Volume One, Chapter 16: Four Passages from Mencius

“Then allow me to analyze the situation for you...”

Seeing that Zhan Hui and the others remained silent, Zhu Quan’s lips curled slightly as he continued, “If you follow your rules of primogeniture, then you can only support the second prince, Zhu Rui. But the third prince, Zhu Gang, and the fourth prince, Zhu Di, are also legitimate sons, and both command significant military forces as vassal kings.

Oh, and let’s not forget the fifth prince. His earliest title was King of Wu. I believe you understand the significance of that title even better than I do.”

When Zhu Yuanzhang declared himself king, his title was King of Wu, a designation of great distinction in the Ming dynasty. Furthermore, in the final years of the dynasty, this title was only briefly bestowed upon Zhu Tu for eleven years.

“Besides me, there is also the thirteenth prince Zhu Gui of Datong, the fourteenth Zhu Xun, the fifteenth Zhu Zhi, and the sixteenth Zhu Zhan—all holding considerable military power. Do you think they will submit to the second prince? Or will I submit to him?

And if my brothers refuse to comply, what then?”

...

Silence—a deafening silence.

Though Ren Hengtai and the others were scholars, their intelligence was not diminished by their scholarly pursuits. In an instant, they grasped the implications behind Zhu Quan’s words.

If they truly supported Prince Qin Zhu Rui to ascend the throne, not to mention the other vassal kings, not a single border prince would obediently bow down.

Each held formidable forces, and all were sons of Zhu Yuanzhang. Why should only Zhu Rui ascend while the rest are denied?

The inevitable outcome would be rebellion among the princes, plunging the realm into war once again.

“The people are the foundation, the state comes next, and the ruler is the least important. Thus, one who gains the support of the common people becomes the Son of Heaven; one who gains the Son of Heaven becomes a vassal; and one who gains the vassals becomes a noble. When the vassals endanger the state, they may be replaced, as sacrifices have been made...”

Just as the group fell into profound silence, a clear, hearty voice suddenly rang out from within the Qianqing Palace.

By the time Ren Hengtai and the others recovered from their silence, they saw Zhu Quan smiling faintly as he looked towards them.

“Master Ren, I trust you do not forget where this passage originates?”

“M-Mencius, the fourth chapter!” Ren Hengtai’s tone was bitter, his previous composure gone.

Not only he, but Zhan Hui and the others also understood the deeper meaning concealed in Zhu Quan’s words.

“Your Highness, Prince Ning, if you know the vassals endanger the state, why then do you act thus?” Chen Jing hesitated, unable to contain the question within his heart.

Their earlier silence was not only due to Zhu Quan’s analysis but also because they pondered what would happen if Zhu Quan ascended the throne. If even Prince Qin Zhu Rui cannot control the vassal kings, how could the lesser Prince Ning wield authority over them?

---

“Heh! What if I told you I am confident all the vassal kings will obey?”

Once more, a calm and confident smile appeared on Zhu Quan’s face, exuding an aura of supreme assurance.

“On what grounds?” Ren Hengtai still resisted. “Do you think all the princes are as easy to control as we are?”

“Because I have the backing of the Huai West nobility. Is that enough?”

The words issued calmly from Zhu Quan’s throat, and instantly his demeanor shifted. A kingly majesty radiated from him, making him appear tall and imposing.

Ren Hengtai and his companions felt as if they were no longer facing Zhu Quan, but rather the very spirit of Zhu Yuanzhang himself.

Perhaps it was the added prestige of the Huai West nobles that left them momentarily speechless, unsure how to continue their challenge.

Though these civil officials were often at odds with the Huai West nobles, they could not deny that the latter commanded fierce and elite troops. Even if the princes united against Zhu Quan, they would not dare act recklessly.

“Hmph! This rebellious son dares to use our elder brothers to intimidate Ren Hengtai and the others,” Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly from behind the wall.

In truth, Zhu Yuanzhang himself was shaken by Zhu Quan’s analysis. If all the vassal kings rose in rebellion, the Ming dynasty would truly be finished.

Yet he could not deny that Zhu Quan’s earlier move to win over the Huai West nobles was astute. Only in this way could the princes hesitate to make any move for fear of retaliation.

At this point, Zhu Yuanzhang found himself curious to see how Zhu Quan would proceed.

Meanwhile, Tang He and Fu Youde lowered their eyes in contemplation inside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Quan had now reined in his aura, once again presenting the gentle and graceful demeanor of a refined gentleman.

“Minister Chen, should we not soon lay the late emperor to rest in his coffin?”

Though this appeared to be a question for Chen Jing, it was in fact a test of the group’s stance.

Before Chen Jing could reply, Fu Youwen rose, bowed deeply, and said, “Indeed, the late emperor’s body should be properly interred soon.”

His words demonstrated awareness of the situation and his willingness to side with Zhu Quan.

Chen Jing frowned, pondered for a moment, then stood and said, “I shall send for the attendants to prepare the emperor’s body for the grand funeral.”

With that, he gave a slight bow to Zhu Quan, who smiled and nodded in return before Chen Jing swiftly left.

---

However, Ren Hengtai and Zhan Hui remained silent, appearing to harbor reservations as they bowed their heads in thoughtful silence.

Zhu Quan paid them no mind. Having said his piece, the choice now lay entirely with Ren Hengtai and Zhan Hui.

Moreover, Zhu Quan did not require their immediate submission; as long as they did not oppose him openly at tomorrow’s court, he could maintain control with the support of the Huai West nobles.

As for Fu Youwen and Chen Jing’s allegiance, that was an unexpected boon...

Shortly after Chen Jing’s departure, Ma Sanbao hurried into the Qianqing Palace.

“Your Highness, the matter has been settled. The ministers are already waiting outside the Meridian Gate for the proclamation.”

Zhu Quan nodded in acknowledgment and instructed, “Have the ministers wait outside. After Minister Chen completes the funeral rites for the late emperor, they shall be admitted one by one to pay their respects.”

“Yes!” Ma Sanbao responded and withdrew.

Zhu Quan cast one more glance at Ren Hengtai and Zhan Hui before turning away to stand before the dragon bed.

Soon, a raucous noise arose outside the Qianqing Palace, likely the arrival of the officials.

Before long, Chen Jing returned with a group of Ministry of Rites officials to begin the funeral rites for Zhu Yuanzhang.

Though called a grand funeral, it began with the preliminary rites: preparing the emperor’s appearance, changing his ceremonial garments, and arranging the sacrificial offerings.

Behind the wall, Zhu Yuanzhang, witnessing this scene, felt a deep sense of frustration.

Yet now more than ever, he could not ‘rise from the dead.’ If the august Hongwu Emperor were to fain death and mock his ministers, his posthumous reputation would no doubt be sullied, likened to the infamous Zhou Youwang, who once set fire to signal his vassals.

Zhu Yuanzhang had always been deeply concerned with his legacy, even comparing himself to Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han. How could he bear to be remembered as a Zhou Youwang?

“Sigh! All day I hunted wild geese, only to be pecked blind by one. Who would have thought this rebellious son would steal the throne from under me?”

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed deeply, turning reluctantly to Tang He and Fu Youde.

“Ding Chen, Wei Xue, what shall we do next?”