Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 139 Who still says he is fake? The fake emperor's name is approaching Renzong

After Yang Guifang and Ding Xiu left, Zhu Qizhen sat alone in a chair, thinking with a frown on his brows.

The Queen Mother came over, her figure swaying, her long black hair casually draped over her shoulders and down to her slender waist. She frowned slightly and asked, "What happened?"

Zhu Qizhen handed her the intelligence on the table and said, "Yesen has been crowned Khan! Finally, a Khan who is not from the Golden Family has appeared in Mobei."

The Queen Mother took the intelligence report and quickly scanned it with her beautiful eyes. The intelligence report said that Yesen defeated Toghtobuha again and captured his wife and children. Moreover, Yesen rewarded Toghtobuha's servants and livestock to his subordinates. All the major tribes in the northern desert had submitted to Yesen, from Jianzhou in the east to Chijin Mongolia and Hami in the west.

"That means the Oirat Mongols have almost unified the grasslands." The Queen Mother's eyes were sharp. "Then it won't be long before he goes south! Yesen is an ambitious man who wants to restore the glory of the Yuan Dynasty."

Zhu Qizhen spread his hands and said, "God doesn't give me time after all."

The Queen Mother put down the intelligence report, her eyes fell on Zhu Qizhen, and she said seriously: "As an emperor, you can't always be prepared. The country is so big, and there are all kinds of things happening every day."

"I understand that, too." Zhu Qizhen stood up. "So, we will set off for Beijing tomorrow to prepare for Yesen's trip south."

He was actually a little relieved in his heart, that is, Yesen would not go south again. According to historical records, after Yesen became the Khan, he indulged in wine and women, became more arrogant because of his power, and his people became increasingly alienated, and the internal conflicts of the Oirat were numerous.

In the end, Yesen was killed by his subordinate Alazhiyuan. Alazhiyuan was killed by Bolai. Yes, it was the Bolai who came to Ming Dynasty secretly last time.

Afterwards, the Oirat Mongols split and the northern desert fell into chaos.

But Zhu Qizhen was not sure that the Ming Dynasty in this world would develop according to history. After all, he, a fake emperor, had appeared, and this world had long deviated from its original trajectory.

……

Beijing, Deshengmen.

All the officials gathered together, because today the Queen Mother and the Emperor returned to the capital, and they were here to welcome them. Standing in the front were the Prince of Qin, Zhu Qiyu, and the Chief Minister of the Cabinet, Wang Zhi.

"Have you heard? Your Majesty personally guarded the Yellow River embankment at Songjia Bridge. He fought with river officials and the people all night and finally defended the embankment."

"Some people say that your majesty appeared as a real dragon and scared away the Yellow Dragon that caused the flood."

"The people of Jinan are all thanking Your Majesty for his wisdom and kindness, and the local gentry have taken the initiative to express their support for the new policy. Dong Yuchang is doing a good job as the governor, as the new policy has just been implemented and he has come at this time."

"The implementation of the new policy is an inevitable trend. The most powerful and stubborn gentry in Jiangnan have all submitted to it, and no resistance can be formed in other places."

"Your Majesty is really amazing. It's only been a few months. Everyone in the government and the public were against the new policy. Now, the new policy has become the general trend and there is no resistance."

"I heard that your majesty is determined to repair the Yellow River, and the riverside has been working hard! Oh, if the Yellow River can really be calm, your majesty can be compared to the ancient saints."

"Now the people of Jiangnan are saying that your Majesty is most like his grandfather, Emperor Renzong. He cares about the people of the world and has a benevolent heart."

Zhu Qiyu listened to this and cursed in his heart.

The fake emperor is merciful? Damn, have you forgotten the Yellow River punishment? Have you forgotten the operation on his prince Zhu? Also, don't you suspect he is a fake?
"Your Highness, Prince Qing, since Prince Xiang returned to his fiefdom, you are the only prince in the capital who has not yet been enfeoffed, right?" The king smiled and said, "According to the system of Taizu, Your Highness, it is time for you to be enfeoffed."

Zhu Qiyu was so annoyed that he wanted to beat Wang Zhi violently. However, he smiled awkwardly but politely: "Lord, I have long wanted to be a vassal. It is only because my brother entrusted me with an important task that I have no choice but to stay in the capital."

Wang Zhi had a smile on his face. "Now that the government is stable, Your Highness, you should take the initiative to ask for a fief. If you violate the prince system, how can you face Taizu and Taizong?"

"Yes, yes, yes." Zhu Qiyu could only nod.

He was in a state of panic, not knowing whether this was Wang Zhi's own intention or the emperor's instruction. If he followed the feudal system established by Taizu, he would have to be a feudal prince.

If he leaves the capital and goes to the frontier, he will have no hope at all.

"Your Majesty is here!"

The officials looked up and saw a convoy coming in a mighty procession. Soon, they arrived in front of the city gate.

"Welcome the Queen Mother, Your Majesty, back to the capital!"

……

The night is intoxicating.

