My father is Jiajing

In the dungeon of the Nanjing Imperial Guard prison, Xu Pengju huddled in a corner, his embroidered robes covered in straw and dust.

This hereditary Duke of Wei was no longer as glorious as before. At this moment, he looked like a decrepit old man, with his gray hair disheveled and bloody scratches on his face.

"Let me out! I am a descendant of the Prince of Zhongshan Wuning! I am the current Duke of Wei, whose title is hereditary and can be passed down through generations by imperial decree of Emperor Taizu Gao!"

Xu Pengju suddenly lunged at the iron bars and roared, his voice echoing in the damp dungeon.

Old Niu, the prison guard in charge of Xu Pengju, picked at his ear and sneered at his companion, "See? He wet his pants yesterday, and today he's putting on airs like a duke again."

The old ox's companions, upon hearing its words, burst into laughter.

The laughter was extremely grating to Xu Pengju's ears.

This caused him to bark helplessly again!

At the same time, heavy footsteps echoed outside the imperial prison dungeon.

The footsteps seemed to pound against Xu Pengju's heartbeat, making him feel a sudden panic.

Han Dong stepped into the dungeon, bringing with him a chill.

Behind him were two strongmen carrying a camphor wood box, which they slammed onto the ground, kicking up a cloud of dust.

This silenced the entire dungeon!
"Lord Duke, do you recognize this?"

Han Dong smiled as he looked at Xu Pengju, then reached out and lifted the lid of the box on the ground.

Inside were the dragon robe, jade seal, and other items that had been found in the secret room of the Xu family mansion.

Upon seeing these items, Xu Pengju recoiled as if burned, his back pressed against the damp, cold stone wall. He cried out in terror, "This isn't mine! Prince Jing framed me! I demand to see the Emperor! My ancestors shed blood for the Ming Dynasty!"

Han Dong chuckled, "Save your breath. Let's all be more dignified."

Han Dong pulled out another letter from the box and threw it over. "How do you explain this letter from the Japanese pirates, Duke? Your steward has already confessed that during the Jiajing era, you helped the Japanese pirates sell and distribute their stolen goods, amounting to hundreds of thousands of taels of silver alone."

"Tsk tsk tsk, it's unbelievable that a descendant of the Prince of Zhongshan Wuning would collude with Japanese pirates to make money that would lead to the extinction of one's lineage? Don't you have any regard for the court or the people?"

Xu Pengju picked up the letter with trembling hands, then suddenly tore it to shreds and stuffed it into his mouth like a madman.

Han Dong watched coldly, and only after he swallowed did he slowly say, "The original was sent to the capital a long time ago. If you like this copy, I can prepare a few servings for you with every meal to accompany your porridge."

After saying this, Han Dong smiled slightly and said, "By the way, would you like to hear about your son Xu Wenjue's illegal checkpoints in Yangzhou? It's unimaginable that the Duke of Wei's mansion, which has been passed down for two hundred years, has fallen into such poverty."

"Could it be that the imperial court has been mistreating the Duke of Wei's mansion for the past two hundred years? Forcing the Duke of Wei's mansion to resort to such a desperate measure as colluding with Japanese pirates and setting up checkpoints in Yangzhou to make money?"

Upon hearing Han Dong's words, Xu Pengju's mental defenses crumbled instantly.

"I'll tell you! I'll tell you everything!"

Xu Pengju suddenly knelt down and kowtowed, his forehead hitting the stone ground with a loud thud. "It was all Marquis Linhuai, Tang Shilong, who mixed sand into the grain transport; Earl Chengyi, Liu Shiyan, who privately sold military equipment to the chieftains; and Marquis Anyuan, Liu Zhen."

Han Dong waved his hand to interrupt him, "What's the point of just talking about other people's things? Besides, they would say the same things themselves. Can't you say something that no one else knows? Otherwise, how can I report to the Prince, how can I plead with the Emperor, and give you a chance to redeem yourself?"

Upon hearing Han Dong's words, Xu Pengju's eyes darted around, then suddenly rolled back his eyes, foaming at the mouth and convulsing.

I don't know if he was really scared or if he was just pretending to be crazy!

