In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 671 Wealth Moves the Heart, Liaodong Bandits on the Border
Liu Sili was dragged out by two eunuchs.
But he was extremely strong, and with the help of two guards, they were able to barely drag him out of the Crown Prince's residence.

Just as they arrived at the entrance, a low-key and unassuming carriage slowly came to a stop.

A small head peeked out from under a landlord's hat, with red lips and white teeth, and was very cute.

His eyes darted around as he looked at the scene before him with curiosity.

"Your Highness, Your Highness!"

"Save this old minister! His Highness the Crown Prince wants to expel this old minister!"

Upon seeing the small head, Liu Sili immediately shouted and struggled even more fiercely.

Zhu Yunwen leaned out of the carriage, and the cold wind that hit him made him shiver slightly.

He looked at the old man who was shouting and recognized him as the highest-ranking manager of the business.

Zhu Yunwen looked at the candied fruit and the windmill he was holding in his hand.
Standing like a little adult in the driver's seat, he said:

"Lord Liu, this is my father's order, I dare not let you go."

"Your Highness! Have you forgotten?"

"Yesterday, your old minister gave you ten taels of silver as New Year's money!" Liu Sili shouted loudly.

Zhu Yunwen's expression stiffened slightly, a hint of embarrassment flashing across her face.
He quickly covered his right waist with his hand, where there was a bulge containing ten precious banknotes.

Liu Sili was about to shout again when Zhu Yunwen quickly waved his little hands:

“Release him, release him. Lord Liu has been beaten so badly, I think Father will be lenient.”

Upon hearing this, the two guards supporting Liu Sili exchanged bewildered glances.

The eunuch standing nearby immediately shouted:

"What are you standing there for? Didn't you hear His Highness the Third Prince speak? Let go!"

The guards then released their grip, and Liu Sili struggled to crawl out, moving with remarkable agility.

He shifted his body and walked towards the carriage.

But the strange smell emanating from him made Zhu Yunwen hold his breath and cover his nose with his hand.

However, Liu Sili did not stop; he used his body to shield the four people behind him.

With a flick of his wrist, he pulled out a large red envelope from his sleeve, which had the character "福" (fortune) printed on it.

Zhu Yunwen's eyes lit up when he saw the red envelope, and his little face flashed with excitement and longing.

Liu Sili calmly slipped the red envelope over, while shouting:

"Your Highness, you've arrived just in time, otherwise this old minister would have been utterly humiliated."

Zhu Yunwen swallowed hard, clutching the large red envelope in both hands and hurriedly stuffing it into his sleeves.

But the red envelopes were too big, and he couldn't fit them in, which made his face turn red with anxiety.

"In my arms!" Liu Sili whispered a reminder.

Zhu Yunwen then realized what was happening and quickly stuffed the red envelope into his pocket.

After doing all this, he let out a long sigh of relief, and his rosy cheeks returned to normal.

But his squinted eyes betrayed his joy—he had money again!
"Lord Liu, today is a joyous occasion, why aren't you home resting?" Zhu Yunwen said solemnly.

"This old minister also wants to go home. There are too many affairs in the government office and the business, and this old minister is beaten every day."

My son and daughter are all back in our hometown, and this old minister is all alone in the capital, my heart is filled with bitterness.

The old minister wanted to resign and return home, but His Highness the Crown Prince refused.

Your Highness, this old minister humbly begs you to intercede with His Highness the Crown Prince on his behalf.
"Release the old minister to return home and enjoy his remaining years with his family."

Liu Sili wailed as he spoke.

Zhu Yunwen was stunned and speechless.

He had met many adults, but none seemed to be as uncouth as Lord Liu.

After hesitating for a moment, he nodded slightly:

"Lord Liu, please go back and rest. I will plead for you."

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

Liu Sili was moved to tears and chatted with Zhu Yunwen for almost a quarter of an hour before getting into his carriage and driving away.

Zhu Yunwen stood in front of the Crown Prince's residence, mimicking the mannerisms of the adults, and sighed softly.

He even wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and said with great seriousness:
Being an official is tough.

"Your Highness, please hurry inside; it's chilly outside," the head eunuch said.

Zhu Yunwen looked at the chief eunuch, smiled and nodded, and handed him the windmill.

"Here you go, it's Chinese New Year today, so I hope you'll share in the joy."

The head eunuch was taken aback; his withered features suddenly scrunched up.
My nose suddenly felt a little sore, so I quickly smiled and knelt down beside her.
"Thank you, Your Highness. This old servant is delighted."

