In the Palace of Qianqing, Zhu Huixuan was sitting on the pier and was stunned when he heard the emperor's calm words.
Is such a big thing settled like this?
The Ming Dynasty generally followed two principles for the management of vassals. One was the "Huang Ming Ancestral Instructions" promulgated by Emperor Taizu, which was the most fundamental decree for all vassal affairs.
In fact, even Emperor Taizong Jingnan raised troops based on the principle that "there are no honest ministers in the court, and there are evildoers in the court, the prince can train troops and be on standby, and the emperor secretly orders the kings to lead the troops to bring peace."
Of course, when Jianwen disappeared later, no one mentioned the so-called emperor's secret edict. In terms of the process, it was problematic, but it was always based on evidence.
In addition, another principle is that the emperors of the past dynasties have various decrees for vassal kings in various places. These decrees, on the basis of not violating the existing content of the emperor's ancestral precepts, gradually perfected various decrees for different vassal kings. The situation further restricted the power of the feudal king.
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But in general, these decrees are basically adjusted based on the Mohu area that is not clearly defined or controversial in Huang Ming's ancestral precepts.
Moreover, it is usually not a large-scale adjustment. Most of the time, after certain vassal kings make mistakes, the court will deal with them, admonish them, and then take away certain powers.
To put it simply, it is one king and one policy, each with its own differences. Although it is generally tightening, the methods are relatively mild.
Because of this, Zhu Huixun was surprised.
Although the emperor just said it lightly, this edict is aimed at the entire clan.
This is not the most critical thing. The most critical thing is that the emperor’s edict conflicts with the ancestral teachings of Huang Ming!
After hesitating for a moment, Zhu Huixuan felt a little restless and tentatively spoke.
"Your Majesty, the imperial court has established regulations for all dynasties to pay homage. A large number of clan members come to Beijing during the New Year Festival, which seems to be contrary to the regulations. Do you want to reconsider it?"
When Emperor Taizu divided the kings among themselves, he naturally also stipulated the kings' pilgrimage.
Again, Emperor Taizu's attitude towards the vassal king was actually somewhat contradictory. He felt that only his own family could be trusted and pointed them at the vassal region, but at the same time, he was afraid that the vassal king would have too much power and cause chaos.
Therefore, there is a considerable amount of space in the ancestral precepts of the Emperor Ming Dynasty, which stipulates various scenes in which the kings and the emperor met.
According to the ancestral teachings of the Emperor Ming Dynasty, all kings must make pilgrimages to the emperor every year. However, there are strict restrictions on the order of pilgrimages.
To put it simply, from descendants to concubines, from eldest to youngest, they take turns to perform Hajj. Moreover, they are not allowed to come at the same time. After one king comes to pay homage, other kings can only come to pay homage after returning to the country in good condition.
This rule is not only to prevent the kings from taking advantage of the opportunity of pilgrimage to get together privately, but also to protect the kings from being killed together by the traitorous ministers in the court.
However, the emperor's edict is undoubtedly breaking this rule. Although it has been done once before when the emperor ascended the throne, at that time, it was a special situation after all, and it was done temporarily.
Once this edict is issued, it will most likely become a regular rule. Although the emperor said it lightly, Zhu Huixun himself had to be a little more cautious.
Seeing the uncle below him fidgeting, Zhu Qiyu naturally knew what he was thinking, shook his head slightly and said.
"The regulations for the pilgrimage of the kings are still in accordance with the previous regulations. What I just said is a matter of religious education. The kings come here to visit relatives and pay homage. For formal pilgrimage, they still follow the previous regulations."
"What's more, I'm not calling all the kings to come together at the same time. I'm just allowing the clan members who have children studying in the clan school to come to the capital to visit after informing them in advance."
"If you don't have any heirs studying in Zongxue, or you don't want to travel back and forth, you can just enter the congratulatory form as usual. This is considered a grace and is not inconsistent with the regulations."
Ah this...
Your Majesty, don't you feel guilty for saying this?
Zhu Huixuan's fat face was full of bitterness. It was obvious that the emperor was pretending to be ignorant.
Worship is worship, there is nothing incidental. According to the emperor's view, what is the meaning of taking turns in worship stipulated by the court?
However, this can be regarded as a common method used by emperors in the past. Since the ancestral precepts cannot be changed, then we should find alternative methods in addition to the ancestral precepts.
The ancestral teachings said that the vassal king could train his troops and be on standby, but it did not say what to do if the vassal king 'voluntarily' gave up his guards.
In the same way, the ancestral precepts say that all dynasties need to come here in turn to pay their respects and are not allowed to come at the same time, but it does not say what to do if the heirs are studying in the capital and want to visit relatives in the capital.
This...Okay, Your Majesty, if you say it's a visit to relatives, just visit relatives...
