Chapter 7: The Starting Point of Care, People Around Us

With a cheerful smile, Shuangxi entered the palace and approached the entrance of the Wuying Hall. He rubbed his face and walked inside cautiously. He respectfully reported, “Your Majesty, those ministers have all become more restrained.”

This time, Shuangxi was pleasantly surprised. Previously, those officials who would readily spew insults were now trembling as they cautiously rewrote their memorials. Although they didn’t explicitly voice their support for Xu Miaojin’s appointment as a Chief of Education in the Imperial Academy, they approached the matter with genuine humility and dared not speak out of turn.

Indeed.

A mother is unable to read or have knowledge, how can she teach her children to read and understand?

A wife desires to appreciate poetry, literature, and art, but cannot read, how can she cultivate elegance?

A daughter also wishes to attend school, why should only boys have the privilege of reading?

It is unfair.

Although no one directly mentions breaking the “Three Obediences and Four Virtues” or the “Three Fundamental Bonds and Five Constant Virtues,” the inner desire for education is a reality that can’t be ignored.

Zhu Yunwen does not care about these disturbances. Even the Imperial Academy did not say anything. The commotion caused by these people is nothing more than a waste of paper, ink, and saliva.

The news of the disarmament of 100,000 troops finally stirred up a sensation within the imperial capital.

No one expected that the new emperor would possess such determination and means to easily disband one hundred thousand troops with a wave of his hand. Throughout history, it is more common to hear of emperors expanding their armies rather than demobilizing them.

As a result, the civil officials believed that an era of “civil governance” was about to begin, and they eagerly presented memorials praising the emperor as a wise ruler. As for minor matters like Xu Miaojin, not many people paid much attention to them.

Yù Xīn, the Minister of Revenue, smiled and said to Xia Yuánjí, an official in the Ministry of Revenue, “The emperor’s actions are truly remarkable.”

Xia Yuánjí nodded and said, “Yù-dàrén, it seems that the Ministry of Revenue will save a considerable amount of funds and provisions this year.”

Yù Xīn took a relaxed sip of tea and said with relief, “Indeed. Cavalry soldiers consume two dan of grain per month, while ordinary soldiers consume one dan. And that’s just the ration expenses. The capital city alone incurs heavy costs. By reducing one hundred thousand troops, we can save 3.6 million shi of grain annually. Now that summer has arrived, there are frequent rainstorms, repairs needed for river embankments, and disaster relief efforts—all of which require funds and provisions.” ^[1]TL’s note: 1 dan during the Ming dynasty is 141,7 catty, 1 catty is 500 gram. They are talking about soldier’s salary here.

“The matters of the Ministry of Revenue are indeed challenging.” Xia Yuánjí joked.

Yù Xīn chuckled and said, “Wéi Zhé, you have to bear more responsibilities. The affairs of the Ministry of Revenue will require your extra effort.”

Xia Yuan Ji, courtesy name Wei Zhe.

Xia Yuanji nodded solemnly and looked at the somewhat aged Yù Xīn. He slowly said, “Is the disarmament of the troops related to the summoning of the King of Yan to the capital?”

A gleam flashed in Yù Xīn’s eyes, and he chuckled, “Our Emperor is indeed extraordinary. Have you heard? Xie Jīn has already entered the Hanlin Academy.”

“Yes, I’ve heard. Xie Jīn, during the time of Emperor Taizu, though arrogant and frivolous, was truly a person of integrity. It’s good to have someone like him by the Emperor’s side.” Xia Yuanji praised.

 Yu Xin stood up and walked up to Xia Yuanji, saying, “It’s strange indeed. When His Majesty was the Crown Prince, Qi Tai, and Huang Zicheng were his associates in the Eastern Palace. But now, despite His Majesty’s reign, Qi Tai remains the Deputy Minister of the Ministry of War, and Huang Zicheng is still a Compiler in the Hanlin Academy. This is quite unusual.”

For a newly enthroned emperor, the first officials to be appointed are often those close to him. However, even though Emperor Taizu has been resting in the Mausoleum for some time, the new emperor hasn’t bestowed favor on his old comrades. Surprisingly the first person to be promoted is none other than Xie Jin, who has been away from the court for many years.

“Perhaps his majesty has other plans in mind.” Xia Yuanji calmly said.

Zhu Yunwen remains secluded in the deep palace and does not attend court.

In the court, the officials look anxiously, searching left and right, but Zhu Yunwen is nowhere to be seen.

Memorials after memorials are submitted, yet no one grant approval. How can they handle affairs?

Does the Ming Dynasty still have any function left?

Some lower-ranking officials even speculate whether the emperor, due to excessive worries over the passing of the previous emperor, has fallen ill. They inquire around, hoping to submit memorials to express their loyalty.

Zhu Yunwen walks out of the Wuying Hall, observing the sun slowly setting, casting darkness upon the majestic palace. If it weren’t for the clear memories from the future, Zhu Yunwen would have forgotten where he came from.

