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

At this moment, they were not only ruler and subject, father and son, but also two far-sighted chess players who reached the final and most perfect tacit understanding when the game was over and the outcome was decided.

The reign title "Tianwu" was like a crucial piece in a game of chess, falling steadily and setting the most glorious tone for the upcoming power transition.

Emperor Chongzhen sat up straight again, picked up the cup of tea in front of him, which had cooled down, and drank it all in one gulp.

The lukewarm tea brought a sense of clarity as it went down my throat.

He put down his teacup, his expression turning serious and solemn again. Looking at Zhu Cilang, he slowly said:
"Now that the reign title has been decided, all that's left is to go through the formalities. The three refusals and three concessions are rules set by our ancestors, and they are for the benefit of all the people and for the history books to see. They cannot be omitted and must be done in a solemn and composed manner so that no one can find fault with them. But there is no need to go too far. Just go through the motions and don't delay the important matters."

He paused, his tone becoming incredibly solemn, each word carrying the weight of a thousand pounds:

"Lang'er, this vast land of the Ming Dynasty, the foundation laid by our ancestors for 270 years, I... today, formally entrust it to you."

He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the deep night outside. His back was to Zhu Cilang, and his voice was somewhat faint, yet exceptionally clear:
"I hope that you will live up to the hardships your ancestors endured in establishing the dynasty and the difficulties in maintaining it; live up to the expectations of hundreds of millions of people; and live up to your own talents and aspirations. Be a good emperor, usher in a peaceful and prosperous era, and let the Ming Dynasty... truly shine for all nations and be passed down for eternity in your hands."

Zhu Cilang's expression shifted slightly, then he spoke with firm and resounding words:

"Your subject Zhu Cilang respectfully obeys Your Majesty's teachings! Today, I swear here that I will devote myself wholeheartedly, day and night, to the revival of the Ming Dynasty, to expand its territory, to pacify the internal and external troubles, and to bring prosperity to the people! I will ensure that the Ming Dynasty will have a long and prosperous reign, that its land will be forever secure, and that peace will last for ten thousand generations! If I break this oath, may Heaven and Earth condemn me!"

Emperor Chongzhen turned around and looked at his son kneeling on the ground, making a solemn vow. The last trace of doubt and melancholy in his eyes finally disappeared.

He stepped forward, personally helped Zhu Cilang up, and patted his arm forcefully. A thousand words, in the end, only turned into a long sigh:
"Alright...alright! I trust you."

The father and son chatted for a while longer, after which Zhu Cilang bowed again and walked steadily out of the East Warm Pavilion.

His silhouette stretched long under the lamplight, tall, firm, and full of power.

Inside the warm pavilion, silence returned.

Emperor Chongzhen stood alone, staring at the doorway where his son had disappeared for a long time without moving.

The light from the glass palace lantern on the table cast his solitary figure onto the wall, making him appear somewhat lonely.

Wang Chengen quietly pushed open the door and entered. Seeing that he was still standing there lost in thought, he tiptoed to the table, replaced his cup with a hot tea, and whispered:
"Your Majesty, it's late, you should rest. His Highness the Crown Prince... will surely become a wise and benevolent ruler, creating an unprecedented golden age. You can truly rest assured."

Chongzhen slowly turned his head and glanced at the old servant who had followed him for most of his life and was the most trusted by him. A tired but extremely relieved smile appeared on his face.

He walked to the table, but instead of picking up the cup of fresh tea, he gently stroked the warm teacup with his fingertips.

"I know."

He murmured to himself, his gaze once again fixed on the boundless night, his voice so soft it was almost inaudible.

"It is precisely because I know he can do it, even more than I can... that I dare, and am willing, to let go."

After saying that, he let out a long, thorough sigh, as if he had unloaded the burden that had weighed on his shoulders for seventeen years with that one breath.

A few days later, the grand court assembly took place.

Just after the hour of Yin (3-5 AM), over a thousand civil and military officials had already gathered outside Chengtian Gate.

Unlike usual, the atmosphere today was exceptionally solemn and somber.

The officials whispered amongst themselves, their voices hushed, their eyes frequently glancing toward the majestic Hall of Supreme Harmony—all signs indicated that something important was about to happen at today's court assembly.

