The stupid son of Chongba

Chapter 181: Zhu Yuanzhang conferred titles on his meritorious officials! The nobles were furious, the emperor was so mean and ungrateful!
The next morning.

Outside the palace, there was a lot of noise.

Normally, everyone looked sleepy and yawned when they attended the morning court.

But today, everyone is in high spirits!

The reason is simple - today is the day when His Majesty the Emperor rewards his meritorious officials!

For those who have followed the emperor in his battles since he was still a humble figure, today is undoubtedly the day to reap the fruits of victory!
High position, generous salary, honor and title... today!
"Brother Hu, I'll bet again!"

"I bet on General Tang to be the Duke of the country!"

The man who came was the military general Guo Xing. He leaned close to Hu Weiyong's ear and whispered.

Hu Weiyong couldn't help but smile when he heard this.

"General Guo, it's already this late, you still want to bet? We will soon meet His Majesty and reveal the answer."

he said.

Guo Xing smiled.

"It hasn't been announced yet! You can't close the market before it's announced, right?"

"Just tell me if you can get off?"

Hu Weiyong nodded.

"Yes! Of course... But there's not much to gain from betting on Tang Shuai."

He pulled out a booklet from his pocket and said,
"Marshal Tang, like Marshal Xu and Prime Minister Li, is basically a duke for sure."

"Let me take a look... Based on the odds, even if you bet one thousand taels, the profit will only be ten taels."

"I think you might as well try to fight the ones behind you, or even fight yourself!"

"Perhaps you can bet on the food they will be rewarded with. This has high suspense and high odds."

For a Duke who is a foregone conclusion, the odds are basically frighteningly low.

For example, Xu Da, even if he bet one thousand taels, he would only get one tael of silver if he won the bet. He was just playing around.

However, if you bet on their fiefdom, the odds are still very good, and winning the bet is basically equivalent to making a small fortune.

"Hehe, I'd rather play it safe, protect my capital, and make some pocket money."

Guo Xing said with a smile,
"I bet five thousand taels that Commander Tang will be awarded the title of Duke."

Hu Weiyong laughed.

"You are famous for being cautious in war, and now you are too cautious at the gambling table."

He said,

"Okay, okay, I'll keep a note of it for you. I guess I'll give you the fifty taels."

"Not bad, have fun, and even have a few drinks if you win."

Upon hearing this, Guo Xing burst into laughter.

Swish.

Hu Weiyong made a mark and stretched out his hand, saying:

"Rules, understand?"

Guo Xinghei smiled and nodded, then took out a receipt from his pocket.

"This is the deed to the house I just bought. It's worth five thousand taels of silver."

He said,

"I'll keep it with you first!"

Guo Xing thought that it would only take a short while, and after the court session, he would be able to take back the five thousand taels of silver, plus an additional fifty taels of winnings.

Why not do such a good thing?
Hu Weiyong set this odds, he is simply a man who gives away money!

"Okay, I'll keep it for you first."

Hu Weiyong also smiled and said,
"If you go drinking later, remember to take me with you."

"Of course, no doubt about it! You are a loyal man, Brother Hu!"

As soon as Guo Xing left, a few more people gathered around him.

"Brother Hu, can I place another bet?"

"Brother Hu, I don't have any money on me. Can you please keep the bill first? I guarantee with my character that I will never default on my debt, okay?"

"Hu……"

Everyone wants to place a bet, some even want to get something for nothing and use their own reputation to guarantee it.

When Hu Weiyong saw them like this, he couldn't help but feel contempt for them.

Can you gamble on credit?

If you refuse to pay me then, how can I ask you for it?

However, even though he despised her in his heart, he still smiled and responded:

"You can buy on credit. With your character, Brother Wang, I am willing to let you buy on credit. Tell me! Who do you want to bet on?"

"Don't worry, the court session will take some time, come one by one, I will not close this bet until His Majesty confers the title."

"Come on, come on..."

He was in charge of this gambling game at the instigation of Li Shanchang in order to further expand his social circle and deepen his relationship with the nobles through such gambling games.

Therefore, even buying on credit is tolerated.

Making money is not his main purpose!
……

After a while, the booklet in Hu Weiyong's hand was already full of records. A rough calculation showed that the total amount was already over 100,000!

Among them, of course, most people are looking to protect their capital and earn stable returns.

But there are also those who want to give it a try, and some even have the confidence to place a heavy bet on themselves!

