eldest son of Ming dynasty

After the Lantern Festival, Jinglu Hou Zhou Shangwen was ordered to lead his army back to Nanjing in triumph, while the navy continued to patrol the river to arrest thieves and stabilize the place.

  On the twenty-sixth day of the first month of the twelfth year of Zhengde, I came to report that Zhou Shangwen had brought back King Ning and other rebels, and they were only waiting for an auspicious day to offer their prisoners to the Holy One.

  The emperor replied with the word "yes".

  Then he put on the emperor's imperial robes, added a golden winged crown, and stood on the Meridian Gate.

  During the prisoner presentation ceremony, the emperor would set up a seat on the Meridian Gate Tower with tents hanging around it, and the civil and military officials would be arranged downstairs according to their rank.

  When the auspicious time arrives, the ceremony officially begins.

  Zhou Shangwen escorted King Ning and others to the Meridian Gate. These people were tied up by Bai Lian, symbolizing their submission and conquest.

  The success of the king and the failure of the bandit are very obvious at this moment.

  clang!
  Officials from the Bell and Drum Department sounded the bells,

  Zhou Shangwen stepped forward with his sword and said loudly: "I, Zhou Shangwen, Marquis of Jinglu, were ordered by the emperor to lead the army to put down the rebellion. In the Jing'an area, I entrusted the emperor with great blessings and relied on the officers and soldiers for their orders. Since the expedition, we have captured Jiujiang and conquered Nanchang." , the rebels have been defeated, and now the leader of the thieves has been captured, so he is here to return his orders! Please give the emperor a decree to convict him of the death penalty, so as to establish the prestige of the imperial court, frighten Xiaoxiao, and protect the Ming Dynasty forever!"

  "Jinglu Hou is worthy of being my Ming Dynasty general. You have worked hard in this battle." Zhu Houzhao also used some of his Dantian power in these words.

  "I am willing to serve the Emperor!"

  "Where are the prisoners?"

  Zhou Shangwen turned sideways and said, "The leader is none other than Ning Ni!"

  Zhu Houzhao looked carefully at the middle-aged man who was tied up and kneeling below. He was slightly far away, and he could only see his dejected appearance, and could not see the details on his face.

  "Ning Ni, can you plead guilty?"

  This was also the first time Zhu Chenhao heard Emperor Zhengde speak. In his early years, he had thought about going to the capital to meet the emperor, but Zhu Houzhao still didn't know about his urine properties.

  This guy came to the capital just to see him. He didn't know who he wanted to make friends with or what kind of trouble he would cause, so he was kept in check and wouldn't let him leave Nanchang.

  Speaking of which, although they have hated each other for many years, this is indeed the first time the two of them have met.

  Zhou Shangwen shook the sword in his hand, "You are a bold traitor. Your Majesty asks you a question. How dare you not reply?!"

  "Hahahaha. I won't be alive for long, so why should I care about secular rules! I'm right, you owe this to our family!"

  After hearing this, many ministers changed their expressions.

  So they all started to criticize and curse, "Crazy! Discourteous!"

  "Even when death is imminent, you are still so domineering!"

  "Bold traitor!"

  Zhu Houzhao just raised the corners of his mouth.

  He never hates his enemies saying such things in front of him, because it means victory. After all, apart from a few curses, the other party probably can't do anything.

  "Proclamation."

  The emperor stood up, and all the courtiers who had been cursing below lowered their heads to face him, including Zhou Shangwen.

  Zhu Houzhao was full of majesty, as if looking down on all living beings, "I, it is not easy for destiny. Shao inherited the great unification, abided by his ambition, and his mission was to pacify the people and pacify the chaos. However, the rebellious king Zhu Chenhao was treasonous and unruly. He forgot his ancestors and wanted to rebel and harm the Zhu family. , his arrogance, rampant actions, and lack of repentance are like a madman. I appointed six armies to fight bravely. Thanks to the blessing of the ancestors’ spirits in heaven and the life of the soldiers, we were able to finally put an end to the rebellion and restore peace.

