Chapter 414: My Son

During the reform of the Academy, a great deal of corruption and graft occurred, and the extortion was also severe. Chen Hong reported all of these matters to Zhu Youxiao in full detail.

There were all sorts of convoluted twists and turns in this, and plenty of dark dealings too, but Zhu Youxiao did not have Chen Hong pursue the matter—he only said, "Investigate it thoroughly."

"Have you recorded everything?" Zhu Youxiao turned to look at Chen Hong and asked directly.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, everything has been recorded." Chen Hong hurriedly replied.

"Bring it here, let me take a look." Zhu Youxiao said expressionlessly, reaching out to take a small red notebook from Chen Hong's hands and flipping through it casually.

Each person's name, time, place, who they met, how much money they embezzled—all of it was written clearly in the small notebook.

This was Zhu Youxiao's grudge notebook, and naturally it could not be brought out now. When the time came in the future that it needed to be produced, this small notebook would play a tremendous role.

Handing the notebook back to Chen Hong, Zhu Youxiao said flatly, "Put it away."

At a time like this, doing such a thing was also a choice Zhu Youxiao had no choice but to make. Because to carry out something like the Academy reform, many people were unwilling to do it—only people like Cui Chengxiu were willing.

Using such people to take the lead, their corruption was unavoidable. If they were punished on charges of corruption, then no one would do this work at all.

It had to be said, this was the tragedy of an emperor. Knowing full well that corruption was improper, he still had to indulge it.

But Zhu Youxiao believed this was only the beginning; in the future it would certainly be much better than now.

Once the reform of the Imperial Academy was complete, it would cultivate a fresh batch of talent for him. At that time, he could select people from the Academy, and there would be people to do things for him.

When those people needed to rise to power in the future, this small notebook would come into play; or when Zhu Youxiao found himself short of money, that would also be the time for this notebook to make its reappearance.

For now, it could only be pressed beneath the bottom of a chest.

With the Imperial Academy reform settled for the time being, Zhu Youxiao could concentrate his energy on other matters. But before he had time to think too much, his attention was drawn by the sound of commotion outside.

An old eunuch came hurrying in from the corridor outside, going straight to Zhu Youxiao's presence, and said with a face full of delight: "Your Majesty, Her Grace the Empress is about to give birth!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao abruptly stood up.

This matter was extremely, extremely important to Zhu Youxiao, and extremely, extremely important to the Great Ming.

The Emperor having an heir meant there was someone to carry on the line. One had to know, in the original course of history, although the reason was unknown, Zhu Youxiao had ended up without an heir.

Without a moment's hesitation, Zhu Youxiao strode directly toward the inner palace.

Chen Hong hurriedly followed as well. Having served his master for so long, he had never seen him run faster than he did today.

By the time Zhu Youxiao arrived at Empress Zhang's bedchamber, quite a few people had already gathered there—elderly matrons from the palace, old palace maids with midwifery experience, and imperial physicians waiting off to the side.

Everyone was on high alert.

Empress Zhang had already entered the delivery room. Palace maids carried basin after basin of hot water inside, disinfection was already underway, and cries from within the room had begun to ring out.

Zhu Youxiao's whole body tensed up.

Having lived two lives, this was the first time he had waited for a woman to bear his child—it was impossible to say he was not nervous.

Pacing back and forth on the spot, Zhu Youxiao kept lifting his head to look toward the room.

The news quickly spread to the outer court—the Empress was about to give birth.

In an instant, the outer court was also stirred into commotion.

His Majesty was about to have an heir—this was good news for everyone.

The three Grand Secretaries of the Grand Secretariat rushed to the palace at the first opportunity, while the other court officials waited quietly. They too wanted to enter the palace, but they did not have the qualification.

In addition, Empress Zhang's family also came running into the palace—the Empress's father, Zhang Guoji, was the first to arrive.

After waiting for more than four hours, the sound of a baby's cries finally came from within the room, along with the cheers of the palace maids.

A person came sprinting out of the room and knelt directly before Zhu Youxiao, announcing in a loud voice: "Congratulations, Your Majesty, felicitations, Your Majesty! The Great Ming has an heir—Her Grace the Empress has given birth to a dragon son!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxiao let out a sigh of relief and hastily asked, "How is the Empress?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, Her Grace the Empress is out of danger." The old palace maid quickly replied.

Zhu Youxiao laughed heartily and said, "Alright, alright, rise! Everyone today shall be rewarded—all those in the palace shall be granted wine and meat!"

At this moment, the three Grand Secretaries also hurriedly bowed and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, felicitations, Your Majesty!"