Zhu Qizhen was lying in the bathtub, feeling very comfortable, as if he had relieved the fatigue of the journey. He shouted, "Xianfei, it's almost time, come in quickly, I have missed you day and night in the past few months."

Lies came out of his mouth easily, but he had been holding it in for too long in the past few months, especially with the beautiful empress dowager by his side and he could only watch.

"Your Majesty, I miss you too."

Xianfei Zhang Jingshu came over, wrapped in a bath towel, with a graceful figure, graceful and charming. She had a similar temperament to the empress dowager, elegant and beautiful, but the empress dowager was cold, but she was more gentle and shy like water.

"My dear, you are so beautiful." Zhu Qizhen reached out to pull her.

Zhang Jingshu pursed her lips lightly, with a tender look in her eyes, and glared at him shyly. Zhu Qizhen moved slightly. The bathtub was not big, so he easily hugged Concubine Xian from the back, hugging her slender waist. Concubine Xian leaned on the edge of the bathtub, her eyes charming and blurred.

The water in the bathtub began to stir.

Half an hour later, they were already lying on the couch. Zhu Qizhen gently stroked her soft long hair and asked with concern: "Is there anything wrong in the harem?"

"It's okay, except that Concubine Zhou made a fuss a few times." Zhang Jingshu's pretty face flushed, "The other sisters are very sensible."

Zhu Qizhen snorted, "Concubine Zhou has always been arrogant because she gave birth to the emperor's eldest son. Do you want me to warn her?"

Zhang Jingshu shook her head: "No, I will convince her myself."

Zhu Qizhen liked her confident look, which showed that she had the bearing of a person in charge of the harem. He put his arm around her slender waist and asked seriously, "Have you recovered your strength? I have been a vegetarian for several months. Are you still okay?"

The blush on Concubine Xian's pretty face seemed to grow more intense. She gave him a charming look and hooked her fair wrists around his neck.

……

The next morning.

Zhu Qizhen went to the morning court in high spirits. It had been a month since he last attended the morning court, and he found that the ministers seemed to be more respectful and enthusiastic than before, and they were very active in submitting memorials.

After the morning court session, Zhu Qizhen convened the cabinet ministers and the six ministers for a small court meeting as usual. First, he praised them greatly for the orderly government affairs during the emperor's absence.

After praising them, he proposed to repair the Yellow River and showed them the plan to raise the river channel. He was prepared for the ministers' opposition because this plan would not only cost money but also take time.

Sure enough, after reading it, the ministers' faces fell, and the hall fell into silence. After at least ten minutes, the Prime Minister Wang Zhi was the first to stand up and said, "Your Majesty, I fully support the Yellow River renovation. I don't need a salary! I think the river plan is very detailed and feasible, and I believe in Wang Lai." Zhu Qizhen: "!!!"

You are worthy of being the elder. You are never confused in the face of such important matters. I want to kowtow to you.

"But I am worried..." Wang Zhi raised his eyes and looked at Zhu Qizhen.

"What are you worried about?" Zhu Qizhen asked.

"I am actually worried that Your Majesty is not firm enough." Wang Zhi's cloudy eyes became clear. "It's the same old saying. Since ancient times, it is easy to achieve success but difficult to succeed; it is easy to succeed but difficult to succeed to the end. Those who are cautious at the beginning will also be cautious at the end. Your Majesty, you can't act on impulse and end up with nothing."

Zhu Qizhen smiled slightly and glanced at the others. Grand Secretary Shang Lu bowed and said, "I agree with Lord Wang. Your Majesty, we have finally found a way to control the river. If you give up halfway, it would be better not to do it. It would be a waste of manpower and resources."

Chen Xun, the Minister of Finance who had often opposed the emperor in the past, also bowed and said, "Your Majesty, if you are really determined to control the river, I will risk my life to follow you! If the Yellow River can be calmed, our dynasty can be compared with the ancient sages."

Zhu Qizhen smiled.

He never expected that the ministers all had the same idea. They were not opposed to river management, but were worried that the emperor would give up halfway.

"My Lord, your Majesty personally inspected the Yellow River and nearly died on the Yellow River embankment. Isn't this enough?" Yang Guifang said, "The method of 'restraining water to attack sand' was thought up by your Majesty."

All the ministers were horrified.

Zhu Qizhen waved his hand calmly: "It's not that exaggerated. I caught a cold after being caught in the rain all night at Songjia Bridge. However, it almost cost me my life. These are not important. I just want to tell you that after my journey, I deeply understand that the Yellow River is the people of the world. To cure the Yellow River is to win the hearts of the people."

"Your Majesty has said so, so I have nothing more to say." Wang Zhi bowed, "I will hold on for a few more years. Although I may not see the day when the Yellow River calms down, my descendants will."

Zhu Qizhen was in a good mood. He did not expect it to be so smooth. The cabinet and the six ministries all supported the major renovation of the Yellow River.

……

After returning to the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Qizhen changed into casual clothes and summoned Yu Qian, the Prince's Guardian.