“Yes, take me to see my father,” Zhu Yunwen said.

"Yes"

The head eunuch gripped the wooden stick on the windmill tightly.

I would glance at the spinning "福" (good fortune) character on the windmill every now and then.
He was all smiles, overjoyed.

Inside the study, Crown Prince Zhu Biao was looking at documents sent from Beiping, which mainly recorded matters related to the procurement of grain:

[Your subject Qu Jiarui respectfully reports:]

I have heard that merchants in Beiping have responded to the imperial court's call and are actively raising grain.

Merchants such as Liu Huaipu and Lu Yiliu generously donated 10,000 shi of grain, a truly great contribution.

This act of public service and righteousness fully demonstrates his loyalty to the emperor and his patriotism.

Your subject respectfully reports the facts, and humbly requests Your Majesty's consideration.
Upon seeing the two names above, Zhu Biao frowned, feeling they were somewhat familiar.
But upon closer reflection, I couldn't recall where I had seen it before.

He guessed that the two men must be relatives or friends of high-ranking officials in the imperial court.
Otherwise, no merchant would ever catch his eye.

"Father, Father"

Just then, a clear and charming voice rang out from outside the door:

Upon hearing the sound, Zhu Biao's expression softened instantly, and he looked towards the door.

The door opened quickly, and Zhu Yunwen, dressed in luxurious clothes and wearing a landlord's hat, rushed in.

He was in his early teens, a time when he was very mischievous, and he hopped and skipped as he ran in.

"Run slowly and be steady."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao pulled a chair over from the side and placed it next to the table, while giving a reminder.

Zhu Yunwen ignored everything and maintained his original speed, rushing to the table.

He pulled a windmill from behind his back and handed it to Zhu Biao:

"Father, this is for you."

Upon seeing the windmill, Zhu Biao smiled, then glanced at the windmill in the eunuch's hand, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes:
"Where did you get the windmill?"

"It was issued by Yingtian Trading Company. You can get a windmill for one qian of silver," Zhu Yunwen answered crisply.

"How much did Yun-hu spend?"

"Five coins, and I still have three windmills."

"It's for my grandfather, my aunt, and my brother Yunwen," Zhu Yunwen replied.

Zhu Biao's smile became even brighter.

The fatigue in my body seemed to vanish without a trace at that moment.

In his view, family harmony and brotherly affection are more important than anything else.

"Alright, alright, I'll accept it. I'll give you a big red envelope tomorrow," Zhu Biao said.

Zhu Yunwen's eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he quickly nodded:

"Thank you father!"

After saying that, he took small steps to sit down next to Zhu Biao and said in a low voice:
“I just saw Lord Liu at the door, and he gave me a red envelope.”

Zhu Yunwen did not hide anything and took the red envelope out of his pocket.

The red envelope was bulging and should contain at least ten taels of silver.

"Oh? He also carries red envelopes with him?" Zhu Biao asked.

Zhu Yunwen's face was flushed, and he kept nodding:
"He also asked me to plead with you, Father, to allow Lord Liu to retire and return to his hometown."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao shook his head helplessly.

"This Liu Sili"

"Father, I've heard that Lord Liu is living a miserable life. Why won't you let him go home?"

Zhu Yunwen hesitated for a moment, scratching his head with his little hand.

"I think that Lord Liu's appearance is detrimental to the prestige of the court."

Upon hearing this, the head eunuch, who had been standing cheerfully by the desk, quietly took a few steps back.
He stood quietly at the doorway and subtly made a hand gesture.
The guards immediately understood and kept a close watch on their surroundings, preventing anyone from approaching.

Zhu Biao smiled and patted Zhu Yunwen's head:
"Yunwen, things are very complicated here."

Lord Liu had no choice but to do this; your father cannot explain it to you openly at this time.

"I see."

Zhu Yunwen blinked, smiled, and nodded.

"Then Father can tell me when I'm a little older."
But perhaps by then, the child will know for himself.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Zhu Biao laughed heartily, feeling the joy of his son growing up.

"Yunwen, I will only tell you one thing today."

Zhu Yunwen sat up straight, his face solemn.

"Wealth moves people's hearts; there is no one in this world who doesn't like money."
"But if you have too much money, you'll inevitably attract resentment and covetousness." "Then let's just put all the money in the hands of the imperial court," Zhu Yunwen said decisively.

The imperial court is the same.
You see, the Ministry of Revenue has just made a surplus each year, and trouble always seems to arise in various places.
It was either due to banditry, natural disasters, or the construction of water conservancy projects and city walls.
There's no way I can save this money.

