Di Ming

Chapter 437 I only ask for a promise, to be a subject of the Ming Dynasty forever!

Logically, after Zhu Yin occupied Nanjing, he should have taken the initiative to invite retired southern officials such as Shen Shixing to retire, at least to pretend to be interested in politics and show respect.

After all, they were highly prestigious, deeply rooted in the south, with disciples and former officials all over the country, representing the powerful Jiangnan gentry and southern merchant groups.

However, Zhu Yin did not invite retired officials like Shen Shixing. He knew they would never see eye to eye, and their conflict was irreconcilable.

It would be better not to meet at all.

But Zhu Yin also knew that even if he didn't invite them, Shen Shixing and the others would come uninvited.

“A night owl coming to the house, he doesn’t come unless he has something to say.” Zhu Yin said with a smile, handing the visiting card to Ning Caiwei. “It’s a good thing.”

"With Grand Secretary Shen here, how could I not see him? His students and former officials are all over the country, even the Minister of Revenue, Li Tingji, is his disciple."

Ning Caiwei narrowed her starry eyes slightly: "Very well, since they're here today, let's raise their awareness and let them see who the real ruler of the South is. Over the years, my trading company has faced great resistance in Jiangnan. They have almost monopolized major businesses such as salt, tea, textiles, grain, porcelain, and money lending, making it impossible for them to penetrate."

Ning Caiwei harbored deep resentment towards the powerful families of Jiangnan.

Her trading company found it difficult to get involved in the most profitable large-scale businesses in Jiangnan. They could only engage in emerging businesses that were not monopolized, such as milk candy, jade, pharmaceuticals, watches, and glass.

Her business ventures in China encountered the greatest resistance in the Jiangnan region.

Zhu Yin sneered: "In the imperial court and officialdom, these people are all high-ranking officials and gentlemen, always talking about the relationship between the emperor and his subjects, and the relationship between the country and the people. But their families and relatives are annexing land, monopolizing smuggling, and colluding with businessmen. The national treasury is empty, the people are poor, but these powerful families are rolling in money."

Throughout history and across the world, the two types of people who are most inconsistent in their words and deeds are monks and these aristocratic officials.

"Take the Shen family for example. They own 70,000 mu of paddy fields, more than 20,000 mu of cotton fields, more than 30,000 mu of mulberry orchards, 2,000 looms, 17 money shops, and 5 pawnshops. There are 10,000 to 20,000 people working as tenants, weavers, and laborers for the Shen family."

"And then there's the Xu family of Huating. They have three thousand slaves, their servants all carry Japanese swords, and their armor surpasses that of the border troops. They even use gold as chamber pots."

"But they are so rich, yet they resist taxes. By the end of this year, the total amount of national taxes owed by Suzhou and Songjiang prefectures has reached three million shi! Almost all of it is owed by these bureaucrats and landlords. The Xu family owes a total of 170,000 shi of taxes, and the Shen family owes a total of 80,000 shi of taxes. High-ranking officials owe large amounts, and low-ranking officials owe small amounts. Ordinary people not only cannot afford to pay taxes, but they also have to pay more to make up for their deficits!"

Ning Caiwei said, "But these powerful clans and aristocratic families have earned so much silver, yet they don't use it as capital; instead, they hoard it. They pay little tax and monopolize the market..."

Zhu Yin patted his wife's hand, "I know what you want to do. Isn't it to introduce a commercial tax law and a business law to crack down on their illegal monopolies? Don't worry, this is one of the key points of reform, and I will definitely promote it, but not now. The time is not right."

Ning Caiwei nodded: "I'm not in a hurry. We've been patient for so many years. Our new army isn't ready yet, and the south is unstable, so we can't move for the time being."

Zhu Yin laughed and said, "I'll go out to greet them; I still need to see them. You go and breastfeed Yingning; the baby needs more breast milk. Two pacifiers for one child—isn't that a blessing enough?"

One moment they're talking about important matters, the next they're spouting vulgarities.

