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

It was July, and in the afternoon in Nanjing, sunlight streamed through the carved wooden windows, casting dappled shadows on the smooth, mirror-like golden brick floor of the imperial palace.

The air was filled with a languid, sweet, and slightly decadent atmosphere.

This was not an illusion, but rather the aroma of silk and bamboo instruments, women's laughter, and incense constantly wafting from the "Chengrui Hall" in the core area of ​​the Nanjing Imperial Palace.

Inside the Chengrui Hall, a scene of "peace and prosperity" was unfolding.

Deep within the palace, Emperor Chongzhen did not sit on the nine-dragon gilded throne that symbolized supreme majesty, but instead reclined on a sandalwood couch covered with a thick, bright yellow brocade rug and equipped with a soft backrest.

He wasn't wearing a formal dragon robe today, but only a bright yellow robe with a dragon design, a jade belt loosely tied around his waist. He looked relaxed, even a little carefree.

In the center of the main hall, a wide area covered with a large red and gold carpet was temporarily used as a stage.

A dozen or so dancers, dressed in light gauze and colorful clothes, with their hair piled high and their figures graceful, were dancing to the melodious Jiangnan silk and bamboo music played by the musicians on the side.

Their clothes fluttered, their long sleeves billowed, and their dance was light and graceful. Sometimes they gathered together like a cluster of flowers, and sometimes they dispersed like butterflies flitting among flowers. With each rise and fall of their water sleeves, a fragrant breeze wafted through the air.

The costumes of these dancers, while not the solemn and elaborate attire of court music and dance, were not the revealing and vulgar attire of common brothels. Rather, they were an elegant "coolness" that lay between the two. Underneath the gossamer-thin gauze, one could vaguely see the lotus-root-colored or light green bodice and long skirt, which accentuated their figures without losing the dignity and restraint that royalty should have.

Emperor Chongzhen casually rested one hand on the edge of the couch, while the fingers of his other hand gently tapped on the low sandalwood table beside the couch in rhythm with the music.

He squinted slightly, his gaze seemingly fixed on the center of the dance floor, yet also appearing somewhat vacant.

Beside him stood five or six equally beautiful and exquisitely dressed palace maids. They were not ordinary palace maids, but rather the best of the ten women "presented" by the nobles of Nanjing a few days earlier.

At this moment, they would either hold a jade pot and carefully fill it with the fine wine from the Western Regions, or hold a silver plate and pick out the crystal-clear, peeled fresh lychees from Lingnan and bring them to his lips with their slender fingers, or hold a round fan and gently wave it beside him, sending a cool breeze with the fragrance of flowers.

With just a slight opening of his mouth, Emperor Chongzhen was greeted with fine wine and delicacies, whispered sweet nothings in his ear, enchanting songs and dances unfolded before his eyes, and the sweet fragrance of cosmetics filled his nostrils…

These days were a world apart from the past ten years or so he had spent in the Qianqing Palace of the Forbidden City, facing mountains of memorials, gloomy border reports, endless quarrels among ministers, and the dire need for money.

At first glance, Emperor Chongzhen at this time did indeed resemble a "tyrant" who was indulging in pleasure and neglecting state affairs.

However, beneath this appearance lies a complex and helpless truth.

Since arriving in Nanjing, Chongzhen had fallen into a peculiar state of "leisure".

State affairs and military matters were handled by the cabinet and the Ministry of War, who communicated with the capital via postal relays. Zhu Cilang had already made arrangements before leaving the capital, and things were proceeding smoothly without needing the emperor, who was far away in Nanjing, to worry about them.

internal affairs?

Before leaving Nanjing for Fujian, Zhu Cilang had already discussed and finalized the general policy for the taxation, canal transport, and personnel affairs in Jiangnan with him, and left behind specific procedures and personnel for implementation. Officials from various departments only needed to follow the procedures step by step.

His role as emperor in Nanjing seems to be limited to simply "sitting and overseeing".

His existence symbolizes the imperial power's emphasis on and control over Jiangnan, and his "divine might" serves to deter local forces that may harbor disloyal intentions.

To put it more bluntly in Zhu Cilang's private words:
"Father, you only need to rest well in the palace and occasionally show yourself so that the officials and nobles in Nanjing know that you are here. Everything will be fine. I and the other officials will handle the specific matters. Father, you don't need to worry too much, so as not to harm your health."

At first, Chongzhen was not used to it and even felt a little disappointed.

After all, having been an emperor for over a decade, handling everything personally and constantly overwhelmed, the emptiness of being stripped of power and the restlessness of having nothing to do when suddenly sidelined is indescribable.

