Di Ming

Chapter 337 "When I was cultivating Taoism in the North Sea..."

According to regulations, the emperor should summon ministers to the Wenhua Hall or the Jianji Hall. However, Emperor Wanli was in poor health and unwilling to leave the Qianqing Palace, so he summoned ministers there as well.

Today is the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, and it's freezing cold in Beijing.

According to regulations, "Dukes, Marquises, Earls, and officials of the first rank shall wear court robes trimmed with sable fur in winter." Zhu Yin, as the Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent (a first-rank official), was entitled to have his court robes trimmed with sable fur. Although Zheng Guowang was not a first-rank official, he was a relative of the emperor who received special favors and was also entitled to wear court robes trimmed with sable fur.

The two not only wore mink fur trim, but also fox fur hats, otter collars, and windproof cloaks.

According to regulations, meritorious officials returning to the capital to pay homage to the emperor could wear "battle robes and cloaks." Given the strong winds today, the two men also wore cloaks.

Xu Jie, a minister during the Jiajing reign, once lamented: "The palace is only three inches warm, while the steps are nine feet cold. Though officials are impeccably dressed, who cares about the hardships of a subject?"

It is evident that it was truly arduous and unbearable for Ming Dynasty officials to attend court in the dead of winter.

However, the Qianqing Palace was warm as spring. As soon as Zhu Yin and Zheng Guowang entered the palace, they both felt that they were wearing too much clothing.

The polished gold bricks, smooth and gleaming, were as warm as hand warmers. The two people, kneeling on the ground, felt no cold at all.

Between the coiled dragon and golden pillars, there are also large bronze gilded "standing lion" braziers, burning brightly with imperial red charcoal that is as hard as stone, as red as cinnabar, burns without smoke, and makes a sound like gold.

The palace also had a sophisticated underground heating system, guarded by eunuchs from the Xixin Division. Fire channels were built underground in the palace, connecting to the stoves outside, and only Yizhou red charcoal, reserved for the royal family, was used.

Although the heating system in the palace was ingenious, it also consumed a huge amount of red charcoal, with an annual consumption of over one million catties.

The main hall was draped with layers of curtains, including sea otter skin curtains and orangutan felt curtains. In addition, the windows were covered with translucent and windproof Korean paper, a tribute from Korea. It was so stuffy and hot that not a breath of wind could get in.

The chill they felt vanished, replaced by a slight heat. They thought to themselves: Isn't the Emperor hot?
According to Zhu Yin, the temperature difference between inside and outside the hall was more than 30 degrees Celsius. It was minus 10 degrees Celsius outside the hall, while it was more than 20 degrees Celsius inside.

The two of them had just knelt down and kowtowed a few times when they started to sweat slightly.

However, Wanli was very afraid of the cold, and he was still holding his imperial hand warmer with engraved cloud and dragon patterns in his hands, and there was also a gold-threaded intricate foot warmer at his feet.

Zheng Guowang thought to himself: The Emperor is only in his early thirties, and he's already so afraid of the cold?

Unbeknownst to him, the emperor had become addicted to opium, which had suppressed his thermoregulatory center.

Zhu Yin, however, had much more to think about.

The eunuchs who went out of the palace to procure charcoal were corrupt and harmful to the people, levying exorbitant taxes and levies. The charcoal farmers were pitiful.

"Even if all the trees in the Southern Mountains are felled, it will not be enough to warm the government's houses; even if all the coal is burned, the family still owes the court rent."

For generations, they could only work as charcoal burners, burning charcoal year-round and never having enough to eat. Moreover, because of their long-term charcoal burning, many of them suffered from tuberculosis, and their average lifespan was less than forty.

Yizhou, the production area of ​​Hongluo charcoal, is now "nine out of ten mountains are barren, and there are no giant trees within fifty miles around the charcoal factory".

Several years later, the charcoal workers rioted, burned down the kilns, and gathered tens of thousands of people. It can be said that "even if all the charcoal in the palace is burned, it will not be enough to warm the cold world."

There was also a piece of advice that said: "A single charcoal can exhaust the strength of ten thousand people; a single warm garment can chill the hearts of the people."

The palace was warm as spring, but countless ordinary people across the country froze to death every year!

Why is this expensive red charcoal red? It's the blood of the charcoal makers.

Your Majesty, do you sit in the palace every day enjoying your privileges and honors with a clear conscience?
Just then, the emperor's somewhat languid voice came: "Rise, all of you, and get up to answer questions."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The two men rose together and stood slightly bowed at the foot of the steps.

