The Ming Dynasty, a well-known dynasty in history, its founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang carefully compiled the "Emperor Ming Zuxun" in order to regulate the behavior of later emperors and imperial families. This book is not only a norm of behavior, but also a symbol of power and responsibility. In the twenty-eighth year of Hongwu (1395), the rules set by Zhu Yuanzhang affected the fate of every member of the royal family, including the descendants of his fourteenth son, Zhu Ao, the king of Suzhuang. The life of Zhu Ao's grandson, Zhu Lupi, the king of Sujian, unfolded in this context, full of unknown hardships and challenges.
In the magnificent imperial palace of the Ming Dynasty, the life of Zhu Lupi, the king of Sujian, seems to have been specially chosen by the god of fate. His father, Sukang King Zhu Zhenyan, although he is a prince, his private life is quite complicated, resulting in Zhu Lupi, as the eldest son of the concubine, living in the shadow of not being fully recognized since he was a child.
"Lu Pi, although you are my blood, but your birth ......" King Su Kang said to the young Lu Pi in a deep voice in his private court, his tone was full of helplessness and deep worry. This is one of Zhu Lupi's earliest memories, and it is also the first awakening of his identity.
When he grew up, Zhu Lupi not only had wisdom and bravery, but also had outstanding political wisdom. His identity has always been an insurmountable chasm in his heart. It was not until the first year of orthodoxy (1436), when he was 16 years old, that the imperial court officially gave him the name "Lupi". This is much later than the regular members of the royal family, and it deeply reflects the injustice of the concubine.
Four years later, on a spring day, Zhu Lupi was officially canonized as the king of Xunyang. Although much later, he was still full of anticipation and pride on this day. "All this waiting is for today." Zhu Lupi said proudly at the canonization ceremony.
But life in the palace is not as beautiful as imagined. King Sukang was worried that Zhu Lupi's status would affect the inheritance rights of his heirs, so he arranged for him to leave the house as early as possible. "Your way, you need to walk on your own." These are the words that King Sukang left to him.
Zhu Lupi's marriage was even more twists and turns. He was supposed to marry when he was young, but he didn't marry Fan until he was 27 years old. Although Fan's father, Fan Jun, did not have a high status, he showed great ambition in this marriage. Through bribery and manipulation, he finally married his daughter to Zhu Lupi. The power game behind this marriage made Zhu Lupi feel tired and helpless.
"Am I marrying a wife, or am I a family ambition?" Zhu Lupi asked the newlywed Fan in the night of candles in the cave room. She just bowed her head in silence, and the silence seemed to be an insurmountable gulf between them.
Despite being in a high position, Zhu Lupi often felt lonely and frustrated in his heart. He often walked through the long corridor of Xunyang Palace, thinking about his fate and identity. The status of the concubine made him always feel that he was an outsider in the royal family. He knew that even if he was canonized as king, such a label would be difficult to get rid of.
Zhu Lupi did not sink because of this. He began to pay more attention to the people's suffering, and used practical actions to win the hearts and respect of the people. He knows that only in this way can he gain a foothold in this world where bloodline and power are at its core.
"Lord Wang, today another person has sent a thank you gift to thank you for reducing their taxes." A cronie happily reported to Zhu Lupi.
Zhu Lupi smiled slightly, "These are all things I should do." Although I can't choose my birth, I can choose my actions. ”
His efforts were not without reward. As time passed, Zhu Lupi's reputation gradually surpassed his origins and became a respected prince. His policies and benevolent policies even began to be imitated by officials in other regions.
As the years go by, Zhu Lupi becomes more and more calm and wise on the throne of Xunyang. His later years are in stark contrast to the struggles of his youth. He not only won the love of the people, but also won a certain amount of respect within the royal family.
In the last few years of his life, Zhu Lupi looked back on his life and was full of complicated feelings. "I may start with a concubine, but I will never end up with a concubine." This is what he says about his life.
Zhu Lupi's life is a profound challenge and reflection on the provisions of the "Emperor's Ancestral Teachings". His story teaches us that identity and birth, while they can define one's beginning, should never define one's end. Through his hard work and wisdom, Zhu Lupi not only rewrote his own destiny, but also provided a possible path for all those who are in disadvantaged situations. His life is a challenge and transcendence of traditional notions, reminding us that the value of human beings goes far beyond the limits of blood and origin.