Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 33: Reckless! Something big happened!

Zhu Yunhuan's pupils suddenly shrank.

Countless thoughts flashed through my mind.

He had already realized that Jiang Li's sudden and inexplicable attempt to surrender that night was extremely abnormal.

After reporting to Lao Zhu, the punishment he imposed also clearly proved this point.

But Zhu Yunhuan didn't figure out what the hidden meaning was.

after all.

Political struggles and conspiracy calculations are not his forte.

Compared with the masters among masters like Lao Zhu, he is still far behind.

However, Zhu Yunhuan was not discouraged.

As the saying goes, "Every inch has its own strength and every foot has its own weakness."

As a time traveler, he naturally has the advantages of a time traveler.

Wouldn't it be asking for trouble to engage in intrigue with this group of political experts?
Now with Yang Shiqi, a master of politics, the shortcomings have been made up.

As a person in a high position, the most important thing is to be good at using others to serve you.

After thinking for a while, he still couldn't figure it out, so he said, "Sir, why don't you explain it clearly."

Yang Shiqi smiled.

He put his finger into the wine glass, dipped it in some wine, and wrote the word "Mang" on the table.

Zhu Yunhuan stared at the word, then looked up at Yang Shiqi. His mind was flashing with thoughts, and he had already thought of a lot.

"Your Highness dared to defy the will of the world and openly asked His Majesty to appoint him as the crown prince in the court. Wasn't it because of this word 'reckless' that he relied on it?"

"Since you have already acted recklessly, why did Your Highness shrink back when faced with the matter of the Duke of Liang?"

"Your Highness, as long as you rush forward, this dilemma will be resolved!"

The sound was not loud, but it was like a hammer, gently breaking the obstacles blocking the road ahead.

Two rays of light suddenly shot out from Zhu Yunhuan's eyes.

He stood up and bowed deeply: "Thank you for your guidance, sir. I now know what to do."

……

……

……

royal palace.

In a quiet little courtyard.

Zhu Yuanzhang was playing chess with someone.

The person who played chess with him was Hanlin scholar Liu Sanwu.

Although Hanlin Bachelors were only fifth-rank officials, unlike in later generations, during the Hongwu period, Hanlin Bachelors were ranked higher than Palace and Cabinet Grand Secretaries.

Although his rank was not high, he had great power and influence because he could often discuss state affairs with the emperor in person, participate in the selection of personnel and generals, and formulate many major national policies.

Liu Sanwu was talented but had a very straightforward personality. He spoke his mind without hesitation, which made him even more valued by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Since there was nothing to do today, Old Zhu summoned him to the palace to play chess.

"No, no, we made a wrong move. Let's start over."

As Lao Zhu spoke, he picked up two chess pieces from the chessboard.

"Your Majesty once said that one can only regret a move three times in a game. Is this the fourth time?" Liu Sanwu reminded.

"Do we regret our move?"

Old Zhu looked back at the palace maids and eunuchs who were waiting beside him and said, "You come to testify, did I regret my move just now?"

He had just called himself "we", but now he called himself "I".

The palace maids and eunuchs all hung their heads very low.

The leading eunuch whispered, "I have never seen Your Majesty regret a move!"

Old Zhu immediately pointed at him and said, "Liu Sanwu, did you hear that? He said I didn't regret my move. You are wrong."

A helpless smile suddenly appeared on Liu Sanwu's face.

He was not allowed to regret his move, but he regretted it three times and still felt it was not enough.

How can the emperor be so shameless?

Lao Zhu placed the chess piece again.

"You can't regret your move now. I was just dazzled and made a mistake. How can you regret your move? You are so ignorant!"

Liu Sanwu did not respond, but watched the chess pieces fall silently.

Both sides took a few more steps.

"Memorials submitted to the court from various places say that this year has been a year of good weather and good harvests."

"Now is the season when local governments collect taxes. I heard everything is going smoothly. That's great!"

