The Ming Dynasty's Five Hundred Years

Chapter 121 Earnest Teachings
Is the Ming Dynasty truly so peaceful and stable?

Naturally not.

"Is the Li family truly able to rest easy and free from any troubles?"
In the struggle for the throne between the Crown Prince and the Prince of Han, are you so confident, Mu'er, that the Prince of Han is no match for you?

Don't underestimate the King of Han.

The unjust dismissal of Xie Jin was only the beginning. As long as the emperor lived, his pity and affection for the Prince of Han would be the biggest change in the succession.

Moreover.

Li Qi said calmly, "Does the current emperor's actions truly satisfy you completely?"
If one day he does something that you find completely unbearable, what will you choose to do?
look.

Opportunities to shoulder the burdens of the world will always arise, but every opportunity comes at a price.

Once you're really dead.

Then everything perishes and vanishes.

These opportunities are always accompanied by hardship, suffering, and even death.

Seeing that Li Xianmu was deep in thought, Li Qi was not in a hurry and continued to gaze at the rolling golden sea of ​​clouds in the distance with his hands behind his back.

“Father, I cannot completely give up everything. After all, my life or death is related to your life or death.”

Li Xianmu finally gave this difficult answer.

After he said those words, he felt relieved. Realizing reality wasn't all bad; at least it eased some of his moral pressure.

"This is not a big deal."

Li Qi smiled and said, "Sometimes people don't know themselves well enough. Many people are passionate and enthusiastic, but they can't die when they die. And how many people cherish their lives in life, but don't care about anything when they die? I think you have a heart full of indignation and integrity."

Just as Li Qi always thought of himself as a fake saint, believing that he was confident in everything he did, back then in the Golden Palace, he also acted with the mindset that at worst he would die in the palace.

By then, he already had a descendant named Li Xianmu, so he became more reckless and acted only according to his own whims.

"However, even if one's heart is attached to something, it is not necessarily a bad thing."

Throughout history, there have been many people with this courage and spirit, but very few with the wisdom to match it.

Especially in our dynasty, the monarch is autocratic, and neither the former emperor nor the current emperor is a tolerant ruler, so we need to be more wise, otherwise we will just become innocent victims of the sword.

As your father, I can tell you are not lacking in wisdom; what you lack now is simply the opportunity. Just wait and bide your time.

A person's life is only marked by one or two highlights!

A person's reputation in history is based on just one or two things. Before the moment of glory, one only needs to accumulate strength. Even if one cannot gain respect, one can still inspire awe in the world. This is the only way. If the world reveres you, one thing is all it takes to transform that into respect.

Don't rush, don't rush.

The earnest teachings, like a clear spring, seeped into his heart. Li Xianmu felt as if he had returned to his childhood, and his eyes filled with tears once again.

"Father, I understand."

Seeing his father today had a profound impact on Li Xianmu. Before today, he was always extremely anxious, but after today, he was able to deal with things more calmly.

This is a complete change in a person's mindset.

Li Xianmu then thought of what his father had just said about the struggle for the throne. "Father, do you think the Prince of Han still has a chance?"

"Do you think the Prince of Han has no chance?"

"The Crown Prince has many virtuous ministers by his side."

Yang Shiqi was deeply trusted by the emperor. Although he was clearly a member of the Crown Prince's faction, the emperor thought he was neutral and would ask him about the Crown Prince and the Prince of Han.

Although Yang Rong was not prominent, he was quick-witted.

There are many such people around the Crown Prince, and these wise and resourceful individuals also possess resolute hearts. Therefore, I believe the Crown Prince's position is secure.

Li Xianmu offered his judgment: "It is precisely because Yang Shiqi and others are of paramount importance to the Crown Prince that my son has let bygones be bygones and will settle accounts with them later."

Historically, Zhu Gaochi was almost overthrown by Zhu Gaoxu at least twice. At the most dangerous time, the Crown Prince's faction was almost completely wiped out, and Xie Jin also died in that crisis.

If Zhu Gaochi hadn't become arrogant after gaining power, which led to the loss of the emperor's trust, he would almost have succeeded in seizing the throne.

All of this demonstrates that the King of Han possessed considerable wisdom and power, enough to orchestrate one event after another.

Now that everything is starting over, with this butterfly flapping its wings and Li Xianmu becoming a major variable in the Yongle court, can Zhu Gaochi still remain safe?

"Don't underestimate the King of Han."

Furthermore, the inherent conflict between the emperor and the crown prince should not be underestimated.

They were not simply father and son, but kings vying for power, with the emperor constantly suspecting the crown prince.

The current emperor is inherently suspicious.

After the capital is moved, he will launch a northern expedition, and the crown prince will inevitably be ordered to oversee the country. This is an infringement on the emperor's power. If the court officials flatter the crown prince, he will be dissatisfied with the crown prince's usurpation of power. If the court officials distance themselves from the crown prince, he will be dissatisfied with the crown prince's incompetence.

This is the age-old dilemma faced by crown princes!

Li Xianmu said in a deep voice: "When the emperor and the crown prince are separated, there are always villains who offer slanderous words to sow discord within the imperial family. This has always been the case throughout history!"

Just like Liu Ju, the crown prince of Emperor Wu of Han, and Li Chengqian, the crown prince of Emperor Taizong of Tang, both died because their fathers suspected them. Your Majesty today will not believe that the crown prince has no intention of seizing power.

Then there's only one way: make His Majesty also begin to doubt the Prince of Han, thus canceling each other out.

