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

Chapter 44 The Emperor Hongwu's Decree Arrives

"Use money frequently?"

Upon hearing this name, the courtiers were all taken aback, and then their faces showed deep thought.

Could it be
At such a young age, has His Highness the Crown Prince also entertained the idea of ​​winning over the gentry of Jiangnan?

It should be noted that the Qian family, to which Qian Yongqin belonged, held a very high position among the gentry of Jiangnan.

Currently, the powerful families of the North and the aristocratic clans of the South are two forces that cannot be ignored in the imperial court.

The Yuan Dynasty's rule and the chaos of the past few years left the north almost completely devastated. In contrast, the southern gentry had abundant wealth and a more flourishing literary culture.

In contrast, if Zhu Xiong Ying, as the Crown Prince, were to take the initiative to curry favor with the southern gentry, things would become complicated.

North-South division is absolutely a threat to national stability!
Li Shanchang's expression darkened slightly, and for a moment, he couldn't figure out Zhu Xiong Ying's thoughts.

Is it a coincidence?
Or is it true that this Crown Prince has some ulterior motive?

"Your Highness, no!"

Yang Siyi was sweating profusely and quickly stepped forward.

He knew Qian Yongqin. Although he didn't have a reputation for being "three feet above the sky" in Songjiang Prefecture, the Qian family was actually best at using their official positions to make private profits in business.

Today, the sugar industry in Jiangsu province is basically monopolized by the Qian family!
If the position of Yangzhou prefect were to be given to Qian Yongqin again, wouldn't that make him even more rampant?
Most importantly...
The Qian family has been wealthy for centuries, and they are extremely adept at circumventing the law!

It's so hard to even scratch a sore spot!

"Lord Yang, is there any problem with Qian Yongqin?"

Hu Weiyong asked in a sarcastic tone.

Everyone knows that both the northern aristocratic families and the southern gentry follow the lead of their mentors.

This money, if earned through diligence, could be obtained by the prefect of Yangzhou, which would definitely be advantageous for them.

Yang Siyi's opposition to Qian Yongqin is tantamount to opposing them.

"I"

Yang Siyi paused, and having no better solution, could only say, "Qian Yongqin has served as an official in Songjiang Prefecture for three years, and has never had any outstanding achievements."

"He is truly an incompetent official."

"If we were to appoint him to the post of prefect of Yangzhou now, I fear he would be mediocre and mislead the people!"

After much thought, Yang Siyi could only try to dissuade him by calling him an "incompetent official."

Unexpectedly, on the high platform, Zhu Xiong Ying laughed heartily: "It's alright, mediocrity represents caution!"

"When Yang Xian was in Yangzhou, he used harsh laws and severe punishments, and his cruel style instilled fear in the people."

"Although there were mistakes, Yangzhou is indeed no longer as dilapidated as it was back then, and has begun to develop."

"Since Qian Yongqin is 'mediocre,' I never intended for him to do anything earth-shattering. I only wish for him to provide for the people and allow them to live in peace."

"The Minister of Revenue is overthinking things."

"Furthermore, I was just saying it casually. Whether or not the money is actually used is still up to the Secretariat."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and winked at Yang Si Yi.

This blink of an eye left Yang Siyi completely bewildered.

It seems Your Highness has some plans in mind.

Xu Da, who had been observing coldly without saying a word, sensed something and closed his eyes slightly.

This Crown Prince has always been fond of playing pranks.

In the past, when I came to my home, I would tease myself with the same expression.

It seems this isn't some kind of 'show of goodwill' at all; rather, they've decided to swindle him. Li Shanchang felt like he was about to vomit blood upon hearing this!
So Your Highness was just joking, but you ended up talking about the people I prepared?

And
Well, let's just say it like that! In the end, they brought the matter back to the Secretariat with a single kick!

Whatever happens to Qian Yongqin afterward is a matter for the Central Secretariat!
To put it bluntly, Zhu Xiong Ying is just making a statement, while the Central Secretariat is making the final decision!
Making a statement is free, but making a decision will have consequences later.

