Di Ming

Chapter 142 Xiaoling

Zhuang Tingjian sat down, slowly took a sip of tea, and smiled:

"The person Bingren is referring to is Wang Ruifang, the grandson of Wang Shizhen of the Wang family in Taicang. He is only thirteen years old, a student of the Southern Imperial Academy, and is known as a child prodigy. He is praised as the precious tree of the Xie family and a fine steed."

"Fourth Sister, the Wang family of Taicang is a prominent family in Jiangdong. Wang Ruifang is said to be a scholar with a distinguished family background and a bright future."

"Although the Zhuang family of Changzhou is a prominent clan, it pales in comparison to the Wang family of Taicang. The fact that the Wang family has betrothed you to their grandson is a great honor for my family."

"Although marriages are arranged by parents and matchmakers, I'm leaving the decision of your own life's most important matter to you. What do you think?"

Zhuang Shu poured tea for her father, her expression somewhat resolute, the cleft chin appearing more pronounced, and said:
"My Zhuang family is no less impressive, so how could we possibly be of such high status? Although the Wang family is illustrious, if Wang Shizhen were dead, where would we be today? How many more years can Wang Shizhen live?"

"What child prodigy? Even if Wang Ruifang is a child prodigy, can she compare to Xu Wei back then, or Zhu Yin today? If you can't pass the imperial examinations, what does it matter if you're a child prodigy or a fairy child? You're nothing but a naughty child or an ordinary child."

"If Wang Ruifang can pass the exam, then Zhu Yin will be even more likely to pass. If Zhu Yin fails, then Wang Ruifang will be even less likely to pass."

"If he fails the exam, he'll just be Wang Shizhen's grandson, which is nothing special. Does Wang Shizhen expect to protect him for the rest of his life?"

She smiled and pointed to the baby tiger in the painting, "I still prefer the baby tiger that my father painted. It's full of life and has a great tiger-like spirit."

Zhuang Tingjian was not surprised at all, and stroked his beard with a smile: "Since you say so, I won't have to persuade you anymore. Then let's go back to the Wang family."

After saying this, he called for his page to summon the steward.

A moment later, the butler entered, bowed, and asked, "What are your orders, sir?"

Zhuang Tingjian said, "Go back to Granny Liu and tell her that we appreciate the Wang family's kindness, but my daughter is of humble appearance and will soon fall in autumn. She is not worthy of being matched with a noble young master and is truly not worthy of such a high position. Let's just drop this matter."

"Yes, sir." The butler accepted the order, though he was also quite surprised.

I thought that the master and the fourth mistress would definitely agree to this marriage.

To my surprise, they flatly refused.

Even he felt it was a pity. The eldest grandson of the Wang family, and I heard he was a child prodigy. If Fourth Sister were to marry into that family, she would be the head wife of the Wang family's grandchildren.

After the steward left, Zhuang Shu asked, "Will this matter affect Father's career? After all, Father is still the acting magistrate."

Zhuang Tingjian smiled slightly: "Changzhou is also a prominent city in Jiangdong with a rich literary tradition. The Tang, Zhuang, Wu, Zhou and Shen families are all of the same lineage and support each other. What can the Wang family do?"

“I am the magistrate of Jing County. I was promoted on official business and have won the emperor’s favor. Without a crime, they cannot touch me.”

"The Wang family's desire to form a marriage alliance with my Zhuang family also serves to win over the gentry of Changzhou. Among the gentry in the Southern Zhili region, there are only four prominent counties: Suzhou, Changzhou, Songjiang, and Huizhou. Suzhou and Songjiang have always been closely connected, while Changzhou and Huizhou each have their own distinct affiliations."

"The two prefectures of Suzhou and Songjiang intend to bring Changzhou into their faction as well, seize control of the literary world, and attempt to manipulate public opinion to resist the north."

"But now, the Grand Secretary Shen Shixing is from Suzhou, the Second Grand Secretary Wang Xijue is also from Suzhou, and half of the court officials are scholars from Suzhou and Songjiang. Can Your Majesty be at ease?"

