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On the first day of the seventh month of the fourth year of the Jianwen reign (1402), the Forbidden City in Nanjing awoke in the morning light.

On the white marble plaza in front of the Fengtian Hall, civil and military officials stood solemnly according to their rank, their scarlet robes and jade belts fluttering slightly in the morning breeze.

All eyes were focused on the slowly opening gilded palace door, the creaking sound of the hinges turning particularly clear in the silence.

As the morning sun pierced through the clouds, it gilded the figures walking on the imperial road with a golden edge.

Su Ning, dressed in a twelve-symbol imperial robe, with the sun, moon and star patterns on the black silk robe shining brightly, and a twelve-tassel white jade bead crown hanging in front of his forehead, slowly walked up the steps of the palace, surrounded by thirty-six golden-armored guards.

When he turned to face the assembled officials, the entire palace resounded with a deafening roar of homage.

"Long live my emperor! Long live!"

The sounds of celebration echoed through the palace, yet amidst this chorus of congratulations, many veteran officials still harbored lingering doubts in their eyes.

Minister of Rites Chen Di stepped forward first, his jade tablet trembling slightly in his hand: "Your Majesty has received the Mandate of Heaven, and we are overjoyed. However, a country cannot be without a ruler for a day, nor can it be without a legitimate name for a day. May I ask Your Majesty, where is the Jianwen Emperor now?"

This question voiced the hidden worries in everyone's hearts.

The hall fell silent instantly, so quiet that the fluttering of the banners could be heard.

Su Ning exchanged a glance with Empress Dowager Lü, who was listening from behind the curtain. Empress Dowager Lü slowly rose, her voice filled with sorrow: "Emperor Jianwen... died by self-immolation in the palace on the day the city fell. I personally witnessed the fire in the Jinshen Hall raging for three days..."

This statement caused an uproar.

Fang Xiaoru stepped out of the procession excitedly, his silver hair trembling slightly beneath his crown: "Empress Dowager! This matter concerns the very foundation of the nation. Are there any witnesses or physical evidence? Emperor Jianwen was benevolent and loved his people. If he has truly suffered such a calamity, the truth must be thoroughly investigated!"

Empress Dowager Lü wiped away her tears with her sleeve: "Lord Fang, I saw it with my own eyes, how could it be false? Emperor Jianwen, unwilling to be humiliated, set himself on fire in the Jinshen Hall, leaving behind only an edict of abdication..."

She gestured to the eunuch beside her to present the imperial edict, saying, "This is the edict of succession personally written by Emperor Jianwen."

Minister of Works Zheng Ci suddenly knelt down and wept, saying, "Emperor Jianwen was benevolent, yet he suffered such a calamity! All of this is the fault of the traitor Prince Yan!"

These words brought tears to the eyes of many former officials of the Jianwen Emperor.

Once the atmosphere in the hall had calmed down, Fang Xiaoru reported again: "Your Majesty, the Ministry of Rites has proposed three reign titles: 'Jinghe,' 'Yongchang,' and 'Kangding.' We request Your Majesty's decision."

To everyone's surprise, Su Ning gently shook his head: "My mind is made up. The new era name will be 'Tiangong'."

The hall fell silent for a moment, then suppressed whispers began to rise.

Qi Tai couldn't help but step forward: "Your Majesty, the words 'Tiangong' seem... seem to be out of step with the conventions of reign titles."

"Oh?" Su Ning raised an eyebrow, his crown tassels swaying slightly. "Then, Minister Qi, what do you think is in accordance with convention?"

Qi Tai bowed and said, "The reign title should be auspicious and beautiful, such as 'Hongwu' and 'Jianwen', which have profound meanings. The two characters 'Tiangong' are a bit too... too craftsman-like."

Many officials nodded in agreement.

In their view, this reign title was indeed not solemn enough, and even somewhat unorthodox.

Su Ning calmly stood up, walked to the edge of the steps, and glanced at the assembled officials: "Do you, my dear ministers, know that the Book of Documents says: 'The work of Heaven is done by man'?"

Fang Xiaoru was taken aback, and subconsciously replied, "Your Majesty is learned; this saying does indeed come from the 'Gao Yao Mo' chapter of the Book of Documents."

"Does Minister Fang understand its deeper meaning?" Su Ning's voice was clear and bright. "The work of Heaven's creation should be completed by humankind. I chose this reign title to tell the world that during my reign, I will let human power take over the work of Heaven and create an unprecedented golden age!"

These words made many officials think deeply.

Huang Zicheng seemed to understand something: "Your Majesty means..."

