The Dumb Prince of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 113 Zhu Yuanzhang's Regret: Why Did We Provoke Him?

Winter arrived in the blink of an eye, and the cold wind howled.

Inside the Wenhua Hall, a charcoal fire burned, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, as Zhu Yuanzhang buried himself in reviewing memorials.

Zhu Biao, carrying a folded book, strode in and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Father Emperor."

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't even look up: "Have you asked the imperial physician? Is the boy any better?"

"It must have hurt terribly. I heard he was screaming every day, but it's actually just a superficial injury. It'll heal with rest." Zhu Biao said, then hesitated.

Zhu Yuanzhang understood, and looked up: "Are you also hesitating with us?"

"Uh—" Zhu Biao's expression was subtle. "Although Jiujiang is recuperating from his injuries, he curses you, Father Emperor, every day."

Zhu Yuanzhang's lips twitched.

He's already lying in bed and can't get up, yet he's still cursing? Is this kid addicted to acting?

Zhu Biao handed over the folded book in his hand.

Zhu Yuanzhang took the folding book, opened it while scoffing, "Let's see how he insults us."

He unfolded the folded book and glanced at it.

"Your Majesty rose from humble beginnings to ascend to the throne. You should have governed with benevolence and compassion for the people, but instead you are stubborn, suspicious, and bloodthirsty. Even the slightest criticism from a court official can lead to disaster and the extermination of nine generations of their family."

"Governing the country with ruthlessness, with a dense network of punishments, officials live in constant fear, and the people tread on thin ice."

"Though he is an emperor, he lacks the demeanor of an emperor; though he holds the power of life and death, he lacks the heart of a benevolent ruler."

As Zhu Yuanzhang looked at it, he gritted his teeth and said, "Did he really say all of this? We asked him to put on an act, and he took it seriously?"

Zhu Biao suppressed a laugh: "It was all him who cursed."

"We asked him to act in a play, and instead he wrote it into a storybook! Anyone who didn't know better would think we were King Zhou of Shang!" Zhu Yuanzhang was furious.

Zhu Biao tried hard to suppress a laugh: "Father, that upright Han Yike now admires Jiujiang the most. He even said that once he recovers from his injuries, he will invite him to join the Censorate."

"Then the Censorate is finished," Zhu Yuanzhang snorted.

Zhu Biao strained to suppress his anger: "Father, isn't Jiujiang putting on an act? The harsher his insults, the more outsiders will believe he's fallen out with you."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted: "I think he did it on purpose. His insults were quite sharp, a whole set of them."

"Father, although Jiujiang is putting on an act, some of his words and statements make sense," Zhu Biao said.

"Hmm? Tell me, which lines are they?" Zhu Yuanzhang glared angrily.

Zhu Biao quickly changed his tune, saying, "Father, please calm down. Let him play along; it will make him even more convincing. Outsiders will only see that he and Father are irreconcilable enemies, isn't that exactly what Father wants?"

Zhu Yuanzhang gritted his teeth: "Why did we choose him? Why did we provoke him?"

Just then, the eunuch Wang Jinghong came in to report: "Your Majesty, Duke of Han, Li Shanchang, Minister of Rites, Lü Ben, Minister of Justice, Wang Huidi, Vice Minister of Revenue, Guo Huan, and Censor Han Yike have come to see you by imperial decree and are waiting outside the palace."

Zhu Biao was slightly startled.

What is Father Emperor up to today? Why summon so many ministers?

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand: "Summon them."

Soon, the ministers entered the hall and bowed in worship.

After paying their respects, they stood with their hands at their sides in the hall, waiting for Zhu Yuanzhang to speak.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced around and said, "There are some things that weren't decided at the morning court session. Let's discuss them again."

"The imperial examination will be held next February. This is Mr. Lü's first time serving as the Chief Censor, and he bears a heavy responsibility. Shanchang, you did this job in the fifth year of the Hongwu reign, so please help him. The imperial examination is the foundation for the court to select officials, and it cannot be taken lightly."

