Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes fell on Gu Qingping, and he looked her up and down, then nodded slightly: "Well, this woman looks dignified and steady. Whose daughter is she?"

Zhu Biao quickly replied: "My father, she is the daughter of the Gu family in Yangzhou, and her name is Qingping."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, with a look of scrutiny in his eyes: "Gu's daughter? I remember that the Gu family is also a prestigious family in Yangzhou. Qingping, do you have any talents or specialties?"

Gu Qingping knelt slightly and saluted, her voice gentle and clear: "Your Majesty, I am a little proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, but my talent is mediocre, and I dare not show my ugliness in front of Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly: "Don't be modest, I'm just asking casually. Since Biaoer chose you as the Crown Princess, you must have something extraordinary."

He paused, and his eyes fell on Zhu Biao again: "Biao'er, are you sure you want to choose her as the Crown Princess? This matter is very serious, you must think it over carefully."

Zhu Biao answered firmly, "Father, I have thought it through. Qingping is steady, reserved, and has a peaceful temperament. She is exactly the candidate for the Crown Princess I need. Please grant me your approval."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, and finally nodded: "Okay, since you have made up your mind, then I will grant your wish. Send down the decree to confer Gu Qingping as the Crown Princess, and choose a day to hold the ceremony."

Zhu Biao was inexplicably excited when he heard this. He immediately knelt down and kowtowed: "Thank you, father, for your grace!"

Gu Qingping also quickly knelt down and saluted: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said, "Everyone, get up. Biao'er, go back and prepare for the enthronement ceremony. I want to see a grand ceremony."

Zhu Biao and Gu Qingping stood up quickly and respectfully left the imperial study. The moment they walked out of the imperial study, Zhu Biao held Gu Qingping's hand tightly, with happiness shining in his eyes.

"Qingping, we are finally going to be together." Zhu Biao said softly, his tone full of tenderness.

Gu Qingping smiled slightly and looked at Zhu Biao tenderly: "Your Highness, this all seems like a dream. I never thought that I could become the Crown Princess."

Zhu Biao shook his head: "No, Qingping, this is your destiny and our future. I will treat you well and make you the happiest woman in the world."

Gu Qingping's eyes flashed with tears, and she said with emotion: "Your Highness, I am willing to spend my life with you hand in hand, no matter the wind and rain, I will never separate you."

The day of the enthronement ceremony finally arrived, and the entire palace was enveloped in a festive atmosphere. Red silk was hung high, colorful lights were flashing, and the palace maids and eunuchs were busy shuttling around in every corner, making final preparations for this grand ceremony.

The morning sun shone on Zhu Biao's bedroom. He was wearing gorgeous prince's clothes and sitting in front of a bronze mirror, letting the maids tidy up his clothes. He looked out the window from time to time, his heart full of anticipation and excitement.

"Your Highness, you look really dashing today." A maid said softly, holding a comb in her hand and carefully combing Zhu Biao's hair.

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, but there was a hint of nervousness between his brows: "Today is the enthronement ceremony, how can I not be nervous?"

At this time, Zhu Han walked in. He was wearing a luxurious brocade robe and had a stern face, but there was a hint of relief in his eyes.

"Biao'er, today is your big day, why are you so sad?" Zhu Han joked, walking up and patting Zhu Biao on the shoulder.

Zhu Biao turned around, looked at Zhu Han, and whispered, "Uncle, I... I'm afraid I can't do it well."

Zhu Han smiled slightly, with some encouragement in his eyes: "Biao'er, you are already the crown prince, the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty. How can a mere enthronement ceremony be difficult for you?"

Zhu Biao sighed and shook his head: "Uncle, you don't know, I always feel uneasy. The position of Crown Princess is related to the stability of the court, how can I not be cautious?"

Zhu Han nodded, his expression becoming serious: "Biao'er, your worries are not unreasonable. But as the Crown Princess, you have already chosen Gu Qingping, so you must trust your own judgment. She is a steady and reserved woman, and she will definitely be able to lend you a helping hand."

Zhu Biao was silent for a moment, then nodded: "Uncle, I understand. I will do my best."

At this time, a eunuch hurried over and knelt on the ground to report: "Your Highness, Prince, the enthronement ceremony is ready, Your Highness, please move forward."

Zhu Biao stood up, straightened his clothes, and said to Zhu Han, "Uncle, let's go."

Zhu Han nodded, and walked out of the palace with Zhu Biao to the site of the enthronement ceremony.

The enthronement ceremony was held in the square of the imperial palace, and the surrounding area was filled with civil and military officials and concubines who came to watch the ceremony.

A high platform was built in the center of the square, on which was placed a golden dragon throne. On both sides of the throne were two guards holding golden axes, looking solemn and dignified.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Han walked up to the platform and sat on the golden dragon throne. Zhu Biao took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

He looked towards the audience and saw Gu Qingping, wearing a gorgeous phoenix coronet and bridal robe, walking slowly towards them, led by a female official.

