Chapter 55: Declaration of a Properous Era

The ones sent by the Ministry of Work cannot be considered as solicitation,

Ma Enhui proudly looked at Zhu Yunwen. Without spending a penny, they had resolved the initial production setup and expanded the production scale…

However, this blatant act of “bribery and corruption” left Zhu Yunwen dumbfounded. The officials from the Ministry of Works were too skilled at what they did, catering to their preferences without leaving any room for refusal. Shouldn’t they be sent for reform through labor?

However, the bribe taker was his own wife. If he angered the ringleader, he would probably have nowhere to sleep. After some thought, he decided to turn a blind eye and pretend as if nothing had happened.

On the morning of the Lantern Festival, Mo Chou Lake was already bustling with people, crowded from all sides.

The Emperor and Empress were going to celebrate the Lantern Festival here with the people. In such a flourishing era, it naturally attracted countless scholars, merchants, and even some officials who didn’t want to miss out. They had arrived early at Mo Chou Lake.

A high platform was set up by the lake, surrounded by translucent curtains. Figures moved about inside, occasionally accompanied by the sound of bamboo instruments.

Underneath the platform, soldiers were arranging tables and chairs.

The Emperor and Empress were coming. They couldn’t possibly sit on cold stools. A small stove was placed nearby for warmth at least.

What? The Grand Secretaries were also coming?

Then they should be seated in the front row.

The Five Army Commandery wanted in the front row?

On what grounds? A group of rough men, except for Xu Huizu, all of them sit in the second row.

The Minister of Rites, Chen Di, who was in charge of seating arrangements, was not afraid of offending people. He decisively made the decisions.

In addition to the Jinwu Guard, the Great Ming Security Bureau was also responsible for maintaining order.

Liu Changge stood beside Chen Di, his sharp gaze scanning the crowd. He said with some difficulty, “Official Chen, why did the Emperor make such a grand gesture? What if something unexpected happens?”

Chen Di wiped the sweat off his forehead and looked at the enthusiastic crowd. He smiled and said, “Commander Liu, this is beneficial for the people’s hearts. In past dynasties, the Emperor always sat high within the court, and the common people, although aware of the Emperor’s existence, only had a superficial understanding. The Emperor celebrates National Day and Lantern Festival with the people, so not only do the people know about the Emperor exist, they also know that the Emperor is here.”

Liu Changge pointed to his heart, understanding the meaning behind Chen Di’s words. He nodded slightly and said, “It seems that I, understand the Emperor less than Official Chen does.”

Chen Di straightened an untidy chair and said to Liu Changge, “Commander Liu also has merits, and the court historians will not forget you.”

Chen Di admired Liu Changge, the commander of the Great Ming Security Bureau.

The present Great Ming Security Bureau did not follow the path of the Jinyiwei. After operating for nearly half a year, they hadn’t wrongfully arrested anyone or fabricated any cases, completely dispelling the court officials’ concerns about the Security Bureau.

Liu Changge stood tall, a faint smile of indifference appearing on his sharp face.

Leaving a mark in the annals of history, living up to a lifetime!

Chen Di approached closer and asked in a low voice, “Commander Liu, is there any news from Beiping?”

Liu Changge glanced at Chen Di and said cautiously, “If Official Chen wants to know the news, you can check the confidential documents in the Grand Secretariat regarding Beiping. Asking me, you might be asking the wrong person.”

Chen Di burst into laughter and bowed, saying, “Yes, I shouldn’t have asked you. Ah, I have also seen the confidential documents in the Grand Secretariat. King of Yan is not feeling well, and the command of the Three Guards has been transferred to Zhu Gaochi. However, Zhu Gaochi handed over the seal and other items of the Three Guards to Commander Ping’an.”

“With this, the worries in Beiping are finally resolved. However, this document is from the third day of the first lunar month, and it has been more than ten days since then. I wonder when the new reports will arrive,” Chen Di remarked.

Liu Changge smiled at the corner of his mouth and said to Chen Di, “It’s coming soon. Please wait a little longer.”

Seeing the relaxed and contented expression on Liu Changge’s face, Chen Di felt extremely relieved. Needless to say, there must be positive progress in Beiping’s affairs.

If King of Yan genuinely pledges allegiance, the Great Ming will be as stable as Mount Tai.

A few months ago, Chen Di opposed the proposals of Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng to reduce the powers of the vassal kings. Now, the Emperor had acted calmly without making any noise, resolving the crisis from thousands of miles away. This deeply impressed Chen Di.

Inside the high platform, Murong Jing’er was rehearsing the performances. This was the first performance of the Cultural Troupe in the capital. Murong Jing’er did not allow any mistakes. The performances were all individual talents, and she had made some adjustments based on Zhu Yunwen’s suggestions.

