Chapter 111: Discussing Lucian II

Chapter 111: Deliberating on Luchuan (Part 2)

"I have thought about it carefully, Grandmother," Zhu Qizhen said. "Unless Prince Qianning were to come back to life, this approach simply will not work."

The Grand Empress Dowager naturally understood what Zhu Qizhen meant. In truth, what He Wenyuan had said was nothing more than correct nonsense. Why was this the case? It was because the Ming Dynasty placed the greatest importance on military agricultural colonies, and there were a considerable number of garrisons in Yunnan already tasked with both farming and fighting. This crushing defeat was precisely a testament to the bankruptcy of that strategy. As for the specific reasons, those could only be investigated thoroughly after victory had been secured; they were certainly not matters to be dwelled upon while on the brink of a major war. Before the reality of war, all other concerns were mere trivialities.

The Grand Empress Dowager was very pleased with Zhu Qizhen. This year, she had increasingly felt her own frailty and knew her time was limited. While the situation in Luchuan was creating an uproar outside, in her eyes, nothing was as important as Zhu Qizhen himself. In fact, to her, nothing in the world compared to him. She did not underestimate Luchuan—they were capable enough in western Yunnan—but if they truly intended to strike at the core areas of Ming rule in northern or eastern Yunnan, they would never succeed. After all, during the Hongwu era, the imperial court had carried out massive migrations to Yunnan, and these Han settlers would never bow to Luchuan. The reason Luchuan had enjoyed repeated victories was simply that they were mostly attacking and annexing other local chieftains, rather than directly invading areas under the imperial court's direct administration. That was why they had been so successful.

More than the Luchuan affair, the Grand Empress Dowager valued the sense of proportion Zhu Qizhen had displayed in handling it. He no longer spoke of "annihilating Luchuan in one blow" as he had when he first ascended the throne.

"Since you do not wish to increase the troops significantly, nor do you want to use He Wenyuan's method, what do you intend to do?" she asked.

Zhu Qizhen smiled. "I do not know yet, but I imagine the ministers do. Perhaps Grandmother should summon them first?"

"Very well," the Grand Empress Dowager said. "I leave this matter to you."

Zhu Qizhen’s movements paused slightly. "Grandmother, you mean...?"

"I am old," she replied. "This empire will be yours sooner or later. Follow your own judgment, discuss a solution with the Cabinet, and then report back to me."

Zhu Qizhen felt a surge of excitement, yet he replied, "Grandmother is not old at all."

"You little flatterer, save your breath," she said. "However, there is one thing you must prepare for: I intend to begin the selection for the imperial harem."

"Isn't that a bit too early?" he asked.

"It is not," she said. "How can you truly govern without being married? Once you are wed, I can still teach the Empress how to manage the inner court, and I might finally enjoy a few years of peace."

Zhu Qizhen was momentarily at a loss for words. Although he had clearly sensed the Grand Empress Dowager shifting power to him over this period, this was the first time she had stated it so explicitly, even providing a timetable. Although the Emperor's wedding, starting from the selection process, involved a series of rituals that would take at least a year or two, meaning his wedding would likely not occur until the fifth or sixth year of the Zhengtong era, this was nonetheless a tremendous advantage for him.

Since the opening of the seas in the first year of his reign, Zhu Qizhen had suppressed his sharp edge, like a tiger crouching on a barren hill, hiding its claws and teeth in patience. He had been waiting for this day. Every day he sheathed his sharpness, only to ensure that when it finally struck, it would be all the more lethal.

Zhu Qizhen lifted his robes and knelt on the ground. "Grandson will certainly not fail your expectations. I will ensure the sun and moon shine together, forever illuminating the Great Ming."

The Grand Empress Dowager smiled gently. "This empire belongs to your Zhu family; you must simply rule it well."

"I understand, Grandmother," he replied.

He understood even more that the more power he held, the more cautious he had to be. Although his foundation was now secure—to the point where even the Grand Empress Dowager could no longer shake it—he knew time was the greatest weapon. It had withered her, while allowing him to plant his own trusted followers among the courtiers. Even though the Cabinet was still composed of the old guard, there were many in court willing to serve him. Even if he wished to act, the Grand Empress Dowager could no longer interfere as she once had.

