Daming prepares the emperor

The case of military supply was solved, the food and grass were recovered, and the Ministry of Industry had a bloodbath. Only the generals of Zhengchuan were not punished.

Anyone with a discerning eye knows that there is a sigh of relief in the palace, and it will definitely happen after a while.The monarch who founded the country, even if he has no ability, will definitely endure. Today, the emperor is even better.

Sure enough, in early May, a large number of generals were pushed to the vegetable market. Except for those who had outstanding military exploits, they were demoted and allowed to commit crimes and meritorious deeds.

Specialized personnel are invited to strangle the prisoner with fishing nets, and scrape them piece by piece with a knife, making the execution ground bloody. The people who see them can’t eat for three days, and most of them will change to eat later. vegetarian dishes.

After more than ten days of killing, the knives of the swordsman and axe were all curled up, and this group of corrupt officials was finally dealt with.

Shocked and panicked inside and out, Zhu Yuanzhang resolutely carried out his promise, and beheaded the petty official who had been greedy for a few pennies without mercy, without any forgiveness.

Originally, there were many ministers who went up to the court and wrote their suicide notes before they left. This time, the proportion has increased. The content in the book is much more detailed, and every penny of the family property has been considered.A loving couple is like a Cowherd and Weaver Girl meeting the Queen Mother before going to court, and they are afraid that if they leave, they will say goodbye forever.

Han Duo from the Ministry of Industry needs a special account.

The Sanfa Division carefully checked his family background and found that he was greedy. He not only dared to sell bricklayers, carpenters, and earthworkers, and reduced their corvees in exchange for money, he even dared to greedy for things that the palace wanted.

Last winter, Zhu Yuanzhang ordered to move 90 jin of charcoal into the inner warehouse of the palace for heating and cooking. Because there were not enough migrant workers to carry it, he put it aside for the time being.After such a release, the things were forgotten by the busy old Zhu. Unexpectedly, Han Duo was still thinking about it in his heart, and when he saw the right time, he smuggled it by himself. He stole 90 jin of charcoal, and only gave it The palace dropped 81!

After finding out this matter, Zhu Yuanzhang passed Han Duo into the palace and asked him where his charcoal had gone. Han Duo actually said that it was only [-] catties. courage.

Someone stole things from the house under his nose, and the thief looked innocent. Zhu Yuanzhang gritted his teeth in anger, smashed several pen holders, and asked Jin Yiwei to drag him down to kill him on the spot. , Let him leave a bad reputation for thousands of years, and the tone in his heart just got better.

As a result, the Ministry of Industry implicated a lot of people, almost changed a group of court officials, swept away the extravagance, and made a lot of integrity.Zhu Biao looked at the vacant position, and made Lu Jinaisai the minister. Zhu Yuanzhang also thought it was very suitable, so he decided on it.

As for the court situation, there have also been changes.The people in eastern Zhejiang and Huaixi seemed to be fighting fiercely, almost turning the Ming Dynasty upside down, but in fact, compared with the future party struggles, the foundation was not as stable.

The incident in Hangzhou is just the epitome of thousands of cases.Many people like Li Yinbing were sent down by Yang Xian. Although they failed to check their innocence like Yuan Kai did when they cooperated with the local area, they also caught a lot of small fish and shrimps during the compromise. official.

Zhedong's momentum rose sharply.

In July, Wang Guangyang was promoted to Zhongshu Zuocheng, and Yang Xian was promoted to Zhongshu Youcheng. In just three days, Yang Xian impeached Wang Guangyang for disobeying his mother, disrespecting his elders, and being disloyal. Zhu Yuanzhang didn't even investigate. He disliked Wang Guangyang's love of being a peacemaker, and immediately relegated Wang Guangyang to return to his hometown.

Combining all the previous contributions, Yang Xian was favored and trusted alone, and a large number of newcomers came to join him. His reputation in the ruling and opposition parties was even louder than that of Li Shanchang, who was sick at home.

In November, Hu Weiyong was pushed out by Huaixi, who finally couldn't bear it anymore, and served as a political affairs counselor of Zhongshu Province.

In mid-December, heavy snow.

---

Silver charcoal was burning in the room, and the mist of boiling water in Kunning Palace continuously drifted out of the window, and gradually dissipated in the cold air. Several maids serving food were still outside, and they heard the empress and the prince talking and laughing.