“This group of people…”

Liu Bowen glanced at the grand scene beside him and couldn't help but sigh,
"It's just that the habit hasn't changed after all."

"If His Majesty knew about this, he would probably be furious again. A ceremony of enthronement has turned into a gambling game for them."

Song Lian, standing beside him, stroked his beard and smiled.

"Most military commanders are like this."

He said,

"I think they're still holding you! Honestly, Bowen, what title do you think His Majesty will give you?"

"I think, with your contributions, you should still have a chance to become a duke, right? At the very least, a marquis."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bowen shook his head.

"I don't expect it, and I'm not interested. I don't value the title."

"On the contrary, I am very satisfied with my current position as the Prime Minister of the Cabinet. Just as His Majesty the King of Wu promised me at the time, I can really display my talents and ambitions in this position. I just hope that Your Majesty will not easily reform the cabinet. Other things don't matter."

"In fact, I even hope that my title can be lower. After all, I only made suggestions and a few strategies were adopted. That's all. If you want to talk about military merits, it's actually a stretch."

Song Lian suddenly realized and gave a thumbs up.

"Everyone says they are indifferent to fame and fortune, but in my opinion, you are the only one who is truly indifferent to fame and fortune."

He praised sincerely,

"You don't care about the title they are striving for."

"What a noble demeanor!"

Liu Bowen stroked his beard and smiled.

"Don't tell anyone about this, or people will say I'm aloof."

"Actually, everyone has their own aspirations. For us civilians, military achievements are unimportant. What matters is making a difference in politics. When the country was being built, I was a half-spectator. When the country is being ruled, it's the best time for you and me to step on the stage and perform."

"As it is now."

Song Lian stroked his beard and agreed.

"I have the same idea as you."

"I hope that the cabinet that His Majesty the King of Wu has carefully constructed will not be changed by His Majesty, so that people like you and me can have a place to use our talents."

As the two were chatting, they saw the door of the palace slowly open.

"Your Majesty has a decree!"

"All officials, please go to Fengtian Palace to see the emperor!"

Swish!
In an instant, everyone fell silent, looking expectantly at the magnificent palace not far away.

Hu Weiyong also put away his booklet and pushed away everyone around him.

"It's closed, it's closed, that's it!"

"Everyone go back and stand still, and prepare to be canonized!"

Da da.

Da da da.

Civil and military officials stood in two rows, adjusted their manners, and walked towards the palace.

……

Inside Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao stood at his lower left, while the lower right was occupied by Zhu Ju.

"Dad, why should I come too?"

Zhu Ju yawned and said,
"Now that the eldest brother has recovered, isn't it enough for you to have him? Wouldn't it be too crowded for you to have one more person standing there?"

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, his face suddenly turned dark.

"Letting you observe government affairs is a sign of respect for you!"

He cursed,
"As the regent, I naturally have to participate in government affairs!"

"Otherwise, how do you monitor this country? How do you know these officials so well?"

"Ok?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ju couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"Then why don't you remove my position as regent? It was originally a temporary one."

"I don't want to be a role anymore. I want to go back and take a nap."

I have a sweet and soft wife, but instead of sleeping with her in my arms, I come here and stay.

Pure suffering!

If I have to get up so early in the future, I might as well kill him!
Da da!

Da da da!
The jade pendant on my chest began to beat after a long time.

"Little Orange, don't make Dad angry."

Seeing that his father looked unhappy, Zhu Biao said quickly,

"This is your father's hard work in training you, don't let him down."

"Watch politics carefully, and you can help me more in the future. We brothers are destined to support each other in the future."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ju could only nod helplessly.

Well, once you get on this pirate ship, you can’t get off!
"Humph!"

Zhu Yuanzhang held the imperial edict in his hand, snorted coldly, and ordered Zhu Ju:
"Lao Liu."

"You will read out our will later."

"Damn, let me do the work of a eunuch." Zhu Ju muttered, but still stepped forward and took the imperial edict from Lao Zhu's hand.

With him around, all the eunuchs who deliver messages will be out of work.

"Biao'er, you will just watch over those ministers later."

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice,

"When Lao Liu reads the imperial edict, you can look at their expressions and try to figure out what they are thinking."

"Write us a review later. This is the task I'll give you."

Zhu Biao also nodded.

"Yes, Dad."

He knew that this was his father training himself!
"Call them in."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

The eunuch who was passing messages under the jade steps finally got the job and shouted loudly:

"All the ministers are here to see you!"

