Ming: I am fake, walking on thin ice

Chapter 273 The True Emperor Meets the False Emperor: This is not like me

The night was as dark as ink, quietly shrouding the Qianqing Palace. The rain gradually slowed down, turning into a fine whisper, gently brushing over the glazed tiles, and then slowly dripping along the eaves, making a crisp and long "tick-tock" sound.

Inside the palace, the candlelight flickered slightly, and the light softly sprinkled on the carved beams and painted buildings, making the already magnificent Qianqing Palace even more cozy. Zhu Qizhen sat beside the dragon throne, holding an ancient book in his hand, occasionally looking up at the hazy rain outside the window, his eyes revealing a tranquility and thought beyond the world.

Raindrops hit the window lattice, and the pages of books turn gently. At moments like this, time seems to slow down, making people feel peaceful and forget the troubles and intrigues of the day.

In his hand was a copy of "Miscellaneous Records of Emperor Minghuang", which recorded a feast during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang. The two lines "clouds resemble clothes, flowers resemble beauty, spring breeze blows on the threshold, dew is thick on the face" have been passed down through the ages, making future generations know the beauty of Yang Guifei.

"Isn't this a feast of bliss?" Zhu Qizhen said to himself, "I will also hold a feast, and I will also invite the people to see the palace."

Xiyao, who was standing next to him, heard it and was shocked: "Really? Common people entering the palace? How can this be possible?"

Zhu Qizhen smiled slightly and nodded.

He knew that the people were very eager to visit the palace, so he invited some of them to come and see it. The first purpose of his banquet was to show the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty and let the foreign envoys know how powerful the Ming Dynasty was. Secondly, it was to win people's hearts and show that he, the emperor, was willing to have fun with the people.

"I plan to hold a grand banquet in the Western Garden and invite some common people to come." Zhu Qizhen glanced out the window and said, "Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon. On that day, I want to celebrate with the people."

When Xiyao heard there was a banquet, she was happy: "Great."

Zhu Qizhen stared in silence, stood up and walked out, saying: "It's getting late, you can go down and rest. I'm going to the virtuous concubine, you don't need to follow me."

Not long after, he arrived at Changchun Palace.

Xianfei was still awake, having just finished her bath. She was wearing a long gauze dress and reading a book. When she saw Zhu Qizhen coming in, she immediately went to greet him and bowed: "Your Majesty, I didn't know you were coming and didn't make any preparations."

"Where is the child? Is she asleep?" Zhu Qizhen raised his hand to wake her up.

"Just fell asleep." Concubine Xian sighed softly, "Finally it's not noisy anymore, so I can have some free time to read a book."

Zhu Qizhen gently embraced her in his arms and smiled: "Thank you for your hard work. Raising a child is not easy."

"Actually it's not hard. I have the nanny and the palace maids, so I don't feel tired." The virtuous concubine smiled gently.

Zhu Qizhen hugged her slender waist and said, "I have something to tell you. I will hold a grand banquet in the West Garden on Mid-Autumn Night. Not only will civil and military officials participate, but I will also invite some ordinary people..."

The reason for choosing Xiyuan is that it is a garden with a lake as the main body and pavilions and terraces dotted in between, forming a beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains.

It would be the most appropriate place to hold a grand banquet.

"Your Majesty, that's a good idea." After hearing this, Concubine Xian had a look of longing on her face.

"Then I'll leave it to you to take charge of it now." Zhu Qizhen said seriously, "If you organize a good banquet, it will allow the ministers and the people to see your ability, making it easier for me to make you the queen in the future."

Xian Fei leaned tightly into his arms and said, "I will not let your majesty down."

……

The next day, morning.

Zhu Qizhen announced at the court meeting that a grand banquet would be held in the Western Garden on the Mid-Autumn Festival, and all the ministers supported it. So he ordered all departments to prepare and make sure that the banquet was a success.

After the court meeting.

The ministers walked on the imperial road. Li Bing followed behind Xu Youzhen, frowning, "Lord Xu, if your majesty holds such a grand banquet, there will be too many people and it will be a mess. I am worried that there will be trouble."

Xu Youzhen smiled and did not answer his question. Instead, he asked, "Have you read the story of Emperor Taizong releasing prisoners?"

"Of course, although I don't believe it's true." Li Bing said, "During the Zhenguan period, Emperor Taizong felt sorry for those who were sentenced to death. Even if they returned home, they would die in the autumn. In the autumn of the following year, there were 390 prisoners on death row. No one supervised them, so they all came to the court on time. No one escaped or hid."

Xu Youzhen smiled and nodded: "Your Majesty is creating a prosperous era, so you can't release prisoners now, but you can hold a grand banquet first. Your Majesty's goal is to become the founder of the Tang and Song dynasties. As ministers, shouldn't we help?"

