Gou was a member of the imperial family in the late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 1080 Stubborn
Zhu Mincheng is different from Prince Yong Zhu Cizhao. Zhu Cizhao is the prince of Zhu Youjian, and Zhu Shenzhui snatched the throne from Zhu Youjian.

Being able to banish Zhu Cizhou to the New World was the greatest kindness Zhu Shenzhu could show to the previous royal family of the Ming Dynasty. If it were another emperor, let alone banishing the deposed emperor and the prince, I'm afraid that they, including Zhu Youjian, would have been killed silently long ago.

From this point of view, the title of Prince Yong was just an experiment, and it was also a preliminary preparation for the later title. Moreover, Zhu Cizhuo would definitely not be the only royal member to be titled in the New World in the future. There would be other princes and even princes who would be titled there in the future.

But the situation is different in the South China Sea. The South China Sea is very close to the Ming Dynasty. In the future, the Ming Dynasty's Nanyang Navy will continue to grow and develop. It is inevitable that the Ming Dynasty will move from land to sea, and will reproduce the scene of the Yongle period, once again control the entire South China Sea, and re-define the South China Sea to its sphere of influence. The risk level is much lower to seal the close princes here, and if something happens, the Ming Dynasty can send troops in time. This is also a plan that Zhu Shenzhu has made long ago.

Facing Zhu Mincheng's idea, Zhu Shenzhui was moved and calmed down, and told him his own ideas. He told him that the direct descendants of the royal family would basically choose the South China Sea, which is closer to the Ming Dynasty, rather than the New World even if they were granted titles outside the Ming Dynasty.

But Zhu Mincheng expressed his opposition. He told Zhu Shenzhui that the countries in the South China Sea could be enthroned at any time, and if he did not go, there would be others who would go. Moreover, it would not be difficult for the Ming army to attack the South China Sea in the future. On the contrary, it was different in the New World.

Ever since Zhu Mincheng learned that his father was planning to confer the title of King of Ning on the New World, he has been interested in this place. He looked up a lot of information and asked some people to learn about the situation in the New World. Zhu Mincheng even found excuses to visit Johann Adam Schall von Bell and Ferdinand Verbiest, who were in Beijing, and learned a lot about the New World from them.

Zhu Mincheng was different from the steady prince. He had been adventurous since childhood. He regarded his father as his idol and always had the idea of ​​making great achievements in his heart.

The Tenger brothers, who are far away in Mongolia, are now in charge of a tribe respectively. They are not much older than Zhu Mincheng in terms of age, but they are the Great Khan of Mongolia. Now Tenger is leading his troops to attack the Mongolian desert in the north. Agudamu and his people have also established a firm foothold in Chahar. Their power is gradually expanding eastwards, and they have begun to prepare for the next attack on the Khorchin tribe.

As the son of Zhu Shenzhui, his three elder brothers each had their own business, but Zhu Mincheng was just a nominal prince. How could Zhu Mincheng, who wanted to make a career, be willing to accept this? After much thought, Zhu Mincheng set his sights on the New World. In his opinion, the New World had more development prospects than the South China Sea countries. If he could go to the New World, he could create a business with his own ability. This would not only expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty, but also fulfill his long-cherished dream.

"The New World is not like the countries in the South China Sea. First of all, the journey is long. Even if you get there, there are still many dangers. Aren't you afraid?"

"What is there to be afraid of? I am your son, Dad. Am I not as good as Prince Yong? What's more, I am several years older than Prince Yong. If he can go, why can't I? Dad! I have already thought about it. When I go to the New World, I will definitely open up the situation for our Ming Dynasty over there. If Europeans can do it, how can I, a prince of the Ming Dynasty, not be able to do it?" Zhu Mincheng made up his mind and said with a firm look.

Looking at his son carefully, Zhu Shenzhui did not speak for a long time. Thinking back to the past, Zhu Mincheng was still a kid running around, but now he has grown up. The child is no longer under the control of the mother, and even though he is his father, it is the same. What Zhu Mincheng said is also right. Since Prince Ning can go, why can't he go? You must know that if Zhu Mincheng is appointed to the New World, then Zhu Shenzhui will definitely not make it as simple as appointing Prince Ning. He will definitely arrange everything for him properly, so the risk is much smaller.

In addition, conferring titles on foreign princes is the future national policy of the Ming Dynasty and a step for the Ming Dynasty to step into the world. If even his own princes are unwilling to be conferred titles on foreign princes, how can Zhu Shenzhu, as the emperor, convince other princes of the royal family to be conferred titles on foreign princes? Everyone is not stupid. They would not stay in the Ming Dynasty and go all the way overseas to be a prince. Even if this prince has real power unlike the princes of the Ming Dynasty, how many people in the royal family are brave enough? Most people are content with enjoying themselves but are unwilling to take this risk.

"Have you thought about it?"

"I have thought about it a long time ago. In fact, even if you don't mention it today, I might take the initiative to tell you about it in some days. Since you asked today, I will tell you that I am willing to go to the New World as a vassal king!" Zhu Mincheng answered firmly.

After taking a deep look at him, Zhu Shenzhui nodded silently. It seemed that this kid had been thinking about this for a long time, and it was hard to convince him to give up since he was so determined. Besides, he had wanted to banish him from the outside world, and since he wanted to go to the New World, it was also a place for him to go. However, it was still unclear whether he would be able to see him again in the future.

After hesitating for a long time, Zhu Shenzhui sighed and said to him seriously: "This matter is very important, I still need to think about it. But even if you go to the New World, you have to get married! Your mother has been thinking about this matter all the time, you can't let her worry so much when you go there, right?" "Dad, what do you mean...?" Zhu Mincheng reacted quickly and asked tentatively.

