Chapter 001: Three Allowances for His Position to Begin as Ruler

What should I do if I cannot push it away

Mother! What should I do next? Please at least give me a glance!

In the midst of the crowd, a historian immediately stepped forward, took out a brush and silk cloth, and began to write swiftly

Gao Gong heard the sound of coughing and quickly raised his head, only to see the Crown Prince waving at him. Startled, he hurriedly knelt and called out, "Your Majesty! Your deep sorrow is felt by us all. However, the country cannot be without a ruler for even a single day! I implore the young master to follow the late Emperor's instructions and ascend to the throne as soon as possible"

The people in the palace once again shouted "Long live!"

Zhu Yijun anxiously waved his hand once more, saying, "No! This is like forcing a duck onto a perch; it definitely won't work! Moreover, if this truly comes to pass, how could one endure being called and shouted at by so many people every day?"

The Imperial Garden is vast and spacious, with a well-structured layout. However, he knows that this is not the time for leisurely strolls. He turned around and noticed that not far behind, Empress Li Guifei has been following closely.

Ascend to the throne, just ascend to the throne. Do not underestimate my youth; being an emperor will surely be no worse than others! Zhu Yijun gathered a trace of ambition in his heart, slammed his hand on the armrest, and stood up. The crowd below was taken aback, including Gao Gong, who quickly lowered their heads.

As soon as the recitation concluded, a sudden sound of "whoosh" was heard, and everyone present knelt down, collectively shouting "Long live!"

Having received the hint, he felt a sense of assurance, and thus cleared his throat lightly

What is he doing

Zhu Yijun nodded. By this time, they had arrived at the outer courtyard of the Eastern Palace. Seeing Feng Bao pointing to the pile of rubble in the back hall that had yet to be cleared, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. Gritting his teeth, he asked, "Who on earth did this?"

... ...

In the time of Ye Li Huang Li, a single play was performed

Concubine Zhang! Zhu Cunxiao! And Gao Gong! You few, I must steam and boil you alive. However, I have heard that human flesh is not tasty; after eliminating you all, I shall still enjoy my lifelong favorite, spicy hot pot.

His original name was Su Shang. He had just crossed over from modern times and was an outstanding student in the Department of Military Command and Library at Nanjing Military Academy. Just the day before, he, known as a popular idol among many girls, unexpectedly lost to a beautiful new student in a simulated confrontation. Furious, he ran back to his dormitory and covered his face with a pillow. To his surprise, when he woke up, he had crossed over to the Ming Dynasty and become the Crown Prince

Hearing the end, Zhu Yijun recalled the story of the Three Kingdoms told by Zhang Juzheng and couldn't help but curl his lips in disdain. Devoted to the end, dead before giving up. This Gao Gong is quite arrogant, daring to compare himself to Zhuge Liang, but I certainly won't be that foolish A Dou!

The poem "Fisherman's Pride" by Ouyang Xiu, taught by the Grand Tutor Zhang Juzheng, is exceptionally well-written yet extremely difficult to memorize. After much effort, I finally managed to recite it. Just as Zhang Juzheng presented a plate of fragrant rice dumplings as a reward, I had just unwrapped one when it suddenly vanished without a trace, leaving me utterly astonished.

Only then did I see an old eunuch dressed in yellow and white step forward; this person was Feng Bao, the Chief of the Imperial Ceremonial Office and the Grand Controller of Internal Affairs, who served the Emperor closely.

He asked Feng Bao: "Feng Bao! Do we need to wait here for the Empress Mother to return together?"

Gao Gong slowly rose to his feet and walked over: "Although the current emperor is young, his three abdications clearly demonstrate his loyalty and filial piety, and he will surely be recorded in history, praised by the world!"

Golden plate delivery

What is he doing? Today is the day of the late Emperor's funeral, isn't it? It shouldn't be time yet. Why was I not informed in advance?

At this point, he nodded vigorously and instructed Feng Bao: "The Empress Dowager is already behind us. You should send someone to invite Grand Tutor Zhang Juzheng. We will discuss this matter again shortly"

The fragrant iris wine is beautifully shared in the pure vessel

Zhu Yijun was taken aback, and just as he was pondering how to respond, the hall fell silent. Everyone bowed their heads and knelt, and no one dared to raise their eyes.

After exiting the Qianqing Palace and passing through the Imperial Garden, Feng Bao continued to pull him forward.

The pomegranate flowers bloom vibrantly in May

Why does this music sound so sorrowful? He rubbed his eyes and saw a group of men and women in front of him kneeling and bowing before a yellow box, weeping loudly.