The emperor did not continue speaking, but instead observed the two men with great interest.

In fact, the emperor had not held court for several years, and only a very few ministers were able to see him. But this was the second time Zhu Yin had seen the emperor.

But this time it was winter, and Zhu Yin felt he was wearing too many clothes. Without an imperial decree, he couldn't reduce his clothing.

It was stuffy and hot here, yet he was dressed so warmly. Being a hot-tempered young man, he soon had sweat on his forehead.

Zheng Guowang also felt hot. She was actually wearing more clothes, especially around her chest, which were wrapped very tightly.

But she was, after all, the emperor's brother-in-law, and she wiped the fine sweat from her forehead right in front of the emperor, even glancing at him.

The emperor immediately understood and gave Zong Qin a wink. Zong Qin immediately stepped forward, took off Zheng Guowang's cloak, and then untied her fox fur apron.

Zheng Guowang immediately felt much more relaxed.

Zong Qin wanted to help Zhu Yin take off his cloak as well, but he couldn't do so without the emperor's permission.

Zhu Yin raised his hand to wipe his forehead, but the emperor pretended not to see it. He opened his mouth, wanting to ask the emperor to reduce his clothing, but then swallowed his words back.

The Emperor said calmly, "Although there was no hope of peace negotiations when you went to Japan, you did not fail in your mission, you displayed your power in a foreign land, and you have rendered meritorious service to the court. I am very pleased that you have returned safely today. I have already issued an edict to reward you with titles and ranks based on your merits."

Zhu Yin and Zheng Guowang said in unison, "It is all thanks to Your Majesty's great fortune and divine might that we have been able to achieve this small merit. We dare not take credit for it, much less accept any title. We humbly request Your Majesty to rescind your decree."

Such excuses are both a procedure and a gesture.

The emperor slowly said, "According to ancestral laws, titles are awarded for merit, and no title can be conferred without military achievements. Since you have made great contributions, how can rewards and punishments be clearly defined if you are not conferred a title? The imperial edict has been issued, and the court and the people are watching with anticipation. You need not refuse."

The two men knelt again, kowtowed, and expressed their gratitude, saying, "Your Majesty's grace and power both come from above, while loyalty and filial piety both stem from below. Your Majesty, we thank you for your boundless kindness, and are moved to tears..."

After bowing in gratitude, the two rose again. This whole ordeal left Zhu Yin sweating even more.

The emperor then asked, "What kind of person is Toyotomi Hideyoshi?"

Clearly, he was asking about Zheng Guowang, because his gaze was fixed on Zheng Guowang.

Zhu Yin did not reply, but simply bowed his head and clasped his hands in greeting.

Zheng Guowang cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, Toyotomi Hideyoshi is short as a monkey, cunning as a fox, arrogant, ignorant and conceited."

The emperor then asked, "How many troops does Japan have?"

Zheng Guowang replied: "At least three or four hundred thousand, fierce and good at fighting, just like the Japanese pirates of yesteryear."

The emperor then asked, "You reported that Japan has a lot of gold and silver, is that true?"

Zheng Guowang replied, "Indeed, there is much gold and silver, especially silver mines, which far surpass those of the Ming Dynasty. I heard that the major silver mines produce two million taels of silver annually."

The emperor's eyes lit up, his plump body leaned forward slightly, and his Adam's apple bobbed.

But then his eyes dimmed, as if he harbored regret.

Zhu Yin chuckled inwardly. The Jin emperor was eyeing Japan's money. But Japan's military might and the vast ocean left him helpless.

This Emperor Wanli was truly both greedy and incompetent. He had great desires but little courage.

Actually, it's not just Japan that has a lot of silver; Myanmar also has a lot of gold. Moreover, many of Myanmar's gold mines are rich deposits that are easy to mine and have high gold content.

The problem is, Myanmar is right on our doorstep, does the money-grubbing emperor have the guts to invade Myanmar?

Not only did he lack the courage, but he also allowed the small state of Myanmar to expand its territory, which in turn led to the loss of a large part of Yunnan.

Zheng Guowang continued, "Although Japan has a large army, it is separated by a vast ocean. However, if the imperial court builds a large number of ships, stockpiles grain and fodder, trains soldiers, and also makes alliances with pirates, it can cross the sea to conquer them in three years."

The emperor was silent for a moment, then said, "A long sea expedition is no easy task. Even building such a large fleet of ships is no simple matter."

