Di Ming

Chapter 210 Drink More Milk and Eat Less Sugar!
Before issuing the decree, the emperor once again consulted the chief eunuch, Tian Yi. Tian Yi replied:
"Zhu Yin, relying on his reputation for integrity, thought that His Majesty would not allow him to leave the capital due to public opinion. Therefore, he used leaving the capital as a threat. This is a despicable act of currying favor with the loyal and betraying the upright. It would be better to take this opportunity to expel him from the capital as a form of mild punishment. Since he has overplayed his hand, let him go to Ningxia to suffer."

The Emperor laughed and said, "Old Tian is right. I've long been annoyed by this child prodigy and top scholar. This time, I'll just play along and send him to Ningxia to supervise the army, so that he won't bother me with the people from Jingyang Palace. He must leave the capital and take up his post within five days, without stopping."

The eldest son of the emperor, in his father's words, was actually described as "a person from Jingyang Palace".

Although the emperor decided to expel Zhu Yin from the capital, he was somewhat reluctant.

Because Zhu Yin had been very filial to him in recent years. Not only did he secretly donate 100,000 taels of silver to the imperial treasury, but he also made many other donations during festivals.

Those who are willing to spend large sums of money on their ruler or father certainly have a heart of loyalty and filial piety.

If it weren't for Zhu Yin protecting the eldest son of the emperor, there would be nothing to criticize.

Unfortunately, Zhu Yin was too out of touch with reality when protecting Zhu Changluo, so he had no choice but to be punished.

Little did Wanli know that Tian Yi had already received a secret letter from Zhu Yin, and was cooperating with Zhu Yin's plan to inspect Ningxia.

Zhu Yin's reason for giving Tian Yi was that he loved military affairs, was willing to do practical work, and did not want to wait his time in the Hanlin Academy.

Tian Yi understood. He knew Zhu Yin was a man who liked to get things done, and although he felt sorry for Zhu Yin, he had no doubt about Zhu Yin's loyalty to the Ming Dynasty.

...

When the emperor issued the decree ordering Zhu Yin to leave the capital to supervise the army, six or seven out of ten officials were heartbroken for Zhu Yin.

In their view, Zhu Yin had angered the emperor, which was tantamount to banishing him from the capital to Ningxia, a place rife with war and danger.

Although he was promoted to the rank of Vice Censor-in-Chief, a fourth-rank official, in terms of future prospects, how could he compare to a Hanlin Academy Reader?

Being sent to a local governorship to supervise military affairs makes it difficult to return to the cabinet. Compared to a Hanlin Academy scholar who is considered a future prime minister, this is undoubtedly a demotion; they are not comparable.

Those who were indignant on Zhu Yin's behalf all submitted memorials to the emperor, saying that Zhu Yin's loyalty to the public good was as clear as day and night, and how could he be stripped of his prestigious position as a Hanlin scholar and assigned to a dangerous battlefield?
Moreover, war is a matter of great importance. Zhu Yin has no experience in commanding troops, so how could he be a good governor and suppress the fierce rebels?

However, the memorials submitted to the emperor were like clay oxen disappearing into the sea – a complete waste.

Some people were deeply moved. For many officials in the capital, being appointed as a vice censor-in-chief and then sent to serve as a governor was a lucrative and important post. But for Zhu Yin, it was a real demotion.

Those few officials who hoped Zhu Yin would suffer misfortune were gloating and overjoyed. In their view, Zhu Yin had gone too far, and as a result, His Majesty had indeed appointed him as a military supervisor.

The Zheng brothers even held a banquet at their residence, using any excuse to celebrate.

Grand Secretary Wang Xijue had no objection to the emperor's decree. He was eager to drive Zhu Yin out of the court and immediately obeyed the order.

This former Grand Secretary had always disliked Zhu Yin. The conflict between Zhu Yin and the Wang family of Taicang was no secret.

Wang Xijue was a representative figure of the Suzhou-Songjiang aristocratic families. He not only disliked Zhu Yin, but also harbored hostility towards the Xuan Society founded by Zhu Yin.

