Di Ming

Chapter 350 Should we call the imperial physician for her?
"Your Highness!" Zhu Yin quickly stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your subject greets Your Highness!"

"Sir..." Zhu Changluo returned Zhu Yin's greeting with tears in his eyes, "Disciple greets sir!"

Zhu Yin frowned. "Why is Your Highness dressed so lightly?" As he spoke, he took his cloak and draped it over Zhu Changluo. "Your Highness is dressed too thinly. It's still chilly in early spring. Be careful not to catch a cold."

Zhu Yin's tone was full of dissatisfaction, "I clearly sent a lot of gold and silver, so why are the palace servants deliberately treating me badly?"

He genuinely felt sorry for his student. No wonder Zhu Changluo died at the age of thirty-eight in history; the boy often suffered from cold and hunger during his childhood, which damaged his foundation.

Fortunately, with my covert support in recent years, their situation has improved significantly compared to the past. However, their living standards are still relatively poor.

This is because the inner palace was Consort Zheng's domain, and most of the eunuchs and female officials were her confidants. Even if Zhu Yin spent a lot of money, they dared not let Zhu Changluo and his mother live too well, otherwise how could they explain themselves?

When Zhu Changluo saw his teacher drape a cloak over his shoulders, his nose tingled, and he couldn't hold back his tears any longer.

He said to himself:
"I haven't seen you, sir, for a long time, just as I haven't seen my father, the emperor, for a long time."

"But even if I don't see my father for a year, I don't miss him at all. Just pretend I'm not his son. But I miss you very much, sir."

"I heard that Mr. went to dangerous Japan. I am always worried about his safety and often wake up in the middle of the night, afraid that he will never come back."

"Sometimes I dream that the Master has returned, and he has grown a beard. He smiles and says to me, 'Changluo, you are free now. I will take you out of the palace today and let you travel the world freely...'"

“Sometimes I dream that I am the crown prince, the emperor, and my master leads all the officials in bowing to me. I say, ‘Master, I don’t want to be emperor like my father; I want to leave the palace.’ My master sighs and says, ‘Changluo, for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, you must become emperor…’”

"Sometimes I dream that my husband was murdered in Japan. He looked in the direction of the Ming Dynasty and shouted: 'Changluo, you must grow up well and live well!'"

"I was immediately awakened by fright, and all I could see was the dark Jingyang Palace, the cold moon outside the palace and the high walls."

"But I told myself to be strong, not to be weak and timid, and not to be sentimental. I remember Mr. Li's words: 'Though battered a thousand times, it remains firm and strong, letting the winds from the east, west, south, and north blow as they may.'"

“I cannot let my husband worry or disappoint him. I must not only study the books he gave me, but also practice calligraphy, strengthen my body, and take care of my mother.”

"I can only offer incense to Guanyin Bodhisattva at Jingyang Palace every day, praying for your safety and well-being so that you may return home safely."

"Sir, you are truly blessed by the heavens. Not only did you return safely from Japan, but you also made great contributions and were granted a marquisate. No wonder even the people in the palace say that you are a sage of our time, a reincarnation of the God of Literature. I am so happy for you. When the news of your marquisate came, their expressions towards me became much nicer."

“A few days ago, Zhang Jing suddenly came to Jingyang Palace. He told my mother and me that the Master wanted to see me and that he had made arrangements for us to meet in a side hall of Wenhua Hall.”

“My mother and I are well aware that Zhang Jing wields great power, and many people in the palace are afraid of him. But he is a confidant of Consort Zheng and the Emperor, so how could he possibly treat us kindly?”

"He did this because the master begged him. I don't know how much effort the master went through or what price he paid, but in any case, Zhang Jing was willing to let me see the master."

"When Zhang Jing left Jingyang Palace, he said to me with some emotion, 'Youhai, you have a teacher that everyone envies. You are still very lucky.'"

“Last night, I dreamt of seeing my husband.”

"Today, I finally saw you again, sir..."

...

Zhu Yin, unaware of Zhu Changluo's thoughts, draped the cloak over Zhu Changluo's shoulders and addressed the palace servants monitoring him:
“I know you have your reasons, but if His Highness the Crown Prince catches a cold, you will be the ones who suffer the most. You will become the scapegoats and be executed.”

"You should weigh the pros and cons carefully. Don't lose your lives in a muddle and bring trouble to your families. Be more shrewd in your dealings with others, don't be so rigid. This is my advice to you, whether you listen or not is up to you."

Several palace servants and eunuchs exchanged glances, then bowed together and said, "Thank you for reminding us, sir. We dare not."

Zhu Yin sneered: "You don't need to be afraid, but if you can have a little more respect, that would be a blessing for you."

Upon hearing this, the group dared not refute it at all, and could only nod and obey, giving instructions in earnest.

Zhu Yin also felt helpless. Why take these insignificant people, who have no control over their own lives, so seriously?
The teacher and student entered the side hall, and Zhu Yin discovered that there was no fire lit, which made his face darken.

