My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

Chapter 248 So what if they're Jinyiwei? I'm a member of the Ming Dynasty's imperial family!
Finally, Li Banghua, with a grave expression, couldn't help but offer some advice:
"Your Highness, I believe this action is inappropriate. After all, they are members of the royal family and represent the face of the royal family."

"Such severe punishment would damage the reputation of both His Majesty and Your Highness. I urge Your Highness to reconsider."

Zhu Cilang's lips curled slightly upward, revealing a chilling sneer, and he slowly said:

"If I were to tell you that in a few years they would no longer be members of the Ming imperial family, and might even disappear from Ming territory forever, how would you feel?"

what?
Upon hearing this, Li Banghua and Wang Jiayan's eyes widened instantly, filled with disbelief.

They recognized every single word Zhu Cilang spoke, but when put together, they were completely bewildered and found it difficult to understand.

What do you mean by saying that in a few years they will no longer be members of the imperial family, and may not even appear in the Ming Dynasty?

What exactly is His Highness the Crown Prince's intention in doing this?

Suddenly, a sense of unease began to grow in their hearts.
Seeing their reaction, Zhu Cilang knew they had misunderstood, so his expression softened and he explained:

"You two must not have any wild thoughts. I do not intend to take their lives. I plan to enfeoff them all overseas after I have completely eliminated Li Zicheng and the Jurchens."

"All princes, nobles, and other members of the imperial family will follow this precedent. From now on, there will be no more hereditary princes in the Ming Dynasty."

"Of course, if they refuse to leave the Ming Dynasty, I will not make things difficult for them. I will simply apply the Han Dynasty's 'Decree of Grace' to them. After a few generations, their descendants will become ordinary people."

Upon hearing this, Li Banghua and Wang Jiayan froze on the spot, their bodies as if they had been frozen in place.

They could hardly imagine that Zhu Cilang could come up with such a bold and novel strategy.

It's no wonder they were so shocked, because Zhu Cilang had only mentioned forming the Zhu Family Army of the Ming Dynasty, but had never told anyone else about reforming the enfeoffment system for the imperial clan.

However, after the initial shock, a surge of joy welled up in their hearts.

Because they knew that the Ming Dynasty was now poor and weak, and the problem of the imperial clan was a major issue. If they could follow Zhu Cilang's advice and enfeoff all the princes and imperial clansmen overseas after the war, this problem would be easily solved.

After all, under normal circumstances, just supporting these members of the royal family would be a huge expense every year.

The next second, Li Banghua hurriedly cupped his hands, his face showing delight, and said:
"Your Highness, I believe this plan is feasible!"

Wang Jiayan also nodded in agreement:
"I also believe this plan is feasible."

Zhu Cilang then continued:
"Therefore, you don't need to hesitate when dealing with those members of the imperial family anymore. In any case, they will go overseas in a few years and may never return to the Ming Dynasty."

"I know that even so, you may still have reservations and dare not act recklessly."

"In this way, when I teach them to read and write or to fight in the army, I will arrange for the Imperial Guards to accompany them. If they still don't behave, I will have the Imperial Guards take action. I don't think those imperial family members will dare to continue to act recklessly."

Upon hearing this, the two finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, everyone knows that the Embroidered Uniform Guard is the emperor's personal army. Even if those members of the imperial family are still unruly, they wouldn't dare to act the same way as before.

Thinking of this, the two quickly responded in unison:
"I obey!"

Suddenly, at that moment, a flash of inspiration struck Zhu Cilang, as if he had thought of something important, which instantly illuminated his thoughts.

Then, he looked at Li Banghua and said:

"Minister Li, do you think it would be possible for the imperial court to establish a new academy specifically to teach these members of the imperial family military strategy, as well as knowledge of firearms and artillery?"

"Of course, we can also teach them to read and write, but that's not the point. The key is to teach them martial arts knowledge such as troop deployment and warfare."

That's right, what Zhu Cilang was actually talking about was the military academy of later generations!

