Chapter 4, The Mountains and Rivers are but a Void of Thought

Hearing Zhu Mingyue speak in this manner, Zhu was left in a state of bewilderment.

The bright sunlight streamed in through the window, casting its glow upon the exquisitely luxurious attire of the princess, the halo swirling and highlighting the vibrant hues of crimson, peach, and pink on the hem of her skirt; the inner layer of the brocade skirt was made of thin cotton, sufficient to ward off the slight chill in the air. In the ornate copper mirror, the young girl had a face as delicate as snow and jade, with a pointed chin; at the corner of her eye, there was a light brown tear mole, clear and bright, resembling a fresh, tear-like droplet.

Upon passing through the Fengtian Gate, the first sight that greets the eye is the Fengtian Hall, the foremost of the three great halls. Towering and intricate, adorned with glazed tiles and golden roofs, it features double eaves and a complex system of brackets painted in blue. The doors and windows, embellished with vermilion lacquer and gilded carvings, shine brilliantly in the bright lights. To the west of the hall is the literary pavilion, while to the east lies the martial pavilion.

Under the reign of our Emperor, the territory inherits the glorious foundation established by our founding ancestor, and within a century, it will become a prosperous era praised by future generations

She sat there just barely, her smile vibrant, soft yet striking, exuding an assertive beauty; when not smiling, she appeared dignified and graceful, embodying an innate elegance that was both refined and noble. Her smooth black hair was partially tied up, with silver tassels cascading down along her ears, and a pure silver ornament on her forehead further accentuated her captivating allure.

However, there is one matter that I, a humble monk, do not understand, which has been troubling me deeply. I hope Miss Yue'er will not hesitate to offer her guidance.

The emperor's palanquin has arrived before the palace, and the twelve palace doors of the Huagai Hall are opened one after another. With each heavy creak of the doors, the sound of bells and chimes resonates, accompanied by the harmonious music of eight instruments. The silver-white tassels of the canopy lead the way, with the imperial banner following behind. That bright yellow figure, stepping to the solemn and majestic drum music, gradually enters the grand hall

At that moment, an uncontrollable sadness suddenly surged within Zhu Mingyue's heart; however, her expression remained calm as she lowered her eyes and said, "If I remember correctly, it was Lord Yao who ultimately recommended Fang Xiaoru to the Emperor, allowing him to draft the imperial edict, while also providing him with an opportunity to directly refute the Emperor's words and insult the imperial presence."

Zhu Mingyue knelt there, and without even raising her head, she could clearly sense the awe emanating from the entire court of civil and military officials

What your father said is indeed the truth; the Emperor loves to hear me speak the truth

Zhu Mingyue sat in a small sedan with a flat top and plain curtains, swaying with the drapes, able to see her father riding a chestnut-red steed, wearing high silver boots and armor, exuding an undeniable aura of power and majesty

Zhu Mingyue sighed inwardly, smiled slightly, and said nothing more

In the face of preserving their lives with steadfastness and loyalty, those frail family members, including women and children, surprisingly chose to sacrifice themselves. Was it due to their inability to endure humiliation, or was it a refusal to feel shame before the noble spirits of the valiant deceased beneath the nine springs?

Initially, Yao Guangxiao promised her to ensure her father's safety for a lifetime. Today, with the initial stability of the court, the Emperor is entangled in numerous matters from previous dynasties, leaving him momentarily unable to attend to other concerns. In the future, who can guarantee that he will not emulate the actions of the founding Emperor? After all, in dealing with the former officials of Jianwen, he has already revealed his cruelty and coldness.

At the time of the new emperor's ascension, his claim to the throne was indeed questionable and lacked legitimacy. Many of the civil and military officials in the court were former defectors, who, while outwardly cautious, secretly harbored grievances. The common people across the realm also shared this sentiment. The phrase 'usurpation of the throne' was like a thorn, deeply embedded in the emperor's heart. How to deal with those former officials of the Jianwen era who refused to submit became the most challenging and delicate matter.

The hardships endured by the young lady over the years will be remembered by His Majesty. As the humble monk has stated, history will be clear and there will surely be a fair judgment

At this moment, a palace maid came to invite her, "Miss Yue'er, Lord Yao requests your presence to sit with him"

Not only did he refuse to comply, but he also openly berated the emperor in the grand hall, in front of all the officials, leaving the originally well-meaning emperor speechless and unable to retort. Furthermore, when pen, ink, paper, and inkstone were forcibly placed in his hands, he still stubbornly refused to yield, ultimately writing the eight characters "Desiring to harm the sovereign and plotting to usurp the throne" in his own hand on the imperial edict.

The bleakness of winter gradually enveloped the entire capital, the once bustling and prosperous streets now absent, leaving behind a scene of desolation and cold silence. After one bloody massacre after another, the common people dared not don mourning attire, instead scattering white paper money on the streets of Yingtian Prefecture.

She always remembered that the Jianwen Emperor at that time particularly disliked this dance, which followed ancient customs and was exceedingly dull. Whenever there were sacrifices and celebrations, if he sat for too long, he would always glare with wide-open eyes; otherwise, he would inevitably doze off

Feigning ignorance

Zhu Mingyue closed her eyes, feeling a bittersweet sensation in her heart that rendered her speechless

Zhu gazed at his beloved daughter with intense affection

Zhu Mingyue could not help but furrow her brows

Carved beams and painted rafters, thousands of doors and myriad households

None of this was due to the spirit of the great ancestor in heaven, or any assistance from deities or ghosts. The so-called secret passage and the escape from peril were the results of the collaboration among a few of them, the monarch and his ministers. Of course, she was also included—when the city was besieged and the northern army was at the gates, she, as the insider within the palace, was the one who knew best where the defensive weaknesses lay.