Old Zhu took a few more steps, and was obviously in a very good mood, and talked about the affairs of the court. "It is all thanks to your majesty's grace and wise governance that the heavens have bestowed grace on us."

This time Liu Sanwu was very sensible and complimented him.

"Come on, we don't like to hear that."

Old Zhu said, "If God really had a kind heart, why would he let our son die at such a young age, leaving us with nothing to lose?"

Having said this, he felt lost.

The excitement just now was gone.

Liu Sanwu sat down and bowed his hands, saying, "Life and death are determined by fate, and cannot be changed by human power. Your Majesty, please don't worry. The most important thing right now is to appoint a crown prince as soon as possible to bring peace to the world and settle people's hearts."

Lao Zhu's expression suddenly turned serious.

"The matter of establishing a crown prince concerns the foundation of the country."

"The ministers in the court are trying their best to avoid this matter."

"You are the only one who dares to bring up this matter in front of me."

Liu Sanwu said: "I am a minister who eats the salary of the emperor, so I should share the troubles of the emperor. I cannot refuse to do my duty."

Old Zhu was playing with a chess piece in his hand, staring at the chessboard without saying a word.

I don’t know if he was thinking about the chess game or something else.

"His Majesty!"

Liu Sanwu once again said, "The matter of establishing a crown prince cannot be delayed at all!"

"Your Majesty ordered all the kings to stay in the capital and not to return to their fiefdoms."

"He also appointed the King of Xian and the King of Wu respectively."

"Such an arrangement will inevitably lead to a situation where the kings will fight for the throne."

"The government is unstable, people's hearts are uneasy, and the world is in turmoil."

"Think twice, Your Majesty!"

Old Zhu put down the chess piece in his hand and said, "I really want to take a closer look to see who among them is capable of ruling the Ming Dynasty."

He picked up the teacup beside him, took a sip of tea, and said, "Each of you has his own strengths and weaknesses. I am still undecided about who should be made the crown prince. I haven't made up my mind yet."

Liu Sanwu bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty is a man of great talent and foresight. You will definitely make a decision."

Seeing that he was still holding on, Lao Zhu couldn't help but reveal a helpless look on his face.

This Liu Sanwu really doesn't know how to advance or retreat!

However, among all the civil and military officials in the court, he was the only one who had such courage.

Old Zhu smiled and asked, "That day in the court, Huer said that if the Prince of Yan was made the crown prince, he would inherit the throne in the future and bring peace to the world."

"I also think that the Prince of Yan is as brave and heroic as me. What do you think about making him the crown prince?"

If someone else heard what Zhu Yuanzhang said, they would definitely just agree with him, or remain silent, or say something like "I'll leave it to Your Majesty to decide."

But Liu Sanwu is different.

As soon as this was said, he immediately objected: "The emperor's grandson is already old enough to take charge of the country."

"Since ancient times, the heir apparent has always been the eldest son."

"According to etiquette, if the son is gone, the grandson should inherit."

"Besides, if Your Majesty appoints the Prince of Yan as the crown prince, how can the Princes of Qin and Jin accept it?"

"Why can't they be made the crown prince?"

"Why did Your Majesty skip the two eldest sons and instead appoint a fourth son?"

"There is no such thing in the world!"

"If we choose a crown prince based on virtue and talent, there will only be controversy."

"Everyone has a different view of wisdom, talent and virtue."

"It will be difficult for everyone to reach a consensus, which will only lead to greater disputes and set a bad example for future generations."

"The fight for the throne begins from now on."

"Only by establishing the eldest son as the heir can the Ming Dynasty's eternal foundation be established."

After Zhu Yuanzhang heard what he said, his face became more solemn, and a chill crept up between his eyebrows. He asked coldly, "Then according to your opinion, between the King of Wu and the King of Xian, who should I establish as the emperor?"

Liu Sanwu was waiting for an answer.

at this time.

Suddenly, a eunuch came running towards them from outside, walking at a very fast pace.

"Your Majesty, urgent news! Urgent news!"

"Your Majesty, something bad has happened!"

……

(End of this chapter)