[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor":3,"chapter-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-4":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Wanli, the Enlightened Emperor",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2321826,4542,"Chapter 4: Ruggedness First Appears, the Crown Prince Ascends the Throne","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-4",4,"\u003Cp>\"His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Highness.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ministers and officials bowed in salute one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many officials had never seen this heir to the Great Ming before, but they had all heard of his character—pure in thought, cautious and meticulous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last time, when urged to ascend, he dared not even show his face due to the sheer number of soldiers, civilians, and officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the hearts of the ministers, the assessment of mediocrity was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today, seeing him in person, they were taken aback by his composed demeanor and clear speech—nothing like the sluggish, dull figure of rumor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All couldn’t help but observe him, openly or covertly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi, as the chief attendant of the Crown Prince’s tutor, the minister most familiar with Zhu Yijun, kept casting frequent glances, feeling as if this Crown Prince had been utterly transformed, leaving him astonished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beside him, Gao Gong watched with interest as he bowed, wondering how long Li Imperial Consort had forced this Crown Prince to train before achieving such bearing and speech.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Zhang Juzheng’s expression remained unchanged, his gaze calm as it swept over them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun felt these eyes upon him and felt a quiet exasperation—do they really think I can’t see them sneaking glances?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why is this not like the queue dramas? Wasn't it a capital offense to look directly at the emperor?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, this is only the first audience; the ministers are merely here to greet and go through the motions. It won’t be this troublesome again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This scene reminded Zhu Yijun of his first step into the city government’s main gate…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun forced the déjà vu out of his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong stepped forward from the crowd: \"The late Emperor has forsaken the realm; the throne of the Wenhua Hall remains vacant. Today, Your Imperial Highness assumes the throne, and we ministers, long parched, rejoice as if blessed by sudden rain.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng and Gao Yi followed immediately: \"We humbly welcome His Imperial Highness to ascend the throne.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ministers echoed their words, urging the heir to enter the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun complied without hesitation, stepping forward, and glanced again at the ministers as he passed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Key officials from the Six Ministries and Nine Courts stood clearly in place; he matched their names to their faces using his predecessor’s memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He strode forward with head held high, and only when he reached the Grand Secretariat did he raise his gaze to study the three men closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chief Grand Secretary, Gao Gong, who championed administrative reform and purged corruption, later known as the old radical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Associate Grand Secretary, Gao Yi, who couldn’t afford a house, couldn’t even scrape together funeral expenses.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the Deputy Grand Secretary, Zhang Juzheng, whom he had long admired from afar—skilled in statecraft, clumsy in self-preservation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These were his current cabinet members.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just by their expressions, he suspected they had not the slightest loyalty to this new sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This won’t be easy to manage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he reflected inwardly, Zhu Yijun halted his steps, turned to Gao Yi, and spoke with utmost deference: \"Master.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi’s heart leapt—he immediately sidestepped to avoid it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Highness, this is not a tutoring session; you need not perform the teacher’s bow to me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Crown Prince’s Grand Tutor and chief attendant, receiving the teacher’s bow during lessons was proper—but what time is this? The Crown Prince is ascending the throne for audience! How could he dare accept such a bow? He quickly turned aside to explain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unfortunately, Zhu Yijun had already decided to cling to him, his face now showing a look of sudden realization—but he did not change his words: \"Ah, Master is right, as always.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi fell silent, staring at this innocent, unassuming heir, mouth open to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun gave him no chance—he turned instead to Zhang Juzheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze held curiosity: \"Grand Secretary Zhang, I have long admired you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke with double meaning, paused briefly, then continued: \"You’ve worked hard, Grand Secretary Zhang.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun’s current persona was that of a clever child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His actions must remain within the bounds of childhood—he could learn quickly, but he could not suddenly know everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, excess is as bad as deficiency; precedent shows that overly intelligent young emperors often \"accidentally drown.\" He still hasn’t learned to swim—he must be careful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, he could only act within limits, making simple verbal gestures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng assumed these were mere formalities, meant to affirm sovereign-subject hierarchy, and immediately bowed low, declining humbly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun wished to speak more with him, but knew time was long—he suppressed his thoughts for now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then turned to today’s main actor: Gao Gong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong stood still, waiting patiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Chief Grand Secretary, he expected the heir to greet him first during the exchange with the Grand Secretariat—but he was left last. He felt slighted, wondering whether this heir was simply ignorant or whether Li Imperial Consort had failed to teach him properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Or perhaps—his gaze flickered to the eunuch Feng Bao—had this man secretly corrupted the heir?