Total War: Restoration of the Ming Dynasty in Luzon

Chapter 49 urging the emperor to take the throne

Three days later, a petition urging Zhu Jiheng to ascend the throne, written by Lin Qingyuan and signed by various officials, overseas Chinese leaders, elders, and military officers in the city, was solemnly presented to him.

Zhu Jiheng sat upright behind the desk in his study, his gaze slowly sweeping over the lines of earnest and even slightly impassioned text. Even he himself was moved by the content.

"...Your Highness is descended from Emperor Gaozu, with pure blood; divinely granted martial prowess, you have restored the coastal borders; your benevolence is widespread, benefiting both Chinese and barbarians. Now, the land is in ruins, the dust of barbarians obscures the sky, Dongning has fallen, and the legitimate dynasty has no support. The loyal and righteous throughout the land know not where to turn; the people of the four seas all yearn for a bright future. Your Highness, born of Heaven's mandate, has conquered Luzon to save the remaining people, and driven out the Western barbarians to demonstrate the might of the Han. This is not due to human effort, but truly the will of Heaven..."

"...Your Highness, having carefully observed public sentiment and received the mandate of Heaven, you should hasten to the throne to stabilize the hearts of the people. By ascending the throne in Luzon, upholding the ancestral lineage of the Ming Dynasty, and establishing the great enterprise of Zhaowu, Heaven's mandate will have its proper place, the hearts of the people will have their anchor, the loyal and righteous will know where to go, and the wicked and treacherous will know what to fear. Internally, you can bring peace to the people; externally, you can subdue the barbarians; you can launch a northern expedition to the Central Plains, recover lost territories, restore the foundation of your ancestors, and usher in a new era of peace and prosperity..."

"...Your humble servants are filled with trepidation and await your orders. We respectfully submit this memorial to report."

The signatures at the end of the document are Lin Qingyuan, Zhou Wenhuan, Shen Mingda, and dozens of other names, some familiar and some unfamiliar, along with bright red fingerprints, densely packed together.

Below, Lin Qingyuan and the other two stood with their hands at their sides, holding their breath and concentrating. Their eyes held both anticipation and a hint of barely perceptible tension. The atmosphere in the hall was solemn, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Zhu Jiheng carefully read the memorial from beginning to end, but did not immediately express his opinion. After pondering for a long time, he finally spoke slowly:

"I am deeply gratified by the sincere loyalty and righteousness expressed in your joint petition."

Hearing this, the three assumed it was a sign that Zhu Jiheng was about to agree, and they all secretly glanced at him. Soon, Zhu Jiheng's voice continued:

"Luzon has just been recovered, and everything is in ruins. The Tartars are eyeing us covetously in the north, and the remnants of the Western barbarians are still lurking. The people in the city are restless and uneasy because of the bad news from Dongning. At this critical moment, you have been able to set aside your personal concerns, put the country first, think long-term, plan for me, and strive for the revival of the Ming Dynasty. I will remember your heart and your determination."

Lin Qingyuan stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, you are wise! It is not that we are recklessly discussing the imperial regalia, but rather that the times are difficult, and without a definitive name for the regalia, it is difficult to unite the people and enforce the law. Your Highness, bearing the blood of the founding emperor, is benevolent and valiant, and your conquest of Luzon has already demonstrated the will of Heaven. Now is the perfect time to inherit the throne! In this way, soldiers will have a reason to die for their cause, the people will have a basis for paying taxes, laws and education will have a source, and diplomatic negotiations will have a basis. Only then will loyalists overseas have something to rely on, and together we can strive to restore the great cause!"

Zhou Wenhuan and Shen Mingda echoed in unison, "We earnestly urge Your Highness to prioritize the well-being of the nation and the millions of people living overseas!"

Zhu Jiheng nodded slightly, but instead of relenting as they expected, he showed a solemn expression.

He stood up, walked around the table to the three men, and said, "What you all say about names and principles is indeed very true. I also deeply understand the principle that if names are not correct, words will not be proper, and if words are not proper, things will not be accomplished."

"However, you may not fully understand my intentions. When I fled from Dongning, I gave the title of Regent Crown Prince to command the four directions. This was not out of humility, but because I cherished my homeland and did not forget my roots!"

His gaze turned north, and his expression became serious: "I have not entered Nanjing, have not offered sacrifices at Xiaoling Mausoleum, and have not avenged the national humiliation before the enemy court. What face do I have to claim supremacy in this corner of the world?"