He had intended to summon officials in Nanjing to learn more about the local situation and problems, but before leaving, Zhu Cilang specifically instructed him not to interfere too much in specific government affairs, so as not to disrupt the established plans or allow some unscrupulous officials to take the opportunity to scheme and spread rumors.

After much deliberation, Emperor Chongzhen agreed with his son's reasoning. He lacked a deep understanding of the actual situation in Jiangnan, and if he rashly intervened, he might make a mistake in judgment or be misled, which could backfire. It would be better to follow his son's arrangement and act as a docile "symbol."

So he spent most of his time in this heavily guarded palace, which was like an exquisite cage.

read?

These past years, I've been so preoccupied with national affairs that I've long lost that peace of mind.

Writing and painting?

I am restless and have difficulty concentrating.

Inspecting Nanjing's city defenses or observing the people's conditions?
Zhu Cilang explicitly stated that "it is best not to leave the palace" to avoid any safety risks or unforeseen complications.

A profound sense of boredom and emptiness overwhelmed him like a tidal wave.

Just a few days ago, the Duke of Wei and others "opportunely" presented the ten beauties from Jiangnan who were exceptional in both looks and talent.

At first, Chongzhen was somewhat resistant and wary.

He prided himself on not being a lustful ruler, and since ascending the throne, his harem had remained simple, with only Empress Zhou and Consorts Tian and Yuan, and few other concubines. He was also well aware that when his subjects presented beautiful women, they often harbored malicious intentions, either to corrupt his heart or to spy on the inner court.

However, when the ten women stood gracefully before him, each with their own unique charm—some beautiful, some charming, some gentle, some lively—and all skilled in music, singing, dancing, and even some literature, Chongzhen's heartstrings, which had been taut for over a decade due to the difficulties of national affairs, seemed to loosen quietly under the immense boredom and the erosion of the extravagant atmosphere of Jiangnan.

More importantly, a thought lingered in his mind:
In two or three years, or even sooner, when Zhu Cilang's power base is more stable and the court is more prosperous, he should follow the "will of Heaven" and the "will of the people," abdicate gracefully, and become a leisurely and carefree retired emperor.

The Ming Dynasty was no longer under his control, or at least not under his dominance.

Since that's the case, before shedding this heavy burden, indulging a little and enjoying this unprecedented, true wealth and comfort befitting an emperor seems... not so unforgivable?

Consider it compensation for the hard work and anxiety of the past ten years.

This complex mix of "what's the use of trying" and "live for the moment" mentality led him to reluctantly accept the ten women.

She was not given a formal title, but was merely made a personal attendant.

But their arrival did indeed greatly dispel the dullness and boredom in the palace.

The sounds of string and wind instruments replaced the silence, graceful dances filled the emptiness, and gentle words comforted the loneliness.

Emperor Chongzhen began to get used to, and even become somewhat addicted to, this comfortable life of being meticulously served and surrounded by beautiful women.

Unlike when he first arrived in Nanjing, he no longer worried about memorials and government affairs every day, but began to "rationally arrange" his "leisure" time.

Today I enjoy song and dance, tomorrow I listen to music and appreciate paintings, and the day after tomorrow I stroll in the Imperial Garden with beautiful women by my side...

He seemed to be sliding towards becoming a "peaceful and carefree emperor," at least on the surface.

Therefore, when Zhu Cilang arrived at the Chengrui Hall, he could hear music, faint laughter from a woman, and a warm, languid atmosphere—completely different from the solemn and dignified palace—from within. Zhu Cilang paused slightly, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

He instantly recalled Luo Yangxing's previous report—that the nobles of Nanjing had presented ten beautiful women to his father, the emperor.

He pondered this in his heart, but his steps did not falter; he walked straight toward the palace gate.

The young eunuch guarding the palace gate had already spotted him. He scrambled forward to greet him, then knelt down with a thud, his high-pitched voice filled with nervousness:

"This servant greets Your Highness the Crown Prince! Long live Your Highness!"

Zhu Cilang waved his hand, gesturing for him to rise, but his gaze fell upon the tightly closed palace doors from which decadent music continuously emanated. He asked in a calm tone:

"What's going on inside in broad daylight? Is Father... resting?"

The eunuch was very clever. Upon hearing the prince's tone and seeing his expression, he immediately guessed that the prince had misunderstood and thought that His Majesty was engaging in some outrageous act of debauchery in broad daylight.

He shuddered in fright, quickly bowed, and replied in a very low but clear voice:
"Your Highness, His Majesty... His Majesty had breakfast early this morning and then enjoyed the song and dance in this hall. He has not moved from here yet. Apart from watching the dance and listening to the music, he had some tea, snacks and fruits, and... nothing else."

"The musicians, dancers, and palace servants were all inside the hall, behaving very properly."