Yao Guangxiao said: "Since my father has already been granted the title of Duke, Miss Yue'er’s status is naturally equivalent to that of a princess. Sitting in the position of a princess is also in accordance with the regulations"

Upon arriving at the Hongwu Gate tower, the civil officials dismounted from their sedan chairs, and the military officers dismounted from their horses. Hongdou assisted her in stepping out of the small sedan chair, and Zhu Mingyue looked up to see a bright full moon hanging high in the sky, illuminating the brilliantly lit towering city gate.

Yao Guangxiao smiled as he drained the fragrant tea in his cup, then filled it again. "While the world is muddied, I alone remain clear; while others are intoxicated, I alone am sober. Let us toast with tea instead of wine, to our Prince Yan, the most talented and ambitious Emperor!"

Her beauty naturally causes people to overlook other aspects of her, such as her profound knowledge, exceptional talent, as well as her depth of character and cunning.

Not guilty, and no charges have even been established; one cannot be indefinitely imprisoned in a cell

Magnificent and resplendent, with an imposing grandeur

As a meritorious minister, Zhu is indeed honored

Zhu Mingyue raised her eyes and said, "Why did Father suddenly mention this place?"

In the first year of the Jianwen era, three renowned and distinctly different advisors gathered in the Fengtiandian of the Forbidden City in Yingtianfu—Qi Tai, Fang Xiaoru, and Huang Zicheng. They were entrusted by Emperor Taizu with the responsibility of assisting the young Jianwen Emperor, pledging their lifelong loyalty and service, united in their commitment to safeguard the prosperous realm of the Ming Dynasty.

The civil officials are seated in sedan chairs of green or blue, while the military generals ride on tall steeds, hurrying from all directions to the eastern palace. The jingling of the bells on the horses' necks is melodious, harmonizing beautifully with the tinkling of the tassels atop the sedan chairs

But he guessed correctly

At that time, the red beans were not in the inner courtyard; otherwise, she would not have spared her life

That shy and gentle youth always struggles to conceal his thoughts. Whenever he feels annoyed, Huang Zicheng will notice it. At that moment, Fang Xiaoru will cough lightly, indicating that his crown is actually askew. Qi Tai, on the other side, smiles gently.

The young lady, despite her tender age, possesses a composure that is astonishing.

Because of her simple and unblemished family background, the Emperor Taizu was able to rest assured in placing her beside the Crown Prince. Otherwise, had she entered the palace as the daughter of Zhu Neng, she would likely not have lived to see the ascension of Jianwen, and by now, the weeds on her grave would be taller than a person. Even with her meager contributions, they remain in the shadows, just as the current Emperor's throne was obtained.

Yao Guangxiao stroked his chin, shook his head, and smiled, saying: "The poor monk was just thinking that someone like Fang Xiaoru, who is stubborn and unyielding, would never agree to submit. However, his tragic death will extinguish any thoughts of submission among the other old ministers, even if they had such intentions. This method of taking advantage of the situation and cutting off the source of power is a thorough and permanent solution. But, Miss, do you know that the Emperor cherishes talent and originally had no intention of killing him"

"Well said, well said. Miss, have you not heard the saying, 'Wine and meat pass through the intestines, but the Buddha remains in the heart'?" Yao Guangxiao picked up the jade wine pot and, with a smile, poured her a cup of Tusu wine, "The illusion of the physical form is, for this monk, truly not worth worrying about."

Had I known that her father was a stubborn person, I would not have followed her all this way. However, throughout history, the phenomenon of "cunning rabbits have dogs" has been quite common between rulers and their ministers, especially during the era of the founding emperor, when the stars of military prowess fell and renowned ministers perished, with executions and massacres reaching a perplexing degree.

He is right

She said gently

After the massacre, there was universal celebration and a grand feast for the ministers

It is evident that there is a reluctance to say much

The Emperor possesses extraordinary talent and vision, being an unparalleled sovereign of his time

Zhu Mingyue could not help but chuckle silently upon hearing him repeat those words: "Please, go ahead."

Recently, regarding the matter of the edict... it was actually the young lady's suggestion, wasn't it

Zhu Mingyue's hand holding the wine cup remained still, and the smile on her face faded slightly, "Lord Yao truly knows how to spoil the atmosphere. Do you not think it is somewhat inappropriate to mention that matter at tonight's palace banquet"

A grand red phoenix tail skirt and princess crown attire adorned with auspicious patterns, specially sent from the palace—crafted from various colors of silk and satin; the collar features intricate gold-embroidered cloud and sunset designs, with golden pendants and the robe embellished with embroidered cloud patterns. Beneath the brocade skirt are silver-embroidered shoes in crimson, with clusters of flowers at the hem and jingling ornaments hanging down. All of this is designed in accordance with the most distinguished and noble attire among the royal relatives.

"Well said, well said, how can the young lady be any different?"

