My father is Jiajing

In the spring of the 45th year of Jiajing, Chundeshan Xianling was built.

Zhu Zaigui stood on the sacred road paved with bluestone, looking at the towering Xianling Mausoleum in front of him, with mixed feelings in his heart.

The spring sunshine shone on the stone statues in front of the mausoleum. The stone statues of civil officials and military generals seemed to be watching them.

He subconsciously touched Zhu Yi's head beside him, his eyes full of kindness.

Zhu Yi felt Zhu Zaigui's loving gaze, and the shackles in his heart that had been sealed for a long time began to loosen at this moment. With red eyes, he finally looked like a poor child who felt wronged and sad.

Zhu Zaigui said softly, "From now on, Dad will take care of everything."

Zhu Yi nodded heavily with red eyes and holding back tears.

Ever since Zhu Zaigui's original wife, Li, died of illness, Zhu Yi has felt constrained and unable to relax, although he seemed very sensible.

But Zhu Zaigui, who could understand why he was so sensible, felt full of heartache.

Zhu Yi was just over ten years old, an age when he was curious about all new things and was active. However, because of the death of his mother, he became silent and sensible. How could Zhu Zaigui not feel distressed?
So this time, he took the opportunity to accompany Emperor Jiajing on his southern tour to Anlu to untie the shackles in Zhu Yi's heart.

Now seeing Zhu Yi finally relaxed, Zhu Zaigui also felt a sense of relief in his heart.

"Dad, is this the tomb of my great-grandfather?" Zhu Yi looked up. His still slightly childish voice was particularly clear in the empty Xianling Sacred Road.

The construction of this mausoleum began as early as the 14th year of Zhengde, the year when Prince Xing Zhu Youlang passed away. Zhu Youlang was not buried here until April of the following year.

According to normal circumstances, this mausoleum would not have undergone any major changes.

Unfortunately, no one expected that in the 16th year of Zhengde, the heirless Emperor Zhengde died.

According to the ancestral precept of "the younger brother succeeds the elder brother" set by Emperor Taizu, Zhu Houcong, who was closest to the imperial line in blood, now appeared before the world.

Zhu Houcong was the cousin of Emperor Zhengde, the nephew of Emperor Xiaozong Hongzhi, the grandson of Emperor Xianzong Chenghua, and a noble vassal king who inherited his father's title of King Xing.

March 16, the 16th year of the Zhengde reign, was the third day after the death of Emperor Zhengde.

The imperial court sent eunuchs Gu Dayong, Wei Bin, Zhang Jin, Grand Secretary Liang Chu, Duke Dingguo Xu Guangzuo, Royal Son-in-law Cui Yuan, and Minister of Rites Mao Cheng to the Xing Prince's residence in Anlu to welcome Xing Prince Zhu Houzhao, who was only fourteen or fifteen years old, to Beijing as his successor, carrying the Emperor Wuzong's will drafted by the cabinet.

From that moment on, King Xingxian, who had been dead for nearly two years, finally entered the first phase of his life. Under the repeated insistence and requests of Emperor Jiajing, his mausoleum was built over a period of forty-seven years!
Zhu Zaigui nodded gently without saying anything.

His eyes involuntarily drifted towards Emperor Jiajing who was walking in front of him.

Emperor Jiajing was wearing plain casual clothes today, his back was straight and his steps were steady, but Zhu Zaigui noticed that Emperor Jiajing's pace was much slower than before, and he would occasionally pause for a moment.

The spring breeze blows, bringing with it the fragrance of pine and cypress.

Zhu Zaigui took a deep breath, and the breath reminded him of everything he had experienced in Prince Yu's Mansion over the years.

When Zhu Zaigui first traveled through time to this era, he was like a fool. He couldn't believe the fact that he had traveled through time and thought he was dreaming.

Later, when he was finally sure that he was not dreaming, he could not help but be influenced by the stories passed down through later generations. He thought that Emperor Jiajing was a heartless and ungrateful person who was devoted to practicing Taoism and was a selfish and cold-blooded person who only knew how to abuse his power and control others.

This mentality also made Zhu Zaigui always cautious later in life, thinking that Emperor Jiajing might not like him as a child, so he was always cautious and fearful during those years.

It was not until last year, when Zhu Zaigui and Emperor Jiajing met for the first time at the Wanshou Palace's housewarming ceremony, that all the doubts and shackles in Zhu Zaigui's heart were untied.

Only then did he truly realize that Emperor Jiajing was also a lonely and loveless poor man, and he also wanted to have the family happiness like ordinary people.

However, the taboo of "two dragons cannot meet" made him hesitate and he dared not see his child again, for fear that something unexpected would happen to his child and he would suffer the same fate as Prince Ai Chong and Prince Zhuang Jing, whom he regarded as a treasure.

