In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1034 Succession of Brother to Brother and Son to Father's Business

Lu Yunyi, after parting ways with Xu Huizu, did not return to the Market Exchange Office.

Instead, he turned around and went back into the palace.

This time, he did not go to the Wuying Hall, but instead headed towards the East Palace.

His steps were heavy, which, combined with the bleak surroundings, made him appear somewhat alone.

Until this moment, he truly understood.
Amidst widespread public opinion and the overwhelming trend of the times,
Anyone who tries to stop a chariot with their bare hands is overestimating their abilities and may even make things worse.

He began thinking about how to ensure the Crown Prince's safe survival as early as the twenty-first year of the Hongwu reign.
To this end, they spared no effort in building bridges and roads in the capital, opening businesses, and uniting the people. They even accidentally obtained sweet potatoes, a life-saving commodity, and the people of the capital region were more united than ever before.

But the situation did not improve; instead, it deteriorated prematurely.
In the twenty-fourth year of the Hongwu reign, the Crown Prince was already seriously ill.

The resistance from the opposing party came on strong and caught everyone off guard.

Even the imperial court was somewhat unable to cope with it.

The most prominent of these is the recent documents.

In the thirteen provinces and three military commands of the Ming Dynasty, the number of peasant uprisings tripled.

These popular uprisings mostly started in villages and gradually spread upwards, eventually coming to an abrupt end in the county seat.

The reasons vary, but most can be traced back to petty officials causing trouble or local officials disregarding the law.

Such a large-scale simultaneous outbreak of popular uprisings
Lu Yunyi found it hard not to believe that this was a form of deterrence.

In fact, if it weren't for the flintlock pistol assassination, which forcibly reignited the conflict between the two sides,

The court must be calm now, with all the entanglements and disputes hidden beneath the surface.

Nowadays, even if one wanted to stir up conflict, it would be extremely difficult.

This can be seen from the fact that Zhou Dexing, the Marquis of Jiangxia, helped the escorting party of wealthy households to eliminate the rebels.

The centrists are working to calm the storm, and the balance between the two sides is gradually shifting.

What annoyed him was that the centrists happened to be the most powerful.

Thinking of this, Lu Yunyi clenched his fists and sighed heavily.

With no external enemies, it was simply impossible for the imperial court to unite the majority of forces.
However, the power of the imperial party alone was insufficient to forcefully implement the new policies.

In the end, it all turned out to be a fizzle out, which is absurd.

Many things, unless they are extremely bad, will not resonate with anyone, nor will they inspire a desire for change.

As he walked and pondered, Lu Yunyi soon arrived at the East Palace.

The guards at the gate of the East Palace remained heavily armed.
The commander of the Imperial Guards was Guo Zhen, the eldest son of Guo Ying, the Marquis of Wuding, whom he knew well.

He was clad in armor, tall and imposing, and wielded a long sword.

She was somewhat surprised to see Lu Yunyi arrive, but she still turned around and went inside to inform him.

Before long, Lu Yunyi entered the Crown Prince's residence in the Eastern Palace.

For some reason, the moment he stepped into the courtyard,
The entire Eastern Palace seemed to be filled with an aura of death.
Like a frail old man, though still alive, he is full of waning energy and almost deathly stillness.

He sighed again and stepped into a side room in the rear hall.
They met Crown Prince Zhu Biao, who was quietly flipping through a document.

Compared to three months ago, Zhu Biao had lost at least 30% of his weight; his face was pale and his eyes were sunken.
The only difference is that the dark circles that always clung to his eyes have disappeared, and the bloodshot eyes are gone.

"Your subject Lu Yunyi pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Come closer, why are you standing so far away?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao's voice was somewhat hoarse and slow, as if he dared not exert himself.

Upon approaching, Lu Yunyi's pupils trembled violently.
Looking at Zhu Biao in front of me, I felt as if I were seeing rotten wood.

Zhu Biao's complexion was extremely poor; his face was as pale as paper, his palms were dry, and the veins bulged out like winding lines, which was somewhat frightening.

At first, Lu Yunyi thought the bottles and jars on the table were tea canisters.

Only upon closer inspection did I smell the strong fragrance of herbs; it turned out to be a mixture of medicinal stones.

"Speak, what brings you to me?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao noticed his gaze, but his eyes remained gentle and kind as he slowly spoke.

