lovenovelstory Chapter 69 Emperor Wen Dies, Emperor Jing Ascends the Throne
Chapter 69 Emperor Wen Dies, Emperor Jing Ascends the Throne
In the seventh year of Emperor Wen of Han's reign (157 BC), in the sixth month of summer, at Weiyang Palace.
The summer in Chang'an is unbearably hot and humid.
The cicadas chirped desperately, and the palaces of Weiyang Palace steamed with heat under the scorching sun.
Deep within the Xuan Shi Hall, the aroma of medicine was strong.
Emperor Wen of Han, Liu Heng, who was nearly 47 years old, had been bedridden for several months.
This emperor, known for his benevolence and frugality, now has a withered face and a weak breath.
Crown Prince Liu Qi served him day and night, his eyes sunken and his brows furrowed with an inescapable worry.
As the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince and Marquis of Guannei, Zhang Keran often visited the palace to pay his respects. At this moment, he stood under the eaves outside the palace, gazing at the listless trees in the courtyard, his heart heavy with melancholy.
Several years have passed since Chao Cuo was demoted to Jiaoxi and Zhou Yafu died in despair.
After that violent upheaval, the court seemed to have returned to calm. In his later years, Emperor Wen's policies became more lenient, with repeated tax reductions and exemptions, the abolition of corporal punishment, and the allowing of the people to rest and recuperate.
The constraints on the feudal lords were gradually eased after Chao Cuo left, with more emphasis placed on winning them over with virtue.
The northern border remained stable on the foundation laid by Zhou Yafu during his lifetime. Although the Xiongnu occasionally raided the border, there was no major threat.
However, beneath the calm surface, undercurrents never ceased.
Although the feudal lords were greatly weakened by Chao Cuo's swift and decisive crackdown, their resentment was deeply rooted.
In the court, veteran officials gradually passed away, and a new generation of officials grew up in a relatively relaxed environment, feeling grateful for Emperor Wen's benevolence.
Crown Prince Liu Qi, after many years as heir apparent, is no longer the impulsive young man who killed someone over a game of chess. He is calm, decisive, and well-versed in the workings of power. However, his governing philosophy seems to be more inclined towards a combination of firmness and flexibility than that of Emperor Wen, and he has a lower tolerance for certain potential threats.
Zhang Keran keenly sensed that the Crown Prince harbored a hidden wariness towards certain princes, especially some members of the imperial clan who had most fiercely resisted the decree to reduce the power of the princes and who had a long-standing relationship with Wu and Chu.
"Master Zhang, His Majesty has summoned you," a sorrowful-looking eunuch whispered, interrupting Zhang Keran's thoughts.
Zhang Keran straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and stepped into the hall.
Crown Prince Liu Qi knelt beside the imperial couch, tightly holding Emperor Wen's withered hand. Emperor Wen, whose eyes were slightly closed, slowly opened them upon hearing footsteps.
"Yuncheng... has arrived." Emperor Wen's voice was as faint as a whisper, yet exceptionally clear.
"Your subject is here." Zhang Keran stepped forward and knelt down.
"Rise, come closer," Emperor Wen gestured. Zhang Keran did as he was told and moved closer.
Emperor Wen's gaze lingered on Zhang Keran's face for a moment, then turned to the Crown Prince, and slowly said, "Crown Prince... I am about to pass away. This empire... is entrusted to you."
Liu Qi's throat tightened, and he prostrated himself on the ground, saying, "Father... Your son... will certainly not fail your trust!"
"I know your abilities," Emperor Wen said, catching his breath. "You should take benevolence and leniency as your foundation, frugality as your practice, and the well-being of the people as your priority. During the reigns of Emperor Gaozu and Empress Lü, the legal system was strict. Since my ascension to the throne, I have focused on leniency and kindness... and the world has been fortunate to enjoy peace and happiness. You... should continue this legacy."
"Your subject will remember this!"
