In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1019 Thirty Years of Life, All the Toil in Vain
When Fang Xiaoru heard Zhu Yunwen mention the matter of the princes building irrigation canals, he nodded and said in a deep voice:
"Your Highness saw the King of Qin building irrigation canals, but did not see that the King of Qin had seized thousands of acres of farmland in Guanzhong."

Those common people who lost their land had no choice but to become tenant farmers in the royal palace.

The rent was 60%, which was heavier than the imperial taxes.
The irrigation canal irrigates the fields belonging to the Prince's residence.
The people's fields have long been seized; what kind of good is this?

Zhu Yunwen paused, clutching the hem of his clothes, and asked softly:
"Sir, are you saying that Uncle is lying?"
But the eunuch said that the people of Qin had all presented plaques to the Prince's residence.

"The people dared not refuse to send it off."

Fang Xiaoru turned around, his eyes filled with regret.

Local officials had to listen to the princes, and clerks relied on the princes for their livelihood.

If the people don't send plaques, the rent next year might increase by 70%.

While the regional princes appeared to be governing local areas, they were in reality dividing power from the imperial court.

The local official wanted to punish the wicked, but the prince said, "These are my men."
When the imperial court wanted to provide disaster relief, the vassal kings withheld the grain before distributing it.
If this continues, the local people will only know the regional princes and not the imperial court. What is this if not a disaster?

He walked back to his desk, picked up a brush, and drew a circle on the rice paper. Inside the circle, he wrote "The Imperial Court."
Several smaller circles were drawn outside the main circle, labeled Qin, Jin, and Yan.

"Your Highness, look, the imperial court is the root, and the local areas are the branches."

The feudal lords are like diseased lesions growing on branches.
It appears to grow along with the branches, but in reality, it is absorbing nutrients from the branches.

If you ascend the throne in the future, you must remove these lesions.
The princes were all moved back to the capital.

They were allowed to live in the royal palace and receive salaries, but were forbidden from handling local affairs.

Local affairs should be handled by local officials.
"Let the people decide their own affairs; only then can the court's foundation be secure."

Zhu Yunwen stared at the circle on the paper, his heart pounding, his lips even feeling dry.
“My grandfather and father are still alive, so I cannot be emperor and my word doesn’t count.”

Fang Xiaoru reached out and gently patted his shoulder, helping him to sit up straight:
"Your Highness, do not be afraid. You are the eldest son."

This empire should rightfully belong to you; the law is on your side.

If the vassal kings behave themselves and return to the capital to enjoy wealth and honor, it will be a blessing for the imperial family.

If they are not obedient, they are traitors, and the people of the world will not tolerate them.

When Emperor Jing of Han reduced the power of the vassal states, the Seven Kingdoms rebelled, but in the end, wasn't it all quelled?
It wasn't because there were too many soldiers, but because the people were on the side of the imperial court.

He picked up the Book of Han and turned to the page about the Rebellion of the Seven States:
"Your Highness, look, King Liu Bi of Wu is advocating for the removal of corrupt officials from the court."
But he controlled the salt and iron industries in Jiangnan, and the people couldn't even afford salt. Who would dare to rebel against him?
The foundation of a vassal king lies in the people; as long as you treat the people well,

The people will protect you, and even if a vassal king wanted to rebel, he wouldn't be able to cause any trouble.

Zhu Yunwen nodded as if he understood, and asked:

"What about the army? The army all likes younger brothers."

Zhu Yunwen's eyes were calm, unlike those of a young man.

Instead, he seemed like an old man who had seen the vicissitudes of life, with a deep and calculating mind.

Fang Xiaoru was taken aback, then burst into laughter:

"The Han and Tang dynasties perished because of their strength, and warlords carved up the land, leaving the people destitute and miserable."
Therefore, although the Song dynasty died from the ravages of war in the north and its court was repeatedly oppressed, at least the people still lived in peace and prosperity.
Therefore, although the Yuan dynasty was founded on military force, several emperors made every effort to suppress the army, appoint civil officials, and allow the people to recuperate and thrive.

Although the Ming Dynasty was also founded on military strength,

However, by governing the country with benevolence and filial piety, military men could not disrupt the government, nor would they attract much attention.
Compared to the Second Prince, you are more composed and courteous.
Scholars across the land will stand by your side; what is there to fear?

Zhu Yunwen's calm face showed a slight change, and his breathing became a little more rapid.

As a member of the imperial family, he already possessed a level of understanding far beyond that of his peers.
As the eldest son, he had only one goal from beginning to end: to ascend the throne.

call.
Zhu Yunwen let out a long sigh and asked:
"Sir, you are well-read. Why don't you take the imperial examination and become an official in the court?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Xiaoru's eyes darkened.