This is what they deserve

Once the Emperor is angered, according to his usual way of handling matters, he is unlikely to dismiss him from his position. Instead, he may very well entrust all matters of execution to Zhu Neng. By then, the scene would be one of countless bones and rivers of blood, and it is hard to imagine what the mood of this fiery general would be. Conversely, if he were to be reinstated, how to deal with the situation would be the Emperor's concern, unrelated to any of the ministers.

The various generals expressed their opinions, but in the end, it was still Yao Guangxiao who recommended a person

The downfall of the previous dynasty serves as a warning for the latter. If I were a humble monk, I would not wish for the events of the past to repeat in the present. Since those old ministers have already resigned themselves to their fate, it would be better for them to arrive sooner rather than later, even if they come with the intention of death, " said Yao Guangxiao thoughtfully

Everything is ready

After Zhu Mingyue finished whispering, she followed the eunuch leading the way into the inner city, first heading towards the Xihua Gate

Fang Xiaoru and others met their demise for defying the imperial authority, their condition was too tragic to behold. However, what followed was the departure of that secret

With such graceful steps, every gesture and movement exudes an air of unrestrained elegance and composure, revealing a regal essence that is both dignified and serene. This demeanor would overshadow even the nobility and ladies of high rank, let alone the ordinary daughters of officials.

All listen to grandfather

That is Chairman Gong

The sounds of the court officials' repeated bows echoed through the halls, resonating deeply within the heart

All the ministers, in a posture of reverence, spoke in unison.

Generals like them, who serve as vassal kings on the borders, although they have previously held positions in the capital, have no qualifications to enter the palace for banquets. They only have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the grand and solemn court audience during the Winter Solstice, the Longevity Festival, and the New Year's Day grand assembly, but they have never passed through the Hongwu Gate. Although tonight's palace banquet is not as grand as the court assembly, it is still quite magnificent as it is the first banquet since the era of Yongle where the emperor presides over the court, and not only are the important ministers from the border summoned to the palace, but there are also envoys from foreign lands coming to pay their respects.

Miss Yue is like the Duke, both being individuals of modest ambition and indifference to fame and fortune, which the monk greatly admires. "One must understand that those in power, titles, and generous rewards are sought after by many yet remain unattainable. In the eyes of the young lady, however, they hold little value"

Hong Dou held a small copper mirror, comparing it back and forth for a long time before finally nodding in satisfaction

The empire has been suppressed in gloom for far too long. Those city walls and palaces stained with blood, the lives sacrificed for imperial power, the relatives who have lost their families, and even the innocent civilians who have been wrongfully affected, truly require a grand banquet to alleviate the brutal sorrow brought about by executions and massacres

By the time the wine had been served three rounds, the ministers at the banquet were already quite intoxicated. The various civil and military officials had flushed cheeks, smiling broadly, and were doing their best to maintain decorum, showing no signs of losing their composure. In the front row of seats sat several foreign envoys, whose appearances were peculiar and whose attire was strange; some were already deeply inebriated, while a few had simply collapsed onto the table, snoring.

Originally, it was merely a request made with a glimmer of hope, yet unexpectedly, the proposal to draft the edict greatly pleased the Emperor. The civil officials in the court all expressed their approval. This not only surprised Zhu Neng, but also astonished those military officials who had intended to plead but had no strategies to do so.

Zhu Mingyue's heart was filled with a myriad of emotions, painfully indescribable. Just as the words were on the tip of her tongue, their meaning shifted. "As for those remnants of the previous dynasty, we shall not hold them accountable. Who, Your Majesty? Is Lord Yao jesting with this young lady... From the moment those individuals were sent to the Jinyiwei's prison, their fate was sealed; they were destined to die without hope of survival. What compassion for talent or thoughts of sparing them could there be?"

Yao Guangxiao smiled and said, "I am not a saint either"

In just four short months, thousands of individuals connected to the officials of the Jianwen era were either executed, imprisoned, or exiled. Additionally, the Prince of Ning, who initially assisted the Yan army in the Jingnan campaign, had all his military powers stripped away and was relocated to the desolate region of Nanchang in Jiangxi.

The royal family's suspicion is like a rumor that arises from nowhere; once the wind begins to blow, nothing can survive in its path. During the reign of the founding emperor, it was precisely because a meritorious minister conspired to rebel that, after being captured and unable to withstand torture in prison, he falsely implicated several other meritorious ministers, resulting in a massacre ordered by the founding emperor. Subsequently, the winds of suspicion grew stronger and more uncontrollable, evolving into a disastrous situation where good and evil were indistinguishable, leading to a complete slaughter.

Zhu gently stroked her head, his rough, large hand warm to the touch. "Of course, it is you whom I favor. But to speak a heretical truth, even if a man from a noble family wishes to marry a girl from our family, it must be considered whether he is worthy of her first"

Zhu Mingyue raised her face and asked, "Father, have you ever thought about returning to Beiping?"

He studied under Song Lian, the foremost scholar among the founding ministers, and was personally promoted by Emperor Taizu to serve beside Emperor Jianwen, assisting him and acting as his teacher, presiding over the imperial examinations, making him the foremost among his disciples. More importantly, during the initial stages of the Jingnan Campaign, the edict for the court discussion to attack the Northern Army was drafted by Fang Xiaoru.

From time to time, he would encounter some colleagues, all of whom greeted him politely. Those familiar generals were all dressed in fine clothes and riding spirited horses, their silver armor gleaming. The robust exchanges of conversation between them could be heard even from across the street. Each person's face was radiant with excitement and joy

There will be a grand banquet in the palace, and the Emperor has specially sent this old servant to inform you that the family members of the Duke may also be permitted to attend.

