Chapter 13: Bringing Peace to the World

Inside the hall.

Zhu Zaijiang continuously reinforced his defenses.

Everything he was about to say came from his position as Crown Prince, observing the emperor’s governance and reflecting upon the administration of the illustrious ancestors of the Ming dynasty. It was also deeply influenced by the teachings of Confucian sages across generations.

Therefore, even if he were mistaken, it would only be because of his youth, and his incomplete understanding of the emperor, the ancestors, and the sages.

He silently fortified himself.

The others in the hall looked on with curiosity.

Zhang Zhi, one of the Crown Prince’s tutors, smiled warmly and said, “Your Highness has studied the Great Learning thoroughly today. Mastering the meanings of this chapter so well, it would take an ordinary student at least half a year after awakening to truly appreciate the wisdom of the Four Books and Five Classics.”

Lü Ben, who had come from the Western Garden with the emperor, caught the thread and added, “It must be that Your Highness has long studied these sages’ writings; this is the essence of learning from the sages.”

Gao Gong, now merely a reader at the Hanlin Academy and the lowest-ranking official present, also wanted to speak but could only silently observe the Crown Prince among the crowd. He was filled with curiosity about this young heir apparent, gifted and diligent beyond his years.

Even Yan Song, watching the expression of Emperor Jiajing, smiled and asked, “Your Highness, having read the Great Learning, what insights have you gained?”

This was Yan Song voicing the emperor’s own thoughts.

Jiajing immediately cast a pleased look at his new chief counselor.

Zhu Zaijiang finally calmed himself, took a deep breath, and bowed to the assembly.

“Respectfully reporting to Father and esteemed gentlemen,” he began.

“In reading the sages’ writings, I understand Master Kong’s benevolence, Mencius’s emphasis on the people over the ruler, and that the world should be founded on benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and filial piety. By practicing the way of benevolence and upholding ritual, the world can achieve peace and the people live without strife.”

Everyone, including Emperor Jiajing, nodded with smiles.

This was the core argument of Confucianism.

The Crown Prince had spoken rightly.

Hidden quietly behind the crowd, the younger brothers Zhu Zaiku and Zhu Zaizhen exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with both admiration and frustration.

Zhu Zaijiang continued, “Our great Ming has enjoyed long-lasting peace. Though disasters occur, the realm remains calm. This is because our Ming practices the benevolent and righteous way of kingship, thanks to Father’s wise and compassionate rule.”

After another internal reinforcement of his resolve, Zhu Zaijiang shifted his tone.

“However, while the government remains clear and orderly, beyond the nine borders, bandits and barbarians persist, year after year invading from the south, preying upon our people. Along the southeastern coast, the Japanese pirates unite with sea bandits to harass the populace and seize our people’s money and grain. In Huguang and the southwest, displaced people swell in number; the locals resist royal civilization, draining the officials’ soldiers and funds. While I study, I ponder why Father and the ministers worry so deeply. Is it that our Ming’s benevolent and righteous way is insufficient? I believe our benevolence and righteousness suffice, so why do such troubles remain?”

He fortified himself once more.

He was still fortifying!

Yet as soon as these issues were raised, Emperor Jiajing’s expression subtly shifted.

Yan Song, Zhang Zhi, Lü Ben, and others grew tense.

The atmosphere in the hall changed palpably.

Zhu Zaijiang carefully observed the old Taoist’s face before continuing, “I think the benevolent and righteous way taught by the sages governs the people taught by our Ming’s civilization. But for local troubles and border bandits, beyond benevolence and righteousness, other methods may be necessary.”

The hall grew even heavier with silence.

Emperor Jiajing’s eyes swept across the assembled ministers, then he said gravely, “Is the Crown Prince today offering counsel to the court?”

Some matters could not be spoken openly.

He gave his son a look but also mused that such intelligence might be a source of headache.

Zhu Zaijiang nodded, “I am but a young boy recently come from the palace to study. The court already has venerable ministers like Elder Yan, Elder Zhang, and Elder Lü, all trusted by Father. I dare not claim to offer counsel for the realm.”

After another moment of inward fortification, he revealed his true intent.

“I only feel that ruling the country and bringing peace to the world depends on the benevolent and righteous way, but it must also incorporate other methods. As Xunzi said in ‘On Military Affairs’: ‘The key to the military lies in winning the people’s support.’ Though weapons are sharp, without the people’s loyalty, they are like rootless trees. Xunzi’s ‘On Enriching the Nation’ also says: ‘The way to a sufficient country is to economize and enrich the people.’ Throughout history, every dynasty enacted policies to stabilize grain stores and opened mines to make farming tools. Guan Zhong’s salt and iron reforms led Qi Huan to hegemony; Shang Yang’s land reforms unified the six states under Qin. All these were foundations in economy for military preparedness.”

After citing Xunzi’s principles in front of the emperor and ministers, Zhu Zaijiang hurriedly added, “Therefore, I have recently pondered: how to win the people’s loyalty? Though the people obey the royal way’s benevolent teachings and thus favor the court, the guards, the capital troops, and the border armies grow lax. I think if Father could personally inspect the capital garrison and border troops, it might inspire the soldiers. The cabinet and ministers could then accompany the emperor to explain the sacred meaning of the mission, so the soldiers understand whom they fight for — their parents, wives, and the sovereign. Under such circumstances, how could last year’s 40,000 elite troops at Xuan border stand idly by as the enemy crossed the border without firing a single arrow?”

