Emperor Gaozhu Zhu Yuanzhang reigned for thirty-one years, Emperor Jianwen for four years, Emperor Taizong Zhu Di for twenty-one years, and Emperor Hongxi for nine… months.
There was no helping it – while others got fat from eating sugar, Emperor Hongxi ate himself to death with it. He had no one to blame but himself.
Empress Zhang took control of the palace. After Emperor Hongxi stopped breathing, under cover of night, she systematically eliminated a group of palace servants and secretly gagged Imperial Noble Consort Guo from Changchun Palace and Prince Teng living in the Eastern Fifth Residence, stuffed them in sacks, and had them bound and brought to Kunning Palace.
Following Mu Chun’s suggestion, Shen Qionglian drafted an edict recalling Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji. Since female officials in the Ming Dynasty always held the imperial seal, Huang Weide routinely affixed the seal and dispatched Eunuch Hai Shou to rush to Nanjing overnight. The edict was written on May eleventh but dated May thirteenth – “premature” by two days.
Empress Zhang kept the death secret, using Emperor Hongxi’s illness as an excuse to suspend morning court sessions. Food, water, and medicine continued being sent to Qianqing Palace as if Emperor Hongxi were merely ill.
May weather was getting hot, and Emperor Hongxi’s corpse was carefully “tended” by Ru Siyao, preserved fresh with ice blocks.
Early the next morning, Empress Zhang went to pay respects to the palace’s only dowager consort, Zhang Shi.
After Emperor Taizong’s death, following the ancestral system established by Emperor Gaozhu, all consorts were to be buried alive with him. Only Kardashian Zhang Taifei, due to her noble birth from Duke Yingguo’s household, was exempt from martyrdom after Emperor Taizong’s death and continued living comfortably in the rear palace.
A warning from the four-dynasty palace supervisor: don’t sleep with the emperor to stay safe!
As the only dowager consort to die naturally, having witnessed the east-west wind struggle between Empress Zhang and Imperial Noble Consort Guo, she adhered to a principle of non-interference, turning a blind eye. Anyway, her family’s backing was strong and deep-rooted. She held the highest seniority in the rear palace and lived however she pleased.
Today fewer people came to pay respects – Prince Teng and Imperial Noble Consort Guo were absent – but she acted as if she noticed nothing, continuing to raise cats and walk birds as usual, living leisurely.
Empress Zhang dismissed everyone and spoke privately with Zhang Taifei: “…For the stability of the Ming Dynasty, I won’t hide from Taifei that Imperial Noble Consort Guo and Prince Teng have both been detained by me and are under secret house arrest.”
This matter had to be confessed to Zhang Taifei because her brother was Duke Yingguo Zhang Fu, who held military power and guarded the capital.
Simply controlling the palace wasn’t enough – political power came from the barrel of a gun. Winning over Zhang Fu was the real key.
Zhang Taifei had experienced too much and had long grown indifferent. She now felt extremely grateful for listening to Supervisor Hu’s words and giving up childbearing – otherwise she’d have endless worries. She added a spoonful of millet to the birdcage and said leisurely:
“The empress is the mistress of the rear palace. Whatever happens, I won’t interfere, nor do I find it strange. In this rear palace, I only need my niece to stay alive – the life and death of others is none of my concern, nor can I control it. My brother Duke Yingguo is loyal to the Ming Dynasty and responsible for the capital’s defense. With him there, the capital won’t be chaotic. Our Zhang family wholeheartedly serves the nation, understands the big picture and overall situation. The empress can rest assured.”
Noble Consort Zhang Shi was only twenty years old today – Duke Yingguo Zhang Fu’s youngest daughter and Zhang Taifei’s niece. Like her aunt, she had no children. Zhang Fu was the most outstanding general of the Yongle reign who had once supported Prince Han, but now that his daughter was Emperor Hongxi’s consort, Zhang Fu wouldn’t have any more connections with Prince Han.
By securing Zhang Taifei and Noble Consort Zhang, they stabilized Zhang Fu who was responsible for the capital’s defense, ensuring no chaos would occur during this period. At the crucial moment, Empress Zhang fully displayed the decisiveness of the former “snake-fighting girl,” striking decisively when the heir apparent was absent, stabilizing both the palace and the entire capital.
It wasn’t until two days later, May thirteenth at midnight, that Empress Zhang summoned the three cabinet ministers on night duty – Xia Yuanji, Yang Shiqi, and Yang Rong – to Qianqing Palace’s Qin’an Hall, weeping: “His Majesty has passed away. There were no signs before sleep – he only mentioned dizziness. When the imperial physician came to check his pulse at midnight, he found no breathing and the body was already cold. The crown prince is still in Nanjing and hasn’t returned. The rear palace must not interfere in politics. I’m just a woman with nowhere to turn. Please, cabinet ministers, decide what should be done!”
At this moment, Empress Zhang gave an Oscar-level performance – weak, pitiful, and helpless, nothing like someone capable of concealing death news for two days. Sometimes weakness was also a woman’s armor.
Empress Zhang did this intentionally because the palace locked its gates at night. Only the cabinet, as the emperor’s secretarial team, had night duties in the palace – other officials were all outside. Fewer people would avoid many unnecessary troubles.
Precisely due to the cabinet’s intimate relationship with the emperor, from the early Yongle reign’s secretarial team, their power gradually grew. Cabinet members began concurrently serving as ministers of the six boards. By the current Hongxi reign, the combined power of the five cabinet members could parallel prime ministers of previous dynasties, similar to modern state councilors.
Therefore, Empress Zhang only needed to consult with the cabinet to influence Ming Dynasty politics.
The cabinet naturally supported the crown prince!
Because only by putting the crown prince in power would the Ming regime transition smoothly.
Cabinet Senior Grand Secretary Xia Yuanji said as expected: “Since His Royal Highness the Crown Prince hasn’t arrived, the death should be kept secret. Only perform the bathing, dressing, and mouth-filling rituals in Qin’an Hall, set up offerings in the palace, and maintain morning and evening mourning.”
Meaning they would secretly hold funeral rites only in Qin’an Hall while concealing news of Emperor Hongxi’s death from the outside world until the crown prince returned to the capital to announce the emperor’s death.
Meanwhile, in the old Nanjing palace, Zhu Zhanji received the “premature” summons two days early and was somewhat bewildered. Had his father departed so quickly?
Hu Shanwei urged: “Empress Her Majesty has already bought Your Highness two days’ time to prevent Prince Han and Prince Zhao from ambushing Your Highness on the return journey. Your Highness should depart secretly tonight to avoid their sharp edge. The palace has arranged for Your Highness’s body double to go to Jiming Temple tomorrow, using the excuse of the crown princess and Sun Liangdi giving birth smoothly to close the doors and copy sutras for blessings, creating confusion to deceive the Eastern Depot.”
A’Lei was about to give birth and couldn’t move easily. Zhu Zhanji bowed: “I entrust everything in Nanjing to Supervisor Hu.”