He came from a prominent family in Jiangnan. His father had served as an official during the Yuan Dynasty, and his teacher was Song Lian, a member of the rebel faction, who forbade him from participating in the imperial examinations.

He picked up his pen and wrote the words "take office" next to "rest and recuperate," his tone tinged with melancholy.

"The imperial examination was a system of the imperial court, which could select scholars, but it also blocked out many truly talented people."

Just like me, I studied under Mr. Song for twenty years.

In terms of classics and history, and in terms of people's livelihood, he is no less capable than those newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations).

But for various reasons, they couldn't even get into the examination hall.

He paused, then drew a horizontal line on the paper with the tip of his pen:
The imperial examinations tested knowledge of the classics, policy essays, imperial edicts, and memorials.

To govern a region effectively, one must understand agriculture, water conservancy, and adjudication.

An experienced farmer in the fields can calculate which plot of land will yield the best wheat harvest.

A constable in the yamen can spot a thief at a glance; that takes real talent.

But these people can't write commentaries on classics or policy essays.
One could never even enter the imperial court in their entire life; this was the limitation of the imperial examination system.

Zhu Yunwen frowned and asked:

"If we don't use the imperial examination system, how do we select talent? We can't just pick anyone, can we?"

"It's not that we don't need the imperial examination system, it's that we can't rely solely on it."

Fang Xiaoru smiled, his tone softening.
"We can inherit the old system of the Yuan dynasty and use the selection process."
Let local officials recommend those who understand agriculture; let the county magistrate recommend those who understand water conservancy; let the prefect recommend those who understand water conservancy.

Those recommended for promotion first serve as minor officials in local areas, and are promoted if they perform well.

In this way, whether they were scholars, old farmers, or constables,
Anyone with the ability can serve the imperial court.

Your Highness, remember that in selecting talent, one should not be bound by trivial matters, nor by factors such as background or writing ability.

Zhu Yunwen nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite:

"I see, thank you sir."

At this moment, the eunuch tiptoed in, bowed, and said:

"Your Highness, it's past noon, you should rest for a while."

Fang Xiaoru looked up at the window; the sun had already set. He then put away his pen.

"Let's stop here for today. Your Highness, please think carefully about what we have said today, and we will discuss Mencius again tomorrow."

Zhu Yunwen nodded, got up, and saw Fang Xiaoru to the door.
Watching him walk away with his book bag, she turned and headed towards the Crown Princess's side hall.

A faint scent of sandalwood burned in the side hall, where the Crown Princess sat by the window doing needlework.
The bluish-gray thread embroiders orchids on the plain silk fabric.

Seeing him come in, she quickly put down her needlework and waved:
"Yunwen is here? Come here quickly and sit next to your mother."

Zhu Yunwen ran over, sat on the soft stool, and looked on with a childlike excitement:
"Mother, the teacher taught us very well today!"

The Crown Princess took a handkerchief and wiped his forehead, then asked with a smile:
"Oh? What did the master teach you today that made you so happy?"

"The teacher taught me to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, and also said that I am the eldest son and should rule the world in the future."

As Zhu Yunwen spoke, his little face was full of pride.

"The gentleman also said that he would move the imperial uncles back to the capital in the future."

If local officials govern their areas well, the people will be able to eat their fill.

The Crown Princess paused, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, but she quickly concealed it, only patting his head:
"The master is right. Yunwen must listen to his advice so that he can become a good ruler in the future."
But you can't say this outside. Just keep it to yourself, understand?

"remember!"

Zhu Yunwen nodded vigorously, then looked at the Crown Princess:
"Mother, why hasn't Father returned yet?"

A complex expression also appeared on the Crown Princess's face as she patted his head.

"Don't worry, your father just has some important matters to attend to, he'll be fine."

The night had fallen deepest.
The walls of the East Palace gleamed with a cold, white light under the moonlight.

Even the imperial guards on night patrol slowed their pace, their boots making only a faint clattering sound on the bluestone slabs.

The candlelight in the side hall was on, but it offered little warmth; a thin figure was projected onto the window paper.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao was leaning against the couch.
Holding a half-read copy of the Zizhi Tongjian in his hand

His eyes, however, were somewhat unfocused; ever since he was poisoned by the red tide algae...
He always felt weak all over and couldn't even read for half an hour.

"Your Highness, Lord Lu has arrived."

The eunuch tiptoed in, keeping his voice very low, for fear of disturbing the crown prince.

Zhu Biao raised his eyes, struggling to sit up straight:

"Let him in."

