Ming Dynasty: I, Zhu Yunwen, started by resurrecting my grandmother.

Old Zhu continued, "Yun Tong was arrested by Zhu Gaosui and imprisoned in the Beiping jail. It's quite remarkable that he was able to escape successfully."

Empress Ma, who was listening nearby, rolled her eyes at Zhu Yuanzhang: "Zhongba, do you think this matter is ultimately your fault?"

Or did you not think it through? You only thought about having Zhu Di guard against the Northern Yuan, but didn't you ever think that Zhu Di might come to seize the throne?

Historically, it's probably quite rare for a dynasty to pass the throne directly to its grandson instead of its son.

In fact, Lao Zhu had verified this matter, and it did exist in history.

For example, Zhao Tuo, the King of Nanyue, was originally an official of the Qin Dynasty. Later, he conquered Guilin and Xianglin prefectures.

After establishing the Nanyue Kingdom, he proclaimed himself King Wu of Nanyue.

That old fellow had incredibly strong vitality, living to be over 100 years old, and witnessing the reigns of nine emperors: Qin Shi Huang, Qin Er Shi, Emperor Gaozu of Han (Liu Bang), Emperor Hui of Han, the Former Emperor Shao, the Later Emperor Shao, Emperor Wen of Han, Emperor Jing of Han, and Emperor Wu of Han.

Because he lived so long, his son died before him.

On his deathbed, he passed the throne to his grandson Zhao Hu.

Old Zhu's approach was an attempt to emulate Zhao Tuo.

Empress Ma sighed and said, "I'm not trying to criticize you, but although I'm not very well-educated, I've heard that similar things have happened in history."

However, the results are often not very good.

Emperor Wu of Southern Qi, Xiao Ze, was the eldest son of Emperor Xiao Daocheng, the founding emperor of the Southern Qi dynasty. Xiao Daocheng died in 482.

When Xiao Ze ascended the throne as emperor, he appointed his eldest son, Xiao Changmao, as crown prince.

Xiao Changmao was a wise and virtuous man. He treated scholars with respect and had a good reputation both inside and outside the court.

Both civil and military officials supported him.

If nothing unexpected happens, Xiao Ze will die in the future, and Xiao Changmao will naturally succeed him as emperor.

Unfortunately, Xiao Changmao died young, passing away from illness in 492.

At that time, Xiao Ze had two choices: to pass the throne to his second son, Xiao Ziliang, or to pass it to his grandson, Xiao Zhaoye.

Xiao Ziliang possesses extensive experience in both warfare and governance, making him an ideal candidate.

However, Xiao Ze did not do this. Instead, he bypassed his other sons and directly made Xiao Changmao's son, Xiao Zhaoye, the crown prince.

Xiao Ziliang was unconvinced.

Less than a year after Xiao Zhaoye ascended the throne, he was ousted by Xiao Ziliang.

This is a lesson from the past, why don't you learn from it?

You see, isn't the situation back then very similar to the situation now?

"This—." Old Zhu knew that Empress Ma was right; such a thing had indeed happened in history.

However, this is not always the case.

Wanyan Yong was the fifth emperor of the Jin Dynasty. He was the grandson of Emperor Taizu of Jin, Wanyan Min, and the son of Emperor Ruizong of Jin, Wanyan Zongfu.

Historically, Kublai Khan, the Yuan Dynasty emperor, was another example of someone who passed the throne to his grandson.

Kublai Khan was the grandson of Temujin.

He was the fifth Great Khan of Mongolia. After Möngke's death, he fought a four-year struggle with Ariq Böke and finally won, gaining power and becoming the supreme ruler of Mongolia.

In 1271, he changed the name of the Mongol Empire to the Great Yuan Dynasty.

Later, the capital was moved to Dadu (Beijing), and then troops were sent south to destroy the Song Dynasty and unify the country.

After Kublai Khan became emperor, he appointed his son Zhenjin as crown prince.

Zhenjin was deeply influenced by Han Chinese culture and became the leader of Han culture in the court, confronting Ahmad head-on.

In 1285, Zhenjin died of depression over the matter of abdication.