"Ugh!" Ning Caiwei laughed and scolded, "Get lost. I wouldn't even give you a penny to waste."

Zhu Yin laughed heartily, "Look, this is the true face of capitalists; they pour milk away and won't even give it to the poor..."

As he spoke, he left the room amidst the woman's giggling laughter, heading out of the mansion to greet Shen Shixing and the others.

Caiwei kicked him out of thin air and waved her fist at the little tiger's back.

……

A row of carriages and sedan chairs were parked in front of the screen wall at the gate of the Duke's mansion.

Several elderly men with white hair and beards stepped out of the sedan chair one after another. They were all dressed in plain clothes, wearing square headscarves, and leaning on dove-headed canes. Each of them had a noble demeanor and elegant bearing.

Although they had retired and returned to their hometowns, they still carried the dignified air of someone strolling through the imperial court.

The leader was former Grand Secretary Shen Shixing, who, though over sixty, still retained the composure of his former self, a composure that had brought harmony to the world. Following him was Xu Guo, a lean man as upright as a pine tree, his eyes revealing an unyielding sharpness.

Next, Wang Yi'e, who was slightly overweight, got out of the sedan chair and was panting, leaning on a bamboo cane. Behind him were Wang Daokun, Zhou Shixuan, Chen Younian, and others, making a total of eight people.

Each of them was a very important figure in the imperial court back then.

Today, the Zhu family is truly blessed with the presence of four revered figures.

A group of dignified old gentlemen stood in front of the Zhu Mansion, leaning on their canes and looking at the inscriptions on the plaques reading "Duke of Ningguo Mansion" and "Grand Governor's Mansion," shaking their heads and sighing softly in a daze.

They had visited this magnificent mansion before. However, back then, it was still Li Tingzhu's Marquisate.

In just over a month, the original owner perished in the Yangtze River. This once-famous, luxurious mansion in Nanjing then became known as the Ningguo Duke's Mansion or the Grand Governor's Mansion!
Overnight, the eldest son of the emperor, Prince Xin, ascended the throne in Nanjing, and the once-renowned child prodigy, Zhu Lang of Jiangzuo, became the powerful regent in the south.

It really feels like stepping into another world.

While sighing, Shen Shixing and the others felt a deep sadness in their hearts.

How did the country become like this? This is not only a division between North and South, with two Ming dynasties standing side by side, but also a tragedy of human relations, a subversion of social order, and a complete collapse of the rites and teachings.

Of all the events since the founding of the nation, none is more heartbreaking than this second Jingnan Rebellion. Even the Jingnan Rebellion, the Tumu Crisis, the Nangong Rebellion, the Prince Ning Rebellion, the Great Rites Controversy, and the Succession Crisis… none are more painful and infuriating than this second Jingnan Rebellion!

Zhu Zhihu really hid himself too well, far too well.

This person's scheming is far-reaching, and his cunning is truly unfathomable. Thinking about it carefully is truly chilling.

He remained silent and humiliated as a county magistrate for three years, but when he finally made his move, it was a shocking and thunderous strike!
He was able to mobilize troops hidden overseas, secretly seize Nanjing, and even bribe many officials and generals in the south beforehand, thus successfully carrying out this grand scheme of deception and starting anew.

Not only did they turn the tide in one fell swoop, but they also seized control of the Southern Dynasty!

They were all seasoned officials who had seen countless people and experienced many trials, yet they could not find another young hero like Zhu Yin, a man of great cunning yet loyal nature, who was also scheming and ambitious.

But things have come to this point, and opposing Zhu Yin is futile. The key is how to handle the aftermath and achieve peace and stability in the country.

But for the sake of the Ming Dynasty and the well-being of the people, we have no choice but to come together today to meet this so-called regent, the Jiangning clan!
“Master Xuan,” Wang Yi’e said to Shen Shixing, “Will Zhu Zhihu see us? Jiang Ningshi probably feels guilty and doesn’t want to see us.”

Shen Shixing stroked his beard and pondered, "Zhu Zhihu is known for his refined taste and high moral character, and he cherishes his reputation. If he does not meet with us, his reputation will be further damaged. I suspect that he will definitely meet with us."