Han Dong was slightly taken aback when he saw this, and then dodged aside as if he were avoiding a plague god. He turned to Lao Niu and the others and ordered, "Go and fetch a doctor to give the Duke some acupuncture."

Upon hearing this, Xu Pengju immediately stopped trembling, collapsed to the ground, and burst into tears, as if he were terrified of being pricked with a needle.

"I confess. I confess everything. But I really knew nothing about the Japanese pirates."

Xu Pengju cried like a 200-pound child, feeling extremely wronged.

Han Dong snorted, his eyes full of contempt, and cursed inwardly, "Coward!"

But this is something that can't be helped. Although these noble sons have been pampered and spoiled for more than two hundred years, they have no other skills besides bullying the weak and fearing the strong, and being tough on their own.

They're just a bunch of parasites and rotten seeds who rely on the blessings of their ancestors.

In the cool pavilion of the Qin Zheng Hall in the capital, Zhu Zaiji was having breakfast.

Holding the urgent report from Nanjing that had just arrived, Meng Chong hesitated whether to hand it over now.

After Zhu Zaiji finished his sip of thin porridge, he noticed Meng Chong's dilemma.

Zhu Zaiji glanced at Meng Chong, then lowered his head and picked up a piece of the secret-recipe cucumber.

Then he said, "Bring it here. Is it about Xu Pengju?"

Meng Chong bowed and presented the secret report, respectfully saying, "Your Majesty, Prince Jing reports that the Duke of Wei attempted suicide by cutting his wrists with shards of porcelain, but was fortunately discovered by the jailers and saved in time."

"puff!"

Zhu Zaiji spat out a mouthful of porridge, laughing so hard he almost slapped his thigh.

"Is this all the descendants of the Prince of Zhongshan Wuning are capable of?"

Meng Chong dared not reply.

Prince Wuning of Zhongshan was the top general under Emperor Taizu Gao and was hailed as the greatest contributor to the founding of the dynasty.

Although two hundred years have passed since the time of Emperor Taizu Gao, this is still not something Meng Chong can comment on.

Moreover, Xu Da made great contributions during the founding of the dynasty by Emperor Taizu, helping him defeat various powerful enemies and guarding the northern border, and fighting several times deep into the Gobi Desert.

It laid the foundation for the Ming Dynasty's eternal prosperity for Emperor Taizu.

But who could have imagined that two hundred years later, his descendants would be so despicable?

Zhu Zaiji finished laughing and wiped away the tears that had welled up in his eyes.

His voice suddenly changed, and he said with an unquestionable authority, "Draft an edict ordering Prince Jing to thoroughly investigate the illegal activities of the nobles in Nanjing."

As for the presiding judge...

Zhu Zaiji pondered for a moment, then said, "Let Hai Rui, who is returning to the capital to report on his duties, take on the role."

Meng Chong, who was recording Zhu Zaiji's imperial edict, looked up in surprise, "Your Majesty, Grand Secretary Hai has only just returned to the capital."

Zhu Zaiji laughed and said, "So what if he just returned to the capital? I didn't dismiss him from his post in Nanjing; I just sent him to the capital to report on his duties."

"Now that he has finished speaking, it is time for him to go back and continue to help me watch over Nanjing and the Jiangnan region."

Meng Chong shrank back slightly and bowed to Zhu Zaiji, saying, "Yes, this servant understands."

After deciding to let Hai Rui return, Zhu Zaiji couldn't help but sneer, "Don't these nobles like to play the fool? I'd like to see how they'll act in front of Hai Gangfeng!"

The next day, Hai Rui met the emperor in the Hall of Diligent Governance.

The Hai Rui of today is quite different from the one we first met in the 28th year of the Jiajing reign, but his earnest and serious spirit remains unchanged.

He still stands tall like an old pine tree.

"Your subject, Hai Rui, concurrently serving as Grand Secretary and Governor-General of Jiangnan, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Zhu Zaiji raised his hand in a gesture of resignation and said with a slight sigh, "Haiqing, rise. Do you resent my trip south this time?"

Hai Rui raised his head and bowed to Zhu Zaiji, saying, "Why does Your Majesty say such a thing?"

Zhu Zaiji laughed and said, "All the officials thought that your return to the capital this time was to be formally appointed to a high-ranking position. But now I want you to go back to Nanjing. Are you really not going to complain?"