Zheng Guowang, relying on being the emperor's brother-in-law, argued, "With the strength of the Ming Dynasty, we can build hundreds of large ships in three to five years, and the conquest of Japan will be within reach."

"Japan can conquer the Ming Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty can also conquer Japan."

The emperor shook his head: "Do you know about the Mongol Yuan's defeat in its conquest of Japan? The vast ocean is easy for them to come to, but not easy for us to go to."

Zheng Guowang was depressed upon hearing this.

Zhu Yin cursed inwardly, "Idiot! Others can cross the sea to attack me, but I can't cross the sea to attack others? Didn't the Japanese army come by ship? Don't you understand how to shift the blame? You're a complete moron." Then, the emperor asked about the Kyoto Incident and the pirates, and Zheng Guowang answered one by one.

Those who don't know the situation might think that Zheng Guowang orchestrated everything in Japan and that Zhu Yin had nothing to do with it.

Zhu Yin was well aware that not only was his title bestowed upon him thanks to Zheng Guowang, but even his audience with the emperor this time was thanks to Zheng Guowang.

That damned money-grubbing emperor not only doesn't want to bestow a title upon himself, but he doesn't even want to summon him.

So, next, shouldn't the emperor tell him to get out of here?

As expected, the emperor asked a few simple questions about the mission, expressed interest, and then said to Zhu Yin:
"Minister Zhu, you may leave now and return to your residence to await further instructions. I will have a brief family meeting with Minister Zheng."

It means, get lost. I want to talk to my brother-in-law alone.

"Yes." Zhu Yin was eager to leave the palace. "Your subject takes his leave."

After saying this, he knelt down again, kowtowed, and left to express his gratitude.

Stepping out of the sweltering Qianqing Palace, Zhu Yin was drenched in sweat. He turned to look at the majestic Qianqing Palace, his gaze as cold as ice.

Inside the Qianqing Palace, as soon as Zhu Yin left, the emperor immediately asked:
"Was the gold and silver seized from Kyoto, Japan, really stolen by pirates? Or was it embezzled? I want to hear the truth!"

Zheng Guowang quickly knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, everything in the report is true! The gold and silver were indeed stolen by pirates. However, the pirate leader, Hai Mingyue, is not entirely unreasonable..."

"...I believe that controlling Haimingyue's fleet will bring many advantages in the future..."

The emperor snorted coldly, "These pirates and bandits dare to rob even the gold and silver seized by the Ming Dynasty's envoys. Do they have a code of honor among thieves? How can the court trust them?"

"Hiring them to fight against Japan might backfire. We need to consider this matter carefully and see what the officials have to say."

Zheng Guowang then said, "The situation in Korea is dire. I request that Hao Jing and Gao Huai be arrested immediately and brought back to the capital for trial to restore order to the court and the people. We should also select a general who is skilled in military affairs to replace the military commissioner."

The emperor was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you have anyone you recommend?"

Zheng Guowang, emboldened and steeling his resolve, said, "Your subject recommends... Zhu Yin!"

"Zhu Zhihu?" The emperor's round face hardened, his gaze turning somewhat gloomy. "Why did you recommend him? He is Changluo's teacher."

Zheng Guowang took a deep breath. "I believe... I believe that matters have priorities. In the face of the overall situation, other matters can be put aside. The most important matter at present is the military affairs of Korea."

"I have heard that the royal army has suffered two major defeats and now only has 70,000 men left. Their morale is low and their fighting spirit is gone. If it weren't for the heavy snow, they would probably have been driven back to Liaodong by the Japanese army."

"If we suffer another major defeat, the situation will be beyond repair!"

"With Japan losing its monarch and court, it is bound to launch a fierce counterattack... The most urgent task now is to turn defeat into victory. And Zhu Yin is the most suitable to succeed Hao Jing as the military commissioner!"

"Your Majesty, I believe that among the civil officials of the court, none is better suited to deal with Japan than Zhu Zhihu! To increase the chances of victory, Your Majesty should first appoint Zhu Yin as commander!"

“If he loses, His Majesty can punish him and cut off Changluo’s banner. If he wins, it will also be because His Majesty is good at recognizing and appointing people, and has a discerning eye for talent.”

The emperor took a drag of his opium and said thoughtfully, "I believe in Zhu Yin's talent; he is indeed an unparalleled national hero. But the more I believe this, the more uneasy I feel."

