Chapter 6, not wanting too much commotion

Of course, Fu Ba knows that Wanli is not referring to the place he is currently sitting, but rather to the supreme throne. Therefore, he hesitated, and naturally, it was a hesitation about how to speak in a tone that resembles that of a child

Wanli took the opportunity to pat Consort Zheng on the back and said, "Alright, let's not give the younger generation something to laugh about. Get up, someone, go help the consort get ready again."

Seeing the bitterness on the face of Prince Fu and the dissatisfaction on the face of Concubine Zheng, Emperor Wanli explained: "Neither did I study in earnest, and if this gets out, there will be another uproar. Let me enjoy a few days of peace!"

That is good, let me fight for you once more, and then prepare to take up your fief!

Consort Zheng could no longer contain her emotions and threw herself into the arms of Emperor Wanli, weeping uncontrollably, while Fu Ba, who was sitting beside them, felt somewhat awkward

Fu Ba also immediately knelt down and said: "Grandmother, please do not cry. It is my fault, I will no longer study!"

The Prince Fu hurriedly spoke up, saying: "It is likely that I need to use the restroom!"

Concubine Zheng sobbed, "I am merely unwilling to accept this!"

Therefore, it is necessary to pretend to be a childlike Fu Ba, who ran down from the chair and knelt beside Fu Wang, while saying to Empress Zheng: "Grandmother, please do not cry, otherwise, Song'er will also cry!"

The Prince of Fu first helped Fu Ba to his feet, and then he stood up himself. At that moment, Wanli asked, "Cong'er, do you wish to sit in my position?"

In fact, this is not something that has only been mentioned now; as early as after the establishment of the Fufan, in order to create the Fuwang Mansion and address the issue of granted lands, Emperor Wanli had already engaged in intense conflicts with the civil officials.

Wanli laughed heartily: "Old Third, Cong'er is far more intelligent than you. This position may seem glorious, but after sitting here for so many years, I have only had a few days of peace and comfort. Do not be deceived by the appearance of others carrying burdens effortlessly!"

The so-called contention during the Wanli era was certainly not about securing a political position for Zhu Changluo, but rather about economic compensation

Indeed, one merely needs to read and write, so how could this have triggered such an important transitional scene

Father Emperor, Mother Empress, Fu Ba told me yesterday that he wishes to study. I do not dare to take this matter lightly, therefore I have come to the palace today to seek your decree

The muscles on the face of the Prince twitched for a moment, and he lowered his head, saying: "I understand, Your Majesty!"

To Consort Zheng, Wanli's words sounded more like a husband's plea to his wife, and thus her tears immediately flowed: "Your Majesty, it is I, it is I who have caused you distress, all of this is due to my shortcomings..."

The tender voice of Fuba touched the heart of Emperor Wanli, who then took Fuba's small hand and had him sit beside him. He then spoke to Concubine Zheng, saying: "Do not cry anymore. If this world were truly to follow my wishes, what would be impossible? However!"

The son thanks the Father Emperor! The Prince of Fortune knelt down to express his gratitude, then stood up again and said, "Father Emperor, the 40,000 acres of fertile land that you previously intended to bestow upon me is no longer possible, and even the 20,000 acres may be difficult to realize. Therefore, since the officials are so vehement, I shall not accept it. I request that you bestow upon me the royal store and salt transport instead."

To speak frankly, do the officials not realize that the construction of the royal palace and the granting of land are compensations for the Prince of Fortune's withdrawal from the political stage of the Ming Dynasty

At the signal of Wanli, the chief eunuch beside him immediately took Fu Ba away. Watching Fu Ba's retreating figure, Wanli recalled the purpose of the Prince of Fu's visit to the palace today and commanded, "Have the inner study find the best Mongolian teacher..."