Hu Shanwei waved her hand: “Go quickly. Only when Your Highness successfully ascends the throne will A’Lei truly find peace.”
If Zhu Zhanji didn’t become emperor, A’Lei could never leave.
In Beijing.
The diligent Emperor Hongxi hadn’t held court for three days. Previously, regardless of wind or rain, he never canceled court sessions. Though the cabinet cooperated with Empress Zhang to keep the death secret, Emperor Hongxi’s abnormal behavior caused widespread discussion. Some said the emperor was seriously ill, others even said he had already died. The rumors spread quickly, soon reaching Prince Han and Prince Zhao.
The two princes indeed hadn’t given up. Regardless of whether the rumors were true, they stationed spies and ambushes on the crown prince’s inevitable return route, waiting to assassinate him!
As long as the crown prince died, Emperor Hongxi’s eight sons would surely fight over the heir apparent position, giving Prince Han and Prince Zhao opportunities to fish in troubled waters.
The two brothers waited and waited until the lotus flowers bloomed, but never saw the crown prince’s procession pass by. They performed a Ming Dynasty version of “Waiting for Godot” – nothing happened, no one came, no one left.
Due to Empress Zhang and Hu Shanwei’s brilliant misdirection, the brothers turned the tense succession struggle into performance art – quite remarkable.
They didn’t know that when rumors of Emperor Hongxi’s death reached their ears, Zhu Zhanji was already secretly protected by Mu Chun at a farm outside Gucheng in Baoding Prefecture.
On the first day of the sixth month, Eunuch Liu Shun led the Embroidered Uniform Guard to welcome the “travel-weary” Zhu Zhanji. When the crown prince’s procession reached Liangxiang, the cabinet ministers went to announce Emperor Hongxi’s “last will” outside Wumen Gate – naturally drafted by the cabinet – that Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji would inherit the throne as the legitimate eldest son.
When the crown prince’s procession reached Lugou Bridge, Xia Yuanji, Lu Zhen and other ministers welcomed the crown prince, setting up incense tables to wait and reading the will to the crown prince.
On the third day of the sixth month, the crown prince reached Beijing, dismounted at Chang’an Gate, and walked into the palace. He first went to Qin’an Hall to pay respects and mourn at Emperor Hongxi’s coffin, then met with Empress Zhang and Dowager Consort Zhang Shi.
On the twelfth day of the sixth month, Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji ascended the throne as Emperor Xuande. Emperor Xuande gave Emperor Hongxi the posthumous title of Emperor Jing Tian Ti Dao Chun Cheng Zhi De Hong Wen Qin Wu Zhang Sheng Da Xiao Zhao, and regarding the temple name, Zhu Zhanji thought for a long time, sighed, and finally wrote down the character “Ren” (benevolent). From then on, Emperor Hongxi became Emperor Renzong.
Looking at the character “Ren,” Zhu Zhanji murmured: “Father, oh father, you were benevolent to the world and to the people, but not to me alone. As father and son in the imperial family, there was no room for even a single word of affection.”
Emperor Xuande elevated his mother Zhang Shi to empress dowager and his wife Hu Shi to empress. However, since Empress Hu was giving birth in Nanjing and couldn’t easily return to the palace, the empress investiture ceremony was postponed.
Since Emperor Renzong’s death was so sudden, site selection for the imperial tomb hadn’t even begun. His body could only be placed in a coffin to await burial after the imperial tomb was built.
However, while burial could be delayed for years, the funeral still had to be held.
The funeral’s primary issue was consort martyrdom.
Emperor Xuande was fundamentally kind. Besides exempting Zhang Taifei from martyrdom due to her noble birth, he pardoned all other consorts including Dowager Consort Li who had borne three sons from martyrdom.
The dowager consorts who escaped death immediately felt gratitude toward Emperor Xuande and taught their children to obey Emperor Big Brother, ensuring smooth transition of imperial power.
Only five people were martyred with Emperor Renzong: Imperial Noble Consort Guo and the four beauties of Changchun Palace she had recommended.
These were the five people Empress Dowager Zhang had designated for elimination.
After being confined for a month with no response to calls to heaven or earth, Imperial Noble Consort Guo saw daylight again to find Empress Zhang had become Empress Dowager Zhang.
Empress Dowager Zhang bestowed a white silk rope upon Imperial Noble Consort Guo.
Imperial Noble Consort Guo had expected this. She took the white silk: “Success or failure, I can die, but spare my sons – they carry Zhu family blood.”
Empress Dowager Zhang said: “After all, I’m not some demon. I won’t touch the two younger ones, but Prince Teng’s ambition has been awakened by you. I won’t spare him. He’ll go underground to reunite with you by year’s end. If you want to blame someone, blame yourself for being wildly ambitious, wanting to covet the empress and crown prince positions, implicating your son. Prince Teng was quite adorable as a child – I truly liked him once. Unfortunately, I can’t leave future troubles.”
Imperial Noble Consort Guo laughed coldly: “Since I’m about to die and my words are kind, can Your Majesty be more sincere and less hypocritical? If Your Majesty had truly treated me well back then and regarded me as a sister – we married into Prince Yan’s residence together – given His Majesty’s favor toward me, how could Prince Teng have ranked only eighth? Your Majesty always pretended we were equals while secretly guarding against me, tampering with my food and water. Only after the Eastern Palace had seven sons did you allow me to become pregnant.”
“You’re so sinister and cunning. If I didn’t fight desperately, taking advantage of the rift between His Majesty and the crown prince to profit, relying on His Majesty’s favor to compete for the empress and heir apparent positions, once the crown prince ascended the throne, my three sons and I would have no place to stand!”
Imperial Noble Consort Guo laughed until tears came: “Moreover, I had my natal family’s mission. My mother was widowed young and struggled to raise my brother and me. The whole family counted on me to eventually secure the Marquis Wuding title for my brother. If I didn’t fight, would Your Majesty have spoken for my family? I wasn’t that naive. Your Majesty’s family is only an earldom – why should a consort’s family hold a marquis title? I’m not stupid!”
“No, you’re still very stupid and naive.” Empress Dowager Zhang handed the white silk to Imperial Noble Consort Guo: “You desperately supported your brother Guo Xuan. This time, besides you and those four enchantresses being martyred, all other consorts were pardoned. You were born noble and bore branches for the imperial family, giving birth to three sons. Why didn’t Marquis Wuding Guo Xuan request pardon from martyrdom for you, his own sister?”
“Because Guo Xuan, to preserve the title he just obtained and fearing to offend me, remained silent and acquiesced to your martyrdom, using your death to consolidate the Marquis Wuding title.”
With that, Empress Dowager Zhang led people away from the palace.
In despair, Imperial Noble Consort Guo threw the white silk over a beam, stepped on a stool to reach it: “In this life, I tried hard to be a good daughter, good sister, pretended to be good sisters with Your Majesty, and was a good favored consort satisfying all His Majesty’s desires. In the end, besides a white silk rope, I got nothing. No one cares about me.”