"If the scholars of the four prefectures of Suzhou, Songjiang, Changzhou and Huizhou were to unite in a common spirit, it would inevitably attract attention and would not be a good thing."

Zhuang Shu smiled and said, "Father, your mind is like a lamp that illuminates itself, calm and far-sighted. You have a clear understanding of the political situation in the court and the country. You are truly a minister with great talent. It would be a waste of your talents to govern the capital and the county."

Zhuang Tingjian said calmly, “So what if he is a minister? A mere county official is enough to govern the whole country. Besides, your father is only a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial civil service examination), and reaching the fifth rank is his limit.”

"What about Hai Rui?" Zhuang Shu protested. "He was also a Juren (a successful candidate in the imperial examinations) and has now been transferred to Beijing to serve as the Left Censor-in-Chief, in charge of the capital inspection."

Zhuang Tingjian smiled bitterly: "In the more than two hundred years of our dynasty, there has only been one Hai Rui. How can Father compare?"

“That’s not necessarily true,” Zhuang Shu said. “Perhaps Father will become a senior minister in the government in the future.”

Zhuang Tingjian changed the subject and laughed, "You, you clearly have feelings for Zhu Yin, but you're afraid he'll be another Xu Wei, so you insist on waiting for him to pass the imperial examination before making a move. Aren't you afraid that Tang Rong will surpass you later?"

Zhuang Shu hesitated for a moment, but quickly became determined.

“If he doesn’t pass the imperial examination, the Zhuang family can’t propose marriage. Otherwise, if he fails the exam, I can’t break off the engagement. I can’t spend my whole life without ever becoming a noblewoman. I’d rather not be like my elder sister.”

"As for Cousin Tang Rong, it's quite funny. She wanted to make a pair of shoes for Zhihu and even measured his feet. But after she came back, she hesitated."

Zhuang Tingjian couldn't help but feel curious and asked, "Why?"

Zhuang Shu laughed and said, "It's all because of Xu Wei. Didn't Zhi Hu bring Xu Wei home before? Xu Wei was full of bad luck. My cousin saw that Zhi Hu felt an instant connection with Xu Wei and was afraid that he and Xu Wei were like-minded people, and that he would become a dissolute spendthrift and end up poor."

"There's another matter. Zhihu wants to do favors for the tenants and plans to reward them. Cousin Tang is also unhappy about this, thinking that Zhihu is a spendthrift."

"So, my cousin backed out on Zhihu, and she probably won't make the shoes anymore."

"Father doesn't know, but Cousin Tang loves money more than talent. She can't stand spendthrift behavior. Zhu Yin is close to Xu Wei and gives alms to the tenants, so of course Cousin Tang will hesitate."

"Hahaha!" Zhuang Tingjian couldn't help but burst into laughter upon hearing this.

These precocious girls are more shrewd than adults; they don't need adults to oversee their marriages. They're very independent and have their own ideas!

Tang Rong loved money more than talent, and her daughter loved power more than talent.

They're the type who won't act until they see a clear benefit; they're unwilling to suffer any loss or take any risk.

This shows just how bad things have become with marriage customs in the world today.

This kind of temperament might cause them to miss out on great opportunities. How can one maximize profits if they're unwilling to take risks and losses?
Never mind. My daughter is so opinionated, let her be.

Anyway, as long as she doesn't regret missing out on Chihu, that's fine.

After the father and daughter talked for a while, the clerk from the county government office rushed from the county government office to the manor.

"Reporting to Your Excellency," the clerk bowed and took out an official document. "This is an official document from the Nanjing Court of Imperial Sacrifices. Please make your decision."

Upon hearing "Taichang Temple," Zhuang Tingjian knew what it meant without even looking at the inscription.

It must be for the purpose of worshipping at Xiaoling Mausoleum.

He took it and saw that it was indeed a routine matter that happened every year.