However, he felt that these two characters might be a bit ahead of their time for the ancients, so he used another euphemistic way to express his meaning.

At the same time, Li Banghua and Wang Jiayan exchanged a glance after hearing this, their eyes full of doubt.

Seeing their apparent confusion, Zhu Cilang was about to explain further when Li Banghua suddenly spoke up:
"Your Highness, you're not referring to establishing the Capital Guard Martial Arts Academy, are you?"

Martial arts of the Imperial Guard?

What is this?
Zhu Cilang was genuinely taken aback upon hearing this, as it was the first time he had ever heard this name and he knew nothing about it.

Seeing this, Wang Jiayan, the Minister of Rites, quickly stepped forward to explain.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Cilang finally understood everything about the martial arts of the Imperial Guard.

It turns out that in the sixth year of the Zhengtong reign of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Qizhen, the "gatekeeper emperor," opened a school called the Jingwei Martial Arts Academy.

Then, a proclamation was made to the world to select the most talented sons of the governors and below, as well as martial arts performers and other related personnel from the common people, to study at the school.

However, unlike ordinary schools, this school does not test literary knowledge, but only martial arts, with the aim of cultivating the next generation of military generals.

The "Jingwei" in the Jingwei martial arts were usually officials of the rank of Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

Initially, students enrolled in the Imperial Guard Martial Arts Academy were selected from young military officers or sons of military generals. At that time, the Ming Dynasty had just been established, and the sons of military officers were quite fond of martial arts, so they already had a considerable foundation in martial arts when they enrolled.

After all, in their minds at the time, they were all going to the battlefield to kill enemies in the future, so they practiced martial arts extremely hard.

For a time, the martial arts of the capital became famous, and indeed a number of well-known generals were cultivated.

However, as time went on, the sons of nobles became increasingly resistant to the arduous task of martial arts training. In addition, with the rise of civil officials in the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty and the suppression of military generals, the sons of nobles became even more unwilling to practice martial arts.

Over time, fewer and fewer people went to the Imperial Guard Martial Arts Academy to study, and so the Academy was eventually discontinued.

It wasn't until the eighth year of the Tianshun reign of the Ming Dynasty that someone submitted a memorial requesting the restoration of the Imperial Guard Martial Arts Academy, which was then able to reopen.

However, it declined again after a few years due to a lack of new students, and has been dormant for more than a hundred years, causing most people to forget its existence.

It must be said that Zhu Cilang was quite surprised after hearing this explanation.

Because he never expected that the prototype of the military academy that would later appear had already appeared as early as the Ming Dynasty.

This could probably be considered the Ming Dynasty's 'Whampoa Military Academy'!

For a moment, the atmosphere became slightly awkward. After all, it was somewhat embarrassing for the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty not to know such a thing.

However, Zhu Cilang quickly regained his composure and continued:

"The military academy I intend to establish will be similar to this Imperial Guard Martial Arts Academy, but it will mainly teach knowledge about firearms."

"After the previous Liaodong War, the importance of firearms is self-evident. In the future, the Ming Dynasty will definitely equip the entire army with firearms. Therefore, it is crucial to understand firearms knowledge."

"In addition, the establishment of this military academy is not only for members of the imperial family or sons of meritorious officials, but also for all military officers."

"For example, it could be stipulated that if certain military officers wish to be promoted, they must attend military academies for study and examinations, and only those who pass can be promoted smoothly. What do you all think?"

Upon hearing this, Li Banghua and Wang Jiayan fell into deep thought.

After a moment, Li Banghua spoke first:

"I believe this is feasible, but the specifics still need to be discussed."

Wang Jiayan, standing to the side, naturally had no reason to object, since this matter had nothing to do with him.

As the Minister of Rites, he had no authority over the Ministry of War.

Zhu Cilang nodded in satisfaction upon seeing this, and then continued:

"In that case, the Ministry of War shall take charge of this matter. The Ministry of War shall select a suitable residence or government office in the capital as soon as possible to establish a military academy."

Upon hearing this, Li Banghua quickly cupped his hands in response:

"My minister obeys."