Everyone once again followed him, performing three kneelings and nine prostrations, shouting long live. This time the sound was particularly loud, as if announcing a new beginning

A person stood up in the crowd, using a high-pitched tone: "Long live! His Majesty Longqing, the Purple Star of the Nine Heavens, has descended! Why have you abandoned us? Alas, our Emperor! Woe unto our Emperor!"

Consort Li walked slowly behind, not yet forty years old, soon to become the Empress Dowager, her heart filled with excitement, but more so with worry

Feng Baoshun glanced at him, shook his head, and kindly reminded him: "Young Master! Consort Li is deliberately lagging behind at a leisurely pace; we should return to the East Palace first."

The Emperor passed away just a few days ago; could it be that he is contained within here?

Five skilled martial artists infiltrated the imperial palace during a heavy rainstorm, launching a surprise attack on the front courtyard of the Eastern Palace. Had it not been for Feng Bao sending someone in advance, the Crown Prince would have nearly been assassinated.

A silk painting fan featuring two phoenixes

However, the last agreement did not state that the enthronement would take place today. Why the haste? No one has informed me.

He was overjoyed, straightened his expression, and nodded vigorously

He turned his pleading gaze towards Feng Bao, who seemed to have been waiting for him. Feng Bao gently shook his head and gave a subtle signal.

Gao Gong was also overjoyed, and with a "dong dong dong" sound, he knelt and moved forward several steps, placing his hands on the ground and his forehead against the earth: "It is fortunate for the nation to have a ruler! Long live our Emperor, long live, long live for ten thousand years!"

The dream of breaking through the gauze window

Upon hearing Feng Bao's words, he felt slightly relieved and, with a hint of caution, asked, "Feng Bao! Tell me, in such a bloody and tumultuous situation, can this position be held securely?"

This is already the third time, are we still going to decline? Wouldn't it turn into the previous situation of constant yielding, which is not good either

He was exceptionally tall, moving with great speed, and in an instant, he lifted himself up and placed himself onto a large chair

Zhu Yijun's bite has become even fiercer: "Fortunately, I have treated this younger brother from m.hetushucom.com quite well usually, but I never expected him to be so ruthless! Sun Xiao, oh Sun Xiao, in what way have you shown filial piety? Aren't you disregarding the late Emperor's edict? It infuriates me!"

Yousong is indifferent

Feng Bao moved a little closer and whispered, "Young Master! You have no idea how precarious things were this noon! Several martial arts experts somehow infiltrated the palace during the heavy rain, and five of the most formidable individuals actually launched a surprise attack on the outer courtyard of the Eastern Palace. If I hadn't heard the warning and quickly dispatched Qinglong, Zhuque, and others to respond, it could have led to a grave mistake! Consequently, Consort Li summoned me and the Grand Tutor for an urgent discussion, and we immediately decided to hold the funeral in advance. At that time, you were sleeping soundly, so we had no choice but to carry you directly to the Qianqing Palace!"

In recent days, he has met quite a number of people, including the Empress Dowager Li Guifei, the Crown Prince's Grand Tutor Zhang Juzheng, the Grand Minister of Internal Affairs Feng Bao, and the Chief Minister Gao Gong

Zhu Yijun found it very agreeable to listen to Feng Bao, whose words were pleasant to the ear. Although his tone might sound somewhat effeminate, it was a thousand times better than the thunderous and domineering manner of Gao Gong.

Little did he know, just after finishing lunch today, an assassination attempt broke out in the Eastern Palace

Feng Bao seemed to have witnessed too much of the bloodshed and turmoil within the palace. He smiled and encouraged him, saying: "Young Master, do not worry! Now that we are united, no matter how cunning they may be, to us, they are like the ignorant Sun Wukong. No matter how much they struggle, they cannot escape the palm of the Buddha!"

He is indeed fortunate, sleeping soundly in the inner courtyard of the Eastern Palace, completely unaware of the situation. However, both the Empress and Zhang Juzheng were greatly startled upon hearing the urgent report from Feng Bao, and they were quite frightened. They immediately decided to expedite the funeral and, upon Gao Gong's suggestion, proposed that the Crown Prince ascend the throne swiftly

In a moment of anxious urgency, the composed and dignified Consort Li finally raised her head, giving a slight nod, indicating that the formalities had been observed and there was no need for further deference

He nodded slightly, continued walking forward, and then asked: "Why is it so sudden today? It was said to be in the next few days, but it was never mentioned to be today. I am completely unprepared here and haven't even woken up yet"

Feng Baolue pondered for a moment and replied, "In response to the young master’s words! If I am not mistaken, it should be Concubine Zhang and the Fifth Prince Zhu Cunxiao! Zhu Cunxiao's position in the line of succession is after yours. Seeing that there is still time before the ascension, they wish to take a gamble, driven by their audacity, and have committed today’s despicable act!"