"I understand." Li Bing nodded, seeing that he was still worried. Among the four young masters of the Yu family, he was the most stable and always acted in a safe way.

Xu Youzhen smiled and patted his shoulder, saying, "Are you worried that someone might harm the emperor?"

"Lord, you and I both know that there is the Junshan Society in the city, and it is possible that the man has sneaked back." Li Bing smiled bitterly, "How can I not be worried?"

"You can think of it, but Your Majesty can't?" Xu Youzhen raised the corner of his mouth to smile.

Li Bing suddenly realized: "You said your majesty did it on purpose?"

……

Qianqing Palace.

After the small court meeting, Zhu Qizhen left behind several of his trusted ministers, including Xu Youzhen, Shi Biao, Li Xian and Li Bing.

"The Mid-Autumn Festival Banquet, you should pay attention." He spread his hands and smiled, "When the time comes, the Imperial Guards, the Twelve Battalions, and the Five Cities Military Department will all be in action. Will anyone take advantage of the opportunity to do something?"

Shi Biao was stunned and waved his hands: "Rebellion? Who dares?"

Xu Youzhen also smiled and said, "Now everyone in the court and the country supports Your Majesty, so no one should have the courage to rebel. However, Your Majesty can use this banquet to see if there are any people who are ready to make a move."

Li Bing continued, "Yes, for example, someone can't hold back and suddenly appears with a fake emperor, with the imperial guards protecting him, and announces that he is the real one, forcing your majesty to abdicate, or even regicide."

Xu Youzhen, Shi Biao and Li Xian all looked at him in shock.

They were all thinking, Li Bing, it has to be you, and only you dare to say it so directly.

"Hahaha, Li Bing, I need someone as straightforward as you by my side." Zhu Qizhen smiled calmly, "What you said is also one of the reasons why I reported the feast."

Shi Biao stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, don't worry. I have already made arrangements. Several key positions will be monitored by secret guards of the Imperial Guard."

"Including your relatives Zheng Hong and Zheng Ying, father and son?" Zhu Qizhen asked with a smile.

"Of course!" Shi Biao nodded, and then emphasized, "Your Majesty, that is my uncle's relative. In fact, it has nothing to do with me."

Zhu Qizhen waved his hand and said, "You should all understand what I mean, so do as I wish." The four of them bowed together, "As ordered."

……

Mountain top palace.

A stunning beauty in simple and elegant palace dress was sitting in front of the dressing table, her black hair like a waterfall hanging lazily behind her. Against the backdrop of the shiny black hair, her skin looked even more delicate and fair, like warm jade, exuding a soft luster, with phoenix eyebrows and bright eyes.

"That guy hasn't come for a few days." She sighed and called out, "Shuangxi, prepare the ingredients. I still need to learn how to cook today."

After a while, Shuangxi came in hurriedly and bowed slightly: "Madam, the eunuch has brought the dishes. I have prepared them all."

"Well, I need to learn a few more dishes." The Demon Queen stood up.

"Your Majesty, I just received news that His Majesty will hold a grand banquet in the West Garden on the Mid-Autumn Festival. Not only will civil and military officials participate, but some ordinary people will also be invited." Shuangxi reported.

The Demon Queen frowned when she heard this: "What is he going to do?"

"My queen, do you want to go?" Shuangxi asked.

The demon queen stood up, her long skirt slipped down, her body swayed slightly, and it was breathtaking. She shook her head: "I won't go, humph, that guy deliberately set it up, right?"

"My queen, then let's continue learning how to cook?" Shuangxi blinked.

The Demon Queen rolled up her sleeves, revealing her fair wrists, and waved her hand: "This time, don't say a word. Let me do what I want."

She walked out of the room and went to the kitchen, where she changed out of her palace skirt and put on a simple kitchen skirt. The soft fabric swayed gently with her movements, which was less luxurious than usual, but also had a unique charm. The few oil stains on the kitchen skirt made her look more like a little cook, and even more lovely.

Her long hair was casually tied into a loose bun, with a few strands of black hair falling down from time to time due to her busy schedule, gently brushing against her fair cheeks. The hair, moistened by sweat, stuck to her fair skin, like dewdrops and newly opened petals in the morning light.

There were a few drops of sweat on her forehead, and she looked bright and beautiful. Shuangxi, who was standing at the door, was stunned and thought to himself, "No wonder His Majesty is obsessed with her. Even if the queen wears coarse clothes, she is still beautiful."

……

This day is Mid-Autumn Night.

The West Garden of the Imperial Palace was decorated with extreme luxury. The Emperor held a grand banquet today to entertain all civil and military officials, as well as foreign envoys, and also invited some ordinary people in the capital to attend the banquet.

As night falls and the lights come on, the entire West Garden is dazzling.

