My hotel is full of emperors throughout history.

Qianqing Palace

"Your Majesty, we... have another matter concerning the national system, which we must report."

Zhu Yuanzhang picked up the rough porcelain teacup beside him, took a sip of hot tea, and his gaze seemed to casually sweep over the several hesitant faces below.

"speak."

"During His Majesty's northern tour, His Highness the Crown Prince, who was in charge of the State... once adopted the suggestion of Li Xiyan, the Grand Secretary of the Left Spring Palace, at a court assembly, and proposed to establish the 'Great Ming Academy of Sciences' to promote artisans and grant them official positions. This almost shook the order of 'scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants' and wasted national funds on the research of strange and frivolous skills."

The man spoke at a steady pace, but each word was clear.

"At that time, the entire court was in uproar, with many opposing it. Although His Highness the Crown Prince did not forcefully push it forward, he also did not retract the established proposal, but merely ordered the formation of a 'Conference for Examination and Discussion' to deal with the matter perfunctorily..."

"However, once this proposal was made, rumors began to circulate that the Crown Prince valued technique over morality, and that if this continued, it would not be a blessing for the country."

Another censor stepped forward immediately, and his words were even more vehement.

"Your Majesty! The Crown Prince's benevolence and filial piety are known throughout the land. However, during his regency, such a shocking and unconventional statement, which deviates from ancestral rules, has suddenly emerged. We fear that treacherous and wicked individuals, taking advantage of the Crown Prince's benevolence, may be using seditious words to mislead him!"

"Li Xiyan may be learned, but his character is likely flawed. He is solely focused on cunning and scheming, and his close proximity to the Crown Prince makes his intentions unfathomable! What's worse, there's a possibility that he has palace cronies who could influence the Emperor's decisions!"

Inside the warm pavilion, you could hear a pin drop.

"Oh~!"

Zhu Yuanzhang gave an "oh," his brows furrowing slightly as his fingers unconsciously tapped on the imperial desk.

Seeing this, the ministers below seemed to relax a little and prepared to add fuel to the fire.

"Your Majesty, the artisans have been practicing their craft for generations. This is a custom you have established, ensuring order among the noble and the lowly, so that the world can be at peace."

"His Highness the Crown Prince is kind and benevolent. Perhaps he was tempted by something new and interesting and was influenced by... certain close associates, which led him to have such a shocking idea."

"We dare not criticize the Crown Prince, but we are truly worried about the fate of the nation. We fear that if this precedent is set, the social order will collapse, and the country will cease to exist!"

Old Zhu's brows furrowed even deeper.

"Is that really the case? Or is it just the few of you who think so?"

"Your Majesty is wise! This matter is by no means a private opinion of just a few of us. At the court assembly that day, apart from a few officials from the Ministry of Works and a small number of young censors who did not explicitly oppose it, eight or nine out of ten officials from the Six Ministries, censors from the Censorate, representatives from the Five Military Commissions, and even the Hanlin Academy's scholars, held opposing views!"

"His Highness the Crown Prince's suggestion has truly angered the public and gone against the consensus of the court!"

The Left Censor-in-Chief immediately followed up, speaking earnestly.

"Your Majesty, I can testify! During the court debate that day, the voices of opposition were deafening. If His Highness the Crown Prince were not the heir apparent and had the power to oversee the state, any other person who raised such rebellious proposals would likely have been drowned out by the censors' impeachments!"

"This is not merely the opinion of us, but the consensus of all officials!"

As Zhu Yuanzhang listened, his dissatisfaction seemed to deepen, and he even sighed softly and shook his head.

"This child, Biao'er... as the Regent, is still too young and too impatient. It is indeed inappropriate to cause such an uproar in the court."

He raised his eyes, his gaze falling once again on the ministers.

"You're saying... eight or nine out of ten people are against it? Who exactly are they?"

"Is there a specific reason? We'd like to hear which seasoned and prudent ministers have seen through the problem here."

The ministers had no doubts; on the contrary, they were certain of their suspicions.

One of the censors thought for a moment and felt that this was a good opportunity to show off his abilities and also to do his colleagues a favor in front of the emperor.

He immediately said.

"Your Majesty, this matter was recorded during the court assembly, and the Imperial Secretary recorded it on the spot."

"If Your Majesty requires, I can immediately order someone to retrieve the minutes of the day's deliberations. All those who voiced their opposition will be listed by name and official title. Furthermore…"

He paused, glancing at his colleague beside him.

"We regularly communicate with our colleagues in various ministries and departments, and we are well aware of the concerns most of them have about this matter."

"If Your Majesty wishes to know the details, we can, based on our memory, list the names of some important ministers whose attitudes are particularly resolute and whose analyses are particularly insightful, for Your Majesty's consideration."

"Oh? You can list them from memory?"

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to have taken an interest.

"Then let's hear it. Let's start with... what you think are the strongest objections and the most compelling reasons. Let's hear from those loyal and patriotic ministers."

As he spoke, Old Zhu casually picked up a piece of paper from the side and simultaneously took out his imperial brush.

Starting with the censor, the group began to announce their names, one after another.

Not only did they mention scholars like Zhou who had spoken vehemently in the court meeting that day, but they also named some officials who, although they had not spoken out vehemently in public, had privately expressed their opposition or were core members of their faction.

The scope gradually expanded, from the vice ministers and ministers of the six ministries to the censors of the Censorate, the lecturers and editors of the Hanlin Academy, and even the names of some military officers in the Five Military Commissions were mentioned.

After the group had finished speaking, involving no fewer than a dozen officials,

The hall fell silent for a moment as several ministers, filled with a mixture of anticipation and trepidation, awaited Zhu Yuanzhang's decision.

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a full dozen breaths.

He lowered his eyes, looking at the imperial desk, and after a moment raised his head and chuckled.

His smile was exceptionally kind and approachable, inspiring great trust.

"Are you finished? Is anyone else here?"

Several people looked at each other.

"That's all."

"it is good."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded.

"We've noted down all the names."

"You guys are great!!!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Old Zhu's smile vanished.