At this moment, Lu Yunyi's lips trembled slightly.
He suppressed all the thoughts swirling in his mind, even his resentment at the hasty postponement of the new policy.

Seeing the Crown Prince in this state, he was already filled with complex emotions, let alone His Majesty.

It is already quite remarkable that His Majesty has managed to hold on until now, so how can he be overly critical?

Lu Yunyi sighed inwardly, all his unspoken words ultimately condensing into just a few:
"Are you okay?"

Zhu Biao had already composed himself and was ready to listen to Lu Yunyi's story.
Hearing this, he paused for a moment, then smiled and nodded.
"I am fine. I have been resting for so many days and I am quite happy."

As he spoke, he waved the book in his hand.

Lu Yunyi then realized that it was "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

"Your Highness, to be honest, I have also read this novel."

"how do you feel?"

"It is very well written, and I enjoyed reading it very much."

"Really? Can you tell anything from that?"
Someone from the Hanlin Academy told me that Luo Guanzhong used historical allusions to satirize contemporary issues.

The book uses Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan to allude to the emperor, Chen Youliang, and Zhang Shicheng.

Some even said he belittled Cao Cao and honored Liu Bei, subtly implying that his father was a ruthless warlord who had seized the throne illegitimately.

Even more extreme, some people have compared the Little Ming King to Emperor Xian of Han.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao's voice remained gentle and calm.
However, it added a touch of solemnity to the side hall of the East Palace, without diminishing its imposing presence.

Lu Yunyi was taken aback; this was the first time he had ever heard of such a claim.
But upon closer examination, it does seem to make some sense.

Every creator will always incorporate current events into their work.

For example, in the book, Zhao Yun charged in and out of Changban seven times.
Lu Yunyi was certain that the material was drawn from the late Prince Qiyang's great victory over Zhang Shicheng and the beheading of Marshal Lu.

Although there was no seven-in-seven-out, they truly won all six battles.

He hesitated for a moment, then smiled and spoke:
"Your Highness, I have heard that Luo Guanzhong is currently in Ji'an, Jiangxi, living near the former residence of Duke Wen."

If Your Highness wishes to find the answer, you may summon him to the capital and ask him in person.

"Oh?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao was slightly taken aback, then laughed and pointed at Lu Yunyi:
"You really don't hold back when you do things. How can you summon people for questioning just because you've read a book?"

"I learned this from the court officials. Nowadays, the important ministers in the court, upon hearing some rumors, spend all day impeaching me."

It is said that the minister is extravagant and pleasure-seeking, with millions of dollars in his household and a large number of concubines.

But Your Highness, you know that I neither desire money nor women.
After finishing official duties each day, I'm so exhausted that my whole body aches; I have no interest in enjoying myself.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Zhu Biao laughed heartily.
Lu Yunyi's last words struck a chord with him.

Everyone said that he was incredibly honored as the crown prince, and there were even rumors that he used a golden hoe to till the ground.

But only he knew that he faced an endless stream of official duties every day.

Day after day, year after year, with no end in sight, life was incredibly monotonous.

Even if one wanted to enjoy oneself, there was no energy left.

Zhu Biao suppressed his smile and looked at Lu Yunyi, asking:

Do you think Luo Guanzhong was alluding to something?

"Your Highness, creation must combine current events with one's own understanding. Even if it is based on the Records of the Three Kingdoms and improved upon, it must have incorporated a lot of current events and observations."

"Then do you think your father is Cao Cao?"

"Your Highness, no."

"why?"

Seeing that the Crown Prince was willing to engage in conversation, Lu Yunyi's heavy heart eased slightly, and he said softly:

"Judging from the Records of the Three Kingdoms and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms,"
Cao Cao was the founder of the regime, although he held real power.

However, it always operated within the framework of the Eastern Han Dynasty and never completely broke the old order.

Your Majesty is the founder of the dynasty, ending the chaotic era of the former Yuan dynasty.

Establishing a completely new political system and ruling order is a much more difficult path for Your Majesty.

This is like the secret workshops in the capital that have invested countless amounts of silver.
Developing new objects requires starting from scratch, taking a long time and sustained investment, and success is not guaranteed.

But if it's just about improving old things, it's much simpler.
All that's needed is to gather talent and keep investing money; the path has already been chosen.