With blurred vision, I opened my eyes and found that this place did not seem to be my own palace, but rather a strange location. Everywhere, bells were ringing in unison, gongs and drums were resounding, and my eyes were filled with yellow and white decorations, with canopies stretching endlessly.

Little did he know that his gestures of waving and a nod just moments ago had established the historic "Three Yielding of Positions," and his name, Zhu Yijun, would mark the beginning of a new era for emperors!

The green willows, heavy with rain, droop down

So much has happened over the past decade, it can be said to be a series of heart-stopping events

At that moment, Gao Gong seemed to have eyes on his forehead; seeing him wave his hand once again, he anxiously clasped his hands and said loudly: "Your Majesty! I too am deeply immersed in the sorrow of the late Emperor's passing, but since ancient times, if a new ruler is not established, the country will surely fall into chaos! I, Gao Gong, bear the heavy responsibility entrusted by the late Emperor, and I will certainly emulate Zhuge Kongming, dedicating myself wholeheartedly until death!"

At this moment, he noticed that a number of beautiful consorts, adorned in elegant hats and flowing robes, were standing to his left. The one in the center was none other than his biological mother—Concubine Li!

It is precisely the season when the orchids bloom

Damn it! So noisy! Am I not allowed to eat zongzi?

Feng Bao, who had just held the imperial edict, approached from behind, gently supporting his arm as they exited the grand hall

He looked over anxiously, only to find her with her head lowered

This person he knows is Gao Gong, the current Chief Minister, who was appointed as the Chief Counselor by the Emperor before his passing

Feng Bao surveyed the surroundings and said in a low voice: "Your Majesty, rest assured! I will definitely ensure stability! Currently, I hold the dual positions of Grand Minister of the Imperial Household and Supervisor of the Eastern Depot, and I will certainly safeguard Your Majesty's safety! However, Your Majesty's concerns are justified; the greatest danger now lies with Concubine Zhang. She has not succeeded in supporting Zhu Cunxiao and will undoubtedly take further action. Additionally, there is the Chief Minister Gao Gong, who, besides being overbearing, also seeks to consolidate more power. The most challenging aspect is that we still have to rely on him."

Crown Prince Zhu Yijun was dreaming of opening his mouth to bite into a rice dumpling when he was suddenly awakened by a noise, which made him furious and he began to curse.

"It is!" Feng Baoling received the order and appropriately added, "The young master performed exceptionally well today, fully adhering to the low-key approach we discussed a few days ago. His three instances of modestly yielding his position were particularly flawless, to the extent that even the arrogant Gao Gong had to request the historian to record 'Three Instances of Yielding the Position' in great detail.

... ...

He blinked vigorously, and only then did he realize that this was the grand hall where the Emperor usually handled state affairs

Gao Gong stopped when he was about ten feet away: "Your Majesty, please take a step forward! Bathe and change your clothes! Choose a day to hold the coronation ceremony!"

Five-colored new silk wrapped around the corner rice dumpling

Just as I was thinking, Gao Gong suddenly arrived quickly with a group of people

Throughout history, if a young emperor failed to ascend the throne, he would be demoted to a commoner, and even poisoned to death! Both Emperor Sha of Han and Emperor Xian of Han from the Three Kingdoms faced such a fate

As he stepped outside, he turned back for a glance; the plaque displayed three powerful characters—"Qianqing Palace"

He vaguely recalled that a few days ago, the Empress had summoned Zhang Juzheng and Feng Bao to discuss matters together. She stated that when the day of his ascension arrived, as the Crown Prince, he must be humble and courteous, but he should not be overly yielding; he needed to grasp the right balance. The matter of inheriting the throne must not allow for any mistakes.

Before he had the chance to meet his gaze, Gao Gong stepped back a step, took a yellow cloth from Feng Bao's hands, and loudly recited: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor's edict. Today, the throne is to be passed to the Crown Prince, Zhu Yijun. I urge all ministers to prioritize the state and the people, and to serve Yijun as you would serve me. My son Yijun, should follow the three assisting ministers Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, and Gao Yi, along with the Director of Ceremonies Feng Bao, to pursue learning and cultivate virtue, to employ the capable and the worthy, and to safeguard the imperial legacy. Thus it is decreed." My son Yijun, should follow the three assisting ministers Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, and Gao Yi, along with the Director of Ceremonies Feng Bao, to pursue learning and cultivate virtue, to employ the capable and the worthy, and to safeguard the imperial legacy. Thus it is decreed.