The Ming Dynasty started with saving the eldest grandson

Chapter 472 Grand Saint Emperor

"My requirements are not high. I want something that has never been used before, with connotation, and preferably something grand and able to reflect my lofty ambitions... and preferably with the word 'Ming' in it."

Zhu Xiongying talked incessantly, expressing his requirements for the reign title.

Chen Jingke's forehead was covered with black lines. Isn't this a high requirement? Yours is not much worse than the colorful black.

But Zhu Xiongying also had his own reasons: "It is a rule established by the Ming Dynasty since the Emperor's grandfather that each person has a reign title."

"From now on, people will address me not by my name, but by my reign title."

"It's definitely not okay if it sounds bad, and it's also not okay if it has no substance..."

"Even if I don't raise these requests, they still have to consider them when deciding on the year name, right?"

"My only real request is that the reign title contain the word 'Ming'."

"If they can't do that, they can go home and sell yams."

Ever since Yin potatoes were introduced to China, Chen Jingke has often used them to complain about certain people.

For example, if an official does not serve the people, he might as well go home and sell potatoes.

For example, with this ability, he is not as good as the potato seller on the street.

Influenced by him, people around him often use the term "selling Yin potatoes" to complain about others.

Chen Jingke said he was too lazy to pay attention to Zhu Xiongying's sophistry.

Anyway, the 'Party B' is not me, so the headache will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Rites and the cabinet scholars.

Do whatever you want.

However, how could he become a high-ranking official? It must be because he has extraordinary abilities.

Despite these harsh conditions, the Ministry of Rites came up with three reign titles the next day for Zhu Xiongying to choose from.

Ming Zhao, Ming Zhang, Huang Ming.

Seeing the last word "Huang Ming", Chen Jingke couldn't help but laugh:
"It's really hard for them. I guess their hair will fall out soon."

Zhu Xiongying pretended to be angry and said, "These people are just fooling me. I will settle accounts with them after I ascend the throne."

He was just complaining verbally, but he actually knew that it was not easy for the people below him.

Mainly, the first two are really thoughtful.

Ming Zhao means wise and intelligent, and comes from "The Book of Songs·Zhou Song·Shi Mai".

[The bright and glorious Zhou Dynasty, Shixu is in power. We should put away our weapons and carry our bows and arrows. I seek virtue and indulge in summer, and King Yun will protect it.]

The general idea is to praise the Zhou royal family as the wise and powerful rulers of the world, who enfeoffed princes to rule the world.

He also praised the Zhou royal family for their noble virtues and the respect they received from all over the world.

It just happened to correspond to the feudal system currently being implemented by the Ming Dynasty, touting the Ming Dynasty's ability to create a glorious era that is no less than that of the Zhou Dynasty.

It is also an earnest expectation for the new emperor.

It is hoped that after Zhu Xiongying ascends the throne, he will be both virtuous and virtuous, and lead the world to restore the rule of the Three Dynasties.

As for the Mingzhang, it is even more particular.

The Mingzhang Reign of the Eastern Han Dynasty is one of the most prosperous periods recorded in history books.

Using this reign title is to take these two emperors as examples, which can be said to be a very ambitious goal.

Moreover, this reign title can be linked to Zhu Biao's reign title.

Zhu Biao's reign title was Jianzhang, which meant establishing rules and regulations for the Ming Dynasty.

As for Ming Zhang...Ming means to demonstrate and carry forward.

When used here, "Mingzhang" has a special meaning, which means inheriting and carrying forward the system of our ancestors.

This reign title is more meaningful to the Ming Dynasty and the royal family.

As for the third Ming Dynasty, it is obviously just a flattery and to make up the numbers, so don't take it seriously.

After the analysis, Chen Jingke had a rough idea in his mind.

He was sure that all the ministers hoped that Zhu Xiongying would choose Ming Zhang.

The achievements of Emperor Ming and Emperor Zhang of the Eastern Han Dynasty were to rectify the administration of officials, repair and improve the institutional loopholes left by Liu Xiu, etc.

To put it bluntly, these two people are mainly resting and recuperating.

The ministers also hoped that Zhu Xiongying would do the same and not make any more drastic changes as everyone could not keep up with the pace.

However, Chen Jingke knew that Zhu Xiongying would definitely not do as they wished.

The facts were exactly as he thought. After learning about the three era names, Zhu Xiongying chose Mingzhao without hesitation.

