Da Ming: Father, step aside, I'll be the prime minister!

Chapter 159 Zhang Siwei Participates in Labor Reform? Prince Lu Returns to the Capital!
"You son of a bitch!"

Seeing Zhang Siwei's arrogance, the hot-tempered Fourth Brother Zhang Jianxiu immediately lost his temper.

He kicked the other person in the butt.

With a "thud," Zhang Siwei fell flat on his face, landing face-first in the dirt.

Zhang Jianxiu didn't even use his full strength, afraid that he might actually kick the old man to death.

"Hey~"

Zhang Siwei fell onto the paving stones, curled up in a ball, and started sobbing again, like an old man trying to scam someone.

"Someone's been killed! Someone's been killed!"

He reverted to his old man-like behavior of causing trouble in the street.

"Ai--"

Taking a sip of tea, Zhang Yunxiu sighed heavily and looked at the other person with a hint of pity.

"Does Mr. Ziwei still feel that he has a glimmer of hope? Or is he hoping that my father will fall from power?"

If that's the case, then Mr. Ziwei is greatly mistaken.

Zhang Siwei cried and trembled, but it was unclear whether she was truly sad or just pretending.

He muttered something under his breath.

"What goes around comes around; justice will prevail."

Those who didn't know better would think Zhang Siwei had started seeking immortality and enlightenment.

A slight smile appeared on Zhang Yunxiu's lips.

“If Mr. Ziwei is unwilling to cooperate, I will not force him. The reason I brought you to this Xishan Workshop is not because I really expect you to do things for me.”

"And I want to show you how my Xishan Workshop can make the Ming Dynasty rich and powerful!"

He squinted as he spoke.

"You pride yourself on being a virtuous official in the court, but in reality you are selfish and self-serving. In terms of governing the country, you are far inferior to my father, and in terms of cunning and tactics, you are utterly vulnerable."

But he only dared to act recklessly when my father was seriously ill.

Zhang Yunxiu said with a sneer.

"What's even more ridiculous is that all your scheming has led to the destruction of your family. Today, you're pretending to be crazy to bring temporary peace to your family."

Little did they know that during the holidays, countless people would be eyeing the Zhang family's lucrative fortune!
Xu Shuming brought this upon himself and became your scapegoat. Aren't you also a scapegoat for those who came after him?

"I am innocent! I am innocent!"

Zhang Siwei kept retreating, dodging in all directions, as if Zhang Yunxiu's words were sharp swords.

But Zhang Yunxiu gave the other party no chance to breathe.

"Make a comeback? That's utterly ridiculous!"

Your sins are grave and intolerable to Heaven and Earth. Even if you were to meet Yama, the King of Hell, he would surely skin you alive and tear out your tendons, so that you would never be reincarnated!

You old fool! You can't even protect your wife and children, you live in constant fear like a stray dog, and toil like a beggar!

"You old fool! You've already been abandoned, yet you still indulge in delusional fantasies! What face will you have to meet your ancestors in the afterlife!"

Seeing his fifth brother unleash a barrage of attacks, Zhang Jianxiu was almost dumbfounded.

Is this how you insult someone?
But Zhang Siwei was no longer so calm; every word in it was like a knife to his heart.

Especially his family and the shame of not being able to face his ancestors—these were the two things Zhang Siwei cared about most.

He was disheveled, looking like a madman, his eyes bloodshot, and he roared hysterically.

"You brat! You are trying to provoke me! I will not fall for your tricks!"

Zhang Yunxiu ignored the frenzied Zhang Siwei, took a sip of tea to moisten his throat, and casually uttered a sentence.

“Old man, you are far inferior to the refugees of Xishan. They can at least sell their labor to support their families, get married, and keep their families safe.”

And you? "

"I'll kill you! I'll kill you!" Zhang Siwei could no longer bear it. He crawled over like a demon, his ferocious appearance no longer resembling a human.

