Chapter 16: The First Confrontation with Zhu Di

Zhu Yunwen sat in the Wuying Hall, accompanied by Grand Secretary Yu Xin and Zhang Dan, Xie Jin, and Fang Xiaoru. Liu Changge, the commander of the Great Ming Security Bureau, constantly reported to Zhu Yunwen about the activities of Zhu Di after his entry into the city.

Zhu Di did not return to his residence in the capital city. Instead, he moved through Jinling City, wailing as if in a funeral procession. Perhaps feeling that his own voice was too faint and easily broken, Zhu Di had his three sons join him in crying.

Zhu Di had previously embarked on expeditions to Mongolia, which had significantly raised his fame. Coupled with the big commotion of his arrival, as he made his way through the cities, people in the city, regardless of age, eagerly hoped to catch a glimpse of the King of Yan’s elegance.

What kind of elegance can a weeping King of Yan possess?

It merely evoked silent sympathy from the people in the city.

After all, a son arrives late to mourn his departed father.

Whose fault is it?

It is the fault of the Emperor!

Have you not heard that the King of Yan was intercepted at Huai’an on his way to mourn?

Otherwise, could the King of Yan have arrived so late?

It’s just that no one dares to directly say that the Emperor made a mistake.

In ancient times, it was believed that the Emperor could do no wrong.

Anyone who dared to criticize the Emperor would face consequences once it was known by the imperial court. They could be scolded or even killed.

Zhu Di indulged himself in acting to his heart’s content. His voice grew hoarse from shouting, his stomach became empty, and his mouth felt dry and parched. Unable to continue his performance, he led his entourage out of the city through the Jubao Gate^[1]The Zhonghua Gate (traditional Chinese: 中華門; simplified Chinese: 中华门; pinyin: Zhōnghuámén), previously Jubao Gate (聚宝门)is a gate and defensive complex on … Continue reading and went to Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. ^[2]TL’s note: The author used Bell Mountain(钟山), but in order to avoid confusion I used Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum. Ming Xiaoling mausoleum is located at the southern foot of Purple Mountain, and … Continue reading

He wailed at Xiaoling throughout the afternoon until it grew dark before returning to the city.

It is said that Zhu Di cried until he fainted, but it is unclear whether it was due to exhaustion from acting or if he accidentally fell asleep.

Liu Changge reported Zhu Di’s activities, as well as the activities of people and vassal kings in the city to Zhu Yunwen. Zhu Yunwen, however, remained calm and listened attentively. Zhu Yunwen even invited the three cabinet ministers and Fang Xiaoru to have lunch and dinner. However, their discussions were not about Zhu Di but rather focused on the issue of taxation in Jiangnan^[3]Jiangnan, also romanized as Kiangnan, Chiang-nan, and Jiang Nan, is a geographic area in China referring to lands immediately to the south of lower reaches of … Continue reading.

Because the Jiangzhe region ^[4]Jiangzhe province (江浙行省) or Chiangche was a province of the Yuan dynasty established in 1276. It included the southern portion of Jiangsu south of … Continue reading had supported Zhang Shicheng^[5]Zhang Shicheng (simplified Chinese: 张士诚; traditional Chinese: 張士誠; pinyin: Zhāng Shìchéng; 1321－1367), born Zhang Jiusi (張九四), was one of the … Continue reading in the past, Zhu Yuanzhang faced significant challenges while dealing with Zhang Shicheng. Zhu Yuanzhang is known for his vengeful nature, after becoming the Emperor, he reduced and exempted taxes in many regions to revive production. However, only the Jiangzhe region had its taxes increased several-fold.

Not only that, but Zhu Yuanzhang also issued an edict prohibiting individuals from Jiangzhe regions from holding positions in the Ministry of Revenue. He even included this provision in the “Imperial Ming Ancestral Instructions” to ensure that future generations would abide by it.

“Excessive taxation in Jiangzhe” was indeed a pressing issue that Zhu Yunwen had to address.

In Zhu Yunwen’s view, the Jiangzhe regions had always been prosperous since the old times, with a history of wealth, prominent merchants, and thriving cultural and educational development. These regions were crucial for his vision of establishing a grand commercial empire in the future.

A Jiangzhe region stifled by oppressive taxation would lack the means and conditions to foster a prosperous business landscape. What’s more concerning is that excessive taxation can significantly dampen productivity and hinder economic growth.

If everyone refrains from productive activities, it can lead to social instability. Zhu Yunwen needs a stable and prosperous Jiangzhe region.

Yu Xin, Zhang Dan, and Jian Jin all support the reform of taxation in Jiangnan, even if it means breaking away from the principles outlined in the “Imperial Ming Ancestral Instructions.”

Similarly, Fang Xiaoru also supports the reform and emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the welfare of the people. He even quotes Zhu Yuanzhang’s words, “Rest the people and accumulate resources; this is how life and livelihood are sustained.” Fang Xiaoru advocates for lighter burdens and lower taxes.

