Chapter Seventy-Nine: Jie Jin

Chapter Seventy-Nine: Jie Jin

Zhu Qizhen was slightly startled; he did not know why the Grand Empress Dowager spoke in such a manner.

The Grand Empress Dowager turned her head, smiled gently, and said, "In my lifetime, I have seen countless people, yet when I count carefully, only Jie Jin stands out as truly dazzling in talent."

"In his later years, the Taizu became fond of executions; before him, few dared utter more than a word. But Jie Jin spoke freely and boldly in Taizu's presence, almost as if he were criticizing the dragon directly. Yet Taizu spared him, saying he would leave Jie Jin for his descendants to use."

"In the early years of Yongle, the empire had just been settled. The Taizong valued military achievements above all, and often worried that the Renzong was too gentle and could not shoulder great responsibilities, even considering changing the heir. In the quiet of night, Renzong and I would embrace each other and weep, fearing that in the future he would be killed by the Prince of Han."

"But it was Jie Jin who, with the words ‘good holy grandson,’ shifted the entire situation."

"Those three words erased all of the Prince of Han's efforts."

"From then on, I sensed a change. Although Taizong continued to reprimand him, he no longer considered replacing the heir. Who but Renzong would not resemble Taizong?"

"Jie Jin could be said to have settled the matter in a single sentence."

"But what was Jie Jin's fate?"

Zhu Qizhen replied, "He froze to death in the snow."

Jie Jin's death was a well-known tale; even Zhu Qizhen had heard it in later generations. In this era, it echoed like thunder, for only thirty years had passed, and many who witnessed it were still alive.

The Grand Empress Dowager asked, "Tell me, why did Jie Jin die?"

Zhu Qizhen answered, "It was Ji Gang's revenge."

The Grand Empress Dowager shook her head. "Not so. Taizong's emperor imprisoned many, even Yang Shiqi spent time in the imperial prison. If the Embroidered Uniform Guard had no discipline, none would have survived to now."

"Ji Gang's revenge may be true, but carrying out the imperial order is equally true."

"Do you know why Taizong killed Ji Gang?"

Zhu Qizhen paused in silence. "I do not understand, Grandmother."

The Grand Empress Dowager said, "Because Jie Jin involved himself in matters he ought not have. Jie Jin was a great benefactor to our house, but to Taizong, not necessarily so."

"If Jie Jin were rewarded for all he had done for us, what place would that leave Taizong among his ministers?"

"The Crown Prince is, after all, only the Crown Prince."

"Taizong used Jie Jin's life to make it clear whose realm the Ming dynasty truly belonged to. And, by the way, he eased the Prince of Han's resentment, for the Prince of Han was also his beloved son."

With deep gravity, the Grand Empress Dowager said to Zhu Qizhen, "Grandson, you are naturally clever, not much less than the prodigies of history. Yet the more intelligent a person is, the more arrogant he becomes. Without great wisdom and courage, one cannot become great in evil or craft. The most foolish acts in the world are often committed by the cleverest."

"So, you must possess self-awareness."

"Even as emperor, you must know what you can and cannot do."

"It is good that you now know what you do not know."

"I hope you remember well what I have said today: even an emperor cannot always act as he pleases."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Qizhen felt cold sweat dampen his back.

Those notorious ministers and tyrants, already judged by history, did they set out with the intent to become villains and fools?

No, everyone begins with the hope of doing good.

Yet why did things turn so disastrously wrong? Yang Guang could be called one of the brightest minds under heaven—why did he end up as he did?

This was a matter Zhu Qizhen would contemplate for a lifetime.

He stepped back and said, "Grandson will surely remember your teachings."

The Grand Empress Dowager said, "Did Yu Qian speak to you? After the spring imperial exam, you may leave the palace once a month. But you must always be accompanied by sufficient attendants. Go forth and seek the answers you desire."

Zhu Qizhen replied, "Grandson thanks Grandmother."

The Grand Empress Dowager smiled, "There is no need for thanks between us. Since you brought up Jie Jin, relay a message to the Cabinet—clear his name."

"He did, after all, give his life for our house."

To vindicate Jie Jin was, in effect, to say Taizong was mistaken.

