My father is Jiajing

"Does Your Majesty intend to follow the example of the Zhou Dynasty?"

Li Chunfang hesitated for a long time before carefully speaking her mind.

Zhu Zaiji's gaze fell on Li Chunfang, and with a hint of a smile in his eyes, he asked in return, "What does Mr. Li think?"

Li Chunfang gasped, as if a super storm was brewing in her mind!

Li Chunfang immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you mustn't!"

Zhu Zaiji nodded slightly, "Tell me your reasons."

Li Chunfang quickly gathered her thoughts and bowed to Zhu Zaiji, saying, "Your Majesty, enfeoffing members in Zongzhou is a grave taboo!"

“In the early days of the enfeoffment, these vassal states were able to obey the orders of the Zhou dynasty and jointly respect the Zhou emperor as the common ruler of the world. However, as the enfeoffment went on for a long time, people’s hearts drifted apart, and these enfeoffed vassal states began to harbor rebellious intentions, which led to fighting and annexing each other. In the end, after their power expanded, they no longer paid any attention to the emperor.”

"This could lead to situations like the struggle for supremacy among powerful states and the King of Chu vying for the throne, which would be considered acts of disloyalty. If we were to follow the example of the Zhou dynasty, these vassal states that were granted territory would become arrogant and do their own thing, ignoring the orders of the court. Wouldn't the world then descend into chaos again?"

Li Chunfang voiced his concerns and reasons.

Zhao Zhenji and Hu Zongxian also pondered with solemn expressions. If the Prince of Jing were truly granted the Nine Bestowments, it would give him the legitimate right to command everything in Nanmingzhou.

So it won't be easy to control the Jingfan vassal state again in the future and maintain peace between the Ming Dynasty and the vassal states.

Zhu Zaiji gave a noncommittal "hmm," then looked at Li Chunfang and said, "Mr. Li is absolutely right, but has Mr. Li considered how far Nanmingzhou is from the Great Ming?"

Zhu Zaiji's words instantly left Li Chunfang speechless.

Yes.

Nanming is tens of thousands of miles away from the Ming Dynasty, and is separated by a vast ocean, so they cannot even border each other.

To put it bluntly, a place like this is an enclave that you can only look at but not touch.

Unlike Japan, which is just a stone's throw away, where the Ming Dynasty only needs a large enough fleet of ships and merchants to remotely control the sea, this was not the case.

However, for Nanmingzhou, a place tens of thousands of miles away, even if the Ming Dynasty had many ships and a powerful navy, even if they used modern steamships to travel back and forth, it would still take almost a year.

Given such a long distance, to worry about any potential rebellion or disloyalty is indeed a bit of needless anxiety.

Zhu Zaiji continued, "It was only after the Zhou emperor enfeoffed the vassal states that the Zhou dynasty lasted for eight hundred years and China has such a vast territory today."

"The new problem we face now is to carefully consider whether the enfeoffment is good or bad. If it is good, what are its advantages? If it is bad, what are its disadvantages?"

"Moreover, you must understand the most important point right now: among the three directly governed regions (Northern Zhili, Southern Zhili, and Shanghai Prefecture Zhili) and sixteen provinces (the Jiangsu Provincial Administration Commission, Anhui Provincial Administration Commission, and Gansu Provincial Administration Commission after the thirteen Provincial Administration Commissions) and two commissions (Nurgan Regional Military Commission and Hami Regional Military Commission of the Western Regions) in the Ming Dynasty, there will absolutely be no more hereditary princes being granted titles."

"This vast territory, which belongs exclusively to the Ming Dynasty, will gradually be relocated from its existing vassal states, or their hereditary status will be discontinued."

"Therefore, when the time comes, even if the Ming Dynasty is to grant fiefdoms, they will be to the newly expanded overseas territories. As for whether these overseas territories will form a new cycle or new competition with the Ming Dynasty's mainland in the future, that will depend on the level of the future Ming emperor and court officials."

"If they cannot effectively control and unite the overseas vassal states, and instead cause them to become disloyal and stop interacting with the Ming Dynasty, even if I and you were resurrected, we might not be able to salvage the situation."

"Furthermore, I do not want the Ming Dynasty to live in the dream of being a 'Celestial Empire' forever. I want to find a positive and progressive driving force for the future Ming Dynasty, so that future generations will deeply understand what it means to fall behind if you do not progress!"

"If future generations can maintain an absolute lead based on the foundation laid by you and me, even if I bestow the Nine Bestowments upon the Prince of Jing and other princes who are willing to establish feudal overseas kingdoms, they will still submit to me, unite around the Ming Dynasty, and advance and retreat together."

"Otherwise, even if I do not grant them any titles or powers, do you really think that when the Ming Dynasty weakens, the powerful overseas vassal states will continue to submit as before?"

"You should know that back then, the State of Chu was just a viscount state. The states of the Central Plains ridiculed Chu as a barbarian state. But what was the result? King Zhuang of Chu remained silent for three years, but when he did, he made a name for himself! He went straight to Luoyi to ask for the weight of the tripod."

"It is evident that in the development and cycle of history, there are always some inexplicable reasons at play, which are not subject to the will of those who came before."