The door was pushed open, and a blast of night air rushed in.
Lu Yunyi strode in, wearing a plain silk robe today, with dark circles under his eyes.

Upon seeing the Crown Prince, he immediately bowed in greeting:
"Your subject Lu Yunyi greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Get up, no need for formalities." Zhu Biao quickly raised his hand, his voice slightly weak.
He couldn't help but cough twice, and the eunuch quickly handed him some warm water. He drank a sip and felt better.
"Have a seat. You've come all this way so late, is something urgent?"

Lu Yunyi sat down in the chair and first glanced at the Crown Prince's expression.
She looked paler than the last time I saw her, and her lips were almost bloodless. My heart sank.
But he first mustered his spirits and pulled out several account books from his pocket:
"Your Highness, these are the results of the past two days. Please take a look."

Zhu Biao took the ledgers, his fingers gently stroking the cover. He opened the first book, which contained the transaction records of Yingtian Trading Company:

"A profit of 13,300 strings of cash?"

He was somewhat surprised and looked up at Lu Yunyi.
"Didn't everyone say that promoting paper money would result in losses? How come it's profitable instead?"

"It's because both ordinary people and wealthy families are afraid that the paper money will be useless, so they are rushing to buy things."

Lu Yunyi smiled, his tone somewhat relaxed.

"Even various government departments sent people to come."
They used the remaining banknotes in the yamen to buy some necessities, and also made some gains with Vice Commissioner Du.

Last night, many money exchanges and black markets were raided, and many people were arrested.
Most of the private exchange channels in Beijing have been cut off.
People had nowhere to exchange their silver, so they had no choice but to spend it.

Zhu Biao nodded, his eyes brightening slightly, and then turned to the next book:
"Has He Zicheng's matter been suppressed?"

"It has had some effect. People are now saying that he was killed by the ghost of his daughter-in-law for having an affair with her."

Some even said that His Majesty disliked him, and that Heaven had punished him.

Zhu Biao let out a soft sigh of relief, placed the account book beside the couch, and pressed his finger to his brow.

"You've worked hard. A few years ago, when you mentioned setting up the Yingtian Trading Company, I was still a bit uncertain."
But now it seems.
"If it weren't for the Yingtian Trading Company, the capital would be in who knows what chaos it would be in."

"Your Highness, this is what I should do."

Lu Yunyi changed the subject, his tone becoming concerned.

"I consulted the Imperial Hospital today, and I heard that Your Highness's health has not improved yet?"

The Crown Prince nodded:

"I'm exhausted all day. I can't get angry or wander around."

Lu Yunyi pondered for a moment, then said softly:
"Your Highness, detoxification mainly relies on the liver and kidneys, so eat more foods that nourish the liver and kidneys."
Eggs, milk, lean meat, and tofu are all good for replenishing qi and blood, and nourishing the liver and kidneys.

In addition, it is essential to drink plenty of water and urinate frequently to help detoxify the body.

I have already arranged for the trading company to send fresh milk and eggs over daily.

And Your Highness, please remember to drink the spring water collected from Mount Shenlie.

Fearing the Crown Prince wouldn't take it seriously, he added:

"Your Highness, judging from all the signs..."
Although you have been poisoned, the toxins have not yet penetrated your bone marrow. With proper rest, your body will surely be able to expel the toxins.
If we neglect this, our liver and kidneys will be damaged, and the consequences will be difficult to manage later.

Zhu Biao listened quietly, and finally nodded:

"I understand. I've been drinking quite a lot of tea every day lately."

"Your Highness, it is best to drink plain water. Tea is harmless."

However, the stir-frying process involves baking over high heat, which inevitably has some drawbacks.
For ordinary people, it will naturally cause no problems.

But since Your Highness is currently poisoned, it's best not to put further strain on your liver and kidneys.

Zhu Biao looked helpless, but after thinking about it carefully, he felt that what he said made sense, so he nodded:

"I know."

Seeing that the Crown Prince had taken his words to heart, Lu Yunyi felt somewhat relieved.

Remembering his business, his expression gradually darkened, and he pulled a folded document from his sleeve:

"Your Highness, there is another matter I would like to discuss with you. This was sent by Xu Zengshou today."
His Majesty ordered him to escort three thousand wealthy households to relocate to Guanzhong.

I wish to take this opportunity to find the traitors hiding in the capital.

Zhu Biao took the document, unfolded it, and read it.
The list of wealthy households, their departure times, and routes was written on it, causing him to frown involuntarily.
"How do we find them? Use these wealthy households as bait?"

