My Pen Pal Zhu Yuanzhang

Chapter 203 Lu's Thoughts

"That's right. The fact that the Ming Dynasty could obtain such huge profits from its first maritime trade was beyond our expectations."

Zhu Yuanzhang said with emotion: "Just over a year ago, I always believed that the foundation of a country lies in agriculture and sericulture. As long as the farmers live and work in peace and contentment, the country can be stable and long-lasting.

In my eyes, the business of merchants is just opportunism and cannot be put on the table. However, I never expected that the Ming Dynasty has become the largest merchant. "

"Dad, as long as it benefits the people and makes the country strong, what's wrong with our court being a merchant?"

Zhu Biao continued talking. After so many years, he could understand a little bit of Zhu Yuanzhang's thoughts.

Zhu Yuanzhang suffered a lot when he was young. At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, there were many natural disasters and man-made disasters. Landlords exploited people at all levels, and merchants took advantage of the situation to raise prices, causing countless suffering to the people. This is one of the reasons why he has never had a good impression of merchants.

Today, the Ming Dynasty is making money through maritime trade on a large scale. This is probably something he had never expected before. It can only be said that the world is changing too fast. Although his father is also pleased to see all these changes, there are probably still some hurdles in his heart that are not easy to overcome.

After all, thoughts that have been engraved in your mind for a lifetime are not easy to erase.

"Biao'er, you're right. As the ruler of a country, I have to serve the country and the people with all my heart and soul until my death. In fact, I have already let it go. As the saying goes, deeds are more important than intentions. As long as it helps the Ming Dynasty to become stronger and the people can live and work in peace and contentment, what's wrong with me being a businessman for the rest of my life?"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled. In fact, his worries had been resolved through his correspondence with Li Han. Industry and commerce were two magic weapons that could make the Ming Dynasty the top of the world. Why wouldn't he do it?

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang had already let it go, Zhu Biao was also relieved and said, "Xu Huizu has made great contributions this time, but the fourth brother seems to be a little anxious. I met him during the day and he was yelling that if he went, he would definitely make greater contributions."

"Hahahaha, this fourth brother is jealous of the boy from the Xu family!" Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but laugh when talking about Zhu Di.

This guy is really good at leading troops in battle. According to the other history told by Lao Li, it is not unfair at all that Zhu Yunwen's grandson lost to him.

Now Zhu Di no longer has the chance to become emperor, but Zhu Yuanzhang has a new understanding of him.

This silly boy actually has a very simple mind. He just wants to achieve great things and do something great to show off to himself. As his father, I know what he is thinking.

Daoyan has been sent to Japan by himself, and there will be no chance to seduce him anymore. He has no intention of rebelling. Zhu Biao will treat his brothers well after he succeeds to the throne, so his future will be on the sea.

It is not a bad idea to let him expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty and establish his own great cause.

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "That's because his daughter Miaoyun is pregnant again. Although the fourth son sometimes messes around a bit, he still loves and respects his daughter Miaoyun. He gave up the opportunity to go on his first ocean trade and stayed at home to accompany his wife."

"The Xu family's daughter is good, polite and generous. I'm afraid only she can control that brat, the fourth brother!"

After saying that, the father and son looked at each other and then burst into laughter.

The conversation between the two was heard by Concubine Lu who was standing by, and she felt a little jealous. Ever since Concubine Chang died and she married into the Zhu family, her father-in-law Zhu Yuanzhang rarely praised her, but instead often praised Xu Miaoyun.

She is obviously the Crown Princess. Zhu Xiongying has died young, and her son Zhu Yunwen will inherit the throne in the future!
She couldn't understand why Xu Miaoyun, who was only the fourth prince's princess, could win the favor of her father-in-law. Was it because Xu Miaoyun's father was the Duke of Wei, while her father, Lu Ben, was just a minister of the Ministry of Rites?

Just as she was filled with jealousy and wild thoughts, a kind voice reached her ears.

“Ms. Lu, the way to be a wife is to be gentle and respectful, and the way to be a mother is to be kind and upright.

