Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 332 The tenth year of the Wanli reign has arrived! Princess, you shall submit!
Fine snowflakes drifted in the sky.

Zhu Yaoying stared intently at the dazzling fireworks in the sky, trying to see every word on them clearly. But beauty is always fleeting. Even the fireworks in the western mountains disappeared into the sky in just a quarter of an hour.

The air was filled with the aroma of cooking.

"Oh dear! How could they be gone? Quickly send someone to West Mountain and have Shi Yuan release another batch. How can we not let people enjoy themselves during the New Year?"

The Wanli Emperor's boisterous voice echoed in my ears; he seemed eager to rush to the Western Hills and personally set off some more fireworks.

Unfortunately, the New Year's Day court ceremony would begin in three hours, and there was absolutely no reason for the emperor to leave the palace.

Zhu Yaoying seemed oblivious, still reciting the words "angelica" and "scutellaria" under her breath. Suddenly, the worry on her brows gradually dissipated, and she couldn't help but mutter to herself slowly.

"He's playing a word puzzle. Angelica and Scutellaria seem unrelated at first glance, but since the previous dynasty, they have both been produced in Yongning Prefecture, Shanxi Province. In particular, many old doctors in the countryside would even use the word 'Yongning' to refer to Scutellaria when they consulted doctors and prescribed medicine."

She paused, as if to answer Liu Wan'er's question in return.

"If we only consider the two characters 'Angelica sinensis,' they are not particularly noticeable. However, the fact that 'Angelica sinensis' and 'Scutellaria baicalensis' are listed together here means that their meanings are completely different."

Both are from Yongning, and can be combined and referred to as 'Yongning Angelica'!

At this point, a faint smile appeared on Zhu Yaoying's lips.

"He's quite thoughtful."

If Zhu Yaoying were a princess hiding in her boudoir, she would never have been able to figure out the hidden meaning behind it, no matter how hard she tried.

However, Zhu Yaoying was a person who was well-versed in medicine, and even more diligent than many doctors in the clinic. These days, she had been taking care of Consort Wang at Renmin Clinic, and under her influence, how could she not know the profound meaning of "Yongning Angelica"?

"Yeah!"

Liu Wan'er, who had been quite troubled just moments before and couldn't recall what Zhang Yunxiu had said, now excitedly slapped her forehead and exclaimed.

"Your Highness is indeed wise. Most importantly, these fireworks were made by Xishan, and the fireworks outside the Forbidden City were also arranged by the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

The two characters 'Yongning' are also Your Highness's title.

This is tantamount to…

As she spoke, Liu Wan'er's eyes sparkled, and she hugged Zhu Yaoying's arm and shook it.

"Your Highness, this is a scene from a traditional Chinese novel about talented scholars and beautiful women. Why don't you just give in? This servant doesn't want to see a bad ending; it must be a happy ending!"

When Liu Wan'er reads tragic endings in novels, she feels like slapping the author. But when she sees such tragic endings in real life, even though she has some selfish motives, she still hopes that Zhu Yaoying will be well.

But Zhu Yaoying turned her head to look at Emperor Wanli, then at the stern Empress Dowager Li, and shook her head and said, "Don't talk nonsense anymore. If this matter gets out, it will not only bring trouble, but also harm him."

"That's enough." Zhu Yaoying lowered her head, her smile gentle yet tinged with bitterness. "He and I are destined to be together but not to stay together."

"No, no."

Liu Wan'er waved her hands repeatedly, looking extremely anxious. Then, remembering something, she hurriedly pulled a brocade box from her bosom and stuffed it into Zhu Yaoying's hand.

"This is a New Year's gift from Commander Zhang to Your Highness, ostensibly to reward the Princess for her assistance to the medical clinic, but in reality..."

Zhu Yaoying paused for a moment, her gaze falling on the gift box adorned with gold lacquer, her slender fingers trembling slightly.

Her heart stirred slightly, and she reached out to lift the lid of the box.

Inside the box was a layer of snow-white cotton wool, on which lay five crescent-shaped bars of soap, arranged neatly and elegantly. The soaps were as white as jade and carried a faint medicinal fragrance.

