Chapter Four: The Ritual Offering at Changling to Worship Emperor Chengzu

On the third day of October, just before noon, Zhang Cheng rode alongside his uncle Zhang Yan, making their way to Changling.

Changling, located on the southern foothills of the main peak of Tianshou Mountain beyond Changping City, is the joint mausoleum of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Di, and Empress Xu. It is the ancestral tomb among the thirteen Ming tombs.

Among the thirteen Ming tombs, Changling boasts the largest architectural scale, occupying a vast area. Its layout forms a shape of a square in front and a circle at the back. The square front consists of three consecutive courtyards connected one after another, while the circular rear part is the Treasure City, resembling a fortress, with tall earthen mounds inside.

At the center of the Treasure City's southern side stands a gate leading up along a stone path to the Ming Tower.

The Ming Tower is square-shaped with arched doors on all four sides. Its interior ceiling is a cross-shaped vaulted dome, topped with a yellow-tiled double-eaved hip roof. Below the eaves hangs a plaque inscribed with the characters “Changling.” At the tower’s center stands a stele bearing the seal script inscription “Great Ming” on its header, and the body of the stele is engraved with “Tomb of Emperor Wen of the Chengzu Era.”

With the honorary titles of Minister of War and Right Deputy Censor-in-Chief, bestowed with a precious sword from the Imperial Workshop and commander of all loyalist troops in the realm, Governor Lu Xiangsheng of Xuanda and Shanxi provinces had not even taken lunch before mounting his beloved steed, Wumingji, leading the way. Around him rode the military officers of Xuanda, Datong, and Shanxi garrisons—generals, deputy generals, colonels, and captains—carrying prepared offerings. They entered through the Great Red Gate, proceeding towards Changling to pay respects to the illustrious Emperor Chengzu, Zhu Di.

Zhang Cheng happened to be there to welcome Governor Lu. Fortunate to join, he was summoned by his uncle, Deputy General Zhang Yan, to accompany Governor Lu and the generals to Changling and participate in the sacrificial rites in honor of Emperor Yongle.

At this moment, Zhang Cheng knelt behind his uncle Zhang Yan, discreetly glancing at Governor Lu Xiangsheng, who knelt solemnly before the altar. Lu appeared quite young, not yet forty, with a fair complexion slightly marred by the dust of travel. His chin was pointed and his frame slender.

Indeed, as recorded in history, he was fair and lean, his chin adorned with sparse, neat whiskers, resembling a scholar rather than a seasoned warrior adept in horsemanship and archery. Yet his sharp eyebrows, high cheekbones, and broad forehead conveyed a composed and resolute spirit.

Historical records depict Lu Xiangsheng as possessing extraordinary strength and martial skill, wielding a massive blade weighing nearly a hundred jin with ease. He excelled in archery—on foot, on horseback, and in all forms—and, remarkably, despite his scholarly demeanor, was a masterful military commander. He shared hardships with his soldiers, often leading charges personally, never suffering defeat against bandit forces, making him an exceptional figure among late Ming military leaders.

Moreover, Lu was not only a capable commander but also an astute agricultural strategist. During his two years as Governor of Xuanda, he reformed the military, molding the troops into one of the Ming’s elite forces. He also encouraged land reclamation, accumulating 200,000 dan of grain in just two years. A true embodiment of civil and martial talent, a pillar of the nation, yet ultimately a tragic hero.

Listening as Governor Lu Xiangsheng knelt and choked out his prayer, “May we rely on the spirits of our ancestors to annihilate the barbarians and secure our borders, fulfilling my humble duty. Even if I must sacrifice my liver and brain, it is my willing heart!” Zhang Cheng felt a surge of emotion, a powerful call within him. Only such a man was worthy of his respect and devotion.

He knew well that Lu Xiangsheng was the hero capable of saving the Ming, yet the impending Battle of Julu would mark this hero's downfall. Despite knowing all this, he felt powerless, overwhelmed by a hollow despair that brought tears unbidden to his eyes.

After Governor Lu completed his prayer, he presented the offerings to Emperor Yongle’s spirit. Once the rites concluded, the group followed Lu Xiangsheng, departing Changling.

…

Governor Lu Xiangsheng’s command camp was stationed within Changping City, with his headquarters also inside the city. Surrounded by his trusted officers and aides, Lu rode his beloved Wumingji into Changping.

The troops from Xuanda, Datong, and Shanxi garrisons were encamped separately outside the city. According to the governor’s deployment, the main camp of the Xuanda reinforcements was set on the eastern side of Changping.

Several miles east of Changping’s eastern gate lay a small place called Changjin Village. Not far east was a lake and a small river, while to the north, several miles away, were numerous mountains and abundant timber—a favorable site for a military camp.

At this time, the Xuanda reinforcements had already erected dense wooden palisades around their camp and were busy repairing tall camp gates and watchtowers. Zhang Cheng followed behind Zhang Yan, riding into the camp.

Upon entering, they saw soldiers pitching tents, building stables, and digging latrines. The entire camp was bustling with urgent activity.

This time, under orders to defend the capital region, the Xuanda garrison had mobilized over ten thousand elite cavalry and infantry.

Among them, General Yang Guozhu of Xuanda personally led over 3,500 troops into the campaign, including more than 2,000 cavalry. His cavalry officer, Captain Guo Yingxian, had arrived early in Changping with the vanguard, while the infantry was ordered to arrive within three days. Yang’s headquarters was centrally located in the camp.

Zhang Cheng’s uncle, Deputy General Zhang Yan, commander of the Right Wing Battalion of the Xuanda garrison, brought over 2,500 troops to aid the campaign, including more than 1,200 cavalry who had already reached Changping. Among them, four outposts were under the command of Zhang Cheng himself, a cavalry captain. Zhang Yan personally led the central outpost as his personal guard. The remaining infantry, numbering over 1,200, were also ordered to arrive within three days. Zhang Yan’s camp was positioned to the left of General Yang’s central headquarters.

…

The remaining commanders, Lieutenant Generals Li Jianming and Wen Hui, led the southern and western defense camps of Xuanda City, each bringing 2,000 cavalry and infantry. Like the others, their cavalry had arrived ahead on forced marches, while infantry would follow within three days. Their camps were located to the right and rear of General Yang’s central headquarters.

This constituted the entirety of the Xuanda reinforcements ordered to defend the capital region, totaling over ten thousand troops. The cavalry currently assembled numbered about four thousand, representing the elite of Xuanda. The infantry, nearly six thousand strong, was still en route and expected to arrive in three days.

Upon returning to Deputy General Zhang Yan’s camp, Zhang Yan’s headquarters tent was already erected, guarded by two personal soldiers at the entrance.

He dismounted and said to his nephew Zhang Cheng, “Cheng’er, have lunch with me in my tent.”

“Understood, I will notify the camp and come right away,” Zhang Cheng replied, then spurred his horse away.

About fifteen minutes later, Zhang Cheng returned to his uncle’s tent, dismounted, handed over his horse to Zhang Yan’s guard, and entered.

The interior was simply furnished. At the head of the tent stood a large wooden table, now laid with a modest meal—some salted meat, flatbread, and rice soup.

Influenced by Governor Lu Xiangsheng, most commanders of Xuanda and Datong border troops lived austerely. Especially now, on campaign with a newly established camp, simplicity was paramount and no one dared be particular.

Zhang Cheng sat heavily on a wooden stool by the table, casually picking up a piece of flatbread to bite. Just then, Zhang Yan emerged from the tent, having shed his armor and donned standard military attire.