Now watching Emperor Jiajing walking on the sacred path of Xianling Mausoleum, Zhu Zaigui's heart was filled with emotion. At this moment, he saw not only an emperor, not only a father, but also a wandering son who had not returned home for many years and finally came back to worship his ancestors.

"Your Majesty, the Ming Tower is ahead."

The cabinet chief Xu Jie reminded him in a low voice, his voice respectful and cautious. He was accompanied by other ministers who accompanied him on this trip, such as the Minister of Rites Guo Pu and others.

Emperor Jiajing nodded slightly. He looked at the Xianling Ming Tower, which he had ordered to be built last year, and his heart could not help but become excited.

"Is Zhang Shouzhi here?"

Emperor Jiajing's voice was not loud, but everyone who was accompanying him could hear it very clearly.

Zhang Shouzhi, the Minister of Works, immediately stepped out from behind the officials accompanying the emperor and bowed respectfully before the Emperor Jiajing, saying, "I am here."

Emperor Jiajing looked at Zhang Shouzhi and praised him, "You are thoughtful."

Zhang Shouzhi bowed in fear and said, "These are my duties."

Emperor Jiajing praised Zhang Shouzhi for no other reason than that the newly built Ming Tower in front of us was built under the supervision of Zhang Shouzhi.

He was able to complete the Ming Tower perfectly before Emperor Jiajing arrived at Xianling, which shows that he was not only talented but also capable.

Emperor Jiajing added: "The Ministry of Revenue is also short of an assistant minister. After returning to Beijing, you will be appointed as the assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue in the capital."

When Zhang Shouzhi heard that Emperor Jiajing wanted to appoint him as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue in the capital, he became very excited.

Although it sounds like there is no promotion, there is still a big difference between the Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Revenue.

Especially since he was originally an insignificant figure in the Ministry of Works. Compared with several colleagues who also held the title of Vice Minister of Works but had full-time jobs, his advantage was not obvious at all. He could only do miscellaneous tasks in the Ministry of Works and assist Li Chunfang.

Now, because of his contribution in building Xianling Minglou, he was transferred from the Ministry of Works to the Ministry of Revenue by Emperor Jiajing. How could he not be excited?
Zhang Shouzhi bowed repeatedly and said, "I thank God for his grace!"

Emperor Jiajing laughed and said, "Get up."

Then Emperor Jiajing returned his gaze to the Ming Tower in front of him.

Zhu Zaigui saw that the hands hidden in the sleeves of Emperor Jiajing were trembling slightly. He understood what this Xianling Mausoleum meant to Emperor Jiajing.
This imperial mausoleum is not only a concrete manifestation of Emperor Jiajing's filial piety towards his father, King Xingxian, but also a testimony to the great ritual dispute that he persisted in for more than ten years!

Without the final victory in the Great Etiquette Dispute, not only would he not be able to successfully grasp the supreme power of the Ming Dynasty, but he would not even have the final say in who his father was.

It can be seen how great the political danger was when Emperor Jiajing first ascended the throne!

Zhu Yi was also curiously looking at the lifelike stone sculptures. "Dad, why are all these stone statues bowing their heads?"

Zhu Zaigui was about to answer when he heard Emperor Jiajing say, "Because they are all paying homage to the mausoleum."

Emperor Jiajing's voice was a little hoarse, but it carried unquestionable majesty.

Zhu Yi nodded as if he understood, and asked, "Will your great-grandfather feel lonely in there?" This sentence shocked everyone present. No one expected that the emperor's grandson would actually say such a thing.

The back of Emperor Jiajing stiffened noticeably, and he was obviously touched by these words.

Emperor Jiajing turned and looked at Zhu Yi, his eyes full of kindness, "Come here."

Zhu Zaiqi glanced at his son, took a deep breath, and whispered, "Go over there and meet your grandfather."

Zhu Yi obediently went to the side of Emperor Jiajing.

Emperor Jiajing held Zhu Yi's hand and continued walking forward.

Emperor Jiajing said: "Your great-grandfather will not be alone, he has your great-grandmother with him, and there are so many ceremonial officials and guards here, it's just like his normal life."

Emperor Jiajing said this very gently, which not only brought comfort and happiness to Zhu Yi, but also made Zhu Zaigui and other officials who accompanied him feel relieved.

The group arrived in front of the Ming Tower and the ceremonial officer began to prepare the offerings.

Zhu Zaigui stood behind Emperor Jiajing and also looked up at the tall Ming Tower.

This may be the obsession of the ancients.

Just like the villagers who have become successful in later generations, they always think of their ancestors. Even if they have never seen their ancestors, they will worship them respectfully and spend money and effort to rebuild their ancestral tombs.

Now this Ming Tower is built so tall, and this Xianling is built so majestically, they are much larger than Zhu Yuanzhang's Xiaoling Mausoleum. It can be seen how important his father, King Xingxian, is in the heart of Emperor Jiajing!

No wonder, after he won the great ritual dispute, he did not forget to posthumously honor King Xingxian as Ruizong, enshrine him in the Taimiao, and his position was even higher than that of Emperor Wuzong.

