My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 239 Emperor Chongzhen Wants to Cultivate Immortality? The Ming Dynasty Is Probably Doomed!
Thinking of this, Chongzhen's expression softened.

Then he continued:

"Although I have no objection to your actions, you should think carefully. If other members of the imperial family find out about this, it may cause a lot of trouble."

Zhu Cilang's lips curled up, revealing a confident smile, and he said:

"Father, rest assured, I have already considered these matters. They are going to Liaodong, and even if the imperial family members form the Zhu Family Army, their target will be Shaanxi and Henan, where Li Zicheng and Zhang Xianzhong are located. The two sides will most likely not meet."

"Even if we really have to fight the Jurchens together in the future, I will find a way to resolve the conflict between them."

"If all else fails, then give them a new name."

"In short, I will handle this matter well."

Seeing this, Chongzhen said no more.

But then he remembered something and said:

"By the way, I just discussed with Daoist Chongxu that we plan to stay at his Daoist temple for a few days this afternoon for some peace and quiet."

Zhu Cilang understood that Chongzhen was hinting to his officials that he wanted to pursue immortality and seek enlightenment.

It should be noted that since the Jiajing Emperor, no emperor has openly resided in a Taoist temple.

Zhu Cilang couldn't say much about this matter, and could only say:

"Father, rest assured, I will remember your actions today."

Emperor Chongzhen smiled slightly.

"I entrust the Ming Dynasty to you from now on. Do not let me down!"

That afternoon, the sky was overcast, with thick clouds that seemed ready to press down at any moment, and the muggy air felt so solid that it was hard to breathe.

Surrounded by a group of guards, Emperor Chongzhen swaggered out of the palace in his imperial carriage and headed directly to the Baiyun Temple outside the capital.

Nestled among verdant pines and cypresses, surrounded by swirling clouds and mist, this Taoist temple possesses a secluded, otherworldly charm.

Previously, Zhu Cilang had given Daoist Chongxu many options: he could choose to live in any Daoist temple near Beijing, or he could find a place where the imperial court would fund the construction of a new Daoist temple.

However, Yu Xuzi did not want to waste money, so he chose to stay at Baiyun Temple.

Naturally, this was also the place Chongzhen wanted to go!

The news quickly spread throughout the capital like wildfire, thanks to the efforts of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

The common people didn't react much to this, assuming that the emperor had been staying in the palace for too long and wanted to relax.

But the reactions from the civil and military officials were much stronger!
What does it all mean that they are all from Qingpu?
cabinet.

Several ministers were handling official business in the cabinet office. The sweltering weather made the atmosphere inside the room even more oppressive. Although there were several large ice blocks in the room, they still could not dispel the heat.

Suddenly, at that moment, Zhang Zhifa, a cabinet minister who had just returned home from some business, rushed in, saying as he ran:
"Gentlemen! Something terrible has happened!"

The people who were busy inside the house heard this and all came over to him, their faces full of doubt.

Zhang Zhifa first picked up the tea on the table and drank a cup, then, panting heavily, said:

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty's imperial entourage has just gone to Baiyun Temple and said that they will stay there for a few days and will not be returning for the time being!"

what?
Upon hearing this, Xue Guoguan dropped his pen on the ground with a thud, his face filled with shock.

If this had happened to emperors in other dynasties, it wouldn't have been a big deal.

But if this happened to a Ming Dynasty emperor, especially one after the Jiajing Emperor, it would have been a death sentence!
After all, ever since the Jiajing Emperor, the civil and military officials have been most afraid of the emperor getting involved with Taoism.

Moreover, he said he would stay for a few days and not return for the time being. Wasn't Chongzhen clearly trying to cause trouble?

If another Jiajing Emperor were to emerge, I wonder if the Ming Dynasty could have survived?

"What was His Majesty thinking? Why would he go to a place like that?"

Cabinet Minister Jiang Dejing couldn't help but speak up, then slammed his pen heavily on the table, his face filled with disbelief.

He genuinely couldn't understand why Chongzhen suddenly wanted to go to a Taoist temple, and even said he wouldn't be coming back for the time being. Wasn't this clearly a ploy to seek immortality and enlightenment?