"However..." Emperor Wen's tone shifted slightly, a complex light flashing in his eyes, "The tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. The feudal lords... after the recent upheavals, their hearts may not all be at ease. The northern barbarians, with their wolfish ambitions, must be guarded against. In the court... the transition between the old and the new requires balance. A ruler must be benevolent... but not without authority; lenient... but not without law..."
Liu Qi listened with his head bowed, his expression solemn.
Emperor Wen turned his gaze back to Zhang Keran: "Yuncheng."
"Your subject is here."
"You are the heir apparent of the King of Liang, and also... a trusted minister of the Crown Prince. The loyalty and diligence of the Liang Kingdom greatly please me. You... must assist the Crown Prince well. And to your father... please also convey my message: guard the southwest securely and serve as a permanent bulwark."
"Your subject is willing to die ten thousand times over! I will wholeheartedly assist His Highness the Crown Prince! I will also convey His Majesty's will to my father!" Zhang Keran kowtowed heavily.
Emperor Wen seemed to have exhausted his strength, closed his eyes again, and waved his hand.
Liu Qi and Zhang Keran understood each other and silently retreated to the outer room.
That night, at the third quarter of Hai hour, the funeral bell of Weiyang Palace tolled loudly, its sound shaking Chang'an.
Emperor Wen of Han, Liu Heng, died in Weiyang Palace at the age of forty-seven.
The promulgation of the will shocked the world:
"I have heard that all things under heaven, from their very birth, must eventually die. Death is the natural order of things, the natural course of existence; why should we grieve so much? In this world, everyone cherishes life and fears death, extravagant funerals ruin livelihoods, and heavy mourning harms life; I find this utterly unacceptable… I am wicked and incapable of assisting the people; now that I have passed away, I am forced to observe prolonged mourning, subjecting them to the cycle of seasons, causing grief to fathers and sons, distress to elders, disrupting their diet, and halting sacrifices to spirits, thus further compounding my wickedness. What can I say of this to the world!… Therefore, I hereby order all officials and people throughout the land to observe mourning for three days upon arrival, after which all mourning shall be lifted. Marriage shall not be prohibited." "Marriages, ancestral worship, drinking, and eating meat are prohibited. Those who are to be present for funerals must not wear mourning clothes. The mourning sash should not exceed three inches. There should be no cloth carriages or weapons. The people should not be allowed to wail in the palace. Those who are to be present in the palace should make fifteen announcements each morning and evening, and the ceremony should end afterward. No one is allowed to wail outside of morning and evening. Below this, one should wear bright red mourning clothes for fifteen days, light red for fourteen days, and thin mourning clothes for seven days, after which the mourning clothes will be removed. Anything not mentioned in this decree shall be handled in accordance with this decree. This decree is hereby proclaimed to the world so that everyone may know my will. The mountains and rivers of Baling shall remain as they are, without any changes. From the Lady down to the lowest rank, all servants shall be dismissed."
The imperial edict fully reflects Emperor Wen's lifelong frugality and compassion for the people, requiring simple burials and short mourning periods to avoid disturbing the lives of ordinary people.
The whole nation mourned, and people remembered this benevolent ruler, "Emperor Demou Taizong".
In the seventh month of autumn, Crown Prince Liu Qi ascended the throne as Emperor Jing of Han. He honored his mother, Lady Dou, as Empress Dowager and made his concubine, Lady Bo, Empress.
Upon the ascension of the new emperor, a general amnesty was granted, and the people were bestowed with a rank of no
However, the new dynasty was shrouded in the solemnity of the late emperor's death.
In the first year of Emperor Jing's reign (156 BC), in the first month of spring.
The New Year's greetings bring a fresh start.
The young emperor sat on his throne in the Xuan Shi Hall. Although he was dressed in mourning clothes, he already possessed the majesty of an emperor.
After receiving the homage of the officials, Emperor Jing issued his first important edict after ascending the throne. Its core was to continue Emperor Wen's policies: to continue to reduce land taxes, to pardon those who sold themselves into slavery due to hunger, to reward filial piety and hard work in the fields, and to send envoys to travel throughout the country to inquire about the people's hardships.
