MLMD -Chapter 349 The Issue of the Heir

Wen Tiren pointed a trembling finger at Yang Sichang in disbelief and asked, “Lord Yang, do you even know what you’re saying?”

“Of course I do!” Yang Sichang replied calmly, looking at Wen Tiren. “Is it not simply a matter of recalling Lu Xiangsheng to Xuanda and letting Hong Chengchou lead the campaign against the rebels? What’s wrong with that?”

“This… this…!” The people in Nuangxiang Pavilion were also shocked by Yang Sichang’s seemingly wild, out-of-the-box idea. Lu Xiangsheng was currently commanding over a hundred thousand troops, encircling Li Zicheng, Zhang Xianzhong, Luo Rucai, and the old Hui forces in the mountainous regions of Hubei. The battle was at its peak. Yet Yang Sichang suddenly proposed recalling Lu Xiangsheng and having Hong Chengchou replace him. Did he not know that changing commanders in the middle of a campaign was a grave taboo?

Even the Chongzhen Emperor, seated on the dragon throne, was initially stunned by Yang Sichang’s suggestion. But after a moment, his furrowed brow gradually relaxed. Though Yang Sichang’s idea seemed absurd at first glance, upon closer consideration, it was highly feasible. Hong Chengchou had seriously angered Yue Yang this time—not only sending assassins after Yue Yang’s generals but also raiding his stronghold. Such a hatred could rightly be called implacable. Given Yue Yang’s temperament, he certainly would not let it slide. It was thus wise to transfer Hong Chengchou immediately.

The more Chongzhen and Yue Yang thought about it, the more sensible it seemed, and the emperor’s gaze toward Yang Sichang reflected approval. He observed the expressions of the other ministers and noticed that many, after their initial shock, were also showing signs of contemplation. He asked, “Minister Yang, aren’t you concerned that recalling Lu Xiangsheng from Hubei might allow the rebels to escape again?”

Yang Sichang waved off the concern casually. “Every matter has its priorities. I believe the situation with Yue Yang is more important. As for the rebels, Chaogui Gao Yingxiang is already dead; what remains are just minor elements—a mere rash. If we could encircle them once, we can do it again. Is the emperor not confident in Lord Hong’s ability to suppress them? The situation in Shanxi is different. Once Lu Xiangsheng is recalled, even if Yue Yang returns to the northern front furious, it would be of no consequence. After all, Hong Chengchou has been transferred, and Yue Yang would have nowhere to vent his anger. Moreover, I’ve heard that Yue Yang has always respected Lu Xiangsheng. That means, once Lu Xiangsheng returns to Shanxi, Yue Yang will not be able to stir up trouble.”

“Hmm, that’s true,” Chongzhen said, and this time, the other ministers also nodded in agreement.

Perhaps this was a trait of the Zhu family—the emperor and his ministers always kept a higher level of caution for their own people than for outsiders. Yet from another perspective, Yue Yang, who had just defeated the Qing forces, indeed posed a far greater threat than the rebels.

Having resolved one matter, the emperor felt much better and continued, “This issue is settled. That leaves only one final question: how to reward Yue Yang. After all, he has performed such meritorious service for the state; it would be inappropriate not to reward him.”

Yang Sichang, having already opened his mouth, no longer held back and said, “I propose rewarding Yue Yang with a dragon robe, jade belt, granting his wife Meng Qifu and his grandmother first-rank noble titles, while the remaining concubines can be granted third-rank Shuren titles, along with a pair of golden and silver flowers and a quantity of snowflake silver.”

“Excellent proposal, Lord Yang!” The other ministers nodded in agreement, approving Yang Sichang’s suggestion.

This was the Ming Dynasty: the emperor and his scholars always placed caution toward military generals above all else. Any independent military force outside their control had to be suppressed or even eliminated. Their caution toward domestic forces was even more intense than toward foreign enemies.

Thus, even before Yue Yang returned from beyond the passes to the northern front, two imperial edicts—ordering the mutual transfer of Hong Chengchou and Lu Xiangsheng—were already on their way. By early June, when Yue Yang led his army back to Hunyuanzhou, Hong Chengchou was already en route to Hubei.

At the same time, seventy miles outside Macheng in Hubei, Lu Xiangsheng gazed toward the misty mountains ahead. Behind him, countless army tents stretched endlessly.

