The Ming Dynasty's Five Hundred Years

Chapter 108 The situation is now in my hands!
Li Qi awoke from his deep sleep, his gaze immediately falling on Li Xianmu.

He watched Li Xianmu enter the East Palace, and then walked out of the East Palace with excitement and worry, while Di Pangpang Zhu Gaochi entered the Huagai Hall.

"Being caught between the crown prince and the emperor, you can't afford to offend either of them. It's not easy."

Li Xianmu left the East Palace and suddenly glanced at the blue sky. He saw the sun blazing overhead, with a few white clouds drifting by, and behind them, a clear blue sky, just like any other day.

His gaze fell on the palace wall again, carefully examining the battlements. They were also empty. He frowned slightly. "It's that illusion again. I always feel like someone is watching me."

Li Qi smiled slightly as he watched this scene. Father and son are connected at heart; even separated by life and death, they can still sense each other.

Li Qi sighed softly, "Mu'er, when will you use the Divine Incense?"

Unable to find the reason for that strange feeling, Li Xianmu temporarily put it aside, speculating about the conversation between the Crown Prince and the Emperor in the palace later, and what he should say when he entered the palace.

Li Qi ascended to the heavens, and his gaze immediately fell upon the Huagai Palace.

Inside the Hall of Literary Glory.

Zhu Gaochi slowly walked in behind the attendant, ignoring the cabinet ministers and eunuchs in the hall. He knelt down and presented a memorial. Almost everyone in the hall looked over curiously, wondering what the crown prince was doing. Hong Bao took the memorial and presented it to the emperor.

Zhu Di was also curious about what his usually composed eldest son meant. He opened the memorial, glanced at it, and immediately sat up straight, his face becoming serious. After a moment of contemplation, he waved to the cabinet ministers and said, "You may all leave now."

Now the courtiers were even more curious about the contents. After everyone had left, Zhu Di immediately asked in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, is this your true feeling? You know that making this public won't be good for you, right?"

Zhu Gaochi remained silent for a moment, which was certainly not a good thing. The group of literati surrounding him would inevitably have some complaints.

"Your son knows, but Your Majesty's health is the most important thing. The two capitals and thirteen provinces of the Ming Dynasty all rest on your shoulders. Under heaven, no one else can bear such a heavy burden."

Zhu Gaochi didn't think it was a big problem. It was already the sixth year of Yongle's reign, and those who needed to take sides had already done so. Whether it was Yang Shiqi or anyone else, could they possibly still pledge allegiance to the Prince of Han now?
"You are the crown prince, don't you have the confidence to shoulder the heavy responsibilities of the nation?"

Zhu Di asked with a hint of inquiry, "Have there ever been a crown prince who didn't wish for the emperor's death?"
Could it be that our Great Ming Dynasty has actually produced a saintly crown prince?
Li Qi, watching this scene, raised an eyebrow. It was an instinct for emperors to be wary of the crown prince. "It seems that Xianmu will not have an easy time getting past Zhu Di."

When Zhu Gaochi was asked such a pointed question, he simply lowered his head even further. This was a difficult question to answer. Lacking confidence was obviously not an option; otherwise, why would he be the crown prince? Having confidence was also not an option; if he could become emperor, did he want to take my position?

"Father Emperor is a man of extraordinary talent. He was entrusted with the task of pacifying the country, killing the tyrant, and thus came to rule the world. His power and virtue spread far and wide, and all directions submitted to him. He is a rare sage ruler in history. With Father Emperor, the Ming Dynasty will surpass the Han and Tang Dynasties in no time."

Although your son possesses the ambition to uphold the nation and its people, he is also aware of his own limitations; he is merely a ruler who maintains the status quo. For the Ming Dynasty, ten Zhu Gaochis are no match for one of your father's. Therefore, your son only hopes that your father can undertake more great undertakings; as for other matters, he will leave them to nature.

Zhu Gaochi's reply was very clever: "I am confident that I can be a good ruler who can maintain the status quo. There is absolutely no problem in leaving the throne to me and the foundation of the country. But Father, you are too awesome. No one can take your position. I never thought about it."

Li Qi had always valued Zhu Gaochi highly. In his view, Zhu Gaochi was well-versed in the principle that one should not contend with others, yet none in the world could contend with him.

The four emperors—Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Taizong of Tang, and Emperor Taizu of Ming—could not produce a single complete crown prince, which was inextricably linked to their extremely domineering personalities.

