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

Chapter 26 Zhu Xiong Ying Seeks Comfort
Late at night, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the secret report presented by Mao Xiang, his imperial expression restrained.

"Half of the farmland in Yangzhou has been restored to cultivation, but it was falsely reported that all of it has been restored."

“They embezzled government funds intended for disaster relief and purchased grain from Zhejiang merchants, falsely reporting a bumper harvest.”

"They killed foreigners from overseas, seized their grain, and falsely claimed it was an auspicious omen."

"All the necessary witnesses, physical evidence, and written documents are readily available!"

Looking at the secret report, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes burned with rage.

"Inverted!"

"Inverted!"

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed the secret report onto the table.

At this moment, his hatred for Yang Xian was like a raging flood!
"A complete fabrication, so perfectly crafted! Yang Xian has tarnished our reputation!"

“Auspicious objects have become sources of disaster. If it weren’t for Xiong Ying’s discerning judgment, we would have lost all face in front of the world!”

Every word Zhu Yuanzhang uttered was filled with deep hatred!
The Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the ruler of all under Heaven, had few things in this world that could anger him.

however,
Yang Xian, however, accomplished this 'feat' in an unconventional way.

"Your Majesty, an urgent report has also arrived from Yingtian Prefecture."

"Because of Yang Xian's matter, the court officials attacked the Censor-in-Chief."

"His Highness the Crown Prince has handled this matter appropriately."

"This is an urgent report."

"There is also a letter from His Highness the Crown Prince."

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang was furious, so how could Mao Xiang dare to provoke him?

The most impartial approach would be to report on how this matter will develop.

"Send it up."

Mao Xiang placed several urgent reports and Zhu Xiong Ying's handwritten letter on Zhu Yuanzhang's desk, and then respectfully stepped back three steps.

Upon opening the urgent report and seeing that Liu Bowen had been impeached by the officials, Zhu Yuanzhang showed no emotional fluctuation whatsoever.

It would be truly bizarre if Li Shanchang failed to seize this opportunity.

On the contrary, Zhu Xiong Ying's handling of the situation calmed Zhu Yuanzhang's anger somewhat.

"It has to be our good grandson!"

"People from the Zhu family are known for their tough methods! What's with all these officials submitting memorials? Are they trying to use their official positions to suppress the imperial power?"

"Well done, well done!"

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, feeling that Zhu Xiong Ying truly had his own unique charm.

A mere Tu Jie, a member of the Censorate, dared to openly impeach his superior in the imperial court. He was not qualified!

Zhu Xiong Ying handled the matter with a firm hand, which won Old Zhu's favor.

No one wants their descendants to be cowards.

Upon reading Zhu Xiong Ying's handwritten letter, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression froze instantly.

The handwritten note began with the sentence: "Grandfather, a strong person never complains about their predicament. But your grandson is not strong, so your grandson has begun to complain!"

Then came the crying: "Grandpa, they're bullying your grandson!"

Such an opening would leave even Zhu Yuanzhang speechless!
Even when my own grandson is complaining and crying, it's all so unique!
Immediately following, Zhu Xiong Ying distorted the truth and began to 'lament' how frightening these officials were in the court.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at such nonsense and immediately ignored it.

Just kidding. The Imperial Guards have already investigated the urgent reports thoroughly, recording every word and every expression.

Not to mention that his own grandson had been flogged in court, just the fact that Li Shanchang, the Left Chancellor of the Secretariat and Duke of Han, was being questioned made it clear who was intimidating whom.

After ignoring all this 'nonsense,' Zhu Yuanzhang was surprised to discover...
Gone!

Yes, Zhu Xiong Ying's letter was a complaint that twisted the truth.

Such a grandson left Zhu Yuanzhang both amused and exasperated!
I really don't know whether to be happy about my grandson's intelligence or worried about his rascality. He hit someone, and fearing being reported, he preemptively sued, all while crying and complaining! This kind of behavior is extremely outrageous even for a child.

but
Zhu Yuanzhang naturally understood that his grandson was very clever!

He came here seeking comfort because he was worried about being reprimanded for the caning incident.

"After Liu Bowen left the court, did he take any action?"

Zhu Yuanzhang asked calmly.

The anger that Zhu Xiong Ying had initially felt towards Yang Xian had long since dissipated after receiving a tearful letter from Zhu Xiong Ying.

No matter how good you are at deceiving, Yang Xian, you can't fool my grandson's discerning eyes.

Peeling the daylily is still a bargain for you, kid. If we were to come, your entire family would be on the same side!
"Your Majesty, Liu Bowen went to the Wenhua Hall and met with His Highness the Crown Prince."

"However, His Highness replaced all the guards around him, so the Embroidered Uniform Guard could not find out the details of the conversation."

"Liu Bowen is the Imperial Censor. Without His Majesty's decree, even the Embroidered Uniform Guard cannot question him."

Mao Xiang spoke respectfully.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded in satisfaction: "Liu Bowen is indeed shrewd. If he hadn't gone to see Xiong Ying, we would all have had to 'lament' for Xiong Ying."

"Alright, you may leave."

Mao Xiang bowed respectfully: "Yes!"

As Zhu Yuanzhang watched Mao Xiang's departing figure, a smile appeared in his eyes.

My little grandson really does have some tricks up his sleeve.

He used the opponent's force against them with unparalleled skill.

Even Liu Bowen probably only vaguely sensed that this was part of Xiong Ying's scheme.

The next day, the early morning sun was warm and comforting.

Civil and military officials chatted in small groups at the entrance of the Fengtian Hall, awaiting the court meeting.

And a small figure became the focus of everyone's attention.

Zhu Yunwen!
This son of the crown prince, standing alone among the group of famous ministers and fierce generals who founded the country, was extremely conspicuous.

Although he was polite and tried his best to be gentle and courteous to every minister, everyone could see the timidity and unfamiliarity in his eyes.

That restraint stood in stark contrast to Zhu Xiong Ying's effortless demeanor during his time as regent.

Marquis Yingchuan, Fu Youde, scratched his head and said to Lan Yu, "Brother Lan, why is this grandson of the Emperor Yunwen here today?"

Looking at Zhu Yunwen, Fu Youde was extremely displeased.

I don't know why, but I just feel uncomfortable. Maybe it's because I'm naturally averse to rigid etiquette.

"He's just a grandson of the emperor! We only respect the crown prince."

Lan Yu said dismissively.

He didn't have many thoughts on this; it was simply a matter of the most basic distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children.
Even if something happens to Zhu Xiong Ying, the position of Crown Prince will still belong to Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen... he doesn't get a share!
"Our Crown Prince is truly amazing!"

Fu Youde grinned.

Duke Feng Sheng of Song, who was standing to the side, shook his head repeatedly at the behavior of the two men.

When the most reckless person in the Ming Dynasty meets the second most reckless person in the Ming Dynasty, their conversation is utterly devoid of any substance.

What's wrong with the imperial grandson? After His Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, Zhu Yunwen will still have to govern the region as a prince, so he'll still be somewhat useful!

The majority of the military generals in Huaixi shared Feng Sheng's view.

"Greetings, uncles and grandfathers."

Just then, a timid voice rang out, as if it had mustered up all its courage to 'squeeze' the words out of its throat.

(End of this chapter)