Chapter 327 No one believes it, beheads Yu Qian, and the fake emperor kills like crazy

The sun is warm and the breeze is gentle.

Today is the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Ming Dynasty. The whole capital is immersed in a joyous and festive atmosphere. Every household is decorated with lights and colorful flags and lanterns are hung on both sides of the streets, creating a splendid scene.

The imperial city was even more magnificent and sparkling. From the majestic Fengtian Hall to the magnificent Meridian Gate, it stretched for eight miles and was carefully arranged into a grand theater. Colorful tents and stages were arranged in an orderly manner, colorful flags were flying, drums and music were blaring, and it was extremely lively.

In the Fengtian Hall, the Ming Emperor Zhu Qizhen, wearing a dragon robe and a crown, sat on a high throne. Officials above the fourth rank wore court robes and lined up on the east and west sides of the hall. Officials below the fifth rank stood neatly on the steps outside the hall.

What is even more eye-catching is that this grand ceremony also attracted many foreign kings and envoys. They wore traditional costumes of their respective countries, which were colorful and distinctive. The foreign kings sitting below the dukes were all in high spirits. The envoys sat in order of rank, either listening attentively or talking in low voices, witnessing this grand celebration together.

Following the eunuch chief Cao Jixiang’s call for “attendance at court”.

All the officials in the Fengtian Hall, the foreign envoys, and everyone outside the hall knelt down and bowed, with a roaring voice:
“Congratulations to His Majesty. Long live His Majesty.”

“Congratulations to His Majesty. Long live His Majesty.”

“Congratulations to His Majesty. Long live His Majesty.”

Zhu Qizhen listened to the thunderous shouts of “Long live” and slowly swept his eyes over, with a fiery passion rising in his heart.

When Emperor Taizong sent Zhenghe to the West, the foreign division that finally came to the Ming Dynasty to congratulate him was no more than a hundred, right? Today’s ceremony has more than a hundred foreign envoys, thousands of people.

Moreover, the Ming Dynasty no longer needs the tribute trade it had before, which earned face but lost money. Now all countries are trading with the Ming Dynasty, which is beneficial to both sides.

“All nations are coming to pay tribute.” Zhu Qizhen’s eyes flashed through the gate of Fengtian Hall, and he said secretly, “This is my Ming Dynasty. I will not allow anyone to destroy it.”

Everyone knelt down. He pondered for a long time before raising his hand: “Everyone, stand up.”

Then, the ceremony officially began.

The Zhu family princes all attended the solemn and grand ceremony. On behalf of the princes, Zhu Qiyu, the Prince of Qin, expressed his admiration for the emperor’s great achievements.

“My brother, Your Majesty, after the defeat at Tumubao, you did not sink into despair, but instead remained determined and worked hard to revive the country. You implemented new policies and worked hard to govern the country, like a spring breeze that moistens everything silently, which boosted the government. You managed the Yellow River, eliminated floods, and the people lived and worked in peace; you pacified the Japanese invasion, and the seas were peaceful and merchants could travel freely; you swept across the northern desert, and the enemy fled, and the borders were as solid as a rock. This is the bravery and wisdom of Your Majesty, and also the great fortune of the Ming Dynasty. Today, seeing the unprecedented grand occasion of all nations coming to pay tribute, it is all the credit of Your Majesty! I admire you very much and respect you like a mountain. I am willing to follow Your Majesty and work together to plan the great cause of the Ming Dynasty for thousands of years.”

Zhu Qizhen had a smile on his face. Today he wanted to use the princes of the Zhu family to deny the rumors about the false emperor. From now on, even if someone still had doubts, they would not spread them.

The banquet officially began with nine cups of wine being served. Music was played every time a cup was served, and the Jiaofangsi performed dances and acrobatics to liven up the atmosphere.