At the beginning of His Majesty's uprising, the road ahead was shrouded in uncertainty.
Even he himself probably didn't know where to go.
We can only proceed cautiously, step by step, testing the waters slowly. Your Majesty is fundamentally different from Cao Cao.

Zhu Biao nodded slightly:

"But people say that my father is no different from Cao Cao and that he did not obtain the throne properly."

"Your Highness, history will judge right and wrong, merit and demerit."

Having thoroughly studied history, I have discovered a principle.
The longer history is viewed, the clearer it becomes, and the more clearly right and wrong are distinguished. Living in the present, we cannot see the whole picture, let alone draw any conclusions. But one thing I can confidently answer Your Highness.”

"what?"

"Throughout history, no one except the First Emperor can rival Your Majesty in the legitimacy of your ascension to the throne."

"Why?"

"Because Your Majesty has rebuilt China and reconciled the North and South."

Zhu Biao smiled and nodded. This was precisely the achievement that his father had always been proud of.

He changed the subject and asked:

Have you been to the Qinhuai River recently?

"Qinhuai River?"

Lu Yunyi paused for a moment, then smiled and said:

"Your Highness, including today, I have not returned to my residence for three days. I have been staying at the yamen at night. How could I have had time to go to the Qinhuai River?"

Zhu Biao shook his head, his tone tinged with regret:

"You are so young and you hold such a high position, why don't you know how to rest?"

Look at those romantic and talented men in the capital.

They rushed out of the city as soon as evening fell.

Strolling along the Qinhuai River, accompanied by beautiful women, drinking fine wine—how delightful! Don't you envy that?

Lu Yunyi, unaware of what he was implying, said helplessly:

"Your Highness, the Market and Exchange Bureau receives two large baskets of transaction documents every day."

Even if I were to skim through it, it would take me at least five hours.

Even if one wanted to drink and make merry, there wasn't a single moment to spare.

"You young man, your life is really boring."

Zhu Biao sighed softly.
"Do you know what I've been thinking since I fell ill?"

"Please enlighten me, Your Highness."

"There are no outsiders here today, so I won't hide anything from you."

Zhu Biao said slowly, "In truth, these days, I have neither thought of the Ming Dynasty nor of the people's well-being."
I only feel regret that when I was healthy,

Not a single extra drink, not a single extra dish.

Instead, they are constantly tied up with official duties, always in a rush and have no free time.

Even if you laugh, the Qinhuai River is right outside the imperial city.

I have lived in Yingtian City for nearly twenty-five years, yet I have never been there once.
I wonder what that world-famous painted boat looks like, and what fine wines and dishes the Drunken Immortal Pavilion offers.
They had no idea how beautiful those singing girls were.

Now that he's about to die, his mind is filled with these trivial matters; how strange.

"Your Highness, as the common saying goes, contentment brings happiness."

There's a folk saying that goes, "If a person only has a little over 20,000 copper coins in their lifetime..."

Even buying a one-cent steamed bun requires great care, ensuring that it is worth the price.

But life is only a little over 20,000 days, yet many people don't realize it, spending their days in a daze, recklessly wasting their time—what a pity!

Zhu Biao was taken aback, then instantly understood what he meant, and shook his head with a smile:

"Yes, we don't cherish what we have until we lose it, and then we regret it."

We both spend our days buried in paperwork, and before we know it, the day is over.
Wasting time like this is the greatest extravagance.

"Your Highness, you are the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty."

Every action you take concerns the safety of the people; your family affairs are national affairs, entirely different from my own.

Zhu Biao smiled and waved his hand:

"Alright, let's get down to business."

Recently, some people on the Qinhuai River have been bringing up the story of Cao Cao killing Xu You and Lou Gui.
It alludes to His Majesty's massacre of meritorious officials, though no names are mentioned.
But more and more people are talking about Cao Cao. What is your strategy?

Lu Yunyi pursed his lips, a hint of resentment flashing in his eyes, which he quickly concealed, and said softly:

"Your Highness, I have just gone to see His Majesty."

His Majesty has granted me permission to leave the capital; I will depart after the last sweet potato harvest is completed.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao abruptly looked up, a flash of shock in his eyes.
However, due to the hasty movement, it seemed as if he had pulled a tendon in his head, and his face suddenly twitched, as if he could not hide the pain.

The side hall fell into complete silence; Zhu Biao remained silent for a long time.

He knew better than anyone what this move meant.

Cease hostilities!