This Crown Prince's mastery of court politics was so effortless that even Li Shanchang was secretly amazed by his intelligence!
"Prime Minister Li, how about your Secretariat discuss this matter again?"

Zhu Xiong Ying spoke with a smile.

It appears to be an inquiry, but in reality, it's a way of completely passing the buck.

There was no other way, so the Secretariat convened a meeting to discuss the matter, which was proposed by Li Shanchang.

This is something we absolutely must take on!

"Yes! After the court meeting, I will discuss it in the Secretariat."

Li Shanchang felt a tightness in his chest.

A strong feeling of being schemed against was overwhelming.

Xu Da felt extremely pleased to see Li Shanchang's appearance.

Putting everything else aside, watching this old fox get his comeuppance is just like winning a battle—it's so satisfying!

That old rascal is always scheming, and now he clearly senses that he's being plotted against by the Crown Prince, yet he can't figure it out.

That would be even better!

"It's an urgent report from His Majesty! Get out of here!"

Just as Li Shanchang was feeling extremely frustrated and wondering what the shady dealings were,
Outside the palace, a rider carrying a bright yellow dragon flag galloped rapidly!

Upon seeing this flag, the palace guards immediately knelt and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

In the Ming Dynasty, the Yellow Dragon Flag represented the arrival of Emperor Hongwu, signifying his supreme status. How could they dare to obstruct him in the slightest?
Without pausing, the rider gracefully dismounted and galloped into the palace, shouting...
"It's urgent, Your Majesty!"

As this cry rang out, all the officials inside the Fengtian Hall were startled and looked out of the hall.

A knight dressed in Ming army standard armor ran into the hall, carrying a sandalwood box in his hands.
With a graceful sliding tackle, he knelt on one knee, holding the box above his head with both hands: "Reporting to His Highness the Crown Prince, it is His Majesty's personal decree!"

These words struck the entire court with a jolt, and upon seeing the box, their hearts were filled with turbulent emotions.

His Majesty... has changed his mind?
He also felt it was inappropriate to let a ten-year-old imperial grandson oversee the country, so he issued an edict to reprimand him.

Although Yang Xian had a way to die, the Crown Prince's methods were too ruthless!
Moreover,

The remnants of the Northern Yuan were only asking for a raise, and they were all wiped out overnight. How could they not be afraid?
They would much rather have the Crown Prince return to oversee the country than have the Crown Prince oversee it!

If all else fails, something like this: His Majesty could issue an edict to restrain His Highness the Crown Prince!
"Since Your Majesty has given the decree, then proclaim it."

He was not surprised at all by his grandfather's decree.

The Western Depot's spies have been dispatched, and they are reporting back on these trips at all times.

And
Don't forget, his own grandmother sent a secret letter first. With his grandmother speaking well of him, what is he afraid of?

"Uh?"

The messenger was slightly taken aback. Although he was out of breath, his expression was extremely strange.

According to custom, imperial edicts are usually read by eunuchs, so why am I being asked to read them myself?
However, he dared not disobey the imperial grandson's decree, so he quickly opened the sandalwood box and took out the bright yellow imperial edict inside.

Upon unfolding the document, the messenger's face instantly turned red, and he almost burst into tears.

However, with all the civil and military officials watching, how could he dare to disobey the imperial decree personally issued by His Highness the Crown Prince?
"Hurry up, or do you want His Highness the Crown Prince and all the civil and military officials in the court to wait for you alone?"

Seeing the messenger's hesitant manner, Hu Weiyong wished he could take the imperial edict and read it himself!
The messenger gritted his teeth, steeled his resolve, and spoke loudly:
"You unfilial grandson! Look at the mess you've made in Yingtian Prefecture! I'm ordering you to copy the Great Ming Code a hundred times, and I'll personally inspect it when I get back!"

(End of this chapter)