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

Chapter 78 Disdain for the Second Young Master of the Duke of Wei's Mansion (Please subscribe to the full book, love you all, mwah!)

[Ding! Congratulations, host! You have recruited four brilliant generals who helped restore order to the Ming Dynasty and brought peace to the country. The Ming Dynasty's fortunes have improved!]

[Ding! Congratulations, host! The fate of the Ming Dynasty has improved, and you have received a system gift: the craftsmanship of fireproof fleece manufacturing!]

Inside the carriage, Zhu Xiong Ying was slightly taken aback upon hearing the system notification.

Fire-retardant fleece manufacturing process, what exactly is this thing?

The name is easy to understand, but is the title of the Four Dukes of the Ming Dynasty's Pacification of the Rebellion really that prestigious?

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned, deep in thought.

If it is truly only for fire prevention, its applications are quite extensive. In addition to civilian fire prevention, it can also add an extra layer of protection to the Ming Dynasty's nascent 'gunpowder and thermal weapons' warehouses.

But isn't this reward too small?

Zhu Xiong Ying was completely baffled.

The carriage moved slowly and finally entered the palace.

The carriage curtain was pulled back, and Yu Huatian carried Xiao Zhangfu down first before Zhu Xiong Ying got out of the carriage.

As soon as they got off the carriage, just as they were about to take Zhang Fu to enjoy the scenery of the Ming Dynasty palace, they found Zhang Fu looking up at something in a daze.

Following his gaze, Zhu Xiong Ying looked up and saw birds flying freely in the sky.

Seeing this, Zhu Xiong Ying couldn't help but chuckle.

Perhaps the commotion brought to Zhang Fu today was too great. Children, after all, always think about playing and feel that they can no longer play freely like birds in flight.

Just as Zhu Xiong Ying was about to say a few words of advice to Zhang Fu, he suddenly froze!
Yup!

Birds, take flight!
I've found the real use of fire-retardant fleece myself!
I told you the system wouldn't be so stingy!
"Come on! Zhang Fu, I'll take you to the Wenhua Hall and introduce you to my thirteenth uncle!"

Zhu Xiong Ying was overjoyed and pulled Zhang Fu away.

As for Chen Heng, Qiu Fu, Zhu Neng, and Zhang Yu, under Zhu Xiong Ying's arrangement, they first went for a 'physical examination,' which, to put it bluntly, involved measuring their body size and weight. Besides preparing clothes and other necessities, it also served to ensure they followed the rules. After all, these were burly martial men entering the palace, and it would be a violation of the rules if the guards didn't register them at all.

Inside the Wenhua Hall, Zhu Bai studied the memorials with great diligence, even carefully considering every word the ministers used! As for Liu Sanwu's annotations and handling, that goes without saying.

Zhu Bai even copied it down and outlined the most important parts with a red pen.

It has to be said that if Zhu Xiong Ying had been half as hardworking as his twelfth uncle, Zhu Biao wouldn't have ended up with gray hair.

"I hope Uncle Twelf is well!"

Just then, a gentle voice rang out.

Zhu Bai suddenly looked up and saw his nephew leading a little boy, walking towards him with a smile.

He was so focused on his studies that he didn't even notice these things.

"U.A., you're back."

Zhu Bai quickly got up, wanting to go forward to greet him.

It is inappropriate for an uncle to welcome his nephew.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying is now the Grandson of the Regent, and according to the rules, Zhu Bai should do so.

"Alright, Uncle Twelfth, there are no outsiders here."

"Let me introduce you. This is Zhang Fu. He will be studying with me at the Great Hall from now on."

"Zhang Fu's family isn't well-off, so it's inevitable that there will be gaps in his knowledge. I'll need you, Twelfth Uncle, to help him catch up on his studies!"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled slightly, waved his hand, and pulled Zhang Fu out to formally introduce him to his twelfth uncle.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Bai first looked puzzled, after all, he had never heard of any important minister in the court whose son was named Zhang Fu.

But then, his face turned anxious: "U.A., no!"

"This Great Hall is where the imperial family of our Great Ming Dynasty studies and practices the classics. Zhang Fu is not from our Zhu family!"

"If you were to send him to study at the main hall, wouldn't that be..."

Zhu Bai's face flushed red, but he couldn't bring himself to say the rest of the sentence.

Bringing others into the main hall is a blatant violation of the rules, isn't it? The two chief scribes, Huang Zicheng and Fang Xiaoru, inside the main hall will surely be furious!

"It's alright. Zhang Fu entered the main hall not as a member of the royal family, but as my study companion!"

"Now that I am overseeing the country in Yingtian Prefecture, I will naturally have some oversights in my studies. It would be convenient to find a study companion to accompany me after class to review my lessons."

"Our Right Assistant Liu Sanwu will naturally have no objection to this matter. I will write another letter to my grandfather."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled, completely unconcerned about Zhu Bai's concerns.

