The struggle for the throne during the Jiajing reign

Chapter 162 Decree

In mid-February, the emperor finally emerged from the pass and summoned his ministers to an audience.

Due to taking elixirs and meditating for days, Jiajing's face became somewhat thin, and his eyes were half-open and half-closed, as if his soul was still wandering the world.

Yan Song, Xu Jie, Lu Bing, and the officials of the Six Ministries, all dressed in their finest attire, held their breath and remained silent, none daring to utter a word or make a rash move.

Suddenly, the emperor's cold voice struck their hearts: "Before I went into seclusion, I sent people to inspect Xianling Mausoleum. They reported that the mausoleum walls were waterlogged, the wood was rotten, and the tiles were falling off. The place had not been repaired at all."

The officials immediately knelt down, and Yan Song, trembling, was about to remove his official hat again. This involved the mausoleums of Emperor Ruizong and Empress Cixiao, which was a momentous event.

Yan Song felt that his own official position might not be enough, and even the Duke of Cheng and the Duke of Ying, who had always stayed out of it, began to tremble.

"This—this is utterly disrespectful! I beg Your Majesty to issue an edict ordering a thorough investigation and severe punishment!"

"We were negligent and beg Your Majesty to punish us."

Jiajing slowly rose, dressed in a plain-colored Taoist robe with the hem hanging down, and stood on the high imperial platform.

His tone was calm: "Every year, imperial edicts are issued to Huguang, and every year the local authorities report that everything is peaceful. There is a chain of cover-ups and shirking of responsibility, which has led to small problems accumulating into big ones. Today you want to investigate thoroughly, but are you investigating the minor officials in the prefectures and counties, or the governors and the three departments?"

"We, your humble servants, have—"

"Enough." Jiajing stepped down, and the kneeling officials crawled to make way for him, until only a pair of cloth shoes walked past him lightly.

Emperor Jiajing said in a nonchalant tone: "I do not blame anyone. Local officials are lowly and powerless, and they only want to cover up the truth. They dare not build imperial tombs without authorization, not because they are lazy, but because they are too lowly to bear the weight of the ancestral temple."

Everyone was stunned, finding it hard to believe that His Majesty had been so magnanimous this time.

Yan Song became increasingly cautious. Based on his understanding of His Majesty, there must be something big going on, but he hadn't received a single hint of it. Could it be that His Majesty was planning another southern tour to pay homage to his ancestors?

The acting Vice Minister of Rites volunteered, saying, "I request permission to go and repair the Xianling Mausoleum."

Upon hearing this, the others also volunteered. They wouldn't even need to lift a finger to repair the mausoleum; they would simply sit and supervise, complete the procedures, and be rewarded with a promotion upon completion—it was a cushy job!

Emperor Jiajing stood slowly in the hall, listening to the clamor of the crowd vying for credit, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.

They lack the courage to take responsibility, but are incredibly eager to claim credit.

Xu Jie hesitated for a moment, unable to guess the situation either, and could only submit the safest suggestion: "Your Majesty, should we send the Duke of Cheng or one of the two imperial sons-in-law to oversee this matter?"

His Majesty's two younger sisters also passed away young, but their two husbands are still alive. According to tradition, the husbands are considered sons-in-law.

It is reasonable for someone of his status to supervise the repair of Xianling Mausoleum.

"I am not at ease."

One sentence left everyone speechless. Did His Majesty intend to go himself?

Xia Bangmo, the Minister of Revenue, turned pale. The emperor's southern tour was no small matter. With thousands of carriages and horses, supplies were provided by palaces along the way, and sacrifices were offered at the imperial tombs. The people in the former residence of the emperor would certainly be treated well, at least with tax exemptions for several years.

He was determined to oppose it resolutely. At worst, he would be dismissed from his post and sent back to his hometown to retire. But if he didn't leave, the position of Minister of Revenue would become a death trap!

Just as Xia Bangmo was filled with determination, Jiajing slowly spoke up: "The mausoleum is the foundation of the country and the family, and parents are the foundation of human relations. Local officials are not enough to take this matter seriously. It would be too much trouble for me to go there in person. Fortunately, I have two sons who have both married and established their own households. They are able to conduct themselves in the world and understand etiquette and law."