"The purpose of my bestowing the Nine Bestowments upon Prince Jing is not to grant him more power, nor is it to blindly favor my younger brother. Rather, it is to use this matter to warn future rulers and people that this world is not just the Ming Dynasty!"

"If they cannot maintain the absolute lead of the Ming Dynasty, then in the future they will face the threat of other overseas vassal states that have worked hard and overcome obstacles to develop."

Zhu Zaiji's words were truly thought-provoking. He did not view the world and the future solely from the perspective of the self-interest of his own family and clan. He wanted a broader and more hopeful future!
As long as the Ming Dynasty can establish its vassal states in every corner of the world in the future, even if one of these vassal states becomes very successful and gains an absolute advantage and benefit in the future world situation, becoming an existence that surpasses the Ming Dynasty itself.

Zhu Zaiji wouldn't think there was anything wrong with this.

In Zhu Zaiji's view, if such a promising overseas vassal state were to emerge, it would only mean two things. First, the future successors of the Ming Dynasty were too incompetent. They could be surpassed even with such favorable timing and location. What was there to regret?

The second thing is that if any overseas vassal kings become more successful than those in the Ming Dynasty in the future, then that vassal state will also be a country that inherits Chinese culture and speaks and writes Chinese characters.

For Zhu Zaiji, this was something to be happy about and proud of!
Because the Chinese cultural heritage has blossomed everywhere and has even borne a fruitful result!
This is similar to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. All the states ridiculed Qin as a Western barbarian state, a country of tigers and wolves. But when Qin truly rose to prominence after six generations of hard work, it became the pride of Chinese civilization!
They were not the Western Rong, tigers and wolves, as people of that time and era described them!
Therefore, in order to spread Chinese culture to the world more quickly and efficiently and seize the initiative in this world, Zhu Zaiji was willing to sacrifice some so-called future interests.

Moreover, if the future successor of the Ming Dynasty is truly unable to maintain its legacy, then it deserves to perish.

After all, in the five thousand years of history, there has never been a country that did not perish!

If one can spread the spirit and civilization they represent before the fall of their country, that might not be a bad thing, but a new kind of immortality!
Take the Qin Dynasty under Qin Shi Huang, for example. Although it lasted only fourteen or fifteen years, who can deny the brilliance of those fourteen or fifteen years?
Then, which of the subsequent Han, Wei, Sui, and Tang dynasties didn't inherit the Qin system and continue to pass on the First Emperor's idea of ​​unification?
Therefore, as a ruler with lofty aspirations, especially when the country's strength is burgeoning, it is natural to have some grand ambitions that transcend the times!

Otherwise, it would be a disservice to the era and the world ideals that one represents!
Li Chunfang, Zhao Zhenji, and Hu Zongxian were also excited after hearing Zhu Zaiji's words.

Even breathing seemed to become tense.

It turns out they had been too cautious and underestimated things.

The future world will not be limited to the Ming Dynasty alone. It will inevitably be a world of diverse cultures, like the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods of more than two thousand years ago, with all nations taking turns to shine.

Therefore, in such a future, clinging to traditional ideas will naturally prevent one from integrating with the trends of this world.

So at this moment, Li Chunfang and the others finally understood Zhu Zaiji's ambition!

He wanted to transform the Ming Dynasty into a world power and to grant its soul immortality!

After understanding Zhu Zaiji's feelings and thoughts, Li Chunfang and the others truly felt incredibly insignificant.

Li Chunfang immediately took the lead in bowing and said, "Your Majesty's heart is lofty and far-sighted, and you are thinking of the world. It is our boundless honor to be born in this era!" Zhu Zaiji chuckled and raised his hand, saying, "Get up. There's no need to be so excited. Let's talk about bestowing the Nine Bestowments upon Prince Jing first."

"From now on, you will be in charge of these matters. The overseas countries and the vassal states and territories of the Ming Dynasty all need your careful management. These matters are no less than what the cabinet used to do."

"I hope you can continue your efforts and achieve something no less than what you have accomplished in the previous five years!"

Li Chunfang, Zhao Zhenji, Hu Zongxian, and others bowed twice before rising.

Clearly, at this moment, they were deeply attracted by the grand blueprint and bright future depicted by Zhu Zaiji.

And I am willing to dedicate my life to striving for this goal!

Afterwards, Zhu Zaiji stopped wasting time with Li Chunfang and the others and began to formally discuss the matter of bestowing the Nine Bestowments upon Prince Jing, as well as his thoughts and questions on how to bind the overseas vassal states through political, military, and economic means in the future.

After discussing these matters, Zhu Zaiji sent Li Chunfang and the others to prepare to bestow the Nine Bestowments upon Prince Jing and to arrange for Prince Jing's enfeoffment.

A few days later, on the auspicious day of the Beginning of Autumn in the sixth year of the Longqing reign.

The Forbidden City, the Hall of Supreme Harmony!
The weather that day was beautiful, with clear skies, wide clouds, and a refreshing autumn breeze.

Before the Hall of Supreme Harmony, officials stood solemnly, the Imperial Guards stood in formation, banners fluttered, and the ceremonial guards were majestic.