"What the Ming Dynasty is going to create is a great undertaking that far exceeds that of the Han Dynasty. Although the reign of Emperor Mingzhang is a model for wise rulers, I will not follow his example."

"Ming Zhao Fang is what our Ming Dynasty pursues."

Chen Jingke laughed and said, "I thought you looked down on even Ming Zhao. Why, don't you want to surpass the Zhou Dynasty in achievements?"

Zhu Xiongying said seriously: "In the past, I thought that the so-called Three Dynasties' rule was just like this."

"The current system and productivity of our Ming Dynasty are far superior to those of three generations ago."

"The lives of the common people will also far exceed three generations."

"But the more you understand the laws of historical development and the history of civilization, the more you can appreciate the greatness of the Zhou Dynasty."

"He inherited the past and opened up the future, formally establishing the main theme of Chinese civilization and establishing the Chinese worldview. People's hearts were unified under the influence of Zhou rituals."

"From now on, no matter how the world changes, no matter whether it is united or divided, we all have a common understanding."

"We are Huaxia, a common group."

"Even if we are divided for hundreds of years, we can be united again."

“The West has also produced many countries and civilizations that were once powerful, but once those civilizations were divided, they could never be put together again.”

“…That’s the great thing about Zhou.”

"Our system, territory, and so on are more advanced and larger than those of the Zhou Dynasty."

"Perhaps we will usher in an era that is far more powerful than the Zhou Dynasty."

"But surpassing them in achievements does not mean that I am greater than them."

"Because we have the legacy left by our ancestors, and we have thousands of years of experience to draw on."

"Surpassing the previous dynasty is a matter of course."

"If we can't surpass them, it means we are not up to standard..."

"But for Chinese civilization, the Zhou Dynasty's contribution cannot be replicated, let alone surpassed."

"From a certain perspective, everything we are doing now is just retracing the path taken by the Zhou Dynasty."

"So, how dare I be dissatisfied with 'Ming Zhao'? On the contrary, I feel that I am not worthy of this reign title now."

Chen Jingke was very pleased: "We have known each other for such a long time, and today you surprised me the most."

"The best thing I have done since I came out of the mountains is to train you."

“I hope you can always maintain this clarity and humility.”

Zhu Xiongying was already overwhelmed with emotion after hearing what he had said.

Look, look...what is the spirit of a wise and powerful ruler?

However, Chen Jingke's words left him speechless, and he said bitterly:

"You...are such a spoiler."

Chen Jingke laughed and said, "Haha...if you want to say something encouraging, I do."

"I don't think you should underestimate yourself. Although the achievements of the Zhou royal family are great, there is more than one kind of greatness."

"We can accomplish the same unprecedented and unparalleled great feats elsewhere."

Zhu Xiongying said happily: "Do you know how to go forward?"

Chen Jingke smiled and said, "You are confused. Aren't we already on the way?"

Zhu Xiongying was stunned for a moment, then said solemnly: "Yes, we are on the way."

No one knows what lies ahead, all we can do is keep moving forward.

Then leave everything to history to judge.

Finally, looking back on your life, it is enough to have a clear conscience.

When Duke Zhou was in charge of the country and formulating rites and laws, he must have had the same mentality.

Afterwards, Zhu Xiongying took these three reign titles and symbolically sought the opinions of Old Zhu, Empress Ma and Zhu Biao.

The three of them crossed out "Huang Ming" at the same time.

Then tell Zhu Xiongying that you can choose the remaining two as you like.

Zhu Xiongying told them his choice.

The three of them were not surprised by this, as this kid has never been a person who sticks to the rules.

If he chooses Ming Zhang, then there will be a problem.

However, they were still very satisfied with the reign title Mingzhao and Zhu Xiongying's ambitions.

The foundation has been laid, and the Ming Dynasty will surely enter an unprecedented era under his leadership.

Only in this way can we live up to the words that Chen Jingke often said:

A major change that has not happened in a thousand years.

When he returned to the East Palace at night, Zhu Xiongying took out the three reign titles and forced Xu Miaojin to guess which one he had chosen:
"If you guess correctly, I will serve you tonight. If you guess incorrectly, you will serve me tonight."

Xu Miaojin: “…”

However, after she analyzed it, she was still very sure to circle Ming Zhao.

This made Zhu Xiongying very happy. This was what it meant for a couple to be of one mind.

The Imperial Astronomical Observatory quickly gave an auspicious day, the 21st day of the twelfth lunar month, and clearly stated that this was the only auspicious day this month.