“Shuangxi, do you miss your family?”

Zhu Yunwen gently asked.

Eunuch Shuangxi looked at him in astonishment. During the reign of Zhu Yuanzhang, the treatment of eunuchs was extremely harsh, with severe punishments for even minor mistakes, ranging from leg-breaking to death. Even after Zhu Yunwen ascended the throne, this strictness continued.

The current display of care and inquiry was almost unimaginable.

Indeed, historically, Zhu Yunwen did not consider eunuchs as individuals.

During Zhu Di’s rebellion, many eunuchs became spies for Zhu Di because he treated them as individuals and trusted them.

The notorious ‘Eastern Depot^[2]Eastern Depot or Eastern Bureau (traditional Chinese: 東廠; simplified Chinese: 东厂; pinyin: Dōng Chǎng; Wade–Giles: Tung Ch’ang) was … Continue reading’, an institution led by eunuchs, which gained great fame in later generations, is a testament to Zhu Di’s trust in eunuchs.

Moved by his words, Shuangxi felt like crying and quickly replied, “Your Majesty, I occasionally think of them, but unfortunately, I have no chance to see them again.”

Zhu Yunwen shook his head and said, “Why can’t you see them?”

Shuangxi respectfully replied, “As I entered the palace, I became Your Majesty’s subject. How could I see them again? Besides, even if I were to return, they would not recognize me.”

Shuangxi’s words were accurate.

In ancient times, importance was placed on lineage and family inheritance.

An eunuch was not qualified to enter the ancestral shrine and was often looked down upon at, at least during the early Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yunwen looked at the desolate Shuangxi and asked, “Is it the same for everyone in the harem?”

“Naturally,” Shuangxi quickly replied.

As Zhu Yunwen walked, he noticed a palace maid kneeling by the side of the road, carrying a food container. He stopped and asked, “Where are you from?”

The palace maid replied with fear and respect, “Your Majesty, this humble servant is from Suzhou.”

“Suzhou, ah! I have been there. Do you know the Lion Grove Garden^[3]The Lion Grove Garden (simplified Chinese: 狮子林园; traditional Chinese: 獅子林園; pinyin: Shī Zǐ Lín Yuán; Suzhou Wu: Sy tsy lin yoe, Wu … Continue reading?” Zhu Yunwen recalled his visit to the Lion Grove Garden in later years and asked with a smile.

The palace maid shook her head.

Zhu Yunwen sighed and said, “What a pity. However, the Lion Grove Garden might not have been established yet. How long has it been since you last saw your parents and family?”

“It has been three years, Your Majesty,” the palace maid replied softly.

Zhu Yunwen rubbed his temples and said to Shuangxi, “Go and have Kunji summoned.”

Shuangxi signaled to a eunuch next to him.

Zhu Yunwen opened the food box carried by the palace maid and glanced inside. There were only some light dishes. He asked, “Who is this for?”

The palace maid hurriedly replied, “It’s for the Consort Ning.”

Zhu Yunwen narrowed his eyes, pondered for a moment, and then remembered the consort. He said to the palace maid, “Such light dishes are not suitable. Come with me, we’ll go to the Imperial Kitchen.”

The palace maid couldn’t go against the Emperor’s command.

Shuangxi followed along, puzzled by the situation.

In the Imperial Kitchen, which was responsible for the Emperor’s and the palace’s meals and banquets, the Chief of the Imperial Kitchen, Liu Yizheng, was humming a tune, leisurely sipping wine. He would give a few orders when there was nothing else to do, but overall, he led a comfortable life.

However, when Liu Yizheng saw Zhu Yunwen approaching while he had the wine jug at his mouth, he was dumbfounded and froze in place for a moment.

Shuangxi quickly gave a signal from the side, and Liu Yizheng immediately knelt down, bowing and apologizing.

Zhu Yunwen didn’t even spare a glance at Liu Yizheng. He looked at the numerous ingredients in the kitchen and pondered. He realized that he was only skilled in a few home-cooked dishes.

However, he wondered if the emperor was cooking, would invite criticism from officials?

Whatever.

Kung Pao Chicken ^[4]Kung Pao chicken (Chinese: 宫保鸡丁; pinyin: Gōngbǎo jīdīng; Wade–Giles: Kung¹-pao³ Chi¹-ting¹), also transcribed Gong Bao or Kung Po, … Continue reading, Yuxiang shredded pork^[5]Yuxiang shredded pork (simplified Chinese: 鱼香肉丝; traditional Chinese: 魚香肉絲; pinyin: yúxiāng ròusī; sometimes translated as fish-flavored pork … Continue reading didn’t exist in the Ming dynasty era, those dishes had to wait until the Republican era. The Shangshan Bureau certainly wouldn’t have learned them. If I don’t take matters into my own hands, even eating becomes a problem…

During the period of mourning, indulging in extravagant seafood and meat is not allowed. But if I cook the dish and just pick out the meat, wouldn’t that solve the problem…

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