I intend to select a prince to represent me on a southern tour to Chengtian, to personally visit Xianling Mausoleum, offer sacrifices at the ancestral tombs, supervise the construction of the mausoleum, and inspect the guards of the mausoleum's inhabitants.

"On my behalf, fulfill your filial duties as a son, rectify the regulations for the imperial mausoleum, and eliminate the abuses of local officials shirking responsibility."

Xia Bangmo was overjoyed, as if listening to celestial music, and immediately exclaimed, "Your Majesty is wise!"

This sudden outburst nearly made the Minister of Works faint.

Even Jiajing couldn't help but glance at him. Although the Ministry of Revenue had a deficit, this man was still considered loyal.

The others also did the math: a prince going would be just as good as an imperial envoy, which is better than His Majesty going in person.

However, the crucial question is which of the two princes will go to offer sacrifices at Xianling.

Now that the two princes are now part of the dynasty, they absolutely cannot agree to let them leave the capital together. If something were to happen, the Ming dynasty would not be able to bear it.

In this way, although it would be safer to stay in the capital, the most important matters of state are sacrifice and war. Personally going to Xianling to offer sacrifices and fulfill filial piety on behalf of the emperor would be of great significance in the eyes of the people.

Duke Zhu Xizhong of Cheng and Duke Zhang Rong of Ying exchanged a glance, then lowered their eyes and fell silent. They were not familiar with Prince Yu, but they were afraid of the prince who had his property confiscated, so they decided not to get involved.

The first to lose his composure was the Vice Minister of Rites, who immediately stepped forward and bowed: "Your Majesty, I believe that His Highness Prince Yu is the eldest son and is known for his benevolence and filial piety. In matters of ancestral temple sacrifices, the eldest son should be given priority. It would be in accordance with the rites to order His Highness Prince Yu to perform the sacrifices at Xianling."

Xu Jie unhesitatingly supported him, saying, "Sacrificial rites are of great importance, and the order of seniority cannot be disregarded. As the eldest son of the Emperor, His Highness Prince Yu is rightfully entitled to perform the sacrifices on behalf of His Majesty."

Minister of Works Wenming countered, "No, this trip south is not just to pay respects at the mausoleum, but also to oversee the construction of the mausoleum, which concerns the safety of Emperor Ruizong Xian's mausoleum."

His Highness Prince Jing previously oversaw disaster relief efforts in the capital region, managing finances, providing relief to displaced people, and cracking down on corrupt officials with remarkable efficiency, which was evident to all. In terms of competence, His Highness Prince Jing is indeed superior.

Commissioner Zhao Wenhua was even more blunt: "Prince Yu is kind and gentle by nature, but lacks experience. Recently, he has been troubled by the matter of Consort Kang."

"With his mind in turmoil and unsettled thoughts, he is unlikely to be fit to be an imperial envoy sent from afar, capable of independently managing all affairs."

These words hit the nail on the head, and Jiajing's expression also became more serious. If Consort Kang were to get into trouble, would Prince Yu still resent me for this behavior?

"Zhao Tongzheng is mistaken!" The Vice Minister of Rites continued to argue: "The most important thing in ancestral temple sacrifices is the rites. How can we put the cart before the horse? His Highness Prince Yu is known throughout the court and the country for his benevolence and filial piety. He is kind and pure in nature and is most suitable for the rites of worshipping Heaven and ancestors."

Xu Jie glanced at Yan Song, who remained silent, and his heart skipped a beat. If the argument continued like this, His Majesty would eventually ask the Grand Secretary for his opinion, at which point he would be able to make the final decision.

So he gritted his teeth and said, "In that case, it would be better if the two kings went out together."

Even the Qingliu faction found this hard to believe: "Absurd! The two princes are concerned with the foundation of the nation; how could they possibly leave the capital together?"

Yan's faction was overjoyed and quickly seized the opportunity: "Xu Jie's slanderous words deserve our execution!"

"Enough!" Under Xu Jie's tense gaze, Jiajing revealed a mocking smile and still asked Yan Song, "Grand Secretary Yan, what do you say?"

Yan Song slowly raised his head: "I believe that this mission is urgent, as the mausoleum of Emperor Xian of Ping is secure for all time. We should prioritize practical work over etiquette. We can send Prince Yu next time."

