Chapter Seventy-Seven: The Reading of the Imperial Edict

Zhu Hao’s words left Consort Dowager Zheng speechless, her face turning red with fury. After a moment, she recovered and pointed at Zhu Hao, shouting angrily, “You! You unfilial child! I am your elder—how dare you speak to me like this? Clearly, you were never taught any manners! I’m so infuriated—your father the Emperor entrusted me to teach you, and I shall do exactly that!”

Listening to the Consort Dowager’s shrill tirade, Zhu Hao snorted coldly, a look of utter disdain upon his face. “Educate me? I’d like to see exactly how you intend to teach me today!”

Seeing her authority so brazenly flouted, the Consort Dowager’s wrath reached a boiling point. She was unable to contain her anger and roared, “Seize this disrespectful brat at once for me!”

Zhu Hao swept a contemptuous glance at her and sneered, “Who are you calling a brat?”

The Consort Dowager, consumed by rage, failed to realize Zhu Hao was baiting her. She immediately shouted, “I’m calling you a brat!”

Barely able to stifle his laughter, Zhu Hao clicked his tongue and replied, “At your age, how could you be a brat? Don’t pretend to be young! If you ask me, you’re an old hag through and through!”

Only after Zhu Hao’s retort did the Consort Dowager realize she had fallen into his trap. Furious, she stomped her feet and bellowed, “What a sharp-tongued boy! Where are my servants? Have all you useless lackeys died? Seize this brat for me at once!”

Her anger had clouded her judgment and robbed her of her usual composure. She did not even notice the oddity—usually, her summons would be answered instantly by attendants, yet now, no matter how she called, there was nothing but silence.

Zhu Hao, watching her rage and stamp her feet, gave a cold snort and said, “Old venomous crone, no one listens to you anymore. You want to call someone? Let me help you!” With that, he called out in a loud voice, “Imperial Guards, attend!”

As soon as the words left his mouth, a squad of Imperial Guards entered from outside the Palace of Heavenly Purity. The palace attendants had already been placed under guard—something Zhu Hao was well aware of. What surprised him, however, was that the commander of the guards was none other than Xie Gang himself.

Zhu Hao looked at Xie Gang in astonishment. “Xie Gang, how are you here?”

Xie Gang bowed deeply. “Your Highness, after receiving your orders together with Commander Hua, we divided our duties—he is at the palace gates, while I am stationed here at the Palace of Heavenly Purity. That is why I am here, Your Highness.”

Zhu Hao nodded. “A wise division of labor. These are turbulent times; the palace’s safety must be our foremost concern.”

Xie Gang saluted again. “Please rest assured, Your Highness. I will maintain strict vigilance—no threat will be allowed to arise in the palace.” With these words, he glanced meaningfully at Consort Dowager Zheng.

Hearing the exchange between Zhu Hao and Xie Gang, the Consort Dowager could no longer keep her composure. She pointed at Xie Gang in shock. “Xie Gang? How did you get out? Weren’t you detained by the Imperial Guards? How dare you seize control? Are you rebelling?”

Xie Gang ignored her entirely, not even sparing her a glance. Zhu Hao, however, fixed her with a cold gaze and said icily, “Consort Dowager, have you forgotten that I possess the imperial dragon carriage, bestowed by my father? After the sudden passing of the Emperor, fearing traitors might cause trouble, I used the dragon carriage to issue an edict in my father’s name, appointing Xie Gang to take command of the Imperial Guards and seal the palace. Do you have any further questions?”

Inside, the Consort Dowager cursed her luck. “After all my plotting, I overlooked this slippery brat—who could have imagined he’d upend my plans so completely? This time, I’ve truly been undone in the most unexpected way.” Yet, she refused to accept defeat. Forcing down her anxiety, she snorted, “What right have you to issue edicts? This is a false decree! Treason—rebellion!”

Zhu Hao had no desire to exchange further words with her. Waving impatiently, he said, “Enough! I have no time to waste on your nonsense.” He then turned to Xie Gang. “The Consort Dowager is old and confused. Take her outside for some fresh air, to clear her head. She must stop this rambling!”

No sooner had Zhu Hao finished speaking than everyone present felt a chill. They realized how ruthless this move was. Outside, the rain was pouring down in sheets—if the Consort Dowager were taken out now, she would be soaked to the bone in moments.

Fang Congzhe, unable to bear it, stepped forward to plead, “Your Highness, it is raining heavily outside, and the Consort Dowager is elderly. Should she fall ill—please, Your Highness, show mercy and reconsider!”

Zhu Hao snorted in anger. “Grand Secretary Fang, are you instructing me on how to conduct myself? Do not forget the document in my hand! I suggest you stop wasting time and begin drafting the imperial testament at once!”