It should be understood that if an emperor were to engage in activities related to cultivating immortality or seeking enlightenment, it would inevitably have a significant impact on the country.

More than a hundred years ago, the Ming Dynasty produced the Jiajing Emperor, who sought immortality. Is it possible that more than a hundred years later, another Chongzhen Emperor, who also sought immortality, will appear?

The other cabinet ministers remained silent after hearing this, their eyes revealing deep concern.

Because they were well aware of the seriousness of the matter, the emperor's pursuit of immortality was by no means a wise move.

Especially the current emperor!

Although the Jiajing Emperor was also practicing immortality, everyone knows that he was an extremely intelligent political mastermind.

Even while cultivating immortality, he could still manage national affairs in an orderly manner, with all civil and military officials under his control, unable to cause any trouble.

But who can guarantee that Emperor Chongzhen also had such abilities?
Judging from Chongzhen's previous methods of handling state affairs, he was probably not even one-tenth as good as the Jiajing Emperor.

If he continues to indulge in cultivating immortality, wouldn't the Ming Empire, which has just begun to show signs of improvement, become shaky again?

etc.
Suddenly, at that moment, a thought inexplicably flashed through Xue Guoguan's mind.

Could this be another scheme by the father and son?

Upon closer reflection, it's actually quite possible.

After all, in the past ten years or so, Emperor Chongzhen had not shown any signs of being obsessed with Taoism or cultivating immortality. So why did he suddenly start seeking immortality?
Doesn't he know that if he does this, he will be criticized by the whole world?

unless
Emperor Chongzhen did it on purpose!

But why do that?

Xue Guoguan pondered for a long time, but still couldn't quite understand.

Suddenly, at that moment, someone couldn't help but ask:
"Grand Secretary Xue, what are your thoughts on this matter? Shouldn't you advise His Majesty to return to the palace?"

Xue Guoguan then came to his senses, and said with a bitter face:

"Regarding this matter, I, the Grand Secretary, am at a loss as to what to do. Your Majesty's actions have been quite unexpected."

"Please allow me some time to consider this before giving my reply."

After hearing this, the other cabinet ministers did not press the matter further.

In fact, they each had their own ideas. Some people probably guessed that this might be another scheme by the emperor and the crown prince, but they didn't know what their purpose was.

Regardless of the purpose, once the emperor sends out such a signal, the crown prince's status will be continuously elevated.

If the emperor becomes obsessed with seeking immortality and even neglects to return to the palace, then the important affairs of state can only be decided by the crown prince.

Moreover, it must be said that during these six months, the Crown Prince's various decisions have been of great benefit to the country.

Whether it was the previous land tax reform, the gentry's tax payment system, or the currency reform, these were all ideas conceived by the Crown Prince.

If the crown prince can succeed to the throne, it seems that he would indeed be better than Chongzhen.

However, this crown prince had too many tricks up his sleeve, which left these old ministers somewhat overwhelmed.

But what can they do?

They had thought that these veteran officials might not live to see the day the crown prince ascended the throne, but now it seems they will probably have to continue serving under this young crown prince for a few more years.

Just thinking about this kind of thing is enough to give me a headache.

Meanwhile, the Imperial Observatory.

Johann Adam Schall von Bell also learned that Emperor Chongzhen was going to the Taoist temple.

Upon receiving this news, Johann Adam Schall von Bell was struck dumb, his face filled with regret and disbelief.

It should be noted that he had been working to convert Emperor Chongzhen to Catholicism, but unexpectedly, the Taoists beat him to it.

He was extremely anxious, pacing back and forth in the room, muttering to himself:

"How could this be? How could this happen?"

After muttering to himself for a while, he suddenly made up his mind to go to Emperor Chongzhen and tell him that cultivating immortality was pure nonsense and that it was impossible for a person to become an immortal.

Otherwise, his ancestor, the Jiajing Emperor, wouldn't have died!
Only by believing in God can one obtain eternal life.

However, before he could take any action, he was stopped by several familiar subordinate officials.

These officials knew that if Johann Adam Schall von Bell really said those words to Emperor Chongzhen, he would be courting death.

