Chapter Twenty-Nine: Shi Jing
Chapter Twenty-Nine: Shi Jing
“Yes,” Zhu Qizhen said. “Grandson understands.”
The Ming dynasty rested upon two foundations. One was military, supporting its early system of garrisons, which now showed signs of fatigue. The other lay in finance—grain and money. The heavy taxation of Jiangnan was but one issue among many.
Zhu Qizhen noticed a certain weariness in the Grand Empress Dowager. He refrained from further questions, allowing her to rest in peace.
He returned to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.
There, upon the screen behind him, he wrote four large characters: Garrison, Land Tax.
These were the two great matters he must confront.
Yet foremost among them was the health of the Grand Empress Dowager.
In the quiet hours of night, Zhu Qizhen had not failed to ponder: if the Grand Empress Dowager were to pass away now, could he keep control of the empire’s affairs?
Clearly, he could not.
The great power would not fall into his hands. It might easily pass to Lady Sun or to Wang Zhen.
Wang Zhen now appeared dutiful and loyal, never exceeding his authority, honest to a fault. But that was only because the Grand Empress Dowager was present.
Should she depart, would Wang Zhen remain so obedient?
Zhu Qizhen understood well that all the eunuchs and maids around him were under Wang Zhen’s command. To put it bluntly, if Wang Zhen harbored any ambitions, Zhu Qizhen would not even be able to send out a single message.
He had not considered this before.
At that time, he was wary of the Grand Empress Dowager, and naturally wished Wang Zhen’s power to grow as much as possible.
But now, he suddenly realized—the Grand Empress Dowager was old; she would age, she would die. Once she was gone, could he control Wang Zhen?
Though not yet urgent, Zhu Qizhen had to put the matter on his agenda.
After some thought, he said, “Grand Eunuch Wang, summon the Imperial Physicians to treat the Grand Empress Dowager. Remember this matter, and let her know.”
“Yes,” Wang Zhen replied, instantly comprehending.
Soon, Zhu Qizhen saw the Imperial Physician.
The physician, white-haired, looked the part—an elder, as was customary with practitioners of traditional medicine.
Zhu Qizhen asked, “Physician Wang, how is the Grand Empress Dowager’s illness?”
The physician replied, “Her Majesty has caught a chill. Given her age, she needs to rest in bed.”
Zhu Qizhen pressed further, “How is her overall health? Any other ailments?”
This physician was a clever man. Long accustomed to palace life, he possessed a keen political sense—it was essential for survival.
He answered at once, “I attend only to Her Majesty’s cold; I know nothing of other matters.”
Zhu Qizhen’s face darkened upon hearing this, as if the physician suspected him of plotting harm against the Grand Empress Dowager. He lost the urge to speak further.
There was no need to ask; he knew the physician’s answer would be as cautious and balanced as the prescriptions he wrote.
Wang Zhen, seeing Zhu Qizhen’s expression, quickly had the physician dismissed. “Your Majesty need not worry—all Imperial Physicians are like this.”
Zhu Qizhen replied, “That’s why Father died so young.”
Wang Zhen dared not respond.
The Emperor Xuanzong had still been traveling the realm in his later years, had summoned ministers even in the twelfth month, yet within days he died. Sometimes Zhu Qizhen reflected, and thought the Imperial Physicians had been woefully inadequate.
Upon seeing this physician, he felt that while they might treat minor ailments, anything more severe was beyond their ability.
Zhu Qizhen could not rest easy. “No, I must return to the Palace of Benevolent Tranquility.”
He went back unexpectedly; Lady Hu and Princess Shunde had not anticipated his return, and hurried out to greet him.
Zhu Qizhen said, “Lady, sister, I came only to check in.”
Lady Hu replied, “Your Majesty, the Grand Empress Dowager has just lain down to sleep and has not yet awakened.”
“Then I’ll sit outside and wait,” Zhu Qizhen said.
Seated outside, he saw Princess Shunde, and was struck by an idea. “Sister, have you met Prince Shi?”
Princess Shunde blushed at the question. “Of course not.”
Zhu Qizhen continued, “Shall I arrange a meeting for you?”
