Ming Dynasty: Pick up attributes from the battlefield to create the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 224 Zhu Yuanzhang: Zhu Qing, do you not know the names of your parents?

but!

The atmosphere inside the Wenyuan Pavilion was originally solemn and dignified.

Zhu Ying looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and his son, and saw that the two seemed to be getting along like ordinary father and son. This scene actually lessened the solemn atmosphere in the hall.

"So you've finally learned to be scared, kid."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly glared at him, but with a hint of smugness on his face, and then said, "Let me tell you, if you make me unhappy and keep irritating me, I'll just abdicate and see if you get anxious."

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang reached out and gently patted Zhu Biao's shoulder, as if he were truly capable of such a willful act.

Faced with his father's childish words, Zhu Biao was at a loss. His face was full of helplessness. He sighed softly and said, "Fine! I'll go along with you."

between words.

Zhu Biao shook his head slightly, his expression genuinely one of helplessness.

Succession?

He really wasn't prepared.

Followed by.

Zhu Biao changed the subject, reminding him, "But now that Zhu Ying is here, you shouldn't waste any more time."

talking.

Zhu Biao turned his head and looked at Zhu Ying, who was standing to the side.

Seeing Zhu Biao yield, Zhu Yuanzhang felt even more smug, and a broad smile spread across his face.

but.

After all, Zhu Ying was there.

He casually put down the memorial he was dealing with, his movements unhurried, then slowly raised his head, his gaze becoming incredibly gentle, and looked at Zhu Ying, saying, "Minister Zhu, this is not a court meeting, please take your seats."

While talking.

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand, smiled, and pointed to the neatly arranged chairs to the side.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Zhu Ying hurriedly clasped his hands in a salute, his words carrying a serious tone.

Subsequently.

Zhu Ying walked over to the chair and sat down.

but.

Zhu Ying sat very properly, displaying a solemn and dignified demeanor.

"It's not time for dinner yet."

Zhu Yuanzhang still had a smiling expression on his face, and his tone was relaxed and casual, as if he were just chatting with an old friend: "I just want to ask you some questions, don't overthink it."

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang kept his eyes fixed on Zhu Ying.

"Your Majesty, please ask."

Zhu Ying smiled modestly and said sincerely, "I will speak frankly and without reservation."

"You should have seen our fourth and seventeenth brothers by now, right?"

Curiosity flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, and he immediately asked with a smile, his gaze fixed on Zhu Ying, full of inquiry: "How did they perform?"

For a long time, when questioned about the Imperial Clan Court and other matters, officials have concealed many things about the princes.

After all, the princes were of noble status, and they dared not reveal the truth, for fear that they might offend the emperor if they were not careful.

As Zhu Ying was a rising star general in the Ming Dynasty, and having met his two sons, Zhu Yuanzhang was naturally eager to hear his evaluation.

"Both Your Highnesses are well."

Zhu Ying answered calmly and unhurriedly.

Although he harbored deep resentment towards Zhu Di and had been secretly preparing a plan for revenge against him, he knew in front of Zhu Yuanzhang that speaking ill of the prince directly was not a wise move.

"That's all the evaluation you've got?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly, a clear look of disappointment flashing in his eyes.

He had hoped to hear more details about his sons from Zhu Ying, but this simple answer clearly failed to satisfy his curiosity.

"Although I have met the two princes, I have not been able to get to know them well."

Zhu Ying carefully considered his words, a thoughtful expression on his face.

After a brief pause, he continued, "However, I have spent some time with Prince Ning."

"He was a sincere person with a burning desire to serve his country."

"I firmly believe that under his governance, Da Ning Prefecture will surely prosper in the future."

Zhu Ying's tone was full of certainty.

In fact, he really didn't want to mention Zhu Di at all, so he deliberately focused all his attention on praising Zhu Quan.

Upon hearing this, the disappointment on Zhu Yuanzhang's face gradually faded, replaced by a relieved smile. He nodded slightly and said, "The seventeenth prince's character is indeed quite sincere."

The tone of his voice did indeed convey his approval of Zhu Quan.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang had barely finished speaking when he changed the subject and looked at Zhu Ying again, asking, "Fourth brother, how much do you know about him?"

A spark of inquiry rekindled in his eyes.

"I do not know much about the Prince of Yan."

Zhu Ying shook his head slightly and said calmly and briefly, "But he yearns for the military."

Asking Zhu Ying to praise Zhu Di was something he found extremely difficult to resist, and the fact that he could say such a thing at this moment was already his limit.