First of all, Emperor Chongzhen did not believe in Catholicism, and Taoism was the mainstream religion in the Ming Dynasty. In fact, the Ming Dynasty would worship Zhenwu the Great every year.

Suddenly at this moment, a foreign missionary openly told the emperor that Taoism was fake, the pursuit of immortality was fake, and everything was fake.

Only God is real, only Catholicism is real!
Without a doubt, Emperor Chongzhen would kill Johann Adam Schall von Bell without hesitation and expel all Catholic missionaries from the Ming Dynasty.

If things really come to this point, it's no longer just a simple religious issue, but a religious war!

No emperor would ignore this matter, including Emperor Chongzhen!

After calming down, Johann Adam Schall von Bell realized that he had acted too impulsively.

Taoism had deep roots in the Ming Dynasty, and there were far more Taoists than Catholics.

If he were to actually do that, it would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock.

Seeing that the path of Chongzhen was blocked, Johann Adam Schall von Bell suddenly thought of another candidate.

This person was none other than Zhu Cilang, the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty.

In his view, this prince was a young man, and the faith of a young man can be cultivated.

As long as I keep promoting Catholic ideas, I might be able to win over this prince to Catholicism.

When this crown prince ascends the throne and becomes emperor, won't he be able to achieve his goal?
Thinking about this, Johann Adam Schall von Bell suddenly felt that life was full of motivation again.

What he didn't know was that trying to convert this young prince to Catholicism was nothing short of a pipe dream.

If possible, this young prince even intends to impersonate God and have a chat with him.
Sure enough, after Chongzhen moved into Baiyun Temple, he disappeared without a trace, as if a clay ox had vanished into the sea, and there was no news of his return to the palace.

The court officials were instantly like ants on a hot pan, each one filled with anxiety. Immediately afterward, letters pleading for Emperor Chongzhen to return to the palace fell like snowflakes onto Zhu Cilang's desk.

However, Zhu Cilang was too lazy to pay attention to these people, so he decisively ordered all the memorials to be kept in the palace and not sent out, letting their worries sink without a trace.

During this time, Zhu Cilang took the time to see Li Dingguo and the others off, and instructed them not to act rashly when they arrived in Liaodong. He also told them that if anyone dared to treat them differently because of their previous status, they should go directly to the local Imperial Guards.

Li Dingguo and the others were naturally deeply moved. After repeatedly thanking Zhu Cilang, they went to Liaodong.

Before long, it was time for court to begin again.

The morning light struggled to pierce through the thick clouds, casting a hazy glow over the Forbidden City.

The civil and military officials, dressed in solemn court robes, entered the main hall in an orderly fashion, and then subconsciously looked up at the dragon throne, hoping to see the figure of Emperor Chongzhen.

Unfortunately, in the end, it wasn't Emperor Chongzhen who arrived, but rather Crown Prince Zhu Cilang, who was in charge of overseeing the country!

In an instant, sighs rose and fell in the hall like a surging tide, one wave after another.

They just couldn't understand why Emperor Chongzhen would give up being a proper emperor and instead go off to seek immortality and ask questions.
If people could truly cultivate immortality, how could the Jiajing Emperor have died?

This is absolutely absurd!
Although the ministers were indignant, they could only mutter to themselves in silence, their faces full of helplessness, due to the majesty of the royal family.

Of course, Zhu Cilang saw all of this, but he didn't care at all!

With a signal from Zhu Cilang, Wang Chengen immediately shouted:

"If there is something going on, go ahead and leave if there is nothing going on!"

No sooner had the words been spoken than an elderly minister with white hair could no longer contain his doubts, stepped forward from the ranks, and respectfully said:
"May I ask, Your Highness, when will His Majesty return to the palace?"

Zhu Cilang slowly shook his head, feigning helplessness as he sighed:
"I have no way of knowing about this matter. My father has recently become obsessed with cultivating immortality and pursuing eternal life. I have tried to persuade him many times, but to no avail. I am truly powerless to help him."

Upon hearing this, the ministers sighed again.

Only Xue Guoguan and a few senior officials already knew everything.