After Zhenjin died,

Kublai Khan did not appoint any other sons as crown prince. Instead, in 1293, he appointed Temür, the son of Zhenjin, as the crown prince.

He then sent Temur to guard Karakorum, the former capital of the Mongol Khanate. In 1294, Kublai Khan died, and Temur smoothly succeeded to the throne.

After Temur ascended the throne, he vigorously developed production, punished those who wronged him both inside and outside the court, and brought the strength of the Yuan Empire to a new level. He was known as a ruler who maintained the status quo.

Historically, roughly five emperors passed the throne to their grandsons.

Of these, only Zhao Tuo outlived his son due to his longevity.

Yelü Hongji's son was framed by a powerful minister.

The other sons all possessed the qualities of a benevolent ruler.

However, they all predeceased their fathers.

Finally, he was forced to pass the throne to his grandson.

Zhu Yuanzhang was also very knowledgeable about those historical events.

Initially, he didn't have high hopes for the Crown Prince, and indeed, Crown Prince Zhu Biao did not disappoint him.

From any perspective, Zhu Biao was a wise ruler.

He was very kind to his younger brothers, and the court officials also supported him greatly.

Unfortunately, later, when Zhu Biao was sent to Shaanxi for an inspection, he caught a cold upon his return and soon died, which greatly saddened Zhu Biao.

Old Zhu deeply regretted sending him to Shaanxi for inspection. If it weren't for that inspection, perhaps Zhu Biao wouldn't have gotten sick.

Regardless, Zhu Biao is dead.

Old Zhu needs to re-evaluate the situation.

He pondered who should take control of the Ming Empire.

He also couldn't pass the throne to Zhu Di because, according to the primogeniture system, if Zhu Biao died, the throne should have been inherited by the Prince of Qin and the Prince of Jin, which is the succession of the younger brother after the elder brother's death. However, the Prince of Qin and the Prince of Jin were in poor health.

After careful consideration, he finally decided to pass the throne to Zhu Biao's second son, Zhu Yunwen.

Old Zhu's thinking has its reasons.

Zhu Yunwen showed great kindness and filial piety.

In Zhu Yunwen's view, Zhu Yunwen's succession would protect his other grandsons and his sons.

However, he did not expect that after Zhu Yunwen ascended the throne, he would vigorously reduce the power of the princes, which was too hasty.

This aroused the dissatisfaction of the princes, especially Zhu Di in Beiping.

Zhu Di had significantly more political and military experience than Zhu Yunwen. The two clashed several times, and so far, they are evenly matched.

Old Zhu said to Zhao Ning'er, "Last time, I was the one who sent Yunhuo to the Yellow River ferry. I am also responsible for what happened."

Here's what you'll do: after you return to the military camp, tell Zhu Yunwen to stay in Suzhou with Chang Yuchun to guard against another pirate attack.

He was told not to concern himself with matters in the capital for the time being.

Furthermore, I am writing you an imperial edict. If Qi Tai or Zhu Yunwen wish to recall Zhu Yunwen to the capital, Zhu Yunwen may refuse based on this edict.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ning'er's expression softened slightly. She thought that with this decree from Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunwen would no longer have to obey Zhu Yunwen's orders.

No matter how capable Zhu Yunwen was, he was still afraid of Old Zhu.

Old Zhu quickly typed a decree and handed it to Zhao Ling'er.

After reading it, Zhao Ling'er put it in her bosom.

Old Zhu was still worried, so he instructed Zhao Ling'er, "After you arrive at the Suzhou military camp, tell Zhu Yunwen to be careful of Chen Zuyi and his son Chen Shiliang. That father and son are not easy to deal with."

I once offered a reward of hundreds of thousands of taels of silver for the capture of Chen Zuyi, but I still couldn't catch him. He's incredibly cunning.

Besides, he has now become a powerful figure, not the same person he used to be.

"Please rest assured, Grandfather, I understand."

Although Zhu Yuanzhang is no longer the emperor, his decrees are more effective than imperial edicts.

Suzhou.

Zhu Yunwen's military camp.

After returning to the military camp, Zhao Ling'er recounted her journey back to the capital.

Everyone who heard this was deeply moved.