Afterwards, Zhu Cilang gave a few more brief instructions and then dismissed them.

Not long after the two left, Cao Bianjiao, Huang Degong, and Ma Xianglin arrived at the East Palace.

"I see His Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon seeing Zhu Cilang, the three quickly bowed and paid their respects.

Zhu Cilang raised his hand to signal them to stand up, and the three of them immediately stood up. However, since they were all young and strong men, there was no need to offer them seats.

Zhu Cilang's gaze swept across the three faces one by one, and then he asked:
"I heard that you guys are also at a loss with those members of the imperial family, is that right?"

Upon hearing this, the three of them immediately looked distressed, their expressions as bitter as if they had swallowed a bitter herb.

Huang Degong first said:
“Your Highness, it is not that I do not care about teaching, but those members of the imperial family are really infuriating. They have no interest in learning how to deploy troops. Because of their status, I dare not use punishment on them, so it is really difficult to teach them.”

Cao Bianjiao and Ma Xianglin, who were standing nearby, quickly chimed in:
"Your Highness, we feel the same way."

"These members of the imperial family are truly difficult to teach, and given their noble status, we dare not punish them. Therefore, Your Highness, please forgive our incompetence!"

In the end, the three of them knelt on the ground again, looking as if they were begging for forgiveness.

Zhu Cilang first shook his head helplessly, then said with a look of disappointment:
"As long as you don't treat them as members of the royal family, but just as ordinary soldiers, wouldn't that be fine?"

"I tell you, no matter what, you must go and teach them from now on."

“If they make mistakes or disobey you, punish them severely. Scolding and beating them as needed. Don’t treat them like members of the royal family. Just don’t kill them.”

"You don't need to worry about them retaliating against you in the future, because they will all leave the Ming Dynasty and go overseas."

"If nothing unexpected happens, you will never see them again!"

Then, Zhu Cilang briefly recounted the court's reforms targeting the imperial clan.

When they heard that these members of the imperial family would leave the Ming Dynasty and go overseas in the future, Cao Bianjiao and his two companions' eyes lit up.

It should be noted that the reason they dared not take strong measures against these members of the imperial clan before was twofold: firstly, they were concerned about their status, and secondly, they were worried about future retaliation.

After all, they are members of the imperial family, many of whom are of noble status. Offending them will inevitably cause trouble in the future.

But if they are no longer in the Ming Dynasty, then what is there to fear in terms of revenge?

Upon realizing this, everyone's expressions instantly softened.

Zhu Cilang then continued solemnly:
"Let me tell you, what I've always wanted is not a bunch of useless royals, but a capable and battle-hardened army." "If they go to the battlefield and flee without a fight, that will be your dereliction of duty, and I will punish you severely!"

When he said this, Zhu Cilang's eyes were stern, like a sharp sword that sent chills down one's spine.

At the same time, Cao Bianjiao and the other two immediately realized the seriousness of the situation and hurriedly assured him:
"Your Highness, rest assured, we will definitely train these members of the imperial family into elite soldiers and fierce generals."

Their voices were loud and firm, as if they were signing a life-or-death pledge to Zhu Cilang.

After all, things have come to this point, and if they still don't know what to do, then they have truly lived in vain.

Once they return, they will make sure those members of the royal family know what they are capable of!
Time flies, and the next day arrived in the blink of an eye.

Because the location of the Ming Dynasty military academy has not yet been selected, these members of the imperial family can only stay in the new city.

On this day, the heat was unbearable, and the scorching sun blazed down on a spacious house in the new city.

The entire room felt like a giant steamer, so hot that people felt drowsy.

There wasn't a breath of wind in the sweltering air.

Inside the makeshift school, an official who came to give a lecture was intently and eloquently explaining a military treatise.

As he spoke, he occasionally waved his folding fan, trying to cool himself down, but large beads of sweat continued to pour from his forehead, sliding down his cheeks and soaking his collar.

Despite the harsh environment, he tried his best to maintain a presentable appearance.