Nothing was sadder than a dead heart. Imperial Noble Consort Guo kicked over the stool. Eldest son Prince Teng also “died suddenly” three months later. Brother Marquis Wuding Guo Xuan’s title wasn’t affected, but after Guo Xuan’s death, the Guo family’s title caused disputes again. Eventually, Princess Yongjia’s grandson Guo Chang defeated Guo Xuan’s son Guo Cong to inherit the Marquis Wuding title. Thereafter, every Guo family succession involved a bloody family title struggle, becoming Beijing’s noble families’ inexhaustible gossip resource.
After Emperor Xuande ascended the throne, considering the Ming Dynasty’s overall situation, national policies couldn’t change overnight. Emperor Renzong had already made drastic changes and slammed the brakes – if he changed again, the ship might capsize. Thus, in his accession edict, he continued Emperor Renzong’s promises of recuperation and caring for the people: “All lenient grace and administrative affairs, those not fully enumerated, shall follow the edicts issued after August fifteenth last year, striving for honest faith and unwavering commitment…”
Emperor Xuande pardoned half the consorts from martyrdom tragedy while treating the imperial family generously, correcting his father’s “keeping score” personal vengeance punishments during his reign: “Cherishing family affection, pardoning their faults.” He restored Princess Ancheng’s husband Song Hu’s Prince Consort title with an annual stipend of one thousand shi. However, the Marquis Xining title still belonged to Princess Xianning’s husband Song Ying.
Emperor Xuande’s magnanimity quickly gained imperial family support. After all, there was the lesson of Emperor Jianwen immediately turning against the imperial family upon taking office, creating resentment throughout the Ming imperial family who became Prince Yan’s guides. Emperor Xuande did this to isolate Prince Han and Prince Zhao, making them completely give up hope.
After all, when people had wealth and stable lives, few wanted to rebel for a different emperor.
After Emperor Xuande’s accession edict was issued, news came from Nanjing that Empress Hu A’Lei had given birth to a little princess. However, A’Lei’s labor wasn’t smooth, and both mother and daughter faced some danger.
Hearing this, Mu Chun rushed to Nanjing to see her daughter and granddaughter. Emperor Xuande was extremely worried but helpless – he had to remain in Beijing at this time.
Therefore, Emperor Xuande issued an oral decree requesting Hu Shanwei serve another term, caring for Empress Hu and the little princess at the old Nanjing palace until wife and daughter recovered before returning to Beijing.
Thus Hu Shanwei served a fifth term, becoming a five-dynasty palace supervisor.
When the little princess turned one hundred days old, A’Lei finally recovered her vitality. Sun Shi went into labor and also gave birth to a princess.
In early winter, the Eastern Palace family returned to Beijing’s Forbidden City. Empress Hu’s investiture ceremony was held, after which Emperor Xuande elevated Sun Shi, who had just given birth to a daughter, to noble consort.
Now, Prince Han and Prince Zhao heard news of Zhu Zhanji’s accession during their long wait.
The two brothers had ambushed roadside early – had Zhu Zhanji grown wings and flown to the capital? A few days ago they heard Zhu Zhanji was copying sutras at Jiming Temple – how did he suddenly ascend the throne in the capital?
Prince Zhao gave up first: “Second brother, big brother and his son are too cunning – we can’t compete. I’ll return to my fiefdom and honestly be a prince.”
Prince Han was unwilling! Back then, to kill Zhu Zhanji, he had sacrificed his own eldest son Zhu Zhanhe instead. Now his son’s grave trees had matured while Zhu Zhanji became emperor. Wasn’t he angry? Furious!
Prince Han gazed north: “Third brother may go. I still have an account to settle with the little emperor.”
Prince Han returned to Anlezhou and began preparing rebellion: privately manufacturing weapons and firearms in the city; secretly recruiting armies and strong men; sheltering condemned prisoners from nearby prefectures and counties, delaying execution dates to cultivate death warriors; colluding with military officials like Shandong Regional Commander Jing Rong, privately granting titles with promises of future rewards upon ascending the throne; and dispatching confidant Mei Qing to Beijing to contact Duke Yingguo Zhang Fu responsible for the capital’s defense, planning future coordination from within and without.
Little did he know all this was watched by a pair of eyes, recorded in a little notebook, and sent to Emperor Xuande in the capital.
This was none other than Prince Han’s eldest son Zhu Zhanhe.
Seven years had passed. Zhu Zhanhe had grown a beard. At first glance, Emperor Xuande nearly knelt calling him imperial grandfather – he looked increasingly like Emperor Taizong, especially his naturally imposing bearing.
Emperor Xuande asked: “Where have you been these years? Why was there no news?”
Zhu Zhanhe said: “I traveled back and forth to the Western Regions doing small business. When I heard of Your Majesty’s accession, I immediately rushed back. My father indeed hasn’t given up hope.”
Zhu Zhanhe handed Emperor Xuande a notebook recording his father’s recent activities: “Father’s obsession runs too deep. As his son, I can’t watch him make mistake after mistake. I can only righteously eliminate relatives. The Prince Han residence can’t remain – cut the grass and eliminate the roots. I’ll take them all far away and never set foot on Ming territory again.”
Seven years later, Zhu Zhanhe had matured steadily, growing into a real man. He had taken root in the Western Regions precisely to prepare for one day accepting the entire Prince Han household, transforming identities and starting anew.
Looking at his cousin, Emperor Xuande felt the sentiment of “my family has a younger brother who has just matured”: “Rest assured, I’ll fulfill all the promises I made back then.”
As the two brothers discussed how to transplant Prince Han’s household, Duke Yingguo Zhang Fu bound Prince Han’s liaison Mei Qing and told Emperor Xuande about Prince Han’s coordination plan.
Zhang Fu had indeed truly supported Prince Han and was a core member of the Han faction.
But the Ming Dynasty’s situation was settled. Zhang Fu wouldn’t follow Prince Han to the bitter end. If he wanted to rebel, he would have acted when Emperor Renzong died.
Heroes in their twilight years couldn’t rebel anymore and only wanted to maintain the status quo and enjoy wealth. The Zhang family remained a top Beijing noble household during the Xuande reign.
Prince Han didn’t know he had become completely isolated. In the first year of Xuande, on the first day of the eighth month, Prince Han rebelled, declaring: “Emperor Xuande doesn’t observe ancestral customs, and those around him like Xia Yuanji and Yang Rong are all treacherous ministers.” Prince Han also wanted to learn from his father Emperor Taizong and “clear the emperor’s side.”
Emperor Xuande Zhu Zhanji was well-prepared. On the eighth day of the eighth month, he ordered a personal expedition. Without waiting for Prince Han to attack, he first led troops to surround Yonglezhou.
Seeing he couldn’t win, Prince Han surrendered.
Emperor Xuande held a large army with popular support and quickly quelled the rebellion. Ministers struck the fallen dog, demanding Prince Han be properly executed.