Jiajing nodded slowly: "As the Grand Secretary said, I hereby issue the following decree: Prince Yu shall remain in the capital to cultivate himself and diligently study court affairs. Prince Jing shall be appointed as the Imperial Envoy, carrying the imperial seal, to make a southern tour to Chengtian Prefecture on my behalf, to offer sacrifices to Emperor Ruizong and Empress Cixiao, and to oversee the construction of the imperial mausoleum."

Regarding the repairs.

Yan Song thought to himself, "As expected, His Majesty has left a way out and has not completely cut off Prince Yu's chance."

Xu Jie and others felt somewhat relieved to hear that Prince Yu could participate in court affairs.

What if—what if Prince Jing doesn't come back? After all, Prince Jing has never left the capital. What if he suffers from acclimatization problems if he goes south?

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Zhu Zaizhen received the imperial edict in the Chengyun Hall. The edict, made of bright yellow silk, was placed on the incense table. Officials from the Ministry of Rites stood solemnly on both sides, while Zhao Bichang led the officials of the Prince's Palace to kneel on the ground.

After the Ministry of Rites officials left, Zhu Zaizhen looked at his shocked and delighted subordinates and said, "The imperial edict has been issued. I will be traveling south soon, and you will accompany me on my duties."

"promise!"

His palace had nothing; he only needed to leave a few people to guard it, and the rest, one by one, should be taken away.

This incident will serve as a good opportunity to train our team.

Zhu Zaizhen instructed Zhao Bichang to arrange personnel, while he himself went straight to the Western Garden. The southern tour was a major event, and the auspicious day for departure had not yet been determined. He wanted to try to gain his father's support again.

When he arrived at the West Garden, Huang Jin was already waiting for him. After exchanging greetings, he entered the Yongshou Palace. Along the way, he saw several Taoist priests being dragged away, who kept begging for mercy.

"This is?"

"Your Highness, those men were trying to deceive His Majesty by taking a false route. Hu Dashun, Lan Tianyu, and Yuan Huan have been imprisoned in the Imperial Prison by His Majesty."

Huang Ban'er is straightforward, that's good.

"So that's how it is. Who could possibly deceive Father? They're courting death."

In Yongshou Palace, Zhu Zaizhen respectfully bowed and then looked up, frowning: "Why has Father Emperor become so thin?"

Huang Jin also seized the opportunity to advise, "Oh dear, Your Highness has already noticed, you—"

"Alright, I'll just use more of it these next few days."

Jiajing was both impatient and indulgent, clearly having already advised Huang Jin more than once.

"This servant will go and prepare some nourishing and restorative medicine."

Huang Jin happily led everyone away, leaving only the father and son in the hall.

Emperor Jiajing had been in seclusion for a long time and had not seen his son for quite some time. In addition, he would not be able to see him for a long time again soon, so he was in a peaceful state of mind.

"How is the residence in the capital? Are you settling in well?"

Zhu Zaizhen smiled and said, "I wasn't used to it at first, but I'm much better now. I just miss my father and mother."

The corners of Jiajing's mouth turned up slightly: "Didn't I already give you a pass?"

"Father is in seclusion, and I dare not disturb him. Mother prefers quiet, and besides, I am now a prince of the Prince's residence, so it is not appropriate for me to frequently visit the inner palace."

Emperor Jiajing liked this brat's sense of propriety in important matters, but Prince Yu was ignorant. He wasn't a physician, yet he ran around the inner palace every day without any manners.

It's a wonder those officials can spout such things as Prince Yu's benevolence, filial piety, and obedience every day.

He only thinks of his mother and completely disregards his emperor and father. Is this considered filial piety?

"The officials in the Prince's residence are all obedient. If there are any you don't like, replace them."

Zhu Zaizhen had a look of seeking credit on his face: "Reporting to Father Emperor, I have followed your teachings and been quite obedient after being reprimanded a few times."

That's more like it. Jiajing looked down on people who couldn't even manage their subordinates. According to the report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Prince Jing was powerful in managing his subordinates, and his subjects were terrified and dared not disobey the king's orders in the slightest.

As for Prince Yu's residence, the prince and his subjects were not acting like subjects. Gao Gong, a mere lecturer, not only reprimanded the chief secretary of the residence as if he were a lowly clerk, but even Prince Yu seemed to fear him. What kind of behavior was this?

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