It turns out that Xiaoling Mausoleum holds three major sacrificial ceremonies and five minor sacrificial ceremonies every year. During each sacrificial ceremony, people from all over the country would offer sacrifices.

This is one of the five minor festivals, the birthday festival of Emperor Taizu.

According to custom, Jiangning County requires the offering of candles, sesame oil, bamboo shoots, fresh fruit, and other items. This is a common practice.

.........

When Wang Ruifang received the news that her marriage proposal to the Zhuang family had been rejected, she found it hard to believe.

"What? The Zhuang family actually rejected our betrothal proposal?" Wang Ruifang's pretty face flushed red, burning with embarrassment.

It felt like being slapped in the face.

He hadn't expected Zhuang Tingjian to disagree!

Is the Wang family not illustrious enough? Am I not good enough? Why?
Are you all sick? I am Wang Ruifang, Wang Ruifang of the Taicang Wang family. My grandfather was Wang Shizhen!
Are you kidding me?
A dog pokes a short coffin!

Not only was it hard for Wang Ruifang to accept, but even the "big shots" of the Chrysanthemum Society, such as Xu Yuanjin, Wang Shu, and Dong Shi, were surprised.

Although the Zhuang family of Changzhou was considered a prominent family, it was far inferior to the Wang family.

Wang thought the Zhuang family would be overjoyed to have her position as the legitimate wife of the eldest grandson of the Wang family, but to everyone's surprise, she refused outright.

"What exactly happened?" Wang Ruifang asked the servant who came to report, putting on airs. "I can't explain it clearly. I'm sending you to let the horses graze!"

The servant knelt tremblingly and reported, "Reporting to the young master, the matchmaker, Granny Liu, inquired and asked Steward Zhuang, and she said, she said..."

"What are you saying!" In her shame and anger, Wang Ruifang grabbed a piece of jade paperweight from the table and threw it at the servant. "You dog of a servant, your tongue is tied in knots!"

The servant dared not dodge and could only take the blow head-on, enduring the pain as he said:

"It's said that the fourth daughter of the Zhuang family has fallen for someone she loves, someone named Zhu Yin, I think. That's why she so ungratefully rejected the marriage proposal..."

What? Zhu Yin?

Wang Ruifang never imagined that this matter was related to Zhu Yin.

It's Zhu Yin again!

A dog pokes a short coffin!

"Get out!" Wang Ruifang kicked the servant to the ground with a powerful kick. "You dog of a servant, if you dare to spread this matter, I'll cut your tongue out!"

"Yes! Yes!" The servant scrambled out.

Wang Ruifang vented her anger on the maidservant before she finally calmed down.

He picked up a cup of cold tea and gulped it down in one go, saying bitterly, "That little bitch Zhuang Si Niang, I'll make her regret it!"

"Don't be angry, Ju Jun," Dong Shi advised. "Ju Jun is a precious tree of the Xie family, even a princess or a noblewoman would be worthy of her. Zhuang Si Niang is just a maid, a pheasant is not worthy of a phoenix. She and Zhu Yin are a perfect match."

Wang Ruifang's face was gloomy. "Why is Zhu Zhihu everywhere? He's really despicable. I don't care about Zhuang Si Niang. Even if she married me, I could divorce her if I wanted to. What angers me is that it's Zhu Yin again, that dog-like bastard who ruins everything for me."

Xu Yuanjin said, "She's just a young woman, a whore, what's the point of getting angry over her? It's really not worth it! You can easily find someone like her in a brothel."

"Let's go! To celebrate the founding of the Chrysanthemum Society, let's go to the Moonlit Pavilion on the Qinhuai River, where we can be surrounded by beautiful women, with their fragrance filling the air. Wouldn't that be wonderful!"

Wang Ruifang stood up: "Let's go! Tonight I'm going to find two young girls to vent my anger! The cost of cosmetics will be on the Ju Society's account!"

