a thorough expansion of territory!
He is the greatest emperor of all time!
The rituals for ancestor worship at the Imperial Ancestral Temple are extremely elaborate and solemn.
Emperor Chongzhen personally presented the news of the victory in pacifying Liaodong and recovering Korea to the spirits of his ancestors by burning incense.
At that moment, amidst the swirling smoke and the resounding chimes, he seemed to see the approving gazes of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Chengzu, and his heart was filled with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and historical mission.
After the ceremony, the large group returned to the palace.
Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, everything had been newly decorated, and civil and military officials stood solemnly according to their ranks.
Emperor Chongzhen sat high on the dragon throne, his face slightly flushed with excitement and exhaustion, but his spirits were extremely high.
Wang Chengen, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, stepped forward, holding the imperial edict, and unfurled the bright yellow silk. In his penetrating voice, he began to loudly proclaim the list of rewards for this great victory:
"Zu Dashou, the Grand General Who Pacifies Liaodong and Left Commander-in-Chief, is hereby promoted to Duke of Dingguo, a hereditary title, granted an iron certificate with a red inscription, ten thousand taels of silver, and a thousand acres of estate..."
"Zheng Zhilong, Admiral of the Navy and Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, is hereby granted the title of Duke of Jinghai, a hereditary title, and is also granted the title of Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent. He is bestowed with a golden inscription and an iron certificate, and awarded ten thousand taels of silver. He is specially authorized to oversee the naval forces and maritime trade of the southeastern coastal provinces..."
"Qin Liangyu, the Pacification Commissioner of Shizhu and Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, was granted the title of Duke of Loyalty and Integrity, a hereditary title, and was awarded an imperial edict, a reward of five thousand taels of silver, five hundred hectares of land, and permission to establish his own government with the same rank as the Three Excellencies..."
"Promoted, Zheng Chenggong, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Dongjiang Town, is hereby granted the title of Earl of Loyalty and Filial Piety..."
"Cao Wenzhao is hereby promoted to Earl of Ningyuan..."
"Promote Zhou Yuji to..."
One after another, resounding names and illustrious titles, accompanied by generous rewards, were clearly recited from Wang Chengen's mouth.
The generals whose names were called were all moved to step forward, kneel down to express their gratitude, their voices choked with emotion.
All those years of bloody battles were for the sake of securing a title for one's wife and children, and making a name for oneself in history. Today, all of that has come true!
All the civil and military officials in the court shared in this honor.
Civil officials might have some reservations about the military men receiving such a generous reward, but considering their real achievements in expanding the territory, they couldn't say much.
The entire court was immersed in an atmosphere of celebration and glory.
However, a small incident occurred during this period.
Qin Liangyu, dressed in a crimson court robe and still standing tall despite being over fifty, stepped forward but did not immediately express her gratitude. Instead, she knelt down, touched her head to the ground, and said in a clear and firm voice:
"Your Majesty! I am but a woman, yet I have already been granted the title of Marquis by Your Majesty's grace, an unprecedented honor! Now I am further promoted to Duke, and I am truly humbled and unworthy of this honor! In our Great Ming Dynasty, there are countless capable ministers and fierce generals. In this campaign to pacify Liaodong and establish the dynasty, how many soldiers shed their blood on the battlefield and died on the battlefield!"
Although I have made some minor contributions, I am stationed in the rear and have not been on the front lines. How dare I be ranked as a duke alongside those who charge into battle, slay generals, and capture flags?
"I humbly beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree. I wish to retain my marquisate and remain to guard this region for Your Majesty; I am already deeply grateful for Your Majesty's boundless grace!"
These words were spoken with sincerity and without any pretense.
Qin Liangyu genuinely felt that it was already unprecedented for a woman like herself to be granted the title of Marquis, and now to be granted the title of Duke, ranking alongside commanders like Zu Dashou and Zheng Zhilong, was far too much and might invite public criticism, and she also feared that she was not worthy of the position.
However, before she could finish speaking, the ranks of military officers erupted in chaos.
"Lord Qin, you are mistaken!"
Cao Wenzhao, who had just been granted the title of Earl of Ningyuan, was the first to step forward. He bowed to Qin Liangyu and said loudly.
"Although Your Excellency did not personally go to Liaodong, you twice brought the capital to its aid from afar, turning the tide. How could we have achieved such a great victory today? Your Excellency has been stationed in the capital for over a year, assisting the Duke of Ying in stabilizing the rear, allocating provisions, and deterring the villains, so that we soldiers on the front lines have no worries about our rear. This is no small feat; it is a great achievement in protecting the emperor and stabilizing the nation!"
