Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Hearts of Nobility and Merit

Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Heart of Nobility

The Zhu family of the Duke of Cheng has become so intertwined with the fate of the nation that their fortunes have reached their peak, and they no longer seek anything more. Yet, even so, maintaining a good relationship with the emperor remains necessary.

Zhang Fu gave a bitter smile and said, "Even if the emperor has such intentions, what does it matter? Who is truly in charge now—you, my dear Zhu, do you not know?"

Zhu Yong replied with a faint smile, "No harm, no harm. The emperor has the spirit of Emperor Taizong, and isn't that a wonderful thing? I've heard that the grand empress dowager intends for you, Brother Zhang, to instruct His Majesty, but I wonder whether you plan to establish a corps of young soldiers?"

This was precisely the matter Zhang Fu least wished to hear. To be honest, the noble lords of Beijing who earned their honors during the campaign against the rebels are not particularly fond of the line of Emperor Renzong. To begin with, their comrade-in-arms during those battles was the Prince of Han; back then, the crown prince—later Emperor Renzong—merely oversaw operations from the rear.

Of course, this is not the main reason. Looking at what the Renzong line did once they came to power: the grasslands lost control, the southern deserts were gradually devoured by the Oirat Mongols. In the Yongle era, it was never permitted for nomads to graze beyond the Great Wall, and some even opened farmland there. Now, however, the border is plagued by constant harassment, even enough to shake Datong.

Many of the honored veterans feel deeply unsettled. Was Zhang Fu himself content? When it came time to abandon Annam, it was Zhang Fu who repeatedly advised against it, holding firm. And what was the outcome?

Yet Zhang Fu always recognized the times and saw reality clearly. As for Emperor Xuanzong, he was raised by Emperor Taizong, and his governing philosophy is similar to Taizong's, differing somewhat from Renzong’s. Why did Xuanzong inherit Renzong’s policies? Not out of mere filial piety, but because he saw it was the only course in such circumstances. Xuanzong’s retrenchment was not by choice but because the Ming dynasty no longer had the strength to support such ambitions.

If Emperor Xuanzong could have lived another decade or so, perhaps after restoring national strength, those abandoned territories could be reclaimed one by one. Yet now, the situation has worsened since Xuanzong’s time. Not to mention, the Forbidden City is occupied only by widows and orphans—it is not a time for great military campaigns.

As for establishing a corps of young soldiers, that was Emperor Taizong’s method for cultivating the heir apparent. But when spoken by Duke Zhu Yong of Cheng, it became something else entirely. By uttering these words, he signaled that the Duke of Cheng was ready to wager on the emperor.

Zhang Fu said, "You and I are old family friends, so I won't speak in empty words. Our two families have reached the height of prosperity—why wade into these muddy waters? Between the emperor and the grand empress dowager, there may be minor disagreements, but you know what kind of person she is."

"If you stay out of it, nothing will befall the emperor. If you get involved, perhaps nothing will happen to the emperor, but the Duke of Cheng's household may not be so lucky."

"It’s best to watch with a cold eye. Why bother?"

Duke Zhu Yong fell silent for a while, then said, "Brother Zhang, you are now in the Inner Cabinet—how can you not know my intentions? From the era of the founding emperor to now, major affairs of court have been decided by the emperor and us. Now, everything is in the Inner Cabinet, and within it, only you remain."

"Who do you think will be able to take your place in the Inner Cabinet when you retire?"

"In a few years, those penniless scholars will surely climb above us."

"Precisely because our two families' fortunes are tied to the nation, are you willing to let your descendants become idle nobles?"

Zhang Fu sighed inwardly. If he did not know, the plight of the nobility would be dire. Power in Ming is limited—more for one side means less for the other.

Minister of War Wang Ji is so busy he keeps adding staff to the ministry, while the Five Military Supervisors' Office is so idle it’s practically a retirement home.

Zhang Fu said, "Children will have their own fortunes."

Duke Zhu Yong replied, "It’s not that children will have their own fortunes—it’s that without war, without deploying the capital troops, how can the young men rise?"

"Without military merit, how can we compete with those others?"