  As a result, the army returned triumphantly and captured Yingting, all of whom rebelled against the leader of the thief. To show the imperial majesty, to comfort the people, and to offer sacrifices to my ancestors, I was blessed by heaven and earth for my small virtues, and was able to lead the ministers to put down the rebellion. This is not my alone, but it is actually the accumulated virtues and benevolence of my ancestors, and their blessings are endless. May the spirits of our ancestors in heaven bless our Ming Dynasty, Chang'an, and enjoy sacrifices forever!

  I shall obey the will of Heaven and the will of the people below, punish this traitor and rectify my own virtue! All my subjects should know that the defeat of the rebels is indeed the way of heaven! "

  This is part of the ceremony. The great righteousness is that it is not easy for me to inherit the will of my ancestors. I have been trying to appease the people and bring peace to the people. As a result, an ungrateful guy wanted to rebel, so I had to send troops to kill him.

  He has been taken care of now. It's not my fault, it's the blessing of my ancestors, it's the way of heaven. You all should be careful, God's way is with me.

  Later, because this guy’s surname was Zhu.

  Zhu Houzhao had to take him to the Ancestral Ancestral Temple and asked him to kowtow in front of the Ancestral Temple and admit his mistake. At the same time, Zhu Houzhao had a chat with his ancestors, and then went through the formal ceremony of the Eight Classics to clean up the family. '!
  Probably that's it.

  Finally, the time for King Ning's beheading was set.

  This day is not so urgent. It needs to be fermented enough to let everyone know. When the time comes, the people in the city will watch, just to tell the people: Give me a good life. If you want to rebel, then look at these people today. The end!
  ……

  ……

  "Hahaha."

  After the prisoners were presented, the emperor was in a good mood. He led Zhou Shangwen, the greatest hero, into the palace, and did not hide his respect for him in front of the officials. "I have won Marquis Jinglu, just like Meng Tian of Emperor Qin, and Wei Qing of Han Dynasty." , this time the rebels were quite powerful, but they didn’t know that my General Zhou was here, and the rebels were wiped out in the blink of an eye! Okay, okay! Marquis Jinglu, I have ordered the Ministry of Rites to draft an official document. This time, we have to I’ll reward you heavily!”

  Zhou Shangwen still paid great attention to the etiquette between the emperor and his ministers. He knelt down and said: "I am an ordinary military household in Xi'an Guards. Fortunately, your majesty has trusted me for decades and has been promoted many times. To this day, I am not very frightened. How can I dare to do it again?" Received a new title. Besides, His Majesty was the only one who strategized and made all the clever plans in this battle, and the minister's minor achievements are not worth mentioning."

  "Hey, you can't say that." Zhu Houzhao helped him up with both hands, "It is the way of a king to have clear rewards and punishments. If you have done meritorious service, you should be rewarded. Do you want people to say that I am stupid and not reward the victorious general?"

  "I don't dare." "That's it."

  Zhang Cong also interjected at the right time, "The emperor is a king like Yao and Shun, and he has always been impartial. Marquis Jinglu has made great contributions, so he should naturally be rewarded. Just remember the emperor's great kindness, and he will bravely make new contributions for your majesty in the future." ”

  "Look, they all say that."

  "Yes, that humble minister has thanked the emperor for his kindness. A scholar dies for a confidant. All my glory and splendor are given by your majesty. From now on, I will continue to serve your majesty wholeheartedly, even if I die!"

  Zhu Houzhao has repeated conversations like this countless times over the years.

  He didn't feel anything anymore, but he still had to act like, "Ah, I'm very satisfied with what you said."

  Of course, Zhou Shangwen should still be rewarded.

  Last time, when Zhou Shangwen attacked Turpan, Zhu Houzhao was so excited that he wanted to include him in the list of famous generals, but he was later persuaded by Wang Hua.

  It's actually slightly pressed down.

  But this time, there can be no more ‘insincerity’.

  "Speaking of which, the Ming Dynasty has not had a Duke for many years. This is not a good thing. The title of this dynasty is based on military merit. Without a Duke, it means only civil administration and no martial arts. On the other hand, once the Zhengde Dynasty had a vast territory, Lien Chan Lian Jie, how can one be missing a duke?"

  Zhou Shangwen's heart trembled, slightly disbelieving.

  In fact, Zhu Houzhao had already thought about it.

  Most of the old school dukes are no longer useful.