His Majesty's conferment of the title of Duke is a reward for this great achievement, demonstrating that our Great Ming Dynasty, regardless of whether one is a civil or military official, male or female, judges solely by merit!
"Lord Cao is right!"
Zhou Yuji also loudly echoed.
"Lord Qin's White-Spear Soldiers are renowned throughout the land, and his loyalty and bravery are known to all! He truly deserves the title of Duke! If anyone disagrees, they should first demonstrate their military achievements before speaking!"
"Indeed! Your merits are evident to all!"
"Your Majesty is wise and your rewards are fair!"
A group of military officers spoke up in support of Qin Liangyu, their words earnest and full of respect.
They genuinely admired this remarkable woman.
On the civil officials' side, some might have initially thought that bestowing a title upon a woman was too shocking, but seeing Qin Liangyu's firm refusal and the unanimous support from the military generals, and considering her genuine merit in saving the emperor and stabilizing the rear, as well as the emperor's clearly determined attitude, they all wisely kept quiet.
After all, Qin Liangyu's contributions were genuine, and she was righteous, acted with propriety, and never overstepped her bounds. Conferring her the title of Duke, although breaking with convention, was not entirely unreasonable and could better demonstrate His Majesty's magnanimity in "appointing people based on talent and rewarding merit."
Emperor Chongzhen, seated on the dragon throne, watched this scene with a smile.
After the crowd subsided slightly, he spoke slowly, his voice gentle yet carrying an undeniable decisiveness:
"Qin Aiqing, there is no need for such modesty, nor for such refusal. When I reward meritorious officials, I only consider the size of their contributions and the extent of their loyalty. I have never asked whether they are men or women. Although you are a woman, your loyalty to the country and your unparalleled courage surpass many men!"
You truly deserve the title of 'Loyal and Honest Duke'! To refuse it again would be to betray my good intentions and chill the hearts of loyal ministers and righteous men throughout the land.”
Having heard the Emperor's words, Qin Liangyu knew that further refusal would be pretentious, even disrespectful. Tears welled in her eyes, and she kowtowed again, her voice choked with emotion:
"Your Majesty's grace is boundless! Your subject... Your subject, Qin Liangyu, accepts the imperial decree and expresses my gratitude! I will repay Your Majesty with my life!"
"Alright, alright! Rise!"
Emperor Chongzhen was overjoyed.
Wang Chengen continued reading the list of those awarded titles and honors.
With the final imperial edict of bestowal read aloud, this unprecedented ceremony of bestowal of titles and honors finally came to a successful close amidst shouts of "Long live the Emperor!"
The Liaodong Campaign and the Korean Campaign marked a truly glorious end in terms of etiquette and institutions.
The Ming Dynasty ushered in a new era of resurgence for the military and noble class, and also entered its first grand celebration after territorial expansion.
However, everyone knows that beneath the calm surface, something is just beginning.
Two days later.
Afternoon sunlight streamed through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the smooth, golden brick floor of the Kunning Palace, while the air was filled with a delicate fruity fragrance and a warm, cozy atmosphere.
Emperor Chongzhen was sitting cross-legged on the heated kang bed by the window, holding an exquisite rattle drum in his hand, and teasing his youngest daughter, Zhu Shuangxi, with a broad smile.
The little princess, dressed in a pink jacket and skirt with two little pigtails, was amused by her father and giggled as she reached out her chubby little hands to grab the swaying drumsticks.
Just then, a palace attendant's voice came from outside the hall:
"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"
"Oh, my son has arrived."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen raised his head, his smile widening. Empress Zhou also put down the sachet she was sewing and looked towards the palace gate with a smile.
Zhu Cilang walked in with a calm and composed gait, first bowing to his father and mother.
Upon seeing the familiar figure, Xiao Shuangxi immediately abandoned the rattle drum, opened his arms, and wobbled over, calling out in his childish voice:
"Brother Prince!"
"Hey, double happiness!"
A gentle smile bloomed on Zhu Cilang's face. He bent down and picked up his younger sister, nuzzling her pink little face affectionately.
"Let your brother see if you've been behaving well lately."
"Good boy! Shuangxi is such a good boy! Even Mother praised me!"
The little princess wrapped her arms around her brother's neck and announced triumphantly.
Watching the tender scene of the brother and sister's affectionate interaction, Emperor Chongzhen and Empress Zhou exchanged a smile, their eyes filled with warmth. This blissful time, far removed from the turmoil of the court, was the moment they cherished most.