The first song “Yan Jing Kaiyun Song” was played: Yan Jing Kaiyun, gave birth to the Holy Emperor. The Great Ming Dynasty reigned supreme, inheriting the Yu and Tang dynasties. The rivers were clear and the seas were prosperous, and the people were well-off. The power was extended to the Yi and Liao peoples, and the virtue was extended to the Rong and Qiang peoples. The eight delicacies were recommended, and the nine tripods were fragrant. The drums and bells were ringing, and the palace was full of joy. It refreshed the mind and nourished longevity, regulating yin and following yang. Keep this blessing for a long time.

After the song was over, Zhu Qizhen held up his cup and drank with his ministers, saying:
“Since I ascended the throne, I have worked tirelessly day and night to ensure the safety of the country and the happiness of the people. In the past, during the Tumu Fortress Incident, I personally underwent hardships and dangers, and then I slept on straw and tasted gall, and worked with you ministers on state affairs. Today, the government is in order, the new policies are being implemented, the Yellow River is calm, the sea borders are peaceful, the northern desert is submissive, and all nations are coming to pay tribute. This is all due to the efforts of you ministers!”

“You may have planned and won battles thousands of miles away; you may have devoted your lives to the cause and died for it; or you may have guarded the borders and protected the people. I am deeply grateful to you, and I cannot express it in words. The way of a king is not to act alone, but to work together with other ministers. I will remember your contributions in my heart and will never forget them.”

“Today, the prosperity of our Ming Dynasty has come, but the way to govern a country is like sailing against the current. If you don’t move forward, you will fall behind. I am willing to carry on the past and forge ahead with you and work together for a great cause. I hope you will continue to work hard, never forget your original intention, and create brilliance together. I and you will work together to create the eternal foundation of the Ming Dynasty!”

After the emperor finished speaking, all the ministers were moved. The faces of the old ministers were excited, their eyes were red, and tears seemed to be flashing. They recalled the past years of hardships with the emperor, and they remembered them vividly. Some of them stroked their beards and sighed, feeling deeply moved; some bowed their heads and wiped their tears, with indescribable emotions surging in their hearts.

The young officials were also deeply moved, and they looked at the emperor with respect and determination in their eyes. At this moment, the entire court was united by an invisible force.

After a moment, Hu Yi, whose hair and beard were all white, slowly stood up and said in a trembling voice: “Your Majesty is wise! We are willing to follow Your Majesty and go through fire and water without hesitation! May our Ming Dynasty prosper forever for thousands of generations!”

As soon as these words came out, all the ministers responded and shouted in unison: “Long live His Majesty.”

“Everyone, I still say the same thing.” Zhu Qizhen raised his wine glass and laughed loudly, “The world is infinitely vast, and men should not be complacent. Come, drink with me.”

Second performance of the “Imperial Wind Song”: The imperial wind spreads across the country, and the sound of teaching is preached. The weather is harmonious and the scenery is bright, and the purple palace opens the embroidered banquet. The dragon robes shine in the morning sun, and the golden censers curl up auspicious smoke. The dukes and marquises of Jiji are dressed in gorgeous and fresh clothes. They sit in a row and serve in front of the red curtain, and the chimes are played around. Lambs and pigs are placed on the table, and jade dishes fill the square and the circle.

……

The empress dowager was wearing a robe with nine dragons and four phoenixes, dignified and elegant. She sat on the left side of the emperor, with her hands folded in front of her, looking cool and gentle. Her black hair was as black as lacquer, which made her skin look even more like jade.

The princes and foreign envoys would also pay their respects to her. She responded appropriately, and her every frown and smile revealed an indescribable beauty that made the surrounding scenery pale in comparison.

As the music continued to sound, the scene became much calmer, and everyone in the hall began to toast each other. At this time, the “Song of Favoring the Emperor Ming” began to play: The great God, favor our Emperor Ming. The great destiny has been gathered, the foundation is solid and the branches are prosperous. What is its foundation? The virtuous spring palace. What is its branch? The vassal states are at peace. The celebration will last for hundreds of generations, and benefit all living things. Enjoy the time, and receive the blessing of heaven. Live for thousands of years, and watch its achievements forever.