Zhu Yaoying looked both surprised and puzzled, and looked up at Liu Wan'er with a questioning look in her eyes.

Liu Wan'er chuckled and said, "Isn't Your Highness eyeing the promotional event at Xishan? I've heard that this soap is the most eye-catching item at the event."

She lowered her voice and pointed to Consort Zheng in the distance.

"Even the Imperial Concubine was captivated by it when she saw it, and now she only has one left."

Liu Wan'er said with a hint of envy in her eyes, "Yours is completely different. According to Zhang Zhangwei, this stuff is 'high-quality' and 'of good quality.' Everyone else's has a uniform faint floral scent, but yours has a medicinal fragrance. It contains specially made medicinal herbs that are specifically designed to make a woman's skin fair and smooth."

Whether it was Zhang Yunxiu's original words or Liu Wan'er's embellishment, Zhu Yaoying was completely bewildered.

His face was expressionless, but he carefully put the brocade box away, holding it in his arms as if afraid of breaking it.

Despite their different social statuses, Zhang Yunxiu still managed to come up with two unique gifts. Zhu Yaoying, who had experienced the coldness and warmth of human relationships in the palace since childhood, couldn't help but be a little lost in thought.

Afraid of being seen as flustered by Liu Wan'er, she quickly turned away, sniffed, and then joked with a smile.

"Speaking of which, Zhang Shiyuan's gift is truly one of a kind in the world."

Liu Wan'er nodded earnestly: "Your Highness, besides Zhang Zhangwei, who can make fireworks and then create this soap, there is no one else in the world who can do it. Even His Majesty the Emperor cannot do it."

Seeing Zhu Yaoying's expression of both surprise and worry, she couldn't help but continue to remind her.

"Does Your Highness not understand? Zhang Zhang is incredibly powerful, even His Majesty the Emperor relies on him. His Majesty is on very good terms with him, is there anything in the world that he cannot do?"

Liu Wan'er made a pointed remark, and Zhu Yaoying seemed to suddenly realize something as well. Holding the brocade box, she stared blankly into space and muttered to herself.

"Yes, he's so capable, he must have a way."

A quarter of an hour ago.

Even at midnight, the square outside the Xishan Theater remained bustling with activity.

Many people brought their families and chose to watch the fireworks together at Xishan.

Zhang Yunxiu clearly had ulterior motives; the fireworks on this side of West Mountain were not "Angelica" or "Scutellaria," but rather the normal "Good Fortune, Longevity, and Peace."

Beside the bonfire in the center of the square.

The workers of Xishan Workshop, who had been busy all year, sat in twos and threes on the ground in the square, gathered together, and talked at length about the future of Xishan with a few dishes of snacks and strong liquor. Their eyes were full of visions for the future of Xishan.

The women were much more reserved. They would gather together at a small stall, either discussing their own experiences with weaving or showing off their children's academic achievements at school.

The children were exceptionally excited, especially when they saw the dazzling fireworks in the sky. They cheered and jumped for joy. Some children, having heard rumors from somewhere, closed their eyes, put their hands together, and began to make wishes.

Most of Xu's wishes were simple and unpretentious, such as "to eat roast chicken," "to have less schoolwork," and "to become someone like Zhang Engong."

This joyous scene, accompanied by dazzling fireworks in the sky, is truly captivating.

At an unnamed stall.

Zhang Rong had just returned from the imperial court when he disguised himself and came to Xishan. He ordered a hot plate of braised offal from a roadside stall.

Seeing this scene, tears streamed down his aged face, but he still managed to utter a curse.

"That Zhang Shiyuan! How did he come up with so many tricks!"

Zhang Yuanhao's gaze kept drifting towards the small stage in the distance—his fellow apprentices were gathered there, toasting and laughing, while he, on the other hand, had to stay quietly by his father's side.

He really didn't understand; there were still three hours until the "New Year's Day court ceremony."

As a senior member of the nobility, Zhang Rong, instead of properly leading the other nobles in paying homage, insisted on dragging him to see the scenery of the Western Hills.

That dedication was even stronger than that of his master, Zhang Yunxiu.