Emperor Xuande rejected the proposal, only ordering Prince Han’s entire household to move to Beijing, and “only punishing the chief culprit while not questioning the rest.” Regarding weapons and armaments, as long as they were surrendered to officials, nothing would be investigated. He even refused ministers’ congratulatory ceremonies after quelling the rebellion.
Emperor Xuande’s conclusion about Prince Han’s rebellion was “the nation’s misfortune,” handling the matter low-key with minimal consequences.
Now the problem arose: how to make Prince Han’s household reasonably and justifiably disappear as a group?
Empress A’Lei had an idea: “Have you heard of Prince Qin’s consort from the Hongwu reign?”
Emperor Xuande said: “Prince Qin’s consort Wang Shi was the sister of Northern Yuan Prime Minister Wang Baobao. She came to our dynasty for a marriage alliance with Prince Qin, but Prince Qin was violent and only favored concubine Deng Shi. The two tortured Prince Qin’s consort nearly to madness. Supervisor Hu exposed their conspiracy, and Empress Xiaoci pitied Prince Qin’s consort, allowing her to practice Buddhism with hair in the capital. In the twenty-ninth year of Hongwu, when Prince Qin died, Prince Qin’s consort was to be martyred.”
A’Lei shook her head: “That’s how the history books write it, but actually my sister Supervisor Hu created an illusion. When the fire blazed up and flames blocked vision, Prince Qin’s consort escaped through a secret passage. Sister and brother-in-law hid Prince Qin’s consort in Yunnan, creating new household registration. Prince Qin’s consort is still living well. You don’t know this – only Eunuch Zheng He knows. Back then, Prince Qin’s consort and Eunuch Zheng He escaped from Prince Qin’s residence together. When Prince Qin’s consort practiced Buddhism with hair, she recommended Eunuch Zheng He to the lecturing Dao Yan Chan Master, after which both followed Emperor Taizong.”
Emperor Xuande smiled: “How many people have your sister and brother-in-law hidden in Yunnan?”
A’Lei pointed at Emperor Xuande: “Heaven is high and the emperor far away – didn’t Your Majesty also hide there for five years?”
This couple had been separated for over a year and chatted like friends, not resembling husband and wife.
Zhu Zhanhe, concerned about Prince Han’s household, asked: “Does Your Majesty mean to imitate Prince Qin’s consort?”
“Yes.” A’Lei nodded: “We must let everyone personally witness Prince Han’s death. Thus, even if Prince Han later wants to rise again, no one will believe he’s Prince Han – they’ll only think he’s a fraud. Once a person’s political life ends, no one will follow him in rebellion.”
Zhu Zhanhe said: “Burn Prince Han? This way, the world will discuss Your Majesty using cruel methods to kill the imperial uncle, and Your Majesty will bear infamy.”
Emperor Xuande patted Zhu Zhanhe’s shoulder: “You’ve saved me several times. I’m willing to do anything for you. What’s infamy? Without you, I’d have died several times already.”
Prince Han was imprisoned in Xiaoyao City at Xihua Gate. Emperor Xuande tried to persuade Prince Han to recognize his errors and not repeat them.
Prince Han wouldn’t accept this and cursed Emperor Xuande for being as hypocritical as his father Emperor Renzong.
Emperor Xuande flew into rage and ordered a three-hundred-jin bronze vat (equivalent to his father Emperor Renzong’s weight) to cover Prince Han.
Trapped under the large vat, Prince Han continued cursing without end, even standing up and lifting the three-hundred-jin vat!
He came! He came! He walked over carrying the three-hundred-jin vat!
When Prince Han walked to a pre-drawn secret line, Emperor Xuande ordered guards to surround the large vat and pile firewood around it, lighting it to roast Prince Han in a sealed oven.
Under the bronze vat, a secret passage opened. Prince Han fell into the secret chamber, smelled a strange floral fragrance, and immediately fainted.
After burning for one hour, the charcoal fire extinguished. Opening the large vat, only a handful of “bone ash” remained.
Emperor Xuande ordered Prince Han’s entire household executed – Prince Han’s line extinct with none remaining.
A merchant caravan from the Western Regions sold spices and wine in the capital, then loaded silk and porcelain, departing the city fully loaded.
Each member of Prince Han’s family curled up in empty wooden wine barrels with silk fabrics piled outside.
A’Lei, dressed in plain clothes, bid farewell to Zhu Zhanhe: “His Majesty has successfully ascended the throne, and you’re taking your family away from the capital. Now I have no more worries, except my little daughter often falls ill. I can’t bear to leave her, so I’ll stay in the palace these two years to care for her. When she’s older and her health improves, then I’ll leave the palace.”
Looking at the thin A’Lei, Zhu Zhanhe felt mixed emotions: “Back then, it should have been His Majesty who faked death to leave the palace. If not for the island incident, you and His Majesty would have been ‘one person, one life, one pair, roaming freely across the four seas.'”
Tears welled in A’Lei’s eyes, but she held them back with a smile: “Yes, we were both very naive once. It’s just that the imperial family can’t tolerate naivety.”
A year later, in autumn of the second year of Xuande, Princess Yongqing’s health turned from critical to safe, gradually becoming plump and white. A’Lei said she wanted to leave: “…While she still doesn’t remember, she won’t suffer. When I was small and sister went to Nanjing, I was raised by grandfather and brother-in-law. Without sister, I still had a happy childhood.”
Emperor Xuande was reluctant: “Yongqing doesn’t remember, but Shunde remembers you. Just accompany the two daughters through one last New Year.”
On the eleventh day of the eleventh month, palace woman Lin Xi gave birth to a son – the imperial family’s first son. Emperor Xuande named his eldest son Zhu Qizhen. Unfortunately, Lin Xi died of massive hemorrhaging three days later. Noble Consort Sun, leading the just-walking Princess Changde and holding newborn Zhu Qizhen, told Emperor Xuande: “One male, one female – together they form the character for ‘good.’ This consort wishes to raise this child.”
Emperor Xuande agreed. He was nearly thirty and had just gotten his first son. This son was the heir apparent – he needed to give the heir apparent good origins. If A’Lei remained in court, as legitimate mother to all children, raising him as legitimate prince and establishing him as crown prince would be proper and justified.
Unfortunately, A’Lei wanted to leave, so Noble Consort Sun was the best choice to elevate Zhu Qizhen’s status.
In the third year of Xuande, on the sixth day of the second month, two-month-old Zhu Qizhen was invested as crown prince.
On the first day of the third month, Emperor Xuande convened the cabinet and announced his intention to depose Empress Hu and elevate Noble Consort Sun to empress.
The cabinet firmly disagreed. How could an original legitimate wife be deposed at will?
Moreover, Empress Hu had given birth to two princesses, bearing branches for the imperial family. She was dignified and gracious, never interfered in court affairs, and was filial to Empress Dowager Zhang. Even commoners divorcing wives must meet the “seven grounds for divorce” – how could imperial divorce be treated as child’s play?
