binnovel Chapter 299 Consort Fucha
Chapter 299 Consort Fucha
The morning assembly the following day
Hongchang then had Zhang Hude read aloud to the ministers the memorial submitted by Prince Dun detailing the drawbacks of consanguineous marriages.
In the imperial court, the civil and military officials discussed the contents of the memorial.
The ministers looked troubled and began whispering among themselves.
This practice of strengthening ties through marriage has a long history, and it has been observed among both Han and Manchu people.
The Manchu population was already small, and for the sake of integration and mutual benefit, most Manchus looked down on Han Chinese bloodlines.
Many Manchus engaged in intermarriage, strengthening family ties and forming alliances with each other.
The sudden realization of the immense harm caused by consanguineous marriage was difficult for them to accept.
The atmosphere in the imperial court suddenly became tense.
Some people even scoffed at this.
An elderly Manchu minister stepped forward, his tone tinged with disdain:
"Your Majesty, this practice of adding relatives to one another has existed since ancient times. Our ancestors all did it this way, and there has never been any major problem with it."
Is someone deliberately spreading alarmist rumors? Is there some kind of conspiracy?
Before Hongchang could say anything, Prince Dun, Yun, became displeased.
He investigated this matter personally; he himself was a Manchu.
Only those who hope for a better life for the Manchus
Yun stepped forward and pointed at the man.
"Chahara, what do you mean? Are you saying I have a conspiracy?"
Tell me, what schemes am I plotting?
"If you don't give me a straight answer, I'll tear your face off!"
Chahara's face flushed red after being allowed to shout.
In a moment of annoyance, he forgot that this matter was investigated by Prince Dun.
This Prince Dun is quite the troublemaker, that's really something.
"Prince Dun, that's not what I meant."
This practice of adding relatives to relatives has existed since ancient times, and I've never heard of anything wrong with it.
Your Highness, you are also a Manchu, so why do you suddenly say that this custom is bad?
"This servant simply finds it somewhat unbelievable."
Chahara hurriedly explained, his tone tinged with panic.
Prince Dun snorted coldly and said sternly, "You old fool! Are the customs passed down from our ancestors necessarily correct?"
The drawbacks of consanguineous marriage are already so obvious, yet you're still making trouble here!
Do you think this investigation of mine is fabricated out of thin air?
This is all solid evidence!
After saying this, Prince Dun added sarcastically.
"Indeed, you, Chahara, have such a carefree life with your beautiful wives and concubines."
"I'm afraid you've long forgotten how you disposed of your first wife, your cousin, and the child you had together."
The air in the imperial court froze instantly, and all the ministers cast astonished glances, making the atmosphere even more tense.
Chahara's face turned deathly pale instantly; he felt as if he had been struck by lightning.
His body trembled slightly, and his lips moved, but he couldn't utter a word.
Hongchang frowned, but did not stop Prince Dun from continuing.
Prince Dun said with a disdainful look, "Chahara, your first wife back then was your own cousin."
You had your first child shortly after getting married.
It's a pity that you were born with an unusual appearance; your family is afraid that word will get out.
They secretly buried that child alive, and your family blames your cousin for being unlucky.
Not long after, your cousin passed away. Everyone knows what happened.
Upon hearing this, the ministers in the imperial court all gasped in shock.
Chahara's face had turned from deathly pale to ashen.
He had long forgotten this shameful incident, but he never expected it to be exposed to everyone today.
When it was exposed, Chahara's body trembled violently.
He stared intently at Prince Dun, his eyes filled with anger and shame.
He said through gritted teeth, "Prince Dun, you are deliberately humiliating me!"
That's all in the past, and has nothing to do with today's topic!
Prince Dun sneered and responded without backing down:
“Chahara, if you think the past has nothing to do with today, then why do you look so pale?”
If you have nothing to be ashamed of, why are you so flustered?
Today, His Majesty proposes reforming the drawbacks of consanguineous marriage.
But you keep questioning me; isn't that because you have something to hide?
Prince Dun then looked at several ministers in the court whose families had been related by marriage, his tone tinged with sarcasm.
"And I know all about the scandals in your family as well."
If you still think it's good to become even closer relatives,
Then why not bring out all your shameful secrets and expose them to the light of day?
The atmosphere in the imperial court instantly turned icy, and the ministers looked at each other, unsure of what to do.
The ministers who were called out turned ashen-faced.
Veins bulged on their foreheads; they were itching to refute Prince Dun on the spot.
But knowing that the other party has solid evidence, there's no way to refute it.
Some people were watching the ministers who had been targeted by Prince Dun.
