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

Chapter 97 Your Twelfth Uncle is Still a Child

Empress Ma looked at Zhu Xiong Ying speechlessly.

Liu Sanwu was a rare and learned scholar of our time. Zhu Yuanzhang had invited him to serve in the government on several occasions, but he refused each time.

Now that Zhu Xiong Ying has dragged him out and thrown him directly into the Hall of Diligent Governance to review memorials, it's a real waste of talent.

"You little rascal, if Mr. Liu knew what you were thinking, he would be furious. The other day, Grandma saw that you had called the twelfth son over too. How old is the twelfth son? He's still a child. How can you bear to let him handle government affairs like Mr. Liu?"

Zhu Xiong Ying was so shocked that she jumped up.

"Grandma, you've wronged Xiong Ying! Xiong Ying just thought that Uncle Twelve liked reading, so she specially found him this opportunity, and Uncle Thirteen was very happy to accept!"

"Ultimately, Xiong Ying also wants to give our Great Ming more capable vassal kings. Besides, Xiong Ying is only ten years old, and he has already begun to oversee the country, hasn't he?"

Empress Ma sighed as she looked at Zhu Xiong Ying in front of her.

He secretly grumbled to himself, "Why did Old Zhu have to make his ten-year-old grandson oversee the country? Is there no one else in the court?" If Zhu Yuanzhang were here, he would definitely cry out that he was wronged.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao left Yingtian together to tour the country, which was to increase Zhu Biao's political achievements and prestige.

Moreover, being by Zhu Biao's side allows him to receive better instruction.

As for the imperial court, with Li Shanchang in civil affairs and Xu Da in military affairs, the court would not be in chaos.

Moreover, the harem still had Empress Ma, a pillar of strength.

As for letting the grandson of the crown prince oversee the country, it was just to take this opportunity to let Zhu Xiong Ying experience handling government affairs, so that he could share the burden with Zhu Biao earlier in the future. It can also be regarded as indirectly cultivating the third generation of the Ming Dynasty.

Who could have imagined that Zhu Xiong Ying not only made his position as regent extremely secure, but also accomplished many things that even he himself had not been able to do?

If Zhu Yuanzhang were to return and see this scene, I wonder what he would think.

"Alright, alright, you little rascal have a point. But then again, your twelfth uncle is still young. Although he loves reading, he's still a child at heart. Don't hold him back!"

"Also, he can't fall behind in his studies at the Grand Hall, or I'll tell your royal grandfather and your father!"

Zhu Xiong Ying couldn't help but silently mourn for Zhu Bai.

From now on, not only do they have to read through those mountain of memorials, but they also have to complete their studies at the main hall. It's pitiful that they have to bear such a heavy burden at such a young age.

Zhu Xiong Ying turned his gaze to Yu'er, who was standing to the side.

"Sister Yu'er, how are those candy shops doing?"

Yu'er looked at Zhu Xiong Ying with eyes full of admiration.

"Please rest assured, Your Highness, the sugar shops are doing very well. In addition to the money they have made, they have opened several more branches. Because of their excellent prices and quality, almost all of Yingtian Prefecture now uses our sugar icing!"

"Many merchants from other places also want to cooperate with us. I believe that before long, more people will be able to use our icing!"

Zhu Xiong Ying pondered to himself.

Previously, the largest sugar business near Yingtian was run by the Qian family of Jiangnan.

Since the incident involving Qian Yongqin, the Qian family has become much more low-key than before, especially after learning that Empress Ma was behind the sugar icing business, they dared not utter a sound.

The one person in the entire Ming Dynasty who was most untouchable was Empress Ma in the imperial harem.

If they were to truly displease him, not only the current emperor, but also all the civil and military officials would not allow them to continue living.

"Although the icing business is profitable, it's not easy to expand nationwide. Here in Yingtian, right under the emperor's nose, these people don't dare to play any tricks. But it's a different story in other places, since the emperor is far away!"

“In that case, Sister Yu’er, select a few reliable people, and I’ll have Yu Huatian transfer a few more people from the West Factory. From now on, we’ll be responsible for production and sales near Yingtian Prefecture. As for sales in other places, let the Ministry of Revenue handle that!” Yu’er nodded in reply.

"Slave, you obey!"

As their business grew, they had more and more things to consider, and lately he had been feeling somewhat overwhelmed.

If the business were to expand further, it would likely become even more difficult to regulate. What Zhu Xiong Ying has suggested is a good idea.

Outside the Hall of Diligent Governance, the ministers of the six ministries had been waiting for nearly an hour, and several of the elders were almost too tired to stand any longer.

The Minister of Works, sweating profusely, looked at Yang Siyi, the Minister of Revenue, who was standing to the side.

"Your Highness, what exactly does Your Highness mean by this? Since you summoned us, why are you making us wait here?"

Yang Siyi shook his head.

"We will do whatever His Highness says. Don't blame me for not reminding you. His Majesty is still in Yangzhou. It's only a day's journey back to Yingtian. Since His Majesty hasn't said anything, then we will fully support His Highness. Don't have any other ulterior motives!"

Even if Your Highness makes us wait until tomorrow, we will still wait!

Although the group felt some dissatisfaction upon hearing this, they suppressed their thoughts.

"Have you gentlemen been waiting for a long time?"

A very familiar voice came from behind them; it was Zhu Xiong Ying returning.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at the ministers in front of him and said with a smile.

"Please forgive me, esteemed elders. My grandmother resides in Renshou Palace and misses me dearly, so I went to see her as soon as I finished court. I hope you will not have any objections?"

The Minister of Rites shook his head like a sieve.

"Your Highness is too kind. How could we have any objections? On the contrary, Your Highness's filial piety is a model for the whole world. Our Great Ming Dynasty is fortunate to have such a grandson!"

Zhu Xiong Ying chuckled lightly, ignoring the Minister of Rites' words, and instead led everyone directly into the Hall of Diligent Governance.

"Someone, bring a seat!"

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at the six ministers and said.

"Do you gentlemen know why I have summoned you here?"

Several people shook their heads.

"We are unaware of this, and we beg Your Highness to enlighten us!"

"I have invited you all to greet me today because you are all key ministers of my lord, and I will need to rely on you in the future!"

"It is a pity that Li Shanchang, the Duke of Han, is a rare talent in our Great Ming Dynasty. It is a pity that he is now in poor health and has to resign. I am very saddened by this!"

Upon hearing this, the six ministers couldn't help but curl their lip.

How did Li Shanchang resign from his official post?
Don't you have any self-awareness?

You directly sent people to drag Li Shanchang away. As a scholar, especially the prime minister of a country, this is a great disgrace. Who can bear such humiliation? This crown prince is really shameless.

Although they thought this in their hearts, no one dared to say it out loud; they simply listened quietly to Zhu Xiong Ying speak.

(End of this chapter)