  Xungui and civil servants are indeed different. They really support the royal family. After the battle of Tumubao, Xungui's vitality was severely damaged, which was actually one of the reasons why civil servants gradually lost control.

  As an emperor, sometimes there are people who are useless and you have to use them too. No way, that's a symbol. And behind these people is a group.

  For example, Zhu Fu, the Duke of Chengguo, obviously had no great talent, but he still had to be promoted to be a facade. This was especially true for the former British Duke Zhang Mao. After all, he was a fairly honest and honest person, a normal person who didn't do anything weird.

  The Duke of Wei in Nanjing is even older, and Xu Pengju doesn't look good either, but he will have to be kept in Nanjing in the future.

  Your honor has declined.

  Furthermore, in recent years, Ming Dynasty has obviously become more martial-minded, and the appointment of a state official can also serve as a further incentive.

  Of course, these are all other considerations.

  In fact, it was Zhou Shangwen who made military exploits.

  "If you are not in the capital, the official edict, gold seal, etc. will need to be given to you after you return to the capital. But I am happy today, so I took advantage of the atmosphere to announce this decree in advance. Zhou Shangwen, you are half a soldier and have established an immortal foundation for the Ming Dynasty. From Gansu to Xinjiang, from Datong to Nanchang, it can be said that you have won all the victories in the east, west, north and south. With such military achievements, why should I cherish the title of a Duke? Today, I will make the decision and grant you the title of Ming Dynasty. The Duke of Yue! With the addition of a decree, it can be hereditary for one generation!"

  When these words really came from the emperor's mouth, Zhou Shangwen was already a little uncontrollably excited. He could actually get a top title in his life!
  However, you should be polite when you should be polite, "Your Majesty, the Duke of this dynasty either followed Taizu and made great contributions to the founding of the country, or accompanied Taizong to carry out the peace of heaven. How virtuous and capable is the minister? In fact, I dare not accept such an honor!"

  In fact, if he destroyed a Turpan country, he should be granted the title of Duke.

  And later, some people were granted the title of Duke of the Kingdom. For example, during the Seizing of the Gate incident, Shi Heng was granted the title of Duke of Zhongguo because he helped the Yingzong to restore his clan.

  During the reign of Emperor Xianzong, Zhu Yong inherited the title of Duke Funing from his father. Later, he was promoted to Marquis of Funing for his meritorious service in conquering the refugees. Later, he was promoted to Duke Baoguo for his meritorious service against the Jurchen tribe.

  In the Ming Dynasty, there was also a Ning Guogong later. This happened during the Tianqi period, but mainly because he was Wei Zhongxian's nephew, there is no need to say more.

  However, there are also differences between the Duke of the State and the Duke of the State.

  For example, Baoguo Gong, his title was a floating title, which could not be passed on to future generations. Later, he made great achievements in resisting the Mongols in Datong and was given a hereditary title.

  Therefore, his son Zhu Hui is still the Duke of Baoguo.

  Of course, this guy was not very 'sensible', so he demoted Zhu Houzhao to the title of Marquis of Funing.

  In fact, although he lived a stable life in the history books, his title of Duke Baoguo was also reduced.

  With such a precedent, Zhu Houzhao naturally has nothing to worry about, "No need to say more, my dear, if anyone is dissatisfied, he can fight many victorious battles like you. I can also make him the Duke of the country, and I will not be stingy!"

  "I would like to congratulate your Majesty. Since you are a duke, you must have military achievements. All of this is because of our great Ming Dynasty, and the resurgence of China has been achieved!"

  Zhou Shangwen couldn't help but refuse again and again, so he finally accepted it. Of course, he had to say a few more words of loyalty.

  Zhu Houzhao was in a good mood. He wished he could award more titles.

  Wang Shouren should not forget that he had also made military exploits in the desert, so he had to give him the title of Uncle Xinjian that originally belonged to him.

  "That's it. Zhou Shangwen, you have worked hard these days, but you haven't even made it to the New Year. Your two sons are also in the army, so hurry back and reunite. By the way, when we give you a banquet later, we will They also brought it into the palace and asked me to take a closer look."

  "Yes, I thank you for your grace!"

  After he left, Zhu Houzhao was thinking again and said to Zhang Cong and Zhang Zilin, "Get ready. How about we go meet Ning Ni?"