In front of Fengxian Hall, the sky is overcast and snow is falling here and there.
The most noble brothers of the Ming Empire stood opposite each other.
The north wind wrapped snowflakes and fell on their shoulders, and their clothes were flying, but it couldn't blow away the heaviness in these words.
At this moment, Zhu Qiyu's face, which had been as calm as a lake from beginning to end, finally showed a cold and stern look. His words were not loud, but the cold meaning contained in them made people feel cold all over.
.
Zhu Qizhen was silent, but strangely, at such a tense moment, his mind suddenly drifted elsewhere.
He was familiar with the aura of the person in front of him because he had experienced it before.
He thought, could an ordinary prince really develop such imperial dignity in just one year?
The thought passed away in a flash. Zhu Qizhen did not look at Zhu Qiyu, but looked up at the simple Fengxian Hall. After a while, Fang Dao.
"You have done a good job, better than my brother. From now on, I will take care of myself in Nangong and will no longer be involved in politics. The past cannot be recalled, so why bother mentioning it again?"
On the way back to Beijing, Zhu Qizhen thought a lot.
Including everything before, including everything after, including what I may face after returning to Beijing.
People will always grow.
A year of living as a prisoner has smoothed his edges. He is no longer the proud and arrogant emperor. He has begun to understand all kinds of suffering in this world. Even as an emperor, there is helplessness.
When he decided to set off from Xuanfu, he knew that he had lost this round.
But it doesn’t matter, he will accept it!
In his opinion, from the civil ceremony to the grand ceremony in the capital, and now to the questioning in front of the Fengxian Hall, Zhu Qiyu was nothing more than reminding him of one thing.
That is, he, the Supreme Emperor, is a sinner of the country.
The current emperor of the Ming Dynasty deliberately wanted to bow his head because he was worried that he would interfere in government affairs and compete with him for power after returning to Beijing.
In this case, he would just give in.
Along the way, Wang Jin and Ren Li were by his side. They knew much more than Li Xian, Zhu Jian and others.
Zhu Qizhen also understood the earth-shaking changes that had taken place in the Ming Dynasty during his absence.
From the inner palace to the outer court, Li Yongchang, Jin Ying, Cao Jixiang, Mao Gui, Wang Changsui and his close eunuchs were killed and exiled one by one.
Among the six ministries, the most important ones, the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of War, were firmly in the hands of the emperor. Chen Yi of the Metropolitan Procuratorate also became a party to the emperor. As for the cabinet and the Hanlin Academy, they were completely changed.
Among the nobles, the honorable minister Jingnan who was loyal to him, with the murder of Zhang Fu of the British Duke, Ningyang Bo Chen Mao was demoted, and the title of the Duke of Chengguo has not yet been determined, and the others are zero.
Scattered in disarray.
However, a group of generals headed by Li Xian who were unable to surrender, and border ministers headed by Yang Hong and Fan Guang, took the opportunity to welcome the new emperor, took control of the Beijing camp, and continued to usurp the authority of the Governor's Office of the Fifth Army.
Some of the remaining old officials in the court, such as Hu Hui and others, are also wise enough to protect themselves. This can be seen just by looking at this ceremony.
Zhu Qizhen thought to himself that with the current situation, he had no hope of regaining the throne, so he took a very open-minded view.
He felt that what Zhu Qiyu wanted was nothing more than for him to retreat to Nangong and stop fighting.
In this case, let's follow his wishes.
However, after hearing Zhu Qizhen's answer, Zhu Qiyu couldn't help but have a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
Sure enough, no matter whether it was a civil ceremony or standing in front of the ancestral tablet, my brother had never really felt remorse.
What he has in mind is only himself, some of which are weighing the pros and cons, and some of which are driven by helplessness.
But he had never felt such sincere guilt.
The 200,000-strong army and the overthrow of the Sheji Ancestral Temple could not move his heart.
What he saw in his eyes was Wang Zhen's many years of companionship, Empress Qian's deep affection, and even Ye Xian's "sincere treatment" with Boyan Timur.
However, he could not hear the lamentations and cries of the common people, nor could he see the countless broken-up families struggling to survive.
Me, only me!
This is Zhu Qizhen, his brother, the former emperor of the Ming Dynasty and the current emperor.
He is such a person!
Zhu Qiyu lowered his head, suddenly feeling a trace of self-mockery.
But he was wrong.
This sentence should not have been asked in the first place.
So, his expression no longer fluctuated, a faint smile appeared on his face, and he said.
"In that case, please invite the Supreme Emperor to sacrifice our ancestors with me!"
Zhu Qiyu's original intention was that he was too lazy to talk to Zhu Qizhen anymore, but in the eyes of the other party, this change in his demeanor turned into a sign of silence after achieving his goal.
There was a hint of complexity in his eyes, and Zhu Qizhen naturally heard the business-like meaning in this sentence. With a sigh, he shook off the snowflakes on his body and walked into the Fengxian Hall.
