Daming: I became Zhu Yuanzhang's eldest son

Yun'er came in with two little maidservants, served tea for Zhu Yuanzhang and the two young masters, and then retreated out.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly asked Zhu Di, "Fourth, I heard that your Guoshang Division has received 50 catties of black beans from Tao'er, and also placed an order for 150 million catties? What are you doing with so many black beans?"

Regarding this question, Zhu Di knew very well that his father wanted to bring up the topic of attacking Liaodong and listen to Zhu Tao's opinion.

And obviously, no matter what Zhu Tao said, it must be finally determined. Although this kid has no fame now, he is much better than the three chief ministers in the cabinet.

Therefore, he replied: "Uncle, Liaodong is not peaceful now. Some of the remnants of the Northern Yuan Dynasty have fled there, intending to break up the soil and stand on their own. Some local tribes have also formed their own factions and refused to obey the orders of the court. To use troops in Liaodong, you have to stockpile a large amount of food, grass and military supplies, besides black beans, I have to discuss with my cousin today and buy some potatoes."

For Zhu Tao, this is of course a dream. He can make money by selling things, and the crops produced in his [-]-qin experimental field are worth nothing if sold to the State Commercial Division.

He also smiled and said: "Compared to Mobei and Yunnan, Liaodong is just a disease of scabies, which can be easily cured, so this time 50 catties of black beans are probably enough."

Zhu Yuanzhang was not as optimistic as Zhu Tao in his heart. He had been struggling with who to appoint as the commander for the past few days. Since he came this time, he happened to listen to Zhu Tao's ideas.

So, Zhu Yuanzhang picked up the popcorn and ate it casually, and asked seemingly unintentionally, "Tao'er, I heard from friends in the imperial court that Lan Yu might be sent to lead the expedition this time. What do you think?"

Zhu Tao thought in his heart that although he could comment a few words on this military matter, it was nothing more than key politics, but since his father asked this question, he had to answer it.

"Sapphire is the prince's in-law and a staunch member of the East Palace. The emperor trusts the prince very much, so he also trusts Sapphire. At the same time, Sapphire's attack on the Gobi Desert did have its own way. It goes without saying. of."

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he couldn't help but interrupt Zhu Tao: "Then do you think it's appropriate for Lan Yu to lead the expedition?"

Unexpectedly, Zhu Tao shook his head, sighed and replied: "The boy didn't finish talking just now. Lan Yu is brave and loyal to the prince, but this man is domineering and has a bad temper. He doesn’t treat the soldiers well, and he even has hundreds of soldiers. I heard that under his command, the officers of more than a hundred households are all surnamed Lan.”

When Zhu Tao said this, Zhu Biao was already in a cold sweat. He and Lan Yu were related by marriage, because Zhu Biao's official concubine was Chang Yuchun's daughter, and Lan Yu's wife was Chang Yuchun's younger sister. He and Sapphire are very close.

As for Lan Yu's arrogance and domineering things, Zhu Biao naturally knew about it, and he had advised him many times, but with little effect.

But Zhu Biao couldn't understand how Zhu Tao, who always advertised that he only wanted to be a small landlord and a playboy, knew the details of courtiers and generals so clearly.

Although he was terrified of thinking carefully, he couldn't allow him to think too much now, so he could only change the topic immediately, otherwise, Lan Yu would probably have to focus on Zhu Tao's words.

Zhu Biao quickly asked: "If according to my cousin's opinion, if it is not suitable for Lan Yu to be in command, then who is the appropriate candidate?"

Zhu Di on the side looked eager to try. Although he is now in charge of the Guoshang Division, the life he yearns for more is the happy kindness and enmity of a leaping horse on the battlefield. He really hopes that Zhu Tao will mention his name.

Zhu Tao seemed to think about it for a while, and then replied: "Actually, if the most suitable person is Zhu Di, His Royal Highness King Yan, he grew up in the military camp since he was a child, and is the son-in-law of Marshal Xu, the Duke of Wei. We fought together and learned a lot of skills, but the conquest of Liaodong is not a big battle, and you don’t need to use a sledgehammer to kill chickens!"

Although this is not a formal recommendation, Zhu Di was still flattered to be praised like this, and he couldn't help giving Zhu Tao a thumbs up.

However, after talking for a long time, who is the most suitable candidate for the command? Everyone looked at Zhu Tao, waiting for his answer. Zhu Tao said with a smile.

"I see that you guys are more concerned about military and state affairs than the emperor, but our family is a family of merchants. It's really strange. In my opinion, Lu Zhongheng, Marquis of Ji'an, is the most suitable. He is one of the 24 Huaixi generals in the early days of the emperor's righteousness. He also served as Lan Yu's lieutenant general for a long time, and he is extremely brave and strategic, so he is a suitable candidate for command."

After Zhu Yuanzhang listened to it, he was a little confused, so he asked Zhu Tao, "Tao'er, didn't you just say that if you don't let Lan Yu be in command, you are afraid that he will be arrogant and difficult to control and cause trouble outside. This is Lu Zhongheng and Lan Yu's friendship. Deep, why is it appropriate?"

Zhu Tao explained: "Father, don't forget, these Huaixi nobles are all restless masters, let's talk about Lanyu, I heard that Lanyu's adopted son Lan Baoyu is just a small flag , but when I met Shi Zhengwen, the magistrate of Qingtian County, on the street, he broke the county magistrate's arm if he didn't agree with him. , Tang Shengzong, Fei Ju and others participated in the formation of a party, and breaking them apart is also intended to protect these heroes."

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but nodded again and again. What Zhu Tao said could be said to be a technique of checks and balances, and it could even be said to be a kind of imperial tricks. Killing ring, if you can save them by tearing them apart, that would be a good way.

When he returned to the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately said to Zhu Biao: "Biaoer, go and discuss with the three chief assistants, and draw up an order immediately, and make Lu Zhongheng, Marquis of Ji'an, the general of the Liao Dynasty, and Zhou Dexing, the Marquis of Jiangxia, the deputy general. Hou Geng Bingwen will coordinate with the State Commercial Department to provide food and military supplies for the army, and we will set off in three days, and you will send us to the gate of victory for us."

Zhu Biao took the order, and when he was about to leave, he suddenly turned back and said to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Father, I have thought carefully about what Brother Tao said, and I think it makes sense, and I still have some opinions. It's not enough to just take them apart, and I can't let them relax. These warriors on the battlefield, once they have nothing to do, they will die." All that is left is to harm the common people, so I suggest that Muying go to Yunnan some day and take Tang Shengzong and Fei Ju there."

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was overjoyed and said: "Biao'er's words are very reasonable. Since you became the prince, you have always governed with benevolence and righteousness, and you are also weak and obedient in front of father. Today, you are quite regal, and father is very happy."