The rainy June air hung over the mountains. Lu Xiangsheng, simply clad in a linen robe with worn official boots, his lean face full of sorrow and anger, muttered to himself:

“After years of painstaking effort, victory is within reach. Why has the emperor issued such a ridiculous edict? Don’t they realize that once I leave, the rebels will scatter like water, and all our years of encirclement will be in vain?”

At his side stood Yang Tinglin, Lu Xiangsheng’s friend, aide, and artistic consultant. Yang Tinglin held an oiled umbrella over Lu Xiangsheng and grimly said, “What can we do? The emperor and the court fear that Yue Yang, having returned with such great victory, may act with ulterior motives. If anyone were to incite him further, they fear he could commit some extreme act. They also believe that you have a good relationship with Yue… um, with the loyal and courageous marquis. As long as you remain in Xuanda, Yue Yang would not dare commit rebellion. Hence, this edict was issued.”

“Hmph! Absurd!” Lu Xiangsheng stomped furiously and sneered, “If Yue Yang truly harbored treason, would he even care about me? They don’t consider that now, with the Jurchens defeated, the rebel chief Huang Taiji dead, and Xuanda under my watch, their forces would not dare trespass our border. Instead of seizing this opportunity to crush the rebels completely, they recall me. This is beyond mere foolishness—this is sheer madness!”

Seeing Lu Xiangsheng’s distress, Yang Tinglin quietly said, “Jiandou, the eunuch who delivered the edict said it was Lord Yang’s suggestion. The court officials all approved it.”

“Hmph… a group of timid fools!” Lu Xiangsheng cursed aloud. “I can guarantee that within three days of my departure, the rebels will escape. It will then be impossible to encircle them again, and even if Hong Yanyan arrives, it will be of no use!”

Yang Tinglin sighed. “You are right, Jiandou. But the edict has been issued. If you disobey it, the court will have grounds to punish you. Not only could you fail to eliminate the rebels, but your own life could be in danger. Alas… it is heaven’s will.”

“Alas…” Lu Xiangsheng let out a bitter sigh in the misty rain across the plains.

He was correct. On the third day after his departure, the rebels, learning that the troops had withdrawn, immediately broke out of the mountains, tearing apart the encirclement painstakingly established over years. By the time Hong Chengchou reached Hubei, Li Zicheng, Zhang Xianzhong, Luo Rucai, and the old Hui forces had already escaped and resumed wreaking havoc across the Central Plains.

Early June, 10th Year of Chongzhen, Hunyuanzhou – Rear Garden of the Loyal and Courageous Marquis’ Residence

“So Hong Chengchou got away? Why didn’t you just send troops to Datong to crush him?”

Yue Yang, in casual attire, walked slowly along the garden paths, accompanied by Hai Lanzhu. Since giving birth, Hai Lanzhu had grown fuller in figure, radiating the mature charm of a young mother. She scolded her husband with a playful glance, “How could I do that? When you weren’t home, I already put Chu Di in charge of the troops to raid the supervisory camp Hong Chengchou sent to Shaguo County. That was risky enough. If I had ordered an attack on Datong, it would have been outright rebellion. Even if the court hesitated, they would have sent a full army against us. And you were far beyond the passes, deep in battle with the Jurchens—I wouldn’t dare trouble you.”

“You… you think too much!” Yue Yang lightly tapped her nose with a fond smile. “He would also need the courage for that. Those scholars can wield schemes and words better than anyone, but if they truly decided to mobilize the army against us, it would take months of preparation. What surprises me is that you had the courage to strike first. That’s what earns my respect.”

Suddenly, two soft little bodies clung to his legs. Looking down, Yue Yang saw it was his nearly two-year-old son Yue Yao and daughter Yue Ying.

Yue Yao, approaching two, and Yue Ying, the same age, both in the adorable, lively stage, looked up at him with sparkling eyes, holding out tiny hands and calling in unison, “Daddy… hug us!”

“Hehe… alright!” Yue Yang crouched, picking them up on either side, kissed their chubby little faces, and laughed, “My dear son, my good daughter, have you missed Daddy?”

“Yes!” the children answered sweetly.

Yue Yao hugged his father’s neck and asked, “Daddy, where have you been? Why haven’t you played with us?”

“Daddy’s been busy fighting the bad guys!” Yue Yang replied, holding both children close, feeling a warm fullness in his chest.

Yue Ying shyly asked, “Daddy… were there… lots… of bad guys?”