Chastened, Fang Congzhe dared not argue further. He took up brush and ink and began to write the testament.

Once satisfied that Fang Congzhe was cowed, Zhu Hao turned again to Xie Gang. “Commander Xie, why are you still standing there? Were my orders unclear?”

Xie Gang promptly responded, “At your command!” He then gestured to the guards behind him and ordered, “Take her away!”

Seeing that Zhu Hao truly meant to carry out his threat, Consort Dowager Zheng began to panic. “I am the honored consort of Emperor Wanli! Who among you dares lay a hand on me?”

Yet her words held no power over the two soldiers approaching her. They were but simple soldiers, trained only to obey their commander’s orders. The title of imperial consort meant nothing to them.

No matter how the Consort Dowager raged and cursed, the two guards paid her no heed, escorting her out of the Palace of Heavenly Purity without delay.

After the Consort Dowager had been removed, it was not long before Fang Congzhe, trembling, approached Zhu Hao with the completed testament. “Your Highness, I have finished the draft. Would you please review it for any errors?”

Zhu Hao received the testament, carefully reading through it. Satisfied, he nodded. “Grand Secretary Fang, you are truly the most talented scholar of our dynasty. This testament is well written—let it be proclaimed to the ministers as is!”

Fang Congzhe bowed. “Your Highness flatters me; I am unworthy. Since I have fulfilled your request and drafted the testament, might Your Highness now return that paper to me?”

Inwardly, Zhu Hao sneered. “You think you’ll get the evidence back from me? Wishful thinking! If I return it, how will I avenge my father or bring you to justice?” Outwardly, he remained composed, fearing that if he pressed Fang Congzhe too hard, the latter might act recklessly. So he offered a false reassurance, “Do not worry, Grand Secretary. I will not keep this leverage of yours forever. Once the testament is read before the court at dawn, I shall return the paper to you myself.”

Hearing these delaying words, Fang Congzhe sighed in resignation. “Very well, I trust Your Highness. I hope you will keep your word and return the paper after the testament is read.”

Zhu Hao nodded repeatedly. “Rest assured, I am always true to my word!” Though he said this, his thoughts were cold: “Honesty? What’s that worth? And what honesty do I owe to a regicide like you? As long as I can avenge my father, I care nothing for promises or reputation. Let the world condemn me if it must—tomorrow I shall reveal this confession before the court, and let’s see how that old traitor and venomous crone try to defend themselves!”

At dawn the next day, as the rooster crowed, the sky was shrouded in gray, as if mourning the day’s sorrow. The torrential rain had eased to a steady drizzle. Zhu Hao, accompanied by Fang Congzhe, made his way to the Gate of Supreme Harmony. With the Emperor newly deceased, the palace gates opened an hour and a half later than usual. The officials, clad in mourning robes, had already been waiting outside the Meridian Gate for over four hours. Only when the drums sounded three times did the gates open, allowing the officials to enter and gather before the Gate of Supreme Harmony. Unlike before, today they did not wait for the Emperor, but found Grand Secretary Fang and the Fifth Prince, Zhu Youjian, already standing at the gate to greet them.

Once the officials had assembled, Zhu Hao signaled to Fang Congzhe, who drew from his robe a yellow silk scroll, raised it high, and announced in a loud voice, “The Last Testament of the Late Emperor!”

At his words, the officials all sank to their knees, some stifling sobs, while others threw themselves to the ground, weeping theatrically. Zhu Hao watched these displays with inward scorn: “Damn it, it’s my father who died—why do you all look as if you’ve lost your fathers instead?”

Yet, for all his inward mockery, Zhu Hao could not remain unmoved by the wailing. His mind filled with memories of his father’s voice and laughter; sorrow welled up within him, and before he realized it, tears began to stream down his cheeks.

After the officials had knelt, Fang Congzhe unrolled the testament and read aloud: “From the day I inherited the throne, I have been ceaselessly anxious for the state, my labors unending, my illness brought on by toil. Heaven has not favored me, and though I sought elixirs, fate could not be changed. Grand Secretary Fang is diligent and frugal, a pillar of the state, a true support to me and the realm. My passing is Heaven’s will; let no future sovereign bear resentment toward Grand Secretary Fang for seeking elixirs on my behalf, nor let any action be taken to harm the nation.

Heaven may not have favored me, but I am blessed in my son, the Crown Prince Youxiao, who is tolerant, virtuous, filial, humble, wise, and eager to learn—a Heaven-sent blessing for our dynasty. After my passing, let Crown Prince Youxiao inherit the throne and the legacy of our ancestors, with all ministers assisting him. Thus shall everlasting peace be achieved, and I shall have no regrets in death.”