Thus, during the Yongle era, it was impossible. Now, however, Taizong has been gone for ten years, three emperors have since ascended, and many ministers have served through three reigns.

This is the proper moment to rehabilitate Jie Jin. If it were done too soon, as soon as Taizong was buried, it would make Renzong and Xuanzong seem shameless.

Zhu Qizhen said, "Grandson will do so at once."

Jie Jin had a nephew who served as a secretary under Renzong, striving in the capital for Jie Jin's rehabilitation.

With the Grand Empress Dowager’s command, the Jie family could not be more delighted.

After Zhu Qizhen left, the Grand Empress Dowager summoned Jin Ying.

Jin Ying arrived at the Palace of Benevolent Peace, knelt immediately, and said, "This old servant greets the Grand Empress Dowager."

Jin Ying dared not show the slightest neglect toward her, trembling with reverence.

The older one is in the palace, the more one understands the Grand Empress Dowager’s formidable nature.

After all, Taizong did not favor Renzong, but greatly admired his daughter-in-law, and not without reason. From Renzong's reign through Xuanzong's, and now into the era of Zhengtong, her influence on state affairs has endured.

Within the palace, her authority was even greater.

The palace was always the domain of the Grand Empress Dowager; one could see the depth of Empress Dowager Sun's fear of her.

She showed Zhu Qizhen a kind and gentle face, but to others, not necessarily so.

Leisurely, the Grand Empress Dowager said, "After the spring exam, His Majesty will leave the palace. Each time, you must attend him personally. Though His Majesty may wish not to draw attention, you have plenty of men from the Eastern Depot."

"Arrange it as you see fit, but if His Majesty suffers any harm, your head, your nephew’s head, and the dozens in your family will face consequences. Don’t say I didn’t warn you."

Sweat broke out on Jin Ying's brow. "This old servant understands. I will arrange everything meticulously."

In truth, the environs of Beijing were like a military town—at least now, tens of thousands of troops are stationed there. Unless the army itself is involved, the emperor would face no danger wandering within the capital.

The Grand Empress Dowager felt her control over the nobles was sufficient. After all, the hereditary nobles were the emperor’s solid foundation.

Even until the fall of Ming, its emperors thought this way.

But with time, these nobles became less useful.

Without such confidence, the Grand Empress Dowager would never allow Zhu Qizhen to risk himself.

Still, feeling secure is one thing. Jin Ying was thoroughly frightened by her; he vowed silently, "No, before the spring exam, I must sweep Beijing clean."

Jin Ying resolved to join forces with Shuntian Prefecture, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the Five Cities Patrol, to purge the city of all thieves and rogues. Otherwise, should the emperor be offended while out, his head would be forfeit.

Those eking out a living in the capital, the petty criminals, had no idea that a calamity was about to descend upon them.

"And, whatever people His Majesty meets, whatever he says or does outside, you must report every detail to me," the Grand Empress Dowager added.

Jin Ying inwardly groaned, thinking, "This is the truly dangerous task."

Her earlier threats were just that; Jin Ying was confident about protecting the emperor. But now, this task was deadly serious.

She wanted him to monitor the emperor.

If Jin Ying did not know the emperor, he might dare attempt it. But now, he understood clearly—this young master was not easily deceived. If he ever found out about this matter...

Jin Ying could not guarantee his own head would remain on his shoulders.

The young master was difficult to manage, but the lady before him was not to be trifled with.

Jin Ying knew that if he dared utter a "no," he would not leave the Palace of Benevolent Peace alive.

Perhaps the emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager had an understanding; should the emperor know, he would pretend not to. But as the one personally involved, Jin Ying would not be so easily pardoned.

He had no choice but to say, "This servant obeys the Grand Empress Dowager’s orders."

The Grand Empress Dowager said, "Do your work diligently before His Majesty. I trust you will find a path to survival. But if you fail, you might inquire about the vegetable garden at the Imperial Mausoleum."

At these words, Jin Ying’s face turned ashen. The vegetable garden at the mausoleum was a nightmare for eunuchs; none who entered ever returned. All were worked to death. He quickly replied, "This servant obeys."