Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 447 The Emperor's Pleasures, News of Zhu Di?
royal palace.

Zhu Yunwen was unaware of the various events that had occurred at the Academy of Sciences and the steam engine factory.

As the ruler of a country, he has to deal with a lot of complicated and numerous government affairs every day. Where would he have the time to study those specific scientific research trends?
He only learns a little about these matters when he personally inspects them or listens to reports from his subordinates.

On this day, after reviewing the official documents, Zhu Yunwen, relieved of his exhaustion, took a group of concubines and palace maids to enjoy himself in the palace gardens.

He had completely integrated into this era, gradually discovering his own kind of enjoyment, and secretly vowed to be a "decadent monarch" who was both diligent in governing and indulging in pleasure.

The autumn sky is high and the clouds are light, and the sunshine is warm and pleasant.

In the palace gardens, the vegetation is lush and green, and a gentle breeze blows.

Zhu Yunwen leaned lazily on the grass covered with a soft brocade carpet, his head resting on the lap of a concubine. Several beautiful concubines surrounded him, serving him in soft voices.

Some gently massaged his shoulders, while others peeled open the glistening fruit with their slender hands and tenderly offered the sweet flesh to his lips.

Zhu Yunwen squinted, leisurely appreciating the graceful dance of the dancer before him, while the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments reached his ears.

If this scene were to fall into the eyes of those upright officials who spout platitudes about benevolence and morality, it would surely cause a huge uproar.

They would probably write furiously through the night, and memorials would fly in like snowflakes, earnestly advising the emperor against such leniency.

If he remains obstinate, these people will likely righteously and sternly label him a "tyrant".

However, since Zhu Yunwen ascended the throne, he has swiftly and decisively rectified the order of the palace and strengthened the management of the inner court.

News of the palace, which used to leak out like the wind, is now tightly sealed off by him, making it difficult for outsiders to get any information.

Without solid inside information, those upright officials naturally had no way to offer their advice.

Of course, the expansion of the palace and the selection of new palace women could not be kept secret from the people. Although Gu Panjun was in charge, everyone knew that this was a move to please the emperor. Therefore, Zhu Yunwen's reputation for indulging in pleasure had already spread far and wide throughout the court and the country.

However, he didn't care at all.

Many emperors were trapped by the illusory "reputation," becoming timid and hesitant, ultimately ending up with nothing to show for their efforts.

Zhu Yunwen, however, was unwilling to allow himself to be bound by these invisible shackles.

He acted decisively, casting aside all formalities, and had his own reasoning: as long as the Ming Dynasty grew stronger and the people lived in peace and prosperity, his "absurd actions" today were nothing more than the romantic escapades of a great emperor who did not care about trivial matters.

If passed down to future generations, it may become a well-known and beloved story.

Conversely, if he is incompetent in governing the country and unable to lead the Ming Dynasty to a new era of glory, what good would it do if he strictly adhered to etiquette and became a "sage ruler" of impeccable virtue in the eyes of scholars?

To leave behind only a hollow reputation, yet be of no benefit to the nation and its people, that is truly tragic and lamentable.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yunwen's lips curled up slightly, revealing a confident and composed smile.

He reached out and took the jade cup offered by the concubine beside him, took a sip of the clear, sweet dew, and fully enjoyed the pleasure that only existed in his fantasies in his previous life.

Inside the palace grounds, laughter and joy filled the air.

"As the emperor, how can you indulge in pleasure and frolic with your concubines during the day? What kind of behavior is this? If word gets out, aren't you afraid of tarnishing your reputation and being condemned by the world as a tyrant?"

Just as Zhu Yunwen was immersed in his carefree joy, a clear but somewhat angry voice suddenly rang out, breaking the tender atmosphere in the garden.

A young girl in military uniform strode confidently into this joyous place with an imposing aura.

Without needing to look closely, Zhu Yunwen knew who the visitor was.

It must be Xu Miaojin.

She was different from others from a young age, preferring military uniforms to makeup.

When she was little, she always loved to put on a heavy suit of armor and stride out the door with her head held high, as if the weight of it was as light as a feather to her.