Zhu Mingyue glanced at him and said, "Yao Gong is indeed quite open-minded"

Indeed, one must die eventually, whether in the morning or at night

Father knows that you were frightened by the previous events, Zhu lamented with concern, but those people are ultimately 'treacherous'. Father is a simple man, lacking understanding of profound principles. However, to speak frankly, perhaps they are quite innocent, and their family and friends are innocent as well, but at the dawn of the new dynasty, the Emperor has no choice.

Zhu Di sat firmly on the dragon throne, gesturing towards the court officials with his hand

In her hair, there were ornaments made of gold and silver beads, with a golden jade pendant hanging down; a pair of jade hands, as delicate as green onions, danced gracefully with her steps, occasionally visible between the flowing sleeves of her robe. Such splendid attire accentuated her pure and captivating beauty, especially her eyes, which were as dark as lacquer, resembling stars on a snowy night, making it truly difficult for one to look away.

Among them, most are the families of the surrendered ministers, and the families of the former Northern Army are mostly still on their way to the capital. The only one who can attend tonight's palace banquet is her alone

Yao Guangxiao has drawn his own conclusion

Yao Guangxiao seemed not to have anticipated her response. After a long pause, he thoughtfully remarked: "Miss Yue'er is able to think this way, then those who died unjustly can finally rest in peace. However, I believe they should be grateful for your kind intentions, for after being trapped in a cage for an extended period, the interrogation would proceed as usual. After attempts to persuade them to surrender, they would inevitably face torture—before the death penalty, they would first endure severe torment. That kind of living punishment is not something those scholars can bear..."

Do you want to return to the old residence in Beiping

The atmosphere suddenly fell silent

That palace was itself built with blood, not only the blood of adversaries but also that of the founding heroes.

The powerful and resonant clerical script penetrated the paper, striking directly at the emperor's heartstrings

The young women in the west chamber sat gracefully, each with their own charm, some slender and some plump. Their conversation and demeanor revealed their respectable family backgrounds and good upbringing

Yao Guangxiao played with the teacup in his hand and insisted, "I am not talented, but I do have some experience. For instance, the Duke is skilled in warfare, charging into battle without ever falling behind. However, he is not one to engage in scheming on the political front. If it were not for someone guiding him from behind, not only would the task of 'surrendering' assigned by the Emperor be impossible to accomplish, but his straightforward and upright nature might also lead him to conflict with the Emperor over those people."

Zhu Mingyue said softly: "Father, be cautious with your words"

Zhu Mingyue set down the silver chopsticks in her hand

The Emperor was enraged and ordered the execution of the "ten clans"

Yao Guangxiao did not explain, but instead said to himself: "Indeed, it is just an opportunity to meet the emperor, which is why I said, 'I do not kill Bo Ren, but Bo Ren dies because of me.' At the same time, I cannot help but speculate that the young lady is so eager to eliminate those people, perhaps because they know some unspeakable secret of hers"

The Emperor is the Emperor, not the Great Ancestor

Ultimately, she has never truly understood what kind of person the Prince of Yan, or rather, the current Emperor, is. Deep within him flows the same royal bloodline as that of the Jianwen Emperor, yet he is more cruel, cold, power-hungry, and suspicious. It is precisely such a person who has caused so many virtuous ministers and capable generals to wholeheartedly assist and serve him.

The wind stirred a ripple on the golden-red dragon robe

Recently, after discussing merits and rewards, the Emperor wished to elevate her to the title of Princess and even intended to personally bestow upon her the title of Lady-in-Waiting, allowing her to return to the imperial court to preside over affairs. However, she graciously declined each offer. Additionally, various rewards that could not be attributed to her name were instead conferred upon the Duke of Cheng, resulting in an exceptionally generous bestowal.

"That's easy to handle," Zhu felt very pleased and said with great interest, "Tomorrow, Father can go to the Emperor to request a leave of absence, or we could simply take this opportunity to return to our hometown of Huaiyuan and tidy up the ancestral grave."

At this moment, the eunuch sang a long greeting

The chime of the bell produces a deep and heavy sound, striking again and again, as if it were beating upon the heart

Zhu was somewhat anxious and blurted out the words "Your Highness"

There was neither denial nor a direct answer

They all came from the palace. The leading eunuch, who held the rank of Fourth Grade Chief Steward, was quite courteous, standing with his hands clasped in the chilly wind, waiting until the gate of the residence opened before stepping forward to announce their purpose.

The prince is not the founding emperor

Indeed, the relatives of the officials have already been sent to the brothel. It is said that many ladies had hanged themselves at the time when the Jinyiwei personally went to arrest them

Daughters from other families, at this age, have long been betrothed. Yet you have not even found a suitable match..." As Zhu spoke, a pang of bitterness arose in his heart, "Now that we have reunited as father and daughter, and the situation in the court is gradually stabilizing, I will definitely find you a desirable husband.

Who would be suitable among the Hanlin scholars of the Wenyuan Pavilion

The halo of brilliance enveloped him, with five-clawed golden dragons intricately embroidered on his collar and robe, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and imposing grandeur. ... In the hall, the civil and military officials, various nobles, and envoys from foreign lands ... all bowed in submission, paying their respects to him. Even the seasoned ministers of the Northern Army seemed to be awed by the majestic aura of the true dragon, their faces reflecting boundless reverence.

