In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 755 One whale fall, all things come to life
In Dingyuan, Haozhou, the Korean Duke's Mansion was grand in scale.
It stretches from the eastern city wall in the east to the southern city wall in the south, bordered by Hongxuecang to the west, and extends to the South Back Street of the East Gate in the north, occupying a large area of ​​Dingyuan City.

The scenery here is beautiful, and the surrounding area is planted with ginkgo trees, which symbolize stability, peace, and longevity.

It was summer, and the branches and leaves swayed gently in the wind, making a rustling sound that was quite pleasant to hear.

But at this time, the Han State Palace was no longer as lively as it used to be.

Instead, the gates were tightly shut, and a solemn atmosphere prevailed.

The entire city of Dingyuan was deserted; not a single person could be seen on the streets.
Even the once bustling markets were deserted.
The entire city seemed to have become a dead city.

Tender green ginkgo leaves fell to the ground.
It inexplicably added a touch of desolation, leaving people bewildered.

This situation continued until nearly noon.

A sudden noise came from the four gates of Dingyuan City.

A gentle breeze blew, stirring the fallen leaves that hadn't been swept up that day. Amidst the falling leaves and the desolation,

Squads of soldiers, clad in black armor and covered in blood, poured in from outside.

They were dressed in black armor, wielding long swords and spears, and wearing helmets with red tassels.

The footsteps were not in unison, but everyone remained silent, and a chilling atmosphere began to permeate the air.

The scarlet footprints stood out starkly on the clean bluestone pavement.
But it was quickly covered by other footprints, and in the end only a blur could be seen.
The soldiers quickly surrounded the Korean government office located in the southeast corner.

They stood in neat rows, their long spears like a forest.
The cavalrymen standing at the rear seemed to sense the solemnity as well, and fell silent.

A multitude of gazes were fixed on the high-hanging plaque reading "Han Guo Gong Fu" (Han State Duke's Residence), their expressions complex.

A strange emotion began to grow in my heart.

The entire entrance to the mansion was eerily quiet, so oppressive it was hard to breathe.

After an unknown amount of time, the sound of horses' hooves rose from the desolate scene.

The troops in front of the Korean government building dispersed to make way for the road.
Two elderly men, their figures frail and white-haired, dressed in armor, rode warhorses slowly through the crowd and arrived at the gate of the Han State Palace.

They were Tang He, the Duke of Xin, who was in charge of the Zhongdu Garrison, and Zhou Dexing, the Marquis of Jiangxia.

Tang He is now sixty-four years old, his face is covered with wrinkles, and his figure is somewhat hunched.
The clear, bright eyes were gone, replaced by a cloudy look.
His entire being exuded an aura of desolation, much like that of Dingyuan City.
Zhou Dexing, standing beside him, looked even older.

He was a fellow townsman of the current emperor, someone they had known since their youth, and one of the twenty-four generals of Huaixi.

He was the oldest meritorious official besides Li Shanchang.

However, there were no signs of aging on him.
He was still strong and powerful, with bright and piercing eyes, staring intently at the closed gates of the Korean Duke's Mansion.

The scene was quiet; no one spoke.
After an unknown amount of time, Duke Tang He of Xinguo's expression softened slightly, and he spoke slowly:
"Brother, just a month ago we were here drinking and chatting, and now we're back again."

Tang He's voice was somewhat slurred, likely due to a stroke he suffered after indulging in a large meal and drinks in Yingtian at the beginning of the year.

He was unable to speak at that time.

But after returning to his hometown and recuperating for half a year, he recovered considerably.

Zhou Dexing's piercing gaze gradually softened. He flicked the blood-stained longsword in his hand and spoke with a touch of melancholy:
"Humans are just never satisfied."
At our age, being able to drink and eat meat is already a blessing; how dare we ask for more?

Tang He smiled and nodded in deep agreement:
"Brother, among all the brothers, you're the most open-minded."

He didn't even go to the capital; he spent all his time eating, drinking, and having fun in Zhongdu.

I wouldn't have realized this if I hadn't suffered a serious illness.

Zhou Dexing's lips twitched, and he snorted coldly:
"You have all been blinded by power."

Back then, Chongba and I were catching fish in the river. We only caught small fish, about the size of a finger, and we just swallowed them whole.

To be honest, that fish didn't taste good at all; it had a muddy, fishy taste.