Li Qi chuckled; this was indeed a good idea.

He was about to speak again when a thought struck him, his smile softened, and he said softly, "Mu'er, you should go."

"Father!"

Li Xianmu felt as if struck by lightning, as if struck by a bolt from the blue.

The incense has gradually faded.

Li Xianmu looked utterly dejected. "Father, when will we be able to see each other again?"

"When the time is right, I will bestow divine incense again. You must cherish it. As you revitalize the family and strive in the world, things will naturally get better and better for your father, and you will even be able to give back to the family."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Li Xianmu's figure turned into fragments.

……

Li Clan Ancestral Hall.

Li Xianmu slowly woke up.

He was somewhat stunned, as the scenes he had just experienced unfolded before his eyes.

Inside the ancestral hall, however, little seemed to have changed. It was still made of heavy sandalwood with cloud patterns, its dark color solemn and dignified. The wisps of incense smoke from the burner were graceful and ethereal, and the shrine of the gods was placed at the top.

Only the incense in his arms was gone, and the incense ash in front of him was slowly dissipating and disappearing into the air.

"It's all true."

Li Xianmu suddenly stood up, his eyes filled with excitement. Even his usually calm nature made him pace back and forth. "Father has passed away in this world, but he stands tall in the heavens. As long as we work hard, we will surely be able to meet again."

My Li clan is indeed extraordinary; we are a celestial race, possessing qualities far superior to those of ordinary people.

He was secretly excited when he suddenly felt a faint burning sensation on his palm. Upon closer inspection, he saw a golden five-pointed star pattern, and then a talisman appeared in his palm.

"This...this is..."

Upon seeing the talisman's effectiveness, Li Xianmu was even more astonished and immediately knelt down to kowtow to the altar, saying, "Thank you, Father, for bestowing this talisman upon me."

High above, Li Qi checked his achievement points and found he only had 1200 left. It was really hard to accumulate them, but really easy to spend them. He had just exchanged them for a talisman worth 300 achievement points to protect Li Xianmu. The previous hallucinogenic incense only had 100 achievement points, so hopefully it would be very useful.

"Why haven't I received my achievement rewards after my life ends? Does such a successful life not deserve even a Xuan-rank item?"

Li Qi pondered to himself, then looked at the Cangshan Mountains and the sea of ​​clouds, spread his arms, and slowly fell from the clouds. A peak split open, and he fell into it. Then the peaks closed up and he was buried in the mountains!
……

"Mu'er, what's wrong with you...?"

No one knows a son better than his mother. Princess Lin'an noticed at a glance that Li Xianmu was in a different state, which surprised her greatly.

"Replying to Mother, I've just figured some things out."

Li Xianmu naturally wanted to tell his mother about his father's situation, but then he thought, since the mortal and immortal realms are forever separated, why add to the trouble?

"It's good that you've figured it out. There's no end to the affairs of the court, so don't overwork yourself. Our family is now quite powerful, and all our sons are successful. As your mother, I only hope that you will get married and have children. I don't ask for anything else."

A few days ago, Mother went to a banquet at the Duke of Ying's mansion. Wan'er has grown even more graceful and beautiful, possessing a captivating charm. Although she comes from a military family, she is well-educated and courteous. In six years, she will reach marriageable age. After you get married, Mother will be able to face your father with a clear conscience.”

Li Xianmu smiled and responded. After seeing his father, he did not feel relieved of his longing. On the contrary, his mind was filled with memories of the past, and his longing grew stronger.

Listening to my mother's rambling, my eyes reddened. Parents love their children, but their wishes are different. Although my mother is confined to the duties of a woman, she has a heart full of love. Cherish her while she is alive, because once she is gone, you will only miss her.

Princess Lin'an panicked, "Mu'er, what's wrong with you?"

Li Xianmu smiled, his eyes red, and said, "Mother, I'm fine. I just feel so good to have you by my side."

As he spoke, he poured his mother a full glass of the freshly brewed tea.

"You child, you always know how to say sweet things to deceive your mother."

Princess Lin'an was overjoyed, but she feigned disdain. The maids in the hall covered their mouths and chuckled, their eyes filled with delight as they looked at Li Xianmu.

……

After returning from the Duke of Yansheng's residence, Li Xianmu took a three-day leave, which ended today. He first went to the Ministry of Personnel to obtain a new official title.

Due to the relocation of the capital and the affairs of the Duke of Yansheng, he was promoted two ranks and appointed as a fifth-rank Hanlin Academy Lecturer and a fifth-rank Hanlin Academy Left Spring Palace Left Tutor, and entered the Wenyuan Pavilion.

When he entered the Wenyuan Pavilion, he thought the atmosphere would be quite strange, but in fact, apart from Hu Guang, the other five people were quite welcoming to him.

It is worth mentioning that, because of his entry into the cabinet, Wang Gen was transferred to the Ministry of Personnel.

Wang Gen didn't care about this matter. "In the cabinet, I am the lowest-ranking official. In terms of eloquence, I am not as good as the other cabinet scholars, so it is difficult for me to do anything. Now that I have entered the Ministry of Personnel, I can just do things, which is quite in line with my personality."

Mingda, joining the cabinet is the most suitable position for you.

With your abilities, you're sure to achieve great things with limited resources and make a name for yourself. I'll then promote you within the Ministry of Personnel, and perhaps one day you'll even rise to the highest rank!

(End of this chapter)