Lu Yunyi was a staunch supporter of moving the capital within the court.
Sending him back to the Northern Military Command was a perfectly clear statement of their stance.

This is similar to when Emperor Shenzong of Song was dismissed as prime minister and Wang Anshi was reassigned as Grand Academician of the Guanwen Hall and appointed as the prefect of Jiangning Prefecture. Both were signals that the new policies were being postponed or even stopped.

Lu Yunyi managed the Market Transaction Bureau to suppress the opposition, and he was always at the forefront of the reform movement.

Now that he's being sent away from the capital, anyone can understand the deeper meaning behind it.

The Crown Prince knew even better that his father did this entirely because of his illness.

A heavy sigh echoed in the side hall.

The regret in Zhu Biao's eyes gradually turned into pity, and a hint of sorrow appeared on his face.

He hated his body for becoming like this, hated that he couldn't share his father's burdens.
He hated even more that he could only lie on his sickbed and could not even spare the attention to handle state affairs.

A sense of helplessness, a desire to struggle yet an inability to do anything, spread from the depths of his heart, and his eyes became bloodshot again.

After a full quarter of an hour of silence, Zhu Biao finally suppressed his resentment and asked in a hoarse voice:
"What do you plan to do after you go back?"

Lu Yunyi suddenly looked up, his pupils trembling violently, and he sighed inwardly.
He already understood the Crown Prince's choice, but still asked softly:

"Your Highness, there are still many matters to be dealt with at the Capital Market Bureau. I would like to make sure they are properly settled before leaving the capital."

"Beiping Commandery is an important border town, connecting Liaodong and Beiping."
Without a trustworthy person to guard the area, the court cannot feel at ease. You have been gone for nearly half a year; it is time for you to return.”

The light in Lu Yunyi's eyes gradually dimmed, and he nodded almost imperceptibly.

"After returning to the capital, I devoted myself to road construction, improving people's livelihoods, and striving to complete the first three-year plan of Daming."

"I have read your plan. It is very interesting and has given me a lot of inspiration."

Zhu Biao said slowly,
“In the past, the court's actions were mostly based on the principle of top-down instruction and verbal communication, and never the decrees were put into writing in such detail.”

Can you feel the difference between government orders before and after they were put into writing?

"Your Highness, once government orders are put on paper, rules are established, and even those unwilling to comply must follow them."

Previously, it was all based on verbal communication, and how well it was done depended entirely on the individual's opinion.
Even if they wanted to shirk responsibility, they had plenty of excuses; since the government orders were put into writing, the implementation process has accelerated considerably.

"That's what I think too."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao muttered to himself, then fell silent again.

He didn't speak again, but reached for the teacup on the table. The cup was filled with water.

He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, his eyes vacant, as if he were lost in thought.

After a long while, he gently waved his hand, signaling the eunuchs and palace maids inside the room to leave.

Before long, only the emperor and his minister remained in the side hall.

Zhu Biao leaned back in his chair, covered with a blanket, looking increasingly weak, his voice growing ever more hoarse.
There are some things I don't want to think about, but I have to face them.

The Ming Dynasty governed the country with benevolence and filial piety. It is a pity that you have no sons or brothers.

If your family is wealthy, you have no shortage of official connections and influence, and you also possess the military strategies of famous generals...
Do you think it's better to pass these things down to your brother or your son?
Between succession by a younger brother after the death of an elder brother and succession by a son after the father's business, which do you prefer?

Lu Yunyi stiffened. These words seemed plain, but they were actually very straightforward. He instantly understood their deeper meaning.

He took a deep breath and said softly:

"Your Highness, I have no sons or brothers yet, so it is too early to consider these things."

"hehe,"

Zhu Biao suddenly laughed, a laugh tinged with both helplessness and relief:

"I am referring to the throne."

"If I were to die, do you think it would be better to pass the Ming Dynasty to my younger brother or to my son?"

"Your Highness is blessed with great fortune and will surely be safe and sound. It would be too unlucky to say such things."

"Alright, I know my own body well. Speak as I please."

Lu Yunyi was speechless for a moment, and after a long silence, he spoke softly:
"When the ruler is young and the country is in doubt, when the ministers are not loyal and the people do not trust him, this is the time to act."

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes after hearing this. He nodded almost imperceptibly and slowly said:
"Go, go back to Daning and manage it well, and treat the people outside the pass kindly."

(End of this chapter)