He specifically emphasized the word "rules," implying that there was nothing improper or unethical about it.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Cilang felt somewhat relieved.

Indeed, no matter what, Emperor Chongzhen was a diligent emperor for more than ten years. He still had to maintain basic decorum and face. It is indeed unlikely that he would be indulging in debauchery in his bedchamber in broad daylight.

It seems they were just watching the dance and listening to the music to pass the time.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If he had really stumbled upon some unsavory scene, it would have been far too awkward for father and son to be facing each other.

"Oh, I see."

Zhu Cilang nodded, asked no more questions, and strode towards the palace gate.

Seeing this, the eunuch quickly followed, taking small steps, and tentatively asked:

"Your Highness, shall I go inside and announce your arrival? Please, Your Majesty..."

"No need."

Zhu Cilang interrupted him, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"I may go in directly; there is no need to announce my presence and disturb Father's enjoyment."

"Yes, yes, Your Highness, please."

The young eunuch dared not persuade him any further and could only follow closely beside Zhu Cilang, while signaling with his eyes to the guards and eunuchs on both sides of the palace gate to open the door quickly.

The heavy palace doors were slowly pushed open, and clearer music and a warm breeze carrying a mixture of precious incense, cosmetics, and the sweet scent of fruit rushed in.

Zhu Cilang remained calm and stepped into the hall.

The moment he appeared, the sharp-eyed eunuchs from the Directorate of Ceremonial, who were serving at the door, spotted him immediately. Not daring to be negligent in the slightest, one of them took a deep breath and, with his well-trained, high-pitched voice powerful enough to drown out the music, sang into the hall:
"His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"

This announcement was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

In an instant, the melodious and graceful sounds of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music inside the hall came to an abrupt halt! The dancers, who were dancing gracefully, seemed to be frozen in mid-air, their charming smiles instantly frozen, and they looked helplessly towards the door.

The musicians who were playing hurriedly stopped their instruments and stood with their heads bowed in solemn silence.

The beautiful palace maids who had been surrounding Emperor Chongzhen's couch were like startled deer, hastily retreating a few steps from his side. Then, they all turned around, facing the palace gate, curtsied, and bowed deeply, their voices like warbling birds as they performed the ceremony.

"We, your humble servants, pay our respects to Your Highness! Long live Your Highness!"

Even Emperor Chongzhen, who was reclining on the couch, was startled back to his senses by the sudden interruption.

The relaxed and carefree expression on his face quickly vanished, his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly, and a hint of displeasure and embarrassment at being disturbed flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his imperial dignity.

He sat up straight, his gaze fixed on the palace gate, watching the tall, young man walking steadily into the hall against the light.

Zhu Cilang stepped into the hall, his gaze calmly sweeping across the entire room.

The dancers, dressed in thin clothes, moved alluringly; the palace maids, some plump and some slender, were meticulously dressed; Emperor Chongzhen sat reclining on a couch, surrounded by cups and plates, the air thick with the lingering scent of unbridled revelry…

However, Zhu Cilang was not greatly disturbed. In fact, he felt that the “degenerate” scene before him confirmed the “correctness” of some of his arrangements in a certain sense.

However, on the surface, he maintained the composure and respect befitting a crown prince. Meeting Chongzhen's gaze, he walked to within about ten feet of the imperial bed, stopped, bowed, and spoke in a clear and melodious voice:
"Your subject greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be well."

Emperor Chongzhen watched his son bow, barely suppressing the displeasure on his face. He waved his hand, his tone somewhat listless:
"Rise, you're back."

Immediately, he seemed to realize that it was inappropriate for his son to have witnessed this scene, especially with the scantily clad dancers and palace maids still standing there.

He coughed lightly and gave instructions to everyone in the hall:

"Alright, this is none of your business. You may all leave. I have important matters to discuss with the Crown Prince."

"We obey your command."

The people in the hall felt as if they had been granted a pardon and quickly responded in unison.

The musicians, dancers, and palace women lowered their heads and lined up in a queue, silently and quickly filing out through the side door.

The grand hall, which had just been filled with singing and dancing and the rich aroma of perfumes and cosmetics, suddenly became empty and quiet, with only the lingering scent of incense and the half-eaten fruit and half-drunk wine on the low table beside the imperial bed, silently telling the story of the previous extravagance.

Once everyone had left and the palace doors were closed again, only the father and son remained inside, and the atmosphere suddenly became somewhat awkward.

Emperor Chongzhen adjusted his posture to appear more "dignified," then looked at Zhu Cilang and spoke first, breaking the silence:
"How did the trip to Fujian go? Was it smooth sailing? Has there been any unusual activity from Zheng Zhilong's side?"

As an emperor, Chongzhen was still very concerned about Zheng Zhilong's situation! (End of Chapter)