Daming: After self-explosive time travel, Lao Zhu's mentality collapsed

After returning to the capital, Chu Ze immediately issued an edict to hold a state funeral for Shen Qingwu, posthumously confer her the title of Princess Zhaolie, and build a cenotaph for her so that her fame would last forever.

The funeral rites were all extremely solemn and honorable. The whole country was filled with a solemn and mournful mood.

Chu Ze, wearing heavy mourning clothes, presided over the ceremony in person. During the national mourning period, he could not eat or sleep, and often cried in front of Shen Qingwu's portrait.

All officials were secretly worried that the young king would never recover and that this would affect state affairs.

It was not until 49 days later that Chu Ze put aside his grief, summoned civil and military officials, and began to discuss state affairs.

"Now Xixia and Jin are eyeing us covetously, and a border war is imminent. In addition, the Mongolian cavalry has repeatedly plundered the border, and our Ming territory is almost lost. In such a critical moment of survival, how can we allow the pillars of the country to sit idly by and do nothing?"

The palace was filled with solemnity. Everyone could hear the awe in the new emperor's tone. All the officials bowed and said:
"Your Majesty is right! How dare we sit idly by? But the frontier is under attack, the treasury is empty, and the military reserves are scarce. If we rashly go to war, I'm afraid..."

"If it comes to money and food, I have my own solution."

Chu Ze snorted coldly and waved his hand.

"Come here, announce my decree——"

He ordered the eunuch beside him to read out an imperial decree. The eunuch's shrill voice echoed over the hall:

"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims: All the rich lands in the world belong to my territory. Merchants gather along the southeast coast, and there are countless jewels. However, local tyrants monopolize the tax, bully the weak, and disregard the laws of the court."

"In order to train strong troops, store up funds, eliminate treacherous officials, and clean up the bureaucracy, I hereby issue an imperial decree: Wang Shouren, the Minister of Works, and Hai Rui, the Junior Official of the Dali Temple, are ordered to go south immediately to thoroughly investigate the southeastern coast, eliminate local tyrants and bullies, and rectify the bureaucracy. All the money and grain obtained will be used as military pay."

This imperial decree was like a bolt from the blue, shaking the whole court. All officials looked at each other and whispered to each other.

You know, the southeast coast has always been the world of wealthy merchants. These wealthy merchants, officials and businessmen collude with each other, and have great power in the government and the country. Even the current emperor has to be wary of them.

Now that the new emperor has suddenly issued an order to send ministers south to clear out the rebellion, wouldn't this create an everlasting feud with these powerful merchants and bullies?
However, although the officials had doubts, they did not dare to openly question the emperor's order.

"I'm waiting for the order!"

Hai Rui and Wang Shouren knelt respectfully and said, "We will definitely help Your Majesty and live up to your grace and expectations!"

The two men were reinstated and immediately set off south with the emperor's order.

Chu Ze was in a good mood when he saw the two people leave. In this chaotic world, one more helping hand means one more chance of success.

Hai Rui was a famous official of the time. He was upright and daring to speak out, and was highly respected by scholars. Wang Shouren was born into a distinguished family, achieved success at a young age, was well-versed in Neo-Confucianism, and was a role model for scholars.

With these two right-hand men assisting me, why should I worry about not achieving my goals?
Chu Ze stood up and walked outside the hall.

Looking at the vast sky, he was filled with emotion and lofty sentiments. Xixia, Dajin, and Mongolia were all waiting for him to conquer.

All the nine provinces in the world will be stained with the colors of the Ming Dynasty! Shen Qingwu's spirit in heaven must be able to rest assured.

Just when Chu Ze was full of ambition, a palace maid hurried over and knelt down in front of him.

"Your Majesty, the Queen is pregnant!"

Chu Ze was overjoyed when he heard this and asked repeatedly, "Really?"

"It's absolutely true!" The palace maid smiled happily, "Your Majesty just took the pregnancy test pill herself, and it has been confirmed that you are pregnant. Congratulations to the emperor, in a few months, you will be able to hold your little grandson!"