However, that sudden catastrophe nearly turned Zhu Neng's hair white overnight. As the one who proposed the idea, Zhu Mingyue received no blame whatsoever; even after learning of the Emperor's decree, he did not dare to inform her, fearing that she would blame herself.

At that time, she stood on the Lotus Pavilion, gazing with a smile.

Between the ruler and his ministers, how many times have there been sharp exchanges of words, how many times have they maneuvered in the court? Qi Tai's elegance and gentleness, Fang Xiaoru's courteous demeanor, and Huang Zicheng's stubbornness and tenacity were all resolved in the gentle young man's thoughtful critiques.

Let us hope so

Killing would only serve to solidify the accusation of usurpation

Is it not?

If one cannot win people over with virtue, then it is merely iron-fisted power, solely for the purpose of consolidating the dynasty

Father, I will go ahead.

Therefore, after that, she would take the opportunity of her father being fully responsible for the interrogation to propose that he request a few individuals from the prison to draft the edict, which was indeed based on her understanding of the likes of Xiaorui and others; at the same time, it was also reliant on her insight into the emperor's mind

The young lady possesses outstanding beauty and is at the prime age, making it only natural for others to admire her..." Yao Guangxiao, though not drunk, seemed to be inebriated, his face glowing red as he smiled and spoke.

She has never thought about these things before

Her position is right next to Yao Guangxiao, and it is also very close to the main seat

But those who once treated her like family, those whom she had once respectfully taught and guided, ultimately all died indirectly at her hands

Zhu Mingyue was interrupted in her thoughts, regained her composure, and smiled faintly, saying: "I am not an outsider, how could I be exempt from conventions? Did Lord Yao forget that in the 29th year of Hongwu, Zhu Neng's daughter, Zhu Mingyue, was brought back to her ancestral home in Huizhou? In the 31st year, I fell ill and was transferred to the villa in Jiading, Suzhou for recuperation, and I stayed there for five years. And in the 31st year, I was also brought into the palace to accompany the reading, and later promoted to the position of head seat in the early years of Jianwen, that female official was essentially a nonexistent person... Did Lord Yao forget that in the 29th year of Hongwu, Zhu Neng's daughter, Zhu Mingyue, was brought back to her ancestral home in Huizhou? In the 31st year, I fell ill and was transferred to the villa in Jiading, Suzhou for recuperation, and I stayed there for five years. And in the 31st year, I was also brought into the palace to accompany the reading, and later promoted to the position of head seat in the early years of Jianwen, that female official was essentially a nonexistent person..."

It is most appropriate for him to draft the edict for the new emperor

At this moment, Yao Guangxiao laughed repeatedly and said, "Amitabha, I, a humble monk, have yet to attain enlightenment, so I dare not presumptuously claim to be a Buddha. However, Miss, Yunying is still unmarried; why not take advantage of tonight's palace banquet to arrange for a suitable husband for yourself?"

The hearts of the Emperor and the generals are as clear as a mirror; it is unlikely that these scholars, who consider themselves as disciples of Confucius and Mencius, will easily submit. This is merely one reason—a reason for both sides to take a step back and handle matters appropriately

The old eunuch finished speaking, respectfully bowed, and then stood up to take his leave

The dancers in the center twirled gracefully to the melody, and after watching for a while, it felt as if one were experiencing a sense of seasickness

Everything seems like a grand dream. When the dream ends, perhaps the young emperor still remains, and the country is unchanged. Yet she is still the court lady, buried in complex documents, while cautiously guarding against hidden intentions, spending her days merely contemplating how to convey everything happening in the palace... Where is the later turmoil of the Jingnan campaign and the change of dynasties

Zhu Mingyue fell silent, raised her cup to drink, and directed her gaze towards the dance performance in the center of the hall

However, if the roles were reversed today, with Jianwen winning and Yuwang losing, it would be them among those exiled, perhaps holding the ancestral tablets of their family, walking in the funeral procession

Zhu Mingyue said: "But this is the west hall where only the ladies are allowed to sit. It seems somewhat inappropriate for Lord Yao to be seated here."

The little affection that had just accumulated has now completely vanished at this moment. Zhu Mingyue did not show it on her face and said: "I am unworthy of such misplaced affection from Lord Yao."

The Emperor has arrived

Zhu Mingyue said: "Isn't it strange? Are there still matters in the world that Lord Yao does not understand?"

As the lights begin to glow, the artisans of the capital have already adorned the streets with colorful paintings and silk, creating a vibrant spectacle. With the curfew lifted in the first half of the night, every street market in the capital is bustling with activity, filled with the sounds of drums and gongs, and the brilliance of lanterns. Officials from various regions have received the imperial decree; those with higher ranks have long begun preparations to come to the capital for the banquet, while those of lower rank have set up incense altars locally, performing grand ceremonies in the direction of the capital at the appointed time

Very beautiful

Commemorate the deceased

Envious glances were cast from all around, and most of the young ladies were unaware of her identity, leading to a flurry of whispers. Zhu Mingyue did not decline, rising from her seat and following the palace maid towards the direction of the dragon throne on the north side—Yao Guangxiao, being the foremost strategist before the emperor and the first meritorious minister of the founding of the nation, naturally sat in the foremost position, but not on the eastern side

Have those official residences and mansions been confiscated as well

The red beans followed beside the sedan chair, also being infected by the joyful atmosphere, their steps became much lighter.