Zhu Qizhen treated Yu Qian differently from other ministers, and wanted to treat him like a friend. However, Yu Qian always maintained the etiquette between the monarch and his subjects, and paid respects respectfully.

"Old Yu, I see you haven't lost much weight." Zhu Qizhen asked with a smile, "What's wrong? Have you been to Feiyan Tower too often?"

Yu Qian smiled helplessly: "Your Majesty, the military affairs are busy, can you transfer Li Bing back? Even if Li Bing can't come back, can you transfer one of Yang Guifang and Ding Xiu to me?"

"What are you thinking about?" Zhu Qizhen glared, "I don't need people around me, do I?"

Yu Qian spread his hands and said, "It was supposed to be the 'Four Young Masters of the Yu Family', but in the end it had nothing to do with me."

Zhu Qizhen smiled, patted him on the shoulder and said, "You can find talents yourself. I asked you to come here today to discuss military training. I estimate that Yesen will go south sooner or later."

"Your Majesty, there is no money!" Yu Qian said with a jealous look, "I heard that Your Majesty gave five million taels to the River Administration Office with just a wave of your hand. Oh, when will our Ministry of War have this blessing?"

Zhu Qizhen was very upset: "Old Yu, why are you still jealous? Don't worry, the river channel is indeed expensive, but it is also paid in installments. Five million is enough for their first phase of the project. Now that the new policy is implemented, the tax revenue will definitely double. I will support you again."

Yu Qian put away his expression and bowed earnestly: "I also agree with the Yellow River renovation! Especially your Majesty, you said that the Yellow River, Huai River, and Grand Canal should be managed together. The smooth transportation of grain transport is of vital importance to the border."

Zhu Qizhen motioned him to sit down and said, "After talking for so long, I finally get to the point. I'm here to talk to you about training troops. The hereditary military system of the Taizu's garrison system has been abolished. However, I dare not oppose it blatantly. However, the recruitment of soldiers must begin. I will issue an order that 'if there are talented and virtuous people in the folk, the officials will recommend them to the capital with courtesy and they will be examined and employed as usual.' I hope you can train an invincible army."

"I obey your order." A gleam of light flashed in Yu Qian's eyes.

He had followed Emperor Taizong in the Northern Expedition, and witnessed how powerful the three major camps of the Ming army were at that time.

……

Prince Qing's Palace.

After Zhu Qiyu came back, his face was extremely ugly: "Military Advisor, today when I took the Queen Mother and His Majesty back to the capital, the prince directly mentioned to me that the prince should go to the vassal state. I don't know whether this is the intention of the fake emperor or his own idea."

The military advisor Tung Xingdao frowned, "This day has finally come! After the fake emperor's experience, his prestige has become even higher. Now the people support him, and the gentry also submit to him. Then the officials will naturally make their choice. If your Highness and Wang Zhi don't mention it, other ministers will propose that you go to the vassal state."

"If I go to be a vassal, all the plans I made will be empty talk," said Zhu Qiyu.

Tung Xingdao pondered for a while and said, "You have to have a frank talk with two people. One is the Queen Mother. I think she doesn't want the Zhu family to fall into the hands of outsiders. She keeps you in the capital as a backup. Her first choice is definitely her son."

Zhu Qiyu nodded, thought for a while and asked: "What about the other person? Who is it?"

"Yu Qian!" Tung Xingdao sneered, "Yu Shaobao is not loyal to the Zhu family. He cares about the people of the world. However, he has a deep friendship with the late emperor. I believe he will not choose the false emperor in the end."

Zhu Qiyu stood up: "I understand!"

……

Dusk, Kunning Palace.

Zhu Qizhen came to accompany the Empress Dowager for dinner. Just like before, he did not greet her after entering. He just stood there and said, "I am so tired. My life is worse than a dog's."

The empress dowager came over in a luxurious purple dress. She had a graceful and proud figure, black silk like a waterfall, and several delicate hairpins bound her soft long hair, which fell to her slender waist.

"An emperor should act like an emperor." She glanced at him with cold eyes.

Zhu Qizhen curled his lips.

Now that you're back, you're acting like a queen, right? Why are you pretending? I still prefer the gentle, virtuous, and naive look you had when you were in Jiangnan.

"What does the cabinet say about the plan to overhaul the Yellow River?" The Queen Mother sat down opposite him, bringing a gust of fragrant wind.

"I never expected that they all agreed." Zhu Qizhen spread his hands, "They are actually worried that I won't stick to it. Well, I will stick to this position as emperor for as long as I can."

The Queen Mother looked coldly and said, "When the time comes, issue an edict, and future emperors will follow it."

Zhu Qizhen saw that her attitude had turned cold again, so he snorted and ignored her. He turned to Shuangxi and asked, "Is the food ready? Why haven't you served it yet? Do you want to starve me to death? You are such a bold servant, I will marry you to any soldier later."

Shuangxi: “???”

She looked at the Queen Mother with a bitter face.

(End of this chapter)