Then we vowed that from then on we would have an endless supply of fish and never go hungry again.
Tell me, isn't life great now?
"With fine clothes and sumptuous food, no worries about food or drink, and a carefree life, why bother with anything?"

Zhou Dexing became increasingly emotional as he spoke, a hint of helplessness flashing in his eyes as he looked towards the main gate:
"Knock on the door."

Duke Tang He of Xin sighed softly:

Brother, money can be a powerful motivator; not everyone has your mindset.

Zhou Dexing didn't say anything more, but quietly looked at the gate in front of him.

Before the two soldiers could even knock on the door,
The heavy, vermilion-lacquered gate trembled and slowly opened.

It revealed a high threshold and a spacious, luxurious courtyard behind it.

Several figures stood in front of the door, the one leading them being an elderly man in his fifties.
He was dressed in bright red, a smile playing on his lips, as was the servant behind him.

Upon seeing this scene, the person outside the door was slightly taken aback, and an atmosphere of incongruity arose.

The elderly man at the head of the group showed no airs towards the outsiders, smiling and clasping his hands in a respectful greeting.

"Distinguished guests have arrived. We cordially invite you two gentlemen to come into our residence for a chat."

Tang He and Zhou Dexing exchanged a glance, both seeing the complexity in each other's eyes.
Tang He nodded slightly, dismounted, and Zhou Dexing did the same.
The two walked together into the mansion, followed by soldiers who surged into it.

Upon entering, one is greeted by a courtyard filled with the sounds of birdsong and the fragrance of flowers.

It has pavilions, terraces, and towers—everything imaginable.

Bright red koi carp swam in the water, exuding a sense of tranquility.

After passing through corridors, stone bridges, and several spacious courtyards, the group finally arrived at the main hall of the Korean Duke's Mansion.

Through the tall, heavy doors, one could see a figure sitting quietly at the round table in the center.
Holding a teapot and hot water, I continuously brewed tea leaves.
Tang He waved to Zhou Dexing.

He gestured to the soldiers behind him not to follow, and then the two went into the house.

The figure sitting there was none other than Li Shanchang, the First Duke of the Ming Dynasty and the Duke of Han.

With his white hair, white eyebrows, and white beard, he exuded an aura of authority simply by sitting there.
This is the inherent power and prestige of someone who has long been involved in officialdom and holds a high position.

Upon seeing him, even Zhou Dexing, who was usually fearless, bowed slightly.

"Korean Duke".

Tang He did the same, bowing with his hands clasped:
"Korean Duke".

Li Shanchang chuckled and glanced at the two of them:
Why are you being so polite today?

"Please sit down and try this fine tea I just brought from Fujian. It's so fragrant and leaves a lingering aroma on your lips and teeth."

The two sat down, looked at the tea in their cups, and remained silent for a moment.

Only Li Shanchang was there, making comments and finding himself quite content.

After an unknown amount of time, Li Shanchang probably got bored and stopped rambling on.

He looked at Tang He and asked, "How is the illness?"

"It's alright. It's just that his speech is a little slurred."

Tang spoke in a muffled voice, his words somewhat indistinct.

Li Shanchang nodded:
"You're getting old, eat less meat."
You should follow my example: eat more whole grains, drink more tea, and drink less alcohol.

Tang He laughed:

"Big brother, I suffered a lot when I was a child."

Now that they've gained power, they're eager to make up for everything they did years ago.

"Ha ha ha ha."

Li Shanchang laughed heartily and nodded in complete agreement:
"That's how it is; it wasn't like that when I was young."
As you get older, you'll miss it even more and want to make up for what you missed in the past.

"Brother, we all came from humble backgrounds."
Unlike you, who are well-read and born into wealth,

It's just that we've reached this point, this age...
He's long since become indifferent to power and influence, so why is the elder brother doing this?

Tang He stopped beating around the bush and went straight to the point.

The previously warm atmosphere suddenly became heavy.

Zhou Dexing also straightened his back, his gaze sharp.

Upon hearing this, Li Shanchang paused slightly in his teapot, causing a few drops of tea to splash onto the table.
He seemed oblivious, slowly setting down the teapot, his gaze deep, as if lost in memories:

"The general trend of the world is that after a long period of division, there will be unity; after a long period of unity, there will be

Since the Qin and Han dynasties, dynasties have changed hands frequently, wars have been constant, and the people have suffered greatly.