Wang Xijue was Wang Shu's uncle and Wang Ruifang's cousin. Wang Shizhen's family originated from the Langya Wang clan, while Wang Xijue's family originated from the Taiyuan Wang clan; they were originally from different lineages. However, because they were both in Taicang, they simply merged their lineages into the Taicang Wang clan, thus becoming one family.

In a letter to him written two years ago, Wang Shizhen mentioned Zhu Yindao:
"After observing him for several years, I realized that Zhu Yin was 'cunning and treacherous in his youth, hypocritical in nature, cunning and scheming, and deeply scheming.' He was by no means a loyal and pure man, and I fear he was like Yan and Zhang."

"Given time, this very son may be the one to bring chaos to the nation."

It is also said that the Propaganda Society is "a faction-forming society in Jiangdong and the source of political chaos in the South. It claims to be a branch of the School of Mind, but in reality, it has other aims. Its deceptive words are all over the place. Its manipulative actions are well documented."

It was also said that "Zhu Yin went north for many years, but the entire Xuan Society still respects him from afar. No one is willing to give up the position of head of the society."

After reading Wang Shizhen's letter, Wang Xijue's impression of Zhu Yin became very poor.

However, Zhu Yin was too famous, he didn't make any mistakes, and he always upheld the foundation of the country. For the sake of the eldest son of the emperor, he couldn't take action against Zhu Yin.

Shen Yiguan had, of course, received Zhu Yin's secret letter long ago. He grumbled a few words in his office in the cabinet, but did not advise the emperor to withdraw his fame.

With no objections from the cabinet or the Directorate of Ceremonial, there was no room for negotiation regarding Zhu Yin's decision to take over as governor of Ningxia.

Before the Shangsi Festival on the third day of the third lunar month, one must leave the capital and head west!

Logically, when a rebellion broke out in Ningxia and Zhu Yin was sent to supervise the quelling of the rebellion, the emperor would certainly have summoned him to show his importance.

However, the emperor is now too lazy to even summon government ministers and ministers of the six ministries, let alone the governor of Ningxia.

The emperor only issued one imperial edict to Zhu Yin, instructing him to quell the rebellion as soon as possible and not to waste military supplies and pay.

Upon receiving his new appointment, Zhu Yin sighed publicly in the Hanlin Academy, "I am willing to leave the capital. I have no fear of the rebels and I disregard life and death. The only thing I am worried about is His Highness the Crown Prince."

Many of the Hanlin officials felt wronged and, raising their arms in indignation, said:

"His Majesty did not heed Zhihu's advice and instead wanted to exile him to Ningxia. This truly makes the loyal and righteous officials in the court sigh with regret!"

Zhu Yin, looking rather disheartened, addressed the assembled Hanlin scholars and probationary officials with a desolate expression:
"I have been in the Jade Pavilion (Hanlin Academy) for three years, and we have gotten along very well. I am deeply grateful. It is very sad to part with you all today. However, I cannot disobey your command. I bid you farewell. Take care, everyone."

"Your Highness, I entrust this matter to you all and to all the officials of the court."

After Zhu Yin finished speaking, he drafted another question in front of everyone.

The gist of his message was that the battlefield is ruthless, and he couldn't guarantee his safe return. He hoped to see the eldest prince one last time before leaving the capital, to fulfill the duties of a subject to a ruler, and teacher to a student.

All the scholars were moved when they saw Zhu Yin's memorial.

Zhu Zhihu was truly a loyal and devoted minister!

Zhu Yin was adept at making friends, and coupled with his great reputation and willingness to spend money like Song Jiang, he enjoyed excellent relationships in the court. The Hanlin Academy officials in various departments, as well as the probationary scholars in the Shuji Hall, had a deep and sincere friendship with Zhu Yin.

Now, seeing Zhu Yin about to leave the Hanlin Academy, they are all reluctant to part with him.