Since money has to be spent anyway, why not spend it proactively?

At least the imperial court decides where the money is spent.

After saying that, Zhu Biao smiled and shook his head:

"That's a bit of a stretch. You'll probably understand these things when you're older."

Zhu Yunwen seemed to be deep in thought, but his mind was completely blank.
"Father, Master Song always says that the most important matters of the nation are military affairs and sacrifices, but what about money and provisions?"

"Whether it is fighting a war or holding a grand ceremony, money is indispensable."

Once funds and provisions are depleted, the imperial court will lose control over the local areas.

If you were to take charge of the nation's affairs in the future

You must be like your imperial grandfather, managing both military affairs and finances; in this way, the world will surely be at peace.

Zhu Biao said.

The atmosphere inside the room suddenly changed.

The head eunuch standing at the door grew increasingly serious.

My lips felt dry and my heart was racing.

Have you made a choice yet?

"A major national event?"

Zhu Yunwen's eyes widened suddenly, he gripped the red envelope in his hand tightly, and shook his head vigorously like a rattle drum:

"I don't want to be this tired."

Zhu Biao's forehead creased with exasperation: "Is this how Song Na taught you?"

"It has nothing to do with Master Song. It's just that I saw that Grandfather and Father were too tired."

Zhu Yunwen lowered his head somewhat dejectedly, twirling the red envelope in his hand:

"Today is the New Year, and there are many people at Yingtian Trading Company."
Most families go shopping together; the children are alone.

Zhu Biao froze on the spot, glancing at the numerous documents on the table.

She sighed silently, a wave of guilt washing over her.
"Yunwen, this is the responsibility of someone born into the royal family."

It's also a man's responsibility; you'll understand when you grow up.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded from outside the study.

A eunuch in red robes rushed over.

The head eunuch standing at the door suddenly sharpened his gaze, took a step forward, and gave a half-smile:

"Eunuch Hu, what are you doing?"

The old man stood at the door and bowed:

"Eunuch Wang, His Majesty has urgently summoned His Highness the Crown Prince to the palace."

The chief eunuch's expression changed slightly:
"Our family knows."

The imperial city of the Ming Dynasty, like the houses within the city, was adorned with large red lanterns.
Couplets and the character "福" (fortune/blessing) were pasted on the gate and the city wall.

Even the palace maids and eunuchs wore red clothes, which symbolized good fortune.

The carriage sped through Hongwu Gate and headed towards Wuying Hall.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao sat in the carriage.
His face was extremely solemn, and his fists were clenched tightly on his knees.

I've already thought through all the possible scenarios in my mind.
On such a joyous occasion, being summoned to the palace so urgently—it certainly didn't seem like good news.

Before long, the carriage came to a stop at the entrance of Wuying Hall.

Before the eunuchs could place a footstool, Zhu Biao jumped down and hurried towards the main hall.

Upon entering the Wuying Hall, the Crown Prince immediately noticed the documents and memorials scattered all over the floor.

And standing in the hall were Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding and Commander-in-Chief Geng Zhong of the Left Army.

The atmosphere was more frozen than ever before, and even the eunuchs and maids around dared not breathe.

As the crown prince walked, he looked up at the emperor's seat and saw his father sitting quietly with his hands on the imperial desk, his face extremely calm.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao's expression became even more serious.

He knew that his father must be furious at this moment.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty." The Crown Prince stood at the lower end and bowed deeply.

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't speak, but waved his hand.

The head eunuch beside him rushed down in a panic, picked up a memorial from the ground, and handed it to him:

"Your Highness."

Zhu Biao took it and immediately opened it. His eyes swept over it, his brows furrowed, and he gripped the memorial so tightly that it crumpled.

Your humble servant, Mei Yi, is filled with trepidation and respect, and respectfully reports on the Jurchen incursions into the Liaodong border:

Now there is a Jurchen tribe, relying on their fierceness and bravery, who have invaded our Liaodong region.

On the 26th, he led his men in a surprise attack on the households of the 30,000 guards, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities.

Although our border troops fought hard, the enemy outnumbered us.

Although the 30,000 guards were defending the border, in this battle, the bandits plundered more than 3,000 men, and countless livestock and property were taken away. The border people were displaced and their cries shook the heavens.

I have a duty to defend this land, yet I have failed to protect the people and ensure their safety; I deserve to die a thousand deaths.

We are now reorganizing the remaining troops and strengthening our defenses to prevent the bandits from attacking again.