Now, Xu Miaojin has adapted to the times, replacing her heavy armor with a new military uniform, which is simple, neat, and yet still exudes a heroic spirit.

Wherever she goes, this outfit is sure to attract attention.

Although she was conferred the title of Imperial Concubine, she seemed out of place in the lavish palace, even somewhat eccentric.

Even the maids in her palace were carefully trained by her according to military rules, and they trained in an orderly manner every day, showing a bit of the atmosphere of a military camp.

"What the Imperial Concubine says is quite true." Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen lazily raised his eyelids, the corners of his lips slightly upturned, revealing a mocking smile. "If I am truly a foolish ruler, then you, as my Imperial Concubine, are a bewitching beauty who could topple kingdoms. In the future, when history is written, it will surely depict you as unforgivable and condemn you beyond redemption."

His tone was flippant, and a sly glint flashed in his eyes; he was clearly teasing him on purpose.

Upon hearing this, Xu Miaojin frowned, glared at him fiercely, and seemed to have a fire burning in her eyes.

She came from the Xu family, a family with strict traditions and rigorous education.

From a young age, I was constantly exposed to the principles of how to be ambitious, enterprising, and strive for excellence.

The Xu family has always been known for its integrity and uprightness, and none of its members have been as dissolute as Chang Sheng.

In her simple yet resolute world, a true man should study diligently by candlelight, work late into the night, or rise at the crack of dawn to hone his skills and temper his mind and body.

In the future, they will either serve in the imperial court, offering advice and strategies to the emperor, or fight on the battlefield, making meritorious contributions and serving their country.

As for the emperor, he should be dedicated to his duties day and night, exhausting his energy and mind, and should not have any distractions except for meals, rest, and reviewing memorials.

Initially, she still had some expectations for Zhu Yunwen, after all, he was known far and wide as a "great talent", and his image of being full of knowledge was deeply rooted in her mind.

However, after entering the palace and witnessing his true character and his astonishing "absurd actions," the faint illusions in her heart shattered like glass.

This "talented king" was far from the diligent, self-disciplined, and wise ruler she had imagined.

He neither devoted himself to studying government affairs day and night, nor did he neglect his studies to read extensively. On the contrary, he never slacked off in the pursuit of pleasure, mastering all of them and enjoying them immensely.

At this moment, provoked by Zhu Yunwen's sarcastic remarks, Xu Miaojin's anger intensified.

She gritted her teeth, stomped her foot angrily, the sound of her military boots hitting the ground crisp, as if she wanted to vent all her dissatisfaction, but in the end she didn't say a word, turned around and left.

This little girl has quite a fiery temper.

Zhu Yunwen's voice came leisurely from behind, with a hint of mockery: "Don't you even want to plead for Zhu Di's family?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Miaojin's steps faltered abruptly, as if she were being held back by an invisible force.

She slowly turned around, her eyes filled with a mixture of resentment and hope, gazing at the man leaning against the brocade carpet. Her gaze seemed to hold a thousand words, yet remained unspoken.

Because of Zhu Gaochi's plot to rebel, Zhu Di's family was implicated and exiled overseas by imperial decree.

Xu Miaojin always harbored the thought of exonerating her relatives.

Her elder sister, Xu Miaoyun, was Zhu Di's principal wife.

With such deep sisterly affection, how could she bear to watch her sister's family fall into such dire straits?
However, whenever the words were about to come out, she was always bound by her status and reserve, and found it difficult to speak.

"Come here first." Zhu Yuntong lazily raised his hand and beckoned to her, his tone casual.

Xu Miaojin hesitated for a moment, but finally took a step forward, walked closer to him, and sat down stiffly next to him.

She lowered her head, her hands unconsciously twisting together, her voice barely audible: "My sister and her family... In principle, the empress should not interfere in politics, and I shouldn't meddle in these matters. But she is, after all, my own sister."

Xu Miaojin paused, her throat seemed to be choked by something, and her voice trembled slightly: "My mother passed away early. When I was little, my older sister took care of me, taught me to read, and accompanied me through those lonely and difficult days."