They were the ministers who were related to those other ministers by marriage.
Previously, the women in our family were married off to those families, and they gave birth to children with problems.
The women died of illness, which was assumed to be accidental or due to illness caused by worry.
They also felt guilty that the woman in their family had given birth to a child with problems.
They didn't investigate the cause of their deaths, and now they know that the reason for giving birth to children with problems wasn't with those women.
It was caused by consanguineous marriage.
They also felt justified in pursuing the grievances suffered by the women in their families.
Judging from the Emperor's attitude, these people will likely not fare well in the future.
They were also seeking justice for the women in their family.
At this moment, Zhang Tingyu stepped forward and said
"Your Majesty, since this marriage between relatives has such great dangers..."
For the sake of the continuation of the imperial line and the long-term development of the Qing Dynasty, I believe that a decree should be issued.
Marriage between close relatives is strictly prohibited, and the dangers of such marriages among the people are highlighted.
Hongchang nodded upon hearing this and said, "What Lord Zhang said makes sense. Do you have any other ideas?"
As Hongchang spoke, he glanced at the other ministers in the court.
At this moment, Hongchang looked at Fuheng, his childhood friend and study companion.
Fu Heng cupped his hands slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, this servant believes that what Lord Zhang said is very true."
The dangers of consanguineous marriage are already evident, and if it is not prohibited, the consequences will be unimaginable.
However, I believe there is one more matter that requires careful consideration.
Those are couples who are already married.
If a ban is suddenly issued, how should they cope?
The man is alright, but what about the woman?
Upon hearing this, Prince Dun said, "A divorce and remarriage are the best options."
Zhang Yanyu frowned slightly and said in a deep voice:
“What Prince Dun said makes sense, but this matter still needs to be considered in the long run.”
After all, these women were already wives, and some were even mothers.
Forcing them to divorce and remarry would likely cause many social problems.
Their reputation, their family's honor, and the situation of their children all require our careful consideration.
Prince Dun sneered and said in a firm tone:
“Zhang Tingyu, you’re wrong about that.”
These women are the real victims!
Because of their incestuous marriages, they gave birth to sick children and suffered as a result.
Their husbands and families, however, shifted the blame onto them.
They even forced them to commit suicide or to bear an ominous reputation.
Are we supposed to expect them to stay and hold out to the death?
There are countless men in this world who cannot find a wife.
It would be a great waste if these women didn't remarry.
These women, after divorcing and remarrying, can recover their health and have children again.
After Prince Dun finished speaking, he pointed to the pedantic Han officials in the court.
And those old guys who were heavily Sinicized
"You men have three wives and four concubines, you've exhausted all your strength, yet you can't produce many healthy children."
And they want those women to remain chaste? Do you know what that's called?
This is like having a flower but not producing honey—completely useless.
In the imperial court, the ministers were speechless and blushed with embarrassment after being confronted by Prince Dun's words.
Vulgar! This Prince Dun is truly vulgar!
Prince Dun did not stop there, saying, "Among the Manchus, there are countless women who remarry."
It is precisely because of this that we Manchus have been able to multiply and thrive.
Don't adopt the bad habits of the Han people just because life is better now.
If the Han people were truly that powerful, we Manchus would never have had the chance to enter the Central Plains.
In my opinion, those women should get divorced if they need to.
Their dowries should also be returned to them in full, so they can start a new life.
When Nian Gengyao heard what Prince Dun said, he felt that some of the things he said were not something that Prince Dun would say.
I'm afraid Prince Dun is expressing the Emperor's will.
Nian Gengyao stepped forward and said:
"Your Majesty, I believe that what Prince Dun said is absolutely right."
The harms of consanguineous marriage are already so obvious; if it is not prohibited,
The Qing dynasty's succession and long-term development will be severely affected.
Those women who suffer because of consanguineous marriages are victims themselves, and their plight deserves our sympathy.
If they could be allowed to divorce and remarry, it would not only be a relief for them personally.
This could also inject new vitality into the continuation of the Qing Dynasty.
In fact, Nian Gengyao really wanted to ask if he could take Nian Shilan home.
Considering that old Deng is still alive, now is not the right time.
Fu Heng paused for a moment, then continued:
"Your Majesty, this servant believes..."
What Prince Dun said is important, but it involves a wide range of issues and cannot be resolved overnight.
If this is forcibly implemented, it may cause many unstable factors.
If these women divorce and remarry, the circumstances of their families, husbands' families, and children will need to be properly arranged.
Otherwise, it will not only harm innocent people, but also trigger social unrest.
Zhang Tingyu then understood the Emperor's attitude.
