Zhu Yuanzhang Returns from Modern Times

Chapter 69: Emperor Hongwu Walks Around the Pillar

The first surprise today was given by Biaoer.

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard what Zhu Biao said, he was feeling a little proud and secretly congratulating himself for his foresight, but he was stunned.

No, Biaoer, the guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes, has betrayed us?
Betray in front of me?

Didn’t we agree that if I gave those bastards some benefits, they would help me cover up and let me get away with it?
Why is Biaoer doing this now?

Why didn’t I realize that Biaoer was so bad before?

What does it mean to be a real scumbag?
My own son is really a scumbag!
However, Zhu Yuanzhang was no longer able to discuss this matter with his eldest son.

Because Queen Ma's gentle gaze, as sharp as a knife, had fallen on him.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt a chill and his hair stood on end.

"Hehehe... sister, don't listen to Biao'er's nonsense, these are just appearances."

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a chuckle.

Empress Ma also smiled and said, "A real man should endure some hardship.

Jade cannot be made into a useful object without being carved. Born in the deep palace and raised by women's hands, it will not be useful if it does not understand the suffering of the people.

Your Majesty, this is the right thing to do."

Queen Ma's emotions were very stable, and one could even hear a lot of recognition and admiration from her words.

It was as if the look as gentle as a knife blade just now was not revealed by her at all, and it was all Zhu Yuanzhang's illusion.

But Zhu Yuanzhang knew that the matter could not be resolved peacefully!
After living together for so many years, he knew the girl's style very well.

When in front of outsiders, no matter how big a mistake you made, no matter how dissatisfied the girl is with what you did.

They never get angry in front of others and behave the same as usual.

But this does not mean that the matter is over. The girl will settle the score with you when there is no one around next time.

Judging from the girl's reaction at this time, it is clear that she has already taken this matter to heart.

"Father, my child said that the Queen Mother will definitely understand your good intentions.

You see, I'm not wrong, am I? "

Zhu Biao's voice sounded at the right time, and it even carried a hint of seeking credit.

Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment, and then he didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Biao'er has also become a bad guy!

He actually plays word games with his father.

After I gave the three brats rewards, I asked Biaoer if it was okay. Biaoer said that it was a stroke of genius that he let Lao Er and the others go to Zhongdu City.

He also said that his mother would definitely understand his good intentions.

Now, the girl is indeed saying that she understands her good intentions.

But the key point is that the girl is emotional at this time, and is obviously speaking in a sarcastic way, and is going to settle the score with herself next!

The honest and loyal Biaoer has also become a bad person!
Nothing to do, just thinking about cheating dad.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang was not angry about this, but felt happy instead.

I feel like his appearance has improved again.

……

"Haha, you two can chat for now, let's go take care of government affairs.

This trip delayed a lot of things."

After returning to the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Empress Ma and his sons with a smile and said.

Of course, it was mainly said to Queen Ma.

After saying this, without waiting for Empress Ma to speak, he left first and headed towards Wuying Palace.

Although his steps were steady and full of the majesty of an old father.

But in the eyes of Zhu Biao, Zhu Gang, and Zhu Di, it seemed like a desperate escape.

"Father, you haven't seen Mother for a while. How about...staying and talking with her?"

Zhu Chong looked at his father Zhu Yuanzhang and greeted him kindly.

"This idiot!" Zhu Yuanzhang cursed inwardly.

His pace quickened a bit.

He waved his hands repeatedly without turning his head: "No, no, national affairs are urgent, national affairs are urgent.

How can a man of honor sacrifice public interest for personal gain?
You girls just need to talk nicely!"

When the voice fell, the man had already moved to the other side of the palace wall and disappeared from the sight of several people.

"Father is truly devoted to the country!"

Zhu Chong exclaimed in admiration, full of respect for his father.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was on the other side of the palace wall, staggered and his mouth opened and closed silently.

Judging from his expression, I'm afraid he is praising his second son as a good son.

Zhu Biao, Zhu Gang, and Zhu Di looked at each other, their expressions more serious than each other.