However, Wanli's expression was very strange. Yes, the eldest son of Crown Prince Zhu Changluo, Zhu Youjiao, is already 7 years old and has yet to receive a proper tutor. If he were to agree to arrange a dedicated tutor for Zhu Yousong now, it is likely that the "upright gentlemen" in the court would raise a clamor again

The expressions of Concubine Zheng and Prince Fu suddenly changed; indeed, their probing was directly thwarted by Emperor Wanli, and so decisively that it left them feeling utterly disheartened

Fu Ba understood clearly; isn't it just about exorbitant demands and immediate payments? The rulers and ministers of the Ming Dynasty truly excelled at this game

"The overall situation has been determined, so you should not engage in futile struggles any longer," Wanli said to Prince Fu. "I cannot give you the Great Treasure, but I will compensate you in other ways."

Wanli waved his hand and said: "You do not understand, if you truly want to revoke the edict granting the land now, I fear you will not be able to obtain the salt tax receipts."

After listening to Prince Fu's words, Consort Zheng joyfully picked up Fu Ba and kissed him, saying: "Good grandson, grandmother will definitely arrange the best tutor for you"

The Prince of Fu certainly understood as well, so he expressed, "I, the foolish son, will follow all arrangements made by Father Emperor."

Wanli then looked at the weeping Consort Zheng and said: "My beloved consort, I have always kept my word. When the opportunity arises, I will certainly confer upon you the title of Empress. In this way, we shall share the same bed in life and the same grave in death, which can be considered as our bond as husband and wife."

Prince Fu gritted his teeth and said: "Your son truly understands!"

The Prince immediately bowed his head to the ground and said: "Father Emperor, your son, your son will no longer compete with the Crown Prince for anything."

The Prince hurriedly knelt down: "Father, please do not be angry, and Mother, please cease your mourning. It is the fault of your son for being ignorant; everything is the fault of your son!"

Therefore, after much consideration, Emperor Wanli ultimately decided: "It is better to first send someone from the Inner Study to teach Fuba!"

However, in the end, Fu Ba still decided to speak frankly: "Your Majesty, I do not wish to cause too much commotion!"

Although Consort Zheng and Prince Fu were both unwilling, at this time, promoting Prince Fu to become a vassal became the only political correctness and tool for political maneuvering in the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, regardless of who was in power, there was a repeated urging for Emperor Wanli to arrange for Prince Fu to become a vassal. Consequently, as Emperor Wanli gradually found it increasingly difficult to withstand the pressure from both the court and the public, the time left for Consort Zheng and Prince Fu was becoming increasingly limited

Of course, for Fu Ba, who is only 5 years old now, he has no ability to get involved in this matter at all. Therefore, the most important thing he needs to do is to learn to read.

You are unwilling, and I am unwilling as well

The answer is certainly negative, but the bureaucrats, who see things in black and white, have no concept of mutual compromise; they are determined to confront Emperor Wanli. Moreover, Emperor Wanli has a temperament akin to that of a stubborn donkey. As a result, both sides bear undeniable responsibility for the current situation, which has also fostered a sense of opportunism in Prince Fu and Concubine Zheng, leading to a series of unnecessary troubles.

Indeed, Wanli has made it very clear. If Zhu Changxun continues to persist, it is feared that Wanli will truly side with the East Palace and Zhu Changluo, resulting in Zhu Changxun's own failure and making future days difficult. Therefore, Zhu Changxun can only completely abandon his ambitions

Several trembling palace maids approached to assist Consort Zheng in changing her clothes and grooming at the back. Wanli then commanded the Prince of Fu, "Get up, do not let the child kneel as well"

Wanli sighed: "After all these years, you should have understood by now!"

Wanli casually inquired: "You explained it clearly just now, and now you explain it clearly again. Do you truly understand it?"

Seeing that there was no estrangement between father and son, Fu Ba began to twist his body, prompting Wan Li to ask, "What is wrong with Cong Er?"

While speaking, Wanli waved to Prince Fu, and Zhu Changxun moved to the front of Wanli, using his knees as legs.