The process of worshiping ancestors is tedious.
Zhu Qiyu's original intention was to hope that at least in front of his ancestors, Zhu Qizhen could realize that he was the son of the late emperor who had high hopes. Even if it was not for the country, at least for the expectations of the late emperor, he could do what he wanted.
Even if you make a mistake, you will feel the slightest remorse.
but none……
In this case, no matter how complicated the ceremony is, if it is not done according to the heart, it will be nothing more than an appearance.
Burn incense, chant sutras, prostrate, change clothes and leave the temple.
The two brothers returned to their original state again.
Not saying a word, just like a stranger.
However, what Zhu Qiyu didn't expect was that as soon as he left the palace gate, he saw a handsome man parked far away.
Under the oil-paper umbrella held by the palace servant, a woman wearing a thick red cloak with dark cloud patterns stood in the distance, hesitating and looking around, with a trace of uneasiness on her face.
It can be seen that the woman was dressed very delicately today, and it must have taken a long time.
But even so, she couldn't hide the haggard look on her face. Seeing someone coming out of Fengxian Hall, she subconsciously wanted to move forward.
Then, as if he realized something, he suddenly looked a little flustered, stopped leaning forward, and took two steps back.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu sighed, and after a few steps, he stopped and cupped his hands.
"I've met the emperor's sister-in-law."
This woman is none other than Queen Duanjing in the harem, and she is also Zhu Qizhen's first wife.
After resurrecting his life, he has met all kinds of people, but the only one who can be truly respected by Zhu Qiyu is his sister-in-law.
It's a pity that there are some things that he can't do anything about...
Empress Qian narrowed her eyes slightly and finally saw clearly that the person who came was not what she thought. She didn't know whether she was disappointed or happy for a moment, but the complicated emotions just now were finally diluted.
After hesitating for a moment, she couldn't help but ask.
"Brother Yu, where is Your Majesty? I...I know there are still ceremonies in the court, and you still have things to be busy with, but..."
It is said that a sister-in-law is like a mother. Before Zhu Qizhen decided to go to war personally, the relationship between Queen Qian and Zhu Qiyu was also very good.
Later, after Zhu Qiyu ascended the throne, not only him, but also Queen Wang always showed great respect to Queen Qian.
So much so that in the entire harem, she was the only one who addressed the two brothers with the same names as usual, without any change.
However, despite this, Empress Qian is not a person who does not know the rules, so she has basically never stepped out of the Yikun Palace since Empress Wang entered the palace.
Especially like today, it is the first time to travel through most of the palace city.
It can be seen how excited she is now.
Zhu Qiyu bowed again and said.
"The emperor's wife does not need to explain. I understand that there is still some time before the court meeting begins. The emperor's brother is currently changing clothes in the side hall. A moment later..."
Before he finished speaking, an excited voice sounded from behind Zhu Qiyu.
"Queen!"
So, Zhu Qiyu looked sideways and saw Zhu Qizhen, who had just changed into a clean robe, standing there in a daze, looking at the woman in the distance, his body trembling slightly.
Before everyone could react, Zhu Qizhen had already passed everyone in three or two steps and came to Queen Qian.
The person she missed day and night was right in front of her. Empress Qian looked at Zhu Qizhen carefully, and two more lines of tears flowed down her cheeks and wet her clothes.
But immediately, she reacted and wiped her tears with her hands in a panic, then lowered her head and subconsciously stepped back.
"Your Majesty, I am... you are still busy with something, I will go first..."
Before she finished speaking, her hands were held by someone.
Then, all the words fell into silence, and Queen Qian was so full of words that she could not utter a single word.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu sighed and said nothing more. He raised his hand and called Wang Jin over, telling him to find a private room so that the Emperor and Queen Duanjing could talk.
Hua En was also sent to the outer court to spread the word, and the court meeting started a quarter of an hour later.
Then, he sighed, turned and left.
Zhu Qizhen is not worthy of this face, but Queen Qian is!
After turning out of the palace gate, Zhu Qiyu was thinking about where to go to kill the extra quarter of an hour.
However, as soon as he raised his head, he saw Ms. Wang wearing a thick winter coat under the winter plum branches, holding her waist with difficulty and looking at him with a smile.
Behind the Wang family, Shu Liang and Xing'an looked frightened and helpless. Seeing the emperor's figure appear, they quickly stepped forward and said.
"Your Majesty, your Majesty must come here, my slave..."
Zhu Qiyu waved his hand, without even glancing at them, he strode forward and came to Mr. Wang's side, frowning slightly, but also said helplessly.
"It's such a cold day and you are inconvenient. Why are you here?"
Mrs. Wang was supported by Liu Huan, smiled crookedly, and said.
"The emperor's sister-in-law is coming to see the Supreme Emperor, and naturally my concubine is going to come to see His Majesty."
