The sixth day of May in the eighteenth year of Hongzhi. In the south of the city, there is Yuansheng Tea House.
Xu Chunbao, a liar from Qianmen, was sitting on a chair, scanning the people in the teahouse, looking for his target.
He is a true master of thousands of disciplines.
A few months ago, a colleague made a bet with him. Do you dare to deceive Zhang Heling, the domineering, ruthless and stupid uncle in the capital?
Xu Chunbao easily defrauded Zhang Heling of a thousand taels of "broken silver". After being deceived, Uncle Guo still praised him as a "righteous man" and promised to be his backer in the future.
Xu Chunbao was proud while drinking tea. Suddenly, several big men came up behind him and held his shoulders.
A middle-aged man in his forties sat in front of him.
Middle-aged people are just like Chang Feng.
Xu Chunbao looked calm: "Brother?"
Chang Feng smiled slightly: "Have you ever heard of Chang Butcher from Jinyiwei?"
Xu Chunbao was stunned for a moment, then regained his composure: "Master Chang of the Imperial Guard, I have admired his name for a long time, and it is like thunder in my ears."
Chang Feng picked up the tea cup and took a sip: "You are so clever. You defrauded Uncle Guo of a thousand taels of silver. Uncle Guo has not thought about it for more than half a month. Why do you think of you as a gift?"
Xu Chunbao smiled and said: "Who deceived Uncle Guo? You mean the thousand taels of silver? That was what Uncle Guo rewarded me with, so how can it be considered a lie?"
Chang Feng said: "You are very sharp-tongued. But I have to admit that you do have some skills. Your accuracy in understanding human nature is amazing."
Xu Chunbao asked: "Master Chang, what do you plan to do with me?"
Chang Feng said: "Who said you are going to be dealt with? I came here because I want to see with my own eyes what you are capable of."
While talking, a rich man in rich clothes stood up from the tea seat and prepared to leave the teahouse. There is a jade pendant tied around his waist.
Chang Feng pursed his lips towards the rich man: "Xu Chunbao, have you seen that man? Judging from his appearance, he is a very shrewd man. Can you trick him into getting the jade pendant around his waist in two seconds?"
"If you can cheat, I will reward you. If you cannot cheat, I will let you go to prison and be tied to a urine bucket."
Xu Chunbao stood up and left his seat: "Master Chang, just watch."
Xu Chunbao followed the rich man and left the teahouse.
Zhang Cai asked: "Master Chang, aren't you afraid that he will run away?"
Chang Feng said: "Run? A monk who can run can't run away from the temple. This kind of liar from thousands of sects will not be able to figure this out."
After saying that, Chang Feng started to taste tea.
After about two sticks of incense, Xu Chunbao left and returned. He sat back opposite Chang Feng and placed a jade pendant on the table.
Chang Feng was surprised: "You succeeded so quickly?"
Xu Chunbao smiled and said: "It's a piece of cake."
Chang Feng asked: "What method did you use?"
Xu Chunbao lowered his voice and told Chang Feng how he tricked a rich man into giving him a jade pendant.
Chang Feng gave a thumbs up after hearing this: "How clever! But that person looks very smart, how could he fall into your trap so easily?"
Xu Chunbao started talking about deception: "Master Chang doesn't know something. The smarter he is, the more self-righteous he is. Smart people who think they won't be deceived are actually the best ones to deceive."
"If that person just now was a stupid idiot, the Immortal Guidance Bureau I used would not be effective."
"There is no one in this world who will never be deceived. It's just that he hasn't encountered a deception that suits him yet."
Chang Feng rubbed the edge of the tea cup: "Are you interested in finding a job in Jinyiwei?"
Xu Chunbao was stunned: "Master Chang, aren't you joking?"
Chang Feng said: "Do I seem to be joking? If you are willing, you can go to Jinyiwei tomorrow and I will make you a school captain. From now on, you will work as an errand in Beizhen Fusi."
"But I have my word first. Once you enter Jinyiwei, you can only lie to the people I tell you to lie to. Otherwise, I will let you become a corpse in the mass grave in the south of the city."