Zhu Biao frowned and said calmly:
"The infighting within the court should not spill over into the lives of ordinary people. These wealthy households are innocent and loyal to the Ming Dynasty."

If the rebels come to cause trouble, they might get hurt.

Lu Yunyi pursed his lips, a cold glint flashing in his eyes, and leaned closer, his voice extremely low:

"Your Highness, we have been on the defensive these past few days, constantly being challenged. This has put us in a very passive position."
In my opinion, we should take the initiative.
These wealthy households were not important.

But it was only when the imperial court ordered them to relocate to Guanzhong that they became important.
Your Majesty suspects that someone will inevitably try to create trouble and disrupt this matter.
Therefore, I think,

It can be so convincing that it can lure the wolf into the house, then trap and beat it!

Zhu Biao frowned, realizing his scheme, nodded, then shook his head:

"Three thousand wealthy households would require a team of over ten thousand people."

With such a grand undertaking, who would dare to cause trouble?

The rebels aren't fools; on the contrary, they're very clever. We must be cautious.

"Your Highness, neither side is willing to give an inch now."

We will not miss any opportunity that could potentially cause harm.
"And these wealthy households... I believe that those who oppose moving the capital cannot simply be let go like this."

Zhu Biao thought for a long time, until he was somewhat tired, before slowly speaking:
"You make the arrangements, make sure everything goes perfectly."

"I understand."

Lu Yunyi breathed a sigh of relief, a smile appearing on his face.
"I will assign Xu Zengshou to handle this matter. He is quick-witted and will surely be able to do a good job."

Zhu Biao nodded, then coughed a few more times, his face turning even paler.

Seeing this, Lu Yunyi quickly stood up:

"Your Highness, it's getting late. You should rest. I won't disturb you any longer. I'll come back to report on any further developments."

"it is good."

Zhu Biao didn't insist on keeping him. Seeing Lu Yunyi walk to the door, he called out to him again, smiling:
"You should also take care of your health, so you don't regret it later when you get sick."

Lu Yunyi paused, turned around, and bowed solemnly:
"Your Highness, I will take care of my health, and I also ask that Your Highness detoxify properly."

"Go ahead."

Zhu Biao leaned against the couch, watching Lu Yunyi's figure disappear outside the door.
His eyes held a mixture of relief and regret.
He didn't know if he would recover, or if he would be able to sit in the Wuying Hall again.
He sighed softly and gave an order to the head eunuch beside him:
"Go and get that milk, a lot of it."

"Yes!"

The head eunuch's face lit up with joy, and he thought to himself, "Lord Lu's words still carry weight."

Fifteen minutes later, Zhu Biao stood on the ground, holding a large teapot.

He gulped down the milk, but the faint goaty smell on top made him frown.

But considering that this substance could strengthen the body, he endured the nausea and drank it.

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang, dressed in ordinary clothes, hurriedly walked in.

Seeing Zhu Biao tilting his head back to drink milk, he was immediately taken aback.
Upon seeing this, the people inside were about to kneel and kowtow when Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand:
"Oh, why is the Crown Prince drinking milk today?"

Zhu Biao then noticed his father's arrival, hurriedly moved the water jug ​​aside as if fleeing for his life, and breathed a long sigh of relief.
"Your subject greets Your Majesty."

Haha, good! Great!
The imperial physician told me years ago to drink more milk to strengthen my body.

You wouldn't listen, and now look what happened. You're sick and know to drink it now.

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang sat down in a seat to the side, and quickly waved his hand, looking at the chief eunuch beside him:
"What are you standing there for? Help the Crown Prince to sit down and let him rest."

Once the Crown Prince sat down,

Seeing his weakened state, Zhu Yuanzhang gradually stopped smiling.

Unable to suppress his heavy emotions any longer, he began to sigh and groan.
"How did you suddenly become like this?"

"Father, I am much better now. I am busy with state affairs, so you don't need to worry about me."

"What nonsense are you talking about? I'm your father. If I don't care about you, who will?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice suddenly rose, and he sighed again:
"Father has been thinking a lot these days."

After years of hard work and struggle since joining the army, my father finally became emperor.
But now, my wife is dead, my son is sick, and I'm old. What's the point?

Zhu Biao smiled:
"Father, the Ming Dynasty still exists."

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to have aged many years in an instant. He slowly leaned back in his chair, staring blankly at the mysterious ornaments hanging in the room, and murmured:

"When a man dies, the birds fly to the sky; a thousand years from now, who will remember me?"

Sometimes I think it's better to focus on the present and get your illness treated first.

As for the capital, let's not move it. At least it will allow you to live a more peaceful life and prevent you from becoming the target of everyone's criticism."

(End of this chapter)