Zhu Yunwen agrees with their opinions and is about to issue an edict. However, Fang Xiaoru adds, “Your Majesty, according to the ‘Rites of Zhou,’ the implementation of the well-field system in the Jiangzhe regions can enhance the national strength.”

“well-field system?”

Zhu Yunwen’s teeth began to ache slightly.

The well-field system is from the slave society period, implemented during the Shang Dynasty, prevalent during the Western Zhou Dynasty, disintegrated during the Spring and Autumn Period, and abolished during the Warring States Period.

A system that has already been abandoned by the times, and yet you still want to bring it back and use it?

Although the well-field system adopted a system of state ownership, where the emperor granted land to nobles and officials who would then have slaves work on the land, the land was not allowed to be bought, sold, or transferred. This system allowed the nobility to reap the benefits.

Such a system restricted productivity and has been discarded by the passage of time.

He didn’t expect that Fang Xiaoru would actually want to revive it?

Zhu Yunwen was well aware that all of Fang Xiaoru’s actions, thoughts, and methods stemmed from the “Rites of Zhou.” He found Fang Xiaoru to be overly idealistic.

“Mr. Fang, I presume you have read ‘Master Lu Spring and Autumn Annals: Examining the Present'^[6]The Lüshi Chunqiu, also known in English as Master Lü’s Spring and Autumn Annals,[1][2] is an encyclopedic Chinese classic text compiled around 239 BC under … Continue reading, haven’t you?”

Zhu Yunwen did not directly respond to Fang Xiaoru’s statement. Instead, he replied with a question of his own.

Fang Xiaoru quickly nodded and said, “I have read it.”

Zhu Yunwen earnestly spoke to Fang Xiaoru, “In the state of Chu, there was a person who accidentally dropped his sword into the river while crossing it. He immediately marked the spot on the boat and said, ‘This is where my sword fell.’ When the boat stopped, he entered the water to search for it. However, while the boat moved on, the sword did not move. Isn’t it perplexing to search for the sword in this way? Do you recall this passage, Mr. Fang?”

Fang Xiaoru nodded.

Zhu Yunwen continued, “You dropped the ‘Rites of Zhou’ into the water, and while the boat moved forward, the ‘Rites of Zhou’ followed along in the hidden currents. Carving the boat and searching for it, is the ‘Rites of Zhou’ still there?”

Fang Xiaoru looked at Zhu Yunwen in confusion.

Yu Xin, Zhang Dan, and Xie Jin suddenly realized and understood that the Emperor was warning Fang Xiaoru not too rely heavily on “Rites of Zhou” as a guiding principle, that thing is too old, and not effective anymore.

Adaptation is necessary for smooth progress.

Fang Xiaoru, being astute, understood it and respectfully receive the teaching and stepped aside.

Zhu Yunwen ordered Xie Jin to draft a decree, proclaiming “Grant the world, next year land rent by half”^[7]Tl’s note: it means reducing the farming land rent by half. reducing the tax burden in Jiangzhe regions and implementing the policy “land not exceeding one dou^[8]TL’s note: although dou used in measuring weights, in ancient times it also used to measure size of land. One dou is around 267 square meters, please correct me if I’m wrong., the people of Suzhou, Songjiang allowed to become officials in ministry of revenue.”, breaking Zhu Yuanzhang’s ancestral teachings.

After resolving the issue of Jiangzhe region’s taxes, as the day grew late, Zhu Yunwen arranged for someone to escort the Grand Secretaries and Fang Xiaoru back home. Then he assigned Wang Yue of The Directorate of Imperial Accouterments to go and meet Zhu Di.

According to court regulations, when a king enters the capital, he is required to spend the night in the Eastern penthouse outside the Gate of Supreme Harmony and present himself to the emperor the next morning.

After settling Zhu Di in, Wang Yue had a conversation with him and expressed that the emperor and the empress dowager were pleased with his arrival. He advised Zhu Di not to be too saddened by the situation.

Zhu Di showed his eloquence and tact, saying that he had brought special products from Beiping. After meeting the emperor the next day, he planned to visit the Empress Dowager at the Cining Palace. He acknowledged his delayed arrival and hoped that Wang Yue could speak a few kind words on his behalf to avoid any blame from the emperor.

As Zhu Di saw Wang Yue off, he maintained a smiling face. However, once Wang Yue left, his smile disappeared.

Zhu Di has already heard the news, the emperor issued an order overnight to assign Zhang Bing, Ping An, Sheng Yong, Qu Neng, and others to take control of Beiping. Meanwhile, troops were stationed along the line from Shanhai Pass to Kaiping.

it is likely that these individuals are already on their way. Zhu Di’s mood is not high, and he is filled with worry and fear, which occasionally overwhelms him.