Transforming from a liar with thousands of doors to a royal cavalry is like reaching the sky in one step. How could Xu Chunbao be unwilling?
He hurriedly handed over his hands: "From now on, I am willing to listen to Master Chang's orders."
Chang Feng just took in a new subordinate. Suddenly, dozens of Han generals surrounded one person and rode up to the door of the teahouse.
The person coming is Zhang Yong. He quickly walked into the teahouse and shouted: "Where is Mr. Chang?"
Chang Feng stood up: "Eunuch Zhang."
Zhang Yong walked quickly to Chang Feng and whispered a few words in his ear.
Chang Feng's expression changed after hearing this. He left the teahouse and followed Zhang Yong on his horse to the palace. He dismounted at the palace gate.
He almost ran all the way into the palace and went straight to the Qianqing Palace.
Outside the dormitory, he saw Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, and Xie Qian kneeling on the ground, crying bitterly.
The imperial doctors hurried in and out of the dormitory.
Liu Jin walked up to Chang Feng and said, "I have a decree. Jinyiwei will command Zuo Tongzhi to see Chang Feng in the palace."
Liu Jian's expression changed: "The emperor is critically ill and cannot see the three cabinet ministers. Why did he summon a domestic slave alone?"
Liu Jin glanced at Liu Jian: "For this, Mr. Liu Ge should wait until the emperor summons him to ask the emperor! I am just an old slave who delivers orders, how can I know so many 'whys'?"
Chang Feng followed Liu Jin into the Qianqing Palace.
Liu Jin was pretending to preach the imperial edict just now. The thirty-six-year-old Emperor Hongzhi has fallen into a coma. How can he still speak out and issue orders?
In fact, it was the prince Zhu Houzhao who wanted to see Chang Feng.
Zhu Houzhao said seriously: "Chang Feng, take the order I gave you. You, Xu Guangzuo and Zhang Yong will immediately control the troops and horses in the capital! In addition, the nine gates will be under martial law and the city will be under a curfew."
When Zhu Houzhao said these words, his eyes did not look like a fourteen-year-old boy, but like a veteran strategist.
The last moment of the Hongzhi Dynasty has finally arrived.
Chang Feng cupped his hands and said, "I accept your order!"
Chang Feng left the palace and first sent someone to call Fatty Xu to Jinyiwei, where everyone gathered.
Chang Feng issued orders categorically: "Jiang Bin, you are responsible for the palace garrison and command all the Han generals. No one is allowed to enter the palace without the emperor's decree or the prince's order. Any trespassers will be killed without mercy!"
Jiang Bin cupped his hands and said, "I accept your orders."
"Xu Guangzuo, Duke of Dingguo, go to the 12th Regiment Camp immediately, and together with the admiral and military minister Ye Guang, take over the military power of the 12th Regiment Camp. No soldiers or generals are allowed to leave the barracks without orders. Violators will be killed without mercy."
Fatty Xu cupped his hands and said, "Take your orders."
"Zhang Yong, you go to the third camp. As the ceremonial supervisor Bingbi and the royal horse eunuch, you will work with the commander Shi Wenzhong to take over the three major camps."
Zhang Yong cupped his hands and said, "Take the order."
"Qian Ning, Shi Wenyi. The two of you led Fusi Paoze from Beizhen to the Nine Gates. Take over the defense of the Nine Gates and close the Nine Gates to implement martial law!"
Qian Ning and Shi Wenyi said in unison: "My subordinates take orders!"
"Wang Miaoxin, you will lead Fusi Paoze in Nanzhen, command the troops of the five cities, and be responsible for patrolling the city and enforcing a curfew!"
Wang Miaoxin cupped her hands and said, "I accept your orders."
After Chang Feng issued a series of orders, he loudly said: "Everyone, this is an extraordinary period. The safety of the Ming Dynasty and the country depends entirely on you!"
At this moment, Chang Feng actually became the most powerful person in the entire capital.
When the emperor was critically ill, he took control of the military power of the entire capital. Only the person most trusted by the prince can obtain such power.
Within one day, all the troops and horses in the entire capital were under Chang Feng's control.
