Ming Dynasty: The Jingnan Rebellion has just been successful, and Zhu Yuanzhang has been resurrected

Chapter 164 The cruel truth: There's no chance left!
"No, no, Grandfather, I promise you, after I ascend the throne, I will definitely not lay a hand on my uncles. Please help me one more time." Zhu Yunwen shook his head repeatedly, his face full of pleading.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Yunwen's expression and remained silent for a moment before saying in a low voice, "Yunwen, do you really think that if we stand up, we can put you back on the throne?"

At that moment, he was at a loss for words.

It's really naive.

Let alone Zhu Yunwen's situation of raising an army and entering Yingtian Prefecture, even if Zhu Yunwen were capable enough, he wouldn't be able to control the situation simply by stepping forward.

Once power has been transferred, it is extremely difficult to regain it, because a new interest group has already formed.

At this point, the main obstacle to regaining power is not the people in power, but the newly formed interest groups.

For example, we could oust Zhu Yunwen from the throne now.

Would Xia Yuanji, Xie Jin, Hu Ying, Yang Shiqi, Fang Xiaoru, and Yao Guangxiao agree?

Would Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Neng, Sheng Yong, and others agree?
These people gained power because of Zhu Yunwen; if someone else were to become emperor, they might lose their power.

Could Zhu Yuanzhang really expect them to relinquish their power with just words? That's simply unrealistic.

Furthermore, would traitors like Jiang Huan and Li Jinglong agree to this?
If Zhu Yunwen is dethroned, they will face retribution. Forget about wealth and power; he might even lose his head.

If we take another step back, would the princes like Zhu Shuang and Zhu Gang agree?

Although Zhu Yunwen reduced their fiefdoms, he gave them another option, which was infinitely better than Zhu Yunwen forcing them to their deaths.

What are the chances of them reinstating Zhu Yunwen?
In addition to all of this, there is Zhu Yunwen's formidable strength. The Great Snow Dragon Cavalry and the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry have not disappeared. Zhu Yunwen was able to enter Yingtian Prefecture once, so would it be difficult for him to enter a second time?

As for Zhu Yunwen abolishing the preferential treatment for gentry, he did increase the salaries of officials.

Zhu Yunwen also established a cabinet, thus restoring the prime minister's power in another way.

The most terrifying thing is that Zhu Yunwen also wanted to exempt farmers from taxes and provide them with certain monetary subsidies.

Could Zhu Yunwen accomplish all of this?

If Zhu Yunwen hadn't done all this, the court officials and the people might have accepted him. However, all of Zhu Yunwen's actions were either already implemented or still in the planning stages.

Under such circumstances, how could the court officials and the common people support Zhu Yunwen?

Based on Zhu Chongba's old face alone?

Fight, can't beat.

In terms of ability, I can't compete.

Reputation, I can't compare.

Even if Zhu Chongba was the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, so what? He is now officially dead.

If Zhu Yunwen gives the order, many people might not mind letting him die again. This is not an exaggeration, but the result of people's hearts driven by huge interests.

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Ming Dynasty was built by your own hands. As long as you stand up and support me, who will disagree? And who will dare to disagree?" Zhu Yunwen said with anticipation.

Zhu Yuanzhang was speechless for a moment, his mouth opened and closed, unsure of what to say.

"Grandfather, don't worry, after I sit on the throne again, I will definitely listen to you properly," Zhu Yunwen said.

"Yunwen, give up!" Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Zhu Yunwen's expression froze, his face turning pale: "Grandpa, I really will listen to you, you have to believe me!"

“I believe what you say, but given the current situation, even if I step forward, I cannot put you back on the throne. Moreover, doing so could very well cost you your life,” Zhu Yuanzhang said.

He remained perfectly lucid throughout.

It is far better to hand over the Ming Dynasty to Zhu Yunwen now than to Zhu Yunwen.

"No, no, Your Majesty, you are the founder of the Ming Dynasty. As long as you step forward, I will definitely be able to sit on the throne. Moreover, Zhu Yunwen is not in Yingtian Prefecture right now, so our chances of success are very high." Zhu Yunwen shook his head repeatedly.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Yunwen's appearance and remained silent for a while. Then he said to Jiang Huan, who was standing in the courtyard outside, "Jiang Huan, come here for a moment."