Listening to these slightly childish words, Zhu Qiyu felt angry and funny.
But inexplicably, the trace of melancholy that suddenly rose in my heart dissipated without a trace.
…………
A quarter of an hour flies by.
On the Danqi in front of the Fengtian Hall, there were already the etiquette officers ready, and underneath there were hundreds of civil and military officials who had also lined up, among whom from time to time there were censors who were correcting the rituals.
Fortunately, the snow gradually stopped, so that the clothes that the adults had just changed would not be stained with snow again.
Finally, with a loud "Ascension to the Palace!"
The heavy and tall palace door was slowly pushed open, and the officials climbed up the steps in an orderly manner.
In the spacious Fengtian Hall, what is different from usual is that two equally large dragon chairs are placed together on the high imperial steps.
When all the ministers entered the palace and stood up, the ceremony officer continued to shout.
"The Emperor is here."
So, amid shouts and crowds, Zhu Qizhen stepped in step by step from outside the palace, walked past the ministers, stepped onto the imperial steps, and sat down on the dragon chair.
At this moment, he also changed his clothes. It was no longer the bright yellow robe when he entered the city, but the same black robe with twelve chapters of dragon pattern as Zhu Qiyu, with a large ribbon on his waist and a twelve-glazed crown.
This familiar scene made the ministers who came from the orthodox era feel a little dazed for a moment.
However, everything is different after all...
After the Emperor sat down, the etiquette officer shouted again.
"The Holy Spirit is here!"
Then, a figure appeared outside the hall again.
Zhu Qiyu wore a royal robe that was almost the same as Zhu Qizhen's and walked into the palace step by step.
However, the difference is that he is holding a jade guide engraved with "Fengtian Dharma Patriarch" in his hand.
As he stepped into the palace, all the ministers knelt down neatly on the ground without the guidance of a courtesy official. Even Zhu Qizhen stood up from the dragon chair and bowed slightly.
Holding the jade guide in hand, it’s like Taizu is here in person!
Zhu Qiyu climbed up the imperial steps, sat firmly on the dragon chair, and nodded lightly to the ceremony officer beside him.
Immediately, the etiquette officer shouted.
"knock!"
The ministers then kowtowed to the ground and shouted in unison.
"I bow to Your Majesty, and to the Supreme Emperor, long live, long live, long live."
Zhu Qizhen did not kneel, he was also the recipient.
However, Taizu Dagui was in front, and he could not sit down either.
Looking at the familiar Yu Gui in front of him, his originally calm mood became a little more emotional.
This was originally something in his hand, but now, there is no chance to hold it in his hand again...
Following the guidance of the etiquette officer, and after the ministers kowtowed three times and five times, Zhu Qiyu said.
"Plain body."
So the officials stood up.
Zhu Qiyu also stood up, respectfully placed the Dagui in his hand on the treasure table prepared aside, then took two steps to the side, bowed slightly and said.
"Your Majesty, please take a seat."
At this time, Zhu Qizhen straightened up and sat down again.
Immediately afterwards, Zhu Qiyu also sat down, and the eunuch Cheng Jing, the eunuch in charge of rituals, stepped forward, picked up a yellow silk and jade scroll of imperial edict from the treasure case, and opened it to read.
"The emperor is destined to be supported by heaven, the edict says."
"I present the relics of the late emperor's holy body to coincide with the declining fortunes of the country. I was lucky to be good at power and power, which caused my eldest brother to be trapped in the imperial court by mistake. Thanks to the blessings of the ancestors of heaven and earth, and the great trust entrusted to me by my mother and the subjects, I am bestowed with great honor.
The position is for showing great ambitions, comforting people's hearts, and flattering the ancestors."
"...Now that the eldest brother has returned to the capital, the ministers and common people are having fun, and the palace is celebrating. When I came to the throne, I have already tried to tell the heaven and earth, and the ancestral society. The eldest brother is honored as the Supreme Emperor. The courtesy is only high and has no substitute. I should treat it with humility.
In honor of you, although I have not repaid my personal grudges, I have fulfilled my wish to be kind and express my kindness to my subjects. All the lenient matters are listed below..."
"1. Since before the 19th day of August in the first year of Jingtai, officials, soldiers and civilians have committed crimes..."
The edict was very long, but none of the elders were interested in listening to it.
The content of this edict was carefully scrutinized by the Ministry of Rites and the Cabinet several times, and was written with careful attention to every word and sentence. There are definitely no mistakes or omissions, but the content has naturally been spread long ago.
There's nothing too special about it, it's just a general amnesty edict.
This is what it should be and is nothing worthy of too much attention.
What really deserves their attention is the edict written on a yellow silk and jade scroll placed on the treasure table beside the Supreme Emperor.
It was written by the Supreme Emperor himself, and it was also the first official edict issued by the old man after he returned to Beijing.