The New Year in Peiping is also very lively.
Firecrackers sound from midnight to early morning every day, then sound again at noon and evening, and continue to be noisy with various fireworks at night until midnight. The air is filled with the unique smell of gunpowder from firecrackers, and it naturally feels festive.
In Prince Yan's Mansion, Princess Yan is preparing gifts for her trip to Beijing.
Xu Ying saw Zhu Di sitting and watching with great interest. It was rare for him to be so leisurely, so she took the gifts one by one and looked at him and talked. Zhu Di nodded with a smile. Finally, Xu Ying picked up a blue and white porcelain vase and said, "This was originally placed in Tingsong Juli. Sanbao said Princess Yining liked it. Can you take it to her?" Zhu Di was stunned and nodded casually. The thought of seeing her again made me feel a little excited.
Suddenly Ma Sanbao ran in: "Your Majesty, Princess! The imperial court has rushed the imperial edict to Datong Mansion for six hundred miles, saying that 'the king on behalf of the king indulged in murder and wealth and was good at serving the army and the people. The imperial court refused to change after repeated instructions, so he cut off the royal title, demoted him to a commoner, and imprisoned him in Datong. '!"
With a "pop" sound, the vase in Xu Ying's hand fell to the ground and shattered.
Zhu Di supported Xu Ying and asked, "Is that all?"
Ma Sanbao continued: "I also asked you to find a daughter of Zhou Ada and return her to Zhou Ada immediately so that she would never bully the people again. Your lord, could this Zhou Ada be the one you met on the street?"
Zhu Di said, "No way? Princess Shi sent someone to send him home. Has it changed?" He looked down at Xu Ying and said, "Do you know these things?" His voice was already a little harsh.
Xu Ying turned pale and shook her head: "I didn't hear what A Xiu said. I should ask her more." She stood firm and raised her head and asked Zhu Di, "Have you ever met this Zhou Ada?"
Zhu Di didn't answer, and Ma Sanbao quickly said: "I'm telling you, Princess, the last time I came back from Daning to Datong Mansion, the soldiers of Prince Dai's Mansion pulled Zhou Ada on the street and said that he had to go to work after receiving his wages. , but in fact it was just rent arrears. The prince told King Dai, and Princess Dai sent his own soldiers to send him back. I wonder why it was mentioned in the imperial edict? "
Xu Ying regretted and regretted: "I didn't have a good talk with Axiu during the half month she came." At that time, she was angry with Zhu Di about Princess Yining, and she was so preoccupied that she didn't care about her sister more. .
Zhu Di's face softened slightly and he said thoughtfully: "It's just that Datong is under house arrest. The thirteenth brother and his family are just not allowed to leave the city, so it's okay to be under restraint. I went to Beijing to see His Majesty and ask about the situation."
Xu Ying had tears in her eyes: "Brother, I want to see Axiu, is that okay?"
Zhu Di couldn't help but feel soft when he saw Xu Ying begging softly. I knew that this was the cusp of the storm, but I couldn't say the word "no". He sighed and said, "Go if you want. Be careful."
****************
On February 13th of the first year of Jianwen, King Zhu Di of Yan arrived at Yingtian Mansion in the capital.
The emperor sent Qi Tai, Minister of War, and Wang Zhi, the eunuch of Bingbi, to greet him at Jinchuan Gate. Zhu Gaochi, the Crown Prince of Yan, and his two younger brothers, Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui, were also waiting with him. After some greetings and affection from King Yan, Qi Tai led him directly from the city gate to the Xiaoling Mausoleum in Purple Mountain.
The group walked through the city, exited Chaoyang Gate and walked eastward along the Imperial Wall. Along the way, there are sea of pine trees, magnificent pavilions, and extremely quiet and beautiful scenery. Zhu Di heard the occasional sound of deer roaring from the forest. Not understanding what he meant, Wang Zhi explained: "Taizu put a thousand longevity deer here."
Zhu Di nodded and remained silent. "Eternal Deer"! How can a deer or a human really live forever
Entering the Shinto dismounting stall, everyone dismounted. Walking across the Dajinmen Lingxingmen Yuhe Bridge, the red palace walls suddenly come into view. The golden glazed tiles are set against the blue sky, and the plaque above the red gate is inscribed with the four characters "Civil and Military Square Gate". The guards guarding the mausoleum were lined up in neat rows, with bright armor and helmets shining brightly in the sun.
