The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 145 Rootless Tree

Jiajing's armchair was spacious and exquisite, while Zhu Zaizhen's was just a small wooden stool without even a backrest or armrests, but he was still very satisfied. He had never heard of anyone being able to soak their feet with their father.

After all, this is a private matter.

Zhu Zaizhen sat on a small wooden stool. The eunuch added water three times to test the temperature and added a herbal medicine packet containing mugwort, polygala, and poria to the water.

Then the palace maids took off his shoes and socks and soaked his feet. Zhu Zaizhen sighed comfortably, the comfortable feeling spreading from his bottom up, making his whole body begin to relax.

Seeing this, Jiajing was much relieved. Prince Yu had already fallen ill, and Prince Jing absolutely could not be harmed.

Although he was unwilling to admit it, he knew that immortality was not so easy, otherwise he would not have built a mausoleum.

Construction of the Wannian Jirang Mausoleum began in the fifteenth year of the Jiajing reign (1546) and lasted for ten years, costing millions of taels of silver. Its scale far surpassed that of previous emperors, second only to the Changling Mausoleum of the Chengzu Emperor.

Suddenly, Jiajing closed the Tao Te Ching, shut his eyes, and leaned back in his chair. Because of the large movement, his feet kicked up some water droplets in the basin, and then he inexplicably began to chant verses.

"A rootless tree, its flowers just beginning to bloom, grows old and new branches are grafted on."

Plum blossoms are grafted onto willows, mulberry trees onto pear trees; this is a model for those who cultivate immortality.

Since ancient times, immortals have used grafting techniques, and it turns out there are medicines to cure old age.

Seek out renowned teachers, inquire about methods, and begin practicing swiftly—it's never too late to learn.

Zhu Zaizhen had specifically studied many Taoist classics, so he was naturally familiar with this poem. It was one of Zhang Sanfeng's poems, "The Rootless Tree," and its meaning was simple: alchemy and cultivation could lead to rejuvenation.

After the emperor finished speaking, the hall fell silent. No one dared to speak up. Answering this kind of verse correctly would bring no benefit, while answering incorrectly would anger the emperor.

Jiajing did not open his eyes, but asked, "You have also read and copied many Taoist classics. Tell me, what is the meaning of this 'planting'?"

Without asking, he would not speak; but if asked, he would answer properly. Zhu Zaizhen thought for a moment and then said, "In my humble opinion, as people age, their essence and energy gradually decline. The so-called grafting is a method of nourishing and preserving life with elixirs and breathing exercises to continue the innate vital energy, replenish the depleted essence, and allow the body to regain vitality, thus prolonging life and rejuvenating."

Upon hearing this, Jiajing simply said, "It's a bit shallow, but it's not wrong. So tell me, how should the country take over?"

Zhu Zaizhen looked down at the medicine packet in the water and said, "Your subject is ignorant and dares not speak rashly about the country. I do whatever I see. If there are disaster victims, I provide disaster relief. If I think that the northern barbarians may move south, I find people to repair the city walls. I don't think about what I haven't seen."

"It's that simple?"

"yes.

Jiajing chuckled, but it was so brief that it was impossible to tell whether he was satisfied or mocking.

"Slippery."

Zhu Zaizhen did not respond. Huang Jin served Jiajing, carefully wiping his feet from toes to calves with a double-layered brocade towel, leaving no moisture. He quickly massaged several acupoints, then immediately put on soft cloth socks and slippers.

Zhu Zaizhen immediately indicated that it was fine, and did not ask for a massage. Being able to soak their feet together was already a great favor. To really enjoy himself so casually in Yongshou Palace would be crazy.

"Your subject thanks Your Majesty," Zhu Zaizhen said with a smile.

"Running around like this, what's the result?"

"When I saw that there was an upright man under Commander Lu, I thought of the eldest son of the Duke of Cheng who was eager to make a name for himself."

Upon hearing this, Jiajing understood immediately and simply said, "Barely passable."

Zhu Zaizhen sighed: "I heard from Grand Secretary Yan that the court has allocated 300,000 taels of silver, but it has had no effect. My clumsy method can at least allow the city wall to be barely re-erected."

In fact, this matter was not difficult for Jiajing. When an emperor really wants to accomplish something, no one can stop him, let alone just repairing a section of the city wall. However, in such a vast country, there is more than just Gubeikou.

If you manage this, you have to manage that; you live for others until you die. You can build a high and thick wall, but if people's hearts are corrupt, it will only be a paper barrier. Instead of exhausting yourself to repair this broken mess, it is better to seek the Great Dao and longevity. It is never too late to start cultivating. Isn't the wise saying of Zhang Sanfeng clear enough?

Jiajing's gaze fell on Zhu Zaizhen. This son was like him, especially like him when he had just ascended the throne. He wanted to do things, wanted to manage everything, and dared to be the first in the world.

He ran around doing disaster relief and building walls, but didn't bring a single tael of silver back to his palace. The few he tried to win over were far fewer than the many he offended. The name of the prince whose property was confiscated had already spread to the south. What was the point of all this?

"Do as you say. Don't leave the palace for the time being."

"promise."

Zhu Zaizhen was prepared, so he readily agreed. The Ming Dynasty would continue to function without him; he would do what was asked of him and retire if not. There would always be a time when he would be in charge.

When he took his leave, Jiajing also asked Huang Jin to find a copy of "The Golden Elixir Direct Guide" and give it to his son.

Zhu Zaizhen returned to his palace with the book, ate a simple dinner, and began to read. It discussed the cultivation of both body and spirit, the principle of governing life through spirit, the importance of the mysterious gate, the use of lead and mercury, and the natural control of fire, thus preserving one's true nature—

Prince Yu woke up groggily in the night, coughing weakly twice. His attendant immediately brought him warm water to drink.

