Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 18 The surrenderists had no good end
Liu Bowen was still immersed in the shock of the emperor who suddenly became unfathomable, knowledgeable, and far-sighted, but no longer as eager for quick success as before.

But when he heard the emperor asking about Luo Guanzhong again, he was slightly surprised.

I don't understand why the emperor suddenly shifted the topic from the common ideals of the Ming Dynasty to Luo Guanzhong.

"We had some contact in the past, but we weren't close, and we haven't corresponded for several years."

Liu Bowen answered cautiously.

He was cautious about this matter for a reason.

First of all, Luo Guanzhong used to work for Zhang Shicheng and was his aide.

Zhang Shicheng was also an old rival of the rising star.

Secondly, Luo Guanzhong also has the book "Water Margin" written by his master Shi Nai'an.

When we tried to publish a little bit at the beginning, it was directly banned by the emperor.

Given these backgrounds, he had to be cautious when the emperor suddenly asked about it.

"Mr. Liu, please write to him and ask him to come to Yingtian to see us.

Just say that after meeting me, I will allow the publication of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" written by him.

The Water Margin written by his late teacher can also be published and distributed."

Zhu Yuanzhang simply ignored what Liu Bowen said about not being familiar with Luo Guanzhong and began to arrange tasks.

How could he not know whether Liu Bowen and Luo Guanzhong were familiar with each other?
Liu Bowen was stunned again.

He couldn't remember anymore, but this was the number of times the superior had acted beyond his expectations since they met today!

The superiors were looking for Luo Guanzhong, not to make things difficult for him or even kill him, but to publish his novel?
Even his teacher's Water Margin will be published together?
This is really surprising!

"Shangri-La, this Water Margin is all about rebellion, all sorts of government-induced rebellion. If it's published now, wouldn't it be a bit inappropriate? Ahem... "

Liu Bowen hesitated for a moment and asked.

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head and said, "It doesn't matter. The world is bad, the government is unfair, and the people can't survive. So it's okay to rebel.

Isn't it because we can't survive that we rebelled?
If the world is good and the people can survive, anyone who incites the people to rebel will be arrested by the people.

A village head with a few people can wipe out those who want to establish a country and proclaim themselves emperor!

The decision of whether to rebel or not will not change because of a novel.

Ultimately, it's your stomach that decides.

Just keep printing, the sky won’t fall.

After it is published, we can compare the weak Song Dynasty, where the world was dark and the people could not survive, with our Ming Dynasty.

Only after understanding the darkness and frustration of the Song Dynasty can we more deeply appreciate the good of our Ming Dynasty in the future.

Moreover, Water Margin is not without educational significance. For example, the story of recruiting the amnesty is very good.

It can clearly tell the world that those who surrender will not have a good end."

After living in modern times for fifteen years, how could he not have heard of the four great classics?
Not only have I listened to them, I have also read them all carefully.

Wonderfully written indeed.

In the previous life, I did not like Water Margin and did not allow it to be published, but judging from the fact that it was listed as one of the four great classics in later generations, it was obviously a failure.

His worry that it would lead to others following his example and starting a rebellion was proven to be an overthinking.

Before the Water Margin was published, there were many rebellions.

Since you can't resist it at all, you might as well take it and use it for yourself.

Having such a good book that has been tested by hundreds of years will be of great help to what I want to do!
Moreover, after finding Luo Guanzhong, not only can you get Water Margin, but you can also get Romance of the Three Kingdoms for free.

Perhaps Luo Guanzhong can also write some other masterpieces that will be passed down through the ages.

For example, it would be a good idea to tell him the idea of ​​"Investiture of the Gods" and let him write it in advance.

Later in life, he also read the original novel of "Investiture of the Gods". It was good, but in terms of writing style, character portrayal, and plot, it was so far behind "Water Margin" and "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".

For example, Luo Guanzhong portrayed Zhuge Liang's wisdom, which was almost demonic, to perfection.