"My meaning is very clear." Su Ning's voice was firm and resounding, echoing throughout the palace. "From this day forward, the Great Ming Dynasty must not only be politically enlightened and militarily strong, but also technologically advanced and prosperous! I wish to see the artisans of the Great Ming Dynasty create iron birds that soar through the sky, iron horses that travel a thousand miles a day, and lamps that illuminate the darkness in my lifetime!"

These shocking remarks left the entire Fengtian Hall speechless.

After a long silence, Fang Xiaoru said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty has lofty ambitions, but these... these are probably beyond human capability."

“That’s why it’s ‘divine craftsmanship’,” Su Ning said with a smile. “Minister Fang, don’t you want to witness such a magnificent era with your own eyes?”

Just then, the newly appointed Minister of Works, Song Li, suddenly stepped forward, his voice trembling with excitement: "Your Majesty is wise! Having served in the Ministry of Works for many years, I deeply understand the importance of technological innovation. If such a great undertaking can be accomplished, our Great Ming Dynasty will surely surpass the Han and Tang Dynasties and usher in an era of lasting peace! I am willing to give my life to help Your Majesty achieve this goal!"

With the reign title set, the next step was to issue the first imperial edict after his ascension to the throne.

The newly appointed eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, Ma He, loudly proclaimed:
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: From this day forth, the reign title shall be changed to Tiangong, and next year shall be the first year of Tiangong. To celebrate the new dynasty, a general amnesty is hereby granted: except for those convicted of treason, murder, and corruption, all other criminals shall be granted reduced sentences or released depending on the severity of their crimes. Taxes throughout the empire shall be reduced by 30% to alleviate the people's suffering. This proclamation is hereby issued to the entire empire so that all may know!"

This imperial edict won the praise of many officials.

However, what followed shocked the courtiers even more:
"The traitor Zhu Di, as a prince, raised an army in rebellion, causing immense suffering and death. His crimes are unforgivable. To uphold justice, the three judicial departments, together with all officials, are hereby ordered to hold a public trial outside the Meridian Gate three months from now. The people are permitted to observe the trial, so as to demonstrate this to the world!"

Fang Xiaoru couldn't help but step forward again: "Your Majesty, a public trial of a prince might be inappropriate. Zhu Di is, after all, a descendant of the Taizu Emperor..."

"Precisely because he is a descendant of the founding emperor, he deserves even more severe punishment!" Su Ning declared sternly. "The founding emperor faced immense hardship in establishing his dynasty, yet Zhu Di, for his own selfish desires, caused turmoil throughout the land and displaced the people. Such a disloyal and unfilial scoundrel must be punished according to the law to serve as a warning to others!"

At this moment, Tie Xuan, the Minister of War who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up: "Your Majesty, I believe that the matter of a public trial needs to be reconsidered. The former troops in Beiping are still alive, and if the handling is too drastic, it may cause unforeseen changes."

“You worry too much, my dear minister.” Su Ning waved his hand. “I have already ordered people to bring the situation in Beiping under control. Besides…”

He paused meaningfully, "The public trial is precisely to give the world an explanation."

At the ceremony for her investiture as empress, Zhao Ling'er wore a dark blue pheasant-patterned robe, its gold-embroidered cloud and dragon patterns shimmering in the sunlight, and the pearls and jade on her nine-dragon and four-phoenix crown swayed gently with her steps.

Surrounded by sixteen female officials, she slowly walked up the steps of the imperial palace.

When she stood side by side with Su Ning, the two smiled at each other, their eyes filled with the understanding and companionship they had shared after going through hardships.

"Today I hereby establish Lady Zhao as Empress, hoping that she will be skilled in domestic affairs and assist me in governing this vast land," Su Ning announced to the officials, taking Zhao Ling'er's hand.

Zhao Ling'er bowed gracefully, her voice clear and melodious like the clinking of jade: "Your Majesty, I will certainly fulfill my duties and serve as the mother of the nation."

After the grand ceremony concluded, with the newly appointed eunuch Xi Shun of the Directorate of Ceremonial loudly announcing his homage, the Ming Dynasty officially entered the Tiangong Era.

As the sun fully emerged from the clouds, its golden rays bathed every corner of the Forbidden City, seemingly heralding a new era for the dynasty.

……

In August of the fourth year of the Jianwen reign, the Fengtian Hall was paved with gold bricks, and incense smoke swirled beneath the dragon pillars. Su Ning, seated on the dragon throne, lightly tapped the armrest with his knuckles, his gaze sweeping over the kneeling princes in the hall, a faint, cold smile playing on his lips.