Princess Shunde fell silent, seemingly tempted. Lady Hu quickly interjected, “Thank you for Your Majesty’s kindness, but it is improper for an unmarried woman to meet a man before marriage.”
Zhu Qizhen smiled gently. “A daughter of the imperial house is not so constrained by ritual. Please, sister, don’t worry.”
Princess Shunde flushed deeper, rose quickly, and said, “Don’t tease me, brother. I’ll go make tea.” As she stood, she accidentally knocked a teacup to the floor.
With a sharp crack, a porcelain cup from the official kiln of Jingdezhen smashed to pieces.
Zhu Qizhen laughed, “If you’re unwilling, we can let it be. No need to vent your feelings on the crockery.”
Princess Shunde, face aflame, protested, “I never said I was unwilling.”
Lady Hu and Princess Shunde had long attended the Grand Empress Dowager, and Zhu Qizhen’s frequent visits had made them familiar. After all, Zhu Qizhen and Princess Shunde were siblings; their relationship had grown closer with time, though not as intimate as Zhu Qizhen’s childhood bond with Princess Changde, but still warm.
The late Emperor Xuanzong had left only two sons and two daughters.
A fit of coughing sounded from within.
Zhu Qizhen rushed in—it was the Grand Empress Dowager, awakened.
She asked, “What brings you here?”
Zhu Qizhen replied, “I was worried about you, grandmother. After returning, I consulted the Imperial Physicians. That physician was slippery; I am uneasy.”
The Grand Empress Dowager said, “You are thoughtful.”
Zhu Qizhen said, “The Imperial Physicians lack skill; otherwise, Father would not have died so quickly. I wish to issue an edict summoning renowned physicians from across the realm to serve in the Imperial Hospital. What do you think?”
She shook her head. “That would be excessive. If word reached the common folk, who knows what might be said? Those who know would praise your filial piety; those who don’t would think I am failing. If you’re concerned, let the Embroidered Guards bring a few skilled practitioners to the capital—that’s acceptable.”
Zhu Qizhen helped her drink a few sips of water. “I was mistaken. Yet there is one matter I have already decided. Please, grandmother, don’t scold me for it.”
The Grand Empress Dowager glanced at him, her expression turning solemn. “What have you decided?”
Zhu Qizhen said, “I agreed to let my sister meet Shi Jing of the Shi family.”
The Grand Empress Dowager secretly sighed in relief; she had feared Zhu Qizhen had promised something weighty, but it was only this. Though it breached etiquette, compared to matters of state, it was insignificant.
Still, a lesson was needed.
She cleared her throat. “Such matters should not be spoken lightly. The founding emperor, mindful of the chaos caused by princesses in the previous dynasty, set strict family laws. If you do this, you not only sully Shunde’s reputation, but also that of all imperial daughters. After all, every daughter must marry.”
“If she lacks a good name, how can she find a worthy husband?”
Zhu Qizhen replied softly, “Would the Shi family dare withdraw from the betrothal?”
“You—” The Grand Empress Dowager grew angry.
Zhu Qizhen quickly smiled, “Don’t be upset, grandmother. I am mindful of propriety; this will not trouble you.”
She was merely admonishing him; in truth, among commoners and nobles alike, the rules were not so rigid. It was normal for men and women to meet before marriage, so long as nothing improper occurred.
She asked, “How do you plan to arrange it?”
Zhu Qizhen said, “I wish to appoint my future brother-in-law as a guard by my side, entrusting the security of the Palace of Heavenly Purity to him. Sister can visit the palace once, and they can meet.”
The Grand Empress Dowager was perceptive—she saw through Zhu Qizhen’s intentions at a glance. Perhaps, the meeting was merely an excuse; the true aim was to let Shi Jing take charge of the palace guards, thereby dividing Wang Zhen’s power.
She gazed deeply at Zhu Qizhen, making him uneasy, then said slowly, “My grandson has grown up.”
Zhu Qizhen knew he could not hide from her and hastily explained, “Grandmother—”
“No need to explain,” she said. “Shi Jing is excellent—among the sons of military officials in Beijing, his talents in both learning and martial arts are outstanding. Make good use of him. Perhaps one day he will succeed Song Ying.”
“Thank you, grandmother. Thank you.”