It is true that it is unlikely for Zhu Yunwen to take action against Zhu Di in the capital during the mourning period. However, he could take action against Beiping. Currently, He is in the capital, and Zhu Gaozhi, Zhu Gaoxu, and Zhu Gaosui are also present. In the King of Yan’s Mansion in Beiping, there are not any individuals who can handle the situation besides Zhang Yu and Zhu Neng.

Zhang Yu and Zhu Neng, are both military commanders, and they have little understanding of strategies. Once they become agitated and cause trouble out of shock, even before he returns, Beiping Prefecture will fall into the hands of Zhu Yunwen.

Taking a step back, if Zhang Yu and Zhu Neng don’t make any moves, Zhu Yunwen will not take any action against himself, when he returns after a period of time, considering the travel distance, it will take at least a month or more.

A period of over a month is enough for Zhu Yunwen to handle the entire defense of Beiping, as well as the surrounding defenses.

And moreover, the personnel appointed by Zhu Yunzhong have made Zhu Di filled with fear!

Sheng Yong?

Zhu Di doesn’t think this person will pose a threat to himself and can be ignored.

But Zhu Di cannot ignore the other two individuals!

The first person is Qu Neng!

Qu Neng, from an early age, accompanied his father in the military and gained extensive combat experience. He excelled in horsemanship, archery, and possessed strategic acumen, earning him a renowned reputation in the court and the public.

Later, he was appointed by Zhu Yuanzhang as the Commander-in-Chief of Sichuan, responsible for overseeing military affairs in the western border regions and assisting the King of Shu, Zhu Chun, in governing the region of Ba and Shu. The region enjoyed two hundred years of peace and prosperity, largely attributed to Qu Neng’s contributions.

He is a formidable individual who is both skilled in martial arts and strategy, making him a formidable force to be reckoned with.

Compared to Qu Neng, the person Zhu Di is more wary of is the second person:

Ping An!

Zhu Di’s eyes revealed a sense of anger and unease.

Ping An, is not an ordinary person, let alone the fact that he was adopted son of Zhu Yuanzhang. Speaking of Ping An himself, he is extremely brave and skilled in battle. In his early years, he accompanied Zhu Di on expeditions beyond the borders and was well acquainted with Zhu Di’s military strategies.

This person knows his capabilities, and Zhu Di also knows his capabilities.

Zhu Di’s hands trembled slightly. Whether he returned or not, it would be extremely difficult to resolve this situation.

Zhu Yunwen, his own beloved nephew, had made such decisive moves! This night, Zhu Di couldn’t sleep peacefully.

The next morning.

Zhu Yunwen arrived at the Hall of Supreme Harmony, with officials standing in their respective positions on the left and right. Zhu Di, who had been waiting in the penthouse, changed into the attire of a King, with Zhu Gaochi and others standing beside him.

The ceremonial officials come out and welcomed the king of Yan into the palace.

Zhu Di followed the ceremonial official, he walked along the imperial path and ascended the dais, and sat on the throne. Zhu Gaozhi and others knelt beside him.

The ceremonial music began, and Zhu Gaozhi and the others turned to the north and prostrated themselves.

Zhu Di gazed toward the north, with fluctuating expression, but he did not kneel.

The officials on both sides of the dais were puzzled and also felt anxious for Zhu Di. If Zhu Di didn’t perform the proper ceremonial gesture, it would be a great disrespect to the Emperor, and the Emperor could use this incident to take action against Zhu Di and strip him of his position as the vassal king.

Zhu Yunwen’s gaze turned towards the outside of the hall, observing Zhu Di who is standing without bowing.

He is a renowned historical Ming emperor, a legendary figure who established the prosperous era of the Yongle, and a formidable warrior who brought great glory to the Ming dynasty.

But it seems that he does not want to pay respects to him!

Zhu Yunwen’s lips curled into a smile, a smile that carried a hint of coldness.

If he refuses to pay respects.

Then let him lie down, it wouldn’t be a bad thing to accompany Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yunwen is not the Jianwen Emperor in history, the Jianwen Emperor was lenient and hesitant towards Zhu Di, appearing timid like a woman. Zhu Yunwen knows about Zhu Di’s ambition and future, aware of his preparations and threats.

Kill one person to ensure peace in the world, Zhu Yunwen has no reason to hesitate.

At this moment, Zhu Di is hesitant.

Bowing to the north signifies acknowledging Zhu Yunwen’s position as the emperor, which will pose significant difficulties for Zhu Yunwen’s next actions. At the very least, he cannot use Zhu Yunwen’s “manipulating Imperial edicts” as an excuse to manipulate public opinion.

Because, he has submitted, and agreed to it.

If he doesn’t bow to Zhu Yunwen, and Zhu Yunwen uses it as an excuse to take action against him, how can he smooth things over?

The power in the hands of his nephew is no longer just a bunch of bookworms and civil officials, but a force that sends shivers down his spine!

To bow or not to bow!

To submit or not to submit!

Zhu Di was caught in a dilemma, his gaze piercing through space, looking towards Zhu Yunwen sat on the throne in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and the throne beneath Zhu Yunwen!

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