At night, Chang Feng came to the Qianqing Palace again.
Liu, Li, and Xie were still kneeling in front of the dormitory hall.
Changfeng strode towards the dormitory door. Liu Jian shouted: "Chang Feng, who told you to enter the palace without permission?"
Chang Feng said without looking back: "The emperor gave me his decree this morning. I went into the palace to reply to the decree!"
Entering the dormitory, I saw Liu Wentai, the head of the imperial hospital, kneeling in front of Queen Zhang and Prince Zhu Houzhao, kowtowing constantly.
Liu Wentai's voice was filled with tears: "I am guilty. I deserve to die. I am incompetent."
Empress Zhang is a kind mother of the country. She had no intention of pursuing Liu Wentai, but just sighed: "Oh, life, old age, illness and death are all destiny. You are not guilty. Go down."
Chang Feng asked cautiously: "Queen, Your Majesty."
Queen Zhang replied: "It's either tonight or tomorrow morning."
Chang Feng felt a heart-wrenching sadness, and tears flowed down uncontrollably.
Emperor Hongzhi was his Bole. Without the attention of Emperor Hongzhi, how could Changfeng be what it is today?
He and Emperor Hongzhi knew each other well. Emperor Hongzhi died soon, and he felt sad from the bottom of his heart.
Zhu Houzhao asked from the side: "Can the troops and horses of the capital be under your control?"
Chang Feng replied: "Your Highness, don't worry, we are all under control."
Zhu Houzhao said: "Yes. Father, I can rest assured, and I can rest assured when you do things."
"Oh, by the way, in order to prevent accidents during extraordinary times, I brought your whole family and Princess Jinyang's family to the East Palace, and Gu Dayong will protect and serve them."
Chang Feng was stunned. This is obviously a threat.
But no wonder Zhu Houzhao. At this time, Chang Feng gathered military power in the capital. Once he has second thoughts, the Ming Dynasty may change.
Zhu Houzhao could only put Chang Feng and his family under house arrest in the East Palace as hostages.
Chang Feng cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, Your Highness, for taking the trouble."
Zhu Houzhao said: "Protecting the family members of loyal ministers is what I should do."
It is said that Emperor Hongzhi on the sickbed seemed to have had a long dream.
From a weak, helpless, and statusless young prince, to the young emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the nine-fifth emperor. Scenes from his life appeared in his dream.
Faces appeared in front of him: his father, Emperor Chenghua, Concubine Wan Gui, Huai En, Empress Zhou, Wantong, Shang Ming, Wang Shu.
Relatives are closer at this moment. The enemy also buried the hatchet at this moment.
"The appearance of those relatives and enemies in my life is destined by God."
Emperor Hongzhi was in a trance in his dream and walked into a smoky bamboo forest.
In the bamboo forest, there was a later storyteller named Liu Kele, who was telling a group of people about the merits and demerits of Emperor Hongzhi.
Emperor Hongzhi smiled secretly in his heart: Liu Keke? What kind of silly, stupid name is this? This man is as fat as a meatball. What a different name and appearance.
Liu Kele said in a pious and respectful tone: "Hongzhi Emperor Zhu Youtang was kind and honest, practiced frugality, was not greedy for money or silk, was not fond of women, and was diligent in political affairs."
"At the beginning of his accession to the throne, he tried his best to reverse the corruption in officialdom and drive out traitors. He appointed upright ministers such as Wang Shu and Ma Wensheng, which was known as 'Hongzhi Zhongxing' in history."
"Although he was too indulgent towards civil servants, which led to the rise of civil servants' power, the shortcomings cannot be concealed. As Zhu Guozhen, the chief minister of the cabinet during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty, said, 'Three generations below, those who are called wise masters are Emperor Wen of the Han Dynasty, Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, and Emperor Xiaozong of the Ming Dynasty'."
"In terms of political measures, Emperor Hongzhi had four major virtues: eradicating traitors, making good use of the virtuous, treating ministers generously, and abolishing harsh laws."
"Economically, he was light on corvee and low on taxes, strived for frugality, and built water conservancy projects. In the first year of Hongzhi, the world's population was only 50.2 million. By the end of Hongzhi, it increased to 60,000,000."