Zhu Yunwen crossed his arms and asked, "Did Qi Tai really mobilize an army of 10?"

"How could it be fake?"

"The drill ground was densely packed with soldiers and horses," Zhao Ling'er said, gesturing with her hands.

"Didn't he say there were no troops in the capital?"

Why are you listening to him?

That old bastard Qi Tai is a real scoundrel. He says he didn't, but he's lying to you!

"He just doesn't want to give you troops." Zhao Ling'er's eyes were filled with resentment.

"Did he really suggest to His Majesty that I be executed?"

"yes."

Zhu Yuntong gave a wry smile: "It seems I've offended Qi Tai; he's deliberately making things difficult for me."

Zhao Ling'er showed Zhu Yunwen and Chang Yuchun the imperial edict from Zhu.

Chang Yuchun was greatly alarmed: "You mean to say that the late emperor did not die?"

"Yes, he didn't actually die that time; he was just pretending to be dead."

He just wanted to see what changes were happening inside and outside the court.

Chang Yuchun appeared very excited: "As long as the late emperor is still alive, I have a pillar of support in my heart, and the Ming Dynasty should not be in too much chaos."

Since your imperial grandfather has ordered you to fight the pirates here, then let's stay here and stay away from the court.

Back then, Duke Xian of Jin had several sons. Later, didn't he become infatuated with his concubine, Li Ji?

Li Ji wanted to make her son Xi Qi the crown prince, which led to Shen Sheng's death.

Both Yi Wu and Chong Er fled abroad.

Chong'er was very clever; he avoided getting involved and ultimately escaped Li Ji's persecution.

In the end, Chong'er returned to the State of Jin and became Duke Wen of Jin.

During the Three Kingdoms period, didn't Liu Biao of Jingzhou have two sons, Liu Qi and Liu Cong?

Liu Biao favored his youngest son, Liu Cong, and wanted to make him his heir.

Liu Qi, upon seeing this, sensed that the situation was extremely dangerous.

He then sought advice from Zhuge Liang on how to avoid disaster.

Zhuge Liang advised him to lead 3,000 troops and garrison Jiangxia.

The capital is in turmoil right now, so it's probably better for us to stay outside than for you to go back.

Liu Qi has 3000 elite troops, and we currently have 2500, which is about the same.

We'll secretly recruit more soldiers; once our army reaches 1 men, there shouldn't be any major problems.

Zhu Yunwen did not want to do this, but he was forced by circumstances to do so.

Zhao Ning'er was overjoyed to hear that Zhu Yunwen had agreed to stay in Suzhou and expand the army: "Who said that again? 'Are kings and nobles born with a special destiny? Those with strong soldiers and horses can be kings and nobles.'"

night.

Zhu Yunwen was resting in his room when he suddenly heard a creak and the door opened.

A person walked in from outside. Zhu Yunwen glanced at him and saw that the person was none other than Wang Yuemin.

Zhu Yunwen stood up to greet her: "Princess, it's so late, you haven't rested yet."

In fact, Wang Yuemin is a very masculine woman.

On the battlefield, she was a general.

However, she would blush and feel shy in front of Zhu Yunwen.

Her eyes were bright, clear, and expressive.

She looked at Zhu Yunwen and said softly, "I can't sleep, so I came to talk to you."

"Okay, please have a seat."

Zhu Yunwen poured her a glass of water.

Wang Yuemin sat down in the chair at the table.

She asked softly, "Yun-hu, do you remember when we first met?"

Zhu Yunwen thought about it. On that occasion, he and Zhu Gaochi were riding horses outside when they unexpectedly ran into the Northern Yuan army.

Wang Yuemin was the vanguard general.

Because Wang Yuemin was very cunning, he actually captured Zhu Yunwen.

Wang Yuemin even forced Zhu Yunwen to enter the bridal chamber with him.

Recalling that incident, Zhu Yunwen couldn't help but laugh: "How could I not remember? It was just recently, wasn't it?"

Wang Yuemin blushed deeply: "To be honest, when I first met you, I didn't know that Zhao Ling'er existed."

All I wanted was to be with you. If you had been decisive enough to marry me and enter the bridal chamber back then, then our relationship would have been settled.