Zhu Yin burned incense and offered sacrifices to Han Yu at the Changli Ancestral Hall in the Hanlin Academy, saying:
"I have been in the Imperial Academy for three years, and I have long admired your demeanor and dreamt of you. We scholars are not only to serve as officials in the literary world, but we can also compose poems on the frontier. However, for the sake of the country and the nation, even a scholar is willing to die on the battlefield. If I ever return to the capital, I will pray before your spirit."

Upon hearing this, the Hanlin scholars and probationary officials were moved to tears. They then joined Zhu Yin in offering sacrifices to Han Yu and praying for his well-being.

Then, everyone saw Zhu Yin off as he left the Hanlin Academy, sighing with emotion.

Unexpectedly, the Ming Dynasty prodigy who had passed the imperial examinations in three consecutive years was forced to leave the Hanlin Academy and go to the frontier to supervise the troops in suppressing a rebellion.

Three years of painstaking teaching of His Majesty's son, only to end up like this.

Your Majesty's treatment of loyal ministers so poorly is truly appalling!
Everyone couldn't help but recall Luo Yuren's previous admonition to the emperor, "Memorial on Wine, Women, Wealth, and Temper," and they all felt that Luo Yuren's criticism was correct, and that the emperor was becoming less and less like a sage ruler.

Luo Yuren was stripped of his official status and reduced to commoner status, and now Zhu Yin has also been driven out of the capital.

...

Zhu Yin's last memorial before leaving the capital once again attracted the attention of the court officials.

Shen Yiguan and others then submitted a memorial, hoping that the emperor would grant Zhu Yin's request to bid farewell to the eldest prince and his students before leaving the capital.

This time, even Wang Xijue, the chief minister who disliked Zhu Yin, submitted a secret memorial to the emperor in his capacity as chief minister, requesting that the emperor grant Zhu Yin's request.

It is true that the Grand Secretary dislikes Zhu Yin, but one thing is one thing: he approves of Zhu Yin's actions of bidding farewell to the eldest prince and safeguarding the foundation of the country.

Dislike the person, but do not condemn their actions.

The emperor also felt he was in the wrong. Although he was determined to confine Zhu Changluo to Jingyang Palace again, he could only reluctantly agree to Zhu Yin's request when he saw his ministers submitting memorials one after another.

Zhu Yin was allowed to see the eldest prince one more time in the right wing of the Huangji Gate, and the teacher and student bid each other farewell.

Upon receiving the imperial decree, Zhu Yin immediately prepared to enter the palace to bid farewell to Zhu Changluo.

This farewell performance was not only to gain reputation and prestige from both the court and the public, but also because he genuinely wanted to see Zhu Changluo one last time.

It wasn't all acting.

Because Zhu Changluo has been confined to Jingyang Palace again, it is unknown when we will see him again.

After three years of teacher-student relationship, it's time to say goodbye.

……

The inner palace, Jingyang Palace.

Jingyang Palace is one of the Six Eastern Palaces. It is the most remote and smallest concubine palace in the inner palace. It is located in the northeast corner of the inner palace and is the farthest from the Qianqing Palace where the emperor lived.

However, it was closest to the East Five Palaces, where the eunuchs lived, separated by only a wall. Those who didn't know the situation might have thought that Jingyang Palace was part of the East Five Palaces.

In the deep palace, amidst the red walls and yellow tiles of the phoenix pavilions and dragon towers, the secluded Jingyang Palace appears quite inconspicuous.

The imperial harem consisted of twelve palaces, one in the east and one in the west. While the other palaces were all five bays wide, Jingyang Palace was only three bays wide, making it relatively small.

In Feng Shui, Jingyang Palace is located in the Gen position, which is unfavorable for residence and is considered an inauspicious place. Therefore, Jingyang Palace has always been a place for confining concubines who have committed offenses or fallen out of favor, also known as the Cold Palace.

As a neglected palace within the Forbidden City, Jingyang Palace is almost devoid of flowers, plants, and trees. Even though it is nearly March and spring is in full bloom, the palace grounds are devoid of any signs of spring, only cold blue bricks and towering walls.

There are few people here, and even fewer come. Even if someone does come, it's usually to spy on and monitor Consort Wang and her son.