But in Investiture of the Gods, when writing about the wise man Jiang Ziya, they only keep talking about how smart Jiang Ziya is, but when it comes to his actions, people can't see where his intelligence is. This is a good idea, but it really is a waste.

It would be better to let Luo Guanzhong write it.

No matter how poorly it is written, it is still better than the original Investiture of the Gods.

"This... Your Excellency, if you really want to publish this Water Margin, some of the content needs to be slightly modified..."

Seeing that the emperor was serious about this matter, Liu Bowen prepared to speak up and give him some reminders.

This is to avoid displeasing the emperor and bringing trouble to Luo Guanzhong in the future.

"Mr. Liu is referring to Zhu Wu, the Divine Military Strategist, Chen Da, the Leaping Tiger, and Yang Chun, the White Snake. He's alluding to me, the General, and Old Chang, right?"

Liu Bowen was shocked. The emperor actually knew all about this?!

"My Lord, please be kind. Shi Naian was indeed a little inconsiderate in this regard."

Seeing Liu Bowen's reaction, Zhu Yuanzhang felt a little proud. He had unintentionally made Mr. Liu look at him with new eyes.

How could I not see Shi Naian's little thoughts?

Does he really think he is the guy named Lao Si who was given the Yongle reign title that was used by the traitor Fang La, and he is still happy about it?
"No need to change it, just print it as is. I'm too lazy to argue with it."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

When these words were spoken, Liu Bowen was completely surprised. When did the emperor become so magnanimous?

He doesn't even care about the things that were written in the book and hinted at?
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Liu Bowen's reaction and smiled secretly.

It’s not that he doesn’t care, but he has seen too much in modern life.

There are things like The Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre, Prince Yan's Northern Expedition, and even the outrageous one like the Burning of the Celebration Building... All kinds of novels and storytelling openly mention the name to criticize the author.

And that portrait of myself, painted like a pig kidney turned spirit, with pockmarks all over my face...

The most annoying thing is, what kind of rubbish is this, what kind of ditch literature is this!
When Zhu Yuanzhang first saw this rumor, if he couldn't find out who spread it, he would definitely confront him offline!
After experiencing the bombardment of so many outrageous things in later generations, Zhu Yuanzhang became somewhat numb and desensitized to them.

Compared with those things, what Shi Naian secretly hinted at is not even a drizzle.

"Okay, I will try to contact Luo Guanzhong next.

If he knew this news, he would wake up laughing in his dreams.

I'm sure they'll be eager to come all the way here, cough cough cough..."

After receiving the confirmation from the emperor, Liu Bowen no longer said that he and Luo Guanzhong were no longer familiar with each other.

He agreed to this matter immediately.

"Mr. Liu, please take care of yourself! Take good care of yourself. We'll have the imperial physician take a good look at you.

Although the Ming Dynasty was established, there was still a lot to do.

Mr. Liu has to continue to shine!"

After a conversation and finishing the business, Zhu Yuanzhang held Liu Bowen's hand and gave instructions in a serious tone.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency. I have heard about the common ideals of the Ming Dynasty from you and have accepted this mission. I will complete this mission before I die!"

Liu Bowen, the usually calm scholar, now showed a resoluteness and fortitude that was rare in the past, even in his illness...

Liu Bowen left Wuying Hall with the help of a cane. Compared with when he came in, his back was much straighter.

Even the condition seems to have improved a lot...

……

After Liu Bowen left, Zhu Yuanzhang sat here and pondered for a while, weighing the pros and cons.

After confirming that there were no mistakes or omissions, he sat up straight and his face turned cold.

"Order the entire Imperial Guard to assemble! And have Right Commander Cao Xiu come see us!"

The issues of Liao Yongzhong and Liu Bowen have been resolved. Now, we have to start dealing with the issues of the Royal Guard Commandant's Mansion!

(End of this chapter)