At this point, her eyes suddenly welled up with tears, which glistened and reflected on her stubborn face, making her look even more pitiful.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen smiled meaningfully and said in a relaxed tone, "I can pardon their whole family, but I have one condition."

Xu Miaojin suddenly raised her head, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes, and said eagerly, "Just tell me, as long as I can do it, I will never refuse!"

Her tone was firm, carrying a hint of resolute determination. "Really?" Zhu Yunwen narrowed his eyes, smiling slyly, as if he had already anticipated her reaction.

Xu Miaojin nodded without hesitation, and even raised her hand to solemnly swear: "It's absolutely true!"

Seeing how serious she was, Zhu Yuntang leaned closer and whispered a few words in her ear, his voice low and ambiguous.

In an instant, a blush rose quietly from Xu Miaojin's fair neck, quickly spreading to her ears, her whole face as red and luscious as a ripe peach.

Her eyes widened, a mixture of shame and anger on her face, yet she had no way to refute it.

Before she could speak, Zhu Yunwen straightened up and said, feigning indifference, "If you're not happy, then forget it."

Xu Miaojin's heart tightened. After struggling for a moment, she finally bit her lower lip, her face flushed, and whispered, "I...I...I'm willing!"

Although the voice was soft, it conveyed a sense of reckless courage.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuntong's eyes flashed with a triumphant smile. He suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms, lightly kissing her burning cheek. Then he burst into laughter, full of smugness and delight.

Xu Miaojin's originally stiff body naturally went limp, as if she had lost all her strength, and she lay in Zhu Yunwen's arms, but still couldn't help but ask, "Then can you summon my sister's family back to the capital?"

Zhu Yunwen shook his head slightly: "Europe is a faraway place. I sent him there for a profound reason. There's no need to mention the matter of recalling him."

Seeing that Xu Miaojin's expression changed slightly, he added, "Moreover, they have been away for a long time and have lost contact with the envoys sent by the court."

"Even if I wanted to recall them, I'm afraid it would be too far away for me to do so."

Xu Miaojin's heart sank, and a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes. She now understood that Zhu Yunwen's words were just teasing her.

In fact, my sister and brother-in-law have already gone to Europe, which is far away from the Ming Dynasty. There is no communication between them, so how can they be pardoned?

Xu Miaojin immediately questioned, "Then why did you so confidently say just now that you would let them go?"

Zhu Yunwen smiled and said, "With Fourth Uncle's talent, plus the five hundred elite troops accompanying him, he will not be easily defeated in Europe."

He turned his head and glanced at Xu Miaojin. Seeing that her face was still ashen, he slowly added, "Besides, the imperial court will send a large army to Europe in the future to provide him with support and ensure his safety. You don't need to worry so much."

Xu Miaojin's tense expression relaxed slightly, and the fierceness between her brows gradually dissipated.

She pursed her lips, and though she didn't speak, the doubt in her eyes was no longer so sharp.

Seeing this, Zhu Yunwen chuckled inwardly and continued, "I might as well reveal some more inside information to you. Previously, when the princes were ordered to go to sea, including my fourth uncle who was sent overseas by me, the Ming intelligence agency had already planted spies in their entourage."

"If anything changes, these spies will naturally report the news back to the court."

“I am by no means ignoring them.”

His tone suddenly became solemn: "I have said that the Ming Dynasty is the solid backing of all those who go to sea. This is not an empty statement, but my solemn promise to them."

Xu Miaojin gazed quietly at Zhu Yunwen and saw that his expression was solemn at this moment, with less of his previous frivolity and playfulness, replaced by a calm and composed imperial demeanor.

She felt a slight tremor in her heart, and finally nodded gently, as if acknowledging Zhu Yunwen's explanation. The weight on her heart was lifted slightly.

"Thanks to you for managing the harem these past few days, you've really worked hard." Zhu Yunwen seized the opportunity to change the subject, his tone becoming more affectionate.

At this time, there was no news of Zhu Di and others for a long time, and even Zheng He's voyage had been going on for more than two years, but there was still no news.

Logically speaking, a round trip to the Americas should not have taken so long.