Miss, the wind on the city is cold, it is better to return.

At the height of success, one should withdraw decisively, thereby securing a favorable conclusion

Fang Xiaoru

Zhu Mingyue gazed at the dance of the court dancers, her sight having long since drifted into the vastness. After a long while, she had no choice but to withdraw her gaze. This was due to a scorching gaze that was cast from a seat in the northern hall, landing squarely upon her.

All of you, please rise

In a short period, the value of the Northern Army generals soared, achieving unparalleled prominence

The young girl, having spoken, raised her wine cup, took a sip, and swallowed the bitterness and sorrow lodged in her throat

Zhu felt somewhat uneasy and wanted the eunuch responsible for etiquette to accompany her. However, Deqing smiled and shook his head, saying, "Others may not know, but the Duke is aware. Back when the young lady was in the palace, I was still a lowly sweeper; there was no need for me!" After saying this, he added, "The Duke should go in with me; if we delay, it may hinder the schedule," and then led him towards the palace.

Hong Dou stood behind her and said with a hint of concern

As evening approached, a eunuch indeed came to the door, named "Deqing," who was also from the former Northern Army. After explaining the formalities, he would personally accompany the people from the Duke's residence into the palace to ensure that no mistakes or embarrassments would occur. This shows that the Emperor was well aware of these generals around him.

Zhu Mingyue paused with the cup in hand, suddenly shook her head, "Yao Gong, you have had more than enough without drinking."

Immediately, someone pleaded for mercy, and the pleaders were in agreement! No one anticipated that this was merely the beginning—just before the execution of the ten clans, the Emperor, angered by their obstinacy, ordered a large-scale arrest of their relatives and disciples. For each person captured, they were brought before Fang Xiaoru, and in his presence, severe torture was inflicted upon them, as he remained indifferent in his anger.

Isn't Lord Yao more insightful? Zhu Mingyue said, Nothing can escape your keen eyes.

It was she who let him go

Even if it is merely a facade of peace

The expansive square in front of the palace is surrounded by numerous majestic halls and towering pavilions

At this moment, Zhu Mingyue was also sitting in front of the dressing table, allowing herself to be adorned with red beans

How could Master Yao, an ancient Buddha in the temple, possibly understand the feelings of the mortal world

"That is not what I meant," Zhu Mingyue said, "What I mean is to return to Beiping and permanently stay in the place where the Yan army was originally stationed. Do you still remember, Father, when the founding emperor achieved his success, not only were there opponents, but also those meritorious officials who expanded the territory, almost all of whom were slaughtered. The Emperor... bears a striking resemblance to the founding emperor, and it is inevitable that he will follow his example, returning to Beiping, far from the core of imperial power, to secure a living."

At this moment, the chime bells are playing solemn ancient music, while the court dancers tread carefully to the beat of the drums. Their long arms, resembling white lotus stems, stretch like willow branches in the wind, with slender waists and snow-white necks, evoking much imagination. However, the flaw lies in their stiff and uniform dance movements. The ministers watching at the banquet clearly show a lack of enthusiasm.

It will certainly be very lively then; Beiping does not have such a grand occasion. Previously, that old scoundrel Jin Zhong even asked me if, apart from the official robe, there was no need to wear anything else when attending the imperial banquet.

Zhu Mingyue stood high on the city tower of Xihua Gate, watching the long funeral procession with a distant gaze

Looking from the outside into the mosquito net, it is impossible to see clearly. The person opposite her should not only be gazing at her, but also at Yao Guangxiao beside her.

After executing these loyal ministers of Jianwen, the new emperor did not spare the remaining remnants. Some well-meaning individuals counted and found that, including the previous assassination attempt by the Left Deputy Minister Jing Qing, an order was issued to exterminate their nine clans, and the graves of their ancestors were all dug up; their hometowns were registered, and the connections were traced, resulting in the villages becoming desolate. For instance, Fang Xiaoru's ten clans were exterminated, with 873 people executed, and over a thousand of his external relatives also executed; in the case of Lian Zining's death, 151 people were abandoned in the market, and hundreds of relatives from the nine clans were confiscated and sent to distant garrisons; regarding Chen Di's death, over 180 people were sent to distant garrisons; in the case of the execution of the officials, over 80 relatives of the deceased were also killed; for Hu Run's death, 270 members of his entire family were confiscated and taken; and for Dong Yong's death, 230 relatives were sent to distant garrisons. This pattern continued with Fang Xiaoru's ten clans being exterminated, with 873 people executed, and over a thousand of his external relatives also executed; in the case of Lian Zining's death, 151 people were abandoned in the market, and hundreds of relatives from the nine clans were confiscated and sent to distant garrisons; regarding Chen Di's death, over 180 people were sent to distant garrisons; in the case of the execution of the officials, over 80 relatives of the deceased were also killed; for Hu Run's death, 270 members of his entire family were confiscated and taken; and for Dong Yong's death, 230 relatives were sent to distant garrisons.