The palace gates were often locked, to the point that the locks were covered in rust.

As the mother of the eldest son of the emperor and holding the rank of concubine, Consort Wang had not committed any wrongdoing and should not have been imprisoned in Jingyang Palace.

Not to mention, the secluded and cramped Jingyang Palace was not only inhabited by Consort Wang, but also by the eldest prince, Zhu Changluo.

The mother and son, along with only four palace servants, have lived here for eight years.

Even though Jingyang Palace was small, it was still a palace, covering an area of ​​several dozen acres, which would be considered a large mansion in ordinary households. Yet, in such a large place, there were only six people.

Consort Wang and her son, two junior servants who had only been in the palace for a few years, and two young palace maids.

Consort Wang Gong did not have the gold book and silver seal that other consorts should have, nor did she have the carriages and ceremonial regalia that consorts should have.

In reality, if it weren't for Empress Dowager Li, Consort Wang and her son would never have survived. With even the Empress herself in dire straits, Consort Zheng could have easily killed Consort Wang and her son. Fortunately, Empress Dowager Li was there and set a limit. Although Consort Wang and her son suffered terribly, they were spared.

Several swallows flew back gracefully and landed on the palace walls of Jingyang Palace, chirping incessantly.

The backyard was empty.

Eleven-year-old Zhu Changluo, with her hair tied in two topknots, stood silently on the steps, watching the free-flying swallows with envy on her little face.

Several swallows frolicked above the palace, dropping a clump of spring mud from their beaks.

Zhu Changluo walked over and carefully examined the small clump of spring mud that was prepared for building a nest.

"The swallows are back. I don't know if they are the same swallows as last year. It's so nice outside, the world is so vast, why would the swallows come to the palace to build their nests? The swallows are so silly. This is soil from outside the palace, it even smells different from the soil inside, it has a special fragrance."

“I haven’t been able to go to school for several days. My father has forbade me to leave home to study. It’s been three years, and the thing my mother feared most has finally happened.”

"The first two times, you stopped Father. But this time, you did your best. Father only listens to Consort Zheng."

"Will I never see my teacher again? For the past three years, I have grown accustomed to studying with him and to his teachings. He was like a real father to me, sheltering me from the wind and rain. But he can no longer teach me."

“My mother said that thanks to the doctor, my son and I have been able to survive until now. Life has become much better. We can eat milk candy, drink milk powder, wear new clothes, and have charcoal in winter and ice in summer.”

“My mother whispered to me at night, ‘My son, if you really become the crown prince in the future, you must repay your teacher and treat him well.’ I hugged my mother and whispered in her ear, ‘Mother, I don’t want to be the emperor. I hate that position. I hate Father. I don’t want to stay in the palace without freedom.’ My mother cried. She cried very sadly.”

"Mother, I know you want to get out too. You long to see Grandpa, Grandma, and Uncle. Mother, are we going to be trapped in this wretched palace forever?"

As Zhu Changluo spoke to himself, his eyes filled with sadness and desolation.

"I heard that after failing to persuade the Emperor, you volunteered to quell the rebellion in a fit of anger. The battlefield is so dangerous; what if something happens to you?"

"Father, I hate you so much, I really hate you. Why was I born into the royal family? Why am I your son? You abandoned my mother and me, and you exiled my husband. Father, if my husband is in danger, I will never forgive you."

"My teacher taught me many principles of life and how to conduct myself. His teachings helped me understand many things. He made me stop being afraid and stop having nightmares. He showed me the vast world outside the palace. These three years have been the happiest days of my life."

“My teacher is more like my father, not you, Father Emperor. You only have that woman in your heart, only yourself. Although my teacher didn’t say it outright, I know that you are a failure as emperor. The ministers do not respect you, and you even repay kindness with enmity with your teacher. Father Emperor, is being an emperor very interesting? Are you like me, locked up in the palace all day long, like a bird in a cage?”

“Father, I hate you, I pity you, and I despise you. I don’t care about your throne, I don’t care about being the crown prince. I just want to leave this tomb-like palace, far away from you and that woman, and be free with my mother.”