“What Master Xuan says is absolutely right.” The gaunt Xu Guo nodded. “Zhu Zhihu is not a person who seeks fame and fortune. The reason he did not take the initiative to see us before was probably because he had his reasons. Today, we are old and have taken the initiative to come to see him. There is no reason for him to refuse to see us.”

The words had barely left his mouth when the heavily guarded servants at the gate bowed in unison and exclaimed, "My lord!"

Zhu Yin has finally come out.

Zhu Yin changed into casual clothes, wearing a square scarf on his head and a dark brown silk robe, and then personally came out to greet him.

Stepping out of the mansion gate, he saw the group of retired officials he had known since his days in Beijing. The nineteen-year-old Regent Grand Tutor chuckled, tucked his folding fan into his waistband, stood below the steps, bowed respectfully, and, with his hands above his eyebrows, laughed loudly:

"The golden wind blows through Nanjing, and the familiar place welcomes old friends."

"I am deeply honored by the presence of you gentlemen at my humble abode today. It is truly a great honor to have you grace my humble abode with your presence. You are most welcome!"

His face was as handsome as jade, his smile as gentle as a spring breeze, and his deep, bright eyes made one afraid to look directly at him. He was like a humble and refined gentleman, yet also like a sword hidden in its sheath, difficult to see through at a glance and impossible to judge in a single sentence.

After delivering the welcoming remarks, Zhu Yin once again performed the disciple's salute, bowing deeply and saying to each of them, "This junior greets Master Xuanweng, Master Yingyang, Master Yunqu, Master Nanming..."

However, he showed the utmost respect to his elders and seniors. At least in terms of etiquette, there was absolutely nothing to criticize or find fault with him, and he showed none of the airs of a powerful minister who was supposed to be a regent.

But those hands, clasped in a gesture of respect, were long, fair, and with distinct knuckles, clearly indicating that in addition to writing poetry, they could also draw a bow and shoot deer!

When Zhu Yin finished the ceremony, his gaze swept over the eight old ministers, taking in their expressions, and he said with a smile, "The maple leaves in the garden are in full bloom. I have prepared Yangxian tea for you to enjoy. Please, gentlemen."

He entered officialdom seven years ago, and while serving in Beijing, he received great favor from Shen Shixing, Xu Guo, and others. Shen Shixing and others also contributed to his becoming the tutor of the eldest prince.

During that period, these old gentlemen really liked him, this younger man from Jiangnan.

But times have changed, and things are no longer the same. They have retired and returned to their hometowns, and Zhu Yin is no longer the child prodigy he once was.

When the eight elders saw Zhu Yin, who was both familiar and unfamiliar, they felt a mix of emotions and were quite moved.

The innocent, childlike Zhu Lang of Jiangzuo is no more. In his place is this cunning, treacherous, and seemingly loyal minister.

Where has that bright and clear-minded young man gone?

Is there anything more regrettable or tragic than this in the world?

"Gentlemen, please!" Zhu Yin said again, "Play the music!"

The musical instruments at the gate of the mansion suddenly filled the air with melodious strings and zithers, playing the "Chaoyuan Song" to welcome the distinguished guests. The solemn and elegant music was very much in line with the status of Shen Shixing and his entourage.

The music and rituals interrupted the eight elders' thoughts. They all raised their hands in response and followed Zhu Yin into the courtyard.

After entering, the host and guests stood in front of the courtyard, bowed to each other again, and then continued inside.

The group passed through the moon gate and saw a courtyard surrounded by white walls, where century-old maple trees were in full bloom, and a novel clock hung on the tree, its copper pendulum swinging back and forth, ticking away.

This is the self-ringing clock that is now popular all over the country. It is an exclusive product of Ningyin Trading Company, and there is no other one like it in the world.

After entering the main hall and passing through three moon gates, we arrived at the serene and picturesque Dan Garden and were invited to sit down in a semi-open-air tea room.

