Chapter 20: What Is My Obedient Grandson Up To? (Requesting Data to Continue Reading)

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang decided to take Fu Youde along with him this time, Zhu Yunzhong had already seized control of the situation inside the Hall of Heavenly Favor.

Watching the ministers slowly rise from below, his heart surged with tumultuous waves.

Glancing briefly at the Dragon Throne not far away, he was about to stand when a voice called out from below, “Your Highness, since the matter has been settled, please instruct the Ministry of Rites to promptly draft a date for the enthronement ceremony, so that state affairs are not delayed.”

“Yes, yes, and the funeral of the late emperor— the Ministry of Rites must also quickly prepare the proper protocols,” multiple officials chimed in, as if afraid someone else would seize the chance to show their zeal before Zhu Yunzhong, the new sovereign.

Previously, they had resisted Zhu Yunzhong’s ascension because they believed him to be a mere puppet propped up by the Huai West nobility.

But with his recent decisive actions, he had clearly proven he was no one’s puppet.

And now that his enthronement was an established fact, they could no longer alter the course. For their own sake and for the Ming dynasty’s stability, it was imperative to let Zhu Yunzhong ascend first, lest the regional princes stir up trouble upon hearing the emperor’s passing.

Chen Jing, Minister of Rites, stepped forward from among the court officials and bowed deeply to Zhu Yunzhong. “Your Highness, the fifteenth and twenty-fifth days of this month are auspicious dates for the enthronement ceremony.”

“As for the late emperor’s funeral date, I shall immediately commission experts to calculate an appropriate time and ensure the protocols are ready at the earliest.”

“Excellent! We thank Minister Chen here,” Zhu Yunzhong replied courteously, then added, “There is one more matter: the Ministry of Rites must also propose feasible measures regarding whether we should notify the regional princes about the grandfather emperor’s funeral.”

The mention of the regional princes drew frowns from the officials— this was the topic they least wished to discuss, yet Zhu Yunzhong had spoken it openly.

Unlike the Tang or Song dynasties, these princes held actual armies and supplies, each stationed fiercely along the borders.

If they learned of Zhu Yuanzhang’s death, who could guarantee none would harbor treacherous thoughts?

This was precisely why the officials were so anxious for Zhu Yunzhong’s enthronement.

Once enthroned, he would have legitimate authority; if any prince dared to act otherwise, he could immediately dispatch troops to suppress them.

Yet now, Zhu Yunzhong not only seemed oblivious to their concerns but was asking the Ministry of Rites to devise a plan for whether the princes should return to the capital for the mourning.

“Your Highness, I believe it would be best not to notify the princes at all,” Zhan Hui spoke after much thought, bowing respectfully to Zhu Yunzhong. “We could even issue an imperial edict in the late emperor’s name forbidding the princes from returning to the capital for the funeral, instructing them instead to remain guarding their domains to defend against foreign threats during this delicate transfer of power.”

Truth be told, this was a very prudent suggestion.

Everyone knew the princes not only controlled military power but also had close marital ties with the Huai West nobility. If they returned to the capital, the Huai West faction might seize the opportunity for ulterior motives.

Even Blue Jade would struggle to control the ambitious nobles then.

Historically, after Zhu Yuanzhang’s death, Zhu Yunwen had ascended the throne following a similar policy. The princes remained guarding their territories, and no major incidents occurred. Had Zhu Yunwen not mismanaged affairs, the throne might never have passed to Zhu Di’s line.

Zhu Yunzhong frowned upon hearing this. He least wished for the princes to continue holding the border garrisons, especially his Fourth Uncle, who was accompanied by the enigmatic monk Yao Guangxiao— a source of unease.

Yet, in light of circumstances, Zhan Hui’s plan was truly the best option. Allowing the princes to return risked the Huai West faction’s scheming.

After a moment’s thought, Zhu Yunzhong nodded in agreement. “Then let it be as Minister Zhan suggests. Issue an edict in the late emperor’s name to all regions.”

Rising, his face once again clouded with grief, he said, “The grandfather emperor’s death was sudden. His body still rests in the Palace of Heavenly Purity. Should we not pay our respects?”

“Indeed,” Chen Jing bowed first, then said, “With His Majesty’s passing, the Ministry of Rites should conduct a preliminary funeral rite, and all colleagues should pay farewell to the late emperor. The grand funeral will follow tomorrow.”

“Very well. Then, gentlemen, let us proceed to the Palace of Heavenly Purity,” Zhu Yunzhong said, unfamiliar with imperial funeral customs but determined.

The ministers slowly withdrew from the hall, crowding behind Zhu Yunzhong as they moved toward the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

Outside the palace, they knelt thrice and bowed nine times before Chen Jing led the Ministry of Rites inside.

The preliminary funeral rites mainly involved preparing the body— washing, dressing in the burial robes and dragon robe.

No one else was allowed inside during this process; they waited outside.

About half an hour later, Chen Jing emerged, having completed the preparations, and opened the palace doors to notify Zhu Yunzhong and the others.

Zhu Yunzhong had already sent Ma Sanbao to inform the other princes still in the palace, as well as the Eastern Palace.

Lady Lü had two sons, Zhu Yunti and Zhu Yunxi, who, along with their mother, were now detained in the Zhaoyi Prison.

But Zhu Yunzhong also had two elder sisters: the eldest, Princess Jiangdu Zhu Jingyi, and the second, Princess Yilun Zhu Jingya.

When Chen Jing announced it was time to enter, Zhu Yunzhong took the lead.

Behind him were Princesses Zhu Jingyi and Zhu Jingya, followed by the young princes Zhu Feng, Zhu Zuo, Zhu Song, and others still minors.

Though Zhu Yuanzhang had resolved the matter, seeing his children and grandchildren mourning over him was unbearably painful.

Especially the youngest princes, only three or four years old, moved the old emperor to tears.

Yet, upon seeing the civil and military officials behave respectfully before Zhu Yunzhong, Zhu Yuanzhang felt a profound comfort, as if his death had not been in vain.

Feng Sheng and Tang He, both elderly, also felt a surge of sorrow, touched by the scene and reflecting on their own eventual fate.

After the rites, Zhu Yunzhong assigned everyone their duties.

Only Princesses Zhu Jingya and Zhu Jingyi, along with the young princes, remained guarding the spirit tablet in the rear hall of the Palace of Heavenly Purity, where the body had been moved.

The front hall of the palace became Zhu Yunzhong’s domain.

“Sanbao, send Song Zhong to bring in the others,” he commanded.

“Yes!” Ma Sanbao answered promptly and soon returned, accompanied by Song Zhong and several white-haired elders.

From behind the wall, Zhu Yuanzhang furrowed his brow at the sight of the newcomers brought by Song Zhong.

“Mourners Liu Sanwu, Ren Taiheng, and Su Boheng… What is my grandson planning? Does he intend to replace all ministers with a new set, sending these old men into retirement?”

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