Wow!

Civil and military officials filed in, lowered their heads and walked quickly to the jade steps.

The Fengtian Hall is not big, so only dozens of people can come in. The rest of the ministers can only stand outside the hall to listen to the imperial edict. However, for those who cannot enter the hall, today's matter is actually not very relevant to them.

"My lord, see your majesty!"

"Long live my emperor, long live my emperor!"

All the ministers bowed their heads and kowtowed to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Ju and Zhu Biao simultaneously turned slightly sideways.

"Everyone loves you."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said,
"Three days ago, when King Wu got married, I told you that I would reward you according to your merits!"

"Logically, when the Ming Dynasty was founded, we should have given these to you, but the world was not stable at the time, especially with the Yuan Dynasty still eyeing us covetously. Our Ming Dynasty only owned half of the country. To put it bluntly, it was at best a separatist regime."

"Therefore, we have put the reward on hold and are determined to wait until the Yuan Dynasty is destroyed and the world is unified before we can give out the reward!"

"In May of this year, General Xu Da drove out the barbarians, and Emperor Shun of Yuan died in the northern border. The Northern Expedition was a great success! I can finally say with confidence that I am an emperor! And you, my dear ministers, have made great contributions to my becoming this emperor!"

"Regent, please announce your will!"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

All the ministers looked at Zhu Ju, and some thoughts came to their minds.

The King of Wu is still the regent, and the emperor is in his favor!
It seems that he will no longer be a temporary regent, but will officially participate in the affairs of the Ming Dynasty!
Realizing this, Liu Bowen, Song Lian and others were naturally delighted.

Unknowingly, Zhu Ju has become a supporter that many people in the court can rely on!

Zhu Ju opened the imperial edict and said loudly:

"Xu Da, Duke of Xin, has conquered Hezhou, pacified Taiping, and occupied Zhenjiang since he started his army. He has fought dozens of battles, big and small, without losing a single one. After founding the country, he even pacified the northern border. He is truly the most meritorious minister of the Ming Dynasty! He was given the titles of founding minister of the country, loyal and devoted military affairs, Guanglu Dafu, Zuo Zhuguo, Taifu, Zhongshu Youchengxiang, and was later renamed Duke of Wei, with an official salary of 5,000 dan!"

When these words were spoken, all the ministers were shocked!

This reward is indeed huge!
It can be said that Xu Da was pushed to the highest position among ministers in an instant!

"it is good!"

"Sure enough, the general is the first hero! I won the bet! Hahahaha..."

"This... Hey! I should have bet on the general! Why did I be fooled and believed the slander and bet on Prime Minister Li!"

"..."

For a moment, the ministers had different expressions.

Several people who had placed heavy bets and won almost jumped up at this moment, their mouth corners unable to suppress the crazy upward curling!

Those who made the wrong bet sighed and looked regretful.

"quiet!"

Zhu Biao frowned and scolded.

Although their movements and sounds were not loud, he saw them all, and he was somewhat puzzled...

What’s wrong with this group of people?

"Your Majesty's grace is immense. I, your servant, thank you for your grace!"

Xu Da knelt on the ground and kowtowed several times respectfully.

"I love you, no courtesy."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said,
"Without you, there would be no Ming Dynasty today."

"You deserve all these rewards." Xu Da stood up, with some excitement in his eyes.

He didn't really care much about anything else, but the title of "Ming Dynasty's First Meritorious Official" certified by Zhu Yuanzhang himself was extremely important to him!
No one can ignore this!
To be honest, everyone present here can go down in history, but his name can be in the first row and be the most dazzling one!

Isn't the purpose of living a lifetime to have a good reputation before and after death?
Zhu Ju also nodded to his father-in-law, and then continued:
"Li Shanchang, who was in charge of internal affairs and logistics, was the Xiao He and Kong Ming of the Ming Dynasty. He was given titles such as Grand Tutor, Left Prime Minister of the Secretariat, and Duke of Korea, and his salary was 4,000 dan."

The top two meritorious officials were one civil and one military.

These two are set in stone. Since Xu Da has become the first meritorious official, Li Shanchang is naturally the second meritorious official.

In fact, he still suffered a loss. If he had been rewarded when the Ming Dynasty was founded, the Northern Expedition would not have started at that time, and he would definitely be number one with his contribution!

But now, the merits of the Northern Expedition overwhelm everything!
Fortunately, he finally got the position he wanted, although there is now a so-called "cabinet" that has taken away a lot of power.