Therefore, the succession of the throne was determined on this day.

People from all walks of life began to prepare for this.

Things like decorating the palace, inviting guests to the ceremony, and granting amnesty are not mentioned here.

However, it cannot be compared with the time when Zhu Biao succeeded to the throne.

This is also normal.

The preparations for Zhu Biao's enthronement took a long time, so there was plenty of time to plan and arrange the ceremony, and the ceremony could be as grand as possible.

This time, Zhu Xiongying only had nine days left, which was extremely rushed.

This is in line with Zhu Xiongying's opinion: "There is no need to make a big fuss. It is too complicated and tiring."

"Issue an order to all the military commanders and governors to send a congratulatory letter. No need to come."

"Gifts are strictly prohibited. I don't need their little things."

Everyone was naturally happy with his statement.

The ministers were very appreciative. They thought this was a good thing as the emperor did not like luxury.

During this period, there was also a small episode.

Zhu Yuanzhang gave his eldest grandson a formal name, Zhu Wenji.

In Zhu Yuanzhang's words, "I have kept this character '基' for many years, and I have never been willing to give it to other children, just waiting for this kid."

Why?

"Ji" means foundation, which means that one hopes this kid can inherit and protect the foundation of the Ming Dynasty.

And why did Old Zhu name his eldest grandson in advance at this critical juncture?

This all has profound meaning.

After Zhu Xiongying ascended the throne, he would definitely enthrone the empress and the crown prince.

There can't be a candidate for the crown prince without even a name, right?
Choosing a name now is to prepare for the subsequent enthronement.

Anyone who understands this point will sigh at the fact that the status of the eldest grandson is as stable as a rock.

Then they went to the Xu family and the Chen family to give gifts.

Old Zhu did not favor one over the other. While naming Zhu Wenji, he also did not forget to name Tuantuan and Yuanyuan.

Empress Ma believed that the child’s grandparents should not be forgotten in such a big matter.

So Chen Yuan and Feng were called over, and they chatted together and named the child.

As for Chen Jingke and Fuqing... who are they? Just go and have fun.

Chen Yuan expressed his thoughts: "I plan to select two herbs with good meanings and name them after the child."

This is in line with their family tradition, and Mr. Zhu and Empress Ma also think it is good.

After discussion, it was finally decided that the sister would be named Baizhi and the brother would be named Ziqin.

Angelica dahurica and Cymbidium orchid are given many beautiful meanings in traditional Chinese culture.

The same is true for Ziqin. These two names also convey the care and expectations of their elders.

Chen Jingke only found out about the child's name afterwards. When he learned that the child was named after a medicinal herb, he couldn't help but complain.

Why not just name them Xuejian and Chonglou, and change Zhu Wenji's name to Jingtian, how great that would be.

Directly perform the third level of Xian.

Of course, he was just complaining.

Xuejian, Fritillaria cirrhosa, and Sedum chinense sound nice, but their meanings cannot be compared with Angelica dahurica and Scutellaria baicalensis.

The two names chosen by Lao Zhu and his team are really good.

Time soon arrived and it was the 21st day of the twelfth lunar month, and the coronation ceremony was held in the Fengtian Hall.

Old Zhu replaced the crown for Zhu Xiongying, and Zhu Biao put the imperial seal in his hand.

We will not go into details about the ministers' worship and the like. Afterwards, Zhu Xiongying offered sacrifices to the heaven and the ancestral temple for the first time as an emperor.

This is how the process is completed.

The next thing is amnesty and the like. These are all easy to say. Just follow the process.

The changes in the titles of Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao are a big deal.

It's about filial piety and etiquette.

There was no problem with Zhu Biao becoming the emperor emeritus.

What is difficult is Lao Zhu’s title.

The Three Sovereigns were alive, which was unprecedented in history, so naturally there was a gap in the title.

It cannot be said to be a complete blank, there is indeed such a unique example in history.

During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Emperor Gao Wei of Northern Qi, seeing that his country was about to be destroyed, quickly abdicated the throne to the crown prince and became the emperor emeritus.

Then he made another bold move and asked his son to abdicate the throne to Rencheng King Gao Xi again, and he called himself the Supreme Emperor.

However, before his imperial edict could be delivered to Gao Wei, the Northern Qi Dynasty was destroyed.

So in fact, he never became the supreme emperor.

However, the title of Supreme Emperor was invented for this reason.

