Some people bore heavy burdens as they marched forward; naturally, others were born with golden spoons in their mouths.
Zhao Huai—Emperor Taichang—had been born with the largest golden spoon in the world.
Less than an hour after he was born, he became the emperor of Great Qing.
According to existing historical records, the youngest emperor had been the last emperor of the Great Yu Dynasty a thousand years ago, who ascended the throne at the age of two.
Thus, Emperor Taichang broke a whole string of records. He was the youngest emperor to ascend the throne by year, month, and hour. Whether he ruled well or poorly in the future, his name would certainly remain in the history books.
On this day.
The sixteenth day of the fourth month, the new emperor's mourning period ended.
Still unaware that he would leave his name in history, Emperor Taichang attended court formally for the first time.
Before dawn had fully broken at the hour of the rabbit, Emperor Taichang lay in the Empress Dowager's arms and received the bows of the civil and military officials.
"Long live His Majesty! Long live His Majesty! Long, long live His Majesty!"
Several hundred officials, imperial clansmen, eunuchs, and others filled the Hall of Diligent Governance inside and out according to rank. Their united cries were deafening.
"Geh geh geh..."
Emperor Taichang let out a delighted laugh, as though he were highly pleased with the officials.
In truth, that was not the case. A child not yet a month old had not even begun learning to speak, so how could he understand satisfaction or dissatisfaction? It was only because the Empress Dowager's fingers were gently stroking his bottom.
During the mourning period, the Empress Dowager had subtly trained Emperor Taichang.
Pinch the flesh on his bottom,