Zhu Shenzhui nodded without saying anything, admitting that the boy's guess was correct. Zhu Mincheng immediately grinned and agreed: "Since Dad and Mom have such a plan, I can't go against your wishes. Besides, isn't it natural for parents to make the decisions on important matters in life? I have no objection to this matter, you and Mom can discuss it, I will listen to you two..."

"Get lost!" Zhu Shenzhui didn't know whether to laugh or cry. This two-faced guy's attitude just now was not like this. Now he wants to be a filial son? Zhu Shenzhui raised his foot to kick him. Zhu Mincheng hid to the side with a laugh, then saluted Zhu Shenzhui and said, "It's getting late. I have to get up early to go to the military academy tomorrow. Dad, don't work too hard. Rest early. I'll take my leave..."

After saying that, he bowed to Zhu Shenzhui and then ran away happily. Watching him leave with brisk steps, Zhu Shenzhui couldn't help but curse "this bastard", smiled bitterly and shook his head helplessly.

A few days later, Zhu Shenzhu discussed with Queen Xu Jingqiu and finally selected a woman from the selected candidates as the candidate for Princess Song. Speaking of this candidate for Princess Song, she was not an outsider. If you really count, she was a relative of the Ming Dynasty Zhu family.

The family chosen is the eldest daughter of the current Linhuai Marquis Li Zushu. Speaking of Linhuai Marquis' ancestors, they are very famous. This line is the descendant of Li Wenzhong, the King of Qiyang, who was the founding hero of the Ming Dynasty. That is, the descendant of Duke Cao, who was known as a family of two dukes.

Li Wenzhong was the nephew of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang and the first person in the founding army of the Ming Dynasty. He had outstanding military achievements and was deeply trusted. After Li Wenzhong died of illness during the Hongwu period, Zhu Yuanzhang conferred him the title of King of Qiyang and conferred his legitimate son Li Jinglong the title of Duke of Cao, which was hereditary.

Although Li Jinglong was not as capable as his father, he was more famous in history than Li Wenzhong. The key was that Li Jinglong's series of operations in Zhu Di's Jingnan Campaign were jaw-dropping. The reason why Zhu Di was able to defeat the enemy with a smaller force and eventually lead his troops into Nanjing City and seize the world from Emperor Jianwen would have been impossible without Li Jinglong.

Later generations often jokingly called Li Jinglong the "Ming Dynasty War God" and gave him a very low evaluation, but in fact it was not true. With Li Jinglong's status and position at the time, he had no more titles to offer in the Ming Dynasty, and Zhu Di's Jingnan Campaign was caused by the desire to reduce the power of the princes. As a relative of the Ming Dynasty, Li Jinglong was in an extremely awkward position. He was not only Zhu Di's cousin, the brother-in-law of the first Prince of Jin, but also the cousin of Emperor Jianwen. With Emperor Jianwen's ruthlessness in dealing with the princes, once Li Jinglong really destroyed Zhu Di, then it would be Li Jinglong's turn to be unlucky.

In order to protect himself and leave a way out for his family, many people did a series of operations that they could not understand. In fact, if you think about it carefully, you will understand that if Li Jinglong was really a fool, how could he command hundreds of thousands of troops to obey orders like an arm? All he did was to protect himself, to please Zhu Di, and not to be feared by Emperor Jianwen. Li Jinglong did just that. It can be said that he was not only good at fighting, but also a very smart person in the world.

Unfortunately, after Zhu Di became emperor, although he made Li Jinglong the "first meritorious minister of the Jingnan Campaign", he was extremely afraid of Li Jinglong. After a few years, he found an unreasonable reason to strip him of his title, and then put him under house arrest. In the end, Li Jinglong died of depression under house arrest. But even so, the Li family was saved, and Li Jinglong's descendants continued. It was not until the Jiajing period that Emperor Jiajing remembered the lineage of Duke Cao and re-ennobled the Li family, but it was no longer Duke Cao, but was changed to Linhuai Hou.

This is how the title of Li Zushu, the current Marquis of Linhuai, came about. The title of Li Zushu has been passed down for seven generations. Li Zushu is not only the Marquis of Linhuai, but also the Commander of Nanjing. In the previous Jiangnan case, Li Zushu decisively stood on the side of the court and cooperated with the Duke of Wei, Zhang Xijun and others to investigate the case. Afterwards, the emperor gave Li Zushu the title of Senior Counselor, which was a good commendation.

The lineage of Linhuaihou is not only a long-standing noble family of the Ming Dynasty, but also has a connection with the Duke of Cao, so it can be regarded as a member of the royal family. In addition, Li Zushu is as smart as his ancestor Li Jinglong. Although he is a noble, he has strict family education and a good reputation in the local area.

Zhu Shenzhu had been planning to win over the nobles in recent years, and in fact he did so. Moreover, the ancestors of the Li and Zhu families were related, so letting Prince Song marry the daughter of Linhuai Marquis was a good match.

As for what Li Zushu's daughters looked like, Xu Jingqiu had already asked someone about it. His eldest daughter just turned fourteen this year. Not only was she an age match for the King of Song, but she also had a great appearance. After all, the Li family's genes were there. Both Li Wenzhong and Li Jinglong had good looks according to the records. Li Wenzhong in particular was the prototype of Zhao Zilong on a white horse and silver spear in Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Naturally, his descendants also looked good, so they were a good match from that point of view.

(End of this chapter)