In the courtyard, one can see exquisite Taihu stones, and dozens of red maple trees planted along the winding stream, their red leaves falling on the green moss like drops of blood.

The tea served by the page was Beiyuan Longtuan and Yangxian, the tea soup clear and green in the white porcelain cup. The tea tray, made of sandalwood, was engraved with the "Preface to the Orchid Pavilion," its source elegant and subtle.

"Master Xuan, Lord Yingyang, Mr. Yunqu... I am unworthy of such a humble servant, yet I have troubled you gentlemen to come and visit me." Zhu Yin sat down and bowed deeply to the ground, his manners impeccable.

However, as an old friend, he never mentioned the stories from Beijing back then. This distant attitude was clear, indicating that he wanted to keep his distance and was unwilling to get too close. It was nothing more than polite formality.

Shen Shixing knew what was going on, sighed slightly, and said, "Young Tiger, there's no need for such formalities. We old men from the mountains and forests have only come to invite you for a cup of tea because we've heard that your residence boasts the most beautiful autumn scenery in Jinling."

This was, of course, a veiled criticism. Although Li Tingzhu's overstepping and expansion of his marquisate was magnificent and exquisite, and indeed famous for its spring and autumn scenery, how could it possibly be worthy of being called the most beautiful autumn scenery in Jinling?

Everyone smiled knowingly, as if this were truly just an ordinary gathering. Zhu Yin personally poured tea and asked with great ease, "Is Master Xuan still compiling the 'Commentary on the Book of Rites'?"

Shen Shixing held up his cup and smiled slightly: "In my old age, I am merely reminiscing and amusing myself. It is Zhihu who still has the leisure to cultivate such an elegant place, which I truly envy. Li Tingzhu is a man who loves to enjoy life, and his Marquis's mansion is quite nice."

Logically, he was a retired official, living a life of leisure. Zhu Yin, on the other hand, was the Regent Grand Tutor, the emperor's teacher, wielding immense power. Given their reversed status and power, he should have addressed Zhu Yin as Grand Tutor or Duke.

However, he did not address him as "Young Tiger." This indicates that he not only adopted the posture of an elder, but also did not acknowledge Zhu Yin as the Regent Grand Tutor, or even the Southern Dynasty. Moreover, by saying that the Duke's mansion was Li Tingzhu's residence, he was implying that Zhu Yin had usurped power and committed murder to seize wealth.

Zhu Yin smiled calmly, fully aware of Shen Shixing and the others' attitude.

Are they resorting to taking advantage of their age out of desperation?

Many people thought Shen Shixing was a morally upright gentleman with impeccable personal integrity. But Zhu Yin disagreed.

Shen Shixing's political enemies criticized him, saying, "Shixing is sinister and ruthless, hence the name 'Old Man Transformed from a Black Serpent.'" They said that Shen Shixing was a black serpent in disguise, a cunning and treacherous old man who only appeared honest and kind.

In fact, Zhu Yin had long harbored resentment towards Shen Shixing's methods of accumulating wealth.

Shen Shixing was indeed a wise and experienced statesman who diligently sought to make the emperor like Yao and Shun, possessing political ideals of governing the country and bringing peace to the world. He was truly a classical statesman.

However, the old man's personal morality and selfishness were enough to make it difficult for Zhu Yin to respect him.

In order to amass wealth, Shen colluded with Xu Xinsu, a prominent sea merchant, and used his power to engage in large-scale smuggling, earning tens of thousands of taels of silver annually from this alone.

He also accepted large bribes.

Although both were Grand Secretaries, Shen Shixing was much wealthier than Zhang Juzheng.

This house is beautiful, but the Shen family isn't without its own property.

In the Jiangnan business community, there is a slang term called "Xuanli," which means a generous gift given to Xuan Weng. In fact, it is a euphemism for bribing the Shen family.

Zhu Yin smiled and said, "I am a servant of the emperor, and I must serve him faithfully. I am fortunate to have been granted this house by His Majesty, which allows me to enjoy the beauty of autumn in this courtyard. I suppose His Majesty is currently admiring chrysanthemums in the palace."