However, is there any difference between visiting relatives and performing Hajj?
Sighing, Zhu Huixuan lowered his head helplessly.
"Your Majesty, even if you don't mention the ceremony, you should still discuss it with the Ministry of Rites. After all, when the clan comes to Beijing, all matters need to be arranged by the Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple."
If etiquette doesn't make sense, let's talk about something practical.
The food, clothing, housing and transportation of the clan members along the way, safety issues, as well as their accommodation and etiquette after arriving in Beijing, are all aspects that cannot be dealt with in a single word.
Originally, Zhu Huixuan wanted to take this opportunity to push the matter to the Ministry of Rites, but he obviously underestimated the emperor's determination.
After hearing these words, Zhu Qiyu also frowned, but it was only for a moment before he said.
"My uncle's words reminded me that this matter requires the cooperation of the Ministry of Rites. Let's do it this way. After I go back today, my uncle will go to the Ministry of Rites to discuss with the eldest uncle and come up with a specific charter. Then the clan's mansion will Submit it jointly with the Ministry of Etiquette."
"There won't be as many clan members coming this time as there were the year before last. The Ministry of Rites should be familiar with it, so it won't be too much trouble. It will only last for two days. I will give it a thumbs up then and we can start to handle it."
What the hell?
Zhu Huixuan blinked his eyes blankly. He originally thought of moving out the Ministry of Rites to persuade the emperor. How come in a blink of an eye, it became that the Zongren Mansion and the Ministry of Rites would jointly submit a memorial?
"His Majesty……"
He was about to say something, but when he looked up, he saw that there was no hint of joking on the emperor's face, and his voice was very serious.
"Uncle, since the clan is in charge of clan affairs, it is natural for the clan to consider it. Since there are so many children in the clan who are homesick and unable to return, and the clan in the fief also misses their children and want to reunite for the New Year, how can the clan remain indifferent?"
Seeing the emperor's expression, Zhu Huixuan was shocked in his heart. He seemed to have thought of something, and immediately stood up and raised his hands, saying.
"Your Majesty, don't worry, I will handle this matter properly."
Seeing this situation, Zhu Qi Yufang nodded and said warmly.
"Well, thank you for your hard work, uncle."
"Zongxue affairs are complicated. Now that the clan has entered the capital, it needs to coordinate more with the Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple. I'm afraid it will be a little busier."
"Uncles King Yin and King Xiang have been banned for some time. After all, they are all relatives. It will be the New Year's Eve in more than a month. When the clan comes to Beijing, it would not be appropriate to keep them banned."
"How about we ask them to go to the clan mansion to help during these days?"
The emperor had obviously made up his mind. Although Zhu Huixuan's thoughts were confused, he also knew what to say and what not to say, so he had to be respectful at the moment.
"I obey the decree."
After leaving the palace gate, Zhu Huixuan sat on the carriage, feeling that something was wrong.
Looking at the heavy snow falling outside, he closed his eyes and thought for a moment, and finally opened his mouth and said to the attendant outside the carriage.
"Change to the Department of Etiquette!"
In the lobby of the Ministry of Etiquette, Hu Xi was wearing a scarlet robe. The fire in the room was burning brightly. She was holding her beloved purple clay pot and holding a medical book in her hand. She was looking at it, and then she heard Zhu Hui Xun is coming to visit soon.
"Prince Min?"
Hu Xi put down the teapot, frowned and said.
"I remember that Zongxue hasn't had any urgent matters recently, right?"
By the way, he is an old fool, but Men Qing'er should know that King Min didn't even say hello during this heavy snowfall, and just came to visit in such a hurry. Could it be that something happened to Zongxue? What happened?
The scribe below shook his head and said.
"Back to Da Zongbo, except for some religious students who came to ask for cotton-padded clothes for the winter, there was nothing else going on."
"This is strange..."
Hu Bi twirled his beard, looked at the person below who came to report, and after thinking for a moment, asked.
"Why did Prince Min come here?"
"Also, where did he come from, Prince Min's Mansion? Or Zongxue?"
The clerk below shook his head honestly and said.
"The person who came to report did not say why the prince came, but it is said that the prince just entered the palace, and after leaving the palace, he came to our Ministry of Rites."
"In the palace?"
Hu Xi immediately sat up straight, thought for a moment, and then ordered.
"Get ready to greet us!"
So, when Zhu Huixuan came to the Ministry of Rites, he saw Uncle Hu Dazong with a smile on his face.
"I've seen the prince. It's snowing all over the sky. If the prince has something to do, he can just send someone to tell me and ask me to pay a visit to the prince's palace. Why do I need to come in person?"
In front of the yamen of the Ministry of Rites, Zhu Huixuan got off the carriage, looked at Hu Hui who was already waiting with his leader, smiled bitterly, and returned the greeting with his hands in hand.