After a while, I guessed that my father had gone far away and could no longer hear any noise from this side.

"Hahaha……"

Zhu Biao could hold it back no longer, and with a serious face, he burst out with a puff.

He laughed so hard that he stamped his feet.

Zhu Gang and Zhu Di, who were both stubborn, could no longer hold back their laughter after being inspired by their elder brother Zhu Biao.

I laughed so hard that I held my stomach.

They had never discovered such a funny side of their father before.

Especially the second brother’s serious question was truly a stroke of genius.

Zhu Chong touched his head, unable to react, wondering why his elder brother and the others were laughing so happily.

After a pause, he also grinned and laughed.

I laughed until tears came out.

This was certainly not Zhu Chong's belated reaction to what was going on.

But I felt that since everyone was laughing, it would be bad if I didn't laugh too.

Queen Ma looked at her sons laughing together and couldn't help but smile, her eyes full of love...

After his sons had laughed enough, he asked someone to send some delicious food and asked in detail about the lives of Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di in Zhongdu City.

During this process, the third and fourth brothers spoke more, and the second brother spoke less.

Most of the time he was grinning.

Empress Ma did not ignore this son and would specifically ask Zhu Chong some questions.

The more she knew, the more frightened and distressed Empress Ma became.

He was shocked by the dangerous experiences of his sons, and also by the audacity of people like Li Shanchang!
If it weren't for her sons' personal experiences, if someone told her that Li Shanchang and others dared to do this in such a major event as building the capital, she would subconsciously suspect that the other party was lying!
He felt sorry for his sons who were suffering in Zhongdu City, and he felt even more sorry for the many people who were conscripted to build Zhongdu.

What crime have the people committed?
Li Shanchang deserves to die!

Chongba handled this matter well!

If it weren't for Zhuge Liang's ruthlessness, which went beyond everyone's expectations and brought his sons to Zhongdu, he would have directly cut off Li Shanchang's support, blocking all possibilities of Li Shanchang's quibbling and finding a real weakness.

It’s not that easy to deal with it so cleanly and neatly.

But, one thing is one thing, Chongba’s account must be settled!
……

It was late at night, but the lights were still on in Wuying Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang was still sitting here handling government affairs, showing no sign of fatigue.

Back to the eighth year of Hongwu, it feels so good to have endless energy and sheer sheer vitality.

When Zhu Jianjun became a modern player, he did not have such a good physique and such a gifted spirit.

Zhu Yuanzhang was not planning to go anywhere tonight and would handle government affairs in the Wuying Hall.

After dealing with the matter until late at night, he went straight to sleep in Wuying Palace.

On the one hand, he is impatient and does not want to see too many government affairs piled up.

Moreover, he himself has a special liking for handling government affairs and feels that it is a pleasure.

Power is gained through the handling of these government affairs.

On the other hand, he was worried that if he went to Kunning Palace, the girl would settle the score with him...

Bah, that's not the case.

How could he, the great Hongwu Emperor, who had returned from studying abroad in modern times for fifteen years, not dare to go to Kunning Palace to sleep for fear of being beaten up by a girl?
What a joke!

Who would believe this?

How could I, the great Hongwu Emperor, be such a person?
"boom!"

The door of Wuying Palace was pushed open from the outside, and a chill poured in through the door.

Zhu Yuanzhang threw down his red brush and jumped up.

While secretly cursing the gatekeeper Old Wang for being increasingly useless, in the past, when girls came, he would loudly shout "Long live the Queen" to remind himself.

As a result, this time, not even a fart was given, leaving me no chance to prepare at all.

While running back.

He knew who was coming without even looking!

Apart from his sister, no one else had the ability to push open the door of Wuying Palace silently.

But unfortunately, a figure came quickly and blocked his escape route.

Empress Ma chased Zhu Yuanzhang in the Wuying Palace, holding a feather duster and beating him hard.

"Sister, sister, stop hitting me, stop hitting me!"

"Didn't we bring these bastards back safely?"