But the Left Prime Minister of the Secretariat is still the real head of all officials!

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."

Li Shanchang stepped out and bowed.

"My dear teacher, you have finally become the Left Prime Minister of the Secretariat."

Hu Weiyong looked at Li Shanchang's back and thought to himself,
"I don't know when I will be able to sit in that position. If that day comes, I will definitely..."

Zhu Ju glanced at Li Shanchang and continued reading:
"Chang Mao, the Duke of Zheng, with an official salary of 3,000 dan."

"Li Wenzhong was granted the title of Duke of Cao and a salary of 3,000 dan."

"Feng Sheng, the Duke of Song, with an official salary of 3,000 dan."

"Deng Yu was granted the title of Duke of Weiguo, with an official salary of 3,000 dan."

Except for Xu Da and Li Shanchang, who paused briefly, he quickened his pace and announced all six dukes in one breath.

As the names came out of his mouth one by one, a look of confusion appeared on Tang He's face.

Why...it's not his turn yet?
Logically speaking, after Chang Mao, it should be his turn.

In fact, he should be ranked before Chang Mao and listed as the third meritorious official? How come Feng Sheng and Deng Yu have already been called, but his name hasn't been read out yet?

His doubts were also the doubts of all the ministers.

Especially Guo Xing, his expression was a little strange, but he was not too panicked at the moment.

Until the next second.

Zhu Ju said loudly:
"Tang He was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Zhongshan; Geng Bingwen was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Changxing; Mu Ying was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Xiping; Guo Xing was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Gongchang..."

"...Kang Maocai was made Marquis of Qichun, and Yang Jing was made Marquis of Yingyang."

"The salary of all the above-mentioned marquises is 1,500 dan."

When this series of names were announced, the pupils of the civil and military officials below were already shaking!

Tang He, who ranked first among the Marquises, looked dazed, and couldn't believe his ears...

I only got the title of Marquis?!
Even more devastated than him were those who were thinking of betting on Tang and those who were living on the "minimum living allowance", led by Guo Xing, who were all dumbfounded at the moment!

Who would have thought that Tang Shuai was not a duke?
Who could have thought of this?!
Of course, they were not the only ones who were dumbfounded. Almost all the nobles in the Fengtian Hall, except the six dukes, were dumbfounded!
Losing in gambling... is fine. For most people, it’s just a loss of some money.

It's not that I can't afford to lose, but the problem is... Why should I only be given the title of Marquis? !
Why? !

Everyone's face changed at this moment, thinking about the military achievements they had made and the blood they had shed for the Ming Dynasty... a feeling of injustice had already risen up in their hearts!

The emperor is so mean and ungrateful!

Zhu Biao took in the expressions of all the nobles and felt a little uneasy.

Few of these people can accept it calmly!
Zhu Yuanzhang looked calm, with a faint smile on his face, as if what he gave was the supreme gift.

"Liu Bowen was enfeoffed as the Earl of Sincerity, with an annual salary of 240 dan."

"Enfeoff Wang Guangyang as the Earl of Loyalty and Diligence. His salary is 360 dan."

"Appreciate this."

After reading it, Zhu Ju took the scroll of the imperial edict and put it in his hand.

It has to be said that Zhu Yuanzhang was full of malice towards Liu Bowen. Not only did he suppress his title, but he also gave him the lowest salary. He was even worse than Wang Guangyang!

Of course, this may also be due to the fact that Liu Bowen often declined and resigned.

Dad is just like that... You are aloof, right? Don't want it, right?
Okay, then I’ll give you the lowest quality one and see if it disgusts you!

If you don't feel disgusted and even enjoy it, then I will feel even more disgusted and will punish you even more.

This is Old Zhu! The Emperor Zhu whom Liu Bowen could never get along with.

Zhu Ju took a look and saw that Liu Bowen looked normal, as if nothing had happened. He couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Master Liu, Master Liu, it seems I will have to protect you from now on.

Otherwise, in a few years, you will be poisoned to death by Hu Weiyong...

The imperial edict had been announced, but at this moment, there was complete silence in the Fengtian Hall, and no one knelt down to express gratitude.

Originally, Tang He was supposed to take the lead, but now his knees were stiff and he couldn't kneel down!
He felt aggrieved. This grace...he didn't even want it anymore!
For Tang He, giving him a title of Marquis was not a reward, but an insult! He would definitely become a laughing stock after dinner!
"I thank your majesty for his grace."