The Huagai Hall was brightly lit, with all the glazed palace lanterns ignited, resembling daylight. Once seated, one could see through the layer of veiled curtains the civil and military officials sitting opposite—like their families, their faces were adorned with smiles, yet their bodies were stiff, clearly showing signs of tension and unease; in contrast, the generals were all smiles, engaging in lively conversations, transforming the originally solemn and quiet hall into a scene of bustling excitement

The man who had fought his way through countless hardships to finally ascend to the throne turned around on the dragon throne draped in red silk, gazing down at the ministers in the hall. It was reminiscent of many years ago when he left the capital, standing high on the tower of Hongwu Gate, looking out over this empire. The bloody and brutal massacres were still vivid in his memory, the cries and wails of the deceased still clearly audible, yet none of it mattered anymore

The imperial banquet is held in the Huagai Hall behind the Fengtian Hall. The main hall features eaves on all four sides and a golden dome, topped with a large golden orb. To the east of the hall is the Middle Left Gate, and to the west is the Middle Right Gate. In previous years, on occasions such as New Year's Day, the Winter Solstice, and the Longevity Festival, the Jianwen Emperor would first receive the homage of cabinet ministers and court officials here before proceeding to the Fengtian Hall to accept the congratulations of the officials.

During this period, he had long noticed that his daughter had something on her mind, but he did not expect it to be of this nature

The founding emperor stipulated that at the beginning of the nation, he should strive for governance, and in addition to the morning court, there should also be noon and evening courts. It was mandated that the various departments of the court must present one hundred and eighty-five types of matters to the emperor. However, Zhu Mingyue could never forget that at the beginning of the Jianwen Emperor's reign, whenever he met with court officials, the civil and military officials in front of the Feng Tian Hall would come and go in a bustling manner, reflecting the busy state of affairs.

Zhu Mingyue and the maidservants arranged the cushions, and only then did she tie her skirt and take a seat. "If I hear such words from you again, I will become like a stranger to Lord Yao, and we will never have any dealings with each other until death. But why are you sitting over here, prompting me to come over?"

After Zhu Mingyue paid her respects to the imperial harem, she arrived at the front of the Fengtiandian hall and saw those noble ladies, assisted by maidservants, stepping onto the red platform—taking delicate steps, with lowered brows and obedient demeanor, their clothing and adornments not daring to be overly ostentatious

At this moment, Zhu Neng's suggestion conveniently provided a way out. The Emperor was very pleased. The generals of the former Northern Army were also relieved—whether those individuals chose to submit or were dismissed from their positions under the pretext of "disobeying the imperial decree," at least they could take this opportunity to logically conclude matters related to the Jianwen dynasty.

The lanterns hanging along the street illuminate the path leading to the palace city

Long live our Emperor, long live, long live for eternity

Zhu Mingyue was quite surprised that Yao Guangxiao could say such words, and could not help but glance sideways and say: "Presumably, in the annals of history, Yao Gong will also leave a significant mark."

In Zhu Neng's heart, he actually felt worse than anyone else, yet he could sense the heavy thoughts weighing on his daughter recently. Instead, he hoped to use this palace banquet to help her divert some of her attention.

Fang Xiaoru, however, did not agree

At this moment during the banquet, the west side was reserved and quiet, while the east side was lively and boisterous. Zhu Neng was seated quite close to the imperial throne, merrily drinking and chatting with his colleagues beside him, unaware that his beloved daughter's seat had been changed. However, even if he wanted to pay attention, he could not see clearly. Through the gauze curtain on the west side, it was clear to see from the inside looking out; yet from the outside looking in, it was quite hazy.

Even through the gauze curtain, that gaze is too bold, making it difficult for her to ignore

The former followers of Jianwen were filled with fervor and were unwilling to accept the notion of surrender. After the death of Fang Xiaoru, hundreds of relatives and friends were executed. Among his disciples, Lu Yuanzhi, Zheng Gongzhi, Lin Jiayou, and others were not punished and chose to die alongside him. Subsequently, Qi Tai was taken to the grand hall for questioning, which also angered the emperor, and soon after, he was executed by lingchi along with Huang Zicheng and others.

Long live our Emperor, long live, long live a thousand times!

On the night of July 13 in the fourth year of the Jianwen era, the troops of Jingnan surrounded the imperial city. Before they could storm the palace, a sudden fire broke out in the inner palace. Subsequently, the Yan army broke in and discovered two charred corpses within the hall, one of which was the long-deceased Empress Ma, while the other, identifiable by the remnants of clothing and accessories, was undoubtedly the Jianwen Emperor. However, that was merely a guard who bore a resemblance to the Jianwen Emperor, who had changed clothes and perished in place of the emperor by self-immolation. The true Jianwen Emperor had already escaped the palace through a secret passage at the time the city fell.

After Zhu Mingyue took her seat, she picked up the wine cup and took a small sip

Fang Xiaoru, Qi Tai, and Huang Zicheng are individuals whose loyalty and integrity are beyond doubt. However, she is equally aware of the severity of the torture employed by the Dali Temple. A person can only endure so much torment; no matter how resolute or indomitable their will, they will eventually yield within a few days, for no one can withstand such pressure indefinitely

She understands that not everyone can abandon wealth, fame, and fortune, especially during times of success and prosperity. However, given all that has happened, Rong Yin may not be such a bad thing after all

Long live our Emperor, long live, long live for ten thousand years

Zhu Mingyue leaned against the city wall, remaining silent, and did not admonish Hongdou for her outrageous remarks as she usually did. Even if Hongdou did not speak, others would, and future generations would also have their say. Among all this, how much bloodshed was caused by her actions

