Chapter 100: Invested as Prince of Xin
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At this moment, Zhu Hao stood behind the assembled ministers, paying no attention to the final exchange between Elder Prime Minister Guo and the eunuch Li Xuan. Compared to Li Xuan, who no longer posed any threat to him, Zhu Hao was more concerned about his elder brother. Retreating to the back of the crowd, he took Zhu Youxiao’s hand and said, “Big brother, how have you been lately? Has that old hag been bullying you? If she treats you badly, just tell me—I’ll go avenge you right now!”
Zhu Youxiao, worn down and nearly broken by the events of recent days, stared vacantly. However, when Zhu Hao grasped his hand, a restless heart found some peace, and his gaze gradually cleared. Still, he was reluctant to speak and only shook his head in response.
Seeing his brother’s silence, Zhu Hao thought to himself, “Has my big brother developed some kind of social withdrawal?” With this in mind, he decided to coax him into speaking by dangling a little intrigue: “Big brother, do you know? Today is a day of double blessings for me!”
Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao looked puzzled and asked, “Double blessings?”
Quick to explain, Zhu Hao said, “The first blessing is that I rescued you from that old hag’s clutches. The second is that we can now share brotherly affection together. Honestly, big brother, it’s been such a long time since you carved woodwork for me!”
In truth, the “double blessings” Zhu Hao mentioned were not exactly as he described. The first blessing was indeed rescuing his brother, but the second had nothing to do with him; it concerned the increased loyalty of the three-star military general Hua Rong.
Zhu Hao had been eager to make his brother speak and inadvertently let this slip. Fortunately, he was quick enough to cover it up, otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to explain the system’s affairs to his brother. Luckily, his brother did finally speak, which could be considered a “triple blessing.”
The rise in Hua Rong’s loyalty happened amid the ministers’ thunderous cheers. Just as they shouted “Long live the emperor,” Zhu Hao’s system, which had seemed dormant like the dead for some time, suddenly chimed in:
“Ding!”
“Due to the passing of the host’s father, the host has successfully inherited 20 points of loyalty from the three-star military general Hua Rong towards the host’s father!”
“Congratulations, host, Hua Rong’s loyalty has reached 100 points.”
“Congratulations, host, you have completed the time-limited mission of the three-star military general Hua Rong!”
“Congratulations, host, you have permanently gained the rights to use the three-star military general Hua Rong!”
“……”
When the system’s notification ended, Zhu Hao was baffled. He thought, “Inheritance? What kind of operation is this? Inheriting my father’s legacy? Father passed away days ago, so why only now? Does the system require legal formalities like a lawyer’s notarization or official procedures?”
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Zhu Hao’s mind filled with countless absurd questions, but no one answered them. He speculated that this must be linked to the new emperor’s ascension—that the system only recognizes the death and succession of the emperor once the new sovereign takes the throne.
He didn’t know if he was right, but he didn’t have time to ponder further. Seeing Elder Prime Minister Guo already standing, Zhu Hao put aside his doubts and stood as well, preparing to reclaim his elder brother.
…
After explaining his “double blessings” to Zhu Youxiao, the latter looked somewhat puzzled and said, “Your Highness, why do your ‘double blessings’ always involve me? Don’t you have any personal good news?”
Zhu Hao replied solemnly, “Big brother, you were trapped in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. I empathize deeply. Being able to rescue you is the greatest joy for me. Besides that, I have no other happy news.”
Hearing his heartfelt words, Zhu Youxiao was touched and nodded, then said, “I know, Your Highness. You have done so much for me recently. I will never forget your kindness!” He then tightly clasped Zhu Hao’s hand.
Just as Zhu Hao and Zhu Youxiao were sharing this tender moment, Elder Prime Minister Guo interrupted coldly. Approaching, he bowed to Zhu Youxiao and said, “Your Majesty, the matters here are concluded. Please temporarily reside in the Eastern Palace for a few days. After the coronation ceremony, you may relocate to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.”
Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao quickly objected, “I will not go to the Palace of Heavenly Purity! I fear that woman!”
Elder Prime Minister Guo shook his head silently, then said, “Your Majesty, as the ruler of all under heaven, how can you fear a mere woman? If you wish, this humble servant is willing to shoulder your burdens.” His words clearly hinted at ulterior motives.
Zhu Youxiao nodded eagerly, “Excellent! Excellent! Leave this matter to Elder Prime Minister! I never want to see that woman again!”
Listening to his brother’s words, Zhu Hao realized how much Li Xuan must have tormented him these past days. Thinking this over, he clenched his fists tightly, his eyes flashing with ferocity. Coldly, he said, “Elder Prime Minister, you need not trouble yourself with such a petty villain. Leave this matter to me!”
