Chapter 36: The Era Name "Hongxi"

As the familiar, imposing figure appeared before the spirit tablet, everyone was struck with shock and awe. One by one, the officials and royal relatives who hadn't been involved in the secret burial at Elm River looked at each other in utter bewilderment, thinking that the Emperor Yongle's fake death had gone to truly absurd lengths this time.

The military generals and noblemen broke out in a cold sweat, inwardly praising their own luck and abandoning any last hope they had for the Prince of Han. With such a cunning master, they thought, to keep their own titles and ensure their descendants’ prosperity was already a blessing from heaven.

Those who had been present at Elm River, like Yang Rong and the eunuch Ma Yun, were even more dumbfounded—they had seen Zhu Di's corpse with their own eyes, and had personally escorted it back to the capital. There was simply no way he had faked his death!

After all, after a fortnight without food or water, even if he hadn't died before, he would have starved to death on the journey! If this wasn't faking death, then it could only be... coming back from the dead!

Realizing this, Yang Rong and the others quietly took a half-step back, blending into the ranks behind the crowd.

"Your ministers bow before Your Majesty—may you enjoy lasting health!"

Xia Yuanji, a veteran of four reigns, was the first to react, bowing in salute. Well-versed in the classics, he knew better than to dwell on the supernatural—he simply assumed that Emperor Yongle had staged his death to clear away obstacles for the new emperor, namely the Prince of Han and the Prince of Zhao.

Despite his inner turmoil, he had long mastered the art of keeping his emotions in check, never letting joy or anger show on his face.

"Long live Your Majesty!" The officials and royal relatives soon followed suit, all bowing low. Some went so far as to wipe away tears, trying to put on a display of joy beyond words.

"I am well," Zhu Di announced, standing between the burly father and son. He placed his hands on his hips, sweeping his gaze around the hall, finally resting his eyes on Zhu Gaoxu, his second son. His tone was calm, yet naturally commanding.

"Second son, did you not just say you wished me to behead you?"

"Your son would not dare!" Zhu Gaoxu shook his head like a rattle drum, immediately kneeling and bowing low, trembling with fear. Glancing sideways, he saw that the Prince of Zhao, Zhu Gaosui, had already knelt obediently, which only made his own panic greater. He mouthed silently, "When did Father come out? You could have said something, left me hanging here like this!"

Zhu Di pointed at him, his face dark. "You wouldn't dare? What is there you wouldn't dare, that at my coffin you would offer your head to the Crown Prince to chop off? Truly bold of you!"

Zhu Di roared, "Zhu Zhanji!"

"Grandson present!" Zhu Zhanji jolted upright, quickly responding, though inwardly he was in utter chaos. Aside from Yang Rong and a few others, he had personally seen his imperial grandfather dead, his body even beginning to rot!

How could this be, how could—

The stern voice of Zhu Di cut through his confusion. "Draw your sword and strike him for me! Obey my order without resistance!"

"Grandfather... your grandson obeys!" Zhu Zhanji drew his blade, grit his teeth, and rushed at the Prince of Han. At the last moment, he turned the blade, striking with the flat instead.

But his caution was unnecessary—by then, the iron-willed Prince of Han had already taken to his heels and fled!

"Father, are you serious about this?"

"Aah!"

"Dear nephew, you really mean it?" Zhu Gaoxu ran around the Hall of Benevolence and Wisdom, howling as he went.

"Second Uncle, you’d better run faster; I’m only following imperial command!" Zhu Zhanji called with glee, swinging his blade as he chased. With every strike, Zhu Gaoxu's back was left red and swollen.

"Father, please tell him to stop!" Zhu Gaochi pleaded anxiously. "The boy is hot-blooded and might really kill his second uncle by accident! You place such hope in him, you can't let him bear the blame of killing his own kin!"

"Third Brother, say something!"

The Prince of Zhao, Zhu Gaosui, was so terrified he barely dared to breathe, let alone plead for his second brother.

"You're good for nothing, Third."