Although Zhu Yunwen was puzzled as to why there was no news at all, he could only put it aside for the time being and leave it for future investigation.

Xu Miaojin said, "Sister Gu willingly chose to live in seclusion in Kunning Palace so that she could share your joys and sorrows."

She was incredibly intelligent, and being in the same harem, she could see through Gu Panjun's forbearance and scheming, even if others couldn't.

"If you have time, you might as well visit her at Kunning Palace a few more times. She lives there alone, her days are lonely and bitter. I have visited her several times, but she has always refused to see me."

Zhu Yunwen sighed softly, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes: "She just thinks too much."

Why make yourself suffer like this?

"As long as she behaves herself and manages the harem well without causing any trouble, she will be doing me a great favor."

"However, that's just her personality, so I can only let her be."

These are Zhu Yunwen's heartfelt words.

In his heart, the ideal wife does not need to be stunning, but only needs to be dutiful, support him silently, not cause trouble or add to his worries, and that will be enough.

The rest are merely icing on the cake, and can be disregarded.

However, Zhu Yunwen was not entirely unable to understand Gu Panjun's thoughts.

Born into humble circumstances, even now as Empress, adorned in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes, she still carries with her a deep-seated unease.

Moreover, she has a troublesome older brother who acts recklessly, repeatedly causing trouble and tarnishing the family's reputation, so it's no wonder she is always uneasy.

This situation isn't so bad, at least Gu Panjun has gained a moment of peace by imprisoning herself in Kunning Palace.

Her troublemaking brother was also forced to go to prison for rehabilitation.

Xu Miaojin glanced at him lightly, her eyes filled with a hint of reproach, but her tone was undisguisedly teasing: "You make it sound so easy."

"Do you know that if your absurd actions were to become known, the historian's pen would be like a knife, and you would surely be condemned by future generations as a foolish ruler?"

"Sister Gu is willing to cover for you and take the blame, just to protect your lasting fame and achievements."

Compared to Gu Panjun's cautiousness, Xu Miaojin, Xu Da's daughter, was more composed and carefree in front of Zhu Yunwen.

Her eyes and brows exuded a heroic spirit, and she showed no fear when facing the emperor. Her speech and demeanor were poised and graceful, and she possessed an aura of righteous indignation.

Looking across the entire harem, only she dared to speak so frankly.

This is partly due to her illustrious family background and partly due to her nature.

Zhu Yunwen shook his head: "If under my rule, the Ming Dynasty can create an unprecedented golden age and become the first empire on which the sun never sets, what harm is there in recording those so-called absurd and trivial matters truthfully by the historians?"

His gaze was deep and unfathomable, and his tone was firm and powerful: "If my achievements are enough to rival the sun and moon and shine for generations, who would bother with those trivial details?"

"On the contrary, if the Ming Dynasty declines under my rule, unable to keep enemies out of the country and unable to ensure peace for the people, even if I am morally upright and of noble character, a thousand years from now, history will only record the words 'tyrant'!"

He emphasized his words, each one forceful and clear: "A tyrant is one who is incompetent and foolish, who is incapable of governing the country, not one whose private morality is perfect or whose personal conduct is noble."

"As an emperor, one should take it upon oneself to govern the world, rather than be preoccupied with being a morally flawless puppet!"

Xu Miaojin gazed at him. The Zhu Yunwen before her was no longer the carefree and playful emperor, but a monarch with lofty ambitions and a heart for the country.

She felt a slight tremor in her heart, and suddenly remembered that the Ming Dynasty had indeed been thriving under his rule.

They were invincible in their foreign wars, and at a very low cost.

Domestically, the people are prosperous, and the granaries are full, a situation unprecedented in history.

By any standard of judgment, he can be considered a wise and benevolent ruler.

Xu Miaojin was speechless for a moment, unable to find a rebuttal.

After a moment of silence, she brought up another matter: "Since Sister Gu no longer concerns herself with palace affairs, I will temporarily manage the inner court. A few days ago, the old eunuch Ji Yuan from the inner palace sent word that he was thinking of leaving home."

Zhu Yunwen's expression changed slightly!
……

(End of this chapter)