Cabinet Minister Yang Shiqi even said: “This minister regards the emperor and empress as a son would his parents. The empress is our mother, and we ministers are sons. How can sons discuss deposing their mother?”
Meaning Empress Hu was the nation’s mother – how could sons possibly depose their mother?
Emperor Xuande’s heart bled, but he said: “Empress Hu’s health is poor. I’m thirty without a son, but now Noble Consort Sun has borne a son. Mother gaining status through her son has historical precedent. If Noble Consort Sun isn’t made empress, then the crown prince’s position becomes unstable. If the heir apparent is unstable, the empire becomes turbulent.”
“Cough cough.” Emperor Xuande covered his mouth with a handkerchief and coughed dryly several times. “These past two years I’ve been busy with state affairs without a day’s rest. I feel my health isn’t what it was. If something happens… sigh, when father Emperor Renzong ascended the throne and died after only nine months, I as heir was a thousand li away in Nanjing, with Prince Han and Prince Zhao watching covetously. If I hadn’t ascended the throne based on my legitimate eldest son status, who knows how much internal strife the Ming would have suffered. I just want to give the crown prince proper status.”
Yang Rong, loyal to the Ming Dynasty’s foundation, felt Emperor Xuande made sense. He wrote over twenty charges and presented them to Emperor Xuande, saying: “Since we’re deposing the empress, we need proper justification, or Your Majesty’s reputation will suffer. Follow what’s written here, and deposition becomes justified.”
Emperor Xuande looked and saw accusations that Empress Hu was jealous and had performed witchcraft against Noble Consort Sun, showing character flaws that made her unfit to be the nation’s mother, requiring deposition!
Yang Rong was imitating how Emperor Wu of Han had deposed Wei Zifu, who had borne one son and three daughters, using witchcraft as an excuse.
Emperor Xuande tore up the paper, shaking his head repeatedly: “No, no. Empress Hu is pure and innocent – she’s not a jealous person. I only want to depose her, not condemn her to death. Witchcraft rebellion means exterminating entire families. Haven’t there been precedents? Could the imperial temples lack divine spirits?”
Meaning fabricating charges to depose the empress would bring heavenly retribution – he couldn’t bear to do this.
Yang Rong said: “Without such justification, deposing Empress Hu inappropriately will make the world unconvinced, believing Your Majesty faithless and abandoning your original legitimate wife without cause. The ancient saying goes ‘don’t discard the wife of your humble beginnings.’ This would be a lifelong stain on Your Majesty, recorded in history books for all generations to revile.”
Yang Shiqi also said: “Your Majesty is a sage ruler, praised by Emperor Taizong since your days as imperial grand prince. From imperial grand prince to crown prince to emperor, Your Majesty has always been revered by all people as an enlightened ruler. Your only excessive cruelty was in handling Prince Han, but Prince Han rebelled first and deserved execution. Even trapped under the bronze vat, he remained stubbornly defiant – truly unbearable. But Empress Hu is innocent yet deposed. Your Majesty is naturally kind – why be so heartless only toward Empress Hu? This isn’t befitting a great man!”
The upright Yang Shiqi tried his utmost to dissuade Emperor Xuande from deposing the empress, citing examples of innocent empress depositions throughout history: “Emperor Guangwu of Han Liu Xiu unjustifiably deposed his original legitimate wife Guo Shengtong. The edict said: ‘Extraordinary events are not the nation’s fortune.’ When Song Renzong deposed Empress Guo, he later deeply regretted it. Whether Emperor Guangwu or Emperor Renzong, both were exemplary enlightened rulers, yet both left stains for unjustifiably deposing empresses and regretted it in old age. This harms the nation, the family, and even proper social customs – this is favoring concubines over wives.”
Yang Rong said: “If we must depose her, it must be in the name of witchcraft – this makes the empress at fault. If we depose without cause, then Your Majesty is at fault, damaging Your Majesty’s reputation.”
Emperor Xuande thought: I’m willing to bear the infamy of killing an imperial uncle for Zhu Zhanhe – what’s bearing the reputation of favoring concubines over wives for A’Lei?
Emperor Xuande said: “My mind is made up. Depose Empress Hu, following the example of Song Renzong deposing Empress Guo. Enfeoff her as Master Jingci, retiring to Chang’an Palace to practice Taoism and pray for the Ming Dynasty’s blessings.”
Historical records state: “Empress Hu was deposed without fault, and all under heaven heard and pitied her. Emperor Xuanzong later mentioned Empress Hu, regretting it as a ‘youthful matter.'”
Others thought this “youthful matter” referred to youthful impetuosity, being bewitched by Noble Consort Sun and deposing an innocent original legitimate wife. Actually, it wasn’t like this.
The “youthful matter” was the vow made at sixteen to allow A’Lei to be a seventy-percent wife. Not seeking eternity, but seeking to have loved without regret.
Perhaps only the two parties involved would understand this phrase.
A’Lei left the palace. A body double resembling her became Master Jingci, washing away makeup and adopting Taoist nun attire, living in seclusion at Chang’an Palace behind closed doors.
Only during major festivals would Master Jingci emerge from Chang’an Palace. Empress Dowager Zhang always seated Master Jingci in the place of honor while Empress Sun sat subordinately.
Not only this, since Empress Dowager Zhang had only been empress for nine months before getting her fill, her husband was eaten to death by sugar.
Now that A’Lei had withdrawn, the fifty-year-old Empress Dowager Zhang’s power desires reignited. Using the excuse of not trusting Empress Sun to treat Princess Shunde and Princess Yongqing well, she simply controlled the six bureaus and one department herself. Empress Sun had the empress title in name but no actual rear palace authority. During grand ceremonies, she had to sit behind Master Jingci – truly frustrating!
Empress Sun had the empress name but not the reality.
However, Emperor Xuande sided with his birth mother, tacitly allowing Empress Dowager Zhang to control the rear palace. Empress Sun had no choice but to invest all her energy in Crown Prince Zhu Qizhen, hoping to use the crown prince to eventually turn the tables and become master.
Subsequently, Noble Consort Wu gave birth to the palace’s second son, Zhu Qiyu. Empress Sun felt the crisis and focused even more on winning over the little crown prince.
After all, Empress Sun was only the crown prince’s nominal mother, while Noble Consort Wu was Zhu Qiyu’s birth mother.
After having two sons, Emperor Xuande’s rear palace had no new additions.
Emperor Xuande was quite strict in educating his two sons. When Crown Prince Zhu Qizhen turned three, he left the palace for studies, moving to the Eastern Palace under Hanlin Academy instruction with Chief Eunuch Wang Zhen of the Ceremonial Directorate caring for the crown prince. Empress Sun was pushed to secondary importance.
Watching the crown prince increasingly rely on Wang Zhen, Empress Sun worried desperately but was helpless.
Second son Zhu Qiyu began studies at three. To cultivate brotherhood, Emperor Xuande had them study together, teaching them fraternal unity. Watching his two sons earnestly learning riding and archery, Emperor Xuande remembered training young soldiers with Zhu Zhanhe as children, unable to help smiling: If only they could help and trust each other like Zhu Zhanhe and I.