But I never expected that you would escape from our military camp.

do you know?

At that moment, I was heartbroken and wanted to kill you with a single blow.

Zhu Yunwen laughed: "If you really kill me, that would be great. I'd be spared so much trouble."

Wang Yuemin picked up her teacup and took a sip: "Later, I discovered that Zhao Ling'er was so beautiful and outstanding, and that her feelings for you were very deep."

This makes me feel like I'm superfluous.

That time, when I heard that you had been imprisoned in Beiping, I was terribly worried.

So I took Fu Bao with me, found you, rescued you, and then we rode angels together to the military camp in Suzhou.

Zhao Ling'er's reaction was a bit too strong at the time.

I really didn't expect her to pack her things, get on her horse, and leave.

Although she left in anger, I can feel that she deeply loves you.

After hearing Wang Yuemin's words, Zhu Yuntong nodded: "Zhao Ling'er is indeed very good to me. It was my fault for making her angry."

That time, she was in great danger. She was ambushed by pirates and captured by Chen Zuyi. Luckily, you went and exchanged her for him.

Wang Yuemin stood up and paced back and forth in the hall, slowly saying, "The situation has changed now."

Zhu Di launched a rebellion, and pirates became rampant along the southeastern coast.

They attempted to unite against the imperial court.

They then actively approached my father to discuss the possibility of the three forces uniting to oppose the imperial court.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen's expression became worried.

He thought to himself that if this alliance could be formed, then the Ming Dynasty's empire would be in danger.

These three forces were originally mortal enemies. Zhu Di and the Northern Yuan had been fighting for many years, and both sides had lost many people and formed a deep hatred. Could they really put aside their past grievances and form an alliance?

"To tell you the truth, I received a message from my father via carrier pigeon, requesting that I return."

I'm going back first thing tomorrow morning.

As Wang Yuemin spoke, her eyes dimmed and her eyes became moist.

Zhu Yunwen understood that she was reluctant to leave him, but she had no choice but to go back.

Zhu Yunwen, observing this, asked, "Are you in such a hurry to leave?"

"Yes, my father originally wanted me to go back today, but after thinking about it, I'll go back tomorrow morning to say goodbye." Wang Yuemin's voice became somewhat resentful, yet helpless.

"What's your father's attitude towards the alliance?"

"I'm not entirely clear on this matter either. Anyway, my dad and brother are in charge, so they can do whatever they want. I don't get involved."

They tell me who to hit, and I'll hit; they tell me who to kill, and I'll kill!

After hearing this, Zhu Yunwen gave a bitter smile: "If one day we meet on the battlefield, are you really going to kill me?"

Wang Yuemin smiled and said, "Then don't mess with me. If you push me too far, we'll be on opposing sides, and there'll be no way to talk about it."

However, remember to take the sachet I gave you with you. If anything happens in the future, you can send me a message by carrier pigeon.

I think Zhao Ling'er is not only beautiful, but also kind-hearted and very smart. You should cherish her.

If she's willing, I'd like to serve you alone with her.

Because this kind of thing isn't unusual in our Northern Yuan.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen nearly dropped his jaw in astonishment: "Princess, are you really that magnanimous?"

"Then what should we do? Aren't the princes of your Great Ming Dynasty the same?"

The emperor had three palaces, six courtyards, and seventy-two concubines, with three thousand beauties in his harem.

"Don't your princes also have three wives and four concubines?" Wang Yuemin said intentionally.

Zhu Yunwen waved his hand: "I am no longer a prince."

I'm already useless.

Leading troops in the field is only a temporary measure.

"When I get back, I'm afraid I'll have to spend time in the Dali Temple's prison."

Wang Yuemin looked at Zhu Yunwen with her beautiful eyes: "I really can't understand how you Han people think."

Zhu Yunwen wants to use you, but he's also afraid of you. Isn't that a contradiction?

Zhu Yunwen, holding the document, looked out the window: "This is not his fault. If anyone is to blame, it is the imperial power."

Because my existence poses a threat to him, he will feel uneasy as long as I live.

Looking back, I'm lucky to be alive; I've had a long life. He's been kind to me too.