Seeing Zhu Cilang's current reaction, they knew they had guessed correctly!
This is probably another grand drama staged by Zhu Cilang and Chongzhen!
However, they weren't entirely clear about the specific purpose, since even if they racked their brains, they couldn't have imagined that Emperor Chongzhen no longer wanted to be emperor.
Then two more court officials stepped forward, but they both spoke about Emperor Chongzhen's pursuit of immortality and enlightenment.

Zhu Cilang simply gave a few perfunctory words and dismissed him.

Seeing that no one had anything important to report, Zhu Cilang prepared to adjourn the court session.

In any case, nowadays, major national affairs are handled by the cabinet first and then submitted to me. Whether I attend court or not seems to have little impact on the overall situation.

But suddenly, at that moment, Li Banghua, the Minister of War, strode out of the ranks and said loudly:

"Your Highness, I have something to report!"

Zhu Cilang was slightly taken aback, a hint of curiosity flashing in his eyes, but he still nodded and said:

"Minister Li, please speak."

Li Banghua said with a solemn expression:

"Not long ago, I planned to prepare winter clothing for the soldiers in Liaodong and the soldiers in the Nine Garrisons, and I submitted the budget to the Ministry of Revenue."

"I just didn't expect the Ministry of Revenue to reject it. This concerns the life and death of the soldiers in Liaodong and the nine border regions. I hope Your Highness will make the decision!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang's spirits instantly lifted.

Because he knew that Liaodong and the Nine Border Regions were harsh and cold places, and winter was the most difficult time to endure.

Preparing winter clothing for these soldiers is a very common thing, so why was it rejected by the Ministry of Revenue?

Thinking of this, Zhu Cilang's gaze sharpened as he looked directly at Ni Yuanlu, the Minister of Revenue, and questioned him:
"Minister Ni, what exactly is going on?"

Upon hearing this, Ni Yuanlu quickly stepped forward, her face showing obvious embarrassment.

But he still answered:
"Your Highness, the Ministry of Revenue has indeed rejected this matter!"

"However, this was because Minister Li requested an excessive amount of cotton, which the Ministry of Revenue was unable to prepare, so it was rejected."

"Because Minister Li plans to make 300,000 cotton-padded clothes, plus cotton-padded shoes and other clothing, each set will require about eight catties of cotton."

"If losses are taken into account, it would take at least three million catties of cotton."

"But this year the imperial court received less than three million catties of cotton. If it were all given to the soldiers of the Nine Borders and Liaodong, then the officials in the capital and the soldiers stationed near the capital would have a problem getting through the winter."

"I had no choice!"

Upon hearing this, Li Banghua hurriedly took a large step forward and then shouted:
"We can't just stand by and watch those soldiers from the Nine Garrisons and Liaodong freeze to death in the freezing snow!"

"You should know that the imperial court hasn't replaced their winter clothes for three years. Their current clothing is simply not enough to keep them warm in the winter!"

Ni Yuanlu patiently responded:
"Minister Li, that's a bit of an exaggeration. Things shouldn't have gotten to that point. In my opinion, reducing the number of cotton-padded coats to 100,000 sets would be more appropriate."

In fact, if the Ministry of Revenue had enough cotton, Ni Yuanlu would have taken it out without hesitation.

After all, he knew that the soldiers in the Nine Borders and Liaodong were having a hard time.

But there was nothing he could do!

This year, the imperial court has only collected so much cotton. If it is all given to the Nine Garrisons and Liaodong, what will happen to the capital?
You should know that all the civil and military officials in the capital, as well as the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Beijing Garrison, and the Tengxiang Five Guards, all depend on this cotton to get through the winter!
Of course, the imperial palace goes without saying; no matter when or where, supplies are always delivered to the imperial palace first.

However, upon hearing this, Li Banghua firmly objected:

"Absolutely not! Because this cotton needs to be supplied not only to the Nine Borders and Liaodong, but also to the people of Liaodong."

"If it weren't for this cotton, do you know how many people would have died in the Nine Border Regions and Liaodong this year?"

"As for the capital, the Ministry of Revenue can handle the procurement of cotton."