However, the hundreds of royal family members in the audience completely ignored all of this.

They were either whispering amongst themselves or dozing off on the table.

Among them, a member of the imperial clan named Zhu Gaohong was particularly outrageous. He looked impatient, yawned constantly, and kept fiddling with a jade pendant in his hand.

Suddenly, for reasons unknown, he grabbed the military treatise from the table and threw it viciously at the lecturer, shouting at the same time:

"What kind of nonsense is this? It's so boring and tedious that I'm getting sleepy. Don't waste my time here!"

The book flew through the air in an arc and landed with a "thud" at the feet of the official giving the lecture, causing the other members of the imperial family to burst into laughter.

The instructor was startled by this sudden action and his body trembled.

Immediately, his face turned red, he was both angry and afraid, his lips parted slightly as if he wanted to rebuke them, but because he was wary of the status of these members of the royal family, he could only swallow his anger.

They were angry but dared not speak out.

Seeing his reaction, the group of royal family members laughed even more unrestrainedly.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the school.

The next second, the door was pushed open, and several Imperial Guards dressed in flying fish robes and with embroidered spring knives at their waists appeared as quickly as ghosts.

Their eyes were cold and their posture upright. The leader, a commander of a thousand men, had piercing eyes. After scanning the area, he immediately locked onto the troublemaker. Finally, with a wave of his hand, several Imperial Guards walked straight towards Zhu Gaohong.

When Zhu Gaohong saw the Embroidered Uniform Guards approaching him, he was instinctively a little scared, after all, he knew that the Embroidered Uniform Guards were the emperor's personal guard.

But with so many people present, he couldn't back down, so he could only grit his teeth and shout loudly:

"What are you doing? So what if you're a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard? You dare mess with me? Believe me, I'll make you regret it!"

As he spoke, he took a step forward, seemingly intending to make a move.

However, the Imperial Guards were too lazy to utter a single unnecessary word and completely ignored his insults.

They quickly stepped forward, grabbed Zhu Gaohong's arms on either side, and dragged him outside.

Zhu Gaohong struggled desperately, kicking his legs wildly in an attempt to break free, while still cursing under his breath:

"Let me go, you bastards! I am the General Who Protects the Nation of the Ming Dynasty, how dare you treat me like this?"

According to the Ming Dynasty's system of nobility, the emperor's sons were granted the title of Prince, which was the highest nobility rank among the Ming Dynasty's imperial family.

The eldest son of a prince inherits the title of prince, while the other sons are granted the title of prince of the second rank.

The eldest son of the Prince of the Commandery inherited the title of Prince of the Commandery, while the other sons were granted the title of General Who Guards the State.

The status of the General Who Guards the State is below that of the Prince of the County. Although they do not have actual fiefdoms, they enjoy certain salaries and benefits and still hold a relatively high position in politics and economics.

From this perspective, the status of the General Who Guards the Nation is indeed very prestigious, which is why Zhu Gaohong was so arrogant.

However, the Imperial Guards seemed not to hear him, their hands gripping him tightly like iron clamps, showing no sign of letting go.

Zhu Gaohong was then dragged to an open space outside the school and slammed heavily onto a bench.

A member of the Imperial Guard stood expressionlessly to one side, holding a cane that was about two meters tall.

Seeing this, Zhu Gaohong finally became a little scared, because he realized that these Imperial Guards were serious!

Immediately afterward, just as he began to beg for mercy, the paddle suddenly came down.

With a "smack," the paddle struck Zhu Gaohong's buttocks hard.

Zhu Hong was stunned for a moment, then let out a shrill scream:

"what!!!!!"

He yelled and twisted his body, trying to avoid the board.

But the Imperial Guards remained unmoved, continuing to swing the board again and again.

At first, Zhu Hong tried to keep shouting and cursing, but after a few blows, his voice gradually weakened as the paddle continued to fall.

At this moment, his face was ashen, cold sweat poured down his back, and his eyes were filled with fear.