Seeing that Mr. Zhihu was about to get angry again, a eunuch immediately shouted, "Quickly light a fire! Don't you have any sense of propriety?"

Several palace servants were immediately busy, some fetching charcoal and others starting a fire.

Soon, the brazier was blazing, and the kang (heated brick bed) was heated up.

Seeing how much respect they showed their teacher, Zhu Changluo felt very proud and even more confident.

Seeing that they knew what was good for them, Zhu Yin took out the gold beans he had prepared beforehand from his sleeve and said:

"You've all worked hard, so go and distribute them. As long as you're willing, my gold beans will be easy to get."

The group beamed with joy as they looked at the glittering gold beans, their legs trembling as they quickly accepted them, thanking them profusely.

"Thank you for your generous reward, sir! We didn't work hard at all!"

Zhu Yin said, "I need to test His Highness's studies. You may all leave now."

Having just received Zhu Yin's gold beans, the group had no reason to cause trouble. They obediently withdrew, leaving only the teacher and student behind.

Once they were alone, Zhu Yin asked with concern, "How has the food been these past few days? Is there any charcoal available at Jingyang Palace? And what about the medicine?"

Zhu Changluo honestly replied, "Replying to your question, sir, with your secret care, the palace servants dare not go too far. They also dare not intercept all the things you send, and some always manage to reach my mother and me. The food and clothing are also adequate, there is a supply of charcoal, and some medicine as well. In short, we are very grateful for your thoughtfulness."

"When my mother was ill last time, it was thanks to your help that the imperial physician came to treat her."

As Zhu Changluo spoke of this, he felt even more grateful for his teacher's care, and his heart was filled with warmth and comfort.

The world is vast, but apart from my mother and my husband, no one else has treated me as well as they have.

Zhu Yin said with displeasure, "Then why are you dressed so thinly? It's not even February yet, and Beijing is still quite cold. What if you catch a cold? Where is the fur coat I sent you last year?"

Zhu Changluo revealed a sly smile and said in a childish voice:

“I deliberately didn’t wear it. I can’t leave Jingyang Palace easily. It’s a rare occasion for me to come out, and if I were wearing a fur coat, it would surely reach Consort Zheng’s ears. If Consort Zheng finds out, how could she be happy? She would most likely change the guards at Jingyang Palace or increase the surveillance. Wouldn’t that cause trouble for you and Mother?”

"I decided to keep a low profile and dress lightly. When Consort Zheng found out, she was pleased. Although I got a little cold, it saved me a lot of trouble."

With no outsiders present, he actually referred to himself as "child".

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yin was both happy and sad. He sighed and said, "Changluo, you are only twelve years old, yet you already understand strategy. Very good, very good! Your teacher is very pleased!" He patted Zhu Changluo's head, "It's just that at such a young age, you have endured so much hardship and fear in this heartless palace. Your teacher can't bear it, but I am powerless to help you."

Zhu Yin also changed his form of address, now calling Zhu Changluo by his given name.

Zhu Changluo held Zhu Yin's hand, his eyes filled with tears, and said, "I am no longer afraid. Whenever I think of you, Master, I am no longer afraid. I am the disciple of the God of Literature and the student of Master Zhihu. Who in the world can compare to me? What do I have to fear? As long as you are safe, I will no longer be afraid of anyone, including Consort Zheng, or even... Father Emperor."

"Sir, you have done your best. Please rest assured, although the palace is dangerous, I can still hold on. In a few years, I will be even less afraid."

Zhu Yin nodded and patted the student's hand. "Chang Luo has grown up and become more sensible. I am relieved to hear what you have to say."

As Zhu Yin spoke, he cursed the money-worshipping emperor in his heart.

Zhu Changluo in history survived a great ordeal by growing up amidst abuse.

The fact that Bai Jindi didn't kill him is already a case of "even a tiger wouldn't eat its own cubs."

Zhu Yin took out a small bag of gold beans and another small bag of beads from his sleeve, and stuffed them into Zhu Changluo's hand, instructing him:

“Take it back to your mother. When times are tough, send some to the eunuchs and maids in Jingyang Palace. They won’t go too far after receiving the benefits, and your lives will be a little easier.”

"Yes, thank you, sir." Zhu Changluo accepted the gold beans and pearls without hesitation, showing no formality with Zhu Yin.

Zhu Yin then asked, "What books have you been reading lately?"

Zhu Changluo replied, "I am currently reading Zhuangzi, a book also given to me by you, sir. I have read half of it."

"Very good." Zhu Yin stroked his beardless chin. "So, which sentences in Zhuangzi resonate with you the most?"

Zhu Changluo said without hesitation, "Moreover, gain is due to timing; loss is due to circumstances. If one is at peace with the times and accepts circumstances, sorrow and joy cannot enter one's heart."

"Life between heaven and earth is like a white horse flashing past a crack, gone in an instant."