"After all, he supports Chang Luo. If he makes another great contribution, Chang Luo's popularity will soar, and there will be even fewer people supporting Chang Xun."

Zheng Guowang said, "Both kindness and severity come from the emperor. No matter how capable Zhu Yin is, he is still the emperor's subject. Once he finishes this battle and the situation in Korea is stable, we can find a fault to relieve him of his military power and send him to a remote post."

The emperor thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "Very well, then so be it. But we should also let the officials discuss it and see if there is a more suitable candidate."

...

Zhu Yin had just stepped out of the Meridian Gate when he heard the news that he would be enfeoffed as the Marquis of Jiangning.

Marquis of Jiangning? Zhu Yin was at a loss for words upon hearing the news.

He's only sixteen this year, and he's already been granted a marquisate.

But he felt no joy at all.

Entering the palace today only reinforced his perception of Emperor Baijin's utter irrationality. Emperor Baijin estimated that he would soon take action against him, perhaps within a year.

I probably won't be able to hold this official position for much longer.

What's most frustrating is that even if the emperor is suspicious of him, he still has to help the emperor deal with Japan for the sake of the Ming Dynasty.

It was already early afternoon, around dusk, and Zhu Yin did not go to the cabinet to see Shen Yiguan, nor did he return to the Ministry of War. Instead, he went directly back to his residence in Caomao Hutong.

I've been away from home for several months and I don't know how things are back home.

He has returned, but Caiwei is still adrift at sea.

As soon as Zhu Yin appeared at the gate of the mansion with Lan Cha and the others, they saw that the gate was brightly lit, decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and strings of firecrackers had already been set out.

At the bottom of the steps, there was a pot of burning charcoal.

A woman wrapped in a black fox fur coat was waiting at the gate with a large group of people, all smiles. It was Jin Yunniang.

Zhu Yin was slightly taken aback. Where was Qing Chen? Why hadn't she come out to greet him?

"Master, come home!" a servant shouted, and firecrackers immediately went off with a crackling sound. Then, musicians played "Full Garden Spring," a song to welcome the master home.

Zhu Yin and the others stepped over the fire basin one by one to ward off bad luck, and then walked up the steps amidst the dark mass of kneeling worshippers.

"My lord is finally back!" Jin Yunniang stepped forward to greet him. "I can finally breathe a sigh of relief!"

Zhu Yin asked, "Where is Lady Qingchen?"

Jin Yunniang smiled and said, "She probably doesn't know that the master has returned yet. Qingchen's wife is staying at the medical school, saying she's conducting experiments. She only comes back to the manor once every three days now, and mostly stays at the medical school."

"I'll send someone to inform her right away..."

Zhu Yin waved his hand and said, "No need to inform her. I was just thinking of going to the medical school to take a look."

Although he wanted to visit the medical school, he was even more interested in seeing what the little girl was doing.

Zhu Yin returned to the inner court, ate a casual dinner, and went directly to Qingchen Medical College before the city gates began to distribute money and grain.

Qingchen Medical College was located on Mashenmiao Street in the western part of the outer city. It was originally the residence of the Meng family, a wealthy merchant family from Shandong, in the capital.

When Zhu Yin arrived at the former Meng family mansion, he saw the words "Qingchen Medical College" in seal script, which he had personally inscribed.

This was the only medical school in the Ming Dynasty, which had been established for less than half a year.

There were guards at the entrance of the medical school. When they saw Zhu Yin, who was dressed in fine clothes, they immediately greeted him respectfully and welcomed him inside.

Although it was dark, hundreds of medical students were still studying by candlelight in their classrooms. Each classroom had a stove for warmth.

Zhu Yin navigated the vast medical school through many twists and turns, and soon arrived at a secluded and quiet independent courtyard.

The place is heavily guarded, with seven or eight guards protecting both the inside and outside.

Upon seeing them, Zhu Yin immediately made a shushing gesture.

He entered the courtyard and came to the foot of the two-story pavilion. Soon he heard a familiar yet childlike voice, so innocent and cute, yet filled with unparalleled confidence:
"...Some people think my surgery is a bizarre and evil art of opening up the abdomen, but that's a huge misconception... Of the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—the scalpel is metal. The so-called 'metal of stone' doesn't only refer to acupuncture; it certainly includes surgery..."

"...Surgery is indeed an indispensable skill in medicine..."

"In my past life, when I was cultivating in the North Sea, besides being known as the Immortal Physician, I also had another title: Ning Yidao!"

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(End of this chapter)