Chapter 63 The only son of the model emperor

On May 18th in the 18th year of Emperor Xiaozong Hongzhi (1505), the crown prince Zhu Houzhao became the emperor. Compared with some emperors' enthronement process full of conspiracy and killing, Zhu Houzhao's ascension to the throne was really smooth and unremarkable, but this also shows that he is very lucky.He is the only son of Ming Xiaozong, born to Empress Zhang. As a matter of course, he ascended the throne after his father's death.Therefore, Emperor Xiaozong of Ming Dynasty didn't say much when he gave his last words when he was dying. He just emphasized that the crown prince is fond of leisure and pleasure, and all ministers must be disciplined in this regard.

The sad Minister Gu Ming of Ming Xiaozong at that time may not have taken this word to heart. Perhaps in their opinion, this crown prince who is "more pure than ice jade and radiant in spirit" will definitely become a holy king.However, they did not expect that this fifteen-year-old boy would actually mess up the Ming Dynasty in the next fifteen years, making himself the most mischievous emperor in Chinese history.And his year name is still called "Zhengde", which is really a wonderful irony. For this huge contrast, the officials must be puzzled. In their view, such a result is incredible.Because Zhu Houzhao's father, Xiaozong, was a model emperor, he was far away from traitors - just as soon as he came to the throne, he drove out those Wan'an and his kind who were favored by the Xianzong Dynasty by entering the house; he was diligent in government affairs - needless to say every morning The Wu Dynasty was restored, and in addition, the Wenhua Hall was opened to discuss government affairs, so that in the spare time of the morning and Wu Dynasty, we could discuss the way of governing the country with the cabinet and discuss political affairs; system.In addition, he respected his courtiers very much, and he never used many court sticks that the emperors of the Ming Dynasty liked very much.Therefore, during the eighteen years of his rule, the politics was clear, the weather was smooth, the country was prosperous and the people were safe... In short, there is no major event worth remembering, and history can be easily turned over here.

This is not a derogatory term. In fact, Ming Xiaozong perfectly did all the things that a conservative emperor should do.He is not Taizu or Chengzu, and has the task of establishing a dynasty and resisting foreign enemies.He just needs to keep the inheritance left by his ancestors and hand it over to the next generation intact.His biggest and most appropriate action is "inaction": don't create any new tricks, but ensure that everything is in order and run step by step. It is best that everyone does not feel the existence of the emperor, just like people praised Yao's rule back then. It is the same as "what is the power of the emperor to me".Perhaps this seems too "mediocre", but if you think about an understatement in history, it may be tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of lives. From the perspective of people at that time, perhaps an emperor like Xiaozong was the most It is commendable.Comparing what Ming Wuzong did later, perhaps people will feel this more deeply.

Ming Xiaozong not only set an example for Zhu Houzhao as an emperor, but also gave him a harmonious and peaceful family.Compared with the countless harems of ordinary emperors and the three thousand Fendai, Ming Xiaozong can be said to be a rare model in the relationship between husband and wife. He may be the only emperor in Chinese history who insisted on monogamy.He liked his queen Zhang very much, and was with her every day. He never accepted another concubine in his life. He even ignored the courtiers who persuaded him to accept a concubine because the queen was barren.So when Empress Zhang finally gave birth to Zhu Houzhao in the fourth year of Hongzhi (1491), Ming Xiaozong's joy can be imagined.The horoscope of this child is also very extraordinary. The specific time of his birth should be Shenshi on the day of Xuyueyou in the year of Hai, which happens to be the reverse order of Shenyouxuhai. In ancient times, this was regarded as an auspicious birthday, especially it is said that There are some coincidences between the birthday and Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang.Xiaozong was even more happy. He was full of expectations for this son. According to the Ming Dynasty system, he named him Houzhao, and Houzhao was a seniority. , And soon canonized as the prince.

In the eyes of Xiaozong, who was immersed in joy, it is undoubtedly a good thing for this child to be compatible with Taizu's horoscope, which means that he will also have great achievements like Taizu and become a famous king of a generation.However, Xiaozong may not have realized what a great talent like Ming Taizu would mean in an era that requires a successful king.A child with superhuman courage, full curiosity, and rich imagination, his exuberant vitality may only make him absurd in the eyes of those ministers who pay attention to moral rules.Moreover, this child is surrounded by a group of eunuchs known as the "Eight Tigers" who lure him to play. Liu Jin, the leader, is even more sinister and cunning.

The three cabinet ministers left by Ming Xiaozong to Wuzong were Liu Jian, Xie Qian and Li Dongyang. They were called "Li Gongmou, Liu Gongjuan, Xie Gongyou Kankan", which means that Li Dongyang is more able to make suggestions, Liu Jian is good at making decisions, and Xie Qian is good at giving opinions .These three people were known as "virtuous prime ministers" at the time, but in the eyes of the little emperor, they made him diligent in the early court, and their persuasion to attend the sutra feast was nothing but tiresome nagging.The ministers attributed the emperor's indifference to the government to the temptation of the eunuchs around him.Thus, between courtiers and eunuchs, a battle for the emperor began.

First, the cabinet ministers and the Jiuqing collectively appealed to the emperor to impeach the "Eight Tigers" for using various games to lure the emperor to ignore the government, and demanded that they be "criminally punished".It is said that the little emperor was also frightened at the time.After all, these people had been serving him all the time, so he sent people to the cabinet to discuss with the ministers, and he thought it would be fine to send them to Nanjing to live idle, and there was no need to execute them.However, in line with the principle of eliminating evil and doing everything, the cabinet has a tough attitude and must be executed.The emperor dragged it on first, and then figured out a solution slowly.

The "eight tigers" heard the news and were also very scared. Under the leadership of Liu Jin, they all came to the emperor and knelt down and cried.The emperor already felt sorry for them emotionally, and couldn't bear it.Liu Jin also said that the courtiers were plotting to arrest them, and the emperor was very angry that he didn't know about it, so his attitude changed a hundred and eighty degrees, and he decided to side with the "eight tigers".So he vetoed the ministers' opinions on how to deal with the "eight tigers".The three Gu Ming ministers immediately expressed their dissatisfaction and demanded their resignation.The emperor immediately approved Liu Jian and Xie Qian to resign and go home, leaving only Li Dongyang with a milder personality.After this incident, Liu Jin dominated the inner court and soon took charge of the imperial court.