The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 118 Hongwu to Fengyang Emperor
At this moment, Hu Weiyong was reflecting on the contents of Zhu Yuanzhang's imperial edict when he suddenly noticed a detail.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Crown Prince Zhu Biao did not return on the agreed date, but instead went to inspect other places. It seems that this place is not very close to Yingtian.

Thinking of this place, he felt a sudden sense of panic for no reason, but he didn't know where the emperor and the crown prince could go.

Now that those nobles have pledged allegiance to him, if it weren't for his lack of power, he wouldn't bother accepting them one by one; they'd be a ticking time bomb.

Who knows how many despicable things these guys have done outside? If they really anger Zhu Yuanzhang and His Highness the Crown Prince, his life will probably become even more difficult.

Thinking of this, he immediately summoned all the nobles of Huaixi together.

These nobles from Huaixi were somewhat puzzled when they heard that Hu Weiyong had actually sought them out.

They had heard that Hu Weiyong was planning to seize power in the court, using a strategy of retreat as a means of advancement, but he did not succeed in doing so.

Now that we've found them again, do we still need their help?

"Hu Weiyong, what important matter do you want to discuss with us?"

Marquis Lu Zhongheng of Ji'an said with a face full of dissatisfaction.

A while ago, some officials below him presented him with several beautiful women, which made him unable to resist. He was in a good mood today, but this has ruined his mood.

If Hu Weiyong cannot provide him with a satisfactory tape, I'm afraid Marquis Lu Zhongheng of Ji'an will not let the matter rest.

"I've called you all here today to tell you some news: His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince have gone on an inspection tour!"

Several people looked at Hu Weiyong as if he were a fool.

"You've gathered us all here from so far away, just to talk about this? His Majesty and the Crown Prince have been going on tours for quite some time now, it's not a big deal, so why bother calling us here again?"

Seeing the angry expressions of the Huaixi nobles, Hu Weiyong felt extremely distressed.

In the past, no one could speak so clearly. Basically, you only needed to say one or two sentences to understand each other's meaning. But when dealing with these big shots, it's useless if you don't make things clear.

"I'm not talking about going to Yangzhou, but somewhere else!"

"The imperial edict issued in court today is enough to explain the matter. His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince went on an inspection tour. As for where they went, we don't know exactly, after all, they are protected by the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

Upon hearing this, the group understood what was going on. Many of them panicked, thinking that things were in serious trouble.

The unknown is the most terrifying thing; they didn't know where Zhu Yuanzhang would go.

They might go to their respective fiefdoms.

These people not only bought a large amount of land in their hometown of Fengyang, but also in their own fiefdoms. These things simply cannot withstand investigation.

If His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince find out the truth, wouldn't I be finished?
Upon realizing this place, everyone felt a sense of panic and looked to Hu Weiyong as if he were a lifeline.

"Prime Minister Hu, Lord Hu, you must help us with this matter no matter what. If His Majesty discovers anything crucial, we're finished!"

Zhu Yuanzhang hated corrupt people the most in his life. No matter what their identity was, as long as they committed the crime of corruption, their final fate was predictable.

"That's right! We just submitted a memorial on your behalf, asking His Majesty to appoint you as Prime Minister. You can't go back on your word!"

Hu Weiyong's face was extremely grim. Clearly, the plans of these Huaixi nobles had not succeeded. Although he did not know what they had written in their letters, it was obvious that they had not served any purpose.

At this moment, he began to regret getting involved with these nobles.

"Gentlemen, don't rush to hide. We have no idea where the Embroidered Uniform Guard is protecting us. Immediately send your family members to your fiefdoms or other places to cover this up. Under no circumstances can His Majesty and the Crown Prince discover anything!" "If anyone is discovered, immediately take the imperial edict and confess. His Majesty still values ​​the past and will definitely not make things difficult for you!"

"This is the only thing you can do!"

Upon hearing this, some of the people looked rather grim.

These things were acquired with great difficulty. If they were to send people to cover them up, it would not only consume a lot of money, but they would also have to return some of the land to those guys.

No one knew how long Zhu Yuanzhang and the crown prince would travel.

If it takes too long, they don't know how much they'll have to pay.

These people were thinking about creating a barrier, but what they didn't expect was that Zhu Yuanzhang and Crown Prince Zhu Biao had already arrived outside their hometown of Fengyang.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the familiar plants and trees and was filled with emotion.

With a face full of excitement, he led Crown Prince Zhu Biao around left and right.

This is, after all, his hometown, even though he had Li Shanchang rebuild Zhongdu Fengyang back then.

However, many things were preserved, as Zhu Yuanzhang was very familiar with this area.

When Zhu Yuanzhang arrived in Fengyang Prefecture, he went directly to the fields and saw many people who had starved to death on the road. His expression was extremely grim.

This is my hometown, how could anyone starve to death?

The further they went in, the more this was the scene. Zhu Yuanzhang was like a lion holding back its anger, and his tone became gloomy.

Then they looked at the edge of the village field, where an old man was sitting.

The old man was so thin and bony that it was a pitiful sight.

"Sir, are you taking shelter from the heat here?"

The old man looked at Zhu Yuanzhang's clothes and mannerisms, which made him seem like a great man, but he showed no fear whatsoever.

"It's already this late in the season, what's the point of seeking coolness, old man? I'm just waiting to die in this place!"

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao were surprised to hear this. It seemed that things might not be so simple.

"Fengyang is the birthplace of Emperor Hongwu. You are practically his fellow townsmen. Why not live a good life instead of trying to kill yourselves?"

The old man gave him a disdainful look.

"I am not a relative of the Hongwu Emperor, nor do I have that honor!"

"A few years ago, when the Hongwu Emperor wanted to build Zhongdu, my eldest son was arrested and died from exhaustion during the construction of the city!"

“My family’s land was also seized by those marquises. My second son went to their house to argue with them, but he was beaten half to death and died not long after!”

"Even a young child has been sold off, what chance do I, an old man, have left to live?"

These words were like a sharp knife piercing Zhu Yuanzhang's heart.

(End of this chapter)