Hai Rui replied firmly, "I have no complaints. Your Majesty trusts and values ​​me, which is why you allowed me to stay in Nanjing. How could I possibly resent Your Majesty?"

Zhu Zaiji exclaimed, "Good! I like your attitude."

"Those involved in the Nanjing case this time include the Duke of Wei and the Earl of Chengyi, among other high-ranking nobles. I will grant you the power to make decisions independently and appoint you as a Grand Secretary of the Hall of Literary Glory in Nanjing. You may act without requesting permission." As soon as Zhu Zaiji finished speaking, the hall fell silent.

Meng Chong was also shocked to look at Hai Rui. He never expected that Zhu Zaiji would give Hai Rui such great power!

Hai Rui kowtowed deeply: "Your subject thanks the Emperor for his grace! On this journey, your subject only recognizes the principles of Heaven and the laws of the land, and is unaware of the etiquette and rituals of nobles!"

Zhu Zaiji nodded in satisfaction, "Very good! Go!"

Zhu Zaiji waved his hand, dismissing Hai Rui.

a few days later.

In the main hall of the Ministry of Justice in Nanjing, Hai Rui sat high before his desk.

This thin old man may look ordinary, but his gaze is as sharp as a sword.

Kneeling below were more than a dozen nobles in fine clothes. Xu Pengju, who was at the front, was so thin that he had to be supported by two yamen runners to keep from collapsing.

"Xu Pengju, Duke of Wei".

Hai Rui's voice was calm: "You found an imperial robe and jade seal in your residence. What is your explanation?"

Xu Pengju suddenly struggled and lunged at Hai Rui: "Grand Secretary Hai! I'm innocent! It was all Prince Jing's doing!"

"Snapped!"

The gavel exploded.

Hai Rui pointed at his sleeve: "What are you hiding in your sleeve?"

The bailiffs stepped forward and restrained Xu Pengju, shaking several shards of porcelain from his sleeve. The crowd listening outside the hall immediately erupted in uproar.

"Trying to commit suicide in the lobby?"

Hai Rui sneered, "According to the Great Ming Code, if a criminal commits suicide in court, the presiding judge shall be dismissed and investigated. Xu Pengju, you seem to know the law quite well."

Xu Pengju's face turned ashen. He had intended to frame Hai Rui by committing suicide, but he hadn't expected to be exposed on the spot.

Hai Rui ignored him and turned to other nobles: "Earl of Chengyi Liu Shiyan, is it true that you privately sold military equipment to the chieftain of Guangxi?"

Liu Shiyan forced himself to remain calm: "Lord Hai, you are wise to understand. I was just doing normal business."

"Bring your ID!"

When his former trusted steward was brought to court, Liu Shiyan collapsed to the ground.

The steward trembled as he confessed the time and place of the arms deal, and even pulled out a secret ledger.

Hai Rui's trials were swift and decisive; in half a day, he had thoroughly investigated the crimes of over a dozen noble families. Finally, he pronounced his verdict in court: "Xu Pengju, Duke of Wei, is sentenced to death by a thousand cuts for treason, and his property will be confiscated; Liu Shiyan, Earl of Chengyi, is sentenced to immediate execution for privately selling military equipment."

Before the verdict was even pronounced, a commotion suddenly erupted outside the courtroom.

Prince Jing, Zhu Zaizhen's entourage has arrived.

Hai Rui rose to greet him, but did not kneel: "Your Highness has arrived. Do you have any instructions?"

Zhu Zaizhen, dressed in brocade robes and a jade belt, smiled warmly: "Lord Hai is incorruptible and impartial; I admire him. However..."

He glanced at the pale-faced nobles and said, "These are, after all, descendants of founding heroes. Should we treat them leniently?"

The crowd watching outside the hall stirred. Who didn't know that Prince Jing had a long-standing feud with these nobles? And now they were pleading for them?
Hai Rui remained calm and said, "Your Highness, the Great Proclamation of Emperor Taizu states: 'When meritorious officials commit crimes, they shall be punished twice as severely.' I am handling the case according to the law and dare not show favoritism."

"Well done, handling the case according to the law!"