"I'm not doing this for the Duke of Cheng’s household? Yes, our two families have reached unimaginable wealth. If His Majesty commands us to become idle nobles, so be it."

"But can you bear to see the lands our ancestors won with blood and blade squandered away?"

"First Annam, then the Oirat, then Nurgan—will it be Qinghai, the seven guards of the west, Yunnan next?"

"They only seek peace and prosperity, and claim these are barren lands, yet fail to see they were won with our swords and spears."

Zhang Fu said, "I understand your meaning. But His Majesty is still young."

Zhu Yong replied, "No matter—I never planned to fight now. As long as His Majesty has the heart, it’s enough. To be frank, Brother Zhang, I’ve already established a connection with Wang Zhen."

Zhang Fu’s gaze sharpened. "Wang Zhen?"

Zhu Yong answered, "Exactly."

Zhang Fu asked, "Isn’t your son Zhu Yi serving as a guard beside the emperor? Why the need to associate with Wang Zhen?"

Zhu Yong explained, "Right now, His Majesty relies entirely on Wang Zhen in the palace. Naturally, we cannot offend him. Besides, His Majesty is still young—there are things he may not understand."

Zhang Fu looked at Zhu Yong and sighed, "Listen to me: never treat His Majesty as a child, else you’ll suffer for it in the future."

Zhu Yong nodded, "Understood."

The perfunctory tone was unmistakable to Zhang Fu, even without hearing the words.

Many believe that the emperor’s actions are guided by Wang Zhen, which is why Wang Zhen is regarded differently. There are no walls in the world that do not let wind through.

Many matters within the palace may be concealed for a time, but not forever. Yet, those who relay messages often add their own interpretations, and by the time word spreads, the truth is distorted.

Even though Zhu Yi is close to the emperor, he has not had direct contact with him, while Zhang Zhong, though less present in the palace, has spoken with the emperor many times.

Zhang Fu spoke with his son and learned that, despite the emperor’s youth, he should never be underestimated. That was all he could say—what difference did it make if Zhu Yong did not listen?

Zhu Yong said, "Brother Zhang, you are the outstanding one among us. This matter needs you to take the lead—so do you think it’s feasible?"

Zhang Fu pondered for a long time and shook his head, saying, "If you trust me, I’ll keep this in mind and never forget it. But for now, doing nothing is better than doing anything."

"This is also the grand empress dowager’s opinion."

"If you are intent, Brother Zhu, it’s best to thoroughly train your sons and nephews, so when the time comes, they won't be unable to fight."

Zhu Yong sighed, knowing Zhang Fu spoke the truth. Among the next generation, few are fit for great duties.

The line of the Duke of England need not be mentioned; whether there will even be descendants is still uncertain. The line of the Duke of Cheng has two sons, but they are spoiled and pampered, nothing like their forebears who mastered archery and horsemanship at a young age, following their elders onto the battlefield.

Zhu Yong said, "With your words, I am reassured. These little rascals must be properly disciplined when I return."

Only then did Zhang Fu breathe easier. He chatted with Zhu Yong for a while before seeing him off.

Afterward, Zhang Fu sat in quiet contemplation, thinking: "Zhu Yong’s words may be somewhat biased, but not wrong. Next year, I must pay more attention to His Majesty."

Unbeknownst to Zhu Qizhen, many have already placed their hopes upon him—the grand empress dowager, Yang Shiqi, Zhang Fu, Zhu Yong.

Each has a different expectation, hoping Zhu Qizhen will grow into an emperor befitting their wishes. Thus, next year, Zhu Qizhen’s studies will increase greatly.

Classics, horsemanship and archery, agriculture, affairs of state. And the twice-monthly lectures on the classics will be added to his schedule.

At this moment, Zhu Qizhen is unaware of the unrest outside the palace city. Entering winter, the cold and frozen days have suspended his daily lessons.

On snowy and windy days, morning court is also canceled. The grand empress dowager sometimes spares him visits to the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility, granting Zhu Qizhen more free time.

Yet Zhu Qizhen has learned his lesson—not to do nothing. The one thing he cares about is the replacement of wood with coal in the palace.

This matter, having begun, cannot be abandoned halfway lest he be criticized.