"That fourth kid really did like wielding knives and guns since he was a child."

Zhu Yuanzhang recalled the past and couldn't help but laugh: "And he used to clamor to become a general of the Ming Dynasty."

After saying this.

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression suddenly turned serious, and his gaze fell back on Zhu Ying, getting to the point: "We already know that the second son led troops to attempt a prison break and even drew his sword against you."

"Moreover, the Crown Prince also dealt with the Second Prince."

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was deep and cold.

Of course, this is not directed at Zhu Ying.

"Depose the second prince from his throne and imprison him in the Imperial Clan Court."

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly and deliberately, each word carrying the weight of a thousand pounds.

Then, he fixed his gaze on Zhu Ying and slowly asked, "Are you satisfied with this?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ying was startled, and a look of surprise flashed across his face.

He couldn't help but turn his gaze to Zhu Biao, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Clearly, Zhu Ying had not expected the outcome of Zhu Shuang's punishment. This time, Zhu Yuanzhang and his son were so decisive, directly deposing him from the throne and imprisoning him in the Imperial Clan Court.

When Zhu Biao sent people to pick up Zhu Shuang, Zhu Ying thought that Old Zhu might be lenient and let the matter go easily, but he never expected that the punishment would be so severe.

"As long as Your Majesty and the Crown Prince handle the matter according to the law, I have no objection."

Zhu Ying quickly regained his composure, clasped his hands in a respectful gesture, and replied.

"Judging from your expression, you didn't expect us to deal with the second son so severely this time, did you?"

Zhu Yuanzhang keenly noticed the surprised expression on Zhu Ying's face, shook his head inexplicably, and then slowly said, "In fact, it was the Crown Prince who spoke up. We have indeed been too lenient with the second son."

talking.

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of regret in them.

“He had already committed many despicable acts while he was in his fiefdom.”

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was filled with anger, and he raised his voice slightly: "It's just that we've been biased repeatedly because of our father-son relationship."

"This time, we won't indulge them anymore."

"Speak of it."

Zhu Yuanzhang paused slightly, his gaze becoming somewhat distant: "Perhaps you are right about something you said, that he is good for nothing except for being born good."

Obviously.

For Zhu Yuanzhang to say such a thing, he was truly extremely disappointed in his second son.

"That sentence was what woke us up."

Zhu Yuanzhang continued speaking slowly, his voice filled with endless emotion: "Back when we were still under the control of the Yuan court, we were as worthless as grass in the face of those powerful and influential people."

“Now that we have become emperors and our sons have become powerful and wealthy, they have started to treat human life as worthless. Isn’t this a betrayal of our original intentions?”

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang closed his eyes slightly, his face filled with pain.

There is clearly some self-blame involved.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ying suddenly understood and realized the truth.

The one who actually made the decision to deal with Zhu Shuang this time was still Zhu Biao.

"If Your Majesty has this ambition, the Ming Dynasty will surely become one of the most prosperous dynasties in history."

Zhu Ying, with a solemn expression, slowly said, "Only by staying true to our original aspirations can we achieve our goals."

This was indeed Zhu Ying's reflection and praise.

The fate of the powerful and the fate of the common people are different.

Zhu Ying has seen far too many things like this over the years as he has navigated the complexities of life.

How many people did Zhu Shuang kill in his fiefdom? How many lives did he disregard?

No one knows the exact number, but according to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, an ordinary person who committed such a crime would have been executed long ago.

But because he was the emperor's son, he was able to escape punishment.

Imprisonment is the maximum punishment that can be imposed at this point.

This reality remains cruel and difficult to change in any era.

Fate is so different from the very beginning!
Reincarnation is indeed sometimes a profound and unfathomable subject!

"I said I would give Zhu Qing an explanation, and I will not go back on my word."

Zhu Biao, with a serious expression, said to Zhu Ying, "Even princes are subject to the same laws as commoners."

As he spoke, Zhu Biao slightly raised his head, his voice filled with a strange sense of emotion: "I know it's impossible to fully implement this, but it must still serve as a real deterrent."

"After this great victory is declared, I will have the Imperial Clan Court announce the crimes of the Prince of Qin to deter lawless criminals throughout the land."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Ying again, his eyes revealing a resolute determination.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is wise."

Zhu Ying reacted quickly, immediately clasping his hands in agreement.

He thought to himself that this father and son were indeed very different from ordinary emperors.