At the exact hour of Mao (5-7 AM), bells and drums sounded in unison, and the palace gates opened wide.

Officials entered in single file according to their rank and stood solemnly inside and outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Above the imperial steps, the nine-dragon gilded throne hung empty. When Chongzhen slowly stepped onto the throne, all the officials held their breath.

After the routine court ceremony, Chongzhen did not ask "If you have anything to report, please do so now" as usual. Instead, he nodded slightly to Wang Chengen, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, who was standing to the side.

Wang Chengen understood, took three steps forward, and unfurled a scroll of bright yellow imperial edict with brocade dragon patterns.

He cleared his throat and, in his distinctive, high-pitched, and extremely penetrating voice, read aloud:

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I, with my meager virtue, have succeeded to this great throne, and have now reigned for seventeen years. Day and night I have been diligent and cautious, fearing only that I may not be able to fulfill my duty..."

The first half of the edict briefly reviewed Chongzhen's hardships and achievements since his ascension to the throne, using humble language. But then, the tone shifted abruptly:
"Thanks to the blessings of Heaven, Earth, and our ancestors, peace has gradually been restored throughout the land, and the people are enjoying their lives. Crown Prince Cilang is filial, wise, and intelligent, possessing both benevolence and martial prowess. He has fulfilled my will and has repeatedly achieved outstanding merits. Judging from his talent and virtue, he is truly worthy of being entrusted with the throne. I admire the legacy of Yao and Shun's abdication, and in accordance with the will of Heaven and the wishes of the people, I hereby decree that on the fifth day of the fifth month, I will offer sacrifices to Heaven, Earth, and the ancestral temples, and abdicate the throne to the Crown Prince, so that he may succeed to the throne, secure the nation, and comfort the people..."

After the imperial edict was read aloud, a deathly silence fell both inside and outside the hall.

Although rumors of His Majesty's intention to abdicate had been circulating for over a month, the official edict, announced on such a solemn occasion, still had an unparalleled impact.

Abdication! Not regency, not regent, but a true transfer of the throne to the crown prince!

Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, apart from the Taizu Emperor passing the throne to the Jianwen Emperor, when has there ever been an emperor who voluntarily abdicated while still alive?
This is simply an unprecedented and momentous event in our dynasty!
After a brief silence, a sudden uproar erupted.

"Your Majesty! No, Your Majesty!"

A piercing cry rang out.

An elderly, white-haired Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate staggered out of the ranks, collapsed to the ground, banged his head against the floor, and wept uncontrollably.

"Your Majesty is in the prime of your life, how can you so hastily propose abdication? Although the Crown Prince is virtuous, he is still young, and the affairs of state are numerous and complex. In case of any unforeseen circumstances... This old minister implores Your Majesty to reconsider! And to withdraw your decree!"

"Your Majesty! The matter of abdication concerns the very foundation of the nation; how can it be taken lightly?"

Another official from the Donglin Academy, a vice minister of the Ministry of Rites, also stepped forward and knelt down, his voice choked with emotion.

"The Crown Prince's benevolence and filial piety are known throughout the land, but Your Majesty is currently on the throne, like the sun at its zenith, and the world looks up to you. If Your Majesty were to abdicate, I fear... I fear it would not be a perfect solution!"

Immediately afterwards, seven or eight senior officials stepped forward, knelt down, some weeping bitterly, others quoting classical texts, their words earnest, the core message being nothing more than "Your Majesty must not do this," "The Crown Prince still needs to be trained," and "This move may shake the foundation of the nation."

These were mostly upright officials and renowned ministers of Neo-Confucianism, who valued etiquette and regulations above all else. Their instinctive reaction to something as unconventional as "abdication" was to fiercely oppose it.

Many of them were genuinely concerned about the state of the nation, while others worried about the loss of their political standing after the new emperor ascended the throne.

In the imperial court, cries of urging the emperor to ascend the throne, weeping, and remonstrances rose and fell, creating utter chaos.

On the imperial steps, Emperor Chongzhen sat upright on the dragon throne, his face behind the tassels calm and expressionless as he simply watched.

Just as the voices of dissuasion were growing louder, a calm voice rang out:

"Fellow colleagues, please hear what I have to say."