He was the head of the brothel, and he said that the prostitution fees would be charged to the Chrysanthemum Society, so of course no one dared to object. Immediately, a group of people, dressed in fine clothes and riding spirited horses, led their friends and entourage straight to the Qinhuai River.

.........

Wang Ruifang and others went to the far end of the Qinhuai River, while Zhu Yin, Xu Wei and others went to Xiaoling Mausoleum.

Today is the birthday of Emperor Taizu, and we are holding a memorial ceremony for him.

In addition to the chief officiant, the Duke of Wei, and the assistant officiant, the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, there were also officials such as the garrison eunuch, the heads of the five prefectures and six ministries in Nanjing, the prefect of Yingtian Prefecture, the governor of Yingtian Prefecture, and the magistrates of Jiangning and Shangyuan counties.

Outside the sacred path beneath the plum blossom grove, carriages and horses were parked in droves.

The mausoleum of Emperor Taizu, named Xiaoling after the character "Xiao" from Empress Ma's posthumous title "Empress Xiaoci," is the joint tomb of Emperor Gao and Empress Gao.

100,000 trees were planted in the mausoleum area, and 3,000 deer were raised.

According to the sacrificial system of Xiaoling Mausoleum, seasonal offerings must be made every month. It is currently November, and the prescribed seasonal offerings are: sugarcane, buckwheat, red beans, white sugar, deer, roe deer, and geese.

Amidst the solemn sounds of bells and drums, Xu Weizhi, the newly appointed Duke of Wei who had recently inherited the title, led a large group of officials solemnly into the sacred path.

As usual, the imperial guards on duty at Xiaolingwei were in bright armor and heavily guarded, with a post every three steps and a sentry every five steps.

In early winter, the vegetation is withered and the sky is overcast. The red leaves of Zijin Mountain are like fire, the forests are dyed in layers of color, as brilliant as the rosy clouds.

Every now and then, herds of Xiaoling deer appear in the forest, calling out their calls.

These deer-like figures at Xiaoling Mausoleum were not afraid of people; they even stood on both sides of the spirit path, watching the Nanjing officials dressed in black sacrificial robes file in.

According to regulations, in addition to sacrificial rites, officials from other places who came to Nanjing on official business were also required to perform private sacrifices.

Ordinary people are not allowed to enter.

Therefore, Zhu Yin, Xu Wei, and others could not enter. They could only look up at the Xiaoling Mausoleum on Zijin Mountain from outside the Sacred Way.

Xiaoling Mausoleum, located at the southern foot of Zijin Mountain, silently overlooks Nanjing and Xuanwu Lake, which is steeped in the splendor of six dynasties.

As Zhu Yin gazed at the ancient, tree-lined cemetery, he couldn't help but think of something.

At the end of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Chongzhen ordered the removal of dead trees and lightning-struck trees from the Xiaoling Mausoleum, and sent Duke Chengguo, Zhu Chunchen, to do so.

When Zhu Chunchen arrived in Nanjing, he cut down all the trees at Xiaoling Mausoleum as "dead trees," dug up the roots, and sold them as firewood.

At the time, Nanjing satirized the emperor for "cutting down and selling the trees from his ancestral graves."

Zhu Yin withdrew his gaze, thinking to himself, "One day, I will enter the Xiaoling Mausoleum to pay homage to my ancestors. No one... can stop me!"
“Since we cannot go to the Xiaoling Mausoleum of Emperor Taizu, let us go to the Eastern Mausoleum.” Zhu Yin pointed to the east of Zijin Mountain, “The Eastern Mausoleum of Crown Prince Yiwen is right there.”

Zhu Yin was certain that although the Xiaoling Mausoleum was heavily guarded and inaccessible to ordinary people, the tomb of Crown Prince Yiwen, located to the east of the Xiaoling Mausoleum, could certainly be entered.

When Xu Wei heard that they were going to the Eastern Tombs, his eyes flickered.

The group strolled eastward along the eastern foot of Zijin Mountain and soon came to a bluestone path covered with fallen leaves and overgrown weeds.