Some are indignant, while others are willing to accept it.

The few marquises who were ranked lower had never expected to be granted the title of duke, so naturally they wanted to express their gratitude now that they were granted the title.

They all knelt down in a rush, and those who were unhappy had no choice but to kneel down as well, shouting words of thanks.

All of the ministers knelt down at once, except Tang He, who was still standing there with his fists clenched.

"Tang Shuai, Tang Shuai?"

The person behind him whispered a reminder, and at this moment Tang He's body collapsed and he knelt on the ground with a thud.

"minister!"

"Thank you for your grace!"

He banged his head on the floor tiles and shouted loudly.

If you just look at his appearance, you would think he was so grateful and overly excited!
Zhu Yuanzhang took in all the expressions and demeanor of the civil and military officials.

He stayed on Tang He for a moment before shifting his gaze.

"My dear ministers, please stand up."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said,
"Apart from the reward, there is nothing else to do today."

"We have said that we share happiness and difficulties! Now that the world is at peace and the Ming Dynasty is growing stronger, wouldn't it be wonderful for you to enjoy this prosperity with us, my dear ministers?"

"Hahahaha... dismiss the court! You are allowed to celebrate, so we won't give you a separate banquet!"

After saying that, he walked down the jade steps and headed towards the back hall.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Ju also walked down the jade steps and followed his pace.

Inside the Fengtian Hall, many nobles looked as uncomfortable as if they had eaten shit.

"Second brother..."

Xu Da walked up to Tang He, patted him on the shoulder, and was about to say a few words of comfort, but Tang He slapped his hand away.

"let's go……"

Tang He shook his head and left the Fengtian Hall with his hands behind his back.

Seeing him leave, all the nobles turned around and left in silence... Even though they had thousands of complaints in their hearts, they did not dare to express them in the Golden Palace.

"Bowen, you..."

"Hey!"

Walking out of the hall, Song Lian couldn't help but say,
"Your Majesty is still too kind to you."

"No matter what, it's not a... Hey!"

After a lot of sighs, Song Lian felt sorry for Liu Bowen and also felt that the Majesty's reward was too meager.

"Why are you sighing? I think it's fine."

Liu Bowen flicked his sleeves, smiled and said,
"Li Bai has a poem that says, 'When the work is done, I will leave, hiding my achievements and fame.'"

"Given my personality, I don't seek fame or wealth. I just want to realize my ambitions and do something for the world."

"Duke? Marquis? Earl? In my opinion, it's nothing more than getting more salary and providing more security for future generations. What else is there for it?"

"Your Excellency, that's just right! Hahahaha... I don't have much to do today. Last time you invited me to have tea, I was drunk and couldn't attend. Why don't I come to your house today and have a seat?"

Hearing this, Song Lian couldn't help but feel a little admiration in his heart.

He glanced at the nobles who all had grim expressions and couldn't help but laugh.

"Brother Bowen's realm is admirable, but I'm afraid you are the only one who can achieve such a mentality."

Song Lian whispered,
"That bunch of people think the title of nobility is not enough. Maybe they are going to cause trouble."

"Let's go, let's not worry about this. After all, you have been conferred a title, so we should celebrate for you. Hahahaha..."

The two of them got together and quickly left the Forbidden City.

The nobles gathered together, and although they said nothing, they seemed to have thousands of sorrows in their hearts that they wanted to vent.

"Brothers."

Hu Weiyong suddenly said,

"This is not the place to talk. No matter what, the reward has been given."

"If anyone wants to drink, why don't we gather at my house?"

Upon hearing this, all the nobles looked up.

"General Tang, would you like to go with us?"

Hu Weiyong looked at Tang He and said with a faint smile,
"I still have a few jars of fine wine at home. If General Tang comes, Wei Yong will definitely open them."

Tang He glanced at him, then looked at the nobles.

"You guys drink, I have something else to do."

After saying this, he left quickly.

Seeing this, Hu Weiyong did not force it, but instead there was a hint of smile in his eyes.

"Go for a walk."

"Come to my house for a drink."

……

Fengtian Hall, in the rear hall.

"Biao'er, how do you feel?"

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the couch, tapped his knees, and asked.

Zhu Biao hesitated for a moment before saying:

"I think the nobles are not satisfied with the rewards this time, especially the marquises. When they heard about their titles and salaries, they not only did not show any gratitude, but their expressions were ugly. It's just that they didn't show any anger in Fengtian Palace."

