Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 353: An Unexpected Delight
The Choice Between Fish and Chicken — The Reason Lies Here
When Emperor Jiajing’s question echoed through the grand hall, Zhu Ping’an knew he could not answer carelessly. The truth was simple enough — yet to utter it plainly would sound far too religious, far too utilitarian. Even if correct, such an answer might still earn the Emperor’s displeasure.
As a believer, such an explanation might have satisfied the Pope. But as a subject, it would never satisfy the Emperor. A minister’s answer must reflect the heart of a minister — loyal, sincere, and grounded in virtue.
Zhu Ping’an bowed low, his hands respectfully cradling the golden rooster he had chosen. Then, in a steady, heartfelt voice, he began to speak.
“Your Majesty, the chicken is a creature of five virtues.
Since childhood, my mother has often instructed me on this. She told me that among all creatures, the chicken embodies five noble qualities.
When I was young, our family was poor. My mother raised chickens — selling their eggs to buy my brushes, my ink, my paper. Everything I have achieved today, I owe to my parents’ sacrifice. Thus, I have always held deep gratitude toward this humble bird.”
He paused, his gaze softening with memory before continuing solemnly.
“The chicken possesses five virtues.
First — its comb upon the head symbolizes literary virtue, for it resembles the crown of a gentleman, standing upright with dignity.
Second — its sharp spurs and strong talons speak of martial virtue, for they serve it in battle.
Third — it is brave and unyielding. When confronted with a powerful foe, it never retreats but fights with all its might. This is the virtue of courage.
Fourth — when it finds food, it never eats alone but calls its companions to share. Such generosity reveals its benevolent virtue.
And fifth — the rooster announces dawn faithfully, unafraid of wind, snow, heat, or cold. Never once does it fail in its duty. This is the virtue of trustworthiness.”
Zhu Ping’an’s voice grew firmer, carried by conviction.
“As Confucius said, ‘Among three men, there must be one I can learn from.’ I believe this truth applies to all things beneath Heaven.
Thus, I chose the golden rooster — not merely for its form, but to learn from its five virtues.
As long as I live, I shall study without end; I shall grow old, yet never cease to learn — for the heart of scholarship must endure forever.
Though I am a scholar, I will not neglect martial resolve. When the enemies of Great Ming rise against us, even if I cannot wield a blade on the battlefield, I will still serve Your Majesty with strategy and resolve, aiding from behind the curtain if not upon the field.
The northern barbarians are arrogant; the southern pirates cruel. Yet I, with the blood of the Great Han in my veins, shall never yield to fear.
Through Your Majesty’s grace, I have been granted the chance to serve. I will cherish the virtue of benevolence, no matter where I stand.
And above all — a man without integrity cannot stand. Thus, I will forever uphold the virtue of faith. My words shall be deeds, and my deeds shall be resolute.”
He raised the golden rooster high, his eyes shining with genuine devotion.
“These five virtues, Your Majesty, I will etch into my heart and put into practice — to add my humble strength, one brick and one tile at a time, to Your Majesty’s splendid realm.”
The hall fell silent.
Zhu Ping’an’s voice lingered like a clear bell, his expression earnest, his words organized yet impassioned. Even from atop the dragon throne, Emperor Jiajing could feel the youth’s sincerity.
That answer — thought the Emperor — could easily stand as a polished essay in the Imperial Examinations.
The Five Virtues of the Chicken.
To learn as long as one lives.
When two paths cross, the brave shall prevail.
To add bricks and tiles to my Emperor’s glorious realm.
How pleasant these words sounded! How refined the reasoning, how profound the meaning! “To learn till old age”— simple words, yet boundless in wisdom. And “the brave shall prevail when paths collide”— what spirit! If only all Ming soldiers held such resolve, the northern tribes and southern pirates would not dare to test the empire’s might.
And to “add bricks and tiles” — such humility, such sincerity! No boast of conquest, only the quiet wish to serve.
Every phrase struck a deep chord within Jiajing’s heart. Zhu Ping’an’s words, infused with the logic and clarity of a mind touched by modern thought, utterly conquered the Emperor.
Here stood a subject — filial, studious, understanding, and loyal. Where could one find another like him?
Beside the throne, the eunuch Huang Jin listened quietly, eyes widening as Zhu Ping’an spoke. When the youth finished, Huang Jin could not help but steal a few more glances.
A remarkable young man, he thought. This one’s future will be limitless. Best to remember him… and perhaps, befriend him while I can.
“Rise,” said Emperor Jiajing at last, his tone softened with emotion. “My loyal subject — such pure filial devotion!”
He paused, then added warmly, “You truly have a good mother.”
Zhu Ping’an, just lifting himself from the ground, froze. Before he could stand, the Emperor’s next words struck like thunder.
“Huang Ban,” the Emperor called to his attendant, “choose an auspicious day and have the Hanlin Academy draft an edict. Zhu Ping’an’s mother, Lady Chen, has shown virtue, wisdom, and grace in raising her son. She is to be conferred the title of Sixth-Rank Lady of Grace.”
The golden words flowed from the Emperor’s mouth like a divine decree.
Zhu Ping’an’s heart leapt — then his knees hit the floor with a thud.
“Your Majesty’s boundless grace!” he cried, trembling with joy.
It was an unexpected miracle, a joy beyond all measure.
He had often comforted his mother, promising that one day he would win her an imperial title. But such honors were rare, reserved for those of extraordinary merit. In all the Ming Empire — indeed, throughout the feudal world — an imperial edict was no small thing.
From the first to fifth ranks, the Emperor’s decrees were called Gao Ming; from sixth to ninth, Chi Ming. And the wives and mothers of these officials, when honored, were known as Ladies of Imperial Grace.
The title alone brought immense prestige, even if it held no official power — enough to bring glory to one’s ancestors for generations.
A sixth-rank official’s wife or mother was titled An Ren — Lady of Grace. And now, Zhu Ping’an’s mother had received precisely that honor.
Such things were not granted lightly. It required not merely an official position, but exceptional merit — service so outstanding that the Emperor himself would take notice.
No wonder Zhu Ping’an was overwhelmed. His speech earlier had been sincere but never calculating; he had only wished to show gratitude and win the Emperor’s favor. Never had he dreamed of such a reward.
Emperor Jiajing watched the young man’s astonished, almost childlike joy and couldn’t help but chuckle. Truly a pure-hearted youth.
“Enough — you may withdraw,” the Emperor said with a smile, waving his hand.
“Your Majesty’s grace is boundless. This humble servant takes his leave.”
Zhu Ping’an kowtowed once more, every word steeped in gratitude, then rose and departed the hall.
Even after stepping beyond the grand gates of the palace, his heart still raced with disbelief. The reward was too sudden, too grand — a blessing that felt like a dream.
He could already picture it: his mother, Chen, standing proudly in their humble village as the imperial edict was read aloud, the villagers’ eyes wide with awe and admiration.
The image filled him with warmth. A smile, bright and unrestrained, bloomed across his face and refused to fade.