"Screw you!"

Zhang Jianxiu looked extremely disgusted and kicked him down as if he were kicking a dog.

He wanted to make a move, but Zhang Yunxiu stopped him again.

Zhang Yunxiu summoned two of his former confidants from the garrison commander's office and gave them instructions.

"Find this old man a room and lock him up properly. Starve him for a few days. Don't let him escape, and don't let him die either!"

The two officers of the Imperial Guard glanced at Zhang Siwei, their eyes showing no pity whatsoever.

For the Embroidered Uniform Guard, they were used to seeing once powerful and influential officials reduced to a state of utter destitution.

That's nothing new.

They carried Zhang Siwei, who was still cursing, away like a chick.

With his ears finally at peace, Zhang Jianxiu frowned and asked his younger brother with some curiosity.

"Shiyuan, why waste your breath arguing with this old man? He's just a stray dog ​​on the roadside, not worth worrying about."

He gritted his teeth.

"Once they join our Embroidered Uniform Guard, there are plenty of ways to make them wish they were dead."

In Zhang Jianxiu's view, his younger brother's scathing rebuke did make him feel better, but it was of no use.

"Do you think I'm just here for the sake of talking?"

Zhang Yunxiu had a half-smile on his face.

"If we don't wake him up with a good scolding, he'll continue to dream big."

"But..." Zhang Jianxiu looked puzzled. "Your scolding was indeed brilliant, it drove this old guy crazy, but it doesn't seem to have any effect?"

Zhang Yunxiu was too lazy to explain further and simply gave the order.

"You'll understand in a few days. First, lock Zhang Ziwei up and don't let anyone talk to him. Give him some water to drink every day. After three or four days, release him."

After that, he was sent to the coal mine in Xishan, where he was given clerical tasks every day and was not allowed to rest for a moment.

Keep a close eye on him while we search. We can't let him die, but we can't let him have it easy either. Let him stay in the West Mountain workshop for a few months.

"Is that all?" Zhang Jianxiu frowned deeply.

Zhang Yunxiu said with a smile, "Fourth Brother, you can watch it."

The coal mines on the Western Hills of Beijing have been in operation for hundreds of years since the Liao Dynasty.

However, due to limited mining technology, only surface open-pit coal mines could be mined, and the mine shafts were only a few meters deep.

In the eyes of the ancients, over the past few hundred years, many high-quality mineral resources in Xishan have been almost completely mined out, leaving only some abandoned mines and coal veins on steep slopes and cliffs.

Therefore, since the Ming Dynasty, the coal produced on this western mountain has become increasingly coarse in quality and contains many impurities.

Even desperate people in the capital city looked down on the remote and thankless coal mines of Xishan.

By the Wanli era, the coal from Xishan had become a useless commodity, neither worth keeping nor worth discarding.

It's no wonder that when Zhang Rong, the Duke of Ying, learned that Zhang Yunxiu wanted to mine the Xishan coal mine, he looked on with disdain.

Do you really think everyone in the capital is a fool, and that you, Zhang Yunxiu, are the only smart one?
After the news spread, no one in the capital dared to discuss it openly, but they secretly laughed at Zhang Yunxiu, calling him a foolish spendthrift.

Who in the capital doesn't know that the Xishan Coal Mine is a hot potato?
During the Hongzhi era, there was a nobleman's son who sold his family's land in an attempt to make a fortune. After squandering all his family's wealth, he ended up losing everything and nearly drove his elderly father to his death!

Now, Zhang Yunxiu is not only spending huge sums of money to buy mines, but he is also going to use his hard-earned money to pay monthly wages to those displaced soldiers. It is simply a waste of resources!

noon.

A grand procession entered Qipan Street in the capital, and the passersby all turned their heads to look at the tall horses and the eight-bearer sedan chair.