"Military, he actively maintained national unity. The Ming army recaptured Hami three times and revitalized the military. He appointed virtuous ministers Wang Shu and Ma Wensheng to take charge of the military affairs successively. He appointed border ministers such as Wang Yue and others to keep captives outside the Great Wall."
"Emperor Hongzhi also made an important contribution in history. That is to practice monogamy with the dignity of the emperor."
"Emperor Hongzhi practiced generosity. His generosity was not only towards his ministers, but also towards his enemies."
"Finally, please allow me to quote a sentence from Mr. Mingyue that year to summarize the life of Hongzhi Emperor Zhu Youtang - 'Zhu Youtang was a good emperor and a good person.'"
Emperor Hongzhi heard this comment in the bamboo forest and burst into tears: "Am I a good emperor and a good person?"
"Future generations will say this. My life is enough!"
Life is like a dream, a bottle of wine can return the moon to the river.
It was the eighth day of the fifth lunar month in the eighteenth year of Hongzhi. Wake up from a big dream.
Before death, one must always come back to the light. Emperor Hongzhi opened his eyes.
Emperor Hongzhi ordered Xiao Jing, the chief ceremonial officer who was serving at his side: "Let the prince, Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, and Xie Qian come in, and the others leave."
Not long after, Zhu Houzhao, Liu, Li and Xie knelt down in front of the hospital bed.
The four of them burst into tears. The Ming Dynasty Hall is the place where movie kings are born. Their tears at this moment were not for show, but came from the bottom of their hearts.
Emperor Hongzhi said calmly: "Everyone is destined to die. The emperor cannot transcend life and death. I have nothing more to say. There is only one thing I am worried about."
"The prince is talented and intelligent. He is just young and playful. I hope you gentlemen will persuade him to study more and help him become a wise king."
That last sentence is not something I say lightly. This sentence can be summarized into a two-word historical noun - Tuogu.
Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, and Xie Qian will become Tuogu's assistant ministers. The new emperor must also listen to the ministers who entrust him with the auxiliary affairs.
The three of them said in unison, firmly: "I swear to fulfill my mission."
After hearing the answers from the three auxiliary ministers, Zhu Youtang, the great emperor of Hongzhi, closed his eyes.
Emperor Hongzhi was born in a crisis. Even though he turned the corner and ascended the throne as emperor, he did not enjoy the fun that an emperor should have for a few days.
He worked hard all his life and tried hard to make Ming Dynasty prosperous. However, the only regret is that he relied too much on and indulged civilian officials during his administration. As a result, the power of the civil servants has become overwhelming and cannot be dealt with. It laid one of the root causes for the demise of the Ming Dynasty.
No one is perfect, and no emperor can be perfect.
I'm tired. I want to have a good sleep.
In a daze, a woman seemed to appear in front of Emperor Hongzhi.
That woman is his mother, Ji. The woman who left him forever when he was young.
My mother is still in her twenties. Waved at him: "Zhan'er, come here. Our mother and son are finally reunited."
Zhu Youtang opened his arms and ran quickly to his mother. Mother and son hugged each other and cried.
Emperor Hongzhi on the sick bed stopped breathing.
It was the eighth day of the fifth lunar month in the eighteenth year of Hongzhi. Emperor Hongzhi of the Ming Dynasty passed away in Qianqing Palace. He reigned for eighteen years and died at the age of thirty-six.
On the tenth day of the fifth lunar month, the Ming court named Emperor Daxing the temple of Xiaozong and the posthumous name of Emperor Jiantian, Mingdaocheng, Zhongzheng, Shenwen, Shenwu, benevolence and virtue, and he was buried in Tailing.
On May 18th, the 14-year-old crown prince Zhu Houzhao ascended the throne. It is determined that on the first day of the first lunar month next year, the reign name will be changed to "Zhengde" and he will be the Zhengde Emperor.
An emperor who was controversial in later historical circles and had mixed reputations officially came to the center of the historical stage.
The long river of history is still rolling forward tirelessly
(End of chapter)