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun did not make him wait long, pulling his thoughts back: \"Chief Grand Secretary, you sent someone to tell me I certainly wouldn’t come. Now that I’ve come, please retract those words.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He held his neck stiff, eyes earnest—exactly like a sulking child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao’s mouth opened slightly in shock.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong lifted his gaze, bewildered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi and the ministers all looked puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng cast a subtle glance at Feng Bao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, a hundred expressions appeared—all captured by Zhu Yijun’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amazed? Violating political norms? Good! This is exactly right! I am young, immature, and ignorant of political rules—I am nothing but a straightforward child! If this can’t be said openly? Nonsense!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already planned this upon arriving.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao’s sabotage before Li Imperial Consort had sealed Gao Gong’s fate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, Feng Bao’s move was an open stratagem.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Gao Gong explained to Li Imperial Consort, he could not undo a single bit of damage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First impressions matter most—especially to women. In Li Imperial Consort’s mind, Gao Gong’s label as arrogant and domineering would never be erased.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, Gao Gong had surely made similar remarks; Feng Bao could easily shift blame to a lowly messenger and further smear Gao Gong—double the effect with half the effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But while Gao Gong suffers, Feng Bao cannot escape unscathed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Let Li Imperial Consort judge this matter? Fine. But now it has landed in my hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is why I stopped before the Wenhua Hall and brought this matter to light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the hall, it’s not official state business—but I can still question it as Gao Gong’s sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, eunuchs are my household servants, and I am the party involved; once I raise this, I naturally hold the authority to judge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless both sides unite to exclude me, no one can challenge it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t think this is trivial—real power is slowly accumulated through the role of judge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under my youthful immaturity, when I cannot yet govern, opportunities to judge are rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun watched Gao Gong silently, waiting for his reply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong, true to his reputation as the old radical, despite unjust accusation, spoke loudly and fiercely: \"Your Highness! I only dispatched a messenger to the Donggong—if the Crown Prince insisted on not coming, I would have sought an imperial edict. In fact, no messenger was even sent; my colleagues in the Grand Secretariat intercepted him!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I never said the Crown Prince would certainly not come! Who is this vile eunuch stirring trouble? I beg Your Highness to investigate!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun secretly gave a thumbs-up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Gao Gong lacked political acumen, he knew how to find his enemy—he immediately called him a \"vile eunuch,\" laying the blame squarely at Feng Bao’s feet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately spoke: \"Ah? A young eunuch just came to report that Chief Grand Secretary was certain I wouldn’t come, and it made me deeply sad.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun wore an embarrassed expression—as if he felt ashamed for having wrongly accused the Chief Grand Secretary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then turned to the young eunuch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other eunuchs suddenly parted to give him space, the young man trembling, clinging to the last hope, his eyes darting toward Feng Bao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao showed no expression, his eyes gently closed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eunuch knew he could not escape—he fell to his knees before Zhu Yijun, terrified, glancing fearfully at Gao Gong, stammering: \"Your Highness! Your servant… Your servant suffers from ear illness—perhaps I misheard!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Zhu Yijun couldn’t help but shake his head slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was determined to walk the path to ruin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the eunuch had merely feared Feng Bao and taken full blame himself, I might have spared his life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, not only does he lie to excuse himself—he pretends to have been intimidated by Gao Gong into changing his story, so Feng Bao can falsely accuse Gao Gong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shows not the slightest regard for me, the heir—he deserves death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong erupted in fury: \"You vile eunuch, how dare you sow discord between sovereign and minister! Who ordered you? Confess at once!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nearly slapped his forehead—no wonder Gao Gong lost to Feng Bao; his tactics were crude.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young eunuch kept banging his head: \"I dare not! I dare not!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun had no patience for the eunuch’s performance, nor did he need him to name Feng Bao—he turned to Gao Gong and said seriously: \"Chief Grand Secretary, I was misled by slander. I will give you a full accounting.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without waiting for Gao Gong’s reaction, he turned to Feng Bao: \"Big Eunuch, this man has deceived the sovereign—what punishment does he deserve?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without being emperor, he was still the heir—he could rightly call it deceiving the sovereign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For household eunuchs, no imprisonment or trial was needed—he could be dealt with on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing this question, Feng Bao acted like an outsider, his voice calm and measured: \"Your Highness, the crime of deceiving the sovereign merits death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before the Wenhua Hall, with the pressure of the Grand Secretariat bearing down, Feng Bao would never risk his life to save a lowly eunuch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This man was always meant to be sacrificed; his family had already been arranged for before he entered the palace—who wouldn’t die for him?