Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 73: Never frame anyone, Old Zhu’s decree!
Lao Zhu has killed many people.

Many of them were corrupt officials, and many were meritorious officials who once followed him.

Old Zhu is very cruel.

When it comes to killing people, he shows no mercy.

But Lao Zhu never killed his sons and grandsons.

No matter how big a mistake they make, they will not be killed!

The only relative who was severely punished by Old Zhu was his nephew Zhu Wenzhen.

But they still didn't kill him, they just put him under house arrest.

After Zhu Wenzhen's death, Zhu the Elder also named Zhu Wenzhen's son Zhu Shouqian as King of Jingjiang, which was hereditary.

From then on, they became the only royal family in the Ming Dynasty that was not of Taizu's bloodline, and the dynasty lasted until the end of the Ming Dynasty.

Given Zhu's character, Zhu Yunwen would not do anything to him no matter what mistakes he made.

At the beginning, Zhu Yunhuan dared to stand up and openly ask Zhu Yuanzhang for the position of crown prince in the court. Of course, it was because he had no choice, but he also knew Zhu Yuanzhang's character well, so he dared to do so.

If it were a different emperor, such as Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.

He would never dare to do that anyway.

Otherwise, even if you had ten heads on your neck, they would not be enough to chop off.

Now it is time to deal with Zhu Yunwen, but Zhu's temper has become a protective umbrella for the other party.

It’s not easy for Lao Zhu to touch him!
Unless today's assassin was really sent by him!
He disregarded the kinship and sent someone to kill his own brother...

If all these are true, I'm afraid Old Zhu will never tolerate him again.

"With the Emperor's cleverness, if we deliberately frame him, he will most likely see through it, and we will be put in a passive position," said Zhu Yunhuan.

When it comes to conspiracies and intrigues, Old Zhu is the real master.

Aren’t you afraid of capsizing when playing with him?

"No!" Yang Shiqi smiled slightly and said, "Your Highness has misunderstood."

"As a gentleman, I should act uprightly. How could I possibly frame someone else?"

"That is definitely something I would never do!"

Zhu Yunhuan was choked by his breath, coughed twice, and said, "So what did you mean by what you said just now?"

"What I mean is that we need to track down the real culprit." Yang Shiqi said: "After investigation, we can confirm that there is no other real culprit except the remnants of the Pu family."

"As for who is the mastermind behind the Park family's murder?"

He paused for a moment, a faint smile appeared on his face, and said:

"Your Highness the King of Wu, considering the deep affection between brothers, cannot bear to hurt the harmony between brothers, so he will naturally not pursue the matter."

Zhu Yunhuan's pupils suddenly dilated!

Yang Shiqi continued as if talking to himself: "Only if we don't investigate, all the doubts will remain unsolved and will inadvertently point to His Royal Highness Prince Xian and Concubine Lu."

The candlelight in the room suddenly flickered.

The doors and windows were clearly closed, so there shouldn't be any wind blowing in.

But the candle flame is too thin and it is too easy to float naturally.

The dim light also swayed.

"not only that."

Yang Shiqi laughed again and said, "Your Highness's eldest brother died at the age of eight, and your Highness's mother died a few days after giving birth to you."

"And your highness's father."

"The prince caught a cold and recuperated in the palace for several months, but his condition did not improve and he unfortunately passed away!"

"These things, one by one, may not be without doubts."

“And many things in this world do not require conclusive evidence.”

"Many things don't need to be found out, and they will never be found out!"

"Not everyone knows the truth about everything."

"There are still countless unjust and wrongful convictions in court, let alone things that happened long ago."

"As long as we sow the seeds of doubt, they will naturally take root and sprout in people's hearts."

“Once there is doubt in a person’s heart, everything is different.”

"This is what they call suspicion breeds evil."

He paused, exhaled, and then said softly: "The current emperor has always been a suspicious person."

Zhu Yunhuan stared at him in a daze.

At this moment, Zhu Yunhuan suddenly felt that Yang Shiqi was so scary!
He wasn't playing any tricks.

He is just manipulating people's minds.

The change of people's hearts is itself the biggest conspiracy.

More effective than any conspiracy!
A person who could last through five dynasties and remain in the cabinet for forty years without falling must be extremely capable.

He is only in his twenties now, but he already has this kind of scheming and strategy.

It is conceivable how far it will reach if it is polished for a few more years!
No wonder Yang Shiqi in history was able to stand for forty years!
Fortunately.