He promoted a group of officials who were well-versed in the law and capable in their work to key departments. Many of them had a past relationship with Chao Cuo or agreed with his concept of strengthening the central government and weakening local power, but their methods were perhaps not as extreme as Chao Cuo's.
As for the several princes who had been reprimanded for minor offenses in Emperor Wen's later years, Emperor Jing's edict of consolation arrived quickly.
After the court session ended, Zhang Keran was left behind.
His official rank and title remain unchanged, but he still stands at the center of power in the empire.
"Yuncheng, sit." Emperor Jing dismissed his attendants, his expression more relaxed than in court, but his eyes held deeper thought. "The new policies are just beginning, and many things need to be addressed. What do you think is the most urgent task?"
Zhang Keran pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, the late Emperor's edict prioritized the well-being of the people, which is the cornerstone of our national policy and must not be shaken. However, as the late Emperor said, 'The tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease.' I believe there are three urgent matters at hand."
"speak."
"Firstly, to stabilize the court. The transition between the old and new dynasties requires that officials be able to serve with peace of mind. Your Majesty has promoted capable and talented individuals with wisdom and decisiveness. However, you should also show consideration and care for the old ministers of the late emperor, especially those who are prudent and loyal, to show that Your Majesty does not forget their past merits and is open to diverse opinions."
Emperor Jing nodded: "That is natural. I rely heavily on Chancellor Shentu Jia, the Grand Censor, and others."
"Secondly, be cautious in dealing with the feudal lords." Zhang Keran lowered his voice. "In his later years, the late emperor was lenient, and the feudal lords were somewhat at ease. However, although their power has diminished, their loyalty is not necessarily secure. When Your Majesty ascends the throne, you should first show them kindness and trust, bestow many rewards, and frequently summon them to court to observe their actions and discern their loyalty. For minor faults, you can temporarily show leniency. Once the foundation of the court is more solid, you can then proceed cautiously."
Emperor Jing's gaze was deep and thoughtful. "I understand your meaning. First, win them over with virtue, then punish them with law. However..."
He paused, then asked, "What if someone, relying on their kinship, gradually becomes arrogant and even secretly plots wrongdoing?
Zhang Keran knew that what Emperor Jing was referring to was by no means unfounded.
He cautiously replied, "If there is indeed solid evidence, it should be dealt with according to the law to serve as a warning to others. However, the evidence must be conclusive and the procedure must be fair so that the public has no grounds for criticism. Moreover... the law does not punish the masses, but the ringleader must be punished. Those who are coerced may be given leniency in order to divide and weaken them and prevent major changes."
Emperor Jing neither confirmed nor denied, but instead asked, "And the third one?"
"Thirdly, there is the northern frontier." Zhang Keran's expression was solemn. "I dare not forget the Grand Commandant's dying wish. The Chanyu Junchen has only been on the throne for a few years. He is greedy and fierce by nature. Now that he has consolidated his power, he will likely make a move soon. The defense of the border prefectures, the reserves of grain and fodder, and the selection of generals all require Your Majesty's constant attention. You must not be lax in the slightest because of domestic affairs. This is a matter of national security."
Mentioning Zhou Yafu and the northern frontier, Emperor Jing's expression turned solemn: "I will remember the Grand Commandant's dying wish. Regarding the northern frontier, I have already ordered people to inspect the armories and grain reserves in the border prefectures, and will soon send envoys to patrol the border. As for the generals... do you have any suitable candidates?"
Zhang Keran was prepared and named several generals who had served in the border regions for many years, were familiar with Xiongnu tactics, and were known for their prudence.
Emperor Jing recorded them all.
"Yuncheng," Emperor Jing said slowly, looking at him, "you are the advisor left to me by the late emperor, and you are my right-hand man. In the future, I will need you to speak frankly and work together with me to overcome many difficulties in the court, among the princes, and on the borders."
"Your subject, having received the great favors of the late Emperor and Your Majesty, would dare not fail to exert all his humble abilities and spare no effort!" Zhang Keran left his seat and bowed his head.
Stepping out of the Xuan Shi Hall, the spring chill was still in the air.