After Zhu Cilang handed Shuangxi to the wet nurse to play with, Chongzhen cleared his throat, his smile fading, and spoke in a casual yet serious tone:
"My son, I have summoned you here today for no other reason than to discuss the date of your wedding. The Ministry of Rites has carefully considered the matter and has chosen an auspicious date: December 23rd. They say it is a once-in-a-century, extremely auspicious day. Your mother and I also think it is very good. What do you think?"
Zhu Cilang was already aware of this matter and naturally had no objections.
He remained calm, cupping his hands in greeting:
"Marriage is a major event, and it is the parents' decision. Since the Ministry of Rites has already selected an auspicious day, and my father and mother also feel it is appropriate, I will naturally follow it and have no objection."
Empress Zhou, who was listening nearby, smiled gently and said:
"Excellent. This year, our Great Ming Dynasty has been filled with joyous occasions. First, our army returned in triumph, and now your wedding date has been set. Shortly after the wedding of our son next spring, it will be His Majesty's birthday, followed by the New Year. This series of celebrations will truly make the whole year lively."
Emperor Chongzhen nodded, and continued with a touch of emotion:
"The Empress is right. Now that the world is gradually at peace and Liaodong and Korea have recently submitted, it is the time for the whole nation to celebrate and demonstrate the prosperity of our Great Ming Dynasty."
He paused, his gaze lingering on Zhu Cilang's face for a moment, his tone still calm, but with a touch more solemnity.
"The second matter... concerns my abdication."
Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall seemed to freeze slightly for a moment.
Empress Zhou's smile faded slightly, her gaze shifting with concern between the father and son. Zhu Cilang's heart skipped a beat. Although he had expected this, and his power had grown significantly in the past two years, making him virtually indistinguishable from the emperor, the words "abdicate" spoken by his father carried a different meaning.
Who could remain unmoved by that position that symbolizes supreme power and absolute authority?
However, polite words and gestures are still necessary in public.
Zhu Cilang immediately displayed just the right amount of surprise and fear, and quickly bowed, saying:
"Why do you say that, Father? Father is now in the prime of his life, full of vigor and vitality. He should be working hard to govern the country and lead the Ming Dynasty to a new era of prosperity. Your son is young and inexperienced, and still needs your guidance and support for many years. How dare I overstep my bounds? As for the matter of passing the throne, I urge Father to think carefully and not to rush it."
Seeing his son's "trembling with fear" appearance, Chongzhen glared at him irritably and scolded him with a smile:
"Alright, there are no outsiders here. Why are you putting on this show of politeness with me? Or are you testing my intentions again?"
He waved his hand, his expression turning serious, even carrying a sense of relief:
"I told you long ago that if it weren't for the unrest in Liaodong and the internal and external troubles, I would have long wanted to hand over this responsibility to you. Now that the Jurchens have been destroyed and reduced to dust, and Korea has returned to our territory, peace and prosperity are on the horizon. My wish has been fulfilled, and I have no more worries. This throne will be yours sooner or later; it's better to give it to you sooner rather than later. I'm also happy to have some peace and quiet, to enjoy the company of your mother and grandchildren, and to live a life of leisure. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
When he said these words, Chongzhen's face showed no displeasure, resentment, or lingering attachment. Instead, it radiated a sense of relief and longing after being completely relieved of his burden.
He paced back and forth in the hall, hands behind his back, gazing at the clear autumn sky outside the window, and continued:
"To be honest, my son, I figured this out a long time ago. You possess both extraordinary talent and the ambition to bring peace to the world; your methods and decisiveness surpass mine. This Ming dynasty, once in your hands, will surely become even more glorious and splendid. Why should I cling to power and cause myself unnecessary trouble?"
He turned around, looking intently at Zhu Cilang, his tone filled with pride and satisfaction at having accomplished his historical mission:
"Furthermore, I have now recovered the lost territory of Liaodong, which was left by my ancestors, and have also brought the Korean Peninsula, which no emperor of any previous dynasty had ever truly incorporated into his territory, into my own. I dare not say that this achievement will be unparalleled in the future, but it is certainly unprecedented."
As for me, I may not dare to claim the title of "Emperor of a Thousand Ages," but I have a clear conscience and have not let down my ancestors. At this point, I have no more desires or regrets regarding the country, my family, fame, or fortune. From now on, I only wish to be a comfortable retired emperor, tending to flowers and raising birds, playing with my grandchildren, and not concern myself with any trivial matters of state.
The future of the Ming Dynasty is entirely in your hands. (End of Chapter)