Di Huang Shu Chapter 2
The imperial study.
Emperor Jia Ning finished reviewing the memorials that had accumulated over the past few days before lifting his eyes to look toward Crown Prince Han Ye, who stood quietly below.
The now-grown Crown Prince possessed remarkable intelligence, composure, and gentleness. As the heir to the throne, he was undoubtedly the pride of Emperor Jia Ning. However, like all emperors throughout history, he was reluctant to share the imperial power he wielded during his reign — even with his most outstanding son.
Han Ye did not resemble Emperor Jia Ning, yet no one had ever dared utter idle gossip about him, simply because he looked too much like Taizu. It was as if they had been carved from the same mold. Whenever Emperor Jia Ning looked at this face that so strongly resembled the late emperor, he could not help but feel momentarily dazed and unfocused, just as he did now.
太祖 (Tài Zǔ) - Taizu (referring to a previous emperor, often the founding emperor of a dynasty)
“Imperial Father?” Crown Prince Han Ye, clearly familiar with Emperor Jia Ning’s temperament, called out in a steady, respectful tone.
Once the words spoken in court today spread, Ren Anle would immediately become a thorn in the flesh of the Eastern Palace and a laughingstock among the nobles and influential figures of the capital. After all, he had accepted thirty thousand naval troops from her. It was only natural for Emperor Jia Ning to express his stance on this matter.
刺肉 (cì ròu) - thorn in the flesh. A metaphor for someone who is annoying or troublesome
“Imperial Father, rest assured. This son will certainly instruct the subordinates,” Han Ye replied with a slight frown.
Emperor Jia Ning nodded, knowing this son had always kept his promises. He suddenly changed the topic and spoke lightly:
“Crown Prince, you have grown up. Moreover, it is not appropriate for the Eastern Palace to remain without an heir. I ask you — up until now, has your intention… remained unchanged?”
At the moment Emperor Jia Ning spoke these words, the kindness and gentleness he had shown earlier vanished, replaced by a faint aura of killing intent. He gazed intently at the Crown Prince, lightly tapping his hand on the dragon-throne desk. The dull knocking sound seemed casual, yet was unmistakably intimidating.
Han Ye’s brows twitched slightly. This was indeed the emperor who had once followed the late emperor on southern expeditions and northern campaigns, annihilated the Di Family , and single-handedly ruled Great Jing. The years of peace and comfort had lasted so long that he had nearly forgotten how ruthless and ambitious his imperial father once was.
Han Ye’s voice remained unwaveringly firm, just as it had been for the past ten years.
Han Ye acknowledged immediately, performed a salute, and withdrew.
The legitimate son walked out calmly, his expression composed, seemingly indifferent to his Imperial Father’s anger. The study door closed gently behind him. Emperor Jia Ning sighed, his expression dark and uncertain.
“Your Majesty, please have a sip of calming tea. It was personally picked by the Fourth Princess from the Imperial Garden a few days ago.”
Zhao Fu carefully placed a cup of light, delicately fragrant vegetarian tea onto the imperial table as he spoke softly. Having served Emperor Jia Ning for decades, he naturally understood the emperor’s preferences. He also knew that once a certain matter was mentioned, the imperial harem would suffer the emperor’s wrath for half a month. Restoring Emperor Jia Ning’s mood was therefore of utmost importance.
Sure enough, Emperor Jia Ning’s expression eased slightly.
If Your Majesty truly wished to eliminate that person, who in the world could stop you? It is merely using the Crown Prince as an excuse. Zhao Fu did not dare speak these words aloud. He lowered his eyes and respectfully said,
“Your Majesty’s imperial might shakes the world. The Di family’s glory belongs to the past. How could an insignificant ant dare compete with the Imperial Family of Great Jing now?”
“That is certainly no insignificant ant,” Emperor Jia Ning scolded softly, though a satisfied expression gradually appeared in his eyes.