Zhu Zaizhen's expression suddenly changed, and he pulled out a roll of yellow silk from his sleeve. "Imperial edict has arrived!"

The crowd hurriedly knelt down. Zhu Zaizhen read aloud: "Prince Jing, Zhu Zaizhen, is hereby appointed to oversee the trial. All major cases involving treason must be decided by my personal judgment. This is my decree."

Hai Rui took the imperial edict and examined it closely, his brow furrowing slightly. The edict's authenticity was questionable, but it possessed all the necessary seals. He gave Zhu Zaizhen a deep look: "In that case, I will submit the case file to the capital for Your Majesty's judgment."

After court adjourned, Zhu Zaizhen invited Hai Rui to the Prince Jing's residence. In a private room, the prince personally poured tea for Hai Rui: "Grand Secretary Hai, please don't be offended. I didn't intend to interfere with the trial, it's just..."

"Is it just that His Highness needs these people to live temporarily, so as to solidify certain charges?"

Hai Rui hit the nail on the head.

Zhu Zaizhen's hand trembled, and tea spilled onto his python robe. He hadn't expected Hai Rui to be so perceptive.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty."

Hai Rui said solemnly, "This humble official only cares about right and wrong, not personal gain or loss. Those who deserve to die will not be spared, and those who do not deserve to die will not be wronged."

Zhu Zaizhen breathed a sigh of relief and then asked, "Lord Hai, why do you think these nobles have fallen to such a low level?"

"Eating one's fill all day long, without using one's mind for anything."

Hai Rui said without hesitation, "When Emperor Taizu conferred titles, he said: 'Titles are for rewarding merit, and positions are for fulfilling duties.' These nobles only know how to enjoy their titles and emoluments, and do not think about serving the country. Naturally, each generation is worse than the last."

Zhu Zaizhen seemed to be deep in thought. He thought of the Nanyang kingdom he was seeking and secretly resolved never to repeat the mistakes of those Nanjing nobles.

A month later, the case files from Nanjing were sent to the capital. Zhu Zaiji summoned his cabinet ministers to discuss the matter in the Wenhua Hall.

"Xu Pengju was sentenced to death by a thousand cuts, Liu Shiyan was sentenced to immediate execution by beheading."

Zhu Zaiji flipped through the thick case files, "Hai Rui was indeed ruthless."

Grand Secretary Li Chunfang cautiously replied, "Your Majesty, the Duke of Wei is, after all, a descendant of Xu Da."

"Xu Da?"

Zhu Zaiji chuckled, "If he were alive, he would have killed this unworthy descendant first!"

Then Zhu Zaiji said solemnly, "The report by Hai Rui is approved! Furthermore, all the nobles involved shall be stripped of their titles and their property confiscated!"

The day the imperial edict arrived in Nanjing, the entire city of Jinling was in an uproar.

When the once arrogant nobles were escorted to the execution ground, the people spat and cursed them along the streets, and some even threw rotten vegetable leaves at them.

Xu Pengju was tied to the prison cart when he suddenly saw a familiar figure in the crowd—Prince Jing, Zhu Zaizhen, was standing in front of the teahouse window, looking down at him with a smile.

"Zhu Zaizhen! You'll die a horrible death!"

Xu Pengju suddenly struggled and roared, "I'll be waiting for you in the underworld—"

The executioner's slap interrupted his cursing. That day, seventeen noble heads rolled, marking the complete annihilation of the Nanjing nobility.

After the case was investigated, Hai Rui submitted a memorial requesting to resign, but the emperor rejected it.

The imperial edict specifically stated: "Your integrity and uprightness greatly please me. You are hereby granted the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince and allowed to remain in Nanjing."

Meanwhile, at Prince Jing's residence, Zhu Zaizhen was looking at the newly drawn "Map of the South Seas," his finger lightly touching the blurred outline of the southern continent.

"Your Highness, Hai Rui this time..."

Lu Yi hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

"It doesn't matter."

Zhu Zaizhen smiled, "Such an honest official can be a sharp sword if used properly. Send down the order to prepare the memorial for the 'Southeast Ocean Exploration Mission.' It's time to ask my brother for that promise."

Outside the window, the Yangtze River flows eastward, seemingly heralding the arrival of a new era.

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