After only a dozen or so strokes, he could no longer endure it, letting out painful whimpers.
"Spare me! I was wrong, I'll never do it again! I'm a member of the Ming Dynasty's imperial family, you can't treat me like this!"

But the Imperial Guards seemed not to hear, and continued to strike with the paddles one after another until they had delivered twenty strokes before stopping.

Moreover, while it wasn't exactly a full-force application of the twenty strokes, there was no holding back either; they were all delivered solidly.

There was nothing they could do; this was an order from the Crown Prince, and the Embroidered Uniform Guards dared not show any mercy.
After being given twenty strokes of the cane, Zhu Gaohong had already fainted, but he did not die; he was just unconscious from the pain.

Then more Imperial Guards came over and carried him away.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the imperial physician was already waiting there.

All of this was observed by the royal family members who were watching the spectacle.

At this moment, their faces were all deathly pale, their eyes filled with fear and disbelief, as if they never expected that these Imperial Guards would actually dare to fight them!
You must know they are members of the Ming Dynasty's imperial family!

Although he was not a prince or a duke, his highest rank was General of the State. How could he be whipped so casually?
Just then, the commander of the Imperial Guards, who was leading this unit, coldly swept his gaze over the crowd and said in a chilling tone:
"By order of His Majesty, any member of the imperial family who disrespects his teachers shall henceforth be punished with twenty strokes of the cane in court!"

Upon hearing this, the group of royal descendants who had been indignant just moments before fell silent and slunk back into the school.
After all, this was the emperor's order; how could they dare to disobey it?

Meanwhile, the same thing was happening in several other schools.
Some people may wonder why soldiers are forced to read and write, since all they need to do is fight.

Zhu Cilang had his reasons for doing so!

Firstly, in his view, war is not an isolated military confrontation, but a complex game involving political, economic, diplomatic and other factors.

If one has no education, how can one understand the principles behind this?
Secondly, military operations require comprehensive planning of logistics, troop deployment, and geographical environment.

Reading can help generals understand the impact of different regions' topography and climate conditions on military operations.

For example, which places are suitable for setting up camp, and which routes are conducive to troop raids.

Meanwhile, in terms of troop deployment, based on the knowledge of troop formation and mathematical principles in the book, troops were precisely allocated to achieve the greatest results at the lowest cost.

Secondly, it is necessary to optimize military management. To build a disciplined and highly effective army, generals must possess excellent management skills.

By reading, generals can learn from the ancients' methods of governing the army.

In conclusion, there are many benefits to reading and writing, so Zhu Cilang hoped that future generals of the Ming Dynasty would all have some level of knowledge.

Of course, Zhu Cilang didn't expect them to be extremely learned; he just wanted them to be able to recognize characters and understand the contents of books.

While several members of the royal family were being punished for disrespecting their teachers, a similar incident was unfolding at a makeshift training ground on the other side.

On the makeshift training ground, Cao Bianjiao, shirtless, was solemnly directing the imperial clan members in military training.

Because it was a training exercise, the flintlock musket models used were all made of wood.

His voice was loud and clear as he continuously corrected his disciples' movements:

"Hold your gun steady and keep your steps in sync; these are the basic operations for fighting the enemy!"

However, many members of the imperial family were lazy and ignored his words.

Cao Bianjiao frowned, his eyes blazing with anger, then suddenly pointed at a member of the imperial clan named Zhu Yao and loudly rebuked him:

"Look at you! You're all soft and limp, like you have no bones at all. Is this what you call training?"

"If a piece of trash like you went to the battlefield, wouldn't that be sending him to his death!"

"What kind of man are you! You've utterly disgraced the men of the Ming Dynasty!"

"You've also utterly disgraced the founding emperor. If he knew this in the afterlife, he'd probably want to rise up and slap you across the face!"

It must be said that Cao Bianjiao was quite good at cursing, and he even brought up the founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang.

Anyone else would not have dared to do this, but Cao Bianjiao was from the border army and was naturally bold and unrestrained.

Furthermore, given Zhu Cilang's previous instructions, he completely let himself go!

(End of this chapter)