He knew, of course, that this was breaking the rules, but what was wrong with a third-generation military general and duke who would one day become a pillar of the Ming Dynasty breaking the rules a little?
And
He has a valid point! What if you fall behind after three days of not studying? Wouldn't you need to hire a study partner?

Upon hearing this, Zhu Bai paused, unable to utter another word.

because
Zhu Xiong Ying said the words "family letter".

Given his father's temperament, he would be overjoyed to receive a letter from Xiong Ying reminding him to study hard!

Zhang Fu looked timidly at the person in front of him. Having never received any instruction in etiquette, he had no idea who the Crown Prince's "twelfth uncle" was. He only knew that this person must be a member of the royal family.

"Your Highness is well."

Zhang Fu braced himself, and even after bowing, he could only utter these four words.

"This is my twelfth uncle, named Zhu Bai. From now on, we'll be considered half a classmate."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and spoke, then naturally walked to the main seat and sat down, beginning to peruse the important memorials that Zhu Bai had painstakingly selected.

Looking at the vermilion ink on the paper, Zhu Xiong Ying's lips twitched!
Good heavens, Uncle Twelve, even if you were born a few hundred years later, you would definitely be a top student who would start at Tsinghua or Peking University!

Putting everything else aside, this attitude towards learning is miles ahead of me, the Crown Prince!
"Xiongying, lately I've been dealing with mostly trivial matters, such as the official gazettes from various provincial governments and verification."

"However, the tax reports submitted by the Ministry of Revenue officials this year are much faster than in previous years."

“In previous years, the tax revenue report would probably have been delayed for several more months!”

"As for the disaster relief work in Shanxi, the Shanxi Provincial Government has already sent a memorial stating that it is proceeding in an orderly manner, and the relief grain is being checked every two days according to your instructions."

"Jiao Tailang, the provincial councilor of Shanxi, even stated that anyone who dared to embezzle disaster relief grain would not only have their hands chopped off, but also their heads!"

When Zhu Bai saw Zhu Xiong Ying reviewing the memorials, he quickly picked out the important points and spoke them out.

They also helped him find out the details of these memorials.

"Jiao Tailang, the provincial councilor of Shanxi, is indeed a decisive and ruthless talent."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying nodded slightly, his eyes revealing the joy of discovering talent.

Putting aside everything else, the fact that he dared to openly discuss 'corruption' during his tenure and was willing to take action to stop the possibility of embezzled relief funds speaks volumes.

"Yuhuatian,"

"The minister is here."

Upon hearing the call, Yu Huatian immediately bowed and obeyed the command.

“Find out all the records of Jiao Tailang, the provincial councilor of Shanxi, and see if there are any blemishes.”

"Uncle Twelfth, you should also pay close attention to this man's memorials. If you find any, give them to me to take a look," Zhu Xiong Ying said calmly.

"Yes!"

Yu Huatian received the imperial edict and went down to give instructions.

Zhang Fu was taken aback when he saw the Crown Prince, who was only a few years older than him, sitting in the main seat and speaking with great confidence. Then he truly admired him from the bottom of his heart!
That one word from him could represent an entire province! In comparison, Zhang Fu would have to keep quiet and be careful even if he saw the prefect of Beiping Prefecture, or even the captain of the guards at the city gate!
"Xiongying, are you going to make good use of Jiao Tailang?"

Zhu Bai hesitated slightly before asking.

"It's not a matter of giving him important responsibilities. Talented people need to be kept in reserve. If Jiao Tailang doesn't do a good job in this disaster relief, then he should die in his position as prefect."

"But if he does well, I wouldn't mind giving him a chance."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled faintly, not seeming to care much.

That's just how it is sometimes.
No amount of effort or dedication can compare to a superior's single comment, "This kid is good."

Upon careful consideration, these four words may seem as heavy as Mount Tai to oneself, but to those in positions of power, they may be as insignificant as a feather.
"Um"

Zhu Bai simply nodded. He had seen some of Jiao Tailang's memorials, which were mostly impeachments.

Some even say that when he was in Shanxi, after attacking a bandit stronghold, he didn't even go through the process of accepting surrender and punishing the bandits, but directly hanged them at the city gate. The bodies were already rotting, but they were not removed, and now they have become a 'landscape' in several cities in Shanxi.

Yes, Jiao Tailang, a civil official, went with the army to attack bandit strongholds!

This small incident is enough to demonstrate this person's character and shrewdness.

However.
While Zhu Bai was still pondering his future career path as a provincial councilor in Shanxi, Zhu Xiong Ying was deep in thought.

What Zhu Bai just said about the Ministry of Revenue's financial reports being issued much faster is probably because the practice of 'blank printing' for money is becoming more and more common.

In that case, it's actually a pretty good opportunity!