"Your Majesty, I believe we should start with newlywed couples and issue a decree to strictly prohibit marriage between close relatives."
For married couples, a grace period can be established to allow them to choose whether or not to divorce.
If they choose to divorce, the imperial court can provide certain compensation and resettlement to ensure their livelihood.
Hongchang nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the assembled ministers in the court, and said in a deep voice:
"My esteemed ministers, today's matter concerns the continuation of our Great Qing's lineage and its long-term development; it is by no means a trivial matter."
Zhang Tingyu's proposed buffer period strategy is indeed quite appropriate.
I hereby decree, effective immediately, to issue a decree strictly prohibiting newlywed couples from marrying close relatives, with violators to be severely punished.
As for married couples, I will grant them a one-year grace period to make their own decision.
If the woman chooses to divorce, the imperial court will provide her with certain compensation.
This includes money, land, and essential living support to ensure they can start a new life.
At the same time, I will also order a thorough investigation into the tragedies caused by consanguineous marriages in the past.
To seek justice for those innocent women.
Prince Dun snorted coldly, his tone carrying a hint of disdain:
"Your Majesty, isn't this buffer period a bit too long?"
These women are victims in the first place, so why should they have to suffer this injustice for another year?
What if some families act immorally and allow these women to die of illness?
As soon as Prince Dun finished speaking, the court fell silent.
The ministers all lowered their heads, not daring to look directly at Hongchang.
Hongchang's expression darkened slightly, and he remained silent for a moment.
Then he slowly opened his mouth, his tone firm and serious:
"Prince Dun, I understand that you are thinking of those poor women."
But this matter is of utmost importance; it has far-reaching consequences.
The one-year grace period is to allow married couples sufficient time to weigh the pros and cons.
This was to avoid social unrest and to ensure that all people could accept this change.
If this is forced upon us, it may backfire.
Hongchang paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled ministers in the court, and continued:
"I know that this grace period may cause some women to suffer some injustice."
But I cannot disregard the safety of the people in order to achieve quick results.
I will order a thorough investigation into the tragedies caused by consanguineous marriages in the past, and seek justice for those innocent women.
At the same time, I will also instruct local officials to closely monitor married couples.
Anyone found to have abused a woman or forced her to commit suicide will be severely punished.
Upon hearing this, some people had to suppress their ulterior motives.
At this moment, Zhang Tingyu stepped forward again, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty is wise."
In my opinion, besides issuing a ban and establishing a grace period,
The dangers of consanguineous marriage should also be widely publicized among the public.
Your subject suggests that the Ministry of Rites take the lead in compiling a "Regulations on Marriage Between Close Relatives".
It details the harms of consanguineous marriage, the content of the prohibition, and the court's compensation policy.
Then, through local governments, academies, temples, and other channels,
This regulation should be distributed to every village and every household.
This will allow the people to understand the court's predicament.
Hongchang nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to Fuheng:
"Fuheng, what do you think of this plan?"
Fu Heng cupped his hands slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, Zhang Tingyu is absolutely right."
In my opinion, in addition to publicizing the regulations, imperial commissioners should be dispatched to various regions to supervise the implementation of the ban.
At the same time, local governments should establish specialized agencies.
Responsible for handling disputes arising from the prohibitions and ensuring the smooth implementation of the court's policies.
Hongchang was fairly satisfied with the two men's proposal.
Hongchang nodded slightly and said in a deep voice:
"Alright, we'll do as you say."
Zhang Tingyu, you are in charge of compiling the "Regulations on Prohibiting Incestuous Marriages," and you must ensure that it is detailed, accurate, and easy to understand.
Fuheng, you are in charge of selecting imperial envoys and establishing specialized agencies in various regions.
In addition, I intend to establish a gazette for all the people of the land.
Let's call it "The People's Daily of the Qing Dynasty".
It was specifically used to publicize the imperial court's policies, regulations, and measures that benefited the country and its people.
This official gazette was not only meant to inform the people of the court's intentions,
We also need to make them understand the benefits these policies bring to themselves.
Zhang Tingyu asked, "Then who does His Majesty intend to assign to be in charge?"
What about the compilation and distribution of the *Da Qing Bai Xing Bao* (The People's Daily of the Qing Dynasty)?
Hongchang said, "I have my own plans for this matter. You will know in a while."
Zhang Tingyu bowed slightly, replied "Yes," and returned to the column.
In the imperial court, all the ministers were filled with curiosity about the person in charge of the "Great Qing People's Daily".
Hongchang did not say much, but after pondering for a moment, he announced the end of the court session.