Zhu Yin spoke with wit and sarcasm, using "the current emperor" and "the emperor" with remarkable naturalness.

You don't want to acknowledge Emperor Taichang, but I'm going to bring it up anyway.

Xu Guo suddenly coughed, and the teacups clattered on the tray.

Wang Yi'e quickly smoothed things over: "I heard that Zhihu recently acquired a scroll of Su Dongpo's calligraphy? That's a fine piece; may I have a look?"

"Mr. Yunqu has such keen eyes and ears." Zhu Yin chuckled and clapped his hands to order his servant to bring the scroll.

When Kangxi and Qianlong brought it over, Zhu Yin unfolded it and said, "It is indeed the original copy of 'Ode to the Red Cliff,' but unfortunately it is incomplete."

Shen Shixing stared at the tattered paper in the scroll and suddenly said, "Even things are like this, how can people bear it? When Su Shi was exiled to Huangzhou, he still looked north towards the Central Plains. Now, although Jiangnan is beautiful, it is not perfect."

The tea room fell silent, save for the rustling of maple leaves and the murmuring of the stream.

Zhu Yin slowly rolled up the scroll, his casual smile not reaching his eyes: "Master Xuan, are there deeper meanings in your words? The beauty of Jiangnan remains the same, and the songs of Qinhuai are still as they were. What makes you say such a thing?"

Xu Guo suddenly straightened up: "I am not good at scheming, so I will speak frankly. The young tiger has taken the prince to occupy Nanjing and divided the land. Is this the way of a subject? With the emperor sitting in the Forbidden City in the north and the prince living in a corner in the south, this is not a blessing for the country."

"How could such a thing be possible since ancient times? Even if the princes of Qi were to fight with their armor on, that would only happen after Duke Huan's death. How could father and son stand on equal footing while the ruler and father are still in court? Your act of pacifying the rebellion is the greatest farce in the world, defying all conventions. How is it any different from making a fool of yourself?"

Zhu Yin calmly poured more tea: "Master Xu is mistaken. In the past, during the Jingnan Campaign, Emperor Chengzu also started his rebellion in Beijing and eventually ascended the throne. Although the current emperor is young, he is the eldest son of the retired emperor and is acting on the mandate of heaven. How can there be talk of a partial peace or division of territories?"

"Furthermore, when An Lushan rebelled, Emperor Xuanzong fled to Shu, and Emperor Suzong ascended the throne in Lingwu. Was that also a case of father and son fighting each other and dividing up the territory?"

After saying that, he calmly drank his tea.

"Emperor Chengzu raised an army to eliminate treacherous officials, not to seize territory." Shen Shixing's voice was as gentle as tea. "As for the story of Emperor Suzong, that was also a time of national crisis, an extraordinary time. An Lushan had already captured Chang'an, and the Tang Dynasty was in imminent danger. Could Emperor Suzong not take extraordinary measures? This was a matter of expediency."

"But our Great Ming Dynasty is peaceful and prosperous. Although His Majesty has made mistakes, he is ultimately not a tyrant like Jie or Zhou."

“Young Tiger, if you truly harbor loyalty and righteousness, why not face north and pay homage to the Emperor?”

"To know one's mistakes and be able to correct them is of utmost importance."

Zhu Yin chuckled: "Have you not heard, Master Xuan, that the Duke of Zhou feared rumors and Wang Mang was humble before his usurpation? If I were to lay down my arms and return north today, I fear I would die without a burial place within ten days."

Wang Yi'e hurriedly said, "Zhihu is overthinking it. As long as Zhihu is willing to promote the unification of the North and South, we will do our best to mediate and get His Majesty to issue an edict to pardon him and reinstate him to his original position."

Zhu Yin held his cup and gazed at Feng for a long time before saying, "I appreciate your kind intentions, gentlemen. However, the people of the South have suffered under the tax collectors for too long. How can we bear to send them into the tiger's den again?"