"How can I hastily ascend the throne on this island far from the Central Plains when the ancestral tombs are still stained with the stench of war? If I do so, how am I different from those who seek only a corner of the land, forgetting the hatred of national foes and family feuds? How can I console the ancestors, loyal ministers, and righteous men who died resisting the invaders?"

Upon hearing this, the three men were unsure of Zhu Jiheng's true thoughts, whether he was simply following orders and declining the throne three times, or whether he truly had no intention of becoming emperor at this moment.

"Your Highness..." Shen Mingda wanted to persuade him again, but Zhu Jiheng stopped him by raising his hand.

"I understand your intentions." Zhu Jiheng's tone softened, but his attitude remained firm: "Your concerns about the uncertainty of your titles and the resulting unrest are understandable and valid. Although I cannot assume the throne immediately, I can take the first step to reassure the people, establish laws and regulations, clarify rewards and punishments, and rectify titles and positions."

Upon hearing this, the three instantly understood Zhu Jiheng's meaning. Lin Qingyuan stepped forward at the opportune moment, offering Zhu Jiheng a way out:

"We were too hasty in our ascension to the throne and failed to appreciate Your Highness's profound foresight and deep respect for the deceased. Your Highness's concern for the Xiaoling Mausoleum and your ambition to restore it are truly admirable and put us to shame!"

"However, the world cannot be without a ruler for a day, and the country cannot be without a monarch for a day. It is still too early for Your Highness to ascend the throne. We earnestly request that Your Highness first assume the position of regent, exercise the real power of the emperor overseeing the country, establish Luzon as the temporary capital of the court, follow the old system of the two capitals, establish the Six Ministries, and proclaim this to the world to reassure the people!"

Upon hearing Lin Qingyuan's proposed compromise, a fleeting hint of approval flashed in Zhu Jiheng's eyes. He nodded slightly and said, "Jingzhi's words resonate deeply with me. Noble titles should not remain vacant for long, nor should high positions be lightly bestowed. The title of regent, with the actual power of governing, allows for overall control, ensuring the stability of the country, and is precisely the solution to the current predicament."

Before the three could show any joy, he changed the subject, saying, "However, Luzon is currently short of capable men. Even if we set up six ministries, the positions would be vacant. So we will not set up six ministries for the time being, but will only change the Luzon Prefecture to the temporary capital and the Governor's Office to the temporary palace."

Upon hearing that the Six Ministries would not be established for the time being, the three were somewhat disappointed. Although they were indeed concerned about the great cause of restoring the country, they also had their own selfish motives to some extent.

If the Six Ministries were established, given Zhu Jiheng's high regard for them, they would certainly be among the ministers, and it wouldn't be impossible for them to enter the cabinet in the future.

However, they quickly adjusted their emotions. The abolition of the Six Ministries was only temporary. Zhu Jiheng only had them as officials at hand. As long as they worked diligently, they would definitely be needed when the Six Ministries were re-established in the future. There was no need to rush things.

Lin Qingyuan reacted the fastest, immediately bowing twice and saying, "Your Highness's foresight and strategic vision, prioritizing the restoration of the Central Plains and the offering of sacrifices at the Xiaoling Mausoleum, is truly a blessing for the nation. We are deeply grateful! Your Majesty's decision to oversee the country and govern in unison is the most appropriate course of action at present. We will humbly obey Your Highness's decree!"

Zhou Wenhuan and Shen Mingda followed closely behind, saying in unison, "Your subjects will obey the imperial edict!"

Seeing that the three understood and accepted his decision, Zhu Jiheng's expression softened slightly, and he nodded, saying, "Good. Now that the titles and ranks are settled, we should act quickly to reassure the people."

Then, he called out Lin Qingyuan's name.

"Your subject is here," Lin Qingyuan replied hastily.

"Now that you have assumed the duties of the prefect, and have also initiated this proposal, you shall be in charge of all matters concerning the Grand Ceremony of Regent and the reform of the Imperial Palace. You must handle these matters swiftly and simply, displaying dignity without extravagance. The necessary manpower and resources can be mobilized from the prefectural government and the imperial palace."

"Your subject obeys! I will do my utmost to live up to Your Highness's trust!" Lin Qingyuan felt both a great sense of responsibility and a surge of excitement at being trusted.