Why did we follow Your Majesty in conquering all directions and overthrowing the tyranny of the Yuan Dynasty?
Isn't the purpose simply to ensure that all people can live in peace and stability, and to achieve lasting peace and prosperity in the world?

Li Shanchang's voice was deep, yet carried an undeniable firmness.

Tang He and Zhou Dexing exchanged a glance, both seeing confusion in each other's eyes.
They didn't understand why Li Shanchang suddenly brought these things up.

Li Shanchang stood up, paced slowly, and continued:
"Throughout my life, I have been well-versed in literature and have a deep understanding of the principles of governing a country."
This empire cannot be built by Your Majesty alone, nor can it be built solely by military generals.

Only with the help of countless scholars can a peaceful and prosperous era be achieved.

Scholars and officials, well-versed in classics and history, and knowledgeable in governance, can offer Your Majesty advice and assist you in ruling the empire. Only in this way can the nation prosper and the people live in peace.

Zhou Dexing frowned and couldn't help but speak:

"Elder brother, His Majesty is now wise and benevolent."

We, the military generals, are also willing to serve Your Majesty to the death.

The world is already at peace, so why insist on this?
Scholars and officials govern the country together with the emperor, so the fate of the Song Dynasty is still fresh in our minds. Why should the Ming Dynasty go through the same thing again?

Moreover, among the scholar-officials, there are also treacherous and wicked individuals.
If they are given power, it may cause trouble.

Li Shanchang stopped and turned around, looking directly at Zhou Dexing:

"Dexing, you only know one side of the story, not the other."

The affairs of the world are numerous and complex.

Even if Your Majesty possesses extraordinary abilities, it is impossible for you to do everything personally.

Among the scholar-officials, there were treacherous officials, but also loyal and virtuous ones.

Moreover, co-governance does not mean the absolute concentration of power.

Instead, they check and balance each other with His Majesty, and cooperate with each other.

Only in this way can we prevent one family from becoming too powerful, and only then can we nobles live in peace.

Tang He nodded slightly, seemingly lost in thought, and said:

"What the elder brother said makes some sense."
However, His Majesty doesn't seem to have this intention. Why should the elder brother compete with His Majesty?

Li Shanchang sighed deeply:
"How could I not know Your Majesty's thoughts?"
But in my life, too many people have supported me, and I cannot let them down.

Even in my great Ming Dynasty, many people have supported us, and we cannot let them down.

If we could persuade His Majesty to back down and relinquish his absolute power...

Even if I were to be shattered to pieces, I would not hesitate.

I had thought Your Majesty would understand my good intentions, but I never expected…

At this point, a hint of melancholy flashed in Li Shanchang's eyes.

"Lord Han, you're so foolish!"

Zhou Dexing suddenly stood up and shouted,
"Your Majesty is a great ruler, and you have your own strategies for governing the country."

We only need to obey Your Majesty's orders and protect this country for Your Majesty.

This world ultimately belongs to His Majesty.

Your insistence on co-ruling the world is surely a challenge to His Majesty's authority.

Such actions will only bring about your own demise!
The Song and Yuan dynasties had precedents where the ruler was weak and the ministers were strong, resulting in a weak dynasty.
Throughout history, periods of peace and prosperity have always been the work of monarchs who held absolute power.
The eldest brother wanted all the scholars in the world to stand up to His Majesty and resist him.

This could easily turn into a scheme by powerful figures to exploit and oppress the people.

Li Shanchang shook his head slightly, his expression full of stubbornness:
"The fall of the Song and Yuan dynasties was related to the weakness of the rulers and the strength of the ministers, but it was more due to the lack of a true pillar of support."

Scholars and officials may possess vast knowledge and learning, but they lack the will to take responsibility. When faced with problems, they only know how to protect themselves and seek personal gain.

What I seek is to make scholars true nobles.

It has land, official position, responsibility, and integrity.
They were able to step forward in times of national crisis.

For the sake of the country and its people, they were willing to sacrifice their lives and shed their blood.

Imagine, their honor and glory were all tied to the Ming Dynasty.
Even if the northern grasslands rise again, and foreign enemies attack, we must rise up and fight back to protect our own land! Let's relive the glory days of the Hongwu Emperor.

Tang frowned and slowly shook his head:
"What were the Six Dynasties all about? They only served to pursue their own selfish interests. There is no shortage of ambitious scholars in the world."