Of course, this was all for later.
In the fourth year of Xuande, Emperor Xuande defied all opposition and declared Zheng He would sail west again!
The entire court was shocked, because since ascending the throne, Emperor Xuande had continued Emperor Renzong’s national policies of recuperation, stopping western voyages. Why did His Majesty suddenly change national policy?
Strangely, Emperor Xuande’s response to this matter was extremely domineering and unreasonable, refusing counsel with extreme firmness:
“This matter needs no discussion. Listen to me – I alone decide.”
“I don’t think Eunuch Zheng He’s age is a problem.”
“Otherwise, stop being an official – I see you’re even older than Eunuch Zheng He.”
“Ships are old and in disrepair? Buy new ones – everything can be bought.”
After a year of preparation, in the fifth year of Xuande, Eunuch Zheng He finally fulfilled his wish, making his seventh western voyage with over twenty thousand people.
A’Lei boarded the great ocean ship as a translator.
Eleven years had passed. Last time, she chose love; this time, she chose freedom and dreams.
Dreams stranded for eleven years set sail again!
Mu Chun and Hu Shanwei watched Zheng He’s fleet depart from Quanzhou. Only with such strong, deeply loving parents could A’Lei make life choices following her heart each time.
Hu Shanwei sighed: “A’Lei is truly blessed – she can obtain everything and has courage to let go.”
Mu Chun boasted shamelessly: “Her greatest fortune is having a father like me. Everything I lacked in childhood, I gave to her.”
In the sixth year of Xuande, the fleet returned, but Zheng He died during the return voyage, with his deputy Wang Jinghong taking command.
In the seventh year of Xuande, seventy-five-year-old Palace Supervisor Huang Weide requested to return home in retirement. Since Empress Hu’s deposition, the six bureaus and one department all reported to Empress Dowager Zhang. Empress Sun had long been marginalized, having only the empress title. So Huang Weide, who had accompanied Empress Dowager Zhang through the most difficult period of the Hongxi reign, was close to Empress Dowager Zhang, forming ruler-minister bonds.
When Huang Weide retired in old age, Empress Dowager Zhang specially composed a poem to see her off:
“The Ming Dynasty’s successive sages ruled the universe, their great achievements and grand plans surpassing antiquity. Considering deeply that benevolent transformation originates from family and state, the inner court’s hundred offices need worthy and able ones. I consult you, Weide, a scholar among women, who from youth understood ritual and righteousness with composure. Once responding to summons into the imperial palace, morning and night diligently attending to duties. Once black hair, now like frost, years have leisurely passed as old age approaches. The ninefold sacred lord shows heaven and earth’s benevolence, wanting all things to share in spring’s yang. Embodying this virtuous intent, I grant your return, your heart grateful and emotions joyful. The mountain seas stretch thousands of miles afar, official boats on Lu River in spring breezes. Bestowed palace brocade shines brilliantly, relatives welcoming with universal joy. Joy that you return home wealthy and honored, my heart remembers you and never forgets. Colored brush inscribing poetry with meaning hard to exhaust, eyes reaching heaven’s south as you fly away like a wild goose.”
Huang Weide returned to her Shunde, Guangdong hometown, reuniting with her only relative – her niece.
In the eighth year of Xuande, Princess Yongqing contracted smallpox, extremely dangerous. When the princess burned deliriously, she saw a Taoist nun sitting bedside, tears dripping on her small face.
A’Lei stayed by her daughter’s side without removing her clothes until recovery. Princess Yongqing refused to sleep at night, keeping her eyes wide open curled in her mother’s arms: “Don’t go back to Chang’an Palace to practice Taoism – I want you with me. Don’t sneak away while I’m sleeping! If you leave, I’ll cry and cry outside Chang’an Palace until you come out to accompany me!”
A’Lei was torn. Emperor Xuande said: “Take her with you. I have Shunde, you have Yongqing – each of us has one, so neither will be lonely. Like when I observed mourning and ate vegetarian food, you gave me your meat. I ate half your meat, you ate half my vegetables. Though we can’t be together anymore, we must both live good lives. Shunde’s personality is quiet – she suits palace life. Yongqing is lively – she suits freedom.”
In the eighth year of Xuande, Princess Yongqing “died young,” with all records mysteriously “missing.”
In the ninth year of Xuande, Wang Jinghong sailed west. A’Lei boarded the great ocean ship with little Princess Yongqing, opening the door to a new world for her daughter.
Year’s end, Wang Jinghong received news and hurriedly returned before reaching his destination, arriving in Quanzhou by year’s end. Racing to Beijing without stopping, he arrived on the third day of the first month.
Chief Eunuch Wang Zhen of the Ceremonial Directorate waited outside Xi’an Gate. Seeing a carriage from afar, the driver wore a bamboo hat covering most of his face, but the chin’s outline was so familiar!
It was Zhu Zhanhe, looking exactly like Emperor Taizong.
Wang Zhen hurried forward, whispering: “Has Your Highness the Heir brought everyone back?”
Just as he finished speaking, a fair hand pushed aside the curtain: “Eunuch Wang, Yongqing and I have both arrived.”
Exhausted from travel, Princess Yongqing slept on A’Lei’s lap. Wang Zhen wept: “Your Majesty Empress, please enter quickly. His Majesty has held on until now just waiting for you three.”
Entering the palace required changing to palace carriages. A’Lei boarded first, Zhu Zhanhe carried sleeping Princess Yongqing up after her, with Wang Zhen leading the way.
Qianqing Palace.
Empress Dowager Zhang cleared the area, guarding her son alone in silent tears. Her eldest son had been thin since childhood. Since ascending the throne, he governed diligently and loved the people, never slacking a single day. His health was poor – a cold last year laid him low. His spirits declined daily, bedridden since the twelfth month, asking daily whether Zhu Zhanhe, A’Lei, and Yongqing had returned.
“They’ve come! They’ve come! Empress Dowager, they’re all here!”
The three surrounded the unconscious Zhu Zhanji, gently calling him.
“Big cousin.”
“Little Chicken Brother.”
“Father Emperor.”
Zhu Zhanji awakened, looking around, stroking Yongqing’s head: “If there’s a next life, I hope not to be born into an imperial family. May my cousin and I remain brothers, A’Lei and I remain husband and wife, and Yongqing remain our good daughter. Would that be good?”
The three replied tearfully in unison: “Good.”
Zhu Zhanji died smiling, aged only thirty-eight.
After Zhu Zhanji’s death, eight-year-old Crown Prince Zhu Qizhen ascended the throne as emperor with the era name Zhengtong.
Due to the crown prince’s youth, Grand Empress Dowager Zhang entrusted state affairs to the five cabinet ministers Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong and others, while she supervised from the rear palace. Zhang didn’t use maternal relatives, trusting the cabinet. Ming politics were clear and harmonious. Since Zhang always guarded against Empress Dowager Sun, Empress Dowager Sun had no opportunity to meddle in power.