"Has the Emperor agreed?" Zhu Yunwen asked with delight, looking at Zhu Yuanzhang.

He was incredibly excited: "Zhu Yuntong, so what if you're a great fighter? The throne of the Ming Dynasty will still belong to me!"

Jiang Huan entered the room and glanced at Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen noticed Jiang Huan's gaze, puffed out his chest, and looked extremely arrogant.

Once he ascends the throne, the first thing he will do is deal with Jiang Huan.

They actually called him Your Highness before, but he is the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and should be addressed as His Majesty.

In addition, Jiang Huan had witnessed his previous embarrassing situation, and it was best to kill someone who knew about his dark past.

"Your Majesty!" Jiang Huan withdrew his gaze and respectfully addressed Zhu Yuanzhang.

Upon seeing Zhu Yunwen's appearance, he felt a sense of unease and uncertainty.

He felt that Zhu Yuanzhang was a very clear-headed person, but if he was really clear-headed, why did Zhu Yunwen have such a face?
He was perfectly clear about Zhu Yunwen's purpose.

If Zhu Yunwen had not achieved his goal, would he have been so arrogant?
"Take the imperial grandson Yunwen back to Huangjue Temple!" Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly.

Faced with the stubborn Zhu Yunwen, he was too lazy to say anything more.

Zhu Yunwen wouldn't listen to anything he said, stubbornly believing that as long as he stepped forward, he could put Zhu Yunwen on the throne.

Putting everything else aside, with such a simple thought process, how could he dare to hand over the Ming Dynasty's empire to Zhu Yunwen?

He's already made a mistake once before; if he continues down the same path this time, then there's truly no hope for him.

Furthermore, his choice might lead to endless war.

That was a scene he absolutely did not want to see.

"What?" Zhu Yunwen was completely dumbfounded when he heard Zhu Yuanzhang's words.

Wasn't the plan to have Jiang Huan summon the court officials and help him regain the throne?

What's with sending him back to Huangjue Temple?

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Jiang Huan nodded, relieved, and stepped forward to Zhu Yunwen, saying, "Grandson Yunwen, please!"

"No, I don't want to go back to Huangjue Temple, Grandfather! I don't want to go back to Huangjue Temple! I want to be the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty! I want to be the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty!" Zhu Yunwen roared frantically.

He never expected that after taking such a huge risk to meet Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Yuanzhang would actually want him to return to Huangjue Temple to continue being a monk.

So what was the point of all that trouble he went through?
"Enough!" Zhu Yuanzhang shouted, his tone turning icy cold. "Yunwen, how long are you going to keep this up? Let me tell you the truth: if we stand up for you now, there will only be one outcome: we will both die."

Zhu Yunwen seemed stunned by Zhu Yuanzhang's shout, staring blankly at Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Don't think I'm exaggerating. I'm not exaggerating at all. This is the current situation. We founded the Ming Dynasty, but we have now handed over all the power. Moreover, Yuntong has fought his way into Yingtian Prefecture. Under these circumstances, how can you expect me to step up and take control of the situation again?" Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly.

After saying that, he didn't want to say anything more and waved his hand at Jiang Huan beside him.

Jiang Huan hesitated for a moment, then reached out and lifted Zhu Yunwen away.

"Alas," Zhu Yuanzhang sighed deeply. He had deep feelings for Zhu Yunwen.

He wouldn't have said so much to anyone else. The reason he said so much to Zhu Yunwen was that he wanted Zhu Yunwen to face reality and live a good life.

Otherwise, if Zhu Yunwen had continued to think about taking the throne back from Zhu Yunwen, he might have died one day.

Although there was no evidence, his intuition told him that Zhu Yunwen already knew where Zhu Yunwen was hiding. The reason he hadn't killed Zhu Yunwen was simply because he was too lazy to do it.

This is the current situation.

As long as Zhu Yunwen behaves himself and stays at Huangjue Temple as a monk, it doesn't matter whether he lives or dies.

However, if Zhu Yunwen is unwilling to accept this and continues to cause trouble, then he will probably lose his head very soon.

On the road!
Zhu Yunwen looked dazed and utterly dejected.

Zhu Yuanzhang's words echoed in his ears.

Things now seem to be just as Zhu Yuanzhang said; Zhu Yunwen's power is now far too great.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang was the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the current situation is no longer under his control.