He is one of us, and we can use him for our own purposes, not our enemy.

His strategies are all his own.

Zhu Yunxun said: "Then let's do as you say."

"But remember, don't show your true colors!"

Yang Shiqi smiled and said, "I didn't do anything, so how can I reveal my true identity?"

Zhu Yunhuan couldn't help but laugh too.

Yang Shiqi added: "There is one more thing. Your Highness must stay in bed for a few more days to show that he is seriously injured."

"Yang also has some knowledge of medicine and knows that head diseases are very complicated and difficult to understand."

“Even the most brilliant doctor cannot come to a definitive conclusion.”

"No matter how powerful the imperial physician is, he will definitely not be able to see anything."

"If so, His Majesty will be heartbroken over your injury, but will also be grateful for your kindness. As for your brother..."

Yang Shiqi smiled faintly, the meaning of which was self-evident.

"it is good!"

Zhu Yunhuan agreed.

It could help Zhu Yunwen and Concubine Lu get rid of their troubles and allow him to lie in bed for a few more days. What was the big deal?

He suddenly remembered something, and told Yang Shiqi in detail about his chat with Zhu Yuanzhang and his suggestions to him after retiring from court.

What happened in the court had already been spread among the many people present, so there was naturally no need for him to say more.

But as for what happened later, only he and Zhu Yuanzhang were present, so Yang Shiqi naturally had no way of knowing.

After hearing what he said, Yang Shiqi clapped his hands and praised: "Your Highness is truly an extraordinary person."

"This method of setting up a military academy and implementing a dual-chief system is truly wild and unconventional, bold yet extremely clever."

"With these two methods, the problem of military generals' monopoly of power that has plagued us for thousands of years will be completely reversed and eradicated."

"It's high! It's too high!"

"Only Your Highness can come up with such a brilliant idea."

"But I absolutely cannot do that!"

"Your Highness's talent is ten thousand times better than mine!"

His expression showed genuine admiration.

Although he had been displaced over the years, lecturing and studying everywhere, he became even more determined despite his poverty and never lost his ambition to achieve success.

I have always been concerned about the country and the people, and have been thinking about national policies to govern the country, save the people and strengthen the military.

But I never thought of such a good idea.

Yang Shiqi truly admired Zhu Yunhuan from the bottom of his heart.

I can only think of some power struggle strategies and calculations, but in the end, these are just small tricks and small talents!
However, His Royal Highness the King of Wu was able to come up with such a clever way to command the army. This is the real way!
The King of Wu is a man of great talent!

Yang Shiqi's opinion of Zhu Yunhuan improved a lot.

Although he did not pass the imperial examination, he was a most authentic scholar.

What he was thinking in his mind was “to learn literary and martial arts and sell them to the imperial family”.

Or it could be to cultivate oneself, manage the family, govern the country and bring peace to the world, to establish virtue, make words and make achievements, which are the three immortal things.

Or it is to establish a mind for the heaven and earth, a mission for the people, carry on the unique knowledge of the ancient sages, and bring peace to the world for all generations!

How lucky would it be to be able to assist a wise ruler?

Unexpectedly, he really met him.

Not only did he have a keen eye for talent, he also took a liking to him like a Bole.

He was suddenly able to go in and out of the palace from a commoner and was treated as a distinguished guest.

He also worshipped him as his teacher.

He was about to be appointed as the crown prince and would rule the Ming Empire in the future.

As the emperor's teacher, his future is limitless.

More importantly, this person is a genius, and his ideas are always unexpected, yet extremely brilliant.

If such a person were to ascend the throne and rule the Ming Dynasty one day, he would surely bring unprecedented prosperity to the Ming Dynasty.

And as an assistant, he will also go down in history.

Thinking of all this, Yang Shiqi felt as if he was dreaming.

You have to remember that he was just a commoner yesterday, and was even locked up in a dungeon for no apparent reason, with an uncertain future.

Unconsciously, Yang Shiqi's eyes were moist.

He cried with joy that he had met such a wise leader.

Zhu Yunhuan didn't pay attention to these. He smiled and said, "Don't rush to flatter me. Think carefully about how to deal with it when you meet Grandpa Emperor tomorrow."

"This is your first time to meet the Emperor. You must show your abilities. You cannot let the Emperor look down on the teacher I personally found."

Yang Shiqi turned his head away, secretly wiped away his tears with his sleeve, and said with a smile:

"Although His Majesty has told Your Highness before, His Majesty has been traumatized by Your Highness's assassination, and His Royal Highness has not yet recovered. He will most likely not summon me tomorrow!"