The palace gate is majestic, with tall lanterns on both sides, painted with auspicious patterns of dragons and phoenixes. The light shines through the delicate gauze paper, casting a soft and warm halo, adding a bit of warmth and peace to this autumn night. When you enter the garden, the first thing that catches your eye is a long corridor woven with colorful flowers and lanterns. The flowers under the lights are gorgeous and fragrant.

The main venue of the banquet was set up in the open area in the middle of the garden, where a huge circular stage was built, surrounded by exquisitely carved tables and chairs, each table was covered with soft brocade tablecloths, and on it were exquisite tableware and wine vessels, shining silver. The tables were filled with all kinds of delicacies, including both mountain and sea delicacies and folk snacks, the aroma was overflowing, making people salivate.

The guests took their seats one after another, including civil and military officials in gorgeous official uniforms, as well as foreign envoys in exotic costumes. What was even more eye-catching was that the emperor also specially invited some ordinary people in the capital, who were dressed simply and their eyes were full of curiosity.

As the melodious music sounded, the banquet officially began. On the stage, a group of dancers in colorful feathered clothes danced lightly, their postures were graceful and their steps were light, like fairies from the moon descending to the earth.

The envoys from the Western Regions are in the lower left corner of the garden. They are all wearing the banquet attire of their own kingdom, each with its own characteristics, some wearing turbans, and some wearing headdresses.

The Zhengtong Emperor wore a headdress and a veil on his face, and whispered to Yuan Bin beside him: "I always feel a little uneasy."

"Your Majesty, this is the safest way." Yuan Bin lowered his voice and said, "The imperial guards will not inspect us today. We are a foreign envoy group, so it won't look strange. Your Majesty, relax."

At this time, a message came: "His Majesty has arrived~"

Everyone knelt down and bowed in unison: "Long live His Majesty."

The Zhengtong Emperor looked up at the emperor on the high platform, and his first feeling was: He doesn't look like me either.

……

Zhu Qizhen stood on the high platform, glanced over, then raised his wine glass and said in a loud voice:

"I am hosting a banquet in the West Garden tonight, inviting you to enjoy the bright moon and celebrate the festival together. It is indeed the greatest joy in the world. I recall that Emperor Taizu Gao started from a commoner, overcame all difficulties, and forged the foundation of the Ming Dynasty with blood and iron. The difficulties of starting a business at that time are like the moon today, which is just rising in the east. Although its light is not yet bright, its determination is determined and will eventually shine on the nine provinces.

Emperor Taizong Wen inherited the legacy of Emperor Taizu and made great achievements in both civil and military affairs. Emperor Taizong ruled the country with benevolence and virtue, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment. He was praised by people all over the world. These are the teachings of our ancestors and are also the role models for us.

Since I ascended the throne, I have worked tirelessly day and night to carry on the legacy of my ancestors. I wish to carry on the great cause of my ancestors with my sincerity and create a prosperous Ming Dynasty. I know that the world does not belong to one person, but to all people. Therefore, my happiness is not for me alone, but for the people.

This evening, I drink this cup with you all, wishing the Ming Dynasty to be forever strong and the people to be safe and healthy. I hope that we, the monarch and his subjects, will work together for national affairs and help each other to achieve the great cause of the Ming Dynasty for thousands of years. You are all my pillars of support, so you should encourage each other!
The moon tonight is exceptionally bright, which is a good omen. May the future of the Ming Dynasty be as bright as this moon, shining brightly in all directions. You should join me in this grand appointment and enjoy this blissful banquet together.

Let’s raise a toast together!”

Everyone below raised their glasses and drank the wine in them.

The banquet continued. The emperor sat on his high seat, smiling, and from time to time he raised his cup to drink with his ministers and common people. The moonlight was like water, sprinkling on everyone's face, reflecting their smiles and happiness. At this moment, both the noble royal family and the ordinary people were immersed in this blissful feast.

The orthodox emperor felt a different feeling in his heart, because the fake emperor was so supported. The fake emperor's merits that the ministers and the people just toasted to him were not something he could do.

"But so what? This country belongs to me." The orthodox emperor gritted his teeth.

At this moment, on the high platform, Zhu Qizhen was having fun with the concubines in the harem. The Zhengtong Emperor saw his queen, Concubine Zhou and other concubines, and they were laughing happily.

The more he looked, the angrier he became. His eyes were blazing with fire, and he was about to stand up. Yuan Bin, who was standing by, quickly stopped him and said, "Your Majesty, calm down."

"Let's go." The orthodox emperor whispered.

Yuan Bin looked behind him, led the Zhengtong Emperor back, and left the crowd. Tonight, everything from the palace gate to the West Garden was open, and there was no imperial guard inspection.

"It's a pity that I didn't see my mother." The Zhengtong Emperor sighed as he walked.

"The Queen Mother is in the palace on the top of the mountain and hasn't returned for a long time." Yuan Bin said.

The orthodox emperor looked around, and everything in front of him was both familiar and unfamiliar to him.

(End of this chapter)