Daming: Refining zombies at the beginning, Lao Zhu was shocked

The day before Zhu Xiajun's coronation ceremony, Shuntian Prefecture was bustling with activity.

The palace was decorated with lights and colorful banners, and red silk and golden dragon-patterned flags were hung everywhere, symbolizing the grand celebration of the new emperor's enthronement.

Palace maids and eunuchs busily shuttled between the palaces, ensuring that every detail was impeccable.

The next morning, just as the sky was getting light, the bell of Shuntian Prefecture resounded through the sky, announcing that this historic moment was about to arrive.

Civil and military officials had already dressed and were ready, gathering in the square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, waiting for the arrival of the new emperor.

People also flocked to the streets, looking forward to witnessing this historic moment.

Zhu Xiajun, wearing a dragon robe and a crown on his head, walked slowly out of the Qianqing Palace.

His steps were steady and firm, his eyes were sharp, as if he was ready to take on the responsibility of the world.

The accompanying ceremonial officials read aloud the documents of offering sacrifices to heaven, praying for heaven's blessing on the new emperor and the Ming Dynasty.

When he arrived in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Zhu Xialun slowly knelt down under the gaze of everyone and kowtowed to the heaven three times.

The ceremonial officer held the jade seal in his hand and handed it solemnly to Zhu Xia Lun.

The moment he took over the jade seal, Zhu Xiarun felt a heavy sense of responsibility. He knew very well that this was not only an object symbolizing power, but also a heavy responsibility.

"A new emperor has ascended the throne. Long live the emperor!"

Civil and military officials shouted in unison, their voices were deafening and echoed throughout the entire palace.

Zhu Xialun stood up, smiled and nodded to the officials.

Next, he will perform a series of enthronement ceremonies in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, including worshiping ancestors and accepting congratulations from his ministers.

In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Zhu Xiajun first performed the ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows to the spirit tablet of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang to show his respect and inheritance.

Afterwards, the ceremonial officer read out the edict of the new emperor's accession to the throne, officially announcing that Zhu Xiajun had ascended the throne as the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

The ministers came forward one by one and saluted the new emperor to express their loyalty and respect.

"Your Majesty, we are willing to devote our lives to the Ming Dynasty until our death!"

Civil and military officials swore in unison, their voices loud and firm.

Zhu Xiajun nodded slightly, feeling a lot of emotions in his heart.

He knew that this was not only a new beginning, but also a new challenge.

As the new king, he will face countless tests and choices, but he is ready to face it all.

The last item of the enthronement ceremony is to offer sacrifices to heaven and earth.

Under the guidance of the ceremonial officer, Zhu Xiajun came to the Temple of Heaven and Earth and performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows to heaven and earth, praying to heaven to protect the Ming Dynasty and ensure its eternal stability and that the people could live and work in peace and contentment.

After the ceremony, Zhu Xiajun stood up and delivered his first speech after ascending the throne to the ministers and the people.

"I feel a great sense of responsibility as I ascend the throne. The Ming Dynasty was built by our great ancestors and countless predecessors with their blood and sweat. We must cherish and protect it. I will work hard to make the Ming Dynasty more prosperous and the people live and work in peace and contentment."

Zhu Xialun's voice was sonorous and powerful, and attracted countless eager gazes!

After the coronation ceremony, Zhu Xiajun returned to the Qianqing Palace and began to handle a series of government affairs.

He knew that ascending the throne was just the beginning and countless challenges were waiting for him in the future.

But he was ready for it all.

On the surface, at least the current Ming Dynasty is not as peaceful as most people think, and his ascension to the throne also means that two other dynasties derived from the Ming Dynasty are about to rise!

I'm afraid that the people who can clearly and deeply realize this point, except for Zhu Li and his son Zhu Xialun, can be counted on one hand!

After Zhu Xiajun ascended the throne, as expected, he directly appointed Zhu Jiantang as the crown prince and chose an day to hold the enthronement ceremony!

However, before that, Zhu Jiantang still had to deal with various state affairs, but his identity had changed from the emperor's grandson to the current prince regent!

All the civil and military officials in the court seemed to have adapted to this model, just like when Emperor Chengwu Zhu Li ascended the throne, he directly appointed Crown Prince Zhu Xiaqiu as regent. They were too familiar with this model and were no longer surprised by it!

The emperor does not need to worry about the daily affairs of the Ming Dynasty court. Everything is the responsibility of the crown prince who is the regent!

This may be something that has never happened in so many dynasties throughout history. However, since Zhu Li became emperor, everything seems to have turned upside down!

The emperor no longer takes care of things, instead the crown prince is in charge!

It is equivalent to the crown prince exercising the power that only the emperor has!

However, one thing is almost certain: this model may not last long.

