Chapter 206 Sowing Discord, Unable to Defend Oneself

"Wool is the most useless thing on the grasslands. Its only purpose is to light a fire for warmth. You mean the Ming Dynasty wants to buy some wool from you, and you want me not to make this known?"

Bayanbo sighed and nodded.

"Whether you believe it or not, that's the truth!"

"Besides that, what else can I and the grandson of the Ming Dynasty say? My Prince Qi and the Ming Dynasty are mortal enemies. No matter what, my King will never betray His Majesty!"

The tribes on the grasslands were extremely disdainful of these words.

No one knows what Kökö Tölö is really thinking. It is said that Kökö Tölö and Nairbuqa have a very bad relationship now, and it is possible that he will use the Ming Dynasty to attack Nairbuqa.

After the military exercises concluded, envoys from various countries relayed the news back to their home countries.

The various grassland tribes in the north also received the message, which was largely the same: the Ming Dynasty was incredibly powerful and unmatched.

After Crown Prince Zhu Biao resolved this matter, he began to visit the nobles and officials of Huaixi one by one.

Although many of the nobles and officials in Huaixi have committed illegal acts, we cannot condemn them all; there are still many meritorious officials among them.

The largest restaurant in Yingtian Prefecture during the Ming Dynasty.

Early in the morning, the Embroidered Uniform Guards sealed off the area.

Soon, a steady stream of court nobles and dignitaries appeared here.

The nobles of Huaixi suffered heavy losses due to the encroachment on their land by Fengyang Prefecture.

Many people have been stripped of their military power and are now resting at home.

The reason why the nobles of Huaixi could be so arrogant and domineering was simply because of three things.

First, they were from Fengyang Prefecture, just like Zhu Yuanzhang.

Therefore, out of consideration for this, Zhu Yuanzhang could not go too far, especially with Crown Prince Zhu Biao and Empress Ma present.

The second matter concerns Li Shanchang, the Duke of Han.

As the head of the civil officials and the leader of the Huaixi nobles, Li Shanchang, the Duke of Han, had a very powerful background. With him as a protector, the entire Huaixi nobles were like a large net that tightly locked the court.

Anything they didn't want the court to know, they could cover up with the help of Li Shanchang, the Duke of Han.

However, their position became precarious after King Yi Sun-jang of Korea retired.

The third point is the iron certificate of merit that Zhu Yuanzhang issued to them.

At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, in order to commend these old brothers for their contributions in conquering the country, conferred titles of eight dukes, twenty-eight marquises, and numerous earls.

They can receive a certificate of merit.

As long as you possess this item, you can be spared death once, no matter what crime you commit, as long as it's not rebellion.

This is the source of their confidence to break the law and violate regulations.

Unfortunately, due to the incident in Fengyang Prefecture, they handed over all the imperial edicts and certificates they possessed, which meant that most of their means of survival had been cut off.

Their connections in the army have now been passed on to the later generals, who are mostly viscounts and earls. Apart from some who returned to their fiefdoms to live out their retirement, most of them are staying in Yingtian Prefecture.

The carriages in front of the restaurant were already overflowing. A group of elderly people dressed in brocade robes gathered together, staring at the restaurant with furrowed brows.

"Old Fei, you're the one with the most mischievous ideas. What's going on with His Highness the Crown Prince suddenly inviting us for drinks?"

"Could it be that His Highness the Crown Prince is really that kind?"

Marquis Yongjia, Zhu Liangzu, had some doubts.

After he was stripped of his power, Zhu Liangzu sought out the Lü family multiple times, and now maintains a very close relationship with them.

However, the current Crown Prince Zhu Xiong Ying's power in maintaining the central position is too stable, and Zhu Yunwen simply cannot compare with him. Marquis of Pingliang Fei Ju shook his head.

"Well, I'm not quite sure either!"

"Although His Highness the Crown Prince is somewhat reckless in his actions, there are still clues to be found. However, His Highness the Crown Prince was personally taught by His Majesty the current emperor, so it is not an easy task to understand his thoughts!"

"I bet they're here to negotiate because of what happened with His Highness the Crown Prince!"

Marquis Lu Zhongheng of Ji'an was extremely displeased.

"Make peace? This matter is not over!"

"His Highness the Crown Prince has gone too far. Not only has he confiscated all our property in Fengyang Prefecture, but he has also taken away our imperial edicts!"

"We old Chens have really lost all face. You have no idea how much those censors, who are like flies, have bothered us lately!"

"When have we, the old brothers of Huaixi, ever suffered such humiliation!"

Marquis Fei of Pingliang roared angrily.

"Old Lu, you're talking too much!"

“When we were all old brothers together before, it was fine if you said a few more words. But don’t forget, outside there are the ruthless Imperial Guards. Those people are much more troublesome than the censors who are like flies. If they catch you doing something wrong, you’ll be in deep trouble!”

"You all need to mind your own business. Anyone who dares to be disrespectful in front of His Highness the Crown Prince should not be held to any leniency!"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao was the future heir apparent, and in the court, civil and military officials generally supported him.

As long as Crown Prince Zhu Biao is still alive, those vassal kings will have absolutely no chance.

Compared to Zhu Yuanzhang and his grandson Zhu Xiong Ying, Crown Prince Zhu Biao had a much more stable personality. Once Crown Prince Zhu Biao ascended the throne, everything would be much easier.

All the nobles and officials from the imperial court gathered at the restaurant; except for a few who were leading troops in various regions, almost everyone was present.

At this moment, a carriage was moving forward alone, with a man beside it who was none other than the Imperial Son-in-Law, Li Qi.

All the brothers were extremely surprised. Why did he actually come? At this moment, Crown Prince Zhu Biao appeared in front of the restaurant and respectfully bowed to the person in the carriage.

"Student Coordinates greets teacher!"

The carriage curtain was opened, and a white-haired man dressed in a scholar's blue robe appeared before Zhu Biao. This man was none other than Li Shanchang.

Li Shanchang looked at Crown Prince Zhu Biao in front of him, his eyes filled with emotion.

I remember when Crown Prince Zhu Biao first became his student, he was very young. In the blink of an eye, he has grown up so much.

Li Shanchang looked at Zhu Biao and nodded in satisfaction.

He is measured in his actions and conduct, humble and polite, possessing the demeanor of a gentleman; he truly deserves to be called my disciple.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is back. Have you learned anything while you were away?"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao nodded.

"Thank you for your concern, Master. I have learned a lot outside. It was only after going out that I realized that making the Ming Dynasty strong is not something that can be achieved overnight!"

"I also understand the difficulties my father and the ministers have faced!"

Li Shanchang was extremely pleased to hear this.

"It's good that you understand these things. I believe you will definitely be a good monarch in the future. Of course, in addition to these matters, the education of the princes and grandsons cannot be neglected. As you said, many things cannot be accomplished overnight!"

"

(End of this chapter)

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