Upon hearing this, Ni Yuanlu also became furious and raised her voice, saying:
"Minister Li, things are not that simple. Do you know how much cotton the Ming Dynasty produces every year? Sometimes, even money can't buy it!"

"Furthermore, if the imperial court buys up large quantities of cotton from the people, it will definitely cause cotton prices to rise. In that case, ordinary people will not be able to afford cotton, and how many more people will freeze to death?"

"You only think about the border troops and Liaodong, don't you care about the lives of other people?"

For a moment, the two ministers argued heatedly, their faces flushed, like two bulls facing each other.

Upon seeing this, the courtiers also took sides.

Some advocated prioritizing Liaodong to ensure the peace and security of the Ming Dynasty's borders.

Others argue that priority should be given to protecting the capital and consolidating the foundation of the nation.

The noise inside the main hall was deafening, almost enough to lift the roof off.

Even Zhu Cilang was at a loss for what to do.

Because he was unfamiliar with cotton production and taxation methods during this period of the Ming Dynasty, he was at a loss for words in the face of this sudden dispute.

After a final moment, Zhu Cilang took a deep breath and then said loudly:
"Everyone, there's no need to argue anymore. We'll discuss this later!"

As Zhu Cilang spoke, the crowd gradually quieted down, and the noise in the hall receded like a tide, leaving only silence.

There was no other way; after all, the Crown Prince's face had to be given!

After such an incident, no officials submitted any further memorials, so the court session ended not long afterward.

After the court session, Ni Yuanlu and Li Banghua exchanged a glance, each letting out a cold snort, and prepared to leave.

Unexpectedly, as they were leaving the palace, a young eunuch quickly stepped forward to stop them and respectfully said:
"Please wait, Your Highness. His Highness the Crown Prince wishes to see you."

The two understood immediately; they knew without guessing that it must be about the cotton.

The two of them did not dare to delay and hurriedly went to the Wenhua Hall.

At that moment, Zhu Cilang was already waiting inside the hall.

Immediately afterward, before Ni Yuanlu and Li Banghua could even bow, Zhu Cilang waved his hand and said with a concerned smile:

"You two don't need to be so polite. Please sit down and talk."

As they were talking, a eunuch quickly brought over two chairs.

After all, these two ministers were quite old, with an average age of seventy, so Zhu Cilang always treated them with great respect.

After they sat down, Zhu Cilang's expression turned serious, and he went straight to the point:

"Minister Ni, tell me, how many people froze to death in the capital last winter?"

Upon hearing this, Minister of Revenue Ni Yuanlu was struck as if by lightning. He abruptly stood up from his chair, his hands unconsciously gripping the armrests, and his face turned ashen.

He never expected that Zhu Cilang would ask such a question right away.

Zhu Cilang remained silent, simply gazing calmly at Ni Yuanlu, quietly awaiting his reply.

After a moment, Ni Yuanlu stammered:
"According to the imperial court's statistics, there are approximately 1,800 people."

Upon hearing this number, Zhu Cilang's brows furrowed, a sense of unease rising within him. He then asked again:

"What is the actual figure? Don't hide it from me, I want to know the real number."

Zhu Cilang knew perfectly well that the figures compiled by the imperial court were definitely not the same as the actual figures.

Ni Yuanlu could only steel herself and say, her voice trembling slightly:
"The actual number is approximately eight thousand."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang felt a sudden headache and his breathing became rapid.

He knew that winter was a life-or-death ordeal for ordinary people in ancient times, but he never expected that more than 8,000 people would freeze to death in just one winter in the capital city alone.

It's important to know that the population of Beijing is only around 1.2 million. 8,000 people means that roughly one in every 150 people will freeze to death.

To be honest, Zhu Cilang found this data hard to accept.

But the next second, he suddenly thought of something and asked again:

Who are these eight thousand people?

Ni Yuanlu continued:
"Most of them were poor people, vagrants, beggars, and occasionally some civilians, but there were also some soldiers stationed in the capital."

Soldiers?

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang could hardly believe his ears, his eyes filled with shock.

Soldiers stationed in the capital
They can freeze to death too?
(End of this chapter)