Zhu Di also had this extremely strong personality, almost like a carbon copy of Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu Gaochi was one of the few in history who was able to serve as the crown prince for 21 years under such a strong emperor and then ascend the throne!
Could this be simply luck? His methods, shrewdness, and strategy are absolutely not lacking!
Just now in the Eastern Palace, Li Xianmu gave only a slight hint, and he immediately realized something, which is clear evidence.

Zhu Di stood up, put his hands behind his back, and walked to Zhu Gaochi's side. He recalled the day he made Zhu Gaochi the crown prince several years ago. He should have known that his eldest son was not a coward. He was always tough at crucial moments, and intimidation could not frighten him.

"Get up."

Zhu Gaochi stood up, and Zhu Di patted him heavily on the shoulder. "I know you have always been a filial and good son. You are my eldest son. If I don't pass the throne to you, who else can I pass it to?"

Zhu Di spoke with such sincerity that it was as if he were not the one who had said, "The Crown Prince is often ill; you should encourage him."

"I am pleased that you agree to move the capital and are willing to make a formal announcement to the world, but how did you suddenly come up with these ideas?"

"Your Majesty, it was my cousin Xianmu who went to the Eastern Palace and chatted about the relocation of the capital. That's when I suddenly realized it."

"Your son has a request, but I humbly request that Your Majesty transfer Xianmu to the Eastern Palace as an official. There seem to be too many southerners in your Eastern Palace."

Too many!

They were all southerners; there wasn't a single northerner in sight. Not to mention his Eastern Palace staff, apart from the meritorious officials who had helped him through the Jingnan Rebellion, there wasn't a single northerner among Zhu Di's entourage. All the cabinet ministers were southerners.

Should Li Xianmu be allowed to enter the Eastern Palace?

This somewhat conflicted with Zhu Di's arrangements for Li Xianmu. He preferred Li Xianmu to be a purely imperial subject, but the Crown Prince's intention was also quite clear: he hoped that Li Xianmu could enter the Eastern Palace to counterbalance the southerners.

Zhu Di frowned slightly, turned to look at the Crown Prince, and after thinking for a moment, said slowly, "Let me think about it."

As Zhu Gaochi slowly walked out of the hall, Zhu Di fell into deep thought.

……

As Li Xianmu was leaving the palace and about to board the princess's carriage, a servant came forward and bowed, saying, "Young master, my master invites you."

My master is Master Daoyan.

Li Xianmu's expression immediately hardened; it was none other than the black-clad prime minister, Yao Guangxiao. "Please lead the way."

The princess's carriage followed behind. After turning a corner, a carriage was seen stopped at the entrance of the alley. The servant gestured and said, "Young master, please. My master has been waiting for a long time."

Li Xianmu didn't stand on ceremony and simply lifted the curtain to get into the carriage.

Dao Yan was dressed in black, resembling both a monk's robe and a Taoist robe, a strange and incongruous style, just like him—neither Taoist, Buddhist, nor Confucian. Upon seeing Li Xianmu, he showed a gentle smile, "Young master, are you well?"

Li Xianmu sat opposite Daoyan and said, "Thank you for your concern, Master. I am well."

"Young master, did you just come from the East Palace?"

Li Xianmu's gaze sharpened. "Master, you are truly extraordinary."

"It seems that Lord Li Zhongwen did indeed choose the Crown Prince back then, and now that choice has been passed down to the young master."

Dao Yan's words were quite significant. According to the official account, Li Qi recommended the crown prince because it was the proper order of succession, not for personal reasons. This was a matter of state, not personal feelings. However, Yao Guangxiao's words clearly implied that Li Qi and the crown prince had a personal relationship, and that Li Qi used this relationship to help the crown prince ascend to the throne.

Li Xianmu narrowed his eyes and said calmly, "Isn't the master also secretly pushing for the position of crown prince? Jin Zhong in the cabinet is the master's man. Even without a father, the master can still support the establishment of the crown prince."

"Hahaha."

Upon hearing this, Dao Yan immediately burst into laughter, "Lord Li Zhongwen truly has a worthy successor. It's just a pity that the young master is too young, otherwise I would like to have a contest with him and see if we can determine a winner."

What a madman!
Li Xianmu couldn't help but recall his father's assessment of Daoyan: "He is so intelligent that he is almost demonic, and he only wants to cause chaos in the world!"