Zhu Di knew this was the main entrance and quickened his pace.
After passing through Xiangdian and Fangcheng, we finally came to the tomb. After Zhu Yuanzhang died, he was buried together with Queen Ma in the underground palace. They were surrounded by brick walls and topped by large round mounds called Baocheng and Baoding.
Zhu Di caught up with him in a few steps, fell to his knees, and kowtowed seven times. "Father! Queen mother! The baby is here!" Tears were streaming down her face, her voice was hoarse.
Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Gaoxu, Zhu Gaosui and Ma Sanbao led the accompanying dozens of guards of Prince Yan's palace, who were also in tears. They knelt behind Zhu Di and kowtowed repeatedly; King Zhi of Qi Tai also bowed beside him.
Zhu Di howled and cried bitterly, grief-stricken.
It's not just a show. When Zhu Di saw that he could no longer see his father's face or hear his voice across the cold brick wall, he couldn't help but feel sad, and he couldn't help but feel so sad. I recall leaving home at the age of twenty, spending less time with my parents and more time apart. I have been alone for nearly twenty years. Every time I go back to Hajj to see you again, I am reluctant to leave you at the knees of my parents.
When my mother was seriously ill, she rushed back to serve her and accompany her on her last journey. Not only did my father not see her for the last time, he was also unable to hold the coffin and offer condolences. Common people can still reunite with their flesh and blood, but why can't even father and son meet each other when they are born in a royal family
Zhu Di recalled the day when he left home and joined the feudal clan twenty years ago. It was also such a winter day, with blue sky and cold wind. My parents took a chariot straight to the riverside. The boat sailed far away, and across the surging river, I could still see the two elders waving their hands. And I was so young at that time, I just wanted to be free from the sky and let the birds fly, and finally be free. Why did it take twenty years for us to realize the magnitude of our parents’ kindness? But at this time, they are no longer here!
"The son wants to be raised but his relatives don't wait for him. If he goes but cannot be chased, it is his years; if he goes and cannot be seen, it is his relatives."
Why can’t I understand the sages’ books that I read when I was young only now
Zhu Di fell in front of the mausoleum and cried again and again.
After coming out of Xiaoling, Zhu Di went on to visit Dongling, the mausoleum of his eldest brother Zhu Biao. Cried again. After coming down from Purple Mountain, my eyes were already red, swollen and stained with tears.
Qi Tai asked: "Should King Yan go to rest first, or should he go to the palace to meet the saint?"
Zhu Di said: "I have not worshiped the new emperor yet, so please enter the palace."
So Zhu Gaochi led his two younger brothers to retire first, and the other three entered the imperial city, went up the royal road, passed through the heavy gate, and arrived at the back court. Wang Zhi asked. The emperor was at the Provincial Gong Hall, so they went to the Provincial Gong Hall together. King Yan and Qi Tai were waiting outside the palace, and Wang Zhi went in to report.
Zhu Di looked at the palace. It was still a densely decorated palace, but his father was no longer there! Things and people are different, and I can't help but feel great sadness in my heart.
The emperor was probably discussing something. After waiting for a long time, several ministers hurried out of the palace and greeted King Yan and Qi Tai with smiles on their faces but did not dare to speak. Then I heard Wang Zhixuan: "Xuanyan King Zhu Di comes to see you!"
Zhu Di patted the dust on his body and strode into the Provincial Gong Hall. He saw Zhu Yunwen in the hall. He walked a few steps forward and bowed to the ground to pay homage: "Your Majesty, your Majesty, Zhu Di, long live my emperor!" After crying for a long time, The voice has become hoarse.
Zhu Yunwen smiled and said: "Pingshen!" He asked Zhu Di to sit down.
Zhu Di sat down on an armchair on the west side with a respectful expression, looking at the emperor intently.
Zhu Yunwen saw that Zhu Di's face was covered with wind and frost, his hair was messy, his eyes were red and swollen, and there were a few grass sticks on his clothes. He looked miserable and couldn't help but said warmly: "Uncle Emperor, it's been a long journey. How are you on the road?"