"Heaven and earth were born together with me, and all things are one with me."

...

Zhu Changluo spoke several sentences, and Zhu Yin then tested his understanding of these words. Zhu Changluo answered fluently, and Zhu Yin nodded repeatedly in approval.

Having taught Zhu Changluo for several years, Zhu Yin was well aware that Zhu Changluo was actually a very intelligent child with some talent.

“Good. You remember my teachings vividly and haven’t forgotten them.” Zhu Yin looked pleased and admiring. “But do you know why I had you read Zhuangzi?”

Zhu Changluo replied, "Because you hope that I will be optimistic and open-minded, not elated by external gains or saddened by personal losses. In this way, even if I am confined to the deep palace and have no freedom, I can still be as free as a bird, and will not be depressed, withdrawn, or sentimental."

"Very good." Zhu Yin nodded and smiled. "You've grasped this level; you truly are worthy of being my disciple."

"After you finish reading Zhuangzi, write an essay and hand it in to me next time. Then, you can read the Classic of Mountains and Seas and the Huainanzi. Put the Five Classics aside for now; you can review them later."

"You are a member of the royal family, and will at least become a prince in the future. You don't need to study the Four Books and Five Classics like those scholars who take the imperial examinations. As a young man, you don't need to delve into Confucian classics. What is truly rare is your rich imagination and your extraordinary thinking... This is the vast and boundless ocean of your spirit..."

Zhu Changlu listened intently, his eyes shining brightly. Every time he listened to his teacher's instruction, he felt a sense of enlightenment and profound understanding.

Zhu Yin continued, "...The so-called transformation of a gentleman into a leopard signifies the perfection of his character, the profundity of his thoughts, and the clarity of his mind. Only then can he be called a great man; a great man transforms into a tiger..."

What Zhu Yin said was actually to cultivate Zhu Changluo's independent personality and guide his values, which is the true core of education.

What's remarkable is that Zhu Changluo is very perceptive and quickly grasps his teachings.

Zhu Yin spoke for a while, then, seeing that time was running out, changed the subject:
"Changluo, you might be made a king soon. If that happens, you'll be even further away from becoming the crown prince. What will you think then?"

Zhu Changluo said very seriously, "I would be very happy. Sir, I do not want to be the crown prince, much less the emperor."

"If I could be granted a fiefdom and become a king, I would at least have much more freedom. I wouldn't have to be confined to this deep palace, unlike my father..."

He couldn't continue, but the truth was that he hated his father and didn't want to become like him. His father was the emperor, and he just happened to hate being an emperor.

Zhu Yin sighed, "Changluo, I know you don't want to be the crown prince, but even if you are made a prince and sent to a fiefdom in another place, you will not be free, and your mother cannot go with you to your fiefdom. You and your mother will be separated."

Zhu Changluo asked, "Sir, what should I do?"

Zhu Yin said, "That's why I wanted you to read Zhuangzi. Once you understand this book, you'll naturally know the answer. Whether you become a prince or a vassal king, you won't be confused anymore."

"No matter where I am, I will never abandon you. Waiting and patience are things you must do. When you grow up and are able to withstand greater storms, looking back, it will all seem like nothing special."

Zhu Changluo bowed respectfully and said, "I will remember your teachings, sir."

Zhu Yin gave a few more instructions, and then it was time to say goodbye. The teacher and student had to part ways.

"Changluo, your master is going to fight in Korea and doesn't know when I will be able to return to the capital. Don't worry, someone will protect you from the wind and rain."

Zhu Changluo was extremely reluctant to part with him. "Is Master going to war again? Alas, why must Master go again?"

He suddenly gave a bitter laugh and said softly, "Being emperor wouldn't be entirely bad; at least I could protect you and my mother..."

Zhu Yin chuckled, “The fact that you can think this way shows that you understand the meaning of responsibility. These two words carry immense weight, but unfortunately, many people may not understand them.”

Zhu Yin's meaning is related to the Wanli Emperor.

Several palace servants peeked out from the doorway, their meaning clear: the allotted time had passed.

Then, Zhu Yin could only bid farewell to the reluctant Zhu Changluo and leave under the admiring gazes of his disciples.

Zhu Changluo, draped in Zhu Yin's cloak, stood watching his teacher's retreating figure for a long time.

……

After leaving the palace, Zhu Yin did not go to the Ministry of War, but instead went to the Huitongguan, where the Japanese emperor and his ministers were under house arrest, to meet the Japanese emperor, Chacha, and Ningning!
Upon entering the meeting hall, Wang Zhixing reported, "Brother Zhihu, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's concubine, the Japanese woman named Chacha, who was already pregnant, has suddenly been experiencing severe abdominal pain. Should we summon a royal physician for her?"

P.S.: That's all for today, please vote with your monthly tickets! I'll add another chapter the day after tomorrow! Should we call the imperial physician for Cha Cha?

(End of this chapter)