The Ming Dynasty: The opening scene features Zhu Di angrily accusing him of illegitimate succession.

Chapter 80 Even Heroes Can't Resist the Charm of a Beautiful Woman

Lin Yue himself had no witnesses or physical evidence. If he spoke in too much detail and with too much certainty, he would be quickly exposed. It would be better to speak in a vague and ambiguous way and let Zhu Di guess for himself.

"However, there were torrential rains and hurricanes overseas at the time, and many overseas merchants saw the remains of large ships in Korea. I am not actually sure where Emperor Jianwen went..."

'

After recounting the history of his invention, Lin Yue began to speak some verifiable truths, continuing to guide Zhu Di's thinking.

"An overseas ship owner once said that when he was resupplying in Jeju Island, he saw a large group of people with a Central Plains accent buying silk and tea. They were very generous and unlike ordinary merchants."

In recent years, monks from the Central Plains have frequently been seen entering and leaving Seoul, North Korea. Near Sungkyunkwan, people of high rank, often referred to as "distinguished guests from the Ming Dynasty," are also frequently seen. Security is tight, and only Korean dignitaries are allowed to approach. There are also rumors that Yi Bang-won has repeatedly attempted to seize Liaodong, seemingly harboring other ulterior motives.

He added, "I didn't believe it at first either, but these things are easy to find out."

However, I am not certain of the specific details; I was merely delirious at the time due to a serious illness in bed.

Lin Yue intentionally or unintentionally mentioned Emperor Jianwen's investiture of Korea, and then talked about Li Fangyuan's political schemes, as well as merchant rumors as evidence. Each and every point sounded plausible and very much in line with the logic of folk legends.

What Emperor Yongle feared most was Emperor Jianwen's return to power, and Joseon's ambiguous attitude of not being very submissive was precisely what aroused his suspicion.

As Zhu Di listened, his expression gradually turned serious, and he frantically filled his mind with details.

"The current king of Joseon is Yi Bang-won, who usurped the throne. Emperor Jianwen once bestowed titles upon him. Yi Bang-won has always coveted Liaodong. If he is the one who took Emperor Jianwen in, it is not surprising."

He no longer inquired about the specific whereabouts of Emperor Jianwen. In Zhu Di's view, as long as there was even a sliver of a possibility, it was worthwhile to investigate with all one's might.

Not to mention the news that the upright and outspoken Masaomi said on his deathbed; we must do everything we can to investigate that.

Zhu Di mentioned another important matter: "Recently, the Korean envoys have repeatedly requested an audience with me, earnestly asking me to issue a formal decree to confer upon Yi Bang-won the title of King of Korea."

Although Emperor Jianwen had bestowed a title, it had not been confirmed by me after I ascended the throne, which made him uneasy.

Lin Yue, what do you think should be done about this?

Upon hearing this, Lin Yue immediately perked up and began to talk at length about the North Korean threat.

"Your Majesty, this matter requires careful consideration!"

Yi Bang-won harbored wolfish ambitions and usurped the throne, which was illegitimate from the start. His eagerness to seek official recognition was merely an attempt to consolidate his rule through the investiture of the Ming Dynasty.

The land of Korea is of vital importance to our Great Ming Dynasty. It controls the Sea of ​​Japan to the east, borders the Jurchen tribes to the north, and faces Liaodong across the Yalu River to the west, thus serving as a natural barrier for Liaodong.

If we can firmly control Korea, the Jurchen tribes will not dare to make any rash moves, and the Mongol forces will be unable to bypass us from the east. Our Great Ming's northeastern border will then be secure.

He paused briefly, then added, "Furthermore, the resources of Korea should not be underestimated."

The country is rich in ginseng, especially Korean ginseng, which is considered a treasure. Its quality is superior to that of other producing areas and it is sold to various parts of the Central Plains with high profits. In addition, there are furs such as mink and otter, which are shiny and have excellent warmth retention and are highly favored by officials and wealthy merchants.

If we can regulate trade and open tribute routes, it will be a great benefit to the treasury of our Great Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Di listened, but his face remained largely expressionless. Instead, he frowned slightly and asked, "Is that all?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yue suddenly woke up.

Zhu Di didn't actually care about the strategic and economic issues of Korea; the whereabouts of the Jianwen Emperor were the real concern.

He immediately straightened his back and said righteously, "Your Majesty is wise! What I said was simply that the Ming Dynasty's control over Korea is by no means a matter of abandoning our fundamental interests."

As for the matters concerning Yi Bang-won and Joseon, Your Majesty may send me as an envoy to Joseon, ostensibly for investiture, but in reality to investigate.

If the Jianwen Emperor is indeed in Korea, I will find a way to locate him, capture him, and bring him to justice, ensuring that the deposed emperor will not become a future threat...

""

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di finally smiled with satisfaction and clapped his hands in praise.

"Good! This is the upright and honest minister I want!"

Lin Aiqing is indeed commendably loyal and exceptionally courageous; he is truly a pillar of the Ming Dynasty!

Emperor Yongle stood up and said with a firm gaze.

"I have decided that in August of this year, you will be sent on a mission to Korea with Zheng He."