Zhu Di said with a hoarse voice, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Today I have to visit the Xiaoling Mausoleum and meet the imperial concubine. I am relieved of my worries. Even if I die, I will rest in peace. Thank you Your Majesty for your support."
Zhu Yunwen comforted and said: "Sorrow can hurt people, so the emperor's uncle should not be too sad. The emperor's uncle is in his prime, so there is no need to be depressed if he has an occasional illness. This time, he will stay in Beijing for a few days and the imperial doctors will treat him and he will be able to recover."
Zhu Di was a little happy when the emperor asked him to stay for a while, and respectfully replied: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
Zhu Yunwen asked again: "Uncle Huang came from Peiping, what is the situation in northern Xinjiang?"
Zhu Di thought for a while and replied seriously: "I admire the grace of Taizu. In the 30th year of Hongwu's Northern Campaign, the great victory was achieved. It seems that the remaining Yuan Dynasty retreated to Mobei and Northern Xinjiang was pacified, but this is not the case."
Zhu Yunwen was very interested: "Oh?"
Zhu Di continued: "Your Majesty knows that Kublai Khan fought for the throne with Alibu brother and poisoned Alibu brother. His descendants have always hated the old Yuan Dynasty. In the 20th year of Hongwu, Feng Sheng went to war, and the old Yuan Taiwei Naha surrendered. Liaodong It all belongs to our Ming Dynasty. The great Khan of the Yuan Dynasty, Tuugustimur, retreated, but he still called himself the Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty. In the 21st year of Hongwu, Lan Yu, the Duke of Liang State, paid homage to his late Yuan Dynasty at the Battle of Yuerhai. At this time, Ali Bu Ge's descendants, Yesudie'er, took the opportunity to kill the Khan while Togustimurr was escaping and established himself on his own. He changed his country's name to "Yuan" and called it "Tatar". And Elbek, the descendant of Togustimurr He still succeeded to the throne of Khan, and still took "Yuan" as his country name, but his power was weak, and many Mongolian tribes announced their separation from the residual Yuan."
Zhu Di paused and saw that Zhu Yunwen was listening carefully. He cleared his throat and continued: "So the actual situation in Mongolia today is that 'Tatars' and 'remnants' coexist with various tribes, and the forces of all parties are divided and infighting. The only ones I defeated the year before last were The few generals of Can Yuan only temporarily deterred other forces but had no real impact on them. Once any one of them becomes stronger, it will definitely pose a threat to our Ming Dynasty. After all, Mongolia is desolate and has always coveted the resources of our Ming Dynasty. All tribes have They are eyeing the Central Plains with covetous eyes."
Zhu Di told the truth and was very sincere. Later history proved that his judgment on Mongolia was also correct.
Zhu Yunwen was only five years old when Zhu Di left Beijing to join the vassal state. After being named the emperor's grandson, Zhu Di had been on an expedition in the north. He didn't even come to the routine pilgrimage, so the contact between the two was really limited. Ministers such as Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng have always said that Zhu Di has great power and must be careful, but Zhu Di's sad and respectful look when he came in just now really made Zhu Yunwen feel that this imperial uncle was pitiful.
It wasn't until this moment when Zhu Di was talking eloquently about the situation in Mongolia that he sat upright unknowingly, and his eyes gradually became brighter. Only then could Zhu Yunwen feel the power and confidence in Zhu Di, and perhaps, a little domineering.
Zhu Yunwen asked with a smile: "So based on what the emperor sees, what should be the countermeasures in Northern Xinjiang?"
Zhu Di said with certainty: "There is civil strife in Mongolia. We, the Ming Dynasty, cannot interfere if we are not good at it. We can only wait and see what happens. Once one party becomes powerful, we must be on guard and support the opposing force to contain it. At present, there is nothing to worry about. The Tatars should be careful. The Oirat tribe should also be careful."
Zhu Yunwen nodded, a little curious: "How did the emperor get all this information?"
Zhu Di was naive when he heard this, but he didn't dare to laugh at it. Su Rong replied: "I have been in northern Xinjiang for many years, so I naturally have some arrangements in Mongolia." He paused and said, "If your Majesty is interested, I will often write to your Majesty." .