Chu Ze was overjoyed and immediately gave out gold, silver and jewelry as rewards to the entire palace.

He hurried to the harem and saw that Queen Qin Yunyun had been waiting in the bedroom for a long time.

The two have been childhood sweethearts and have been engaged since childhood. Qin Yunyun has a virtuous personality and beautiful appearance, and is the head of the current harem.

At this moment, she was sitting in front of the mirror, gently combing her long black hair with a sandalwood comb.

Seeing Chu Ze coming at her with big strides, she stood up in a hurry and bowed to the ground. "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I was unable to greet you in time."

Chu Ze quickly helped his wife up and said softly, "Don't be so polite, Yunyun. You are pregnant now, so be careful about everything."

As he spoke, he gently placed his hand on Qin Yunyun's bulging belly, his eyes full of joy and tenderness.

"The child's father is here. Little one, grow up quickly so that your father can teach you how to ride a horse, kill the enemies, and conquer the world!"

Qin Yunyun glared at her husband in reproach and said in a tender voice, "What nonsense is your Majesty talking about? The child will naturally become a good emperor of the world in the future, studying to govern the country, not learning to kill!"

Chu Ze laughed loudly and scratched his wife's nose lovingly. The two of them were in love with each other, flirting and making fun of each other, and the scene was full of joy.

If you have a wife like this, what can your husband ask for?
Chu Ze kissed Qin Yunyun lightly on the forehead and stood up to say goodbye.

"Yunyun, please have a good rest. I will go to handle government affairs. If you need anything, just tell the palace servants. Don't put yourself in a difficult position."

Qin Yunyun nodded, watched her husband go away, a happy smile on her lips.

That night, Chu Ze fell asleep sweetly while holding the beauty in his arms. In his dream, Shen Qingwu's figure gradually faded away, and was replaced by a baby in swaddling clothes.

He laughed and stretched out his little hands, as if calling himself.

"My dear son, my dear son! You must grow up quickly and inherit your father's legacy!"

Chu Ze held the child in his arms, feeling indescribably happy. With a royal heir, he had an extra motivation to strive for success.

Before he knew it, the sky was getting brighter. Chu Ze was still immersed in his sweet dream when a young eunuch suddenly broke in.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Something bad has happened!"

Chu Ze opened his eyes dazedly, only to see a young eunuch kneeling in front of the couch, trembling with fear.

"Why are you panicking?"

He rubbed his sleepy eyes.

The young eunuch trembled and replied: "Your Majesty, the northwest border is in danger!"

"The Mongolians have invaded our borders, and our Ming defenders have been defeated, with countless casualties! The enemy's offensive is fierce, and the Yellow River Basin is almost conquered!"

Chu Ze was shocked when he heard this and stood up suddenly. He put on the dragon robe, grabbed the sword, and rushed out of the palace.

"Come here! Immediately ask General Xuanwu Yang Jinglong and Qi Jiguang to come to the palace to discuss matters! Tell them that there is a change outside the Great Wall and it cannot be delayed!"

Yang and Qi rushed over upon hearing the news and hurriedly paid their respects to Chu Ze.

Yang Jinglong got straight to the point: "I have been waiting for Your Majesty for a long time! Why don't you quickly mobilize the army and personally attack Mongolia to avenge Concubine Shen?"

Qi Jiguang also echoed: "That's right! The Mongols are so bold that they frequently plunder our territory and kill our soldiers and civilians."

"This hatred is irreconcilable! I volunteer to go to the battlefield and I will definitely wipe out those barbarians! I will sacrifice the blood of my deceased wife to honor the might of our army!"

"it is good!"

Chu Ze slammed the table and stood up, his eyes wide open.

"That's exactly what I want! You guys hurry back to the camp, gather the soldiers, and set off immediately! I want to personally go into battle, wipe out Mongolia, and avenge our previous humiliation!"

Yang and Qi took their leave and immediately ordered the army to march out. (End of this chapter)