“This old slave has spoken out of turn. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.” Zhao Fu hurriedly knelt and apologized, his face filled with fear. Emperor Jia Ning waved him away, and Zhao Fu slowly backed out of the room.
Ant? Master, if you knew that one day the Di clan would be belittled as insignificant creatures by a eunuch, would you… still have willingly handed over the entire realm back then?
Emperor Jia Ning looked toward the neatly placed dark-green iron sword on the left side of the study desk. A faint, indistinct sound seemed to come from the bookshelf above, sending an inexplicable chill through the room even in broad daylight.
❊𑁍❊𑁍❊𑁍❊
It was near dusk in the rear hall of the Ministry of Rites.
Gong Jizhe, Minister Gong, had been busy the entire day arranging the detailed matters concerning Anle Village. Only toward evening did he begin drafting the rewards bestowed by Emperor Jianing during the morning court. Just as he was about to put brush to paper, a hurried shout suddenly rang out from outside the hall. His brush paused, and a tiny drop of ink fell onto the bright-yellow scroll.
“Brother Gong, the weather’s fine today. Tomorrow’s a rest day too. Come with me to the Chu Pavilion for a look. Why hide in this side hall working so hard?”
楚馆( chǔguǎn )Chu pavilion - pleasure house/brothel
A man wrapped in somewhat untidy court robes walked in. He looked a little over thirty, with an ordinary face but lively, constantly shifting eyes that gave him a faint air of marketplace vulgarity.
Gong Jizhe was already past fifty, a steadfast elder who had served two reigns. Straightforward and stubborn by nature, he was rarely at a loss in dealing with others. Yet the man before him possessed an unusually thick skin. After years of acquaintance, Gong Jizhe had grown accustomed to it.
“Nonsense! This Minister is decades older than you. A respectful form of address will do. Stop trying to act familiar every time you come! And how can a dignified court official casually speak of places like the Chu pavilion ?”
Gong Jizhe flicked his sleeve, frowning at the stain on the imperial decree. He quickly brushed over it with ink, blowing his beard and glaring.
“Besides, Anle Village has surrendered in full, and the Ministry of Revenue has listed considerable rewards. Where do you find the leisure to wander about?”
The visitor was Qian Guangjin, Vice Minister of Revenue. Gong Jizhe had once thought Qian Guangjin’s parents remarkably practical for giving him such a good name. As the richest merchant in the Great Jing Dynasty, in just five years this money basket had paved himself a broad road into the imperial court.
There was good reason for it. In the early years after Great Jing was founded, the state had shown generosity to the realm and accumulated little wealth. Emperor Jianing was also fond of warfare, and yearly campaigns consumed most of the treasury. Several years earlier, when funds ran short during military campaigns, the court had nearly resorted to raising taxes to support the frontier armies.
The proposal caused enormous controversy. Before the imperial decree was even issued, old courtiers loudly protested, submitting memorials urging that the people not be burdened. While Emperor Jianing struggled with the dilemma, the new head of the immensely wealthy Qian clan donated ninety percent of the family fortune to the national treasury, declaring that their wealth existed thanks to the protection of a wise ruler, and that taking from the people and using it for the people was the proper path.
The emperor, thoroughly pleased, and impressed by the Qian family’s fortune that rivaled a state treasury, made an exception by recruiting Qian Guangjin into the Ministry of Revenue. Qian Guangjin proved himself worthy. In only five years he replenished the treasury, skillfully navigated court politics, and won imperial favor. Now he served as Vice Minister of Revenue, overseeing the finances and grain supply of Jiangnan.
Even the rigid and old-fashioned Gong Jizhe had to admit that although Qian Guangjin was crude and mercenary, he was a rare genius at enriching the nation.
“Brother Gong, what use is rigid propriety? You’ve been stubborn all your life and never gained a drop of profit. Not as good as this humble Vice Minister,” Qian Guangjin said with a grin.
Qian Guangjin is someone who speaks human words when seeing people and ghost words when seeing ghosts. Usually extremely smooth, yet he inexplicably enjoyed arguing with the upright Minister of Rites. It had become something of an amusement in court.