The ministers were ready to give Zhu the title of Supreme Emperor.

Old Zhu was not happy about this and was so angry that he couldn't even eat:
"You're bullying me because I'm old, aren't you? You're comparing me to Gao Wei, the king who lost his country?"

"Whoever wants the title of Supreme Emperor can have it, but we don't want it."

"If anyone wants to give me this title, I will carve the words 'Great Traitor' on his tombstone."

Now the ministers were helpless.

The title of Supreme Emperor cannot be used, and other titles cannot be taken casually.

When asked about this, Zhu Xiongying said that this was the business of the ministers and it was obvious that he was deliberately making things difficult for people.

So everyone turned to Chen Jingke and said, "Marquis Anping, you have to make a decision on this matter."

Chen Jingke was also helpless. It really couldn't be said that Zhu was being unreasonable or anything like that. Instead, many things really depended on the person.

"After Emperor Zhenzong of Song, no emperor ever mentioned the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai."

"After Emperor Gaozong of Song, no other emperor wanted to use Gaozong as his temple name."

"After Qin Hui, no one used this name anymore."

"The title of Supreme Emperor was invented by Gao Wei. It is only natural that he would not want to use it."

"You guys really didn't think much about it."

Qiu Guangan relied on his close relationship with Chen Jingke and said, "Your Majesty... well, Your Majesty has just ascended the throne and is busy with government affairs, so he handed this matter over to us."

"But this is a title given to him. How can we, as subjects, decide this?"

"We can only seek experience from the ancients, but they are not satisfied... What else can we do?"

Others complimented him one after another, “We all know that Marquis Anping’s favor is unrivaled in the world, so we can only ask for your help.”

"Yes, please go and ask His Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus, and his old man what they think."

Chen Jingke did not refuse: "Okay, you go back and wait for news. I will inform you after I ask His Majesty."

So the ministers left with many thanks.

Then Chen Jingke went to the East Palace to meet Zhu Xiongying.

There are only a few days left until the Chinese New Year, and it seems a bit too hasty to ask Old Zhu to move out of the Qianqing Palace at this time.

At present, Mr. Zhu still lives in the Qianqing Palace, and Zhu Xiongying is temporarily working in the Eastern Palace.

After the Chinese New Year, Zhu Yuanzhang will vacate the Qianqing Palace.

When he arrived, he saw Zhu Xiongying writing furiously on a pile of documents.

It’s the same regardless of time. At the end of the year, there are a lot of summaries and plans.

This is the kind of work that Zhu Xiongying is currently dealing with.

This is because the cabinet helped him share a lot of the work, otherwise I can’t imagine how busy he would be.

It is said that Lao Zhu died of loneliness and overwork in his previous life, which is absolutely true.

Some people also say that Yongzheng died of overwork... To be honest, this was influenced by "The Yongzheng Dynasty".

The real Yongzheng was a fan of elixirs of immortality and took various elixirs for a long time.

He also kept a large number of Taoists and monks in the Old Summer Palace to make elixirs for him.

As we all know, elixirs of immortality are basically made of gold and stone... Learn about heavy metal poisoning.

It would be better to say that he died from taking the elixir of immortality rather than saying that he died of exhaustion.

It's just that he had a filial son who helped him wash away this stain.

Closer to home.

Seeing Chen Jingke coming over, Zhu Xiongying put down the pen in his hand and sighed:
"Well, did those people come to you for help?"

Chen Jingke sat down beside him and said, "I came to you right after I sent them away."

Zhu Xiongying smiled and said, "Is your attitude very respectful?"

Chen Jingke nodded and said, "Do you need any help?"

Zhu Xiongying said: "That's right, we need to let them know whose words count."

Yes, Zhu Xiongying’s previous behavior of being a hands-off manager was not meant to make things difficult for others.

Instead, he wanted to take this opportunity to establish Chen Jingke's authority.

The reason is not complicated. Chen Jingke had no actual position. His power came from the trust of the royal family and the relationship he established with the ministers.

The previous cabinet scholars and senior officials of the ministry were familiar with him and recognized his status.

There is a major reshuffle in the court now, and many people are newly promoted and are not familiar with him, so they will subconsciously ignore his existence.

Of course, there are also some people who are not convinced and deliberately ignore him.

Chen Jingke himself didn't care about this. He thought that as everyone got familiar with each other, everything would be fine.

But Zhu Xiongying was not happy: "The court is constantly dealing with important matters, so there is no time for them to slowly adapt."