They truly have a heart that shares the common good with all people.

At least.

Such imprisonment, coupled with the removal of his throne, was already the greatest punishment a prince could receive.

When the news spread, it did indeed have a significant deterrent effect.

"OK OK."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, a smile returning to his face, breaking the slightly heavy atmosphere: "This matter is settled then."

"Today is a joyous day for Zhu Qing's triumphant return. Don't let that unfilial son spoil his mood."

"Yunqi, bring us some wine and food, let's start the banquet early. It's too boring just chatting like this."

Zhu Yuanzhang turned to look at Yun Qi, who was waiting to the side.

"This slave takes the order."

Upon hearing the order, Yun Qi immediately responded respectfully.

Then, he hurried off to make arrangements.

"Zhu Qing."

Zhu Biao suddenly spoke, his face showing great interest, and asked with a smile, "How do you feel about seeing me and Father Emperor for the first time today?" "And how is it different from what you imagined?"

When he asked this question, Zhu Biao was also full of anticipation.

As soon as Zhu Biao asked the question, Zhu Yuanzhang's curiosity was piqued. He turned slightly to the side and looked at Zhu Ying with the same curiosity.

For some reason, upon seeing Zhu Ying, Zhu Yuanzhang felt an inexplicable, unspoken sense of closeness and a deep desire to be close to him.

This was a strange feeling he had never experienced when facing other ministers.

"Does Your Majesty and the Crown Prince want to hear the truth or a lie?" Zhu Ying pondered for a moment, then a meaningful smile appeared on his face as he asked in return.

"What we want to hear is the truth."

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately straightened his expression and said firmly.

"Then I will tell the truth."

Zhu Ying answered without hesitation.

then.

Zhu Ying looked thoughtful for a moment, then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and slowly said, "I had heard of Your Majesty's reputation when I was in Beiping Prefecture."

"People say that the emperor came from a poor background, hated evil, and had no tolerance for corrupt officials."

"Moreover, the Emperor has granted fertile land to all the people of the land to cultivate and has reduced taxes as much as possible, making him a truly wise ruler."

"His Majesty rose from humble beginnings, fought his way to the top, founded the Ming Empire, rescued countless people from a century of enslavement by the Yuan Dynasty, and restored the dignity of the Han people!"

"This is unique in history, comparable to the First Emperor who unified the world, and both can be called emperors of all time."

Zhu Ying, with a solemn expression and a firm tone, said, "I wholeheartedly agree with this."

Hear this.

Zhu Yuanzhang could no longer contain his excitement and burst into laughter. As he laughed, he excitedly pointed at Zhu Biao and said, "Biao'er, did you hear that?"

"People say that I hate evil as much as I hate it, and that I am the greatest emperor of all time."

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang's face was filled with a proud smile: "I used to hear storytellers say that the First Emperor was the only one in all time, but I never thought that I would become the only one in all time as well."

For an emperor to receive the praise of being the greatest emperor of all time is undoubtedly a great honor, an irresistible temptation for any emperor.

If a military general's ambition is to achieve the ultimate goal of conquering the enemy's territory, then an emperor's ambition is to become the greatest emperor of all time.

"I have long heard the rumors about Father Emperor circulating among the people."

Zhu Biao said solemnly and earnestly, "In my opinion, Father Emperor deserves to be called the greatest emperor of all time."

Zhu Biao also made no attempt to hide his respect for his father.

“That Zhu Ying.”

Zhu Yuanzhang then turned to look at Zhu Ying, his eyes revealing a hint of urgency, as if he highly valued Zhu Ying's opinion: "Do you think we are worthy of this position?"

Faced with this question, Zhu Ying's expression became even more serious, and he replied without hesitation, "I deserve it."

This answer is concise and powerful, without any unnecessary words.

The great achievement of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, lies in uniting the Chinese people, unifying the written language, and establishing the foundation of Chinese civilization. These achievements will be remembered for all time, and no Chinese person can question them.

Without him, the vast land of China might still be in a state of disintegration, and there would be no concept of a unified world.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who destroyed the Yuan Dynasty, established the Ming Dynasty, and reshaped the Han Chinese people, was equally accomplished.

Describing him as a great emperor throughout the ages is equally fitting.

Of course, compared to the First Emperor's achievements that have influenced the ages, Zhu Yuanzhang seems to be slightly inferior.

If the First Emperor truly wanted to be called the Emperor of All Ages, then he would be the First Emperor of All Ages.

"well."