Elder Prime Minister Guo said nothing but nodded slightly in approval. Then, casting a sigh while glancing at Zhu Youxiao, he turned and left the palace. Whether that sigh expressed disappointment in Zhu Youxiao’s weakness or sorrow for his suffering at Li Xuan’s hands remained unknown.
After Guo’s departure, the ministers escorted Zhu Youxiao to the Eastern Palace. No one paid attention to the stunned Li Xuan left behind—no matter her fate, she was no longer a figure on the stage of history. No one cared about the feelings of one about to exit the scene.
Upon arrival at the Eastern Palace, the ministers took their leave. As Zhu Hao was about to depart to deal with Li Xuan, Zhu Youxiao grasped his hand tightly and refused to let him go. Knowing his brother had suffered greatly, Zhu Hao did not insist on leaving but thought to himself, “Li Xuan has been too kind to you—let’s just let you live a few more days!”
For several days, Zhu Hao was forcibly kept in the Eastern Palace by Zhu Youxiao. It was only on the eve of the coronation that Zhu Hao managed to leave, citing that staying any longer would breach the propriety between sovereign and subject.
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Shortly after Zhu Hao left the Eastern Palace, Wei Zhongxian, who had been envious of Zhu Hao’s close relationship with Zhu Youxiao, approached the latter and said, “Your Majesty, the Fifth Prince shares a deep brotherly bond with you. His contributions were indispensable to your smooth ascension. After you ascend the throne, how do you intend to reward the Fifth Prince?”
Zhu Youxiao was momentarily taken aback, then replied, “Zhongxian, your words remind me. Honestly, I haven’t thought about this yet. What do you suggest?”
Wei Zhongxian immediately said, “Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, the prince should be granted a kingdom. The Fifth Prince is already twelve years old and should have been ennobled long ago. The previous emperor passed away too soon and had no chance to do so. Your Majesty can fulfill what the late emperor could not, as a reward to the Fifth Prince.”
Zhu Youxiao nodded, then shook his head, “That sounds good, but if my younger brother becomes a king, he will have to leave the palace. I want him to stay here with me for a while longer, to keep me company.”
Wei Zhongxian quickly persuaded again, “Your Majesty, even if the Fifth Prince is made a king, a special decree can exempt him from residing in the fief. He can remain in the capital, and whenever you wish to see him, a royal edict can summon him back to the palace.”
Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao nodded in agreement, “Hmm, you make a good point. Let it be so.”
Wei Zhongxian’s eagerness to have Zhu Hao ennobled was not because of any fondness; indeed, he disliked how close Zhu Hao and Zhu Youxiao were. He proposed this plan to distance Zhu Hao from the palace, hoping to monopolize Zhu Youxiao’s favor alone.
As time passed, the date arrived: the fifth day of the tenth month, in the first year of the Taichang era. This was a day of great significance for all of the Ming dynasty, for on this day, the new emperor, Tianqi Emperor Zhu Youxiao, held his coronation ceremony in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The grand ceremony proceeded without incident. After a series of elaborate court rituals, as the ministers shouted “Long live the emperor” three times, the Tianqi Emperor seated on the dragon throne turned to Wei Zhongxian and nodded, saying, “Read the edict.”
Wei Zhongxian opened the imperial decree and read aloud: “By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Though not yet of mature age, I have inherited the legacy of the late emperor and feel the weighty responsibility deeply. Though I fear I may fail to stabilize the realm or win the hearts of the people, I am blessed by Heaven, guided by the virtues left by the late emperor, and assisted by wise ministers. My heart is at peace. Today, I ascend the throne and earnestly hope all ministers will advise me candidly. I will humbly accept counsel and embrace good advice, so that all may enjoy everlasting peace. From this day forth, a general amnesty is proclaimed; this year, thirty percent of taxes are exempted. Meritorious officials shall be rewarded accordingly. Starting next year, the era name shall be changed to Tianqi, first year! So decreed!”
After the edict was read, the ministers again shouted “Long live the emperor” three times. Zhu Youxiao then looked to Wei Zhongxian and said, “Continue reading.”
Wei Zhongxian took out another edict and read: “By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: My younger brother Youjian is gifted and wise, cherishing brotherly love. To have such a sibling is my fortune. Since the late emperor’s passing, my brother has worked tirelessly and acted decisively, saving me from peril multiple times. Grateful for his virtue, I hereby confer upon him the title of King of Xin, granting him the grace to remain in the capital. So decreed!”