Zhu Qizhen held the wine glass in his hand, his eyes fell on the foreign envoys, and he said in a deep voice: “Next year, I will send envoys from the Emperor of the Great Ming to visit all the foreign countries, announce the Emperor’s edict, and give gifts to their rulers. If they refuse to obey, they will be intimidated by force.”

The last sentence sent a chill down the spines of the envoys from various countries, but they did not dare to raise any objection.

Then, the “Dance of Comforting the Four Barbarians” was played, and all the envoys came to toast the Ming Emperor respectfully. Hosokawa Katsumoto of Japan felt cold in his heart, but he had to pay homage on the surface. During his time in Ming, he deeply realized that Japan was no match for Ming.

Amid the peaceful music, Duke Chen Mao of Jing stood up and reported: “Your Majesty, it is a grand occasion. I beg Your Majesty to forgive Duke Xia. He has made great contributions to the country, Your Majesty.”

As soon as he finished speaking, more than a dozen ministers echoed him and asked the emperor to release Duke Xia Yu Qian.

Zhu Qizhen’s eyes turned cold, he glanced at the empress dowager beside him, and said coldly to the ministers: “Today, we will not talk about state affairs.”

The Queen Mother frowned slightly.

She did not ask the ministers to plead for Yu Qian. Instead, she was worried that the more the ministers did so, the more Yu Qian’s prestige would appear, and the more the emperor would want to kill him.

“Today, I want to have fun with the people.” Zhu Qizhen stood up, “Let’s go out of the imperial city and take a look at my Ming capital.”

The ministers also stood up, and with the guard of honor leading the way, the large group of people were about to leave the palace. Zhu Qizhen looked at the empress dowager beside him and asked, “Will the empress dowager go with us?”

“I feel a little tired, so I won’t go.” The Queen Mother shook her head slightly.

Zhu Qizhen smiled and led his ministers out of the palace.

Above the capital, the night sky suddenly became brilliant and dazzling, and the fireworks show arrived as promised.

But the fireworks rose from the top of the city wall, like colorful clouds, blooming brilliantly in the sky. At first, the fireworks streaked across the night sky like shooting stars, leaving behind a trail of bright light; then, the flowers were like brocade, colorful and red like flames.

It may take the shape of a auspicious dragon and phoenix, or show a blooming lotus, or depict a picturesque landscape.

The people of the capital walked out of their homes, looked up at the feast in the night sky, and cheered. They pointed, laughed, and talked, sharing the joy and pride. At this moment, the capital was illuminated by the fireworks as bright as day, brilliant and splendid. The imperial city under the fireworks was shrouded in a layer of golden glory, showing the dignity and power of the Ming Dynasty.

Fahai Temple, on the back mountain.

The Zhengtong Emperor looked at the splendor of the capital, and standing behind him were Wu Xingdao and Xu Bin.

“Emperor Taizong’s capital relocation ceremony is not as good as it, right?” The Zhengtong Emperor smiled bitterly, “After today, who will still remember me, the true emperor?”

Wu Xingdao and Xu Bin also fell silent.

With the news that Yu Qian was arrested, their hopes were almost extinguished.

……

The emperor announced a three-day rest.

The next day, Zhu Qizhen slept in because he had drunk too much the night before. With the help of Concubine Xian, he finished his breakfast and then went to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

The ministers were on holiday, but the emperor still had to work, and there must be some urgent memorials that needed to be dealt with. After he sat down on the imperial chair, Cao Jixiang led the eunuchs and brought up today’s memorials.

“Why so many?” Zhu Qizhen was surprised.

“They were all transferred from the cabinet.” Cao Jixiang reported.

Zhu Qizhen picked up a book and opened it. It was a letter from Duke of Jing Chen Mao pleading for Duke of Xia Yu Qian. A cold light flashed in his eyes, and he opened several more books in succession. They were all pleading for Duke of Xia, as well as for Shang Lu, Zheng Hong and Yang Shan.