Xu Guo's expression darkened: "This is absurd! How can the fundamental principles of ruler-subject and father-son relationships be abandoned because of a temporary malpractice?"

Shen Shixing gently pressed Xu Guo's wrist and calmly replied, "Young tiger, you worry about the country and its people, and I feel the same way. However, the great principle of the Spring and Autumn Annals is to respect the king. No matter how many reasons there are, dividing the land and dividing the territory is never the right way. You are a genius of all time, why follow the example of Huan Wen and leave a bad name for posterity?"

"How will historians write about you in the future?"

Zhu Yin smiled and said, "Master Xuan has quoted extensively from classical texts, and I have no intention of refuting him. But may I ask you gentlemen, if I were to return north now, could I guarantee that the Emperor Emeritus would not depose the Emperor? Could I guarantee the lives and property of myself and the ministers of the Southern Dynasty? Could I guarantee that the mining supervisors and tax collectors would not return?"

"And what guarantees do you gentlemen offer?"

The eight elders remained silent. Suddenly, an autumn wind rose outside the window, swirling red leaves like rain, much like the sighs of these old men.

Zhu Yin leaned forward, his voice suddenly becoming solemn: "Is the world truly still a peaceful and prosperous age, with calm seas and tranquil rivers? Ten years ago, perhaps so. But what kind of world is it now? After this Jingnan Rebellion, I arrested eight tax supervisors and confiscated twelve million taels of silver! That's three times the tax revenue of the Ministry of Revenue in Beijing!"

"This is all the hard-earned money of the people. Is this still a peaceful and prosperous era? I cannot change the Emperor Emeritus, nor can I make the emperor like Yao and Shun. So I can only settle for supporting the Crown Prince, even if it means being condemned."

"Do you gentlemen know of the Suzhou weavers' riot last year? Do you know of the dozens of cotton farmers in Songjiang who hanged themselves? If it weren't for my efforts to quell the rebellion, how many more years would these tax supervisors have continued to wreak havoc? The Emperor Emeritus treated Jiangnan like a money bag, taking every penny and using it for nothing. What I have done is merely to leave a glimmer of hope for Jiangnan, and then, to seek a glimmer of hope for the entire world."

Even if I were to cause a major upheaval, I would have no regrets.

Zhu Yin spoke eloquently, his voice slow and deep, yet the firmness in his words was as resounding as iron, each word startling.

His hand holding the teapot was as steady as a rock: "Tea may be good, but it must be carefully brewed over a lively fire. Similarly, even the best laws must be adapted to local conditions, otherwise they will backfire. How much more so bad laws and bad policies? They will only make things worse and more evil."

Before he finished speaking, the clock suddenly struck, startling a flock of birds roosting under the eaves. It was as if his words were a warning to the world.

Shen Shixing took a sip of tea and said slowly, "I recently read the Book of Changes and came across the hexagram 'Ming Yi,' which depicts the sun setting below the earth and its light being obstructed. I thought about how the north and south are now separated by a great distance, which coincides with the hexagram."

Zhu Yin smiled slightly: "Xuanweng's interpretation is brilliant. However, the commentary says: 'The light enters the earth, which is called Mingyi. The superior man governs the people by using obscurity to achieve brightness.' Sometimes obscurity is a harbinger of light. When it is time to change, one must change."

“Take this self-ringing clock for example.” He pointed to the large clock produced in Daishan. “It can teach people to know the time and sense the passage of time. It is more intuitive and convenient than a water clock. Isn’t that great?”

Xu Guo shook his head upon hearing this, feeling that Zhu Yin was stubborn and unyielding.

Shen Shixing suddenly pointed to a twin maple tree outside the window: "Two blossoms on one tree, it's not a long-lasting relationship. I'm reminded of the story in the Spring and Autumn Annals of Duke Zhuang of Zheng defeating Duan at Yan, the calamity of brothers fighting each other, and I always feel a pang of regret when I read it. How much more so for the closest of kin, the most important of social order. Alas—"

Zhu Yin gazed at the twin maple leaves for a long time, then said softly, "Does Master Xuan know the origin of this tree? Last year, lightning struck the main trunk, and a side branch sprouted two heads. The gardener originally intended to cut off one branch, but I allowed them to coexist."