Her steps were light and steady, and each step seemed so unhurried. She had a faint smile on her face, but her eyes showed a hint of determination. Zhu Biao looked at her and felt inexplicably moved.

"Qingping, you are finally here." Zhu Biao said silently in his heart, his eyes full of tenderness.

Gu Qingping walked to the bottom of the platform and knelt down to salute: "Your servant Gu Qingping, I pay my respects to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness Prince Jing."

Zhu Biao stood up, walked down the platform, and personally helped Gu Qingping up: "Qingping, from today on, you are my crown princess. I will treat you well and will not let you suffer any grievances."

Gu Qingping raised her head, looked at Zhu Biao tenderly, and said softly: "Your Highness, Qingping is willing to spend this life with you hand in hand, and share the ups and downs together."

Zhu Biao held Gu Qingping's hand tightly, with a determined light in his eyes. He turned to look at Zhu Han and whispered, "Uncle, let's get started."

Zhu Han nodded, stood up, and announced loudly: "The enthronement ceremony officially begins!"

Following Zhu Han's order, ritual music and drums rang out. A group of palace maids and eunuchs danced in the square holding colorful flags and lanterns. The entire palace was immersed in a festive atmosphere.

Zhu Han stepped forward, took an imperial edict from the eunuch beside him, and read it out loud: "In compliance with the will of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: Qingping, the daughter of the Gu family in Yangzhou, is dignified and virtuous, and has both talent and virtue. She is hereby canonized as the Crown Princess. I decree this!"

After reading the imperial edict, Zhu Han handed it to Zhu Biao. Zhu Biao took the imperial edict and handed it to Gu Qingping solemnly: "Qingping, this is the will of my father, and it is also my promise to you."

Gu Qingping took the imperial edict, tears glistening in her eyes. She bowed deeply and said, "I thank the Lord for his grace."

Zhu Biao stood up, took Gu Qingping's hand, walked up to the high platform, and sat on the golden dragon throne. He turned to look at Gu Qingping and whispered, "Qingping, from today on, you are my wife." Gu Qingping smiled and nodded, her eyes full of happiness. She snuggled in Zhu Biao's arms, feeling this hard-earned happiness.

At this time, all the civil and military officials and concubines in the harem came forward to congratulate the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess on their happy marriage.

Zhu Biao and Gu Qingping accepted everyone's blessings with a smile, their hearts filled with gratitude and happiness.

Zhu Biao stood up, took Gu Qingping's hand, walked to the edge of the platform, and waved to the people below. His face was filled with a happy smile, as if the whole world had become beautiful.

"Biao'er, today is an important moment to report your wedding date to our ancestors." Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was low and majestic. He looked at the tablets of emperors of all dynasties enshrined in the Taimiao, his eyes full of piety.

"You need to pray sincerely and ask the ancestors to bless you and give you a virtuous princess consort to carry on the family line and prolong the Ming dynasty."

Zhu Biao bowed respectfully and said, "I will remember your teachings, my father." He took the three incense sticks handed to him by the eunuch, lit them and inserted them into the incense burner.

In the midst of the smoke, his voice was clear and firm: "Ancestors, I, your unfilial grandson Zhu Biao, have come here today to inform you that I will marry Qingping, the daughter of the Gu family in Yangzhou, as the Crown Princess on an auspicious day. I hope that your ancestors will bless you, and that you will have a happy marriage and a son soon to carry on the Ming dynasty."

Minister of Rites Chen Di held up a yellow book and read aloud the auspicious date: "According to the Imperial Book of Treatises and Prescriptions, the eighth day of next month is auspicious for marriage, sacrifices, and prayers. It is indeed an auspicious day that is rarely seen in a century."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes: "In that case, the wedding will be held on the eighth day of next month. Biao'er, you must prepare well and not slack off in the slightest."

Zhu Biao bowed again: "I obey your order."

Three days later, Li Shanchang, an official from the Ministry of Rites, led a procession of ceremonial guards out of the Forbidden City and headed for Gu's residence in Yangzhou. In the procession, a wild goose was carefully caged, its feathers gleaming in the sun, symbolizing faithful love.

In front of the Gu Mansion, there were lanterns and decorations, and the guests were all over the house. Gu Qingping's father, Gu Weijun, had already led his family members to welcome him outside the door. When he saw Li Shanchang and his party coming, he hurried forward to greet them: "Lord Li, you have come from afar, and your humble home is honored."

Li Shanchang smiled and returned the greeting: "Mr. Gu is too polite. Today, I am here at the order of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to perform the ceremony of accepting marriage proposals and asking for the name of the bride." As he spoke, he motioned for the eunuch behind him to present the wild goose, "This is the wild goose that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince personally selected. May it be as loyal to Miss Gu as the wild goose, and live together forever."

Gu Weijun took the wild goose with both hands, and said solemnly: "How have I done anything to deserve the favor of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince? Please come in and serve tea."

After everyone was seated, Li Shanchang asked solemnly, "May I ask, Lord Gu, what is your daughter's name? What is her date of birth?"