As Zhu Changluo spoke to himself, his small face remained indifferent.

Having been Zhu Yin's student for three years, he was no longer the naive and ignorant child he once was. He possessed many qualities he hadn't had before: courage, thoughtfulness, forbearance, hope, and magnanimity…

He has learned a lot through his teacher.

His greatest ideal was freedom, the outside world.

Throne, palace, to hell with them! My great-grandfather was an emperor, my grandfather was an emperor, my father was an emperor, but what happened to them? What did it matter?
"Youhai," a servant reported, "Eunuch Qiu from the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs has arrived and is speaking with Her Majesty, saying he has come to deliver an imperial decree."

"Don't worry, Youhai, it doesn't seem like a bad thing."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Changluo quickly straightened his clothes and headed towards the main hall.

But in the simple and empty main hall, the mother was pouring tea for Eunuch Qiu with a smile on her face.

"You've worked hard, Eunuch Qiu. I don't have anything good to offer, but please accept these two sugar coupons."

She, a concubine, actually referred to herself as "this concubine" in front of the eunuchs.

Consort Wang was not yet thirty years old, but her face was haggard and her expression was distressed, making her look noticeably more aged than other concubines of the same age.

However, she was still a rare beauty, with a typical oval face, fair skin like jade, and exquisite features, making her look graceful and charming.

Consort Wang humbly took out two sugar coupons, each worth ten catties, printed with exquisite images of the moon rabbit and Chang'e. Chang'e wore a jade necklace, a recent fashion trend.

Eunuch Qiu accepted the two sugar coupons without any politeness, and said with a forced smile, "Mr. Zhihu is Teacher Youhai, Consort Gong, you're really benefiting from this."

These are the sugar coupons for the world-famous Nanjing Moon Rabbit Milk Candy. Because Moon Rabbit Milk Candy is extremely scarce and production is limited, it can only be purchased with coupons. Without a coupon, you cannot buy the milk candy.

These two sugar coupons can be used as money.

Zhu Changluo's gaze turned slightly cold upon seeing this.

These are sugar coupons given by the master, which can be used to buy milk candy in the shops in the palace, but now they have been taken away by Eunuch Qiu.

That hateful eunuch Qiu is also a lackey of Consort Zheng.

Fortunately, the gentleman took care of them, so these people did not dare to humiliate my mother and son too much.

"Mother," Zhu Changluo called out, then smiled and said to Eunuch Qiu, "Greetings, Eunuch Qiu."

Eunuch Qiu stood up, gave a perfunctory bow as a form of greeting, and then said in a loud voice, "Youhai, this is a royal decree."

Zhu Changluo trembled and quickly knelt down, saying, "Your son, Zhu Changluo, awaits your decree."

Eunuch Qiu said with a half-smile, "Grandpa said that your teacher Zhu Yin is leaving the capital and wants to see you before he leaves. I will grant his request out of consideration for the teacher-student relationship."

“Youhai, you can go to the right wing of Huangji Gate at 3:45 PM to say goodbye to Mr. Zhihu.”

Although he was a follower of Consort Zheng, he was very superstitious and dared not address Zhu Yin by his given name, instead calling him "Mr. Zhihu." Moreover, having received favors from Zhu Yin, he outwardly did not want to offend him.

Zhu Changluo exclaimed with joy, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace! Long live the Emperor!"

He certainly didn't feel grateful to his father, because he knew that this meeting must have been arranged by his teacher and the court officials.

Eunuch Qiu, however, was intent on sowing discord between the emperor and his son, so he said directly:

“Youhai also needs to thank your teacher, Mr. Zhihu. If it weren’t for Mr. Zhihu’s insistence, you wouldn’t have been able to see him again.”

It means that it's not your father who pities you, but your husband who wants to see you.

Why would he need to sow discord? Zhu Changluo had already given up on his father.

After seeing off Eunuch Qiu, Zhu Changluo couldn't help but say with joy, "Mother, I can see my teacher again. He must have something to say to me."