Everyone looked over and saw Zhang Zhifa, the Second Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.

He stepped forward and stood without kneeling; his voice was clear and loud:

"Your Majesty is wise and insightful, and has a long-term vision. Since His Highness the Crown Prince assumed the regency, he has strengthened the army, pacified the country and defended against foreign aggression, quelled the rebellion in Liaodong, pacified Korea, and recovered the coastal areas. His achievements in both civil administration and military affairs are evident to all. How can one dismiss him as 'young' or 'needing more experience'?"

Your Majesty, moved by the Crown Prince's virtue, followed the example of Yao and Shun by abdicating the throne, a virtuous act that aligns with Heaven's will and the people's aspirations. This is a blessing for our Great Ming Dynasty and a boon to the nation; how can it be said to 'shake the foundation of the state'?"

His words were pragmatic and forceful, directly highlighting the Crown Prince's achievements. Following him, Jiang Dejing stepped forward. This veteran minister, known for his composure, slowly said:
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is benevolent, filial, and brave, truly a peerless and wise ruler. Your Majesty's choice of this enlightened ruler and the abdication to establish the foundation of the nation is indeed the basis for the long-term stability of the country. This old minister believes that this is an act in accordance with Heaven and the people."

"What Grand Secretary Jiang said is absolutely right!"

Then someone else said loudly:

"His Highness the Crown Prince is exceptionally gifted and possesses the qualities of both the Taizu and Chengzu Emperors. Now that the world is gradually at peace, it is the perfect time for a new emperor to ascend the throne, realize his grand ambitions, and usher in a golden age! His Majesty's abdication is entirely appropriate!"

"I second that proposal!"

"Your Majesty is wise! His Highness the Crown Prince is destined by Heaven!"

"The abdication is a beautiful story throughout the ages, and Your Majesty's action will surely be remembered in history!"

With Zhang Zhifa and Jiang Dejing setting the tone, a group of powerful officials and young officials who had already been won over and promoted by Zhu Cilang came forward to express their support.

Their voices were initially scattered, but they quickly coalesced into a powerful wave, contrasting sharply with the advice of the veteran officials.

In the imperial court, a clear division had emerged between the "dissuasion faction" and the "supporter faction."

But it's clear to anyone with eyes to see that the "pro-" faction not only outnumbers the other faction, but also consists mostly of powerful officials in key departments. More importantly, it's the emperor's own will that couldn't be clearer.

Emperor Chongzhen took all of this into account, and his mind was clear.

The presence of dissenting voices is a good thing, indicating that this is not a "coup" but a genuine "abdication." However, if the dissenting voices are insignificant and are quickly suppressed by the voices of approval, it means that the crown prince's prestige and foundation are so solid that a smooth transition can be achieved without any force.

The situation was even better than he had anticipated.

He gently raised his hand.

The hall fell silent instantly. Everyone looked toward the steps.

"I already know what you all are thinking."

Emperor Chongzhen's voice, calm and firm, came through the tassels.

"However, my mind is made up. The Crown Prince's talent and virtue are sufficient to shoulder this heavy responsibility. The abdication ceremony will be held on the fifth day of the fifth month. The Ministry of Rites, the Court of State Ceremonies, and the Imperial Clan Court shall immediately begin preparations without any delay."

He paused, his gaze sweeping downwards:
"As for state affairs, before the abdication ceremony, I and the Crown Prince will continue to discuss them together. After the ceremony, all of you should wholeheartedly assist the new emperor and work together to ensure the eternal stability of the Ming Dynasty."

"My lords, say no more."

The last four words were decisive and left no room for doubt.

"Your Majesty, we... obey your command."

Led by Hong Chengchou, all the officials bowed and accepted the order.

Even the old ministers who had just wept and tried to dissuade him knew that the situation was hopeless and bowed their heads in despair.

Once the imperial edict was issued, the subsequent procedures proceeded in an orderly manner.

On March 20th, the first attempt was made to persuade him to ascend the throne.

Led by Xue Guoguan, the soon-to-retire Grand Secretary, and dozens of civil and military officials, they went to the Eastern Palace to formally present a copy of the Chongzhen Emperor's abdication edict.