Gu Weijun paused for a moment and replied, "My daughter's name is Qingping. She was born on the third day of the third month of the fifteenth year of Hongwu, at 3:30 pm."

Li Shanchang nodded and ordered his men to write it down: "In that case, I will take the young lady's name and birth date back to the palace and ask the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to predict the good or bad luck."

Gu Weijun stood up and bowed respectfully: "Thank you, sir. If I can serve His Royal Highness, it will be a blessing for the Gu family. I will definitely teach her to abide by the rules of being a woman and to be respectful and run the household."

The copper clock in the main hall of the Imperial Observatory was ticking, and the sun's shadow was moving across the blue brick floor through the carved window lattices. Minister of Rites Chen Di was holding the birth date and eight characters of Gu Qingping, his fingers trembling slightly.

"Year of Bingyin, Month of Xinmao, Day of Guichou, Hour of Jiayin..." He recited in a low voice, comparing the eight characters with the almanac repeatedly. On his desk were piled classics such as "Sanming Tonghui" and "Yuanhai Ziping", with the rice paper densely filled with calculations and annotations.

"Master Chen, the Crown Prince is here." The shrill voice of the young eunuch broke the silence.

Zhu Biao strode into the hall, his dark python-patterned robe sweeping across the dew on the steps. He walked straight to the desk, staring intently at the rice paper covered with cinnabar annotations: "Mr. Chen, what do you think the hexagram indicates?"

Chen Di bowed deeply and said, "Your Highness is blessed with great fortune. This girl's horoscope is a perfect match for your Highness. She is destined to be a noble person with great virtue, and will turn misfortune into fortune throughout her life. In addition, your Lunar Element Mao Wood gives birth to your Lunar Element Bing Fire, which is a sign of prosperity for her husband and children."

"That's great." Zhu Biao's tense shoulders relaxed a little, and he turned to the attendant behind him and said, "Bring me the list of betrothal gifts."

The golden nanmu box made a light "click" sound, revealing a piece of gold-sprinkled paper with the red seal of the Eastern Palace. Chen Di unfolded the silk and saw the following words listed on it:

A pair of suet jade ruyi, meaning "everything goes well"

Twelve red gold phoenix hairpins with red and blue sapphires inlaid on the heads

Eight sets of brocade capes, embroidered with mountains, rivers, sun and moon patterns in gold thread
Ten thousand ounces of silver, a thousand ounces of gold

There is also a pair of jade mandarin duck pendants handed down from the ancestors of the Gu family in Yangzhou
"This jade mandarin duck pendant..." Chen Di stroked his beard and pondered, "The Gu family is willing to give it up?"

Zhu Biao stroked the delicate carving on the jade pendant with his fingertips. "I personally wrote to you to plead for your help. Gu Weijun is very understanding." He suddenly seemed to remember something and took out a green jade bamboo pendant from his bosom. "Add this to the gift list and say... it's a private gift from me."

Three days later, the gates of the Gu Mansion in Yangzhou were opened.

Gu Weijun led the entire family, young and old, to kneel down to welcome the imperial edict. The scorching sun on the bluestone steps bleached his official robes.

The eunuch who delivered the decree unrolled the bright yellow scroll, and his sharp voice pierced the sky: "The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, decrees: Yangzhou's Gu family is pure and innocent, gentle and kind, and a good wife... She is to be canonized as the Crown Princess, and the announcement shall be made to the whole country so that everyone can hear it."

Gu Qingping lowered her head and listened, beads of sweat on her temples sliding down her white jade earrings.

Suddenly she heard her father's trembling voice say, "Your Majesty, I accept your command and thank you." Just as she was about to kowtow, she felt a chill on her wrist - it was the green jade bamboo pendant that Zhu Biao had sent to her privately, lying quietly in her palm.

That night, the Gu family ancestral hall was brightly lit with candles.

Gu Qingping knelt in front of the ancestral tablets, stroking the bamboo pendant in her hand.

The jade veins seemed to contain the warmth of Zhu Biao's hand holding the pen. She remembered the first time they met in the Eastern Palace, when the pot of asparagus fern on the prince's desk rustled in the draft.

"Ping'er." Mother Tang stroked her thin shoulders, "When you enter the palace, remember to be careful with your words and actions."

Gu Qingping put the jade pendant against her chest and said, "My daughter, please don't worry. But..." She looked at the swaying bamboo shadows outside the ancestral hall, "In this deep palace, I'm afraid there is no bamboo as free as the bamboo in the East Palace."

As dusk fell, the Shangyi Bureau in the northwest corner of the Forbidden City was brightly lit with candles. Twelve bronze crane-beak lamps were arranged along the blue brick wall, illuminating the venue of the ceremony as bright as day.

Gu Qingping stood in the middle of the swastika-patterned carpet in a plain white middle-length dress. The twin lotus flowers embroidered with gold thread on the hem of her dress were faintly visible in the candlelight, making her face even more beautiful. (End of this chapter)