In the seventh year of Zhengtong, Grand Empress Dowager Zhang, forcing herself despite illness, selected a wife for Emperor Zhengtong, choosing Qian Shi from Meizhou as empress. Afterward, Grand Empress Dowager Zhang died. Emperor Zhengtong Zhu Qizhen was fifteen, initially wielding imperial power.
When the mother-in-law pressing down on her head finally died and Empress Qian’s position was not yet stable, just as Empress Dowager Sun thought it was finally her turn to control rear palace authority, Wang Zhen led Emperor Zhengtong Zhu Qizhen to a grave in Beijing’s outskirts, saying: “This is His Majesty’s birth mother, Palace Woman Lin Xi’s grave.”
Emperor Zhengtong was shocked: “I… I’m not born of Empress Dowager Sun?”
Wang Zhen knelt weeping: “The midwives and female doctors from that time are still alive and can testify. When Palace Woman Lin gave birth to Your Majesty, she was fine. Three days later, Empress Dowager Sun visited Palace Woman Lin. For unknown reasons, Palace Woman Lin hemorrhaged massively and died that very night.”
Wang Zhen had kept this trump card. Using this shocking secret, he could win Emperor Zhengtong’s trust. Empress Dowager Sun wanting to meddle in rear palace authority… that was impossible now.
Indeed, after returning to the palace, Emperor Zhengtong Zhu Qizhen’s attitude toward Empress Dowager Sun changed drastically. He ordered the six bureaus and one department to follow Empress Qian’s arrangements. Whenever Empress Dowager Sun troubled Empress Qian, Emperor Zhengtong would take his wife away.
With her husband’s backing, Empress Qian thus controlled the rear palace, and Empress Dowager Sun’s power grab failed again.
Not only this, Empress Qian whispered in Emperor Zhengtong’s ear: “The former empress was virtuous and guiltless, yet deposed as a Taoist master. When she died, people feared the empress dowager, so her burial lacked proper ceremony.”
Meaning Empress Hu was deposed without fault, and now that Master Jingci had died, people all feared Empress Dowager Sun and gave Master Jingci a hasty burial. As empress, she felt deeply pained by this tragedy of the rabbit dying and the fox grieving.
Hearing this, Emperor Zhengtong thought: Everyone fears Empress Dowager Sun? I’ll deliberately give Master Jingci proper status and bury her with great ceremony!
Thus, Emperor Zhengtong honored Empress Hu with the posthumous title “Empress Gonrang Chengshun Kangmu Jingci Zhang,” restoring her empress status and building her tomb according to empress specifications, only not including her in the imperial temple.
Learning of this, Empress Dowager Sun nearly coughed up blood, questioning Emperor Zhengtong: “If she’s empress, then what am I? If I hadn’t been made empress back then, how would Your Majesty have crown prince status! Your Majesty restoring her status is slapping my face! Slapping your own face!”
That’s exactly whose face I’m slapping!
Emperor Zhengtong said coolly: “Empress Dowager secretly adopted Palace Woman Lin Xi’s son as her own. Wanting to be empress, you adopted me, using the child to elevate the mother’s status. So don’t always act like you’re doing everything for my good – I’ve seen through you long ago. Empress Dowager, don’t trouble the empress anymore. She’s my empress, the nation’s mother. If you insult the empress, I’ll have to assume you’ve gone mad and spend the rest of your life in honored retirement at Cining Palace without seeing people.”
So that’s how it was! Hearing this, Empress Dowager Sun felt all her hopes die. Her lifetime of scheming had only made wedding clothes for others – she gained nothing!
The mother-in-law left, Empress Qian arrived. Her entire life cowering in the palace – whether as empress or empress dowager, she could never rise to prominence!
Empress Dowager Sun despaired. The virtuous Empress Qian sent her back.
Unwilling to accept defeat, Empress Dowager Sun asked: “Why support the deposed Empress Hu?”
Empress Qian smiled: “You don’t need to know too much. One mountain is higher than another. You think you’re strategizing brilliantly, but you’re just a chess piece, already arranged by others. Be your empress dowager well – tomorrow I’ll still come to pay my respects.”
Among so many selected maidens, why was Qian chosen as empress?
With Empress Dowager Sun’s knowledge, she wouldn’t know that Emperor Hongwu had a medically skilled Ru Siyao and Imperial Physician Tan from the Imperial Medical Academy.
Ru Siyao married Imperial Physician Tan, bearing two sons. The younger son Tan Gang married Qian Shi. This Qian Shi was Empress Qian’s cousin.
It was Hu Shanwei’s secret manipulation, promoted by Grand Empress Dowager Zhang, that pushed Miss Qian to the empress position – precisely to restrain Empress Dowager Sun.
In palace struggles, who could surpass five-dynasty Palace Supervisor Hu Shanwei?
Year after year, Wang Zhen, having controlled Emperor Zhengtong Zhu Qizhen, became inflated and led the emperor north to campaign. Ambushed at Tumu Fortress, the Ming army was annihilated, Wang Zhen died, and Emperor Zhengtong was captured by the Oirat!
What humiliation! The Oirat dragged Emperor Zhengtong south, attacking all the way to Beijing. The Ming was in danger!
Emperor Zhengtong Zhu Qizhen’s son Zhu Jianshen was only two years old – with a young ruler, the nation was suspect and couldn’t govern.
At the critical moment, Zhu Qizhen’s only brother Zhu Qiyu assumed command in crisis, ascending the throne as Emperor Jingtai. The young and capable Emperor Jingtai immediately organized able ministers like Yu Qian to resist foreign enemies, defending Beijing.
Initially, Emperor Jingtai still hoped daily for big brother Zhu Qizhen’s early return to resume being emperor while he, the temporary worker, stepped down.
Under father Zhu Zhanji’s education, the half-brothers Zhu Qizhen and Zhu Qiyu had close, deep fraternal bonds.
Then, after tasting imperial power, Emperor Jingtai couldn’t stop and didn’t want to abdicate. He hoped his big brother would die in Oirat hands.
Imperial families have no sentiment!
However, a miracle occurred – Zhu Qizhen miraculously convinced the Oirat to let him go home through eloquence and adaptability!
Returning to Beijing, Zhu Qizhen was immediately placed under house arrest in the Southern Palace by brother Emperor Jingtai. His wife Empress Qian had cried herself blind but stayed with her husband faithfully. Zhu Qizhen was deeply moved – husband and wife weathered hardship together.
In the eighth year of Jingtai, Zhu Qizhen again created a miracle, emerging from the Southern Palace to reclaim his throne!
Emperor Jingtai died from this.
Zhu Qizhen ascended the throne again, changing the era name to Tianshun and again making his wife Qian empress.
Eighth year of Tianshun.
Yangzhou city, just after nightfall, tired birds returning to forest.
Four white-haired old women surrounded a new grave: Hu Shanwei, Huang Weide, Shen Qionglian, and Ru Siyao.