You should know your duty and avoid having evil thoughts so as to maintain peace in the clan.

Gu Yun said that if one's virtue is not worthy of the position, there will be disaster. I hope you will reflect on yourself, be careful in what you say and do, so as not to affect yourself. Follow the rules and regulations, which is the long-term plan. " Concubine Lu was immediately shocked and broke into a cold sweat. This was Empress Ma talking to her. Her little thoughts were seen through by her!
The sound was not loud and only she could hear it. She knew clearly that Empress Ma was criticizing her!

And she called herself Lu, which was already a serious warning!
Although Empress Ma has always been kind, she is the one who has the final say in this huge palace. If anyone takes advantage of her kindness, it will not be as simple as losing their head!

She looked up tremblingly, and saw Queen Ma looking at her with a smile. Although her eyes were kind, she knew that if she dared to do it again, she would probably die without a burial place!

Concubine Lu hurriedly replied:

"Mother, I will remember your teachings, and I will put myself in the right place, abide by my duties, and contribute to the harmony of the royal family with the virtue of a wife and mother, and live up to your expectations."

Empress Ma smiled and nodded without saying anything more. Concubine Lu felt as if she had been pardoned. She quickly paid her respects and then found an excuse to look after the child and followed Zhu Yunwen who was playing with his brothers.

As night fell, the Imperial Garden gradually became lively. Zhu Di supported the pregnant Xu Miaoyun and walked forward carefully. Behind him were Xu Da and Xu Huizu, who were leading a group of children including Zhu Gaochi.

Seeing Zhu Di's serious expression, Zhu Yuanzhang was speechless. "This fourth child is not the first time to be a father, but he is still so cautious. I think he would not be like this when he was on the battlefield in the desert."

"Dad, doesn't this show that the fourth son is truly sincere to Xu Miaoyun?" Zhu Biao also joked.

Immediately afterwards, Li Wenzhong also came with Li Jinglong. After paying homage to His Majesty, Li Jinglong quickly came to Xu Huizu's side.

"Uncle Hui, I heard that you made great contributions during this voyage. Don't be too proud. This is because I haven't made any progress yet. Next time I go out to sea, I will definitely make greater contributions than you. By then, the entire Ming Dynasty will know that I am the real god of war."

Xu Huizu was at a loss whether to laugh or cry when he heard this. Li Jinglong was too obsessed with becoming the God of War of the Ming Dynasty.

Before he could reply, Li Wenzhong slapped Li Jinglong on the head.

"You kid still want to go out to sea, learn to swim first!"

When Zhu Di saw this scene, he felt itchy in his heart. He carefully settled Xu Miaoyun down, and then stared at her with wide eyes.

How could Xu Miaoyun not know that Zhu Di was itching to brag to Xu Huizu and the others? She smiled and waved her hand, "Go ahead."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di came up to them like a wild horse that had broken free from its reins, and said in a loud voice: "My nephew, you'd better stop dreaming about being the war god of the Ming Dynasty. The next person to go out to sea will definitely be me. Just wait for me to expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty overseas!"

"Zhu Laosi, don't be so complacent. You should first get past my aunt before talking about going out to sea!" As he said this, Li Jinglong secretly pointed at Xu Miaoyun, and his meaning couldn't be more obvious.

Zhu Di was not convinced and said, "Tsk, a man should have great ambitions. How can a woman like you stop me from moving forward?"

"Hey, Zhu Laosi, are you itching for trouble? How dare you say that about my daughter?"

When Xu Da heard this, he immediately looked at Zhu Di with a dark face, which made him tremble all over.

"Father-in-law, I'm just joking. Please don't take it seriously!" Zhu Di said, and then he secretly glanced at Xu Miaoyun again. When he found that she didn't notice, he breathed a sigh of relief.

He immediately lowered his voice and said, "Miaoyun is pregnant, I was just bragging, don't let her hear this, it will be bad if she gets angry."

Everyone found Zhu Di's cautious look interesting and couldn't help laughing.

(End of this chapter)