“Yes, lots. That’s why Daddy had to fight them!” Yue Yang answered, leaning in to kiss her, but her chubby little hand blocked him, saying with mock disdain, “Daddy, your beard is too rough—no kissing!”

“You little girl, how dare you reject your father!” Yue Yang feigned anger, reaching to kiss her, while Yue Ying giggled and dodged. Yue Yao grabbed his father’s face, and the three tumbled into playful chaos.

Their wives and concubines, accompanied by maids, arrived and laughed at the scene. Hai Lanzhu and Yuling picked up their children, and the ruckus ceased.

Hai Lanzhu and Yuling, the earliest of Yue Yang’s wives, had both borne children. Yulong had given birth two months ago to a son named Yue Feng, now sleeping soundly in his mother’s arms. Yue Yang teased the child, noticing the envious looks of Li Xiangjun, Dong Xiaowan, and Wang Yue, kissing each of them and saying cheerfully, “Don’t be jealous—soon it will be your turn.”

“Ah!” The three blushed deeply. Hai Lanzhu and the maids were present, and all three glared at their husband, cheeks flushed.

That night, Yue Yang stayed in Li Xiangjun’s room, calling Dong Xiaowan and Wang Yue to join him. The four shared a bed. Though shy, the three had endured months apart, so they did not resist and indulged him.

The night’s escapades continued until Yue Yang finally subdued the three fiery women. Smiling proudly, he said to Wang Yue, lying exhausted, “How about that? Conquered yet? Your husband can’t be bested!”

Wang Yue, though tired, stubbornly said, “Don’t underestimate me, husband! We’ll continue later!”

Yue Yang laughed, wiping her brow with a scented towel, “Stop showing off. Look at your two sisters’ results—you all want to give me children, but it doesn’t happen so fast.”

Wang Yue pouted, “But Hai Lanzhu and Yuling already have children! I want to give you a baby too! Besides, Xiangjun and Xiaowan too!”

Li Xiangjun and Dong Xiaowan lightly slapped Wang Yue on her ample backside in playful punishment.

“See, husband, I’m only voicing their thoughts—they won’t admit it and bully me!” Wang Yue nestled into his arms, wriggling like a little puppy.

Yue Yang looked at Li Xiangjun and Dong Xiaowan, each propping their hips on pillows, and bent to kiss all three, saying, “Don’t overthink. In my household, there’s no ranking—once inside, you are all mine.”

After laughing for a while, Wang Yue suddenly asked, “Husband, yesterday the court sent an official to confer first-rank noble titles on the Old Madam and Hai Lanzhu, while we received third-rank titles. The eunuch also asked you to name an heir. Why didn’t you?”

Yue Yang fell silent, considering. The three on the bed watched him nervously.

With Yue Yang’s status rising, more people depended on him. Now, he governed over two million people and commanded over fifty thousand troops, firmly a dominant regional power.

Thus, the issue of an heir became urgent. Hai Lanzhu, as his primary wife, had borne the eldest son—traditionally the legitimate first heir. Yet she was Mongolian, and some subordinates, valuing lineage, felt it inappropriate for her son to inherit. Even the household matriarch shared this view.

Adding to the complication, Yulong had recently given birth to a son, and the court’s inquiry about the heir had not yet been answered by Yue Yang. This naturally raised questions.

Of his wives and concubines, Hai Lanzhu, bold and decisive, never voiced opinions on this. The Yuling sisters, raised in the Yue family, were gentle and would not speculate. Li Xiangjun and Dong Xiaowan, from the pleasure quarters, knew their children could not inherit, so they only wished to bear children for their husband. Only the youngest, Wang Yue, from an official family, understood political matters and was thus concerned.

Yue Yang gave Wang Yue a deep look, causing her heart to flutter. He sighed, “Yue’er, I understand your concerns. But it’s too early to discuss this now. I don’t want anyone asking again. I have my own plans—do you understand?”

“Yes… I understand,” Wang Yue replied. She realized such matters were always taken seriously in any family. Asking prematurely could cause turmoil. Especially Hai Lanzhu, the household matriarch, though outwardly kind, was not to be underestimated. Only two months ago, she had ordered an attack against Hong Chengchou’s troops while Yue Yang was away, showing her decisiveness. Wang Yue knew that when Hai Lanzhu acted decisively, she was no less formidable than any man.