Li Shanchang cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I accept the decree. Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to assist Lord Lü."

Lü Ben also bowed quickly: "Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty. With the Duke of Han's help, I feel much more at ease."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Wang Huidi and inquired about the progress of several cases in the Ministry of Justice, as well as the accounts of Guo Huan's grain transport.

The two adults answered each question fluently, clearly having been prepared beforehand.

After asking about the duties, Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze fell on the last person.

Han Yike was standing there with her back straight.

"Han Yike," Zhu Yuanzhang asked, "You want to see me? Who are you impeaching this time?"

All eyes in the hall fell on Han Yike.

Is this guy going to implicate someone again?

"Your Majesty, I am not here to impeach anyone. I am here to plead for the Duke of Shao," Han Yike said, bowing.

"Plead for him?" Zhu Yuanzhang scoffed. "You all know what he cursed at us, right?"

The ministers all lowered their heads.

They dared not listen to Li Jinglong's insults.

"The Duke of Shao's criticism is incorrect, but the court needs people like him who dare to speak out. Only when the channels of communication are open can right and wrong be clearly distinguished. If everyone is cautious and keeps silent, how will His Majesty know what is happening in the world?" Han Yike said.

Zhu Yuanzhang was almost laughing in anger.

Dare to speak? That kid calls himself daring to speak? He's deliberately insulting me!

"He was just hurling insults." He glanced at Li Shanchang, Wang Huidi, Guo Huan, and Lü Ben. "You all tell me, should Li Jinglong be beaten? If he continues to act so lawlessly, we'll have to find someone else to inherit the title of Duke of Cao!"

, 7

Li Shanchang lowered his head, appearing deep in thought.

This old fox, who had been navigating the treacherous waters of the imperial court for decades, knew exactly when to speak and when to keep quiet.

Wang Huidi cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, the young Duke is young and it is not terrible for him to make mistakes, as long as he can correct them. Prince Qiyang has fought for the country for many years and has made great achievements. The young Duke is, after all, his eldest son. I beg Your Majesty to give him a chance to reform himself for the sake of Prince Qiyang."

Guo Huan echoed, "Lord Wang is right. To err is human, to forgive divine. The young Duke is still young and recovering from his injuries, so he must have already shown some remorse. Besides, he is the eldest son of the Prince of Qiyang. If the Prince of Qiyang knew this in the afterlife, he would surely hope that his son would become successful."

Zhu Yuanzhang listened expressionlessly, his gaze fixed on Lü Ben.

Lu Ben pondered for a moment before speaking carefully: "Li Jiujiang is indeed a bit too bold. However, his younger brother, Li Zengzhi, is very disciplined at the Imperial Academy and excels in his studies, earning high praise from his teachers."

He did not defend Li Jinglong, but subtly praised Li Zengzhi.

Zhu Biao, who was standing to the side, was slightly startled.

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted: "Zengzhi is much smarter than that kid. He's known for his diligence at the Imperial Academy, never causing trouble or making a fuss, much better than his older brother who's always cursing the emperor."

Li Shanchang lowered his head slightly.

A slight smile flickered at the corner of his mouth.

Half an hour later.

The ministers left the Wenhua Hall.

Li Shan strode ahead, and Lü Ben hurriedly caught up: "Old Prime Minister, wait, I have a question about the imperial examination."

Wang Huidi and Guo Huan lagged far behind.

"Li Jiujiang's alienation from His Majesty is useful to us, but he cannot lose his title of Duke of Cao," Wang Huidi frowned.

Guo Huan shook his head: "He is the eldest son of the legitimate wife, how could he easily lose his title? However, we really should advise him."

Wang Huidi nodded: "We'll go see him again later and remind him."

"Is his estate still under construction?" Guo Huan asked.

"Under construction, Old Mai has delivered almost all the materials," Wang Huidi said.

Guo Huan smiled slightly: "Li Jiujiang has boarded our ship."

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