But most people pursue fame and fortune.

And now, His Majesty has exempted all scholars in the land from taxes.
In just twenty years, the number of cases of land encroachment had become countless.

If they had even greater power, forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices would be a minor matter; they would also disrupt the administration of the court.

His Majesty wields absolute power, which at least ensures stability in the court.

"You're wrong, elder brother, that you want the people to live and work in peace and contentment."

Li Shanchang sighed deeply, his eyes filled with helplessness:

"Brother He, we have followed His Majesty in battle for many years and know that the world was hard-won."
But now His Majesty is getting old, and the Crown Prince is kind and benevolent.

If His Majesty passes away and the Crown Prince succeeds to the throne...

How should one deal with those who harbor ill intentions in the imperial court?
My actions are for the long-term stability and prosperity of the Ming Dynasty.

What does it matter if we have more farmland and land?

You can't just make people do the work without giving them any benefits.

Zhou Dexing sneered, slamming his long sword heavily onto the ground.
"Korean Duke, your idea is simply outlandish."

Scholars have always considered themselves to be of high moral character.

It hasn't been long, and they're already defecating on our military commanders' heads.

A hundred years from now, they will only become more unscrupulous.

Moreover, since ancient times, the supremacy of imperial power has been a matter of course.

Trying to change these rules that have been in place for thousands of years is just courting death.

His Majesty is wise and mighty; how could he allow you to act so recklessly?

Li Shanchang's expression darkened, and his gaze sharpened:
"Dexing, since ancient times..."

In which dynasty did the imperial power and the power of the prime minister not check and balance each other?
Now that our Great Ming Dynasty has lost its prime minister, who knows what state it will become?
If we don't take precautions, we will sooner or later repeat the mistakes of the Song and Yuan dynasties.

"I have made up my mind that even if I am shattered to pieces, I will find a group of true nobles for the Ming Dynasty."

Tang He sighed and slowly shook his head: "This is forming cliques for personal gain."

"This world was won by our courageous efforts."

How can a family matter be considered forming cliques for personal gain?
This world doesn't just belong to His Majesty; it also belongs to you and me.
As the Duke of Han, I am naturally obligated to manage my family property properly.

After Li Shanchang finished speaking, his excited expression suddenly turned calm, and then filled with melancholy.
A gentle breeze was blowing outside, carrying a hint of coolness.
"I was only defeated, not wrong."

"The judgment of right and wrong, merit and demerit will be made by future generations. As for you, you should also be careful."

Li Shanchang slowly stood up, his figure appearing somewhat hunched at that moment.
The imposing aura he once possessed seemed to have dissipated somewhat with this action of rising.

He walked slowly, step by step, toward the door.

Every step felt like walking through the years, heavy and lonely.

The atmosphere was so oppressive it was suffocating.

Tang He and Zhou Dexing stood up, watching Li Shanchang's departing figure, their hearts filled with mixed emotions.

Li Shanchang walked to the door and paused slightly.
It seemed like a final struggle, or perhaps a recollection of every detail of life in the mansion.

This place used to be bustling with guests and lively.
As the Duke of Han, he was revered by thousands.

But now, only deathly silence remains.

He gently raised his hand, wanting to touch the door frame.

But it withdrew itself just before it was about to touch the ground.

The wind outside was still blowing gently, ruffling his clothes and tousling his white hair.

He took a deep breath and stepped out of the door.

He walked step by step toward the outside of the mansion, with Tang He and Zhou Dexing's complicated gazes behind him.

When he reached the gate of the mansion, he stopped and slowly turned around.

One last glance fell upon the plaque bearing the inscription "Han Guo Gong Fu" (Han State Duke's Residence), which still gleamed in the sunlight.

Now, it's all over.

His lips twitched slightly.

It seemed like she was trying to put on a smile, but the smile looked worse than a grimace.

Li Shanchang took one last deep look at the Han State Mansion, then resolutely turned away.

The soldiers outside automatically parted to make way for him, looking at him with complicated expressions.
Li Shanchang ignored their gazes and continued walking forward on his own.

His silhouette appeared lonely and forlorn in the sunlight.
It was as if everything in the world was no longer relevant to him.

A gentle breeze continued to blow, scattering a few ginkgo leaves. The tender green leaves drifted down, creating a scene full of vitality.

(End of this chapter)