Because anyone with a discerning eye can see that no matter whether it is Zhu Li or Zhu Xiajun, they are just paving the way for the current Crown Prince Zhu Jiantang!

It is estimated that Emperor Zhu Xiajun will not be able to rule for more than two years, and will have to pass the throne to his son Zhu Jiantang!

……

The sandstorm in Mobei seemed to indicate that a storm was coming.

Zhu Xiafeng stood on the high city wall, looking at the grassland in the distance, with mixed feelings in his heart.

His father Zhu Li had passed the throne to the third son Zhu Xiajun, and this news made him feel complicated.

He knew that as a prince born out of wedlock, even if he was the eldest son, he was still only a prince born out of wedlock, and it was almost impossible for him to obtain the legitimate throne.

Among the four brothers, only the second brother Zhu Xiaqiu and the third brother Zhu Xialun were the queen's legitimate sons, and he could only seek a place in this desolate land of Mobei.

Since childhood, he understood his disadvantage in the order of succession to the throne.

Although he had made many achievements on the battlefield, it was almost impossible for him to obtain the legitimate throne.

Unless all the legitimate sons are dead, but even so, there are still legitimate grandsons!

This road is destined to be bumpy.

He and his third brother Zhu Xiajun once had the best relationship. They practiced martial arts together, studied together, and faced their father's teachings together.

However, as time went on, the struggle for power gradually led them to different paths.

Now that Zhu Xialun has ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, the friendship between the brothers has become fragile.

Thinking of this, Zhu Xiafeng felt a pang of sadness in his heart.

More importantly, the pressure of reality forced him to make a choice.

The various tribes in Mobei, including his son Zhu Jianhe, were looking forward to his ascension to the throne and the establishment of the Northern Ming Dynasty.

In the eyes of these people, he is the only hope and the future leader.

Zhu Xiafeng knew very well that his every move was related to the fate of countless people.

The current situation forces the brothers to stand on opposing sides.

The tribes in Mobei, including his son Zhu Jianhe, were looking forward to his ascension to the throne and the establishment of the Northern Ming Dynasty. This expectation made him feel helpless and heavy, but he also understood that he had no way out.

As expected, not long after, Zhu Jianhe and several tribal leaders excitedly found Zhu Xiafeng. Their faces were filled with excitement and expectation, and they all mentioned that Zhu Xiafeng had ascended the throne.

"Father, Third Uncle has ascended the throne and become the emperor. We can't wait any longer!"

"The tribes in Mobei are all watching us, hoping that we can establish the Northern Ming Dynasty."

There was a hint of urgency in Zhu Jianhe's tone!

The leaders of several tribes also echoed and persuaded Zhu Xiafeng to ascend the throne and become emperor as soon as possible.

Faced with everyone's expectations, Zhu Xiafeng knew that he had no choice.

He nodded slowly and finally agreed.

"Okay, I will ascend the throne in Mobei and establish the Northern Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Xiafeng's voice was low and firm.

What is coming will come sooner or later, so if that’s the case, you might as well just get it over with!

When the news spread, the tribes in Mobei were delighted.

Preparations for the coronation ceremony were underway quickly, and every corner of the grassland was filled with a festive atmosphere. Red silk and golden flags were hung everywhere, symbolizing the grand celebration of the new emperor's coronation.

The next morning, the bells of Mobei rang through the sky, announcing that this historic moment was about to arrive.

Zhu Xiafeng, wearing a dragon robe and a crown on his head, walked slowly out of the palace.

To be precise, from today on, this Fengwang Palace will also become the imperial palace of Bei Daming!

The accompanying ceremonial officials read aloud the documents offering sacrifices to heaven, praying for heaven's blessing on the new emperor and the Northern Daming Dynasty.

Arriving in front of the altar, Zhu Xiafeng slowly knelt down under the gaze of everyone and kowtowed to the heaven three times.

The ceremonial officer held the jade seal in his hand and handed it solemnly to Zhu Xiafeng.

The moment he took over the jade seal, Zhu Xiafeng felt a heavy sense of responsibility. He knew very well that this was not only an object symbolizing power, but also a heavy responsibility.

"A new emperor has ascended the throne. Long live the emperor!"

The tribal leaders and the crowd shouted in unison, the sound was deafening and echoed throughout the entire Mobei grassland.

Zhu Xiafeng stood up, smiled, and nodded to everyone. Next, he would perform a series of enthronement ceremonies on the altar, including worshiping ancestors and accepting congratulations from tribal leaders.

Every step is full of solemnity and sacredness, symbolizing a new starting point for Beidaming.

On the altar, Zhu Xiafeng first performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows to the spirit tablet of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang to show his respect and inheritance.

Afterwards, the ceremonial officer read out the edict of the new emperor's accession to the throne, officially announcing that Zhu Xiafeng had ascended the throne as the Emperor of Northern Daming.