“Your Majesty,” Prince Zhu Gui of Dai stepped forward tremblingly, the sound of his jade belt clinking clearly in the silence, “Prince Yan is, after all, the fourth son of Emperor Taizu, and your own uncle. Even if he has committed a grave mistake, he should still be given some dignity!”

Prince Ning, Zhu Quan, then knelt down, saying, "Fourth Brother followed Emperor Taizu in battle and made great contributions to the country. We humbly request Your Majesty to consider our kinship and grant Prince Yan the privilege of committing suicide, so as to preserve the honor of the imperial clan."

Prince Zhu Su of Zhou, Prince Zhu Fu of Qi, Prince Zhu Pian of Min, and other vassal kings knelt down one after another, their brocade robes rustling.

In the blink of an eye, more than ten princes surnamed Zhu had knelt before His Majesty, resembling a crimson cloud.

“What do you mean, my imperial uncles?” Su Ning slowly rose, the jade beads on his twelve-tasseled crown swaying slightly, “is that because Zhu Di was the eldest son of the Taizu Emperor and my uncle, we can overlook the fact that he rebelled, causing the deaths of hundreds of thousands of soldiers and making the people suffer from the ravages of war?”

He suddenly grabbed a teacup from the table and slammed it to the ground, the sound of it shattering startling several princes. "Then I must ask you," he said, "were the lives of the 30,000 soldiers defending Jinan worthless? Corpses floated for miles along the Baigou River. Should the wives, children, and elderly of those soldiers suffer the pain of losing loved ones? How will Emperor Jianwen, who was forced to immolate himself, explain this?!"

This question was like a thunderclap, and the hall fell silent instantly.

The princes kneeling on the ground were all pale-faced, and fine beads of sweat had seeped from the forehead of Prince Zhu Gui of Dai.

"My mind is made up!" Su Ning waved his sleeve, the gold thread on his dragon robe flowing in the light and shadow. "Two months from now, Zhu Di will be publicly tried in Nanjing City Square! Not only will he be tried, but I will also expel him from the Zhu family genealogy, and his descendants will never be allowed to enter the ancestral temple!"

"Your Majesty!" Fang Xiaoru stepped forward hastily, his ivory tablet trembling slightly in his hand. "This action will likely chill the hearts of the imperial family throughout the land!"

"Disheartening?" Su Ning sneered, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials like a sharp sword. "Minister Fang, if even rebellion can be forgiven, then what is the point of the laws of the Ming Dynasty? Do you perhaps think that the lives of members of the Zhu clan are more precious than those of ordinary people?"

He surveyed his ministers and said, word by word, "Issue my decree: all civil and military officials who followed Zhu Di in his rebellion shall be executed, and their entire families shall be exiled to Liaodong, never to return home!"

The entire court of officials gasped in shock.

The Supervising Secretary of the Ministry of War couldn't help but whisper, "This...this is probably the largest purge since the Hongwu reign."

"Your Majesty," the newly appointed Vice Minister of War, Tie Xuan, stepped forward and reported, his armor clanging beneath his court robes, "such severe punishment may cause turmoil in the court. More than four hundred officials were involved in the rebellion; if they were all executed..."

“Minister Tie,” Su Ning looked meaningfully at the general who had once made it difficult for him to move an inch in Jinan, “I remember when you were defending Jinan, you could pour boiling oil over the rebels’ ladders.”

Tie Xuan said solemnly, “On the battlefield, one cannot be lenient towards the enemy. But now that the war is over, I hope Your Majesty will govern the country with benevolence. Even Emperor Taizong of Tang was able to tolerate Wei Zheng, so why doesn’t Your Majesty give these people a chance to redeem themselves through meritorious service?”

Su Ning nodded slightly: "Your words are reasonable. But governing a country cannot rely solely on benevolence; it also requires decisive measures."

He abruptly changed the subject, raising his voice, "With all of you imperial uncles here today, I hereby announce one thing—starting today, the 'New Political System' and the rule of law will be officially implemented!"

The princes exchanged bewildered glances, and Prince Ning, Zhu Quan, couldn't help but whisper to Prince Zhou beside him, "Your Majesty, what does this 'newly established princely system' mean?"

“First,” Su Ning held up a finger, “all the vassal kings will no longer reside in their fiefdoms, but will instead be stationed in various regions as inspectors to oversee local military and political affairs, but they are not allowed to interfere in specific matters. They must submit secret memorials to me every month, and have the power to reach the Emperor directly and impeach all officials in the country.”