We earnestly request Your Majesty to send reinforcements immediately to relieve the crisis in Liaodong and save the border people from their suffering.

Your subject, Mei Yi, is filled with trepidation and fear, and I humbly submit this report at the risk of my life

Mei Yi, Commander-in-Chief of Liaodong.
Zhu Biao suddenly looked up, his gaze sharp as he looked at Geng Zhong, the Left Army Commander, who was standing to the side.
"what happened?"

The Liaodong Military Command was under the jurisdiction and overall planning of the Left Army Commandery.

At this moment, Geng Zhong's face was extremely pale, and he stammered, unsure of how to explain.

“Speak! Can elite troops really let savages turn the world upside down?” Zhu Biao questioned.

Geng Zhong bowed deeply, his forehead damp with cold sweat.
"Your Highness, I will investigate this matter thoroughly and avenge the people of my Great Ming."

Zhu Biao's face darkened, and he questioned:
"Does the savage woman really have such abilities?"

Is there any attempt to confuse the issue by referring to the Haixi Jurchens or Jianzhou Jurchens?

In northeastern Liaoning, the Haixi Jurchen and Jianzhou Jurchen had distinct tribal structures. They were not particularly powerful, but they were not exactly savages either.

And the Jurchen barbarians, who bordered the 30,000 guards.
Although they lived in a tribal community, it was not a formal organization, and they spent their days hidden in the mountains.
In a tribe, having even a few iron pots is considered a sign of wealth.

How could such Jurchens invade Liaodong?

Zhu Biao did not believe it.

"Your Highness, the Governor's Office has dispatched an urgent messenger on an 800-li journey."
The Liaodong Military Command was strictly ordered to investigate this matter thoroughly and provide an explanation.

Geng Zhong said.

Seeing that he could not get any information from him, Crown Prince Zhu Biao was furious.

He looked at the person above him and bowed deeply.
"Father, it is the Spring Festival, and we should not be waging war."
But the Jurchen barbarians disrespect the Ming Dynasty. Your son begs Your Majesty...

They dispatched troops to sweep away the Jurchen barbarians and rescue the people of Liaodong from their suffering.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat quietly on the bench, his eyes calm, his voice hollow and authoritative:
"Yes, it's the New Year. If the court announces that it will mobilize troops, the people will probably be unhappy."

"Geng Zhong, the Governor's Office will analyze this matter and produce a document to verify its authenticity."

"If this is true, it must be handled properly and must not affect the important northern expedition," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Geng Zhong raised his head in surprise, a look of astonishment flashing in his eyes.

He felt as if he had misheard. Why was His Majesty, who had always been tough on foreign powers, suddenly becoming so conciliatory today?

However, he quickly remembered Emperor Shengzong's return to the capital and became wary.
"Your subject obeys!" Geng Zhong said.

"Guo Ying, you have been in Liaodong for a long time. Discuss this matter with the Left Army Commander-in-Chief."

Let's wait until Emperor Shengzong returns in a few days and hear his opinion.

Zhu Yuanzhang said, and as he said this, he gave a forced, insincere smile.

"While he was in town, the Jurchens dared not make any rash moves."
Chaos erupted the moment he left; it seems Liaodong can't do without him.

Guo Ying cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, his eyes deep, as if he had thought of something.
Before long, Guo Ying and Geng Zhong left, leaving only the father and son in the main hall.

"Father, although we must wage war against the Northern Yuan, we cannot ignore the Jurchens of Liaodong."
"I think it's best to send troops to punish them."

As Zhu Biao tidied up the scattered memorials on the ground, he spoke.

"How are the preparations for tonight's family dinner going?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

Zhu Biao paused, then said softly:
"Father, this matter is being handled by my second brother."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled wryly and said, "I forgot."

Zhu Biao took the numerous documents and walked up to the imperial desk, placing them neatly on it.

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang's voice suddenly rang out:

"In just one month, a total of thirty-one rebellions broke out across the Ming Dynasty."
The number ranges from a few hundred to tens of thousands.
Now, even the once peaceful Jurchens are in trouble; their people have been abducted by savages. This is utterly outrageous!

Zhu Yuanzhang's face remained calm, but his words carried an inexplicable chill.
"Isn't Lu Yunyi in Da Ning?"
Biao wrote a letter, asking him to go and see what had happened.

If there is indeed any border incursion, show no mercy and kill them all.

Zhu Biao paused:
"Father, is this a formal order?"

"A secret order," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

"Yes, Father."

(End of this chapter)