Zhu Yuanzhang dodged around the pillar while explaining aloud.

"You call that bringing it back in one piece? You almost made them explain where it is!
What did you promise me at the beginning?"

Empress Ma was still holding the chicken feather marbles, chasing Zhu Yuanzhang around the pillar and hitting him.

At this time, how could Empress Ma still be the mother of the country in front of outsiders?

If an outsider saw such a scene, I wonder how many jaws would drop in shock.

Who would have thought that the founding emperor and empress of the Ming Dynasty would be like this when they were together in private.

"Sister, sister, we were wrong, we were wrong..."

……

After a while, the fighting finally stopped in the Wuying Palace, where feathers were scattered all over the floor.

"Zhongba, I know you have good intentions. You want to solve the big problem and you also want to train our son well.

Let them strive to be successful.

But... your method is too drastic.

I'm afraid that if I ignore you, you will become even more aggressive in the future.

This is our son. As his parents, how can we not love our son?

Even if you need to temper yourself, there has to be a limit."

Empress Ma snuggled in Zhu Yuanzhang's arms, reached out and gently pulled out the chicken feathers stuck in Zhu Yuanzhang's hair, and spoke to Zhu Yuanzhang in a soft voice.

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, the things that his sons would do in the future began to circle in his mind again.

The heart that had just relaxed became hard again.

In this life, these sons of mine, especially the one who behaved like an animal, must never behave like this again!

If it needs to be polished, it must be polished; if it needs to be strengthened, it must be strengthened.

It is better to torment them more than for them to torment the people in the future!
"Sister, we all know what you said.

But what we want to say is that these are what they should bear.

Who told them...they are my sons, Zhu Yuanzhang?"

As he said this, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed secretly and his mood suddenly became heavy.

There are so many thoughts in my mind.

But the determination to train her sons became even stronger. Empress Ma paused as she was plucking the chicken feathers from Zhu Yuanzhang.

Obviously, no one expected that Zhu Yuanzhang would say such words.

Who said they were my sons, Zhu Yuanzhang?
This sentence may seem ordinary at first, but if you think about it, you can discern countless meanings from it.

In particular, it allows people to see Chongba's dilemma in raising his sons and his final determination.

The Wuying Hall fell into silence, with only the occasional loud popping of candles.

After a while, Empress Ma started plucking Zhu Yuanzhang's feathers again.

"Zhongba, you are right. As your sons and princes of the Ming Dynasty, they are destined to be different from ordinary people.

The higher the position, the greater the responsibility.

Without corresponding tempering, it is impossible to develop corresponding abilities and qualities.

It is not a good thing for them in the future.

Since ancient times, loving mothers often spoil their children. I understand this truth."

Empress Ma sat up straight in Zhu Yuanzhang's arms.

After a pause, he said, “But… people are all made of flesh and blood, especially mothers.

Sometimes I can't help but think that I would rather my sons didn't have such great abilities than think about how outstanding they are.

As long as we can live in peace and joy, that's enough.

But... I also know that this is impossible.

The four words "peace and joy" may seem ordinary, but if you really think about it, they are the most extravagant wishes.

In this world, how many people can live in peace and happiness for their entire lives?

Especially, Chongba, you have made our sons kings, and will have them become fiefs in the future.

The princes are all wrong for not doing anything. If you continue to act like this, I wonder how many pairs of eyes in the world will be staring at them.

This is especially true for many officials.

I wish I could put my eyes on them and find their faults.

If they don't have any abilities and only have a throne, it is impossible for them to have peace and happiness.

Chongba, I also know your difficulties.

I…I’m not saying that I don’t want you to train them, but when you train them, you must be extremely careful and at least not let them lose their lives…”

Queen Ma spoke slowly and with great hesitation.

It is always difficult to choose and find the right balance between loving children and worrying about them suffering, and letting them grow up and become successful.

"Sister, I know, I know, I think so too.

Biao'er is our son, and the other children are also our sons.

We not only have to consider Biao'er, but also our other sons and take care of them.