Zhu Di looked at the Prince of Zhao for a long moment, shook his head, and said just that.

"Father, your son knows his mistake!"

Zhu Gaosui was so frightened he pressed his forehead to the ground, his nerves completely shattered.

"Enough, come over and kneel!" Zhu Gaoxu, panting and out of breath, knelt with his head hung low, his spirit utterly crushed by his brush with death.

Zhu Zhanji reluctantly sheathed his sword, murmuring, "Second Uncle, don't hold it against me. I truly couldn't disobey imperial command."

Zhu Di regarded them both impassively, then turned to Zhu Gaochi, the eldest, and asked, "How is your health lately?"

"My health is fine, Father! As long as you are alive, I feel secure!" Zhu Gaochi wiped his eyes with his large hand, both moved and somewhat ill at ease.

After all, Zhu Di had long suspected him of plotting rebellion; whenever Zhu Di returned from campaign, if the palace guard of honor wasn't ready, or if Zhu Gaochi arrived late, he would face suspicion for days. He was always on edge, scrutinizing his own actions for any hint of impropriety.

Now, though he had ascended the throne following proper ritual, anxiety still plagued his heart. He felt trapped, unable to advance or retreat.

"So, you only feel secure if I’m alive?" Zhu Di’s expression wavered, an ambiguous smile on his lips. "If I live, you’ll never be emperor."

"Father!" Zhu Gaochi took two steps back and knelt, looking up sincerely. "If only you live, I am willing to remain Crown Prince for life, with not a word of complaint!"

Zhu Di paused, then placed a hand on his son’s head, deeply moved. "Gaochi… truly the most filial son in all the realm."

Zhu Gaoxu, kneeling below, watched this scene with burning eyes, his teeth nearly grinding to powder.

What happened next only made his misery worse.

Zhu Di stroked Zhu Gaochi’s head and asked, "Have you settled on an era name?"

"Reporting to Father, it’s tentatively set as Hongxi."

"Very good."

Zhu Di turned, surveying the assembly of officials and royal kin. None dared meet his gaze.

He spoke in solemn tones, "Hear my command: Crown Prince Zhu Gaochi, by his filial piety and virtue, moves heaven and earth. I, in accordance with the Mandate of Heaven and the will of the people, hereby pass the throne to the Crown Prince, inaugurating the Hongxi era!"

"We obey Your Majesty’s will!"

The officials exchanged glances but did not hesitate a moment to kneel. Yang Rong and the others finally felt their worries ease. Whether he had returned from the dead or not, the Emperor clearly had little time left; an early abdication would only help stabilize the nation.

After a moment’s thought, Zhu Gaochi asked, "Father, if I may be so bold, do you require the imperial physicians to attend to your health?"

Zhu Di replied calmly, "I have already joined the ancestors."

At this, the assembly bowed their heads even lower in uncertainty and dread.

Even Zhu Gaochi was at a loss for how to proceed.

"But…" Zhu Di continued, "Our Ming dynasty is favored by the celestial spirits; I may take form before the court whenever needed. Henceforth, you must work together to assist your new lord, and never slacken in your duty!"

"For twenty-two years I have ruled, waging war after war, bringing little benefit to the people. All funeral rites are to be kept simple… Furthermore, abolish the practice of burying servants and concubines alive! No descendants may ever reinstate it!"

"I, Xia Yuanji, obey the late Emperor’s final decree!" Xia Yuanji bowed, neither humble nor overbearing.

"We obey the late Emperor’s decree!" The officials and royal kin, understanding that the emperor intended to retire from view, quickly complied, each congratulating himself on his insight.

"Continue with the funeral rites," Zhu Di nodded, and then his figure vanished on the spot.

The entire court, witnessing this with their own eyes, was left utterly stupefied.

After a moment of stunned silence, the Hall of Benevolence and Wisdom erupted in a resounding chorus:

"Respectfully bidding farewell to the late Emperor’s sacred spirit!"

"Respectfully bidding farewell to the late Emperor’s sacred spirit!"

They bowed three more times in awe before finally dispersing.