Li Xianmu didn't want to inexplicably gain another opponent who was almost superhumanly intelligent and far more powerful than himself. "Master, please don't joke around. Xianmu is just a junior. How could I be your opponent? This picturesque land of the Ming Dynasty also bears the mark of your hard work. Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing to let it bloom so brightly?"

"I heard about what happened between the young master and Hu Guang today, and then he went to the Eastern Palace. Is he preparing to inherit his father's business and use the relocation of the capital to strike at the Southerners?"

Li Xianmu wasn't surprised that Daoyan could guess it. After all, even his father thought this person was a demonic monk, so it was normal for him to have such abilities. He narrowed his eyes slightly, "Master, do you also want to join the fight?"

"What I'm thinking is something even you, young master, can't guess."

"As Buddhism declined, the master wanted to take on the responsibility of protecting the religion, so he wanted to attack Confucianism, which was most prosperous in Jiangnan."

Li Xianmu calmly looked at Daoyan and casually expressed his inner thoughts.

Dao Yan, who had always looked down on Li Xianmu with ease, changed his expression for the first time, turning from pale to red. His triangular eyes stared intently at Li Xianmu, as if trying to pierce through his heart. After a long while, he said in a slightly hoarse voice, "It seems that I underestimated you, young master. You are as if Lord Li Zhongwen is right in front of me."

"I dare not accept such praise from you, Master. I am far inferior to my father."

"Now that you have expressed what I am thinking, young master, what will you do? The Li family is a prominent Confucian family."

After Dao Yan's thoughts were exposed, he relaxed and leaned slightly towards the carriage, looking at Li Xianmu with a hint of amusement.

Will you choose to help me revitalize Buddhism and become a guide for Confucianism, or will you choose to be my enemy?
"Does the Master believe that Buddhism in the Ming Dynasty is about to decline?"

"Of course not!"

Yao Guangxiao was very confident that although Buddhism was not as prosperous as it was during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Tang Dynasty, and Yuan Dynasty, it still had a large number of believers, and those famous temples were still very popular.

"Does the master know the stories of the prosperous periods of Buddhism in history?"

Dao Yan was momentarily stunned, while Li Xianmu calmly said, "Every time Buddhism flourishes in the Central Plains, it is followed by the persecution of Buddhism. There is no exception. You must know about the calamities of the Three Wu and One Zong.

Dao Yan's expression changed drastically. The persecution of Buddhism by the Three Wu and One Zong sects was a history that no Buddhist could bear to look at. Although Dao Yan was well-versed in the three religions, his feelings for Buddhism were the deepest!
Li Xianmu continued, "The most dazzling moment of fireworks is when they are about to vanish completely. Once anything reaches its peak, it can only go downhill; this is the truth of the world."

The Ming Dynasty's current restrictions on the development of Buddhism and Taoism, preventing them from progressing upwards or downwards, are precisely the reason why Buddhism has been able to endure for thousands of years.

The master believed that Buddhism was declining, but he did not realize that every cloud has a silver lining. The master was about to protect the teachings, but who knew that he might be inviting disaster upon himself?

If another persecution of Buddhism were to occur, it is uncertain whether it could be restored.

Daoyan was truly speechless this time. He actually found Li Xianmu's words to be very reasonable. The decline of Buddhism in the Ming Dynasty was also because the Yuan Dynasty was too prosperous, which is why it was restricted by the Hongwu Emperor.

Seeing that Daoyan was about to be persuaded, but this was not Li Xianmu's real purpose. From the moment Daoyan appeared in front of him, he had the idea of ​​winning over Yao Guangxiao. Yao Guangxiao used Confucianism to force him to choose, but he wanted to ask Yao Guangxiao about Buddhism instead.

So he added fuel to the fire, "Actually, the master should have a longer-term vision. Since ancient times, only the Central Plains have experienced the persecution of Buddhism. The true golden age of Buddhism was in the Western Regions during the Tang Dynasty. It was a Buddhist kingdom for thousands of miles, with Buddhist caves everywhere. It's just a pity that with the fall of the Tang Dynasty and the eastward expansion of the Abbasid Caliphate, it was all buried under the yellow sand."

"If one day our Great Ming Dynasty recovers the Western Regions, it will be the perfect time to rebuild a vast Buddhist kingdom there and rekindle the faith in all Buddhas and great masters. Why then should you be so eager to remain in this perilous land of the Central Plains?"