Chinese symbol of eight: 八
尚书 (shàng shū)- high official; government minister
“What matter do you have? Speak. This old man has no idle time to chat.”
目如火烛 ( mù rú huǒzhú )- eyes like fire-candles — sharp perception
“Old Shangshu, today in court when Deputy General Zhao mentioned the Crown Princess, the atmosphere became very strange. His Highness the Crown Prince has yet to marry a principal wife. Is the Crown Princess position truly reserved for the Di family’s orphaned daughter?”
“Foolish! Why bring that up?” Gong Shangshu barked, veins bulging on his forehead. “Just prepare the rewards.”
“Old Minister, you also know that most of the court ministers are nobles. Someone like me, who entered the court from commerce, has never been seen before and naturally cannot compare to you. Although I have heard of what happened back then, I do not know the full truth. If I were to touch the scales of the dragon, it would be a grave crime. I beg you, Old Minister, to show some consideration and give me guidance .” Qian Guangjin paid no mind to Minister Gong’s attitude, hastening to show respect, his demeanor carrying a certain sincerity.
触龙鳞 (chù lónglín )-touch dragon’s scales -offend the emperor
Gong Shangshu knew he was right. The events of that year were widely known, yet the truth had long been distorted. Qian Guangjin relied on imperial favor to stand in court; offending the emperor over this matter would indeed be disastrous. Remembering that Qian Guangjin had once introduced a physician when Lady Gong was gravely ill, Gong Jizhe hesitated before speaking in a low voice.
“The Crown Princess position is a royal taboo. Never mention it again before others. Especially not the Di family’s orphaned daughter.”
Qian Guangjin nodded repeatedly, though still puzzled.
“The Crown Prince is no longer young. The Crown Princess seat cannot remain empty forever.”
“That depends on whether His Majesty or the Crown Prince can persist longer. After all, this marriage was arranged by the Taizu. The Di’s only daughter will eventually enter the capital. If it were otherwise, do you think all the noble houses in the capital would dare not even dream of the Eastern Palace’s Crown Princess position? There must be a reason.”
If His Majesty is lenient, it will only be another year or two at most. These words were Gong Jizhe’s speculation, though he did not speak them aloud.
Facing Qian Guangjin, he flicked his sleeve and said, “Go on, go on, return to your Ministry of Revenue. Remember these words, but do not mention them again.”
Gong Jizhe was an old man of two dynasties, and his words would not be uncalled for. Seeing that he was starting to drive people away, Qian Guangjin chanted, “Thank you for reminding me,” and withdrew.
As the hall regained its quietness, Gong Shangshu took out the decree he had just drafted, and his eyes fell on the bright yellow scroll, slightly distracted.
Ten years ago he had also drafted an imperial decree for the Emperor Jia Ning, only… it was not a heavenly grace, but a thunderous wrath from the emperor.
The Di clan of Jing’an, disregarding the former emperor’s favor and rashly raising troops in rebellion, is hereby punished on Heaven’s behalf with execution of the entire household. In consideration of the Di clan’s young daughter, once favored by the late emperor, mercy is granted. She shall be confined at Taishan State Temple and may never enter the capital without imperial decree.
A few sentences. One decree.
With just a few words and an imperial decree, the family of the great minister who founded the Great Jing has since been torn down.
Perhaps it would not have been right to call the Di family vassals.
Old Minister Gong closed his cloudy eyes and sighed heavily.
Forty years ago, the Central Plains were in turmoil, and various aristocratic families were vying for control of the realm. Among the ambitious leaders, the Southern Di Family and the Northern Han Family were the most powerful. The head of the Southern Di Family, Di Shentian, was a woman, but she was known for her wisdom and talent. Within a decade, her family became dominant in the south. Similarly, the head of the Northern Han Family, Han Zi’an, expanded their territory in the north and established their dominance. Just when people expected a fierce battle between the two families, both family heads announced to the world that they had known each other for a long time, respected and admired each other, and were willing to unite the north and south without resorting to war. This news was met with joy and celebration among the people, becoming a popular story of the time.