On the bluestone path, bird and animal droppings are a common sight.

The call of deer echoed through the air, and several sika deer darted out of the forest, looking at Zhu Yin with curiosity.

Then, he looked curiously at the black tiger at Zhu Yin's feet.

With mixed feelings, Zhu Yin walked forward along the bluestone path, occasionally seeing the fallen stone beasts and stone figures on both sides.

The tomb of Crown Prince Yiwen was originally the Eastern Mausoleum of Emperor Xiaokang of the Jianwen Emperor's reign, built to imperial standards, and was used for nine annual sacrifices during the Jianwen period.

Later, Zhu Di demoted its status, and most of the buildings on the ground were destroyed. Not only was it demoted, but even the sacrificial rites were abolished. Local officials did not care.

However, in reality, the Eastern Mausoleum and the Xiaoling Mausoleum are separated by only a wall.

After walking for half an hour through the ancient forest, the group climbed a hill and finally saw a treasure-like summit hidden by grass, trees, and vines.

A huge stele of divine merit and virtue was broken into several pieces and half-buried in the ground.

This is hardly the grand tomb of Prince Yiwen of the Ming Dynasty; it's practically a ruin in the mountains.

Through the cover of grass and trees, Zhu Yin could vaguely see the characters on the treasure mound, and could only recognize the character "懿".

Xu Wei sighed, "I never imagined that the tomb of Crown Prince Yiwen would fall into such a state. The Ming Dynasty still exists, but this place has become ruins."

"What kind of behavior is this? Where is the national etiquette and law?"

He spoke while observing Zhu Yin's expression.

Zhu Yin's eyes turned leaden gray, his expression cold.

It took a while for Zhu Yin's expression to soften.

"Sir, let's go to the top of the mountain and take a look."

Xu Wei nodded and said, "Okay."

The two walked around the tomb of Crown Prince Yiwen and climbed to the top of the mountain. Looking due west, they saw the walls of the Xiaoling Mausoleum. Looking southwest, they saw the majestic palace city.

A mountain breeze blows, causing Xu Wei's silver beard to flutter and Zhu Yin's robes to billow.

Xu Wei suddenly said, "A tiger crouching and a dragon coiling, this is truly the foundation of a hero's hegemony. It is indeed worthy of being the ancient capital of the Ming Dynasty, and the Taizu Emperor established his imperial career because of it."

"It's a pity that such a great country has now fallen into the hands of unworthy descendants."

When he mentioned the words "unfilial descendants," Zhu Yin remained unmoved.

There was absolutely no sign of panic.

Xu Wei, fully aware of the situation, no longer bothered to conceal his thoughts and said:

“Young Tiger, Heaven has bestowed upon you a gift of exceptional talent and a royal surname. A true man should build an everlasting legacy.”

Zhu Yin smiled faintly, his tone calm and indifferent, "To me, sir, you are a respected elder, and there is nothing I cannot say to you."

Xu Wei coughed, looked down at the palace city in the southwest, and said:
"If a member of the imperial family were to become an unparalleled hero, occupy Nanjing, and ascend the throne at Xiaoling Mausoleum, would he be considered the legitimate heir?"

Zhu Yin remained expressionless. "Then, in your opinion, what constitutes orthodoxy?"

"What is legitimacy?" Xu Wei replied, "Legitimate rule means winning the hearts and minds of the people, and having a strong and well-equipped army!"

Zhu Yin said, "With a strong army and powerful horses, how difficult it is."

Xu Wei smiled and said, "It is difficult, but not difficult. Li Chengliang is just a commoner from Liaodong, but he has an army of 100,000. Yang Yinglong is just a chieftain from the southern frontier, but he has 80,000 elite soldiers under his command."

"Back then, Hu Zhongmao was just a scholar. He was appointed Governor-General of Zhejiang and Zhili in a time of crisis. In just a few years, he commanded elite troops and became a powerful figure in Jiangdong!"