He thought of something and said, "The students admitted by the Military Academy are so special. Would it be better to let Your Majesty be the dean?" "Your Highness only needs to be the vice-dean."

"If not, all the nobles and generals in the court, as well as the governors and commanders, are your disciples."

"Too much authority might arouse suspicion."

Zhu Yunhuan shook his head and said, "It's okay."

"If Grandfather Emperor really wants to make me his heir, he will never be suspicious of me."

"What's the point of talking about outsiders?"

He was very sure that Lao Zhu was not such a person.

Moreover, he had already made it clear that he wanted to be the crown prince.

The purpose of setting up a military academy is to cultivate one's own people and lay a solid foundation.

These are all out in the open.

Inviting Lao Zhu to be the dean and making himself the vice-dean seems a bit hypocritical.

After all, Zhu Yuanzhang was the emperor, and a trip out of the palace was no small matter.

In addition to his current physical condition, it is obvious that his position as dean is just a title.

But in this case, he, as the vice-president, would lose the right to accept students.

Those military generals, nobles, left and right governors, assistant governors, judges, and commanders were Zhu's disciples, not his disciples.

He could only win them over by means of winning them over.

Isn't this intentionally causing inconvenience to yourself?
Of course Zhu Yunhuan would not do that.

Hearing his words, Yang Shiqi's heart moved.

Suddenly I remembered Lan Yu’s response in the court today.

What Lan Yu said was earth-shattering.

It was clearly stated that even if the former crown prince rebelled, he would follow him.

If it were any other emperor, Lan Yu would have been beheaded long ago!

But in Lao Zhu's case, he actually praised him for such words.

His Majesty, the emperor who founded the Ming Empire, really cannot be judged by the heart of an ordinary emperor.

Thinking of this, Yang Shiqi no longer objected.

"Since Your Highness is sure, then we will do as Your Highness says!"

While the two were talking, the voice of the guard was suddenly heard outside.

"Someone from the palace has come to deliver the decree!"

This was something Yang Shiqi had already told me.

If anyone comes, shout with a loud voice so that those inside will know.

Hearing this, Yang Shiqi hurried out to open the door.

Soon, a eunuch came in holding a scroll of imperial edict.

He walked with a splayed step and never looked away.

He walked with great vigor, as if he was looking down on everyone.

The guards and Yang Shiqi bowed to him in greeting, but he ignored them all.

As the most trusted eunuch leader of the Emperor, he is indeed qualified to look down upon all officials and princes and nobles.

Zhu Yunxun quickly supported his body with his hands and tried to get up from the bed.

The eunuch was shocked when he saw this, and his previous composure was no longer there.

She quickly bent forward and said, "Your Highness, please do not move. If you hurt yourself, I will be guilty of a serious crime."

Zhu Yunxun said: "No matter what, I have to get up and accept the imperial decree from Grandfather Emperor."

The eunuch hurriedly said, "No need, no need!"

"Before I left the palace, His Majesty the Emperor specifically told me that His Royal Highness the Prince of Wu had not recovered yet, so he did not need to get up to receive the order. He could just lie in bed and listen."

Zhu Yunhuan was about to pretend to be sick, but when he heard this, he stopped objecting and lay down peacefully. He asked, "I heard that the emperor had fainted, but it was unfilial of me. Is the emperor feeling better?"

"Much better!" The eunuch was still bent over, his head almost hanging down to the edge of the bed, and he said in a very humble manner: "Your Majesty was relieved when he heard that Your Highness was safe and sound, and his body suddenly felt much better."

"The imperial physician said that as long as you rest for a few days, you will be fine."

"That's good!" Zhu Yunhuan felt relieved after hearing the eunuch's words.

I'm glad that Lao Zhu is okay!

He also had time to slowly plan and build his own team in the court so that he could take over the Ming Dynasty peacefully in the future.

"Thank you for telling me, then please pass on the order!"

"Yes!" the eunuch responded, and said, "There are three imperial edicts in total, two of which are oral instructions."

Zhu Yunhuan was stunned.

Old Zhu actually issued three imperial decrees at once?
At this time, the eunuch stood up straight and said, "Your Majesty's oral order: Hu'er, we heard that you were assassinated. Fortunately, God bless you, nothing serious happened, and we are relieved."

"I'm in good health, don't worry."

"You must rest and recuperate in the mansion these days. Without my permission, you are not allowed to come to the palace to pay your respects to me."