We want to give them a better future, and we can definitely give them a completely different, better future!"

Empress Ma nodded vigorously, sat up straight and snuggled in Zhu Yuanzhang's arms again.

She believed what Chongba said.

But at the same time, I also feel that Chongba has changed a lot in recent times.

Especially in his attitude towards his many sons.

In the past, it cannot be said that Chongba did not care about his other sons, but his care was really very limited.

But now, Empress Ma could clearly feel that Chongba's concern for his other sons had increased a lot.

This is a good change.

She didn't think too much about it, she just thought that it was after this trip to Zhongdu City that Chongba felt more emotional and saw the excellence of his other sons.

Hence the change...

……

"Dad, it's windy and cold outside, put this on before you go!"

Xu Da received an imperial edict from the palace, asking him to come to the palace for a talk. Without stopping, he immediately went out and followed the palace servant who came to deliver the edict into the palace to see the emperor.

Xu Miaoyun chased out holding a thick cloak.

Xu Da took it and was about to leave, but Xu Miaoyun refused. She reached out to grab the reins and watched her father put on the cloak before she let go.

Xu Da was riding on the horse, feeling the warmth from the cloak, and a smile appeared on his face involuntarily.

My daughter has been sensible since she was young.

His wife died early, and he lived in Peking all year round. She, a little girl, was able to support the family in Yingtian.

The house was kept in perfect order and there was no trouble.

It’s better managed than when my wife was here.

In the past few years, if Miaoyun hadn't been there, I wouldn't have felt so at ease in Peking.

This child is here to repay his gratitude.

Therefore, when looking for a husband in the future, I must carefully choose and find a suitable and good person for Miaoyun.

The status of her husband's family is secondary. Given his current status and his love for Miaoyun, his eldest daughter, he doesn't care much about this.

No matter how low the status of the family Miaoyun married into, as long as that man married Miaoyun, he would become his son-in-law.

Then, his status will improve rapidly and visibly.

For this reason, Xu Da felt that when choosing a husband for Miaoyun, the most important thing was that the husband should be gentle and humble, and be able to get along well with Miaoyun.

As for the rest, he didn't care much.

To be honest, if he didn't have this advantage, he wouldn't look down on the other person no matter how high his social status was.

Even the son of a superior is the same.

Especially the fourth child of the superior family, that is even more unacceptable.

He was in a mess the whole day, just like a monkey.

No matter who my precious daughter marries, she must not marry someone like the Prince of Yan.

Thinking this in his mind, Xu Da suddenly realized what was happening and couldn't help but shake his head and smile secretly.

How did I come up with this idea?
Isn't this pure nonsense?

If the superior summons me this time, he will definitely not tell me about this matter.

Xu Da had full confidence in this.

According to past practice, we returned to the capital from Peking to celebrate the New Year. Now it is the 28th day of the first lunar month, and the first lunar month is about to end.

He had already left Yingtian and rushed to Peking.

Basically, we stayed in Peking for two or three days at this time.

But this year is an exception.

I had already left Yingtian and headed for Peking.

As a result, the superior suddenly sent someone to catch up with him and asked him to return to Yingtian and wait.

I have been waiting until now.

Of course, Xu Da now also knew why the superior asked him to return to Yingtian and wait.

What happened was indeed worth his wait.

Who could have thought that Li Shanchang would do such a thing!

Of course, what is even more surprising is that the superiors can actually make such a move!
I was shocked, but also felt it was natural.

After all, when he came to power and conquered Wuzhou, in order to reduce the burden on the people, he ordered that the "village grain" of the people should no longer be collected.

Therefore, in order to store more food, the superiors issued a strict order, explicitly prohibiting alcohol.

As a result, Hu Dahai's son Hu Sanshe secretly brewed wine for profit, and the superiors wanted to punish him to serve as a warning to others.

Some people advised that Hu Dahai was a general at that time and was leading a large army to fight in Shaoxing. If Hu Sanshe was killed, it would inevitably discourage Hu Dahai.