Inside the sedan chair sat a young man with thick eyebrows and a slightly fierce look in his eyes. He was wearing a scarlet robe with a dragon pattern and a round collar. He sat upright on the palanquin, his brows furrowed as he looked at the Wanli New Gazette.

He said this with some dissatisfaction in his voice.

"Lu Banban, why is the capital still so chaotic and polluted?"

Lu Xing, the eunuch who had greeted the sedan chair at the city gate, couldn't help but show a fawning expression. He approached the sedan chair and whispered a reminder.

"Your Highness, since you left the capital two months ago to pay homage to the Xiaoling Mausoleum in Nanjing on His Mausoleum's orders, many significant events have occurred in the capital."

In April, a plague broke out in the capital. At that time, the court was helpless, so a minister submitted a memorial to the emperor, asking Prince Lu to visit the Xiaoling Mausoleum in order to bring peace to the country.

Emperor Wanli trusted his only brother implicitly and immediately ordered Prince Lu to depart for Nanjing.

Coincidentally, the tenth day of the fifth lunar month is the anniversary of the death of Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, so it is only right to go to Xiaoling Mausoleum to pay respects.

The journey from Beijing to Nanjing takes about twenty days, and with various matters along the way, the return trip to Beijing was delayed until June.

Lu Xing, the eunuch of the Prince of Lu's mansion, was quite eloquent. In just a few words, he recounted all the major and minor events that had recently occurred in the capital.

Upon hearing that a new Renmin Medical Clinic had opened in the capital, and that Zhang Siwei and Xu Xuemo had fallen from power, Prince Lu, Zhu Yiliu, couldn't help but feel somewhat surprised.

"That Minister Xu actually colluded with the White Lotus Rebellion?"

To be honest, the sheer scale of these events made Zhu Yiliu somewhat regret leaving the capital.

Young people love to watch fun, and Zhu Yiliu, at only fourteen years old, was naturally full of curiosity.

However, he still didn't have a good impression of Zhang Yunxiu, and frowned as he said, "In my opinion, Xu Shuming and Zhang Shiyuan are birds of a feather, neither of them are good."

"What kind of clinic is this, and this ridiculous Xishan Workshop? It's utter nonsense!"

Prince Lu was taught by Confucian scholars from a young age. Compared to Emperor Wanli, his upbringing was much more relaxed, and he was more inclined to the views of traditional Confucian scholars.

Furthermore, Zhang Yunxing's flamboyant behavior made Prince Lu, who was of similar age to him, even more displeased with him.

Lu Xing quickly chimed in, "Who says otherwise? Zhang Shiyuan, relying on his father's power, has been committing all sorts of evil deeds in the capital. That Xishan workshop is utterly reckless, yet they manage to deceive His Majesty, who has bestowed upon them the Xishan imperial estate and numerous mines, spending an immeasurable amount of silver. It's truly outrageous!"

Lu Xing seized the opportunity to offer his advice, but Prince Zhu Yiliu of Lu was very wary and frowned deeply, saying, "You must not speak recklessly."

Lu Xing hurriedly bowed his head and begged for forgiveness: "This servant deserves to die! This servant was indignant and spoke without thinking. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Zhu Yiliu clearly didn't take it to heart and waved his hand dismissively.

"I will advise His Majesty on this matter myself, but you must not speak of it privately again in the future."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness!"

Lu Xing lowered his head, his eyes shifting almost imperceptibly.

But then Zhu Yiliu asked a question.

"Are you about to enter the palace? It's been so long since I've seen the Empress Dowager."

Zhu Yiliu was still a child at heart; having been away from home for so long, he always felt a void in his heart.

Lu Xing quickly smiled and said, "Your Highness, there's no need to rush. The palace is just ahead. The Empress Dowager has received the news and is waiting for you at Cining Palace."

"What about Your Majesty?"

Although the Prince of Lu was young, he understood all the etiquette and rules. When a prince returned to the capital after visiting the Xiaoling Mausoleum, the first person he would see was naturally the emperor.