Seeing his son looking absent-minded and lost in thought, Zhang Rong felt a surge of anger rising to his head. He stomped his foot in frustration and pointed at Zhang Yuanhao's nose, cursing him.

"You rascal, you don't know how lucky you are. Since the founding of our Great Ming Dynasty, when has it ever been so prosperous? If we have to say, the time when the people of the capital lived in peace and the market was bustling with activity must have been during the reigns of Emperor Renzong and Emperor Xuanzong!"
Since the Tumu Crisis devastated the nation, the Tatars have repeatedly invaded and harassed the country, and the Japanese pirates have wreaked havoc in the southeast. These past years have been filled with natural disasters and man-made calamities. We have endured so much chaos and turmoil; how long has it been since we have witnessed such peace and tranquility?!

For a young master like Zhang Yuanhao, this scene was stunning, but he couldn't say he felt anything special; at most, he found it rather amusing.

But for Zhang Rong, a veteran official born during the Zhengde era and who served under the Jiajing, Longqing, and Wanli emperors, nothing was more poignant than the scene before him. "Cough cough cough~"

Zhang Rong coughed violently, wiped away her tears, and then spoke with difficulty.

"If I can see my Great Ming eradicate the border troubles and the people live in peace and prosperity in my lifetime, I will die without regret."

Zhang Yuanhao quickly stepped forward to help Zhang Rong catch his breath, gently patting his father's back as he spoke.

"Father, don't worry. Our Xishan is thriving now. In the greenhouses of the Xishan Agricultural Settlement, a magical artifact is being cultivated. The weapons workshop, medical school, and mechanical academy are all researching good things."

"If we wait until all those divine artifacts are created, won't the Tatars be easily captured? And there will be no more suffering under heaven."

Zhang Yuanhao looked very confident. Although he spent his days at the Xishan Theater, he was, after all, Zhang Yunxiu's personal disciple, and naturally had heard about what was happening in the workshop.

"You don't understand! You don't."

Zhang Rong was in tears, and as he cried, he lost his voice and then began to cough violently.

"Father!" Zhang Yuanhao stepped forward and quickly patted his father's back. Seeing his father's pale face, he couldn't help but ask with concern, "How are you feeling? Lately, your throat seems to have some problems. How about after the New Year's Day court audience, I'll take you to see Li Yaosheng?"

Upon hearing Li Shizhen's name, Zhang Rong became somewhat agitated. His voice was hoarse, but he still hurriedly spoke.

"No need, no need. Going to that damn Renmin Medical Clinic again would only wear my body out. It's better to stay home and rest."

"But."

"No need to say more."

Zhang Rong waved his hand and said, "Let's get the sedan chair and go back to the city. We can't miss the New Year's Day court ceremony."

Inside the prison cells of the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Imperial Prison.

Wang Xijue was reading a book called "Annals of Annam" very attentively by the light of an oil lamp.

"The barbarians of Annam are cunning and treacherous, fond of bathing, believe in ghosts and gods, value funerals and sacrifices, cultivate crops in the mountains, plant mulberry trees, and fish and boil salt along the coast."

Wang Xijue meticulously copied the notes onto his notebook, occasionally frowning and muttering to himself.

"During the Han Dynasty, Shi Xie served as the governor of Jiaozhi. He promoted education and valued Confucianism. He was well-versed in poetry, books, and rites and was respectfully called 'King Shi' by the people of Annam. He continued to educate the people during the Tang and Song Dynasties and sent envoys and officials to the previous dynasties on several occasions."

During the Jiajing reign, Zhan Yuanming, also known as Zhan Shaobao, was sent as an envoy to Annam to spread Confucianism and its teachings. His refusal of private gifts and promotion of integrity became a celebrated story.

"Our journey here must not tarnish the illustrious name of our ancestors."

There was a "bang" sound.

Just as he was talking to himself, a sudden explosion in the sky outside startled him.

"what happened?"

The first to react was Wang Shizhen, who was in the opposite cell, and he couldn't help but say something.

"Could it be that rebels have invaded the capital?"

There was even a hint of excitement in his words.