Zheng He will be the chief envoy, and you will be the deputy envoy, responsible for investigating the whereabouts of Emperor Jianwen and the unusual activities of Li Fangyuan.

On this mission, I hereby grant you the authority to act first and report later, and to act expediently. If you encounter any obstacles to your investigation, you may deal with them first and then report back.

If it is confirmed that Li Fangyuan is harboring rebellious intentions and protecting Emperor Jianwen, you may act accordingly. You must handle Korean affairs properly and stabilize the northeastern border defenses of the Ming Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, I obey!" Lin Yue replied loudly. "I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's trust. This trip will surely uncover the whereabouts of Emperor Jianwen and deter Li Fangyuan's ambitions."

"If there is even the slightest mistake, Your Majesty may behead me as an example to others!"

Zhu Di smiled and waved his hand: "I don't want your head. You should rest and recuperate for a few days, and let the Imperial Hospital give you a thorough examination to ensure that your condition is completely improved before you can take on the important mission."

This matter is of great importance. You need to conserve your energy, handle it cautiously, and avoid rash actions.

Lin Yue bowed and accepted the order, secretly pleased with himself.

Whether Li Fangyuan actually sheltered Emperor Jianwen or not, he had no evidence whatsoever, but that did not stop him from stirring up trouble under the guise of an envoy.

Korea is a strategic location. If we can take this opportunity to bring it under the actual control of the Ming Dynasty, the Liaodong defense line will be more secure, and even if we lose the Battle of Sarhu, it will not be a major defeat.

Lin Yue has decided to launch an attack as a Han envoy!

After leaving the side hall, Zhu Di summoned Dai Sigong, the Imperial Physician, for an audience.

Dai Sigong is already in his eighties, with white hair and beard, but he is still in good spirits.

"Academician Dai, how is Lin Yue's condition? Has it improved significantly?" Zhu Di inquired.

Dai Si bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, Imperial Envoy Lin's pulse is steady and strong, and his blood and qi are abundant. He has not only recovered, but his physique is even better than that of an ordinary strong man."

He stroked his long beard, a look of surprise on his face.

"In my decades of medical practice, I have never seen such a rapid recovery; it is truly unbelievable."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di nodded in understanding and waved for Dai Sigong to leave.

Emperor Yongle pondered for a moment alone, then turned to Hou Xian, the eunuch standing beside him, and gave him instructions.

"Go and find out the family background of the female pharmacist who took care of Lin Yue before. If there are no problems, send her to his side hall tonight. Make sure she is handled properly and that no one makes a fuss."

Hou Xian bowed and replied, "This servant obeys the decree."

Zhu Di gazed at the deep night outside the palace and shook his head slightly.

Emperor Yongle was always willing to admit his mistakes, but he rarely changed them.

Just like his treatment of Jianwen's former officials, he often said "they should not be dealt with severely," but in reality, he never showed any mercy.

Lin Yue was a minister with outstanding abilities and commendable loyalty, but his stubbornness was the only problem. However, in Zhu Di's eyes, this was not a big problem.

There are no ministers who cannot be won over, only rewards that are misused.

Lin Yue was devoted to the country, not greedy for money, and not afraid of death. But he was only in his twenties, in the prime of his life. How could he resist the allure of beauty?

Zhu Di smiled smugly, not believing that any young man could pass this test.

If you can manage, then give it to a man.

As night deepened, the side hall was quiet, with shadows swaying in the windows.

Lin Yue was about to rest when he suddenly heard light footsteps outside the door. Then, the door was gently pushed open, and a figure walked in.

Upon seeing this, Lin Yue immediately stood up alertly, his expression grave.

He was currently residing in a heavily guarded side hall of the palace, yet someone managed to break in without prior notice late at night.

For a moment, his mind raced, recalling the ways in which emperors of the Ming Dynasty had died—burned, drowned, or from illness—in short, all died mysteriously.

Lin Yue couldn't help but wonder if it was because his actions in Jiangnan, such as killing corrupt officials and distributing grain and land, had affected the interests of too many people, and that they were so desperate that they wanted to take action against him in the palace.

If that's the case, then that would be a really good thing.

"My lord, there is no need to panic." A gentle voice came, and the dark figure raised his hand, picked up the tinderbox on the table, and lit the candlestick.

The dim candlelight instantly spread, illuminating the room in a hazy glow.

Lin Ding looked closely and saw that the person was dressed in casual clothes, a blue robe and a plain sash, with a silver hairpin in his hair, his attire simple and refreshing.

Her eyebrows and eyes were like a painting, her nose was delicate and her lips were cherry-red. Her neckline was slightly open, which could not hide her slender figure.

"You are the pharmacist in the morning. What brings you here? Do you also need to apply medicine in the evening?" Lin Yue asked.

The female official in charge of pharmacists did not speak, but looked at Lin Yue with a smile.

This female official was too stunningly beautiful, with a figure that was ten or even nine out of ten incredibly hot. Which veteran cadre could resist such a test?

But he forcibly suppressed the thought as soon as it arose.

He acted arrogantly in Jiangnan and made countless enemies in the court. He might end up with his head separated from his body one day. Why drag such a girl down with him?

