On the day after the meteor shower, following the conclusion of the morning court assembly, Wang Cang Hai was summoned by the Yong Wu Emperor to meet in the Wen Hua Hall.
The Yong Wu Emperor appeared even more aged than the day before. His hair and beard were streaked with gray, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes were more pronounced, and his demeanor was one of exhaustion.
Wang Cang Hai, having paid his respects, noticed the emperor’s lack of vigor and refrained from speaking. He stood quietly and respectfully, waiting to hear the imperial decree.
The Yong Wu Emperor gazed at Wang Cang Hai for a moment before breaking the silence:
“Did you see the meteors last night, my loyal minister?”
Wang Cang Hai answered truthfully:
“The meteor shower began at the third watch and lasted through the fourth. I did not see its peak, as the morning assembly was approaching. After observing for a time, I bathed, changed clothes, and came to the palace. I estimated that some meteors might still fall this morning. From what I saw, the meteors, both last night and this morning, mainly fell toward the Liaodong region. Before the assembly, I spoke with the Minister of Revenue and instructed him to investigate whether there were wildfires or damage caused by meteors hitting homes in that area. Should any issues be confirmed, I urged him to report promptly.”
The Yong Wu Emperor nodded slightly and said, “You are deeply considerate of the people and take precautions before calamity strikes. You are truly a pillar of the Great Yong nation. I am most gratified.” (The emperor’s words, though complimentary, carried an undertone of fatigue. His eyes remained clouded, indicating his spirits were low.)
Wang Cang Hai replied, “To ease Your Majesty’s burdens is my duty as a minister.”
Hearing this, the Yong Wu Emperor appeared slightly more invigorated. He had been slumped in the dragon throne but now straightened himself with effort. Though his eyes were still clouded, a faint smile graced his lips.
“You are most attentive to my wishes, always planning on my behalf. These meteors falling from the sky—signs of divine punishment and warning—what do you think they signify? Could it be that I have committed some offense that has angered the heavens?”
Wang Cang Hai responded, “Natural disasters and human calamities are hard to distinguish. Your Majesty is mindful of the nation and its people, which is a blessing for Great Yong. If Your Majesty shows even greater compassion for the people and cultivates virtue, it will bring happiness to all under heaven.”
However, the Yong Wu Emperor was not satisfied with this answer. He thought to himself, Minister Wang surely knows what I want him to say, yet he always deflects with these empty but correct platitudes.
Narrowing his eyes slightly, the emperor softened his tone, “Cang Hai, you have always been upright and honest, offering frank counsel and never deceiving me. Tell me honestly, have you calculated how many more years this dynasty has left?”
Wang Cang Hai lowered his gaze, avoiding eye contact with the emperor, and replied calmly, “My answer will not please Your Majesty.”
The Yong Wu Emperor pressed on: “Then you must already have an answer?”
Wang Cang Hai raised his head, his sharp gaze piercing enough to make the emperor uncomfortable. “Based on the astrological signs, the Great Yong dynasty will not last beyond fifteen emperors. After Your Majesty’s reign, none of your successors will live past the age of forty.”
The Yong Wu Emperor was stunned. Wang Cang Hai’s predictions had never been wrong, and his words were always proven accurate. It was impossible not to believe him.
The emperor straightened his neck and asked, “How many years do I have left, Minister?”
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