Zhu Yunwen smiled and said: "Okay, then I'll help the emperor uncle." Seeing that Zhu Di was about to speak but stopped, he said warmly: "The emperor uncle has something to say, but it doesn't hurt to say it." Zhu Di was about to ask about the king, when Zhang Yuanheng approached with a food box and stood aside with a bow. Zhu Yunwen saw it and looked at the details on the case, a look of embarrassment flashed across his face.
Zhu Di hurriedly smiled and said: "Is there something wrong, Your Majesty? I will come back another day."
Zhu Yunwen felt sorry for him: "I am going to Tianxi Temple, but the temple will be closed if it is late. The emperor will come back another day, and I will have a good talk with him. I heard that the emperor's drinking capacity is amazing, and I also want to see him." He meant to invite him to change Eat every day.
Zhu Di was startled, Tianxi Temple, he was going to Tianxi Temple to see the lotus! He pondered for a moment and said with a smile: "I have an unkind request."
Zhu Yunwen was a little anxious and didn't have enough time, but he still said with a smile: "Uncle, please tell me." He looked at it again and made more mistakes.
Zhu Di smiled and said: "The year before last, Princess Yining of North Korea had stayed in a humble house to rest for a few days since the Ningwei passed through Peking, and she got along very well with Mrs. Zhuojing Xu. This time Zhuojing specially brought some boudoir gadgets. , I asked the minister to give it to Princess Yining. Ma, one of my servants, has been familiar with the escort princess for several months. I miss the master very much. I wonder if I can meet him?" Zhu Di did not dare to say that he wanted to see Lianhua, but he put it between Xu Ying and Ma. On the Three Treasures.
Zhu Yunwen smiled and said: "Ma He? I know, Yi Ning said he is like her little brother. Where is he?"
Zhu Di replied: "Waiting outside the palace gate."
Zhu Yunwen said: "I am going to see Princess Yining. Let's go together! She will be happy to see Ma He." Saying that he couldn't wait any longer, he stood up.
Zhu Di was overjoyed: "I obey the order!"
****************
A group of people walked through the city and came to Tianxi Temple.
Zhu Di had been here when he was a child. More than 20 years later, he was filled with emotion when he saw that the temple had become more ancient. From a distance, through the yellow wall and black tiles, you can see half of the Shengguan Tower, which is a little crooked.
Soon after arriving at the mountain gate, everyone got off their carriages and horses and walked towards the temple.
Today came a little late, the sky was getting dark and twilight was closing in; the setting sun had already set, leaving only a little orange glow on the horizon. Groups of crows circled overhead, croaking, adding to the desolation.
Zhu Di's heart was beating fast, but his face remained expressionless. Ma Sanbao beside him did not hide his excitement and expectation, because the emperor actually knew from the princess that he looked like her little brother!
When they reached the Shenggu Tower, everyone felt a chill. A crow flew down on the tower and dropped broken bricks and dirt all over the floor.
Zhu Di looked up at the tower and couldn't help frowning. Maybe this tower will collapse one day
At this time, Hai Shou Zhien came out, saluted Zhu Yunwen, and replied: "Yes, it is inside. Your Majesty, please hurry over." When he saw King Yan and Ma Sanbao, they were so surprised that they were speechless. For a long time Haishou shouted: "Brother Ma!" He hugged Ma Sanbao and quickly saluted Zhu Di.
Zhien walked up to Zhu Di, saluted and said softly: "Your Majesty!"
Zhu Di held her up with one hand and asked, "How are you all?" He looked at Zhien and saw that after not seeing her for more than a year, the little girl was stunned.
Of course Zhien knew who King Yan was asking, and couldn't help but blushing. She whispered for a while: "Princess, it's so painful" and tears were about to fall.
Zhu Di felt sad and looked to the side of the tower. Zhu Yunwen was talking by the door, and Zhang Yuanheng was handing the food box, hand stove and other things in; he strode towards the tower without hesitation.
Hai Shou hesitated but did not stop him, and Ma Sanbao quickly followed.
Zhang Yuanheng raised his head and saw the two people coming to stop him, but Zhu Yunwen didn't take it seriously and said with a smile: "Come here! Yining is very happy to hear that Ma He is here." Ma Sanbao hurried to the door, but Zhu Di stopped and stood in front of the tower.