"I asked someone to buy this cow outside, and it just fell to death in Zhuangzi." Zhu Biao pointed to the bright red meat slices on the plate, "Mother, you can eat at ease, there will be no problem, just take a few breaths and you will be fine." Pick it up."

Yes, they are eating hot pot.

In addition to beef and mutton, the things in the pot were the cabbage, carrots, potatoes and melons, which were all grown by their family in the palace. Old Zhu hoeed the ground, Xiao Zhu planted the ground, and Ma Xiuying watered it, making Zhichi special. Take care of the temperature, it will take a month and a half to grow.

Although it will be gone after a few meals, it is also the fruit of their recollection of bitterness and sweetness. Looking at the past and present, no royal family would do this. If they eat what they grow, the food will taste better.

"En." Ma Xiuying responded softly, and looked at Zhu Biao lovingly, "Is it cold in the Hall of Harmony these days? You help your father with government affairs, and when you go back late, you can order a few more charcoal before going to sleep and eat some food." Don't feel like it's a waste of late-night snacks."

"I should say this, you should not be afraid of waste. You can use whatever you want. Last month, I heard people in the palace say that the empress can't sleep at night, so she gets up to weave..."

In the middle of the conversation, Zhu Biao saw that Ma Xiuying's expression didn't change at all, so he knew that he couldn't persuade her, so he changed his words and said, "Wei Zhongde, go and call Jingning in for dinner."

The last time Zhu Jingning went out of the palace and bought a rabbit, she had a much more cheerful personality and gradually became willing to play outside. Many times she didn't know to come back when it was time for dinner, so she had to be urged to do so.

"Yes." Wei Zhongde, who was eating meat, immediately stopped, put down his chopsticks, and was about to go out.

"Wait." Ma Xiuying called him suddenly, "I'll look for it later, you all go out, I have something to say to the crown prince."

The people in the room responded in unison, bowed their heads and went out. The last eunuch who stepped over the threshold closed the door gently.

Zhu Biao became serious: "Mother, what do you want to say now?"

Thinking about it carefully, it was not Muxiu's day, Ma Xiuying rarely bothered Zhu Biao and asked him to come over. Today's meal seemed not so simple at the beginning, but Zhu Biao didn't think about it subconsciously.

"Something's wrong with your father recently." Ma Xiuying revealed the worry in her heart, her brows were furrowed tightly, "He always went to sleep in Qianqing Palace these two days, and he came to Kunning Palace much less often. I spoke, and even if I spoke, I turned my back and did not want to look at me. Biao'er, did something happen in the hall that I don't know about?"

Zhu Biao was shocked, not much worse than when he first crossed, and hurriedly said: "No, mother, there is no major event in the court recently. I went to see my father yesterday, and he behaved normally. Mother, please explain carefully Say, what happened to him? Did you have a fight? "

"It's okay in the court, so it's nothing." Ma Xiuying wrote lightly, "Biao'er, just think of me as asking casually."

"No, no, no." Zhu Biao said, "This is not a casual matter, mother, if you don't tell me, I'll just ask dad."

Ma Xiuying had no choice but to tell the whole story, such as dodging eyes, confused thinking, distracted, full of lies, unable to swallow, etc. Zhu Biao listened to it, and the more he listened, the more surprised he was. Early menopause.

After chattering a lot, Ma Xiuying closed her mouth, seemingly earnestly saying: "Biao'er, don't take what mother said to you, what to do, this is a matter between father and mother, children don't care too much."

Zhu Biao was silent, he poked the vegetables in the bowl with his chopsticks and remained silent.

If you really don't want to take care of yourself, you won't say so much, and now it's obviously duplicity.

This situation is very similar to parents quarreling. While they can't help asking their children to judge, they feel that they can solve the problem.

After Zhu Biao figured it out, as soon as he looked up, he met Ma Xiuying's expectant and tangled eyes, and the words "Go and see your father" were written all over his face.

"...Mom, don't worry, I will give you an answer tomorrow."

Ma Xiuying said: "I didn't ask you to ask him."

At this time, there was a sound of girls laughing and playing outside the door. It turned out that Zhu Jingning ran back when she saw that no one was calling.

Just as she was about to push the door straight in, she was quickly stopped by Wei Zhongde, who bent down and said softly: "Your Highness, the Empress and the Crown Prince are discussing matters inside, please wait outside for a while."

Zhu Biao heard it: "Let her in."

Wei Zhongde quickly stopped: "Yes."