After all, in everyone's eyes now, Zhu Yuanzhang is already a dead man.

If Zhu Yuanzhang were alive, perhaps no one would dare to do anything to him, but now that he is dead.

A dead person has very limited influence.

"Commander Jiang, please put me down!" Zhu Yunwen said with a bitter expression.

Jiang Huan glanced at Zhu Yunwen and released his hand.

Zhu Yunwen stood on the ground, silent for a moment, then turned to look at Jiang Huan and said, "Commander Jiang, may I ask you a question?"

Jiang Huan was taken aback for a moment, then hesitated before saying, "Your Highness Yunwen, please speak!"

Whether or not to answer Zhu Yunwen depends on what question Zhu Yunwen asked.

Zhu Yunwen took a deep breath and said, "If my grandfather were to step forward to help me now, Commander Jiang, do you think I would still have a chance?"

"No!" Jiang Huan answered without hesitation.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen paused, his face filled with bitterness: "Is that so? Let's go, take me back to Huangjue Temple."

In that instant, he realized the truth.

The throne of the Ming Dynasty was permanently out of his reach.

His only way out now is to stay in Huangjue Temple and be a monk.

Peking!

After finding out the information she wanted, Duo'er left the brothel.

He wandered the streets, pondering how to leave the city, and told Arughtai the information he had gathered.

In the current situation in Beiping, carrier pigeons have lost their purpose.

It's obvious that someone is watching the carrier pigeons. Using them rashly would not only fail to deliver the message to Arutai, but would also expose him and put him in danger.

"Damn it, how am I supposed to get out of the city?" Dorjee was extremely anxious.

The Ming emperor could lead his army to Beiping at any time.

This means that every second he delays, the more dangerous it becomes for Bei Yuan.

The Northern Yuan is already much weaker than the Ming Dynasty. If it suffers another severe blow, it may never have a chance to rise again.

Outside Beiping City!

Arutai frowned and looked up at the city of Beiping before him.

Uncle Duo'er hasn't returned yet.

For some reason, a strong sense of unease suddenly rose in his heart, as if some monstrous beast was lurking in the city of Beiping before him.

This is strange.

Aside from defending, Beiping showed no intention of leaving the city.

After Duoerzhibo left, he sent men to try attacking the city several times. The situation was much better than the first attack, but in the end, he failed to capture Beiping. Each time, it seemed that he was just a little short.

Their defensive capabilities are weak, and they don't even venture out of the city to launch an offensive.

This situation, however, stirred a strong sense of unease within him.

"Grand Tutor!" Mahmud walked over.

He was getting anxious as the battle for Beiping dragged on for so long.

If the Northern Yuan forces, which have marched south with great momentum, are simply stopped in Beiping, it would be quite unacceptable.

Moreover, in order to move south, they did not engage in much looting in Liaodong.

They had planned to plunder the south after capturing Beiping, but instead they were trapped in Beiping.

Arughtai looked at Mahmud in front of him, frowned, nodded, and said nothing more.

"The Khan is urging us again. We can't just keep being stalled like this, or Beiping might be our final destination on this southward journey," Mahmud said.

Arutai hesitated for a moment, then said, "Have you noticed that there seems to be something a little off about the city of Beiping right now?"

Mahmud nodded and said, "Something is definitely not right. Haven't the people you sent into the city to gather information returned yet?"

“No!” Arutai shook his head.

Mahmud said, "The person has been inside for two or three days. He must have found out the news by now, but he doesn't know how to get back."

Arughtai looked at Mahmud, frowning, and asked, "What are you trying to say?"

"How about we send more people to Beiping to stir up trouble, so that your people who were sent in earlier can get out in the chaos?" Mahmud said softly.

Arutai frowned, hesitating slightly: "This is somewhat dangerous!"

“But this is the best way for us to find out the situation in Beiping. Otherwise, just waiting like this won’t work,” Mahmud said.

Arutai was silent for a long time, then took a deep breath and said, "Alright, let's do it your way."

Mahmud frowned slightly, but in the end he didn't say anything more, just nodded and said, "Okay!"

After saying that, he turned and walked away.

He was somewhat angry. Arughtai hadn't mentioned sending anyone, which meant that the people sent to Beiping to stir up trouble would all be provided by the Oirat.

Of those sent to Beiping, less than one in ten returned alive.

(End of this chapter)