"With weather like this, it's me who is disturbing the eldest uncle."
"But the emperor's orders are on my side, so I don't dare to delay."
Hearing this, Hu Hui's eyes flashed, and he knew that this time it was someone who came with bad intentions.
You know, given the character of Prince Min, who is good at dancing, he would usually say a few words, but this time he didn't say a word.
Moreover, the words "emperor's destiny" are enough to explain a lot of things.
Seeing this situation, Hu Hui didn't waste much time and stretched out his hand.
"Thank you for your hard work, Your Majesty. Please come in and talk in detail."
So, the two of them showed humility to each other and entered the lobby of the Ministry of Etiquette.
After everyone sat down, Zhu Huixuan didn't waste any words. He directly explained his purpose of coming and briefly recounted what he had just done in the palace.
After Hu Hu heard this, he thought for a moment and then said.
"This matter is not difficult..."
As he spoke, he glanced at the sky and then continued.
"It's still early. I will hold a meeting with some ministers later and try to get the charter out tonight and send it to the prince's palace. If the prince sees it and feels there is no problem, he can write it down tomorrow."
Ah this...
Zhu Huixun just took a sip of tea when he heard Hu Hui's words. He finally swallowed the tea, looked up at Hu Hui again, couldn't help but feel a little surprised, and said.
"Uncle Zong, you haven't thought about discussing this...such a big matter with His Majesty again?"
This time, Old Hu was a little surprised. He was twirling his beard and said with a strange look on his face.
"What to discuss?"
"Hasn't the prince already said that this is His Majesty's decree? Since there is a decree, we will do it as soon as possible."
Looking at the matter-of-fact look on the other side's face, Zhu Huixuan lost his temper for a while.
That's what you say, but you are too straightforward...
Seeing this situation, Hu Xi was stunned for a moment, and then he waved, so two minor officials came forward. He gave a few instructions, and then the two minor officials bowed their hands and stepped back.
Afterwards, Hu Xi said.
"Your Majesty, you think you are too anxious, don't you?"
Zhu Huixuan nodded hesitantly and said.
"To be fair to the eldest uncle, this matter is in line with the ancestral teachings of Emperor Ming... In short, although it is His Majesty's will, I always feel a little unsure in my heart."
"Huang Ming's ancestral teachings?"
Hu Bi's face looked a little strange, but it only took a moment for this look to disappear, he said.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. Your Majesty has already said that all the clans are here to visit their relatives. Moreover, all the kings are not here at the same time. There is no conflict with the ancestral precepts."
"What's more, there is no precedent for the establishment of Zongxue. It is normal to make some additions to the code. Even if there is criticism in the court, the prince does not need to worry. The Ministry of Rites will handle it."
As soon as these words came out, Zhu Huixuan felt even more surprised.
He almost thought that the person sitting in front of him was not Hu Hui, but Yu Qian. Just kidding, this eldest uncle was known to like to stay out of things and try to fish and swim. When had he ever seen him so active and taking responsibility? .
Is it possible that the sun is rising in the west?
After frowning and thinking for a moment, Zhu Huixuan suddenly realized that he had overlooked a question.
Why did the emperor allow the clan to enter the capital?
Not to mention solving the problem of religious students, it is not a problem at all. If the court is lenient, they will be allowed to return home. If they don't want to take care of it, they will continue to stay in the capital, and they will not be able to cause any trouble.
However, the emperor went to him specifically and allowed the clan to enter the capital to cause such a big fight. What was he going to do?
Zhu Huixun was about to ask a question, but Hu Hui on the opposite side smiled as if he knew what he was thinking.
"In short, this matter is not difficult. Prince, please rest assured. However, it is not long before the end of the year. If this matter is to be handled, it needs to be done as soon as possible."
"The prince just mentioned that many members of the clan have written family letters and come to inquire about this matter. According to His Majesty's wishes, these people who have written family letters and memorials are allowed to enter the capital this time. Therefore, how big the list is, the prince needs to sort it out as soon as possible. , with the list, I can coordinate with Honglu Temple and make preparations in advance."
this……
Looking at Hu Xi's sincere eyes, Zhu Huixuan hesitated for a moment and nodded lightly.
"It's natural."
After all, Zhu Huixun is also a thoughtful person. Although Hu Hui didn't point it out, there was a hint of chasing away guests in his words.
Therefore, he swallowed back the words that originally came to his lips, suppressed the questions in his heart, and after saying a few more pleasantries, he stood up and left.
After Zhu Huixun left, Hu Hui sat in the lobby. It was rare that he did not continue to hold his medical book, but looked at the heavy snow outside the door. He was lost in thought for a while, not knowing what he was thinking.
After a while, a low sigh sounded in the lobby, saying.
"...I just don't know where this storm will start..."