"Your Highness, Zhu Neng, Chen Heng, Qiu Fu, and Zhang Yu have arrived and are now outside the hall awaiting your summons!"

Just then, a guard entered the Wenhua Hall and loudly reported.

Upon hearing that his father had arrived, Zhang Fu's previously anxious mood instantly calmed down.

Although the Crown Prince and the Prince smiled kindly at me, none of them were as kind as my own father.
"Let them in."

Zhu Xiong Ying was willing to show respect to these four Dukes of Jingnan.

Regardless of whether my fourth uncle was right or wrong in the Jingnan Campaign, the fact that these four men could fight to the death when the enemy was strong and we were weak is enough to show the backbone of the second generation of Ming Dynasty generals!
Compared to my own spreadsheet, it's really embarrassing.

"Yes!"

The guards withdrew, and Zhang Fu stared longingly outside the hall.

Zhu Xiong Ying found this sight somewhat amusing.

It turns out that the Duke of England, who remained calm and composed amidst a vast army, was not always so 'calm' from a young age!
This proves that heroes also need to be nurtured!

"tread!"

A series of footsteps sounded, and Zhang Fu's eyes widened in surprise.

Four men entered from outside the hall. They were dressed in martial arts attire and were all burly and powerful, clearly fierce warriors!
Zhu Bai's lips twitched slightly, and he whispered to Zhu Xiong Ying, "Xiong Ying, where did you find these four people? Why do they seem even more valiant than our palace guards?"

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled but didn't say anything. He couldn't very well tell him that in the history books, these four were the fierce generals who would later help him "avenge" his sins, could he?
"Greetings to Your Highness!"

The four men bowed to Zhu Xiong Ying in unison.

Aside from Zhu Neng feeling awkward in his posture, the other three looked quite presentable.

"It's alright, please have a seat."

"Everyone in this Wenhua Hall is one of my own people, and I don't like these empty formalities."

Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand, and immediately a maid brought over a stool to place it.

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

As the four people sat down, Zhu Bai felt a chill run down his spine.

Looking at these four people, he felt a chill, as if he were seeing those murderous bastards crawling out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood in the imperial court.

Now that the people have arrived, Zhu Xiong Ying naturally needs to start making arrangements.

He had been thinking about these four people day and night; surely they couldn't just be freeloaders from his side?
"Chen Heng."

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Chen Heng first.

This centurion, who had already distinguished himself in the military during the Ming Dynasty, did not have the same illustrious reputation in historical records as the other three.

But at this moment, it is most useful!

"The general is here!"

Upon hearing His Highness call him, Chen Heng immediately stood up.

"You hold a military post, and I have already written an edict for the Five Armies Commandery. I will arrange for you to resign tomorrow."

"But don't worry, you'll still be in command of troops after you step down."

"However, you'll be demoted from a commander of a thousand to a commander of a hundred. Are you willing to accept that?"

Zhu Xiong Ying asked with a smile.

Demoting a centurion from a commander of a thousand to a commander of a hundred is a severe punishment in the military.

Don't be fooled by the fact that the number of people under their command is only "ten times"; the difficulty of climbing is immense!
Even his own grandfather, the Emperor, only got the position of commander of a thousand men after fighting seven or eight battles in Haozhou.

"As Your Highness has arranged it, this humble general is a soldier, and it is my duty to obey imperial orders. I dare not have any objection!"

Chen Heng responded in a deep voice.

If it were an ordinary person, having traveled thousands of miles to Yingtian Prefecture, only to be demoted from a commander of a thousand to a commander of a hundred, they would probably be extremely depressed!

But Chen Heng had no regrets and no complaints!
He would be willing to be just an ordinary guard by Zhu Xiong Ying's side!
"Don't worry, these hundred men can easily take on a thousand. They're all elite warriors!"

"You will meet your adjutant tomorrow, Xu Zengshou, the second son of the Duke of Wei of the Great Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled wryly, a mischievous thought creeping into her mind.

As expected, Chen Heng's expression changed drastically when Zhu Xiong Ying mentioned Xu Zeng Shou's name!

Duke of Wei of the Ming Dynasty? General Xu Da?

General Xu Da's second son is going to be my adjutant, Chen Heng?!

Good heavens, is God asleep? Is He playing this joke on me, Chen Heng?
"What? You're not happy? Then I'll tell Zengshou tomorrow that you, Chen Heng, don't think much of him."

Zhu Xiong Ying chuckled and asked.

Upon hearing this, Chen Heng quickly replied, "This humble general wouldn't dare!"

Looking down on Xu Zengshou? Let alone General Xu Da, the Duke of Wei, he himself would want to kick himself to death!
Zhu Xiong Ying stopped teasing Chen Heng and instead looked at Qiu Fu.

He was the most meritorious soldier in the Jingnan Campaign!

"Qiu Fu, do you want a teacher?"

(End of this chapter)