Upon receiving Zhu Ying's affirmation, Zhu Yuanzhang burst into laughter again, his face beaming with satisfaction.

"And what about me? What are the common people saying?"

Zhu Biao also looked on with curiosity, his eyes fixed on Zhu Ying.

After all, Zhu Yingben came from the common people. What Zhu Yuanzhang and his son heard from the Embroidered Uniform Guard and from intelligence reports was naturally a lot of praise and falsehood.

But Zhu Ying in front of them was a military general, and he was young and impetuous, with a simple mind and not much scheming. This was exactly the kind of genuine feedback that both father and son were eager to get.

"People say that the Crown Prince is wise and virtuous, and that he will become a benevolent ruler of the Ming Dynasty when he ascends the throne," Zhu Ying said with a smile.

“Wise and virtuous”.

Zhu Biao muttered to himself, his expression becoming serious: "These four words."

"I cannot afford to bear this responsibility now."

Upon hearing this evaluation, Zhu Biao did not feel the same ecstatic joy as his father. On the contrary, he felt as if a heavy burden had been placed on his shoulders, and he felt a strong sense of responsibility.

These four words cannot be achieved with just a few simple words of praise. To truly achieve them requires a great deal of time and the unwavering witnessing and recognition of the people over many years.

"Biao'er."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao with a very serious expression and his eyes were full of expectation: "Our expectation for you is to emulate Emperor Wen."

"Now that the Northern Yuan is gone, the greatest threat to our Great Ming has been eliminated."

"In the future, we will eliminate the internal troubles for you and hand over a Ming Dynasty without any hidden dangers to your hands. You can then become a wise ruler who will reduce taxes and levies and treat the people with benevolence."

talking.

Zhu Yuanzhang gently patted Zhu Biao on the shoulder: "We believe you can do it."

Hear the words.

"Father."

Zhu Biao looked solemnly at Zhu Yuanzhang with a determined gaze and solemnly said, "Your subject will definitely strive towards this goal."

"The benevolence and virtue of Emperor Wen is what I will pursue throughout my life."

These words, spoken with resounding force, echoed in the air like a vow, a solemn promise he made to the future.

Emperor Wen!
For an emperor who was not the founder of the dynasty, being given the posthumous title of "Wen" (文) was the highest pursuit.

After all, Emperor Wen of Han's benevolence and virtue have been witnessed and praised by people throughout the ages.

Zhu Ying listened quietly to the side, thinking to himself, "This is probably one of the reasons why Zhu Yuanzhang was so diligent in handling government affairs and also launched large-scale military campaigns during his reign."

"He wanted to eliminate all the enemies and hidden dangers that the Ming Dynasty could foresee while he was still alive, so as to build a complete, strong and prosperous Ming Dynasty for Zhu Biao, free from internal and external troubles."

In fact, looking back at history, Zhu Yuanzhang did indeed achieve this.

The Yuan army in the northern frontier was severely weakened and lost its ability to launch large-scale frontal attacks.

If Zhu Yunwen had not blindly reduced the power of the princes, which triggered the Jingnan Campaign, the Ming Dynasty would have been unprecedentedly powerful.

"Alas, if Zhu Biao had not died, with his character and ability, he might indeed have been able to follow the path of Emperor Wen of Han's benevolent rule."

Zhu Ying sighed inwardly. As someone who knew the course of history, and now witnessing it all firsthand, he had unknowingly become a witness and participant in history.

And just then!
Outside the palace, Yun Qi's respectful voice came: "Your Majesty, the meal is waiting for you outside the palace."

"Come up, all of you." Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, his voice steady and powerful.

In response, a group of eunuchs and palace maids filed in, their steps light and orderly, their hands steadily carrying boxes of exquisite dishes, while others held fine wine.

The group arranged the tables and chairs in the hall in an orderly and efficient manner.

Once everything was in place, the many servants respectfully withdrew, leaving only a few palace maids to tend the burning charcoal fire and serve wine.

"Zhu Ying."

Zhu Biao smiled gently and said, "Father Emperor has ordered meat to be prepared today."

“In the past, this only happened once every few days, so you must enjoy it to the fullest.”

"Your Majesty's kindness is appreciated; I will certainly finish it all." Zhu Ying nodded with a smile, his words full of respect.

Zhu Yuanzhang, also with a smile on his face, walked steadily from in front of the dragon throne. His steps were unhurried, showing the composure of an emperor. He slowly sat down, then gently waved to Zhu Ying and Zhu Biao and said, "Please sit down. Consider today a family banquet, so there's no need to be reserved."

