“It’s been a long time since I’ve been away from the capital. Any recent hot topics in the capital?” Zhu Ping’an casually asked Eunuch Wang while at the table.
“Hot topics?” Eunuch Wang and the others froze, their faces full of question marks. *Hot topics? What are those?*
“Oh, I mean popular topics or events that have captured public attention,” Zhu Ping’an realised his modern phrasing might not be understood in this era and explained.
“Lord Zhu truly lives up to his title as the top scholar! The term ‘hot topics’ is spot-on—concise and vivid,” Eunuch Wang praised, then chuckled. “Heh, though Lord Zhu has been away from the capital for some time, the biggest hot topic in the capital recently is none other than you, Lord Zhu.”
“Me?” Zhu Ping’an was taken aback.
“Lord Zhu, your command of the Zhejiang army in the glorious victory at the Suzhou Defence Battle is known to almost everyone in the capital. Storytellers in the capital’s teahouses and taverns are all recounting tales of Lord Zhu’s ingenious strategies defeating the Japanese pirates.”
“They say you come up with a plan with a single blink of an eye and devise a strategy with a stroke of your chin…”
“There’s even a storyteller claiming you derived a set of martial arts secrets from the Four Books and Five Classics, mastering peerless techniques. Those ferocious Japanese pirates are no match for you—you could crush them with a single finger…”
Eunuch Wang chuckled as he shared some of the capital’s rumours about Zhu Ping’an.
*Derived martial arts secrets from the Four Books and Five Classics…*
Zhu Ping’an’s mouth twitched at the absurdity.
“Anything else noteworthy?” Zhu Ping’an asked.
“Some time ago, the northern barbarian Altan Khan raided the northern borders again, attacking Xuanhua, Jizhou, Datong, and other places, killing several generals. In his fury, His Majesty issued a bounty for Altan Khan’s head: whoever presents it will be rewarded with 10,000 taels of silver and granted the title of earl,” Eunuch Wang shared another recent hot topic in the capital.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Ping’an’s first thought was that Emperor Jiajing was being rather stingy. The northern barbarian issue was one of the two chronic afflictions of the Jiajing reign, even more troublesome than the Japanese pirates, consuming over half of the court’s military budget. To eliminate Altan Khan would be to eradicate the northern threat, resolving the court’s greatest problem. Yet the reward was only 10,000 taels of silver and the lowest rank of earl?
But soon, Zhu Ping’an reconsidered and felt Emperor Jiajing was actually being quite generous. After all, the emperor was notoriously cautious about granting titles—extremely cautious.
Zhu Ping’an recalled an old official named Zhou Shangwen, who had long served as the commander of Datong. During his tenure, he repelled Altan Khan’s invasions multiple times, earning significant military achievements. He was promoted to Left Chief Censor, the highest rank for a military official, and even received the titles of Grand Guardian and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince. Yet, until his death five years ago, he was never granted a noble title.
A censor named Shen Shu had submitted a memorial after Zhou’s death, requesting a posthumous title for him. This enraged Emperor Jiajing, who not only stated that Zhou Shangwen had repeatedly sought rewards and harboured resentment during his lifetime, but also spared him punishment out of leniency. Shen Shu was handed over to the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who imprisoned him. He was still languishing in jail.
In this light, Emperor Jiajing’s current bounty was actually quite generous.
Of course, compared to himself, Zhu Ping’an felt the emperor had been exceptionally generous. Being appointed as the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of War in Yingtian and Governor of Zhejiang was an extraordinary promotion by any measure.
“Oh, right, speaking of timing, today the capital is holding a grand ceremony at the Meridian Gate to present captives. I hear the Japanese pirate prisoners will be executed by lingchi. The execution ground at Caishikou is probably packed with spectators right now,” Eunuch Wang added after sipping his tea.
“Lingchi execution? They deserve it,” Zhu Ping’an said without a trace of sympathy, dismissing any notion that lingchi was too cruel or inhumane.
When these Japanese pirates were burning, killing, and looting, where was their humanity? They acted like beasts, slaughtering civilians with utmost cruelty!
They deserved to be executed by lingchi!
“With the bounty for Altan Khan increased, I imagine the bounties for pirate leaders like Wang Zhi and Xu Hai will also rise. With Lord Zhu’s abilities, a noble title is surely within reach,” Eunuch Wang flattered.
“Heh, you flatter me, Eunuch Wang,” Zhu Ping’an said modestly, shaking his head. But he added firmly, “However, to repay His Majesty’s trust, I will spare no effort to eradicate the Japanese pirates.”
“I wish Lord Zhu swift success. It’s getting late, so we’ll take our leave to return to the capital and report,” Eunuch Wang said, clasping his fists and rising to depart.
The others followed suit.
“Eunuch Wang, and everyone, you’ve travelled far and must be exhausted. Why not rest for a couple of days before returning to the capital?” Zhu Ping’an offered politely.
“Thank you for your kindness, Lord Zhu, but the Governor instructed us to return promptly. We daren’t delay,” Eunuch Wang explained.
“That’s quite a hardship,” Zhu Ping’an remarked.
“Heh, the Governor said we’d get a ten-day holiday upon our return, so we’ll rest properly then,” Eunuch Wang replied.
With the conversation reaching this point, Zhu Ping’an couldn’t insist further and saw them off as they left the residence.
Li Shu had already prepared some local specialties for Eunuch Wang and the others. After some polite refusals, they accepted the gifts.
“Oh, I almost forgot—Lord Zhu, a word in private, please,” Eunuch Wang said just before leaving, pulling Zhu Ping’an aside.
Zhu Ping’an followed him to a quieter spot by the roadside.
“It’s not a big matter, just a heads-up. Recently, His Majesty has been considering the matter of establishing an heir and has repeatedly consulted Senior Grand Secretary Yan, Senior Grand Secretary Xu, Senior Grand Secretary Li, and other officials about it. When you return to the capital, Lord Zhu, you may face this question from His Majesty. It’s best to prepare in advance to avoid being caught off guard,” Eunuch Wang whispered, taking Zhu Ping’an aside due to the sensitive nature of the topic involving Emperor Jiajing.
“Thank you, Eunuch Wang,” Zhu Ping’an said, clasping his hands in gratitude.
“No need for thanks, Lord Zhu. I’ll take my leave,” Eunuch Wang said with a smile, clasping his fists and departing.
*Establishing an heir.*
This was indeed a tricky issue.
Not only was it difficult to answer, but it could also be deadly.
Establishing an heir—King Jing or King Yu? Who should be named the crown prince?
Recommending King Jing would offend King Yu; recommending King Yu would offend King Jing. Offending one of the only two heirs to the Ming throne—good luck with that!
But refusing to recommend either would displease Emperor Jiajing and tarnish one’s standing in his eyes.