Zhu Cilang, dressed in the everyday clothes of a crown prince, looked solemn and resolutely refused.

He bowed deeply before the imperial edict, his words earnest and sincere:
"My father is still alive and in the prime of his life. I am young and lack virtue, how dare I overstep my bounds? I absolutely dare not accept this edict. I beg you gentlemen to report back to my father and have him rescind his decree."

Their attitude was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.

Despite repeated pleas from Xue Guoguan and others, Zhu Cilang simply shook his head and respectfully returned the imperial edict. Xue Guoguan and the others had no choice but to "reluctantly" take the edict back.

On the fifth day of the fourth month, the second attempt was made to persuade him to ascend the throne.

At this time, Xue Guoguan led an even larger procession of officials to the East Palace.

Xue Guoguan's words were even more earnest, citing classical texts and saying, "Heaven's mandate has been given to the rightful heir, and the people's hearts are set on it." He added, "If the crown prince does not succeed to the throne, I fear the world will be disappointed and the state will be in turmoil."

Zhu Cilang declined again, but his tone was no longer as resolute as the first time; instead, it carried a hint of helplessness and fear.
"How could I not know the words of the Grand Secretary and the gentlemen? However, as a son, one cannot be solely responsible for one's father's affairs. Although my father's intention to abdicate is sincere, I... am truly unworthy of such a position. I beg your understanding."

Although they still declined, they left room for maneuver.

On April 15th, the third time they urged him to ascend the throne.

This time, almost all the officials in the capital who were qualified to attend court gathered at the Eastern Palace, kneeling down in a dense, dark mass.

Xue Guoguan, holding the imperial edict, said:
"Your Highness! His Majesty's resolve to abdicate is as clear as day! The people of the land eagerly await a new ruler! For the sake of the nation, for the sake of the people, and for the foundation laid by our ancestors, if Your Highness does not obey the decree, we will kneel here forever!"

The officials shouted in unison:

"We beseech Your Highness to ascend the throne, secure the nation, and bring peace to the people!"

The sound shook the palace.

Zhu Cilang was "forced" to leave the palace. Looking at the officials kneeling in the courtyard, his expression one of "struggle" and "pain" lasted for a long time. Finally, he looked up to the sky and sighed deeply, as if using all his strength to speak with difficulty:
"Gentlemen...why have you forced me to this point! For the sake of the country and its people, I...I will...temporarily obey my father's decree. However, I am of meager virtue, and can only proceed with utmost caution and prudence, doing my utmost to repay my father and bring peace to the world. If I fall short, I hope you will all lend your full support!"

After speaking, he stepped forward and, with slightly trembling hands, took the bright yellow imperial edict from Xue Guoguan's hands.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Hong Chengchou was the first to shout and kowtow.

The officials behind him echoed in unison, their voices rising like a tidal wave.

Zhu Cilang held the imperial edict in his hands, stood alone on the steps, and received the homage of the officials.

The sunlight shone on him, and his apricot-yellow robe seemed to faintly radiate the golden light of an emperor.

Thus, the drama of "three resignations and three concessions" came to a successful conclusion.

The entire process was made public and meticulously recorded by historians, demonstrating not only Chongzhen's "voluntary" and "sincere" actions, but also Zhu Cilang's "humility" and "being forced," and proclaiming to the world that this power transfer was legal, proper, and justified.

Some astute officials, during the third round of urging the Crown Prince to ascend the throne, had already quietly changed their address for the Crown Prince from "Your Highness" to "Your Majesty".

The fifth day of the fifth lunar month is the Dragon Boat Festival, a very auspicious day.

Before dawn, the Forbidden City was already bathed in an unprecedented splendor.

From Daming Gate to Fengtian Gate, and then to Wu Gate, the entire imperial road was covered with brand-new, spotless scarlet carpets.

Along both sides of the road, five-colored banners fluttered, displaying the complete imperial regalia—golden maces, axes, flags, pennants, umbrellas, fans, banners, scepters, pennants, halberds, cloaks… a dazzling array stretching from outside the Meridian Gate all the way to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, shimmering in the morning light with the unique luster of metal and silk, exuding a solemn and majestic aura far surpassing that of the previous Crown Prince's wedding. (End of Chapter)