He personally poured tea for Shen Shixing, saying, "Master Xuan, sometimes extraordinary signs are precisely where life lies."

Wang Yi'e said, "Child Tiger, have you read Fang Xiaoru's 'On Profound Contemplation'? It says in it: 'Those who contemplate the world always plan for what is difficult and neglect what is easy.'"

Zhu Yin, however, smiled knowingly and said sarcastically, "I prefer the idea of ​​'unity of knowledge and action.' For example, when a doctor sees a carbuncle, he should prick it when necessary. How can he delay because of fear of pain and thus worsen the condition?"

Xu Guo suddenly coughed violently, and a servant boy quickly handed him a spittoon. The frail old man, his breathing finally calming, said in a hoarse voice:

"I am old and nearing my end. When a person is about to die, their words are often wise. The world is held together by the fundamental principles of morality. Do you know that from now on, the emperor's authority will be lost, and the story of the Five Dynasties may repeat itself? What kind of chaotic world will that be? Do you want to relive that Saha world?"

Zhu Yin's gaze was deep and profound: "If the emperor's prestige is too great, then it is not something a monarch can bear. Mencius said, 'The people are of utmost importance.' The emperor's prestige is indeed important, but if the people are suffering and the country is in dire straits, then the emperor's prestige is no different from the tyranny of Jie and Zhou. What good is it then?"

Shen Shixing's tone suddenly became serious: "I recently observed the celestial phenomena and saw that the Purple Palace Enclosure was dim, while the Southern Dipper was bright. I recalled that during the time of warlordism at the end of the Han Dynasty, I also saw a similar celestial phenomenon."

Zhu Yin looked up and chuckled: "Master Xuan is well-versed in astronomy, and I admire him greatly. However, the universe is boundless, and time is endless. Perhaps the brightness of the Southern Dipper is a sign of a change in the celestial order?"

Shen Shixing was speechless, and just stared at Zhu Yin with a helpless expression.

Wang Daokun, who had been silent all along, suddenly stood up and pointed to the "Ten Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" painting on the wall, saying, "This painting is magnificent, but it is a pity that it only depicts the scenery of Jiangnan. In the past, Wang Ximeng painted "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains," which captured the scenery of the whole world."

Zhu Yin understood, and gave Wang Daokun a deep look: "Master Wang has discerning eyes. This painting should have continued with the scenery of the northern lands, but alas, the paper is insufficient to express the sentiment."

He suddenly understood the true purpose of Shen Shixing and the others' visit.

Shen Shixing and others never expected him to agree to submit to the Northern Dynasty and end the division between the North and South.

It's not that they don't want to, it's that they know very well they won't agree.

Their real goal is a second-best option!

As expected, Shen Shixing stared at the tea smoke and slowly said, "Young Tiger's painstaking efforts are something this old man cannot be unaware of. However..."

He looked up and stared directly at Zhu Yin, saying, “In the ‘Memorial on Dispatching the Troops,’ it is said: ‘I was originally a commoner, tilling the fields in Nanyang, barely surviving in this chaotic world, not seeking fame or recognition among the princes.’”

Zhu Yin's smile gradually faded: "The late emperor's three visits to my home have shown me great kindness, and Zhuge Liang devoted himself wholeheartedly to my duties. Although I am not talented, I also understand the importance of the relationship between ruler and subject."

“In that case,” Shen Shixing said, his eyes gleaming, “we have no other requests but for the promise of the young tiger: that no matter how the world changes in the future, he will forever be a subject of the Ming Dynasty.”

The phrase "to be a subject of the Ming Dynasty forever" naturally means to be loyal to Emperor Taichang forever and not to attempt to usurp the throne.

This is Shen Shixing and his group's real purpose!
...

P.S.: Please give me some monthly votes! I've been pushed out of the top 500 again, which is really frustrating.

(End of this chapter)