Yet, Zhu Qizhen did not lack affection for her; he preferred to let her spend her final years in peace. Furthermore, he deeply understood that while her policy of recuperation might have its flaws, the benefits generally outweighed the drawbacks. Even if he had other ideas, he was unwilling to stir up unnecessary trouble. This was a method of governance he had learned from Yang Shiqi. During the tenure of the "Three Yangs," there were no drastic upheavals, yet the court’s strength—both in treasury reserves and military power—had steadily increased.

Luchuan was a major test for Zhu Qizhen, and he was determined not to be as wretchedly unprepared as he had been during the maritime opening.

Returning to the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Qizhen thought it over and decided not to summon the Cabinet members first. Instead, he chose to see Wang Ji. Wang Ji was a renowned figure in Ming history, one of the three civil officials to be ennobled for military merit, known as the "Three Wangs of the Ming"—Wang Ji, Wang Yue, and Wang Yangming. Wang Ji had performed admirably in suppressing the rebellions in the northwest, and this time, Yang Rong had recommended him to lead the army.

Zhu Qizhen realized that among the current military generals, there was no one capable of taking on such a heavy responsibility alone. Only Wang Ji was in his prime. Furthermore, Zhu Qizhen never believed that military force alone was enough to pacify the southwest; that would be half the effort for double the result. Political maneuvering was essential. While there were generals who were both wise and brave, they could not compare to the cunning of the civil officials. He approved of Wang Ji’s candidacy. With Yang Rong’s recommendation and his own approval, the appointment was practically set in stone.

Zhu Qizhen decided to have a long talk with Wang Ji. Another reason was that Yang Rong was growing old. It had to be said that while Zhu Qizhen had grown during these years, the "Three Yangs" had gradually declined, and they were aging rapidly. As the Grand Empress Dowager had once said, Zhu Qizhen did not need to guard against Yang Shiqi and the others, because as he grew, time would naturally take away that generation of heroes. Yang Rong already had intentions of retiring.

Since the Xuande Emperor's ascension, all major military and state affairs had been consulted with Yang Rong; it was as if the map of the world resided within his mind. Whenever a military issue arose, consulting Yang Rong always led to a solution. It had been the same since Zhu Qizhen ascended the throne. The sowing of discord among the Oirat, the strategies before and after the northwestern wars, the policy of compromise toward Luchuan, the pacification of the Jurchens, internal stability, the surveillance of the princes like the Prince of Chu, and the cleansing of the garrisons and horse bureaus—all of this had been handled by Yang Rong.

The Luchuan affair seemed like a lapse in judgment for Yang Rong, but in reality, when forced to choose between the northwest and Luchuan, he naturally prioritized the northwest. This was not his opinion alone. With Yang Rong present, everything was manageable. But if he were gone, who could replace him?

Zhu Qizhen had his eye on Wang Ji, and he was not alone; Yang Rong himself valued Wang Ji. Otherwise, Yang Rong would not have supported Wang Ji to oversee the northwestern forces, nor would he have recommended him to oversee Yunnan now. However, Wang Ji had only just returned from the northwest, and Zhu Qizhen had not had much contact with him. He needed to see if this Wang Ji could be his "Yang Rong." After all, although Zhu Qizhen trusted Yang Rong, the true bond of monarch and subject had existed between Yang Rong and the late Xuande Emperor. For Yang Rong, most of what he did was to repay the late Emperor's favor; loyalty to the current Emperor came second.

Wang Ji was startled by the sudden summons, but he dared not delay and hurried to the Qianqing Palace. He did not have to wait long before Wang Zhen came out to lead him in. Upon entering, Wang Ji bowed to Zhu Qizhen. "Minister of the Ministry of War, Wang Ji, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

"Master Wang, please rise. Take a seat," Zhu Qizhen said.

Wang Ji stood up, perched on the edge of the embroidered stool, and sat with stiff, meticulous posture, appearing as if he were facing a formidable enemy.