This filial piety is truly impeccable!
Emperor Jiajing stood in front of the Ming Tower for a long time without moving.

Zhu Zaigui noticed that Emperor Jiajing's shoulders were also trembling slightly.

The spring sunshine shines on the glazed tiles of the Ming Building, reflecting dazzling light.

In a trance, Zhu Zaigui seemed to see the young man from more than 40 years ago - at that time, Emperor Jiajing was just the newly enthroned Prince Xing. Because of a sudden change, he had to leave this homeland and go to the capital to inherit the throne.

"Your Majesty, the auspicious time has arrived."

The voice of Minister of Rites Guo Pu not only brought Emperor Jiajing back from his depressed mood, but also brought Zhu Zaigui back from his wandering thoughts.

Emperor Jiajing slowly raised his hand, signaling to begin the sacrifice.

The sound of ceremonial music began and the smoke of incense filled the air.

Afterwards, under the guidance of the ceremonial officers, Emperor Jiajing, Zhu Zaigui, and Zhu Yi all saluted towards the grand Xianling Mausoleum.

During the ceremony, Zhu Zaigui could clearly feel that every movement of the Jiajing Emperor was extremely solemn, as if he was pouring all his longing for more than forty years into this one bow.

After the sacrifice, Emperor Jiajing stood alone in front of the Ming Tower for a long time without moving.

Zhu Zaigui hesitated for a moment, but still walked forward and reminded softly, "Father, it's getting late."

Emperor Jiajing did not turn around, but asked in a low voice: "San'er, do you know why I must build this Xianling Mausoleum?"

Zhu Zaigui was slightly stunned, then replied: "Father's filial piety is evident. This is his filial piety to the royal grandfather."

"Filial piety?"

Emperor Jiajing chuckled and sighed, "Yes, filial piety."

Then the Emperor Jiajing's voice suddenly became choked with sobs, "But San'er, do you know how much I paid for this filial piety?"

Zhu Zaigui remained silent. How could he not know how much the Jiajing Emperor paid for his filial piety?

People don't understand him and think he is being unreasonable. Wouldn't it be fine if he just changed his father?
However, the young Jiajing, who was at the center of the political whirlpool, knew too well how dangerous his position was!

In the eyes of the world, he had been blessed with great fortune, as he had quickly progressed from an insignificant vassal king to the supreme emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

But only Emperor Jiajing himself knew that if he was really like a puppet at the beginning, he would do whatever the court said.

Then the story of the deposed emperor of Han is right before your eyes!

Old ministers like Yang Tinghe, as well as the seemingly harmless Empress Dowager Zhang, never once considered the situation from the perspective of Emperor Jiajing.

These people made demands on Emperor Jiajing with a righteous look on their faces, attempting to control the young Jiajing through moral kidnapping.

But Emperor Jiajing could not surrender!
Because he knew too well what the consequences would be if he gave in and compromised.

By then, not only will the imperial power fall into the hands of others, but even his every word and action will be strictly monitored, and he will not be as free as a prisoner!
Therefore, Emperor Jiajing understood that he must fight!
And we must win!
Otherwise he will never be able to turn things around!

"I still remember that year when I just arrived in Beijing from Anlu, before I had time to get off the car, someone came to my carriage and asked me to enter the capital as the crown prince according to their request. But I did not agree!"

The voice of Emperor Jiajing was erratic, but in the last sentence, it suddenly became unusually firm.

Emperor Jiajing continued, "Ministers all say that I should regard Emperor Xiaozong as my father and my biological father as my uncle. They say that this is the ancestral system and the law of nature. But San'er, do you understand that their so-called ancestral system and the law of nature are to turn me into a puppet?"

"So, I cannot follow their wishes. I must fight! My throne was not given by Emperor Wuzong, but was established by these ministers. My throne was obtained according to the imperial precepts set by Emperor Taizu!"

"I will never and cannot listen to them. Otherwise, not only will I not be able to rule the world, but I will also be constrained by others from now on and will never be able to bear the majesty of an emperor! Therefore, I must respect your royal grandfather as an emperor and carry him into the imperial temple! Otherwise, everything is in vain!"

Zhu Zaigui felt the loneliness and bravery of Emperor Jiajing!

He couldn't imagine that a teenager could withstand such great pressure and fight alone against countless ministers in the court and the country, just to prove that not only was his throne legitimate, but also that his father could not be changed!
"Father."

Zhu Zaigui wanted to whisper something to comfort her, but he didn't know what to say.

At this time, Emperor Jiajing suddenly turned to Zhu Zaigui and said very seriously: "San'er, you must remember that only things that you can decide for yourself are yours. Things given by others will never be yours!"

Zhu Zaigui looked into the eyes of Emperor Jiajing, and his expression became serious. He bowed deeply to Emperor Jiajing and said, "I understand!"

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