Upon hearing Li Xianmu's words, Dao Yan, who had been stunned, burst into laughter again. "Young master, young master, in the Ming Dynasty, is there anyone your age whose wisdom and strategy can surpass yours?"
This old man had intended to scheme against the young master and make him work for him, but he never expected to turn the tables on me and now want to be the one to work for him.

Li Xianmu knew that Yao Guangxiao had already guessed his purpose, so he no longer concealed it and said casually, "This humble one is naturally far inferior to the master. The reason why I am able to gain a slight advantage now is only because Confucianism is flourishing and Buddhism is declining. This is due to the general trend, not because of my wisdom!"

Yao Guangxiao said with great emotion: "Those who can use the general trend to benefit themselves are already the wisest people in the world. You are still young. In fifteen years, you will surely dominate the world and have no rivals."

"But will the Ming Dynasty ever truly be able to recover the Western Regions? My assistance today is not difficult, but when will the Ming Dynasty be able to recover the Western Regions? And will I witness that day again?"

Li Xianmu raised his palm and looked at Yao Guangxiao, saying each word clearly: "I swear in the name of my Li ancestors that as long as the Li family exists, there will be a day when the Western Regions will be restored. When the imperial flag of the Great Ming Dynasty is planted on the land of the Western Regions, the Buddhist kingdom of a thousand miles will reappear in the world. If I break this oath, I will die without a burial place!"

As Yao Guangxiao gazed at Li Xianmu's earnest expression, he seemed to vaguely see Li Qi's shadow, and even hear Li Qi's voice.

"Snapped!"

Clap your hands together!

It made a crisp sound!

"I will wait for you in the underworld if this oath is fulfilled. If you, the descendants of the Li family, come to my grave and tell you!"

“The master will surely be honored in the Imperial Ancestral Temple in the future. When the Western Regions are recovered, the current emperor will surely offer sacrifices to the ancestors. Why is it necessary to go to the master’s tomb?”

"This is an agreement between the two of us, so naturally, it must be settled when future generations come to our graves!"

"We made a pact over a hundred years, and this vow will surely be fulfilled!"

It sounds ridiculous that Yao Guangxiao actually believed in an agreement made hundreds of years later, and Li Xianmu also believed that the Li family could be passed down for hundreds of years. However, the key to the agreement between the two lies with Li Qi.

Yao Guangxiao had never seen anyone like Li Qi before. He was illogical and seemed not to exist in the world. Even someone as intelligent as Li Xianmu should not have appeared. Yet, with two generations of the Li family in succession, he couldn't help but believe that the Li family was truly different.

Li Xianmu stroked the incense in his arms. He was the only person in the world who truly knew about the miraculous powers of the Li family, and it was not impossible that the lineage had been passed down for thousands of years.

"The first hurdle you must overcome is before His Majesty. Only after you pass this hurdle will there be a future. I will take my leave now, and we will meet again before the Grand Court Assembly."

Li Xianmu alighted from Yao Guangxiao's carriage and watched him gradually disappear into the distance. Even with his temperament, he couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. Now that he had brought Yao Guangxiao along, the balance of power at the Grand Court Assembly would no longer be so unequal.

Although he had the late emperor's decree in his hands, the late emperor's decree was a powerful force, and the court officials were also a powerful force. He not only wanted to facilitate the relocation of the capital, but more importantly, he wanted to demonstrate his power to the world!

Otherwise, it's uncertain how long he would have to wait to dominate the political arena.

……

Li Xianmu was summoned back to the palace by the palace envoy before he had gone far.

Upon stepping onto the Huagai Hall, he looked around and saw that the Crown Prince was not there. He knew that this was a private audience with the Emperor, and that the Emperor had probably not yet agreed to the Crown Prince's request to transfer him to the palace.

"I am here to pay my respects to Your Majesty."

"Get up."

The emperor's voice sounded somewhat indifferent, lacking its former warmth.

"Just now, the Crown Prince requested that you be allowed to enter the Eastern Palace. What are your thoughts on this?"

"I recently went to the Eastern Palace and reminded the Crown Prince of some basic human feelings. The Crown Prince then asked me to enter the Eastern Palace. I replied to the Crown Prince that I am Your Majesty's subject and will naturally obey Your Majesty's orders. So the Crown Prince asked me to come to Your Majesty's throne."

It was impossible for the emperor not to find out about these things, so Li Xianmu took the initiative to speak out and express his attitude.