In half a year's time, Di Shentian retired in seclusion, handing over the rule of the south and the military power to Han Zi’an, the head of the Han family.
A year later, Han Zi’an founded the Great Jing dynasty. In recognition of the righteousness of the Di family head, who had ceded the world to him, he made her nephew, Di Yongning, the Marquis of Jing’an, in charge of 100,000 troops in Southern Jin, and decreed that the Marquis of Jing’an would share the right of succession to the throne with the prince of the dynasty.
The world was shaken by this decree, and the noble glory of the Di clan surpassed even the honor and prestige of the imperial family, being revered as the pillar of the Great Kingdom of Jing.
A few years later, the Marquis of Jing’an was blessed with a daughter, whom he regarded as a jewel in the palm of his hand. Taizu was delighted to hear of her, gave her the name Ziyuan to the Di family, and promised a marriage between the Zhong Wang’s son and the youngest daughter of the Di family.
Han Zhongyuan, the then Zhong Wang, is the current Emperor Jia Ning.
In the following years, the Marquis of Jing’an repeatedly submitted petitions to resign the right to succeed the throne, but Taizu never acceded to his requests. In the fourth year of Chongzhao, due to a recurrence of an old illness from his earlier military career, Taizu died in the Hall of Zhaoren, leaving behind a decree to make Zhong Wang Emperor and his son Han Ye Crown Prince. Yet in that edict of succession, the final line read — the Di family’s young daughter, inheriting from Heaven, thus entrusted with great responsibility, honored as the crown prince’s consort.
At the time of Taizu's death, Prince Han Ye was six years old, while Di Ziyuan was only two.
What is meant by “inheriting from Heaven”? It was nothing but the greatest honor and favor left to the Di family by the founding emperor .
The Di family held 100,000 soldiers and horses in Southern Jin, and their noble deed of willingly giving up the throne was respected by the world. During the first two years of instability after the death of Taizu, the Marquis of Jing’an gave his full support to Emperor Jia Ning, which helped Great Jing survive the treacherous dynastic turmoil.
As a sign of the imperial family’s goodwill towards the Di family, the Emperor even decreed that the youngest daughter of the Di family, Di Ziyuan, would be welcomed into the capital in the manner of a princess, to rest and recuperate, treating her as a foremost guest of the imperial household.
At that time, the people of the world thought that when the Prince grew up and the two families of Han and Di, the most honourable people of Dajing, formed a friendship, they would be able to continue the good story of the first time when Taizu and Di Shentian had made peace with the world.
It is a pity that in the sixth year of Jianing, the Marquis of Jing’an privately transferred 80,000 troops from Southern Jin without permission and drove straight to the northern border, intending to collude with the kingdom of Dongqian to start a war. When the news arrived, the whole nation was shaken. Emperor Jianing quickly repaired the national letters, reconciled with the King of Northern Qin, dispatched a mighty army far to the frontier, and at the same time sent Left Chancellor Jiang Yu with the edict of punishment to Southern Jin.
What was perplexing was that the Marquis of Jing’an did not admit guilt. On the contrary, in front of the Di family ancestral hall, before the full city of citizens and the Left Chancellor, he cut his own throat to prove his innocence. To be honest, even if the Southern Jin army had burst into the north, the people of the whole country did not believe that the Marquis of Jing’an harbored any disobedient intentions. With the tragic death of the Marquis of Jing’an, the dynasty fell into more turmoil than ever before, and the princes all saw the opportunity to make their move.
At this moment, Jiang Yu, the Left Minister , found a letter in the Marquis of Jing’an's residence showing that the Marquis and the King of the Dongqian were plotting a rebellion. After announcing this to the whole city, he executed thirty members of the Di clan and hundreds of their descendants. That night, blood flowed through the city, and when the people were paralyzed with fear, Ji Chuan, the defender of Di North City, led the remaining twenty thousand garrison troops to pledge allegiance to Emperor Jianing, and helped the Left Chancellor quickly take control of the northern city.