Lu Xing's expression turned strange.

“These days, His Majesty seems to be in the Qianqing Palace. Beforehand, we asked Eunuch Zhang in the palace and received His Majesty’s verbal instruction that the prince should go and pay his respects to Empress Dowager Li.”

As for what the emperor did in the Qianqing Palace, whether he was reading novels or studying his ink paintings, I dare not say for sure.

Zhu Yiliu remained silent for a while, but since this was exactly what he wanted to do, he nodded and said.

"Then we shall proceed to the Cining Palace immediately."

When Prince Lu returned to the capital, the Cining Palace was filled with joy.

The eunuchs and palace maids were naturally not genuinely happy, but since the Empress Dowager of Cining Palace was happy, they would inevitably smile as well.

On the throne in the main hall of Cining Palace, Empress Dowager Li Caifeng, who was not yet forty years old, wore a dark blue robe with auspicious cloud patterns and a phoenix crown.

Although in later generations, Empress Dowager Li's age would still be considered young, in the Ming Dynasty, a woman nearing forty was already old enough to be a grandmother.

Li Caifeng had wrinkles around her eyes and an imposing presence on her face. She glanced at the palace maids and eunuchs in the hall, then at Prince Lu, Zhu Yiliu, who had finished paying his respects and was sitting obediently beside her.

She waved her hand and gave instructions to the palace maids and eunuchs inside the hall.

"All of you may leave. I have a private conversation with Prince Lu."

"Yes~"

After all the ceremonies were completed, the palace maids and eunuchs were exhausted and, as if relieved of a heavy burden, took their leave.

The main hall gradually quieted down.

Empress Dowager Li's gaze fell on Prince Lu, Zhu Yiliu, revealing kindness and heartache.

She pulled Prince Lu to her side and said, "My son has returned from Nanjing this time. He must have been exhausted from the journey. He looks quite thin."

Stroking the hem of Prince Lu's robe, a gentle light appeared in her eyes as she said, "Now that His Majesty has ascended the throne at a young age and is governing the country, it is precisely the time when he needs capable people. As the younger brother of the emperor, you should naturally share the burden with your elder brother."

Even if you are diligent, you should always take care of your health. I still hope you will get married soon.”

Prince Lu felt a lump in his throat and rose to bow to Empress Dowager Li.

"Your Majesty, I am not tired at all. It is my duty to share your burdens."

Prince Zhu Yiliu of Lu had a somewhat hoarse voice.

These words brought tears to Empress Dowager Li's eyes. She held Prince Lu's hand and kept saying with emotion.

"Good boy~ Good boy~"

"Mother."

Zhu Yiliu hesitated for a moment, but finally gritted his teeth and said.

"To be honest, there are some things I'm not sure if I should say."

Empress Dowager Li paused for a moment, then a gentle smile appeared on her lips.

"There's nothing you can't say in front of me. Say whatever you want."

Prince Lu, Zhu Yiliu, was still somewhat conflicted. Since Zhu Di reduced the power of the princes, Ming Dynasty princes rarely participated in politics.

Unless one is extremely trusted by the emperor, one would not even dare to discuss matters of the court, for fear of being suspected of "usurping the throne."

However, Zhu Yiliu still had a fairly good relationship with Wanli and was also favored by Empress Dowager Li, so he was naturally able to say a few words about it appropriately.

After thinking for a moment, Zhu Yiliu said in a low voice.

"Since I entered the capital, I have learned of the recent turmoil in the court and heard some rumors. I can't help but wonder if Your Majesty has been too lenient with the Zhang family father and son."

Zhu Yiliu spoke very tactfully, but Empress Dowager Li's face still changed color suddenly.

Sensing the change in his mother's emotions, he quickly bowed and said...

"Your Majesty, I was merely mentioning this casually. If I have overstepped my bounds, please punish me!"

Empress Dowager Li's expression was uncertain. She pondered for a long time, but instead of punishing her, she spoke.

