In the two cities inside and outside the capital, the streets were empty. Such a lively event had been rare in decades. With the extensive publicity in the newspapers, every household knew that the emperor had returned victoriously from a personal expedition.
Since the young emperor came to the throne, he has severely punished corrupt officials, and even executed these people in public in busy markets and market entrances. They all looked at it with great enthusiasm, and the emperor helped them to vent their bad breath.
Zhu Youxiao rode his imperial chariot straight into the city and did not come out to have any intimate interactions with his people. After all, there were so many people and there would inevitably be some desperadoes.
When they arrived at the gate of the palace, Xu Guangqi, who was riding in Wei Yujia, raised his hands and said:
"Your Majesty has been fighting for days and is tired of traveling and traveling. I will not bother you!"
Zhu Youxiao was indeed a little tired. His inner thighs had lost several layers of skin, and his whole body was extremely sore. He finally understood why most emperors were so resistant to personal expeditions.
I'm afraid only those who were the founding kings and military generals like Zhu Di could bear it.
"The court meeting will not be held these days, but the urgent government affairs that have been left behind still need to be dealt with as soon as possible. The six cabinet ministries will go to the palace in the afternoon to discuss matters!"
"According to the order!"
After two months, Zhu Youxiao finally settled his first major event and returned to the palace. Although he returned to his own home, his feelings were not strong. After all, he had only lived here for half a year.
Outside the Qianqing Gate, Concubine Liu led all the concubines and royal relatives in the harem who had been waiting for a long time. Especially his younger sisters, who trotted over after seeing the emperor's chariot entering.
The eunuch and maid behind him quickly shouted:
"Your Highness, Your Highness, please don't move!"
Concubine Fu Yi and others did not react at all. These children had already run away a long way. When they were about to catch up, they were stopped by Concubine Liu.
"Let them be!"
Seeing that the concubine spoke, the biological mothers of the princesses also relaxed a little. After all, this kind of scene pays special attention to etiquette. If the emperor wants to blame it, it will not be light.
But Zhu Youxiao's only younger brother Zhu Youjian is not very happy. In the past two months, he has been like a canary in a cage. He can't go anywhere except his mother's palace. His toys
All the companions were changed.
As soon as Zhu Youxiao got into the chariot, he saw his younger sister dancing happily, each one shouting "Brother Imperial, Brother Imperial."
"Brother Emperor has been away for so long, do you miss him?"
Zhu Youxiao held their little hands and said gently.
Zhu Huiyan chirped and said:
"Hmm... I think so!"
Zhu Youxiao touched their heads and said with a smile:
"Brother Huang has brought you some interesting gifts!"
Several children were even happier when they heard there was a gift, and they clamored to ask what it was, but Zhu Youxiao ignored them.
"Brother, these gifts are only for good children who are obedient and well-behaved!"
When the three sisters heard this, they immediately became serious and stopped making noises. Then they were led away by the eunuch. Zhu Youxiao dismissed them and quickly walked forward towards the Qianqing Gate.
Concubine Liu led the concubines to salute first and said:
"Welcome the emperor back to the palace!"
The concubines behind followed and saluted:
"Your Majesty is welcome back to the palace!"
Zhu Youxiao also gave a simple salute and replied:
"My grandson has met the concubine!"
"Let's all get flat!"
Concubine Liu stood up and said:
"I heard that the emperor returned from the Northern Expedition with a great victory. I would like to congratulate the emperor!"
"It's just that I didn't get a good night's sleep during this trip. The emperor is different from before. He looks much more mature!"
Zhu Youxiao has indeed changed a lot compared to two months ago. His skin is no longer so white and delicate, his face is no longer that childish, and he is much stronger.
Concubine Liu touched Zhu Youxiao's rough face, only feeling a slight tingling, and then said:
"It seems that marching and fighting is really exhausting. The emperor is the king of a country, how can he go into battle in person? If something happens, wouldn't the foundation of our ancestors be in danger?"
Zhu Youxiao already knew what happened in the palace. Concubine Liu was frightened this time. After the news of Miyun's siege came back, the kind old man even broke the taboo and went to the front palace to inquire, and then went to the palace every day.
Burn incense and worship Buddha to bless yourself.
"How can a man be without a little bit of masculinity? Nowadays, everything inside and outside is uneven. If my grandson doesn't work hard, why will he go to see Emperor Taizu in the future?"
Concubine Liu originally thought that the emperor could not bear this career, but now she saw that the emperor's attitude and thoughts were still so resolute, and she knew that there was no hope of remonstrance, and her words were already overstepping the bounds. The harem could not interfere with political affairs. This was the ancestral rule established by Taizu's repeated orders.
system!
Zhu Youxiao changed the topic and said:
"Why don't you see Concubine Chun?"
"Concubine Chun's body is too weak. Although the emperor has been pregnant for more than three months, she is still not very stable. The imperial doctors have been keeping her pregnant and nourishing her blood these days, but I made my own decisions and did not let her come to welcome her.
, I hope the emperor will not blame you!"
This matter is indeed important. After all, the emperor's heir is related to the future national destiny of the Ming Dynasty, and it is also related to the inheritance and orthodoxy of the Ming Dynasty.
The main reason why the rebellion happened that year was because Emperor Jingtai had no descendants. As long as Emperor Jingtai had a son, let alone Shi Heng, Xu Youzhen and other rabble-rousers, even if the powerful Yu Qian supported Zhu Qizhen, they would
Neither may succeed.
"I have asked Concubine Chun to prepare meals in Cining Palace and wait for the emperor!"
Zhu Youxiao smiled and said:
"My grandson has been away from the palace for so long, but he often misses the delicious food in the palace!"
The palaces of the past dynasties were extremely deserted, with no family ties at all. Only interests came first here, and such joyful family banquets were only possible during the emperor's birthday and Chinese New Year.
Since Zhu Youxiao ascended the throne, this has been a common occurrence. He has brought a touch of warmth to this deserted prison, and the concubines in the harem no longer have to live in fear every day.
His younger brothers and sisters will also feel the family affection, and will not stay alone in the palace waiting for death. In fact, to put it bluntly, if you were born in the palace of the Ming Dynasty and were a woman, then your life would be from your mother's womb.
It is already doomed when you come out of it, this cannot be changed, the princesses of the Ming Dynasty are just superfluous creatures.
"I wonder what happened to the selection of the concubine?"
Although this was an important matter for Zhu Youxiao, he had never cared about it because there was no need for it. Ming Dynasty had a complete system and he only needed to nod at the end.
Seeing the emperor taking the initiative to ask, Mrs. Liu smiled happily and said:
"The selection of the show girls has been completed and they have entered the palace for assessment. It will be over in a month!"
"Thank you for your hard work, Princess!"
"The emperor is busy with state affairs. I will help the emperor make proper arrangements for the wedding!"