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said with a smile, "My three beloved ministers, issue an edict to all officials in the capital—this month's salaries shall be doubled. My imperial son has been born, and all court ministers shall receive rewards. Draft a plan for this."

After these words were spoken, Han Kuang and the other two all bowed and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Although their faces bore brilliant smiles, in their hearts Han Kuang and the other two were groaning in distress.

This would mean another expenditure, but it was something that could not be avoided. The Emperor had fathered a son, who would very likely be the future Crown Prince—this money could not be spared.

Moreover, the capital was in chaos right now, with people's hearts in turmoil, all because of the uproar over the Academy reform. Now was the perfect time to use the birth of the imperial son to wash it all away.

Han Kuang and the other two said nothing more. At a time like this, whatever they said, His Majesty probably would not listen anyway.

The next few days were naturally spent celebrating the birth of Zhu Youxiao's child.

And at this very moment, in the city of Liaodong, there was celebration as well.

Xiong Tingbi raised his wine bowl, downed a mouthful of liquor, and said with a hearty laugh: "The court's first batch of rewards has already come down—in a moment, I'll distribute them to you all."

Upon hearing these words, the crowd roared in assent and laughed as they drank.

Ever since Xiong Tingbi had arrived in Liaodong, the situation there had changed.

Originally, everyone had been the sort nobody's father loved and nobody's grandmother cared for, but now it was different. With Xiong Tingbi here, every good thing that happened had Liaodong in mind.

This man was His Majesty's favored minister, and this time the rewards were generous indeed.

After everyone had drunk their wine, Xiong Tingbi spoke again: "Besides that, there is another piece of good news I want to tell you all."

Pouring wine as he spoke, Xiong Tingbi said: "The court is going to reinstate noble titles. Originally the court only had dukes, marquises, and earls—but reportedly now there will be viscounts and barons."

"And this time, since we won in Liaodong, the court will confer viscountcies and baronies on those who rendered meritorious service. Though they're a bit low, they are still noble titles after all—ones that can be passed down through the family. What that means, I don't need to spell out for you, do I?"

Upon hearing these words, everyone present grew excited.

Li Guangrong hastily asked, "Is the Marshal speaking the truth?"

Hearing Li Guangrong's words, Xiong Tingbi shot him a glare and said, "Could news from the capital be false? I'm telling you, it's true. This is all His Majesty's grace! With this title, your descendants will enjoy its benefits for generations to come."

"Those who haven't earned a title through merit—work hard! Those who already have titles—don't grow proud and complacent. Keep striving, fight to raise your titles higher, and one day earn yourself a marquisate."

"When that day comes, that will be something truly remarkable—people will have to address you as 'Lord Marquis' whenever they meet you."

Hearing this, everyone burst into laughter again, and the atmosphere instantly grew lively.

The noise inside the room was deafening, and even the guards standing outside could hear it clearly.

At that moment, a horse came galloping from afar.

Reaching the front of the room, the rider quickly leaped off his warhorse.

The guards on duty hurried forward to meet him.

The atmosphere inside was so lively right now—they couldn't let just anyone barge in and disturb things. If the gathering were interrupted, it would be the guards who would be punished.

But upon seeing the newcomer's equipment, the guards' expressions turned serious.

This was a scout.

In the army, scouts were a very special branch of soldier—only the brave could serve, and their annual mortality rate was very high. Thus, their status was elevated and unique.

The gatekeeper hurriedly clasped his hands and asked, "Is something urgent happening?"

The scout didn't even look at him, saying directly, "An urgent report."

Hearing this, the gatekeeper dared not delay.

Urgent reports were not an everyday occurrence—whenever one involved the military, it was always a matter of grave importance concerning the army.

"Follow me." The gatekeeper said with a solemn face, turning to lead the way.

The two quickly entered the room.

The drinking atmosphere inside remained boisterous, but when they saw a scout walk in, everyone fell silent.

Xiong Tingbi stood up directly and asked, "What's the matter?"

"Reporting to the Grand Marshal, our men have gathered intelligence—the Wild Boar Skin is dead!" the scout said with a trembling voice.

Hearing this, Xiong Tingbi was stunned for a moment, then looked at the newcomer with a shocked expression, asking in a tone full of disbelief: "You're saying... the Wild Boar Skin is dead?"

"Yes, Grand Marshal!" the scout replied, still beaming with joy.

Hearing this, everyone in the room couldn't believe it.

After a long silence, only then did some people resume eating and drinking.

Xiong Tingbi asked directly, "How did he die? Any news on that?"