Zhu Mingyue nodded

Her grandfather is doing his utmost to protect her

At the age of fourteen, approaching the year of coming of age, it is time for her to get married

Zhu Mingyue looked in the direction pointed out by the maid and was taken aback for a moment

At this moment, Zhu Neng had not yet recovered from the shocking massacre. Although afterward, the Emperor once again rewarded the three armies and promoted the meritorious officials of the Jingnan campaign—Zhu Neng, in addition to being previously granted the titles of Military Minister of the Jingnan Campaign, Specially Appointed Grand Master of Honor and Wealth, Right Pillar State, and Left Commander of the Left Army Command, was also conferred the title of Duke of Chengguo; with a salary of 2,200 shi and a certificate of nobility. The other generals were also rewarded according to their merits. The meritorious officials of the Jingnan campaign were promoted—Zhu Neng, in addition to being previously granted the titles of Military Minister of the Jingnan Campaign, Specially Appointed Grand Master of Honor and Wealth, Right Pillar State, and Left Commander of the Left Army Command, was also conferred the title of Duke of Chengguo; with a salary of 2,200 shi and a certificate of nobility. The other generals were also rewarded according to their merits.

All guessed correctly

According to the regulations of the court, officials attending a banquet in the palace must enter separately from their families. The officials enter through the Hongwu Gate at the southern end of the Imperial City, cross the Outer Five-Dragon Bridge, pass through the Chengtian Gate, follow the Golden Water Bridge, and cross the Inner Imperial River, arriving at the Fengtiang Gate leading to the Three Great Halls. The family members, on the other hand, enter the inner palace through the Xihua Gate. Particularly for the female family members, they must pass through the Imperial Garden located to the west of the Chunhe Hall to visit the concubines in the rear court. During the subsequent palace banquet, the seating for the female family members is also arranged separately on the west side of the main hall, with silk curtains tightly blocking the view in front, and each has their own maidservants attending to them, highlighting the dignity of the royal family.

Although the old dynasty and past events have come to a conclusion, she always has a feeling that things will not end so easily

Moreover, Lord Yao does not see that as a form of fulfillment, her voice was very faint, "To seek virtue and attain it, leaving behind a lasting reputation, is it not precisely what those scholars pursue throughout their lives?"

In the residences of the other generals in the city, the rewards from the court were also being delivered one after another. After all, they were the victorious army, having survived numerous life-and-death situations; they were entitled to enjoy the glory and respect that came with it.

The selection of Fang Xiaoru is solely because he is the most suitable candidate to take up the pen

After Yao Guangxiao finished speaking, he picked up his teacup and gently clinked it against the wine cup in her hand, producing a crisp and pleasant sound. Zhu Mingyue smiled slightly and then took a sip.

Zhu Mingyue, having spoken, lowered her eyelashes and remained silent. She was a young lady from a prestigious family, raised with strict teachings of etiquette and propriety, and having spent many years in the palace, it was absolutely out of the question for her to recklessly acknowledge that gaze, nor would she seek to confirm who the other party was

On a chilly winter morning, the streets, just freshly cleaned, welcomed the arrival of the carriages bearing rewards from the Duke's residence

Yao Guangxiao said: "There is nothing that cannot be spoken of to others. Miss, with your exquisite insight, if this matter were not your doing, I would indeed have misjudged it."

"The Emperor is truly ruthless," Hong Dou pressed her lips together, sighing repeatedly, "Having killed so many people, now he does not even spare their families."

Zhu Mingyue said: "Father, rest assured, according to past customs, later on, there will be eunuchs from the palace coming to our residence to instruct us on the court etiquette. They will provide detailed guidance on when to enter which palace gate, how to dress, where to kneel, where to sit, and where to wait for the Emperor's summons... all will be explained thoroughly."

At this moment, Yao Guangxiao picked up his chopsticks and placed a piece of cold dish into the glass bowl in front of her, saying, "Some matters do not require the judgment of others. The history will be clear, and there will certainly be a public opinion."

With the change of dynasties, Zhu Mingyue knew that they would absolutely not surrender, not even a trace of compromise. The Jianwen Emperor had already escaped with his life; as a loyal minister of the empire, it was only natural to sacrifice oneself for the country. Long before the city was breached, those three had decided that they would not survive at any cost.

The young lady's elegance is truly captivating; she is indeed born to be suited for this palace, suited for royalty

Zhu Mingyue lowered her gaze and said: "Indeed, as Lord Yao has stated"

If delayed until torture is employed, then the secret will no longer be concealed

The words of Yao Guangxiao have always lingered in her ears

I do not know what kind of man it will take in the future to marry our precious one, " Zhu said with a face full of affection, letting out a light sigh

Yao Guangxiao rested his chin on his hand, smiling as he watched her approach.

She had never killed anyone with her own hands. Yet at this moment, if she could kill someone invisibly under the gaze of the public, perhaps she would not hesitate to take the life of the person beside her

Such a tragic scene would leave even the generals returning from the battlefield, drenched in blood, feeling shocked and horrified

Zhu Mingyue pursed her lips and said: "It seems that Lord Yao is truly underappreciated at the monastery; he should be at the Moon Elder Temple instead!"

Yao Guangxiao threw his head back and laughed heartily, his laughter attracting many gazes, yet he remained unconcerned, "What is there to be concerned about? If I can bring together a pair of destined lovers, I would be most delighted!"