-

After taking two sips, Prince Yu shifted uncomfortably and whispered, "My lord, I think I need to pee."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Cheng comforted him, saying, "This servant will assist Your Highness in changing your clothes and bedding right away. It's nothing, Your Highness need not worry about it. This servant will instruct the servants to ensure that no one will gossip about it."

"kindness."

Just as he was changing clothes, Zhao Cheng was startled, then smiled and said, "Your Highness didn't wet the bed. This is a sign that your vital energy is beginning to stir and your blood and qi are gradually becoming sufficient. You've grown up."

"Yeah?"

"This servant will have to inform Your Highness in a moment."

"Ah?" Prince Yu's face flushed red. "Didn't your attendant say we wouldn't tell anyone?!"

"No, no, it's not just Your Highness. If possible, we should also inform the West Garden."

"Father, Mother—" Prince Yu murmured before asking, "How is Mother?"

"Your Highness, rest assured, once Her Majesty knows this news, she will certainly forget about being angry."

That day, Consort Kang had just woken up when she was so angered by the Taoist priests who were performing an exorcism that she fainted again. The imperial physician was so frightened that he almost fainted as well. The situation was so dangerous that he could only prescribe a calming prescription that he dared not use normally.

This stabilized Consort Kang's condition, and she finally didn't faint again, but she remained depressed. Now, finally, there is some good news.

After instructing his men to take good care of His Highness, Zhao Cheng quickly arrived at Zhongcui Palace, announced his arrival, and knelt by the bedside to report.

The bedchamber was filled with the bitter smell of medicine and the heavy scent of incense ash. Consort Kang, née Du, leaned against the soft couch, her brows furrowed with weariness, pain, and gloom.

Consort Kang's tone remained sharp: "What is it now? Did His Majesty promote Lady Lu to Imperial Noble Consort again, or even directly bestow upon her the title of Empress?"

"No, Your Highness has good news to tell you."

Consort Kang propped herself up, the thin blanket slipped off, and her fair and radiant skin was very noticeable in the dim light; she was only in her early thirties.

"A happy occasion? Haha, I really don't know what kind of happy occasion there is."

Zhao Cheng lowered his head: "Just now, while serving Your Highness, I realized that Your Highness's primordial yang is beginning to stir, which is a sign of the growth of qi and blood and the coming of age of a young man."

The imperial physicians had previously said that His Highness's constitution was weak and his vital energy was difficult to accumulate. Now, with these signs, it is clear that his long-term depleted health is improving.

Upon hearing this, Madam Du was stunned and burst into tears: "Heaven has eyes and has finally shown me some mercy."

"Your Majesty, please don't cry. This is a joyous occasion. If we tell His Majesty, perhaps—"

"No, we cannot inform His Majesty." Consort Kang's gaze gradually hardened: "Go and call Caiyun over."

"Caiyun?" Zhao Cheng knew that she was a palace maid whom the Empress had promoted some time ago. She was young, loved to laugh, and had outstanding looks.

He immediately understood Consort Kang's plan: "Your Highness—this will not do. His Highness is still too young. We should wait at least two more years before making a decision."

"In two years? In two years, Prince Jing will have become the Crown Prince!" Consort Kang wiped away her tears. "My son is the eldest son, and he has given birth to His Majesty's eldest grandson. I don't believe His Majesty and the court officials can remain indifferent."

"But His Highness's mind is not mature enough, and his body cannot withstand it."

Zhao Cheng still tried to persuade him, but he had served Prince Yu since childhood and knew that he was physically weak. Forcing him to grow up would be like pulling up seedlings to help them grow.

"What's wrong with that? My brother got married when he was fourteen or fifteen."

"Too early—" Zhao Cheng was filled with regret. He should have suppressed it if he had known.

"Enough!" Consort Kang interrupted him sharply, her chest heaving a few times before her voice lowered, carrying a hint of sinister resolve.

"Do you think I would willingly force my own son? But look at the palace, Lady Lu is riding high, Zhu Zaizhen is jumping around, even His Majesty treats him differently. The position of heir should rightfully belong to my son. Why should it be given to them, mother and son?"

Zhao Cheng knelt down and kowtowed: "Your Majesty, please reconsider."

"Fine, even you won't listen to me anymore. Then get out of the palace and stop serving us, mother and son."

"This—I'll go."

Soon, he brought Caiyun over, and the two knelt before the bed.

"Caiyun, come here."

She is sixteen or seventeen years old this year, with almond-shaped eyes, peach-blossom cheeks, and a tall figure.

"Yes."

She got up and walked forward. Consort Kang reached out and touched her chest. Caiyun was startled, but dared not dodge or block.

"His Highness likes you, do you know that?"

Caiyun immediately knelt down: "This servant didn't know, this servant would never dare to seduce Your Highness, Your Majesty, please be aware, this servant has barely spoken a few words to Your Highness."

"What are you afraid of? My son likes you; that's your good fortune!"

"Yes."

"If you are a good mother, you will move to the warm pavilion next to Prince Yu's bedroom to serve him day and night. Pay close attention to everything, understand?"

Upon hearing this, Caiyun understood everything. Ever since her sudden promotion, her fellow palace maids had guessed what was going on, and she had learned many things from her older sister.

Caiyun blushed and twisted the hem of her dress with her slender fingers: "This servant understands, and will certainly take good care of Your Highness."

Consort Kang felt inexplicably distressed seeing her like this, but she knew that this was the last chance; if it was any later, there would be no hope at all.

She was unwilling to accept this. Even if she couldn't be the empress, she wanted to be the empress dowager, to enjoy the honor and glory, to bestow titles upon her father and honors upon her mother, and to ensure that the Du family could be wealthy for generations to come.