So he thought of taking this opportunity to help Chen Jingke establish his position in the court.

As the saying goes, a loud drum does not need a heavy hammer.

As emperor, Zhu Xiongying refused to communicate with his ministers on certain matters, but was willing to listen to Chen Jingke's opinions.

This alone is enough.

If you still don't understand, you won't be able to stay in the court for long.

Facts proved that this trick was indeed very effective, and the ministers immediately came to Chen Jingke for help.

After that, the two discussed the title of Zhu Yuanzhang.

After some discussion, they finally decided on a title: Tai Sheng Huang.

Old Zhu had no objection to this. As long as it wasn't the Supreme Emperor, he could accept anything else.

Then Chen Jingke found the ministers and said, "The new title has been confirmed, it is the Grand Saint Emperor."

"It has been recognized by the Grand Saint Emperor, the Grand Emperor, and the Emperor."

So, all the ministers breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that the problem had been solved.

At the same time, those newly promoted senior officials in the ministry finally felt Chen Jingke's true status firsthand.

He is second only to one man and above ten thousand others.

After these trivial matters were dealt with, it was New Year's Day.

Although it was the first New Year after the new emperor ascended the throne, there was no grand celebration.

There's nothing we can do. Last year was a really eventful time and no one could be happy.

Zhu Xiongying convened a grand court meeting in accordance with old customs and entertained all the ministers and celebrities.

Of course, on this day, he also accepted the homage of envoys from vassal states.

Not counting the vassal states granted by the Ming Dynasty, there were hundreds of vassal powers from all over the world.

Many even came from as far away as Anxi.

It is no exaggeration to say that all nations came to pay tribute.

This was just a normal New Year's Day court meeting. If the court had made preparations in advance, the vassal states' meeting could have been expanded two or three times.

Faced with this grand occasion, both the government and the people were very happy and exclaimed that the prosperous Han and Tang dynasties were reappearing.

But neither Chen Jingke nor Zhu Xiongying cared about it.

"What we want is not a nominal vassal, but a vassal state incorporated into the Ming Dynasty's vassal system."

"In the future, these so-called vassal states will all be replaced by princes appointed by the Ming Dynasty."

"It won't be too late to celebrate then."

After the Chinese New Year, many policies were implemented one after another.

For example, changing the era name is something that is planned.

The Jianzhang Dynasty ended and the Mingzhao Dynasty began.

As planned, Zhu Xiongying appointed Xu Miaojing as the queen and Zhu Wenji as the crown prince.

What the officials did not expect was that Zhu Xiongying invented a position specifically for Chen Jingke:
The head of the main hall.

The main hall was naturally the place for teaching the crown prince and the kings, but there was no specific person in charge before.

Teachers and the like are selected on a temporary basis, and everyone takes turns to give lectures.

Zhu Xiongying appointed Chen Jingke as the head of the main hall, which was equivalent to handing over the important task of educating the prince to him.

From then on he became the teacher of the crown prince and other kings.

This kind of trust is so enviable.

However, no one dared to say anything, and no one would say anything.

No matter who holds this position, there will be people who will be dissatisfied, except Chen Jingke.

His abilities and his ability to train students are obvious to all.

If nothing else, just look at the young emperor.

This was brought out by Chen Jingke himself.

Chen Jingke was also very satisfied with this position.

As I said, cultivating successors is sometimes more important than the reform itself.
-
The ministers welcomed Zhu Xiongying becoming emperor.

After all, it is what everyone wants.

But everyone was a little worried, fearing that he was young and hot-tempered and would do something drastic right from the start.

But everyone soon realized that they were worrying too much.

Although Zhu Xiongying is young, he has a lot of experience.

He did not make any of the three big moves that a new emperor would make upon ascending the throne, but chose to play it safe.

For example, in terms of policy, he did not put forward any new innovations, but instead called for deepening previous innovations.

At the same time, he also issued an order to seek talents, requiring officials from all regions to recommend local talents.

"As the saying goes, those who have permanent property have permanent determination. There are more than 100,000 rich people in the Ming Dynasty."

"These families must have produced many talented people. The officials of each prefecture and county should select the best and recommend them."

The ministers were very happy about the order to seek talents, saying that the new emperor had the spirit of the ancient sage kings.

They all recommended the talents within their jurisdiction.

However, they didn't know that Zhu Xiongying had already dug a trap for them.

(End of this chapter)