"I guess they will complain a lot after they go back, and they might even cause trouble."

"To be honest, I felt some pressure when I saw them like that. I was a little afraid that the situation would get out of control and they would start shouting in front of everyone."

Today, it is because we have a founding emperor like my father in charge, and it is his majesty that intimidates the people below.

But Zhu Biao now has the perspective of a crown prince, and what he is thinking is - if his father is not here, can he control these people by himself?
Thinking this way will naturally make you feel stressed.

"Ah."

"anything else?"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said again.

"Also, Dad, why did you give Uncle Tang such a low title? You only gave him the title of Marquis of Zhongshan."

Zhu Biao said again,

"He has the most experience! He is also the first person to follow you!"

"No matter what, he should be given the title of Duke, right? Not to mention the others, even Li Wenzhong and Chang Mao were given the title of Duke. No matter what, Uncle Tang should be given the title of Duke."

"What do you think?"

He didn't understand why his father wanted to suppress Tang He here.

"Hehe...your mother and I have discussed this matter, so you don't have to be surprised. We have made decisions after careful consideration."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said,

"As for the reason, you two can guess."

"Old Six, guess why we do this?"

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Ju.

"Little Orange, what do you think? Let's talk about it together."

Zhu Ju touched his chin.

“I think there are two reasons.”

He said,

"First, Uncle Tang is not strong enough, which means he does not have enough actual military merit."

"Don't underestimate his seniority. No matter how senior it is, it won't work without military achievements! Ever since his father started the army, he hasn't had a particularly good record. When he was on his own, he often made slow progress and couldn't conquer a place, often requiring a large army to rush in to help."

"It's normal if it happens once, but if it happens frequently, it means that his ability to fight is actually not enough. Dad can definitely feel this. He should just give soldiers and generals like my father-in-law did and let him do his work without worrying about anything. When he wakes up, he will feel victorious."

"But Uncle Tang...there are many things to worry about for him."

Zhu Biao was stunned when he heard this.

"So that's it..."

He turned to look at Zhu Yuanzhang and said,

"Dad, is that true?"

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded.

"Your Uncle Tang is not very good at fighting. He is just average."

Old Zhu smiled and said,

"The brat is quite perceptive. He noticed this. He must have read a lot of military files, right?"

Zhu Ju smiled.

How could he watch those things that give people a headache? He just relied on some explanation videos and articles in later generations.

"In fact, even if his military achievements are not enough, he can still be granted the title of Duke. If it is like the Tang Dynasty, Uncle Tang will be given the title of Duke no matter how much he slacks off. Besides, considering all factors, Uncle Tang has undoubtedly passed the threshold for being granted the title of Duke."

Zhu Ju touched his nose and said,
"But my father is rather stingy and doesn't want to confer so many dukes."

"so……"

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned.

Stingy?!
"Hey! You're wrong. Dad wanted to increase the value of the dukedom, so he only conferred six dukes."

Seeing that his father's face was not right, Zhu Ju quickly changed his words and said,

"This raising of the threshold will inevitably cause a lot of dissatisfaction among many people. A lot of marquises will wonder, why am I only a marquis? If this dissatisfaction spreads, it will cause trouble."

"So, someone has to keep them in check! Uncle Tang became the sacrifice and the threshold for becoming a duke."

"Even he was only given the title of Marquis, what else do others want? If you want to be given the title of Duke, see how you compare to Tang He!"

"In this way, we can suppress them, but it will only make Uncle Tang feel wronged."

Zhu Biao was stunned.

Zhu Yuanzhang also nodded, with approval in his eyes.

"Not bad."

"Your analysis is very good and correct. You have distilled all our ideas."

This brat is actually smart!

Such accurate analysis in a short time!
"Well, that's it."

Zhu Biao naturally understood it immediately and said with emotion,

"I just feel sorry for Uncle Tang."

"After all, he was the first person to follow Dad. At that time, he was a captain and Dad was just a groom. He was willing to hold the stirrups for Dad and worship Dad as his elder brother."

"For this friendship, if it were me, I would give him a dukedom no matter what."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and was about to speak when Zhu Ju interrupted him.

"That's easy. Wait until this wave of hype passes, and then find an opportunity to help Uncle Tang gain some military merits. Then he will be granted the title of Duke naturally."

"I want to reward him, and I won't really let him down. It's just a matter of time."

(End of this chapter)