It is even possible that Hu Dahai would lead his troops to surrender to the enemy because of this.

But the answer given by the superiors was "I would rather let Hu Dahai rebel than let my military orders fail to be implemented"!
So he killed Hu Sanshe with his own hands.

If he could do such a thing when he was in power, it is reasonable for him to do such a thing when facing Li Shanchang in Zhongdu City.

He is still the same emperor, but his eight years as emperor have not smoothed out his rough edges.

Xu Da knew very well why the superior had specifically ordered him to return halfway and summoned him the next day after returning to Yingtian.

That is why Xu Da laughed secretly when he realized that he was subconsciously thinking about not letting his daughter Miaoyun marry the Prince of Yan.

He was very confident that when he came this time, the superior would definitely not tell anyone about the marriage between Miaoyun and Prince Yan.

Faced with such a major change, how could the superior have the mood to care about the marriage of his children?
……

"Tian De is here? Hahaha, no need to be so polite, there's no outsider here, just sit down!"

In Kunning Palace, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Xu Da who was coming and greeted him with a smile, which was very cordial.

"Tian De, just sit down. This is a family dinner, no need to be polite.

There are only a few of us, no outsiders.

Sister-in-law, please make a few more pancakes and the meal will be ready."

Empress Ma, who was wearing an apron around her waist, heard Xu Da coming and walked out of the kitchen with some flour on her hands.

However, Xu Da did not listen to the couple's words, and continued to pay his respects to Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma in a serious and formal manner.

Xu Da was just like that, humble, reserved, and cautious in his conduct.

This is especially true in front of Zhu Yuanzhang.

Even though he was the undisputed number one in the army, and even though he was an old fellow villager of the emperor, he was always very respectful when facing Zhu Yuanzhang.

There is no arrogance or pride in one's achievements.

After paying his respects earnestly, he looked at Empress Ma and said with a mixture of gratitude and a sense of overwhelm:

"Your Majesty... Sister-in-law, just ask the palace maids to prepare some food. How can you trouble yourself to cook? How can this be done?"

"What? Do you dislike my sister-in-law's cooking skills?"

Queen Ma said jokingly.

"Why would I dislike it? Back when I was conquering the world with my superiors, being able to enjoy a meal cooked by my sister-in-law was a rare improvement in my life!"

"Haha, you should eat more today.

You two can chat for a while, the meal will be ready soon."

Empress Ma was very satisfied with Xu Da's answer. After saying a word, she went back into the kitchen to make pancakes.

She didn't have any of the grace and elegance of a queen, she just looked like an ordinary sister-in-law.

After a while, the pancakes were baked, and Empress Ma began to serve the dishes. Xu Da also rushed into the kitchen to help serve the dishes and pancakes...

This time, Xu Da was not polite. He held the pancake in one hand and used chopsticks in the other to pick up food and stuff it into his mouth.

I just think it smells so good!
"This scene reminds me of the time when we were still in Haozhou and we got together to eat and drink."

Zhu Yuanzhang ate for a while and then spoke with emotion, his voice full of reminiscence.

"Time flies so fast. So many years have passed in a flash. Old brothers who ate and drank together, only Tiande is still by my side.

Even Lao Chang left early."

"Old Chang was an unlucky man. He fought for half his life, and when good times finally came, he was gone."

Xu Da continued Zhu Yuanzhang's words and spoke, his voice filled with reminiscence, regret and sadness.

After saying this, he felt that it was not good to just say this, so he added something.

“However, the superiors took good care of Old Chang and posthumously conferred the title of Prince of Kaiping on him.

Because of his merits, his son was made Duke.

He also betrothed his daughter to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and made her the Crown Princess.

If Old Chang knew about this in his afterlife, he would surely be grinning and grateful for the kindness shown by the Supreme Being.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "Old Chang has raised a good daughter. She is indeed qualified to be the Crown Princess.

Miaoyun has grown up now, why not marry our fourth son and become our daughter-in-law?"

Xu Da was stunned...

(End of this chapter)