"Those people dared to assassinate you and our grandson in the street. We will definitely avenge you."

"No matter who is behind this, we will dig deep into the ground to find them all."

"We will cut all of their clans into pieces, peel off their skin and stuff them with straw, and then grind their bones and scatter their ashes to avenge this vengeance and to relieve the hatred in our hearts. I decree this!"

This imperial edict is really murderous!

It seems that Lao Zhu is really angry, and not just ordinary angry!

However, the entire clan of the person behind the scenes will be cut into pieces, skinned and stuffed with straw, and then their bones will be ground into ashes.

Are you serious?

What if the mastermind behind this is one of your own family members? Will you go back on your word and take advantage of the situation, or will you really take action against yourself?

Zhu Yunhuan felt a bit amused and helpless.

At this time, the eunuch read again: "Your Majesty's oral order: Yang Shiqi accepts the order!"

Yang Shiqi next to him was surprised.

He didn't expect that the emperor's second oral order was actually for him, so he knelt down immediately.

The eunuch glanced at him calmly and said, "Yang Shiqi, Huer said that you have the talent to be a prime minister and would like to take you as his teacher."

"We want to meet you and see if you are as capable as he said."

"You are ordered to come to the palace to see the emperor tomorrow morning. There must be no delay. I order you to do so!"

Yang Shiqi was slightly stunned. He didn't expect that the Emperor, even though he was ill, would still want him to see him tomorrow.

After the eunuch finished reading the decree, he said, "Yang Shiqi, why don't you accept the decree and express your gratitude?"

Only then did Yang Shiqi come to his senses.

Just now, Zhu Yunhuan did not say anything like "accepting the imperial edict and thanking the emperor", and the eunuch who delivered the edict did not say anything either.

He forgot about it for a moment.

Hearing the eunuch's words, Yang Shiqi hurriedly said, "I, Yang Shiqi, accept the order. Long live the emperor."

Zhu Yunhuan smiled and said, "It seems that you have made a wrong prediction this time. Grandfather Emperor will still see you tomorrow."

"You have to prepare well."

"You have heard the contents of the imperial edict just now, right?"

"I boasted to Grandpa Emperor that you have the talent to be a prime minister. You must not let me down."

He had been wondering just now that it was okay for Old Zhu to deliver three imperial edicts at once.

Why are there two oral instructions?
It turned out that the other one was passed on to Yang Shiqi.

No wonder!

Yang Shiqi's expression became more serious than ever before.

For a scholar, meeting the emperor for the first time in his life is by no means a trivial matter.

Often you only have the chance to see it when you are on the list of successful candidates.

Many people still went to the temple together to take a look from afar.

But now, he was summoned privately by His Majesty the Emperor.

This is a treatment that even the newly crowned top scholar does not have.

How could Yang Shiqi not be nervous?
"As you command!" Yang Shiqi said, "Then I will go and prepare first!"

He did not sleep last night, and was anxiously waiting for the results in the court during the day today, and did not get a good rest.

I had been planning to have a good sleep tonight, but now that I know that the Emperor will summon me tomorrow morning, I am instantly sleepless.

"Wait a minute!" the eunuch said, "There is a third imperial edict here."

"It was written by His Majesty himself. It is extremely important."

"Yang Shiqi, you should stay as well and listen to the imperial edict together."

As he spoke, the eunuch slowly unfolded the scroll containing the imperial edict.

"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims: I, as the supreme ruler, have received the mandate of Heaven to rule the world, but my health has been poor recently, and I am unable to attend to any matters."

"The Ming Dynasty has just been established, and the great affairs of the country must not be neglected for a moment."

Hearing this, Zhu Yunhuan's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

When Zhu Yuanzhang wrote imperial edicts, many of them were written in plain language.

But today's imperial edict was written in a refined and elegant manner.

As you can imagine, it is absolutely extraordinary.

While he was thinking, he heard the eunuch continue to read:

"Prince Wu is both loyal and filial, and he is a man of great talent. He is able to shoulder important responsibilities, and I am very pleased."

"I have specially appointed the King of Wu to temporarily serve as regent and take charge of state affairs to reassure the people and stabilize the foundation of the country."

"From today on, all matters of the court, big or small, will be decided by the King of Wu. You don't need to report to me anymore."

"Ministers from all directions should work together to assist the King of Wu and fulfill my wishes."

"If anyone disobeys, they will be severely punished. I order you to do so!"

(End of this chapter)