"Emperor Gaozu of Han had only a few dozen followers, Emperor Guangwu of Han was just a member of a fallen imperial clan, Emperor Zhaolie of Han sold mats and wove shoes, Sima Yi was just a clerk, Liu Jinu was born into the military, Zhao Kuangyin only had ten sworn brothers, and Emperor Taizu was born into humble circumstances."

"Did they have a strong army at the beginning? Yet they still accomplished great things."

"It is clear that success depends on human effort. If the timing, location, and people are all in my favor, then I will soar like a dragon in the sky."

"Since the Jiajing era, the government has been corrupt, the military has been neglected, treacherous officials have been in power, the bureaucracy has been corrupt, civil and military affairs have become complacent, the world has become increasingly decadent, and the country is governed by petty officials. The barbarians no longer pay tribute. It is clear that Heaven's justice will prevail and the end times have arrived!"

Xu Wei's voice grew increasingly resolute, "I believe that within thirty years at most, there will be the Yellow Turban Rebellion within the country and the threat of barbarian invasions from the outside. We should prepare early and punish the world!"

Zhu Yin's eyes sparkled, as if burning with fire. "How can you teach me, sir?"

Xu Wei said: "Take the imperial examinations, become a frontier official, govern the south, seize maritime resources, build a navy, win the hearts of the people, train strong soldiers, refine weapons, employ private individuals, build your own power, form cliques, befriend military generals, bribe court officials, communicate with powerful officials, accumulate fame, establish academies, support impoverished scholars... and wait for the opportune moment!"

"If the court changes, I can seize control of the central government and become like Emperor Wu of Jin, Emperor Wen of Sui, or Emperor Taizu of Song. Alternatively, I can divide the country along the Yangtze River, then take over Guanzhong to the left, and conquer Qi and Lu, and then the Central Plains can be conquered!"

"Young Tiger, this empire will inevitably change hands within a few decades. Even Wanli couldn't tolerate Zhang Juzheng; he and his descendants will not be able to protect the Ming Dynasty!"

"If you don't fight for it, someone else will. Why shouldn't a great man become emperor for a day?"

Zhu Yin couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement, and said insincerely, "But can I really do it? What virtue or ability do I have? How dare I have such a wish? I dare not do it."

“Why not?” Xu Wei stamped his foot. “You are a child prodigy, you have lofty ambitions, and you love the people like your own children. You have the bearing of a sage. Your surname is Zhu. Aren’t you like Emperor Guangwu or Emperor Zhaolie? This is the will of Heaven.”

"If you ascend the throne at Xiaoling in the future, who in Nanjing dares to say that you cannot inherit the throne!"

“Child Tiger, if you have no ambition for the world, I will go back to Shaoxing to wait for death, and I will never stay with you.”

Zhu Yin sighed, "Sir, you're forcing me into this situation, putting me in a life-or-death dilemma, with no way out."

Xu Wei, however, smiled.

When Zhu Yin said this, he was essentially agreeing. Seeing this ten-year-old boy's affected and pretentious manner, Xu Wei had even more confidence in Zhu Yin.

To be able to slip and turn without flinching at the tender age of ten is the true nature of someone destined for greatness.

Xu Wei pointed down the mountain and said, "Emperor Gaozu of Han made a vow on the Yellow River, that the river would be as smooth as a belt and Mount Tai as firm as a whetstone, so that the country would be forever peaceful and prosperous, and that this would extend to his descendants."

"However, the Western Han Dynasty lasted only a little over two hundred years before the restoration under Emperor Guangwu. The Ming Dynasty has also lasted for more than two hundred years. Only with the emergence of Emperor Guangwu can the country enjoy lasting peace."

Zhu Yin dropped the pretense and solemnly cupped his hands, saying, "Excellent! Your words resonate deeply with me!"

P.S.: Okay, that's a laydown. We're all in the same boat now. Thanks for subscribing and writing reviews, goodnight!
(End of this chapter)