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

Chapter 681 The Reform Storm: Zhu Xiong Ying's Perseverance and Innovation
"Li Sheng, what do you think the local people need most?"

Zhu Xiong Ying asked, his eyes showing thoughtfulness.

Li Sheng lowered his head and thought for a moment before replying, "What they need is a sense of security and trust, especially in this kind of chaos."

"Yes, we need to let them know that the government is not their enemy."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and then ordered Li Sheng to communicate directly with the locals as a diplomatic envoy to alleviate their panic.

Li Sheng arrived at the site of the rebellion and listened to the people's concerns with the utmost sincerity.

"Fellow villagers, I am here to help you. Please trust us. No one wants to harm you. Everything we do is for your long-term benefit."

Li Sheng's words were sincere.

Meanwhile, Zhu Xiong Ying's troops had arrived and quickly and orderly brought the situation under control, deterring the rebels with appropriate force while avoiding unnecessary casualties.

After some effort, the unrest was gradually brought under control.

Back in the imperial court, Zhu Xiong Ying delivered his usual calm yet inspiring speech.

"Change does not mean forgetting our traditions, but rather making them better serve modern society. Every step of the Ming Dynasty's development is inseparable from everyone's efforts and support."

His speech bolstered the confidence of many officials.

As the days went by, the Joint Research Institute gradually emerged with a brand-new look.

This is not just a building, but a symbol of the integration of Ming Dynasty reforms and modern technology.

A few months later, Zhu Xiong Ying could hardly find any trace of the imperial grandson in the crowd.

He shed his glamorous attire, donned ordinary cloth clothes, and walked through the bustling market.

The shouts of vendors around him rose and fell, filled with enthusiasm for life and anticipation for the future.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes were observing, and his ears were listening.

In a small tavern, he sat down and ordered a small dish and a pot of rice wine.

He listened quietly to the endless complaints of the two middle-aged men at the next table.

"Those corrupt officials only know how to exploit us. The tax rate went up again last month, life is really tough!"

"Yes, and I've also heard that several officials have embezzled relief grain. When will this ever end!"

Zhu Xiong Ying looked thoughtful. He knew in his heart that these voices hidden beneath the surface were the truth he needed to understand more deeply.

Afterwards, he disguised himself as a scholar and struck up a conversation with the two men, extracting more details about the local officials' corruption and oppression of the people.

A few days later, he returned to the operations room and met with Li Sheng.

Li Sheng also returned with a full load.

Through the trust he built with the villagers, he obtained conclusive evidence, including that local powerful figures supported the rebellion. Together, the two laid bare a complete picture of the corruption.

"It seems we really need to make some serious adjustments,"

Li Sheng said in a deep voice, his tone unwavering, "They must pay the price for their actions."

"Correct."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and said softly, "This reform is imperative. We must restore justice to the world and not allow these treacherous officials to continue to harm the people. We have sufficient information and sufficient evidence."

At an open morning court session, the grandson of the emperor, Zhu Xiong Ying, had a solemn expression.

He slowly stood up and earnestly revealed a series of facts regarding bureaucratic corruption.

He named specific officials and described their corrupt practices with a firm and uncompromising attitude.

No one dared to interrupt.

"Only by facing the problems head-on and making firm decisions can we truly win the trust of the people." His voice echoed in the hall, full of determination and resolve.

Faced with the facts, officials had no choice but to express their support.

Subsequently, the scholars and ministers around Zhu Xiong Ying expressed their approval of the reform plan he proposed.

Meanwhile, the joint research institute was also operating vigorously.

A group of scholars from different places gathered here, enthusiastically exchanging new ideas and technologies.

The building exudes unprecedented vitality and creativity.

Zhu Xiong Ying firmly believed that this platform would become the cornerstone of reform and inject new impetus into the future of the Ming Dynasty.

At a gathering a few months later, Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the high platform of the Joint Research Institute, surrounded by approving gazes.

"Everyone, our efforts will create a brand new Ming Dynasty, a country where everyone can live in peace and happiness."

He declared with great confidence.

His words were met with applause and inspired everyone present, especially the new scholars who were dedicated to this field.

On a bright morning, Zhu Xiong Ying stood on the city wall of the Forbidden City, gazing at the distant city.

His eyes were filled with determination and resolve.

He knew that the road to reform was difficult, but seeing the results today, he felt extremely encouraged.

At this moment, Li Sheng walked up to the city wall and coughed softly.

"Good morning, Your Highness."

Li Sheng said with a smile, his eyes filled with respect.

Since being appointed as the reform commissioner, he has had more frequent exchanges with Zhu Xiong Ying and greatly admires his talent and vision.

Good morning, Li Sheng.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled, looking at this loyal and capable subordinate.

How are our reforms progressing?

"We have investigated and punished many corrupt officials, and people's lives have also changed significantly."

Li Sheng paused for a moment, then continued, "However, recently some conservative forces have been trying to obstruct reforms behind the scenes, and have even attempted to besiege the Joint Research Institute in an attempt to prevent the spread of new ideas."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying's face darkened, but she regained her composure after a moment.

He looked at Li Sheng and said firmly, "The road to reform is never smooth, but we must persevere. I will convene loyal officials and scholars to discuss more prudent strategies."

The two talked for a while longer before descending the city wall together to head to the arranged discussion meeting.

The atmosphere inside the meeting room was both solemn and warm.

Zhu Xiong Ying stood before the crowd and shared his views on the current situation and his future policy measures.

His gaze slowly swept over the officials and scholars present, and he spoke each word with conviction: "What we face is not only the difficulties of reform, but also the oppression from the old forces. This requires everyone to work together with one heart and one mind and to hold firm to their beliefs. The new technologies of the Joint Research Institute have already brought about significant changes to agriculture and cities, and our work has only just begun."

A young scholar stood up, his voice filled with hope: "Your Highness, your reforms are the hope of our new generation. As long as we continue to implement these policies that benefit the people, we will surely gain their support!"

Others echoed his sentiments, filling the meeting room with a passionate atmosphere.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded in satisfaction and announced: "In order to encourage more scholars to devote themselves to reform and development, I plan to establish the 'Ming Chong Award' to reward those who have made significant contributions to reform."

This proposal was met with enthusiastic applause, and everyone looked at each other in agreement.

They knew that this would attract more insightful people to participate in the reforms, bringing more changes and progress to the Ming Dynasty.

(End of this chapter)