Zhu Jingning rushed in immediately, stomping the floor: "Brother, if I knew you were here, I wouldn't play outside with my second brother."

"It's not too late to know now." Zhu Biao smiled and caught Zhu Jingning who rushed over, hugged her to the chair, and patted her head, "Let's eat, I have beef today. After eating, I call Liu Chu Come and accompany you in vain."

After a meal, Ma Xiuying and Zhu Biao were full of worries. Only the young Zhu Jingning couldn't see the worries of her mother and brother, so she wiped out most of the dishes.

---

In the evening, Zhu Biao came to the Hall of Martial Arts as usual, and submitted to Zhu Yuanzhang his memorial for today's approval. It was just his mood, and he couldn't return to the feeling when he came yesterday anyway.

Zhu Yuanzhang knew nothing about the secret conversation between mother and son, and was fascinated by holding a book under the lamp. Zhu Biao came, said to sit down, and said nothing else to say hello.

Zhu Biao didn't take the initiative to say anything. He sat on the chair and stared at Zhu Yuanzhang, observing silently.

People who have worked hard on the battlefield are always very sensitive to the eyes of others. Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly looked up and looked around, and found that it was Zhu Biao who was looking at him, so he relaxed and said, "Biaoer, look at this Ru Taisu. He is a nerd and wrote a document of more than 1 characters. The first few words are all starting and ending, and only the last few words are true. Tomorrow, we will go to court and see if we can find an excuse and beat him up in court."

"Yeah." Zhu Biao nodded.

Zhu Yuanzhang vaguely felt that something was wrong, but he didn't think much about it, and continued: "The gentlemen who taught these days told us that those bastards didn't do their best to memorize in class, so we don't have time to take care of them. In other words, punish them not to eat."

"Okay." Zhu Biao nodded again.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt uncomfortable now. He sat up straight from the chair, scratched his face, twisted his neck, and said tentatively: "Song Lian's new apprentice, let's meet and see. He is a good seedling. The key is that he has a good foundation. Father is an upright official, so my son should be fine, and when you become the throne, he can assist you."

"Yes." Zhu Biao still nodded.

Zhu Yuanzhang finally couldn't take it anymore: "Is there something on our face? Huang Xi, look to see if there are rice particles stuck on us."

Huang Xi hurriedly took a careful look: "Master, there is nothing on your face."

"Why does the prince keep staring at us?"

"This, the servant does not know."

Zhu Yuanzhang was using him as an introduction, so he didn't continue to embarrass him. Instead, he looked at Zhu Biao and asked, "Biao'er, tell me, what have we done to offend you recently? You were fine when you left yesterday. Why are you here?" After a meal at your mother's place, then..."

He suddenly realized something, couldn't continue, squeaked, his eyes wandered, he hurriedly picked up the document, but accidentally knocked it down, he pretended to read a few lines before realizing it, and turned around quickly.

"It seems that father understands in his heart." Zhu Biao said lightly, "Eunuch Huang, please go out first."

Huang Xi couldn't wait to go out, so he let out a hey immediately, and ran outside with the hem of his clothes in his hands, not paying attention to Zhu Yuanzhang's glaring at him, maybe even if he noticed, he would pretend not to know.

The door creaked shut.

Zhu Biao looked at the founding emperor of Ming Dynasty again.

Zhu Yuanzhang coughed twice: "Why is it a bit hot? Is there too much charcoal burning, Biaoer, help us put out a pot."

"I think the charcoal fire is just right, not too much and not too little." Zhu Biao smiled, "It's just that I heard that people with a guilty conscience tend to get hot. I don't know if it's true or not."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly felt his majesty as a father being swept away. He couldn't help but straighten his back and said loudly, "Of course it's a lie. Who told you that? Pull it down and beat it hard."

"Mother said so."

"...This sentence is not unreasonable."

Zhu Yuanzhang faltered all of a sudden, and he just lifted it up like a rock on the top of a mountain, rolling down and falling into the deep pool below, without even hitting an echo.

"She is very polite, what to do with you. She is so busy all day long. Hey, it's true, you go to spend more time with your mother. The palace is boring. It's not like before. It's no fun. Those wives are too courageous. Little, Xu Da's wife didn't dare to enter the palace after the incident, and when she came in, she was submissive and disappointed—"

Zhu Biao was not deceived by his diversionary words, and cut straight to the point: "Father, what's the matter with you these days, why are you avoiding mother? Mother couldn't help but come to ask me, could it be that you have changed your mind and fell in love with other mothers?" gone?"