"Not yet." The scout said somewhat awkwardly, "We only heard that he's dead."

At that moment, a voice suddenly sounded from outside, "I know!"

Following that, two people walked in from outside.

Everyone quickly turned to look and found that it was Wei Chao.

Standing beside Wei Chao was Liao Zhong, the Chiliarch of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in Liaodong. This Liao Zhong had only arrived recently—he could be considered a newcomer, cold in demeanor and sparing with words.

On ordinary days, no one knew the depth of this Liao Zhong's abilities, so they all kept their distance.

The words just spoken had clearly come from Liao Zhong.

Xiong Tingbi looked at Liao Zhong and asked directly, "Do you men of the Embroidered Uniform Guard have intelligence?"

Liao Zhong nodded and said, "Our Embroidered Uniform Guard's intelligence has already come back—the Wild Boar Skin is indeed dead."

"After being struck by cannon fire last time, he was already severely wounded. After returning, he lingered on for these days, and now he has finally died."

Hearing this, everyone in the room finally understood what had happened. They all jumped up in excitement, laughter ringing without end.

Xiong Tingbi directly hoisted up a jar of wine, laughing as he took a huge gulp and said, "What a relief! What a relief! This is truly satisfying!"

Everyone in the room also burst into laughter and drank their wine down at the same time.

After finishing his drink, Xiong Tingbi said, "I must immediately write a routine memorial to report this to Your Majesty, and at the same time petition for merits for all of you."

Having said this, Xiong Tingbi strode out with big steps, laughing as he went.

After Xiong Tingbi left, Wei Chao and Liao Zhong exchanged a glance, and both helplessly shook their heads.

It really wasn't the right time to discuss other matters now—everyone was too excited, and the others in the room had already drunk too much.

The two said nothing more and could only shake their heads as they walked out.

Soon, the news that Nurhaci had been killed by cannon fire spread out.

The entire city of Shenyang was elated, cheers ringing without end.

In the capital.

It had been seven days since the imperial prince was born.

During these seven days, Zhu Youxiao had done nothing at all—he spent all day in the palace accompanying Empress Zhang, unable to look at his son enough.

This left the court officials somewhat helpless. There were still matters in the court that required His Majesty's handling—was it really appropriate for him to do nothing at all?

But no one would dare to spoil His Majesty's good mood now, since it was common knowledge that His Majesty doted on Empress Zhang.

Now that Empress Zhang had given birth, His Majesty certainly wouldn't leave. Besides, this was a prince of the Great Ming Dynasty, the future Crown Prince—His Majesty's affection was only to be expected.

In the Grand Secretariat.

Han Kuang and the other two were drinking tea and chatting idly.

Setting down his teacup, Xu Guangqi said, "His Majesty's younger brother has come of age. By now, it's probably no longer appropriate for him to remain in the palace—he should be requested to take up residence outside."

Hearing this, Han Kuang and the other man both nodded.

That His Majesty had a younger brother was something everyone knew. He had remained in the palace all these years, and now the time had finally come for him to leave.

It was just that there had never been a good opportunity to raise the matter before. Now was the right time—since His Majesty already had a prince, keeping this younger brother in the palace was no longer very appropriate.

Seeing that Han Kuang and the other man both agreed, Xu Guangqi said, "Then shall we jointly submit a routine memorial?"

Han Kuang and the other man nodded again.

There was nothing more to discuss on this matter—after all, all three agreed, and there was nothing unreasonable about it.

So Han Kuang and the other two quickly drafted a routine memorial and sent it into the palace without delay.

Deep within the imperial palace.

Zhu Youxiao soon received this routine memorial. At this time, he was still by Empress Zhang's side.

Taking the memorial from Chen Hong's hands and quickly flipping through it, Zhu Youxiao felt a sudden realization.

If not for Han Kuang and the others bringing it up, he would have almost forgotten about Chongzhen.

Ever since Zhu Youxiao had transmigrated, he hadn't been close to this younger brother at all — he had kept him raised in the inner palace all along, hardly even seeing him.

Thinking about it now, his younger brother had actually come of age and was to be sent out. Zhu Youxiao truly felt a bit dazed. Still, this matter ought to be handled — there was nothing to postpone.

Zhu Youxiao returned the memorial to Chen Hong and said directly: "Have the Directorate of Ceremonial handle the red endorsement on this matter. At the same time, have the Grand Secretariat draft a title of nobility and send it up as soon as possible."

Chen Hong, standing behind Zhu Youxiao, hurriedly replied: "Yes, Your Majesty."