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong, of course, was not satisfied with merely punishing a lowly eunuch—he knew perfectly well who was behind this: \"The eunuchs on duty at the Wenhua Hall were all replaced overnight. As soon as the new ones arrived, this happened—Grand Eunuch Feng, is this not a deliberate scheme by the Directorate of Palace Affairs?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao lowered his eyelids, voice weak: \"Chief Grand Secretary, do not suspect unnecessarily. The previous eunuchs were dismissed along with Meng Chong—it was merely routine replacement.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as he invoked Li Imperial Consort, Gao Gong, however angry, could not press further—he could only roar: \"Such a grave crime of deceiving the sovereign—how could a mere eunuch dare act without orders?!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chief Grand Secretary and the Director of the Directorate of Palace Affairs faced off before the Wenhua Hall; the ministers exchanged glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Zhang Juzheng suddenly spoke: \"Chief Grand Secretary, this matter can be discussed further. Today’s audience is paramount.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong suddenly snapped awake, realizing that the Crown Prince and all officials had gathered, feet stomping, outside Wenhua Hall; he forcibly suppressed his anger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao, seeing Gao Gong’s temper subside, added coldly: “Indeed, Grand Secretary, the Crown Prince’s audience cannot be delayed. This matter will be properly handled by our Office of Eunuchs upon our return—though we hope the Grand Secretary will refrain from such startling remarks, inviting idle speculation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had covered his tracks cleanly; no matter where he was questioned, he had nothing to fear—otherwise, he would never have dared openly sabotage Gao Gong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Chief Eunuch of the Office of Eunuchs, a post long called the “Interior Chancellor,” he truly had no fear of clashing with the Grand Secretariat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This attitude sent Gao Gong into another rage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun watched with keen interest; in his past life, meetings had always been superficially harmonious—this explosive scene, thick with tension, was truly rare, and he couldn’t help but savor the spectacle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the moment was ripe, he stepped in: “Grand Secretary, Grand Eunuch, let me say one thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao fell silent at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong still tried to argue—but received not an ounce of deference.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun quickly continued, refusing him any chance to interrupt: “I am young and lacking virtue, which has allowed others to prey upon my orphaned mother and me, and to mislead us with slander. I must first examine myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the standard royal rhetoric of false humility; the officials reflexively knelt en masse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servants deserve death a thousand times over!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how senior, all had to kneel along.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong could say no more; he immediately knelt: “These villains are shameless—how dare they blame the Crown Prince!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun quickly helped him up: “When my late father was alive, he often told me, ‘When all under heaven are guilty, the guilt lies with me.’ Though I am not emperor, I now preside as heir apparent—and thus bear full responsibility.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The officials knelt again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Yi felt even more astonished; in just a few days, the heir’s speech and bearing had transformed beyond recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun turned to Zhang Juzheng and said seriously: “Grand Secretary Zhang spoke wisely. The rites and ceremonies decided by the Ministry of Rites are of great importance and cannot be delayed. But I have just promised the Grand Secretary a reckoning—why not let me propose a solution, cut through the tangle with a swift blade?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng pursed his lips, meeting his gaze: “Your Highness, your sovereign judgment alone—your servants listen in reverence.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he knelt, his hands were tucked in his sleeves, his thumb rubbing incessantly, thoughts churning without end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded, then turned to Feng Bao: “Grand Eunuch’s words are prudent and mature. Since the change of duty at Wenhua Hall was ordered by my mother, there is no need to investigate further. Someone has always shown contempt for sovereign and father; whatever they do is unsurprising. Take him out and beat him to death.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He pointed at the young eunuch—but no one moved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when Feng Bao subtly signaled did a eunuch rush forward, stuff the boy’s mouth, and drag him away forcibly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao, seeing the farce ended by sacrificing a mere eunuch, sneered inwardly, yet prostrated himself fully: “No sovereign could be more enlightened than Your Highness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gao Gong would not let it pass: “Your Highness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun felt a headache coming—why the rush?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cut him off at once, shifting tone: “Yet, Grand Secretary speaks truth! A man without reverence for sovereign or father is unsurprising—but how could he have infiltrated Wenhua Hall to serve? That troubles me deeply!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand Eunuch, who appoints the eunuchs assigned to each hall?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao’s eyelid twitched—he was about to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun waved his small hand: “Whoever it is, remove him. I will consult my mother and appoint new personnel myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Assignments had always been under the Chief Eunuch of the Office of Eunuchs—a ranked inner minister, surely one of Feng Bao’s trusted men. Removing him would sting him deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for suitable replacements, he had vague plans—but needed to persuade Lady Li; if he could place his own men, so much the better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao seemed to protest: “Your Highness...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong instantly cut him off: “Exactly right! Your Highness’s decisive judgment—your servant reveres it!