It was too late for news of Di North City to reach the world. The extinction of the Di clan was a foregone conclusion. Not to mention that, on the same day, the 80,000-strong army of the Di family that had marched north met the Northern Qin iron cavalry and was annihilated at the foot of Qing Nan Mountain, at which point the entire dynasty fell silent.
The destruction of the 80,000-strong army meant that from then on, the only people most honoured and noble in the Great Jing dynasty were the imperial family.
The history books are full of merits and demerits, and the victor is always the king while the defeated is the knave. Who dares touch the wrath of an emperor, and thereby bring calamity upon the entire family?
胜者为王，败者为寇 拼音 (shèngzhěwéiwángbàizhěwéikòu) -It is a Chinese proverbs handed down from ancient China to the present day. It used to mean that in a struggle for power, the victor was the legitimate one and was called the emperor and king; the loser was the illegitimate one and was called a thief and a bandit. It means that the victor has power in his hands and no one dares to blame him, while the loser has a hard time defending himself.
For years thereafter, all courtiers who had once been friendly with the imperial family were exiled or executed. Emperor Jia Ning’s methods were iron-blooded, so much so that from the court to the people, no one dared again to mention the Di family, who had once ceded the world and risen to prominence in Great Jing.
The people of the world were also certain of one thing: the former head of the Di clan, Di Shengtian, who had once ruled the south and been as prominent as Taizu, had long since died. Otherwise, given her temperament, she would never have watched the Di clan be wiped out.
The Di family's orphaned daughter, Di Ziyuan, the Crown Prince’s consort who had been announced to the world, had since then become a taboo to the entire imperial family of Great Jing. She was imprisoned in the Taishan State Temple, and nothing remained of the entire Di family except a false title of Crown Princess that had not yet been officially removed.
Thus, ten years had passed in the blink of an eye.
隐隐炙手 – “faintly burning like fire” -so important / powerful that it feels hot to the hand
Ziyuan. Both characters carried the meaning of first empress.
Inheriting from Heaven, thus granted heavy duty.
Only a very few old ministers had vaguely guessed what was truly contained in that decree back then. Taizu did not choose the Crown Prince Consort according to the Crown Prince’s preference, but… selected the next emperor solely because of the youngest daughter of the Di family.
That meant that as long as Di Ziyuan lived, she was the only rightful head of the Central Palace for the next emperor of Great Jing.
Taizu had valued the Di daughter so highly that he had granted her this name, leaving in her a decree as solemn and weighty as that of establishing an Emperor. So much so that, even after Taizu’s passing and the decline of the Di family over more than a decade, the absurdity of the Eastern Palace Crown Princess position remaining vacant remained unspoken throughout the Great Jing dynasty.
Forget it—the Di family had already declined. No amount of sighing would change that. At this point, Di Ziyuan in His Majesty’s eyes was probably even less important than some mere female bandit of Anle Village.
Gong Shangshu glanced at the darkening sky, placed the decree into a box, and hurried toward the imperial city to present it to Emperor Jianing.
the back story about the di family is really intense. Also thanks for mentioning the meaning of 帝 . I was quite confused about the name of the book and why its called so.
ReplyDeleteThe current emperor is kinda nasty for what he did to the Di family. That was a set up.
ReplyDeleteAlready the marquis didn't' want the right to ascend the throne so why did he that?
Was the marquis getting too popular? Taizu must be rolling in his grave
All of the emperors in the ancient novels I've read are pretty much the same. They despise anyone who is on the same level as them and poses a danger to their status. Or perhaps there's more to it...
DeleteWhy do I have a feeling Ren An le and ziyuan are related... With the way the Di clan is so emphasised
DeleteThanks and I have a keen offer you: How Much Home Renovation Cost house reno on a budget
ReplyDelete