As he was flipping through the papers, he suddenly pushed all the piled-up documents to the ground and became furious: “Are you trying to use the so-called benevolent and holy monarch to kidnap me?”

A murderous aura suddenly burst out, frightening Cao Jixiang and the others so much that they immediately knelt down. Zhu Qizhen waved his hand coldly: “Go, call Shi Biao.”

Cao Jixiang left in a hurry.

Soon, the commander of the Jinyiwei, Shi Biao, came to pay his respects. Zhu Qizhen supported his forehead with one hand and said in a voice as cold as ice: “I have decided to make the crimes of Yu Qian, Shang Lu, Zheng Hong, and Yang Shan known to the world.”

“The crime of treason?” Shi Biao asked tentatively.

“Yes!” Zhu Qizhen suddenly put down his arms, “Say it to everyone that they are members of the Junshan Society. They gathered together just to rebel.”

Shi Biao hesitated and said, “Your Majesty, if you convict him of treason, then… you can only be killed!”

Zhu Qizhen said one word with murderous intent: “Kill!”

“Yes, sir.” Shi Biao responded quickly.

Zhu Qizhen looked at him coldly and said, “What crime should be committed and how should it be determined so that all the subjects in the world will be convinced? You Jinyiwei should know what to do, right?”

“Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will do it right away.” Shi Biao accepted the order and left the hall.

Zhu Qizhen clenched the cup in his hand.

This time, he seemed determined to kill these old officials who were loyal to the Zhu family. If he kept them, he might be able to suppress them during his reign, but what about after that?
Don’t these ministers support a real member of the Zhu family to take power?
“There’s still time. I need a group of ministers who are loyal to me.” He said coldly.

……

“Yu Qian, Shang Lu, Zheng Hong, Yang Shan and others are members of the Junshan Society. Are they planning a rebellion?”

“Oh my god, no wonder the court couldn’t find the truth after so many years of investigation.”

“This time they are all caught and will be beheaded.”

The whole capital was talking about this matter. No one knew that the emperor would start a massacre right after the ceremony. The ministers of the six ministries were also in a panic.

Many ministers came to the cabinet to get clarification.

The chief minister of the cabinet, Xu Youzhen, persuaded them to go back, leaving only Li Xian, Li Bing and a few others.

“What should we do? Do we really have to kill Yu Qian?” Li Bing asked.

Li Xian sighed, “The charges have been made, and it’s hard to change them. Your Majesty is determined this time.”

“That’s because His Majesty was hurt first.” Xu Youzhen sighed, “From now on, we have to be careful. His Majesty is becoming more and more… Hey, he is a true emperor.”

Li Bing still didn’t give up and asked: “Should we plead for Yu Qian?”

“Don’t do that!” Xu Youzhen said, “The more you beg for mercy, the faster Yu Qian and the others will die.”

He looked around and sighed, “We were the first to follow Your Majesty, and we all know the real situation. Think about it, ministers like Yu Qian, Shang Lu, Zheng Hong, and Yang Shan, they are all…unfaithful to Your Majesty, so how can Your Majesty not think about it? It’s okay now, Your Majesty…what about a hundred years later? Who will the ministers support as the next king?”

Li Bing’s expression changed drastically: “So, don’t they have to die?”

“Use their death to shock everyone and make them forget about the real fool emperor.” Li Xian sighed.

Xu Youzhen frowned, “I’m worried that this is just the beginning. Next, His Majesty will probably continue to kill people until…”

“Just like Wu Zetian in the Tang Dynasty?” Li Bing’s face turned pale. “Kill all the royal family members of the Li family?”

Xu Youzhen nodded slowly.

Li Bing and Li Xian felt a tingling sensation down their spines.

“If that’s the case, it will be troublesome.” Xu Youzhen smiled bitterly, “It’s difficult for us to deal with so many people.”

(End of this chapter)