Hu Shanwei sighed: “Who would have thought hot-tempered Supervisor Cao would live to one hundred and one? Outliving Cui Shangyi and Chen Er’mei’s deaths while still alive herself.”
Today was Supervisor Cao’s funeral. Two aged nearby graves belonged to Fan Gongzheng and Cui Shangyi, while Chen Er’mei was buried in her Shunde, Guangzhou hometown.
Shen Qionglian looked youngest because only her hair was still half-black: “Yes, I thought Supervisor Cao would die first, but she laughed last. Shows that bad tempers have benefits – not bottling things up inside makes you live longer.”
A ten-year-old boy brought a folding stool, helping Huang Weide sit – she was oldest and couldn’t stand long.
Seated, Huang Weide pointed at the boy smiling: “This is my niece’s younger son, named Liang Chu. He began studies at three, could compose poetry by seven with fluent responses – he’s our Shunde’s famous little genius with top scholar potential. They say reading ten thousand books doesn’t compare to traveling ten thousand li. While I can still walk, I’m taking him traveling everywhere, meeting famous scholars to broaden his knowledge. Along the way I tell him court secrets and dynastic changes as stories. He seems to understand our female officials’ stories somewhat, knowing quite a lot.”
Hu Shanwei and the other three quickly gave Liang Chu meeting gifts. Liang Chu was somewhat shy, thanking each person.
Seeing this, Ru Siyao had servants wake and carry out a sleeping three-year-old girl from the carriage: “Only you’re showing off here – my family also has outstanding children. Quick, bow and you’ll get candy.”
The sleepy little girl rubbed her eyes, bowed to everyone, and introduced herself: “I’m called Tan Yunxian, three years old today.”
Hu Shanwei and others inevitably spent money again on meeting gifts.
Ru Siyao looked quite proud: “I bore two sons who both took imperial examinations, uninterested in medicine. Imperial Physician Tan and I had given up hope, preparing to take our lifetime learning to our graves. Unexpectedly, the second daughter-in-law bore her. At three she can recite medicine classics, nearly memorizing human acupoints at first sight. Imperial Physician Tan and I can’t bear to die, wishing we could stuff our lifetime learning into her little head.”
Ru Siyao’s eldest son Tan Jing graduated jinshi, serving as Ministry of Revenue secretary. Second son Tan Gang was also jinshi, serving as Ministry of Justice secretary, with wife Qian Shi being Empress Qian’s cousin. Both sons were accomplished, earning official positions through merit.
“Tan Yunxian? Good name – clearly carefully chosen by Ru Siyao and Imperial Physician Tan, placing high hopes on you.” Hu Shanwei loved the adorable little girl: “It’s difficult for women to achieve careers in this world, but as long as you don’t give up, there’s still hope, just like this sky—”
Hu Shanwei pointed at the night sky: “Look at this night sky, pitch black, but there are always a few stars trying hard to shine.”
Tan Yunxian, sucking on tiger-eye toffee given by grandmother Ru Siyao, nodded in confusion.
Liang Chu achieved first place in the Chenghua 14th year metropolitan examination, first place in the second roll, selected as Hanlin Academy bachelor scholar. His official career flourished – Ministry of Personnel Secretary, entering cabinet, later becoming chief grand secretary, equivalent to prime minister.
Tan Yunxian married into the Yang family at sixteen, bearing three daughters and one son. Born to distinguished family, married into distinguished family – a standard Ming Dynasty noble lady. She left the deep inner quarters to practice medicine and help the world, becoming a renowned female doctor. Her reputation gradually reached the Ming court, often summoned into the deep palace to treat rear palace women.
Tan Yunxian never forgot Hu Shanwei’s words: no matter how dark, always strive to shine.
Thirteenth year of Hongzhi, forty-year-old Tan Yunxian entered the palace to treat Empress Zhang.
Emperor Hongzhi’s rear palace was most peaceful because he had only one empress, no consorts, becoming the only emperor in all dynasties firmly committed to monogamy, absolutely refusing concubines.
Why?
Because Emperor Hongzhi had childhood trauma. His father Emperor Chenghua had a severe mother complex, madly favoring Noble Consort Wan who was seventeen years his senior!
Why?
Because when Emperor Chenghua was two, father Emperor Zhengtong was captured by Oirat. After uncle Emperor Jingtai ascended the throne and deposed his crown prince position, he lived in constant danger. Noble Consort Wan, as a palace maid, was the person who always accompanied him. He loved and depended on her. The seventeen-year age gap was no problem at all.
For Noble Consort Wan, Emperor Chenghua didn’t hesitate to depose two empresses – Empress Wu and Empress Wang. Noble Consort Wan strictly controlled family planning, being an abortion expert. If palace women became pregnant, she immediately terminated them.
Emperor Hongzhi’s mother Ji Shi was a rear palace warehouse keeper. Emperor Chenghua favored her in the warehouse, hitting the target in one shot. Ji Shi became pregnant and gave birth, secretly protected by palace maids and eunuchs. Later discovered by Noble Consort Wan, she was hanged.
Emperor Hongzhi nearly died several times from Noble Consort Wan’s poisoning, developing severe psychological trauma toward consorts, vowing never to have women other than the empress.
All disasters!
Emperor Hongzhi and Empress Zhang bore two sons – one died young, the only surviving son named Zhu Houzhao, early enfeoffed as crown prince.
After treating Empress Zhang, it was already dusk when palace gates were about to close. A eunuch quickly carried her heavy medicine box out of the palace.
Exiting Xi’an Gate, the eunuch placed the medicine box on her carriage: “Doctor Tan, take care.”
Tan Yunxian boarded the carriage. Just as the carriage was about to start, a pungent smell came from the medicine box.
Tan Yunxian opened the medicine box, immediately covering her mouth with wide eyes – inside lay a newborn infant wrapped in swaddling clothes!
All red like a little monkey, having urinated in sleep, the liquid seeping outside the box.
“Wait!” Tan Yunxian called the eunuch who had carried the box. He turned around, saying nothing, eyes showing pleading, lips moving constantly forming “please” with his mouth.
Nearby Embroidered Uniform Guards guarded the gate – couldn’t reveal anything.
With a doctor’s parental heart, Tan Yunxian reacted quickly, pulling a gold melon seed from her purse: “A reward for you, thanks for carrying it all the way.”
“Thank you, Doctor Tan.” The eunuch accepted the gold melon seed.
The carriage started moving. Tan Yunxian quickly examined the infant – a baby girl who seemed to have been fed medicine to prevent crying, remaining unconscious despite jostling, but unable to control bowel movements. The urine revealed her location.
Tan Yunxian wrapped the baby girl in clean cloth, discovering her little fist tightly gripped something – a medicinal herb from the box: white atractylodes.
Feeling the baby girl’s low body temperature and critical condition, Tan Yunxian undid her clothes, placed the baby girl on her chest, warming her with body heat: “If I can save your life, you’ll be called Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes).”
To learn what happens to Bai Zhu next, please read my work “Mu Mansion Chronicles.”