"As a prince, you should not be involved in court affairs."

She let out a heavy breath.

"However, as I reside in the inner palace, I should not have any involvement with the court."

But the emperor was still young and often confused. As the supreme ruler, his every word and action affected the livelihoods of all the people.

Zhu Yiliu secretly raised his eyebrows, and he quickly realized the meaning behind his mother's words.

In other words, if the Empress Dowager can participate in court affairs, it's not a big deal for Prince Zhu Yiliu to discuss court affairs under special circumstances.

But then Empress Dowager Li sighed and said...

“When the emperor ascended the throne at a young age, I would temporarily reside in the Qianqing Palace to oversee his daily life and studies, never daring to slack off for a single day.”

But upon returning to the Qianqing Palace, the Emperor…

Since the sixth year of the Wanli Emperor's reign, Empress Dowager Li had returned to Cining Palace, and during these three years, the emperor had caused more and more trouble.

He had previously clashed with ministers, and later neglected state affairs, hiding in the Qianqing Palace to study vernacular novels and traditional Chinese painting.

In previous years, Zhang Juzheng was still able to keep order, but in recent years, as the emperor grew older, Zhang Juzheng's health also became increasingly frail.

Not to mention, after Zhang Juzheng fell seriously ill, the Wanli Emperor became even more unrestrained.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yiliu was furious and immediately clenched his fist.

"His Majesty was merely confused for a moment and misled by others."

His eyebrows immediately shot up.

"That Zhang Shiyuan!"

But before he could voice his accusations, he was met with a rebuke from Empress Dowager Li.

"We must not jump to conclusions!"

"Your subject was wrong~"

Zhu Yiliu knelt down very quickly, which made him more cunning than his brother, the Wanli Emperor, showing that he was not stubborn.

Seeing this, Empress Dowager Li's heart softened considerably, and her tone became slightly gentler.

“The Prime Minister is loyal, and Zhang Shiyuan is just a child. Why bother arguing with him?”

Zhu Yiliu, observing the situation, sensed something amiss and said with a pout, clearly unconvinced.

There are plenty of children in the world, but none are as absurd and unconventional as him.

Since Zhang Shiyuan rose to power, he has plunged the capital into chaos, and the imperial court has lost its former solemnity.

Zhu Yiliu was holding back a lot of anger.

Even though he was of noble birth, he still needed to be careful about his words and actions at all times, and was taught to be respectful and cautious from a young age.

But Zhang Yunxiu is different; he acts recklessly and steals all the limelight.

It made him feel that he, as a prince, was inferior to him.

Empress Dowager Li, however, spoke in a teaching tone: "Zhang Shiyuan also has his merits. You can rest assured. He may be a bit absurd, but Zhang Yuanfu will discipline him."

Things in this world cannot be rushed; ultimately, it all comes down to the court and the legacy of our ancestors.

After saying this, Empress Dowager Li paused, as if she was thinking about something, and then changed the subject.

"However, few people in the capital can control this person. Even Zhang Yuanfu is often at his wits' end. He is only fourteen years old, and ordinary people would suspect him of bullying the young."

The Prince of Lu is a man who shares the burdens of the nation, so we should keep an eye on him from time to time to prevent him from causing any major trouble.

"I told the Emperor when I got back."

Zhu Yiliu had no hope, but upon hearing this, his eyes lit up immediately.

Even he, a leisurely prince, knew this very well.

In the past, Zhang Yuanfu, Empress Dowager Li, and Feng Daban formed an unbreakable trio in the imperial court.

With these three people supporting each other, even the Wanli Emperor was completely subdued.

Judging from my mother's tone, it seems she has some issues with the Zhang family.

Zhu Yiliu had some thoughts on this, and his body couldn't help but feel a little excited. He immediately cupped his hands and said...

"Your subject will obey Your Majesty's decree!"

(End of this chapter)