Consort Wang, with tears in her eyes, said, "My child, I don't know when we will meet again after saying goodbye to my teacher this time."

……

At 3:45 PM, Zhu Yin entered the palace again and met with his prince student.

Although Zhu Yin was only fifteen years old, he was much taller than ordinary boys his age. In addition, he had been practicing martial arts for many years and often drank milk, so his physique was already close to that of an adult man.

Wearing the red fourth-rank official robes, he looked even more dignified, exuding the refined and elegant air of a young minister.

When Zhu Changluo saw Zhu Yin's familiar figure, it was like seeing a big tree or a tall mountain.

His tears flowed instantly.

"When the teacher saw me, after bowing, his first words were, 'Your Highness, I can no longer teach you to read. I am worried about you. It is my incompetence. Your Highness, please don't cry. Just think of yourself as someone who has grown up.'"

"But I still couldn't help but cry. I said, sir, is Ningxia very dangerous? Please take care of yourself."

"The gentleman took out a few sugar coupons and handed them to the eunuchs who were watching him. He said to them, 'I would like to have a few words with His Highness alone. Please excuse me for the time being.'"

"Those people actually agreed."

Seeing that no one was around, the gentleman whispered: "Your Highness, remember my words: when your body is not free, let your heart be free. You should read more books, study according to the methods I teach you, enrich yourself, and be confident and self-reliant."

"The world outside the palace is indeed vast, but so is the world within books. When I am not here, you must take yourself as your teacher, seek knowledge within yourself, and dare to be an ascetic, for only then will you know that nothing in this world is difficult."

"The palace is treacherous; you must keep a low profile and never show your emotions. You must not arouse Zheng's suspicion. Furthermore, although your father refuses to see you, you can request to see the Empress Dowager. His Majesty, out of filial piety, will naturally not object to your visits. As long as you can see the Empress Dowager frequently, you will be safe..."

"I remember your earnest advice and teachings, but I am even more heartbroken because you are really leaving. With each word you say, the time we spend together is getting shorter."

"The gentleman also said that he had entrusted a reliable person to take care of my son and me in the palace, and that I should keep a low profile and pretend that I don't know anything about it."

"As for our daily necessities in the palace, such as food, clothing, medicine, ice and charcoal, gold and silver, there is no need to worry, he has made arrangements for them."

"The gentleman said in the end that if he died in Ningxia and could not return, he should not be too sad, but must cheer up. Others will continue to help him in the future, and there are many ministers in the court who are helping him."

“I cried and said, ‘Sir, you must come back. Didn’t you promise me that you would take me to the palace for a spring outing, a purification ritual, and horseback riding? You can’t go back on your word.’”

"The master patted my head and sighed, saying, 'Changluo, life and death are predestined, and wealth and honor are determined by fate. Since I am going to the battlefield to serve the country, I am prepared to die on the battlefield. I dare not say that I can fulfill this promise.'"

"Your Highness, you must be strong. You still have your mother to protect. You cannot act on emotion. Otherwise, even if I die on the battlefield, I will not be able to rest in peace."

"I couldn't hold back anymore and hugged my husband and cried. I was so afraid that once he left, he would never come back."

The gentleman said with a smile, "Don't cry, I'll be fine. I'm the one who passed the imperial examinations three times in a row."

"Hearing that made me feel much more at ease."

"The gentleman then took out a few sugar coupons and a few milk powder coupons, handed them to me, and said, 'These are for you. Drink more milk powder and eat less sugar, and exercise more.' Then he patted my hand and said, 'Your Highness, take care. I'm leaving now.'"

“I chased after him out the door, wanting to leave with him, but I knew it was just a dream.”

"I called out, 'Take care, sir, and have a safe journey!'"

The gentleman turned around, waved, and called out, "Your Highness, take care, drink more milk and eat less sugar!"

"Drink more milk and eat less sugar." When I heard my husband say this, I couldn't help but smile through my tears.

P.S.: Okay, that's all for now regarding the teacher-student relationship. Zhu Changluo won't reappear for many more chapters; the next chapter will be about Ningxia.

(End of this chapter)