This is why fish and chicken are the best choices.
However, when faced with Emperor Jiajing's question, Zhu Ping'an could not answer in this way. This answer was too religious and too utilitarian. Even if the answer was correct, he might not end up well.
As a Christian, this explanation and answer would satisfy the Pope!
But as a subject, such an answer cannot satisfy the monarch! The subject's answer should be like that of a subject.
"Chickens have five virtues. My mother taught me that chickens are birds with five virtues. When I was young, my mother told me that chickens are birds with five virtues. When I was young, my family was poor. My mother raised chickens and laid eggs to exchange for money to buy pens, ink and paper for me to study and learn to write. I am lucky to have my parents to support me today, and I am grateful to the chickens.
"The chicken is a bird with five virtues. It has five virtues. The chicken has a crown on its head, which means it is a gentleman. This is the virtue of literature. The chicken has sharp claws behind its claws, which are used for fighting. This is the virtue of martial arts. The chicken is brave and fearless. It dares to fight against strong enemies. It is brave in fighting. When two brave people meet on a narrow road, the brave one wins. This is the virtue of courage. When a chicken finds food, it will not eat alone, but will call its companions to eat together. It is kind and unparalleled. This is the virtue of benevolence. The rooster announces the dawn, regardless of the cold or heat, rain or shine, and announces the dawn at dawn. It has never failed to keep its promise. This is the virtue of faith."
"The Master once said, 'When three people walk together, there must be one person who can be my teacher.' I think this saying is applicable to all things in the world."
"I chose the Golden Rooster because I want to learn from its five virtues. I should learn every day I live, and learn until I grow old. I should never put down my books, and my heart of civil virtue should always be there. The way of civil and military affairs is to relax and tighten. Although I am a scholar, I also have a martial heart. Those who offend our Ming Dynasty will be punished even if they are far away. Although I am a civil official and cannot tie up a chicken, I am willing to fight for your majesty on the battlefield. Although I cannot fight on the battlefield or tie up the enemy chieftain with a long rope, I can also make plans in the tent. The northern barbarians are rude and the southern Japanese are cruel. However, I have the blood of the Han people in my body, and I also have a courageous heart. I am not afraid. I have been granted the grace of your majesty. I have been promoted to a higher position, and I should have a benevolent heart. No matter where I am in the future, I will always be benevolent. A man cannot stand without faith, and I will always be faithful. I must keep my words and fulfill my actions."
"I will keep these five virtues in mind and put them into practice, and contribute to the prosperity of Your Majesty's country."
Zhu Ping'an held the golden rooster in his hands, his face full of excitement, his eyes full of sincerity, and he spoke clearly and logically, and reported the reasons why he chose the golden rooster to Emperor Jiajing, who was sitting on the dragon throne.
This list of reasons could almost be used to write a policy article.
Theory of the Five Virtues.
Live and learn.
When two brave men meet in a narrow road, the brave one wins.
Add bricks and tiles to my beautiful country.
How comfortable these words sound. The theory of the five virtues is well said. Learn until you are old and live until you are old. These six words are concise and profound. In addition, the words "the brave will win when they meet on a narrow road" are really incisive. If the generals and soldiers of my Ming Dynasty have this heart, what can the northern barbarians and southern Japanese use to fight against my Ming Dynasty? Heads! And add bricks and tiles to my splendid country. They didn't say to expand the territory, but only to add bricks and tiles. How sincere they said it, not at all empty. How urgent they are to serve their country.
Zhu Ping'an's words were mixed with words that had withstood the test of modern society. They conquered Jiajing.
These words touched the heart of Emperor Jiajing. Where can one find such a filial minister, such a studious minister, such a sensible minister, and such a minister who is willing to serve the country
Huang Jin, who was serving beside Emperor Jiajing, couldn't help but look at Zhu Ping'an a few more times after hearing what Zhu Ping'an said, and he firmly remembered Zhu Ping'an. This young man has a promising future, so he should pay more attention to him and make a good relationship with him.
"Please stand up. My dear minister, you have a heart full of filial piety." Emperor Jiajing was sitting on the dragon throne. After listening to Zhu Ping'an's report, he sighed.
"My dear, you have a good mother."
After Emperor Jiajing expressed his feelings, he immediately said another sentence.
Having said that, it’s not over yet.
After hearing Emperor Jiajing's words "Stand up", and listening to Emperor Jiajing's sigh, Zhu Ping'an had just stood up, but was knocked to his knees again by Emperor Jiajing's next words.
After Emperor Jiajing said, "My dear, you have a good mother," he immediately added this sentence. It was this sentence that made Zhu Ping'an fall to his knees.
"Huang Ban, ask the Hanlin Academy to draft an edict on a chosen day. Zhu Ping'an's mother, Chen, is a kind and virtuous person, and she has a good way of educating her children. I hereby decree that Zhu Ping'an's mother, Chen, be promoted to the sixth rank Anren." Emperor Jiajing sat on the dragon throne, opened his mouth, and awarded Zhu Ping'an's mother, Chen, an imperial edict.
"I thank the Lord for his grace."
Zhu Ping'an fell to his knees with a thud, and was so happy about this surprise that he almost lost his composure.
An unexpected surprise, absolutely a huge surprise. When Zhu Ping'an was at home, he often said to his mother Chen that he would fight for an imperial decree for her. Although he said so, of course he would work hard, but an imperial decree is not so easy to get.
In the Ming Dynasty and even in the entire feudal society, the emperor's imperial edicts were called "Gao Ming" for officials of the first to fifth ranks, and "Chi Ming" for officials of the sixth to ninth ranks. Their mothers and wives, who received imperial edicts, were also given titles according to their ranks, which is what people often call "Gao Ming Ladies".
A lady of noble title has a rank and a salary, but no real power. However, this honor is definitely enough to bring honor to the family and attract the attention, envy, and jealousy of thousands.
The ranks of ladies granted imperial decrees were divided as follows: the mother and wife of a third-rank official were given the title of Shu Ren, also a third-rank title; the mother and wife of a fourth-rank official were given the title of Gong Ren, also a fourth-rank title; the mother and wife of a fifth-rank official were given the title of Yi Ren, also a fifth-rank title; the mother and wife of a sixth-rank official were given the title of An Ren, also a sixth-rank title.
Zhu Ping'an's mother was granted the title of Anren, which was the sixth rank.
However, the title of Lady of Imperial Concubine cannot be conferred just because your son or husband becomes an official. There are many conditions required. You will not be conferred the title of Lady of Imperial Concubine for no reason.
One of the most important conditions is: outstanding achievements. In other words, you have to be an excellent official and have made great achievements. The number of positions is very limited.
Therefore, when Zhu Pingan heard that Jiajing had conferred the title of Lady of Imperial Concubine on his mother, Chen, he was overwhelmed by the surprise. His answer just now was just to be realistic, thank his parents, and take the opportunity to leave a good impression in front of Emperor Jiajing.
Emperor Jiajing looked at Zhu Ping'an's surprised and embarrassed expression, shook his head and smiled. This child is really sincere.
"Okay, kneel down and pay your respects." Emperor Jiajing shook his head, smiled and waved his hand.
"I thank the Lord for his grace. I will take my leave." Zhu Ping'an knelt down again to express his gratitude. This time it was absolutely sincere from the bottom of his heart, and then he stood up to take his leave.
Zhu Ping'an still felt it was a little unreal until he left the hall. This surprise was so unexpected.
It is said that after receiving the imperial edict, mother Chen would show off all kinds of things in and out of the village.
As long as he thought about his mother's expression when she received the imperial edict, Zhu Ping'an couldn't stop smiling. (To be continued.)