He cautiously and boldly linked his reasoning with last year’s incident at Xuanfu.

From a logical standpoint, this was already a policy proposal.

Sure enough, upon hearing the Crown Prince connect his thoughts to the Xuanfu incident, Emperor Jiajing’s eyes brightened.

Especially the part where the Crown Prince suggested the emperor personally inspect the troops to boost morale.

Wasn’t this exactly what the emperor had hinted at earlier at Wanshou Palace in the Western Garden, in front of Yan Song and Zhang Zhi?

Only then, when Yan Song declined, had Jiajing not pressed further.

Surprised, the emperor looked at his grown son with growing satisfaction.

Yan Song and the others furrowed their brows.

They all instinctively glanced at the emperor.

Could this be a test, with the emperor speaking through the Crown Prince?

Even Zhang Zhi was puzzled. Otherwise, how could the Crown Prince understand Xunzi’s doctrines so well?

But Jiajing soon asked, “The Crown Prince has just come out of the palace to study—how did he come to know such principles from Xunzi?”

One sentence cleared up the suspicions and doubts of Yan Song, Lü Ben, and the others.

Zhu Zaijiang smiled, “I read books and learn characters in my spare time when I am weary and idle...”

Silently, he fortified himself once again.

He was not neglecting rest or meals just to read these books.

Seeing the emperor nod, Zhu Zaijiang continued, “I also saw in the ‘Agriculture and Warfare’ chapter of the Book of Lord Shang: ‘The country depends on agriculture and warfare for peace; the ruler depends on agriculture and warfare for respect.’ Sun Tzu’s Art of War states: ‘To seize enemy supplies is to support one’s own country.’ If our Ming wants to repel bandits and annihilate invading enemies, we must emphasize agriculture and warfare, favor the people, encourage farming in the realm, and exempt border lands from taxes. This ensures ample food supplies and stable soldier morale. When the army marches, craftsmen and merchants should accompany it, sourcing food from the enemy, forging weapons locally, selling spoils to merchants to benefit soldiers. Thus, both army and civilians gain, without harming Ming subjects. Soldiers fight fearlessly, embodying the Great Learning’s teaching that the nation does not seek profit for profit’s sake, but righteousness as profit.”

In the small eastern side hall, the Crown Prince’s voice echoed to all ears.

Yan Song’s brow tightened slightly, several times wanting to speak but hesitating.

What was more important was that where he felt something amiss, the Crown Prince always circled back to the original chapter of the Great Learning.

If Yan Song thought it improper for the army to march with craftsmen and merchants in tow, the Crown Prince had already said this was seizing enemy provisions, not harming Ming citizens, thus aligning with the Great Learning’s principle of righteousness as profit.

Others shared Yan Song’s thoughts—Zhang Zhi, Lü Ben.

As for the earlier suggestion of the emperor inspecting the troops to boost morale, that was even harder to openly reject.

After all, the emperor personally visiting the army naturally boosts morale.

Could they say the Ming emperor should not have contact with the troops?

Such words would be treasonous!

It could be done, but not openly said.

Even advice had to be couched as it was in Wanshou Palace, invoking the idea that border towns already had generals in command.

While everyone’s minds wandered with different thoughts, Zhu Zaijiang did not stop his first display of political insight.

“I have also recently reviewed other books, such as the ‘Five Vermin’ chapter of Han Feizi, which says: ‘In ancient times, people competed in morality; in the middle ages, they competed in wisdom and strategy; now, they compete in strength.’ The ‘Wuzi’ states: ‘One must cultivate civil virtue within and manage military preparedness without.’ The ‘Sima Fa’ in the ‘Benevolence’ chapter says: ‘To stop war with war—though war is harsh, it is sometimes necessary.’”

“In the past, Emperor Wu of Han offered rewards of three hundred bushels for capturing bandits, leading to Huo Qubing’s conquest of Wolf Jushu. Fan Zhongyan established military schools, frightening the Western Xia. Our dynasty practices the benevolent and righteous way, pacifies the people within to bring peace, and drives out enemies with righteousness and benefit. Brave soldiers compete to serve. We promote agriculture to secure provisions, use commerce to support warfare, and protect the people through war, forming a cycle.”

“I, though dull-witted, have considered this repeatedly and feel it may be feasible.”

At this moment, only his voice filled the hall.

All others frowned, pondering the Crown Prince’s words.

Seeing this, Zhu Zaijiang nodded, bowed slightly, smiling faintly, then said, “Father, the heavens and earth belong to the realm; ministers govern the central government. I, now out of the palace to study, will strive diligently in the future, hoping to achieve something and serve the nation.”

“My lifelong wish is only that the beacons along the nine borders be extinguished, the waves of the seven seas calmed, helping Father establish the foundation for eternal peace.”

“May the sun and moon shine only upon Han lands.”

“May every sail and mast wherever they reach uphold the rightful dynasty!”

“I humbly speak thus, kowtowing thrice. If there are any crude errors, it is only due to my own ignorance and incompetence. I beg Father and the esteemed gentlemen for correction.”

Within the eastern side hall,

Silence reigned once more.

Only the respectful voice of the Crown Prince, full of yearning for knowledge, remained.

Yan Song and the others exchanged silent looks.

It was over.

All eyes turned together to the emperor.