Lin Yue turned around and waved his hand, saying, "Miss, why bother? It's late and inconvenient. Please go back."

Before he could finish speaking, he heard a soft rustling of clothes behind him, and felt a warm, soft touch. Suddenly, a pair of delicate hands wrapped around his waist from behind.

Lin Yue froze, the faint scent of medicine and the woman's fragrance lingering around his nose, making his breathing quicken.

"Why must you keep people at arm's length, sir?" The female official's voice carried a hint of coquettishness as she gently pressed her cheek against his back.

"I have long admired Your Excellency. Your outspoken advice, your personal journey to Jiangnan to control the floods, and your execution of corrupt officials who preyed on the people—all these have shown me that Your Excellency is a truly benevolent official who cares deeply for the common people, and a remarkable hero..."

1

The female official's words were passionate and fiery, leaving Lin Yue feeling parched.

He doesn't consider himself a saint, so why pretend to be so aloof?

Almost instantly, Lin Yue had mentally prepared himself.

He embraced Kuai Yue, and they spent a night of blissful passion.

As dawn approached, Lin Yue woke up from her sleep, only to find that Kuai Yue was no longer beside her.

He savored the tenderness of the previous night, only remembering that her name seemed to be Kuai Yue and that she had a broad mind; he knew nothing else about her.

While I was pondering this, I heard the eunuch's high-pitched voice coming from outside the hall.

"His Majesty has decreed that Lin Yue be summoned for an audience immediately!"

Lin Yue straightened his clothes and followed the eunuch.

Upon seeing him enter the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Di got straight to the point.

"Lin Yue, you have handled the affairs of Jiangnan well, but the construction of the navy is the most important thing for the country."

From this day forward, you shall proceed to the Nanjing Shipyard to oversee the construction of ships, offering strategic advice to the Ming Dynasty navy, ensuring the creation of colossal vessels capable of traversing the oceans and showcasing our national power!

In the past, Lin Yue would have set off immediately and then done something outrageous at the shipyard, but having just tasted the thrill of it, he was somewhat reluctant today.

Seeing Lin Yue's hesitant expression and his reluctance to speak, Zhu Di chuckled inwardly.

As expected, even heroes can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman. We've finally got hold of this madman's weakness. So he likes beautiful women. You should have said so earlier. We'll try to find more ways to get some of them to him in the future.

Zhu Di deliberately avoided mentioning the female officials, and instead asked her with a smile.

"Minister Lin, is there anything else? Why haven't you accepted the imperial decree? Do you perhaps have other suggestions regarding the shipyard's affairs?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yue was once again convinced that he was not a saint or a gentleman. If a pretty girl threw herself at him, he would definitely take advantage of her.

So he spoke frankly: "Your Majesty, I do have a request."

"The lady-in-waiting from yesterday, Miss Kuai Yue, is exceptionally beautiful, and I have fallen in love with her. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to grant her your favor."

Zhu Di glanced at Lin Yue, then turned to Hou Xian beside him and asked.

"Hou Xian, you said you've served in the palace for many years. Is there a female official named Kuai Yue in the Imperial Pharmacy?"

Hou Xian glanced at Zhu Di's expression carefully, then bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, I am familiar with the list of female officials in the Imperial Pharmacy, and there has never been anyone named Kuai Yue. I'm afraid Lord Lin has made a mistake."

"Oh?" Zhu Di raised an eyebrow and looked at Lin Yue, his tone ambiguous.

"Minister Lin, it seems that you were just recovering from a serious illness a few days ago and your mind is not yet fully clear, which is why you have such delusions."

His voice suddenly changed, and he waved his hand, saying, "You shall set off immediately for the shipyard and concentrate on supervising the construction of ships. Do not be distracted."

"Guards, escort our Lord Lin Yue to his official post!"

Lin Yue was taken aback. How could there be no Kuai Yue? Didn't they know whether he had an older brother or a younger brother?

Faced with Zhu Di's silence and expulsion, Lin Yue could only be "escorted" out of the palace by the guards with a belly full of doubts, and headed all the way to the Nanjing Shipyard.

Stepping into the shipyard again, Lin Yue had little interest; his initial enthusiasm had long since dissipated.

He never had much perseverance to begin with, and he was only somewhat attentive to the shipyard at the beginning, but later he basically stopped caring about it.

As soon as they entered the shipyard, they saw a group of craftsmen gathered around something and talking excitedly. Shen Sen was standing in the middle, holding a palm-sized transparent object in his hands, his face full of joy.

Shen Sen was surrounded by craftsmen, boasting about the transparent glass in his hand with spittle flying everywhere. When he caught sight of Lin Yue out of the corner of his eye, he immediately pushed through the crowd and squeezed over, his face full of flattery.

"Lord Lin, following the method you provided, I have actually managed to create this transparent glass—no, the glass you mentioned!"

"My lord, look at this! Its color, its clear whiteness—it was an absolute gem, unparalleled in the world back then!"

Lin Yue reached out and took the glass. It did indeed look no different from the glass of later generations. Shen Sen was indeed quite skilled.

He casually remarked, "With glass, we can make a telescope."

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