Lianhua originally thought that Zhu Yunwen would not come today, but she did not expect that he would appear in front of the door as it was getting dark, bringing King Yan and Ma Sanbao with him. After hearing this, Lianhua's face changed drastically, and she hurriedly concealed that she was happy that Ma He was here.
At this time Ma Sanbao appeared in front of her, and Lianhua was really happy to see her. She called out affectionately: "Sambo!" Ma Sanbao also smiled and said: "Princess!"
Lotus was excited and talked a lot. I have seen water chestnuts before. I think the swallows in Jiangnan are so beautiful. Why didn't you tell me that Gorgon looks like a chicken head...
Zhu Yunwen smiled and retreated to the distance. Looking at Lianhua's excited appearance, he was glad that he had brought Ma He with him.
As Lianhua spoke, she finally raised her eyes and glanced at Zhu Di quickly. Seeing Zhu Di's weathered look, she lowered her head and couldn't help feeling a little sad.
But when Zhu Di looked at the lotus, he felt heartache.
Under the old and dilapidated tower, there is a low wooden door. The body is bent like a lotus flower. She is wearing cotton clothes one after another, and there is also a raw linen mourning dress on the outside. It is round like a sandbag; her hair is tied with raw linen. His face was so thin that his jaw was pointed and his big eyes were lonely; a few blue veins could be seen in his jade hands, and there were frostbites everywhere!
In the dim dusk, the words of Prince Ning that day seemed to float in my ears: "If she does not live well in the future, can you feel at ease?"
No! I'm not at ease! Zhu Di screamed in his heart and was filled with regret.
Why not keep her. Daning and Peiping, why didn’t they stay
Ma Sanbao suddenly turned around and came to the emperor: "Princess, I would like to say hello to King Yan. Can you ask Your Majesty?" Zhu Yunwen nodded with a smile: This fool clearly didn't remember King Yan. It must have been Ma He who reminded him.
Seeing Zhu Yun's nod, Zhu Di walked to the door in a few steps and held his hands in front of him as a gift: "Princess, why don't you come?"
When Lianhua saw him striding forward, her heart was beating wildly. She forced herself to calm down and bowed: "I have met the prince."
In their hearts, both of them felt a little glad that Lian Hua had been demoted to a commoner. Otherwise, they would have been called "Empress" and "Uncle" in front of their faces, and they didn't know whether they would be able to continue acting
Zhu Di stood at the door. Even though he was never afraid of the cold, he felt chilly to the bone. Seeing Lianhua holding the stove in his hand, he asked, "Why don't you light a few stoves?"
Lotus was stunned. I have imagined in my mind that if one day we meet again after a long separation, what questions will he ask? No matter how many possibilities I thought about, I never thought of this one. He replied in a daze: "You can't light a stove in the pagoda. Below is the underground palace, and above are the relics of the abbots of the past dynasties."
Zhu Di said angrily: "Then I'll freeze you like this? Aren't you afraid of freezing to death?" The voice was a little loud.
Zhu Yunwen couldn't hear clearly, but he could see that King Yan was a little excited, so he couldn't help but take two steps forward and looked at it with concern.
Lianhua forced a smile and said, "I'm fine, don't worry. Are you here to visit the mausoleum?"
Zhu Di endured it, lowered his voice, and said, "Yes. I'm here to see you too." Staring at the lotus, he really felt that she would freeze to death here in a few days.
The lotus seems to have a thousand words, but at this moment, it can't remember a word. Looking at Zhu Di, my eyes are filled with moisture for some reason, and my hands are unconsciously holding the stove, turning it over and over.
Zhu Di also has thousands of words to say, but the emperor is just beside him, how can he say them? After a long time, he said softly: "I will stay in the capital for a while and come to see you again." The voice became louder again: "The gift brought by the princess, princess, don't laugh at it."
Lianhua was speechless, so she bowed again and said reluctantly: "Good riddance, Your Majesty."
It was finally dark, and the black shadow of the Holy Sense Tower was reflected in the deep blue night sky, and the crooked tower seemed to be crumbling.
Zhu Di was riding on a green horse and couldn't help but look back.
"wait for me!"
Lotus, have you heard this call from the bottom of your heart