Prince Jing, Zhu Zaizhen, dressed in the royal robes of the imperial family, knelt prostrate beneath the steps, his forehead pressed against the cold gold bricks, awaiting the emperor's decree.

Meng Chong, the Grand Eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, held the bright yellow imperial edict and stood atop the imperial steps, loudly proclaiming the decree:
"The emperor is destined to be carried by heaven, and the edict says:"

"I, the Emperor, have received the mandate of Heaven and govern all the lands. Prince Jing, Zhu Zaizhen, is loyal and diligent in serving the country and has ambitions for the four corners of the world. I hereby appoint him to his fief in Nanming Prefecture, bestow upon him the Nine Bestowments, grant him control over all military and political affairs in Nanming, and allow him the power to appoint and dismiss officials and collect taxes. He shall address himself as the Emperor and shall not use his name when submitting memorials. This is the imperial decree!"

The imperial edict caused a stir throughout the court!

The Nine Bestowments were the highest ceremonial gifts bestowed by the emperor upon feudal lords. Since the end of the Han Dynasty, they could not be lightly granted to anyone who had not achieved unparalleled merit.

Now, His Majesty the Emperor has bestowed upon Prince Jing the power to rule overseas, a power unprecedented since the founding of the Ming Dynasty!

Zhu Zaizhen accepted the imperial edict with both hands, his eyes slightly red and his voice trembling: "Your subject Zhu Zaizhen—accepts the decree and expresses his gratitude! Long live the Emperor!"

Zhu Zaizhen kowtowed deeply, expressing his excitement.

Zhu Zaiji rose from the dragon throne and slowly walked down the imperial steps.

Today, he was dressed in the most formal imperial crown and court robes, with a jade belt around his waist, exuding a magnificent aura and with eyes as deep as the sea.

Where is King Jing?

Emperor Zhu Zaiji's voice was deep and majestic: "Today I bestow upon you the Nine Bestowments, hoping that you will expand your territory overseas and live up to my expectations."

Zhu Zaizhen bowed and kowtowed again: "As long as I live, I will surely give my life to repay even a fraction of Your Majesty's great kindness!"

Zhu Zaiji nodded slightly, raised his hand, and with a voice as loud as a rainbow, his aura resounding throughout heaven and earth, declared, "Issue the Nine Bestowments!"

-

First tin: chariots and horses
Eight magnificent horses pulled a gilded royal carriage, which slowly entered the square in front of the palace. The horses were all draped in brocade, and the carriage was decorated with dragons and phoenixes, making it exceptionally luxurious.

Second tin: Clothes
The eunuch presented the prince's ceremonial robes, embroidered with the twelve imperial symbols, woven with gold thread, gleaming brilliantly.

Third Tin: Le Xuan
Bianzhong (a set of ancient Chinese bells) and jade chimes were displayed to the side, and musicians played the music of "Da Shao," creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

Fourth Tin: Zhu Hu
This symbolizes that the main gate of the Prince's Palace could be painted vermilion, the same color as that of the Emperor.

Fifth Tin: Nabi
The emperor bestowed upon him jade steps, permitting him to have steps in the main hall of his palace, in accordance with the emperor's system.

Sixth Tin: Tiger Warrior
Three hundred elite armored soldiers lined up, all clad in iron armor and wielding long halberds, serving as King Jing's personal guards.

Seventh tin: bow and arrow
The emperor bestowed upon him a red bow and a hundred black arrows, symbolizing the power to wage war.

Eighth Tin: Axe and Halberd
With golden axes and jade halberds, they were granted the exclusive right to wage war, and could execute first and report later.

Ninth Tin: Black Bean Sauce
A jar of imperial wine, brewed from black millet, was used in a sacrificial ceremony to symbolize the mandate of heaven.

-

Zhu Zaizhen accepted the nine bestowals one by one, and kowtowed to express his gratitude for each one.

When he held the golden axe in his hands, his fingertips trembled slightly, and his heart was filled with heroic spirit—with this axe in hand, he could conquer all within the vast Southern Ocean!
After receiving the ceremony, Zhu Zaizhen stood before the hall, his gaze passing over the layers of palaces, as if piercing through thousands of mountains and rivers, reaching the distant Southern Continent.

That place—will be his Jingfan's domain!
Under the watchful eyes of all the officials, he slowly raised the golden axe in his hand. Sunlight danced on the axe blade, reflecting the burning ambition in his eyes.

"Your Majesty, I will surely expand your territory and make our Great Ming Dynasty renowned throughout the world!"

Zhu Zaiji gazed at him calmly, a slight smile playing on his lips: "Good."

When the news reached the various vassal states of the Ming Dynasty,
When King Zhu Zaiting of Zhou heard that King Jing had actually received the Nine Bestowments, his heart immediately burned with excitement.

"Nine bestowals...a real fief..."

King Zhou murmured to himself, "Why him? Just because he's the Emperor's younger brother?"

The same situation occurred in other vassal states, such as Chu King Zhu Hua Kui, who also harbored some ambitions. He couldn't help but narrow his eyes, thinking to himself, "If I could also rule overseas... then what about the Chu vassal state?"

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