As dusk approached, Zhu Yunwen and Ma Enhui rode in a dragon boat along the Qinhuai River to Sanshan Bridge, entering the main street outside Sanshan Gate and heading to the West Garden of Mo Chou Lake.

Along the way, the people cheered and shouted with joy.

Zhu Yunwen and Ma Enhui, riding together in the imperial carriage, waved their hands frequently, signaling to the people and showing their goodwill.

“Long live the Emperor, long live the Empress!”

Someone shouted, and the whole street echoed with thunderous voices, one after another, until Zhu Yunwen and Ma Enhui, along with their entourage, entered the inner area of the West Garden performance stage. The cheering and excitement continued without ceasing.

Consort Ning, Consort Xian, and the cairen Luo Yan’er also accompanied them out of the palace. As they witnessed the scene of the people’s adoration and the reverence of the masses, they couldn’t help but be deeply moved and astonished.

“We pay our respects to the Emperor and Empress!”

Xie Jin, Xu Huizu, Chen Di, and other officials bowed and saluted. Zhu Yunwen raised his right hand and said, “Rise, everyone. Today is the Lantern Festival, a time for family reunions. Let us enjoy the festivities with the people.”

Zhu Yunwen looked back and saw a three-zhang gap between the inner and outer areas. Standing in those positions were hundreds of soldiers, all holding shields and wearing long swords, on high alert. He furrowed his brow and looked at Liu Changge, asking, “Didn’t I say not to obstruct the people? Why is it like this?”

Liu Changge hurriedly bowed and said, “Your Majesty, it is for safety. We can only proceed in this manner!”

Zhu Yunwen chuckled and said sternly, “These are my subjects. Will the people of the Great Ming harm me? If that’s the case, I might as well stay in the palace. Remove all the guards. I want to see who dares to harm me in front of the people of the world!”

Liu Changge was in a dilemma. If the crowd got too close without a buffer zone, and someone made a rush, it would be an offense to the imperial dignity. He looked at Xu Huizu and Xie Jin, gesturing for them to say something.

Xie Jin stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, please don’t be angry. Commander Liu is only considering the safety of Your Majesty and the Empress. How about this? Let the guards remain in the inner area, and we can remove them from the outer area.”

Zhu Yunwen didn’t say anything. Seeing that he had tacitly agreed, Xie Jin signaled Liu Changge to make the arrangements.

As night fell, a bright moon rose in the east, casting its light into countless households.

Countless people looked at the full moon behind the high platform. At this moment, the moon appeared exceptionally round and complete.

The sound of bronze gongs rang out, and the bustling atmosphere at the shores of Mo Chou Lake suddenly subsided.

A strong man stepped onto the stage, gathered his breath, and he shouted loudly, “On this Lantern Festival, with the presence of the Emperor and Empress, it is truly a grand occasion. Now, I invite the Emperor and Empress of the Great Ming to ascend the stage and deliver a speech.”

As Zhu Yunwen and Ma Enhui climbed onto the stage, the lights on the stage became even brighter. Before they could speak, the crowd below erupted:

“Long live the Emperor, long live the Empress!”

The sound surged like a tide, echoing in the distance.

The sound of the bronze gongs subsided, and the people gradually quieted down.

Zhu Yunwen signaled for Ma Enhui to speak first. Ma Enhui, who was in charge of managing the imperial harem on a daily basis, had witnessed many grand occasions. However, compared to the scene today, it was like a small fish in a big pond.

“On this Lantern Festival, I would like to express my wishes. I hope that in the Great Ming, scholars can realize their ambitions, the people will no longer suffer from hunger and cold, craftsmen will excel in their work, merchants will contribute to their families and the country, and there will be numerous acts of righteousness. Let us wish for eternal prosperity for the Great Ming!”

Ma Enhui shouted loudly.

The people erupted in excitement, their voices chanting “May the Great Ming prosper” reaching the heavens.

After three waves of cheers, Zhu Yunwen raised his hand to silence the crowd. In the moment of silence, he shouted, “You are the subjects of the Great Ming, you are my subjects. Let us work together in unity, overcome obstacles, and build a glorious era for the Great Ming!”

His voice reverberated and struck the surface of Mo Chou Lake, spreading even farther along the water. The sound reached into the distance.

A prosperous era!

This was the declaration of a prosperous era!

The people in the capital heard the voice of a prosperous era for the first time!

The people cheered wildly!

In an instant, numerous fireworks soared into the sky, bursting into colorful displays.

At this moment, the bright moon was merely a backdrop.

The Emperor and Empress of the Great Ming were the real stars of the show!

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