"Thank you, Father Emperor." Zhu Biao rose to express his gratitude, his voice clear and resonant.

He then walked to Zhu Yuanzhang's left, sat down with an upright posture, and displayed the etiquette and demeanor of a crown prince in every gesture.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Zhu Ying hurriedly stood up, clasped his hands in greeting, and then sat down to Zhu Yuanzhang's right.

The serving maids immediately sprang into action, holding wine jugs and pouring wine for the three men in turn with gentle and elegant movements.

In an instant, the rich aroma of wine filled the hall, its fragrance permeating everyone's nostrils.

Upon smelling the familiar aroma of the wine, Zhu Yinggang was slightly taken aback, a look of confusion appearing on his face.

"Doesn't the taste seem familiar?" Zhu Biao asked with a smile, a mischievous glint in his eyes, as if he had already anticipated Zhu Ying's reaction.

"It does look very familiar; it seems to be brewed in my family's distillery," Zhu Ying said after a moment's thought.

"This is the finest brew from your family's winery that Yu'er specially sent to the palace last time."

Zhu Biao continued, his face full of admiration: "You know what, no wonder your wine sells so well, and your shop is always packed with customers."

"This wine is even more delicious than the wine made in the palace."

“From now on, my winery will provide all the wine for the Emperor and the Crown Prince,” Zhu Ying said with a hearty laugh, his tone brimming with generosity and enthusiasm.

"Then we won't stand on ceremony." Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily and readily accepted the offer.

His laughter echoed in the hall, instantly making the atmosphere more relaxed and harmonious.

The three of them then enjoyed the delicious food and sipped their wine, engaging in casual conversation.

After a few rounds of drinks, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao's faces gradually flushed, and fine beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads in the blazing charcoal fire in the hall.

In contrast, Zhu Ying remained calm and showed no signs of being drunk, except that his cheeks were slightly flushed and he was sweating a little.

"Count it up."

Zhu Biao tilted his head slightly, a hint of emotion in his eyes, and slowly said, "It has been a long time since I have drunk wine with my father. Zhu Ying's triumphant return has allowed us to enjoy such a pleasant time."

"Moreover, I feel very close to Zhu Qing, and I am really excited about it."

As he spoke, he gently put down his wine cup, his gaze shifting back and forth between Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Ying.

Zhu Biao seemed to have thought of something, especially when he looked at Zhu Ying.

"Yes."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly, a look of helplessness on his face: "The memorials pile up like mountains every day, where is there so much leisure time to drink and make merry?"

"But once the year draws to a close, we can have another good drink."

And this time!
Zhu Yuanzhang turned his gaze to Zhu Ying, who was silently drinking and eating, and looked thoughtful.

After a moment, he smiled and asked, "Zhu Ying, we have seen your records from the Ministry of War. Why is there only your grandmother's name recorded in your family, but not your parents' names?"

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes slightly, a hint of curiosity in them.

"To be honest, Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ying put down his chopsticks and replied earnestly, "I have never seen my parents since I can remember."

"My grandmother told me that our family used to live in the south of the Ming Dynasty. Later, we encountered a famine and had no choice but to go to Beiping Prefecture to seek refuge with relatives."

"Later, only my grandmother and I settled down in Beiping Prefecture."

In fact, since being reborn into this world, Zhu Ying's earliest memory is of being nine years old in Beiping Prefecture, accompanying his grandmother.

He had no memory of his parents whatsoever, as if his life before the age of nine was shrouded in a thick fog, and all his memories had vanished without a trace.

Your grandmother's name was Luo.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and continued to ask, "Do you know the names of your parents?"

As he asked the question, Zhu Yuanzhang picked up his chopsticks again, took a bite of food, and put it in his mouth. He seemed casual, but his eyes were fixed on Zhu Ying with a hidden scrutiny.

"I once asked my grandmother about this."

Zhu Ying frowned slightly, trying to search his hazy memory. After a moment, he said, "It seems that my father's name was Zhu Zhi and my mother's name was Zheng Rong."

"Biao'er."

Zhu Yuanzhang turned to look at Zhu Biao, his expression becoming serious, and earnestly instructed, "Remember the names of Zhu Ying's parents. Now that he is a hereditary marquis of our Great Ming, the family genealogy should be complete and accurate, and this must be recorded in detail."

"I understand, son." Zhu Biao nodded, silently keeping the matter in mind.

……

(End of this chapter)