Zhu Di's expression softened slightly, and his tone became more lively, "Why did you go to the Crown Prince's palace to remind him of those things?"

"Your Majesty, I know it is inappropriate for ministers to get close to the Crown Prince. However, in public, the Crown Prince is Your Majesty's chosen heir, and his thoughts are of great importance to the country. In private, the Crown Prince is my cousin. Regardless of public or private matters, I can usually abide by the duties of a minister. But seeing His Highness the Crown Prince being misled by wicked people and falling into a misguided path, I cannot bear it!"

Therefore, His Highness the Crown Prince was moved by my sincerity and felt a deep sympathy for me, which is why he hoped I could enter the Eastern Palace to provide future guidance and admonitions. This is only human nature!

Your Majesty, your son was almost tricked just now. I went to help him out, also for your sake. Please don't doubt your son and your nephew. We are your dear family!

Zhu Di couldn't help but smile as he listened. Among all his ministers, he used to enjoy exchanging words with Li Qi the most, but now he preferred Li Xianmu. Li Xianmu was both useful and pleasant to listen to, and he could also feel the sincerity in his words.

"You say that the ministers of the Crown Prince's palace are treacherous villains? If they find out, there will probably be some difficulties. They are still too young and do not understand the principles of moderation and peace."

"Your Majesty is right. I do not know who whispered those words about the disadvantages of moving the capital in the Crown Prince's ear, so I said in general terms that there were treacherous people around the Crown Prince."

Zhu Di burst into laughter and pointed at Li Xianmu, saying, "You little rascal, you've changed your tune so quickly."

"Your Majesty's teachings are always etched in my mind. I should immediately repent of Your Majesty's earnest teachings."

"If the entire court were filled with ministers like you, why would I be constrained in my actions?"

If all the ministers were like me, then the emperor and his ministers would be engaged in a hundred battles every day. You would be busy every day fighting wits and courage with your ministers, and there would be no peaceful life.

Flattering the emperor?

It's just another way to fight against the emperor.

Although he thought this to himself, he said aloud, "If the whole court were like me, I would lose His Majesty's favor."

"You are my nephew, so I always show you extra affection."

Zhu Di chuckled and said, "Since that's the case, then you should go to the Eastern Palace the next day. There's a vacancy for the Right Director of the Right Spring Palace in the Crown Prince's Chamberlain's Office. It's a sixth-rank official position, which is perfect for you."

"Your Majesty, I thank you!"

"Although you have gone to the Eastern Palace, you cannot focus your energy there. You still need to serve the court well. You are first and foremost my subject, and only then a subordinate of the Eastern Palace."

"I understand."

"The grand court assembly is the day after tomorrow, and most officials in the capital will attend. Are you ready for the relocation of the capital?"

"Your Majesty, I have been working hard these past few days and have achieved considerable results. During the Grand Court Assembly, Your Majesty only needs to watch the play. After the Grand Court Assembly, the matter of relocating the capital will be completely settled."

"it is good!"

Zhu Di was overjoyed to see that Li Xianmu was so confident. He was unwilling to use imperial power to suppress ministers unless absolutely necessary, as every time he used his power, his prestige would diminish. "If you really succeed in this matter, I will promote you to the rank of Right Vice Minister of the Right Spring Palace of the Crown Prince's Court, a fifth-rank official."

Li Xianmu is now a sixth-rank official. To become a fifth-rank official would be a promotion of three ranks, saving him several years of effort. Isn't this exactly what he wanted?

Use merit to replace seniority, and quickly climb to the top!
……

Zhu Gaochi waited anxiously in the Eastern Palace. He knew that after he left, the emperor would definitely summon Li Xianmu to the palace. He had thought that the emperor would agree as soon as he asked, but he had underestimated Li Xianmu's status in the emperor's heart. The emperor actually had to consider it.

Zhu Gaochi even regretted being too radical; if he implicated Li Xianmu, it would truly be a loss.

What will the final result be?
He sat idly in the Eastern Palace until the sun was about to set, when he finally received the imperial edict appointing Li Xianmu as the Right Director of the Right Spring Palace of the Crown Prince's Chamberlain.

The moment the decree was issued, he was panting heavily, his plump body covered in sweat, and his heart was filled with excitement. In the end, he had won his gamble!

He knew that Li Xianmu would never let him down!
(End of this chapter)