"Nonsense!" Zhu Yuanzhang shouted immediately.

Zhu Biao persisted: "Why is that?"

Zhu Yuanzhang realized that he had lost his composure, and was speechless for a long time.

Zhu Biao said: "Are you sick, father, don't shy away from medical treatment, please ask the imperial physician to come and see."

"..." Zhu Yuanzhang scratched his hair and gave up struggling, "I told you, you can't tell your mother."

"Yes." No matter whether he would say it or not, Zhu Biao first agreed.

"You swear." Zhu Yuanzhang thought that Zhu Biao was a monk, so he couldn't swear easily, so he changed his words again, "Forget it, don't swear, just don't change your mind, it's rare for us to trust someone once."

"Father, tell me quickly." Zhu Biao urged.

"Some time ago, didn't we find some old brothers to drink. They were all rough people, and they didn't lock the door after drinking. There was a man named Zhang Laishi. He said that he saw a beauty, it belonged to Xiong Yi. Sister, the country is beautiful and beautiful, and the country is beautiful, but she is short of a husband, and she is not married yet."

Zhu Biao said: "Wait, Dad, you don't give me a marriage, do you?"

"How is that possible? How old are you?" Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, "We agreed."

Come on, there is still something I don't understand here.

Zhu Biao has always been sober. He doesn’t expect too much from Zhu Yuanzhang. Let’s not talk about the three views. In terms of marriage, although Lao Zhu puts his wife on the top of his heart, it doesn’t affect him to marry concubines and concubines all the time. , This is not only a question of the times, but also a question of the power of the court.But the ones who married before could still be said to be for the consideration of the family behind them, but the ones who are going to marry this time are really dizzy.

"So, Dad, do you regret it?"

"Regret, can you not regret it?" Zhu Yuanzhang said with a bitter face, "We were drunk that day, and anyone dared to marry. I heard that Xu Da stopped us and almost let us draw a sword. We said at the time We can marry whoever we want, girls can't stop us at all."

Zhu Biao almost laughed out loud.

"We really regret it. Now we feel guilty when we see a girl, but you said, we have let go of our words. As an emperor, he keeps his promises. How can he not count his words? That Zhang Laishi borrowed it that night. With Jiu Jin, I went to Xiong's house to propose a marriage matchmaker, and it was clear that we were going to marry, Biaoer, what should I do?"

Hearing that the matter had come to this point, Zhu Biao's expression became solemn: "If the engagement is broken and the contract is broken, no one will dare to marry that woman. The rest of the people have heard the rumors, and the generation of the Xiong family will not be able to hold their heads up."

"That's right." Zhu Yuanzhang finally found someone to confide in, just like Ma Xiuying in the morning, he wanted to hold Zhu Biao to talk, "Besides, Xiong Yi is Li Shanchang's subordinate, we can't take his face into account... But you Mother, how can your mother say it?"

Having said that, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao eagerly.

Zhu Biao looked away: "Father, you have told me since I was a child that I can do my own thing."

"That's a fart. Why didn't you change your diapers yourself when you were young? We changed them for you. We don't care, you go and tell your mother, otherwise we--" Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a while, " Let's call Liu Ji into Beijing and ask him to give us New Year's greetings."

If Liu Ji heard this, he would probably say that he was really unlucky.

If he really wanted to go to Beijing, not to mention the tiring journey, the visiting officials were enough for him, and the cumbersome rituals. Those who were in poor health would have to die when they came back.

Zhu Biao was speechless: "What's the matter with Mr. Liu?"

"It's none of his business, we are the emperor, we have the final say, you can go or not."

Zhu Biao suddenly felt unlucky: "Mother said that I am still a child, this is an adult's business, and children should not worry about it."

"You are the prince. Once you become the prince, you are no longer a child."

Zhu Biao took a deep breath: "It's not urgent. Let's look at the attitude of the Xiong family first. How can marriage be such a joke?"

Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to say that he is the emperor, and marriage is just a matter of lip service, which is such a child's play, but seeing Zhu Biao's serious appearance, he felt guilty and fainted unconsciously, saying: "Okay, but your mother there--"

"Mother is just worried about you." Zhu Biao interrupted him, "Father, you should drink less alcohol in the future."

"Remember, remember." Zhu Yuanzhang said in a low voice, "Next time we call you when we drink, we will definitely be reluctant to kill you, and you will just stop us a little bit then."