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though dissatisfied, he had other calculations—now was the chance to vent his frustration on Feng Bao.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Juzheng echoed: “No sovereign could be more enlightened than Your Highness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Bao froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Zhu Yijun had spoken alone, he could pretend not to hear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now it was the joint will of the Crown Prince and the Grand Secretariat—he could not oppose it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He clenched his toes, bowing repeatedly to Zhu Yijun: “No sovereign could be more enlightened than Your Highness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gao Gong shot Feng Bao a glare, silently marking this debt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun, seeing the matter settled, took a deep breath and relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Control of authority is power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leveraging the Grand Secretariat’s influence to force Feng Bao to yield—even over the appointment of a single eunuch—was no small victory for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Truly, a fine beginning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The road ahead was long; Zhu Yijun sneered inwardly, but his face showed no trace—only bade the officials rise, ending the episode.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the matter settled, he wasted no more time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He nodded to the ritual officer, walked slowly toward Wenhua Hall, and said without looking back: “Raise the court.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ritual officers were still lost in the drama they had just witnessed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only now, upon command, did they snap back to attention and straighten up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhu Yijun stepped into Wenhua Hall, the Honglu Temple official cried out: “The Crown Prince ascends Wenhua Hall!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun strode forward with head high, stepping into Wenhua Hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A rustling sound followed—four young eunuchs carried a golden dragon throne, placing it carefully upon the imperial desk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two attendants stepped before Zhu Yijun and bowed: “The Crown Prince ascends the dais and takes his seat.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At once, guards in armor, swords at their sides, moved in and lined the critical positions, grim and stern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun reached the steps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He climbed slowly, each step deliberate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He climbed not only the stone steps of Wenhua Hall—but the pinnacle of Ming power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood before the desk, gently brushing the armrest of the dragon throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He closed his eyes, breathed deeply, and sat down slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A whip cracked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young eunuch at the hall’s entrance shouted: “Civil and military ministers, enter the hall! Take your places by rank!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun opened his eyes, gazing down upon Wenhua Hall, witnessing a scene he would never forget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officials lined up, civil and military, filing in one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Belted with sashes, arranged in their proper ranks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Civil officials in tall hats and silk robes surged forward, led by crimson-robed senior ministers, their followers in green and blue behind them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All knelt within and without the hall, stretching endlessly to the horizon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the hall, the bells and music of ritual sounded softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong! Dong! Dong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The crowd inside bowed five times, kowtowed three times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In unison, their voices shook Wenhua Hall: “Your servants humbly welcome the heir apparent to preside!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes saw only officials—but his ears seemed to hear the entire Ming realm shouting his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the banks of the surging Yellow River, to the dusty northwest deserts; from the willow-lined bridges of the southeast, to the perilous passes of Sichuan—millions seemed to cry out in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Yijun sat upon the dragon throne, unable to distinguish reality from illusion, as if his soul had left his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this the throne of all under heaven?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this the body of the thirteenth sovereign of the Great Ming, whose realm stretched from Korea in the east to Tibet in the west, from Annan in the south to the great desert in the north—eleven thousand seven hundred and fifty li east to west, ten thousand and nine hundred and forty li north to south?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Real? Illusion? Reincarnation? Dream?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shi Yue? Zhu Yijun?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At last, he stilled his thoughts, and a faint smile appeared on his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke slowly: “Rise, all ministers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He exhaled a long breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single light phrase—yet suddenly, a weight of a thousand catties pressed upon him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two capitals, thirteen provinces; the lives of the people; the entire Ming realm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To bear the nation’s disgrace is to be its lord; to bear its misfortune is to be its king.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He would be Zhu Yijun henceforth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He accepted all the fortune and misfortune of this realm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Note 1: The Chief Eunuch of the Office of Eunuchs oversees all court rituals and legal matters within the imperial palace, supervises the eunuchs, servants, and attendants, guards palace gates, and supervises the supply of the Guanglu Office. — Ming Shi, Treatises, Volume 50: Eunuchs\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3370,"2026-06-20T16:31:33.303Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","d0c7338c48b02e8955c3c45df50d7ea34a2cb7aec8fa54f566fef96bf4f8977f","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-5","wanli-the-enlightened-emperor-chapter-3",375,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fwanli-the-enlightened-emperor-cover.jpg"]