The tribal leaders came forward one by one and saluted the new emperor to express their loyalty and respect.

In short, the entire process of Zhu Xiafeng's ascension to the throne was almost the same as Zhu Xialun's ascension to the throne, with no difference at all!

This is also Zhu Xiafeng’s bottom line!

Although the Northern Ming Dynasty royal family has become independent from Zhu Xiafeng, he, Zhu Xiafeng, is still the grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and the biological son of Zhu Li, the Chengwu Emperor of the Ming Dynasty!

No one can change this!

"Your Majesty, we are willing to devote our lives to the Northern Ming Dynasty until our death!"

The tribal leaders swore in unison, their voices loud and firm.

Zhu Xiafeng nodded slightly, feeling a lot of emotions in his heart.

The last item of the enthronement ceremony was offering sacrifices to heaven and earth. Under the guidance of the ceremonial officer, Zhu Xiafeng came to the altar of heaven and earth and performed the ritual of kneeling three times and knocking nine times to heaven and earth, praying for heaven's protection and eternal stability of the Northern Daming Dynasty and for the people to live and work in peace and contentment.

After the coronation ceremony is over, it will be the moment that all the tribes and Zhu Xiafeng’s descendants are looking forward to!

Because what needs to be done next is to reward those tribal leaders who have made outstanding contributions on the battlefield and give them promotions!

More importantly, it is necessary to confirm the identity of Crown Prince Zhu Jianhe and the identities of several other princes as vassal kings!

Next, Zhu Xiafeng conferred the titles of six dukes, twenty marquises and sixty earls on generals and tribal leaders who had made outstanding achievements on the battlefield.

The issuance of each title symbolized the stability and strength of the new Beidaming regime, and also won warm cheers from everyone present!

Especially those grassland tribal leaders who had followed Zhu Xiafeng in his battles, each of them got the results and rewards they wanted, and you can imagine how excited they were!

Subsequently, Zhu Xiafeng established the six ministries of the Northern Ming Dynasty in accordance with the Ming Dynasty court, namely: the Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Works.

He appointed the heads of various departments one by one to ensure the efficient operation of the new regime.

The news that Zhu Xiafeng ascended the throne in Mobei and established the Northern Ming Dynasty quickly spread to Shuntian Prefecture, shocking the entire Ming Dynasty.

In the court, a group of officials were outraged and accused Zhu Xiafeng of betraying the court and doing evil things.

"Your Majesty, Zhu Xiafeng's actions are truly treasonous and must be severely punished!"

An imperial censor spoke in a stern voice.

"Yes, Your Majesty, if this is not suppressed, I am afraid that more people will follow suit and the prestige of the court will be completely destroyed!"

Another minister echoed.

Zhu Xiajun, who had just ascended the throne, sat upright on the dragon throne with a calm expression, but his heart was turbulent.

He knew very well that Mobei was now a unified territory, with all tribes united and the people in favor. If a war were to break out, the outcome would be unpredictable.

What's more, Zhu Xiafeng is his elder brother, and they still have a brotherly relationship.

"My dear ministers, what you said is very true. I cannot sit idly by and do nothing."

"So I have decided to personally lead an army of 200,000 to conquer Mobei. What do you think, my dear ministers?"

Zhu Xialun spoke with a somewhat gloomy expression, and no one knew what he was thinking at the moment.

There was an immediate chorus of agreement in the court, and all the ministers expressed their approval.

Zhu Xialun sighed inwardly, knowing that this was just a temporary solution, but it was the only other option.

Just think of it as a military exercise outside the Great Wall, just for fun!

The ministers simply wanted to establish the prestige of the court and did not want to lose face; at the very least, they had to put on an act.

Naturally, no one in the court would object to the emperor's decision to lead the army in person. Everyone knew Zhu Xialun's terrifying fighting ability. Perhaps the only person in the entire Ming Dynasty who could compete with Zhu Xialun, besides the god of war Zhu Li, was Zhu Xialun!

Anyway, all the affairs of the court are usually handled by Crown Prince Zhu Jiantang, so it is really not that important whether Emperor Zhu Xiajun is in the capital!

However, those in the cabinet, especially Yu Qian, knew best that Zhu Xiafeng's words about leading the army in person were mostly just a pretense and there would be no real fight!

It seems more like giving the Ming Dynasty court a way out!

But no one can be sure what Zhu Xiafeng is thinking?

At the same time, the news that Zhu Xialun and Zhu Xiafeng had ascended the throne and proclaimed themselves emperors reached Zhu Xiaye, who was far away in Jerusalem, almost at the same time!

"Has this day finally come?"

Zhu Xiaye's gaze subconsciously turned to his master Yan Nangui standing beside him.

The Northern Ming Dynasty has been established, so does the Western Ming Dynasty also have to be established?