Wang Xijue listened for two more times, then suddenly smiled and said, “It’s not some rebel army. Brother Yuanmei, you still don’t know, do you? New Year’s Day has arrived, and the tenth year of Wanli has come. Xishan has created a special fireworks display that is more colorful and dazzling than the fireworks of the past. It can be considered as sharing the joy with the people.”

Wang Heng would often write to him, so Wang Xijue was fairly well-informed about what was happening outside.

Wang Shizhen scoffed, "It's nothing but a waste of manpower and money, yet he's riding high right now. Just wait and see what happens to him."

Wang Xijue shook his head repeatedly and said, "Brother Yuanmei, why be so persistent? We have made a grave mistake. It is already difficult enough to save the lives of our families. If we think about how to educate the foreign lands in the future, it will be a way to preserve the reputation of the disciples of the sage."

Wang Shizhen gritted his teeth and said, "You are going to Annam, while I am going to Japan. Japan is many times more barbaric than Annam. How can you compare them? Zhang Shiyuan has no good intentions!"

Being imprisoned for days had made him somewhat neurotic, and he appeared to be in a state of madness.

"That's good. Once we get to Japan, I will regroup, educate the Japanese people, and then launch a counterattack against the Ming Dynasty to regain the rightful throne. It's not wishful thinking!"

"It's better than you, a coward who shamelessly submits to Zhang Shiyuan, letting him manipulate you for a moment's peace."

Wang Shizhen's insults became increasingly vulgar, but Wang Xijue had already gotten used to it, not only because of Wang Heng, but also because he had increasingly seen through the true strength of Xishan.

From Wang Heng's description and his daily interactions with various things from Xishan, it is clear that...

Xishan is an unprecedented behemoth. The power it wields and the changes it has brought about are probably unparalleled in all dynasties.

This is a period of unprecedented change, and anyone who stands in the way of Xishan will crumble like a clay chicken or a tile dog.

Historically speaking, Zhang Yunxiu had achieved a political victory, and he certainly wouldn't have been lenient with these "opposition" figures.

Let alone exile, confiscating their property and exterminating their entire clan would probably be the most appropriate punishment.

If it were Wang Xijue himself, he would certainly have done the same.

But Zhang Yunxiu simply did not do that; instead, he exiled these people to vassal states, claiming he was there to "civilize the barbarians."

Isn't he afraid of aiding the enemy? Aren't he afraid that these people will lead the barbarians to launch a counterattack against the Ming Dynasty?

Now Wang Xijue understood that this person had complete confidence in his own strength and ability, and even the surrounding foreign countries were no longer a concern for him.

This can be glimpsed from the achievements of Xishan and the invincible "pirates" at sea.

But Wang Shizhen refused to admit this, preferring to indulge in his fantasy of revenge.

Wang Xijue let out a heavy sigh, looked at the books his eldest son Wang Heng had sent him, put Wang Shizhen's incompetent rage behind him, and focused intently on reading them again.

The tenth year of the Wanli reign.

The first day of the Lunar New Year, at the hour of Yin (3-5 AM).

Outside the Fengtian Hall, eunuchs and palace maids hurried about, meticulously preparing for today's court ceremony.

The Imperial Seal Office was equipped with a throne, a treasure table, and an incense table.

The Embroidered Uniform Guards displayed their ceremonial guards and processions.

The Music Bureau set up music and musical instruments on the east, west, and north sides of the Danbi (imperial steps).

The Wanli Emperor donned his heavy imperial robes and crown once again. He had dark circles under his eyes and looked like a deflated balloon, but he still had to muster his spirits.

"Being this emperor is incredibly boring."

Emperor Wanli spread his arms wide, letting the eunuchs and palace maids serve and manipulate him, and couldn't help but complain.

Zhang Cheng was terrified and immediately knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, be careful what you say! Be careful what you say!"

If others heard this, I wonder how they would interpret it.

"Okay."

Emperor Wanli dismissed his attendants and left only Zhang Cheng behind for questioning.

He leaned down and said in a low voice.

"Stop with the nonsense. I'm asking you, have you managed to sell the goods you bought in Xishan yesterday for a good price?"

(End of this chapter)