"Second, the salaries of the princes will be paid according to the standards of a first-rank official of the imperial court, and all additional rewards and privileges will be abolished. Ninety percent of the existing guards in the princely residences will be reduced, and the remainder will be incorporated into the Beijing Garrison."

“Third,” Su Ning’s gaze swept over the pale-faced princes, “all members of the royal family must attend modern schools and participate in the imperial examinations alongside commoners. After reaching adulthood, they will be assessed by the Ministry of Personnel, and those with the best qualifications will be appointed to official positions or other posts!”

"Your Majesty! This...this is against ancestral rules!" Prince Zhu Gui of Dai exclaimed, his beard trembling with emotion. "Emperor Taizu established that vassal kings guarding the four corners of the land are the foundation of a stable nation..."

“Ancestral rules?” Su Ning sneered, stepping down from the steps to stand before the Prince of Dai. “It is the ancestral rules that allow you princes to amass power and become independent, it is the ancestral rules that gave Zhu Di the opportunity to rebel! Don’t forget, our Zhu family’s ancestors were commoners with no land to cultivate!”

He turned to face the assembled princes, his voice resounding throughout the palace: "You think I'm stripping you of your privileges? No, I'm saving your lives! If I don't reform today, there will inevitably be a second or third Zhu Di in the future. Do you think I'll still show you leniency like I do today?"

Prince Ning, Zhu Quan, was the first to prostrate himself and kowtow, his voice trembling: "Your subject... Your subject obeys the decree."

Seeing this, the other vassal kings all kowtowed to the ground, and for a moment the hall was filled with suppressed gasps.

“Very good.” Su Ning nodded in satisfaction. “Furthermore, I have appointed Tie Xuan as Vice Minister of War, with full authority over the reorganization of troops across the country. Especially…”

He gave the princes a meaningful look and said, “The guards of the princes in various regions must be reorganized within three months.”

After the court session, Fang Xiaoru anxiously pulled Huang Zicheng aside: "Your Majesty's move may trigger turmoil within the imperial clan. Back then, Chao Cuo's reduction of the power of the vassal states led to the Rebellion of the Seven States..."

Huang Zicheng shook his head and said, "Brother Fang, didn't you see? His Majesty intends to completely eliminate the threat of the regional military governors. A short, sharp pain is worse than a long, drawn-out one, but the methods he's using..."

He gazed at the still-lingering figures of the vassal kings in the distance and sighed softly, "It was too cruel."

……

Two months later, Nanjing City Square was packed with people.

When Zhu Di was brought to the trial platform, his prison clothes were still neat, and he stood tall and proud, still displaying the demeanor of a prince.

"Zhu Di, do you know your crime?" the presiding judge, Fang Xiaoru, asked sternly.

"What crime have I committed?" Zhu Di sneered. "That brat Yunwen listened to treacherous officials and persecuted the imperial family. I raised an army to purge the court of corrupt officials!"

"Purge the court of corrupt officials?" Fang Xiaoru picked up a blood-stained register. "In the past three years, because of you, 270,000 soldiers have died in battle, and more than a million people have been displaced. When Jinan fell, you slaughtered 30,000 surrendered soldiers. Is this what you call 'purging the court of corrupt officials'?"

Zhu Di was speechless for a moment.

Suddenly, an old woman in the crowd cried out, "Kill him! My son died in battle in Texas, and his remains have never been recovered!"

A wave of cheers surged forth as countless people, carrying the memorial tablets of their loved ones, crowded forward.

The trial continued until dusk.

When Fang Xiaoru announced that the Emperor Tiangong had decided to expel him from the Zhu family genealogy, Zhu Di finally broke down, hoarsely crying out, "Father! Your son has failed you!"

Back in the Prince Zhou's residence in Kaifeng, Zhu Su heard the news from the courier and dropped his teacup with a clatter: "Fourth Brother... in the end, this is how it all ends..."

The following day at court, Su Ning summoned Tie Xuan and asked, "My dear minister, do you know why I have punished Zhu Di so severely?"

Tie Xuan bowed and said, "Your Majesty wants to establish your authority and, more importantly, use this opportunity to implement new policies."

"That's not all." Su Ning looked towards the Fengxian Hall. "I want to tell everyone that from now on, there will only be one rule in the Ming Dynasty—the rule I set! Members of the imperial family will be punished the same as commoners if they break the law. This is the true meaning of 'the world belongs to all'."

As the first rays of dawn shone into the Wuying Hall, Su Ning unfolded the new policy outline, lightly marking items such as "abolishing the status of the lowly" and "reforming the imperial examination system" with his vermilion brush.

The distant sound of bells drifted in from outside the window, as if unveiling a new era.

...(End of chapter)