My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 6 The Best and the Worst

Zhu Biao left. Today's trip had given him such a huge shock.

When he left the prison, he was confused.

He even forgot to tell Ma Yu that Zhu Chong would continue to "suffer" in prison.

So when Zhu Chong came back, Ma Yu couldn't help but be a little surprised.

But then I guessed what was going on.

After attending so many classes here, it would be unreasonable for Li Wen to just leave like that.

Li Wu is the backup.

I had been taken care of by him before, so we have a certain relationship.

The two of them got along quite well, so keeping him here made it easier for her to deal with him.

It was also reasonable that the other strong young man was taken away.

He is just a simple-minded idiot with strong limbs, just like the dandy boys portrayed in movies and TV dramas.

As long as Li Wen and the others are not stupid, they will not keep him here anymore.

Even so, that idiot will be ordered to keep silent when he returns, and he can't say a single word of what is said in prison.

Even before his own execution, he could not expect to be truly free.

What? You're asking if you'd be angry if you were schemed against like this?

Why are you angry?

There is only hatred without reason in this world, but no love without reason.

Why should others take the risk of being implicated to take care of you?
Li Wen also made it very clear that he would come here often to ask questions in the future.

The implicit meaning of this sentence is, if you answer my question, I will ensure that you don't suffer in jail.

Moreover, Li Wen's attitude was very sincere. He asked for advice rather than engaging in a naked transaction.

This is already taking care of his face.

If he is still angry even after all this, then his self-esteem is a bit too much.

You have to know that the other party's family is a high-ranking official in the Ming Dynasty and can talk to the emperor every day.

Even in the 21st century, if you deal with a county magistrate's child, see how he reacts.

Not to mention that in ancient times, if you were beaten, you deserved it, and if you were exploited, it was your honor.

Got some unique knowledge? Spit it out!

Being able to give me lectures is a blessing you have earned in eight lifetimes. Don’t be so shameless.

Do you really think that class is just a few simple words in a book?
Ma Yu felt that the reason why Li Wen was so polite was probably due to two reasons.

One is that the family education and family style are indeed good.

The second is related to the origin of the founding group of the Ming Dynasty.

Let’s put it this way, looking at the entire ancient Chinese history, the founding group of the Ming Dynasty had the lowest starting point and the worst origin.

They have not yet enjoyed power, their thinking is still stuck in the past, they have not adapted to the status of "aristocrats" and have not developed an aristocratic mentality.

Therefore, their style of doing things is still full of simplicity, and of course it can also be said to be barbaric and brutal.

This is the best time.

The Song Dynasty completely sent away the remaining nobles and gentry.

The brutal rule of the Mongols completely destroyed the social structure that had been formed in the past.

The fledgling Ming Dynasty was in ruins and was like a blank sheet of paper. Its successors could write their own legends without any constraints.

This is also the worst of times.

Because this important task fell on a group of "grassroots".

They have not received systematic training and do not know how to govern the country.

We can only learn from the records in history books, the fragments left by our predecessors, and then paint according to our own imagination.

The final result can be imagined.

For the ruling class of the newly born Ming Dynasty, if they do not understand how to govern the country, then they can learn slowly and practice bit by bit.

If it is right, continue to implement it; if it is wrong, make adjustments.

But for the common people, every trial and error is a disaster.

There is a saying that is most appropriate here: the dust of the times is like a mountain when it falls on every individual.

History has proven that the results of the founding group of the Ming Dynasty were not good.

Issues concerning the political system, banknotes, military households, taxes, and the land and population system...

These most basic national policies were not formulated well from the very beginning.

After that, there were fluctuations and adjustments again and again.

Every adjustment is accompanied by great turmoil, causing countless people to suffer.

The Ming Dynasty struggled to last for more than two hundred years before collapsing.

Foreign races invaded China and the land sank. The three massacres of Jiading and the ten days of Yangzhou... all lives were devastated.

Thinking of this, Ma Yu felt a sudden pain in his heart.

He subconsciously covered his heart with his hands and his breathing became rapid.

Zhu Chong, who was standing aside, was feeling uneasy. He was sent here by his elder brother to be a tool, and he felt uncomfortable all over.

I want to find a topic to start a conversation and ease the awkward atmosphere.

But Ma Yu looked so pensive that he didn't know how to start speaking for a moment.

At this moment, he suddenly discovered that Ma Yu's face was ferocious and he looked like he was gritting his teeth.

He was immediately startled and quickly took a defensive stance, saying:
"what happened to you?"

Before he could stand up, he heard Ma Yu whisper:
"The peaks and ridges gather, the waves rage, and the mountains and rivers surround the Tongguan Road."

"Looking at the Western Capital, I feel hesitant."

"Sad that the palaces of the Qin and Han dynasties have all turned to dust."

"When prosperity comes, the people suffer; when decline comes, the people suffer."

"When prosperity comes, the people suffer; when decline comes, the people suffer."

"When prosperity comes, the people suffer; when decline comes, the people suffer."

Zhu Chong was a little surprised, but more puzzled. What did it mean? Why did he suddenly start reciting poems?

What does it have to do with you whether the people are suffering or not?
You are about to die, and yet you still care about the people of the world?

Are you sick?

Ma Yu gradually came to his senses and regained clarity of consciousness.

Thinking back to my state just now, I feel particularly confused.

In my previous life, I had conflicts with Ming fans and never felt bad searching for negative information about the Ming Dynasty every day.

They even felt complacent about finding evidence to refute the other party.

Why do I feel so uncomfortable when I think about it now?
Could it be that traveling through time has made me more compassionate?
Can a time traveler come and tell me what's going on?
Zhu Biao walked a long way out of the prison before he gradually regained his senses. Then he remembered that he had not yet told Ma Yu about his second brother.

I was originally planning to go back and explain so that the other party wouldn't be suspicious.

But on second thought, with Ma Yu's intelligence, he would definitely understand what was going on.

Sometimes explaining too much can make you seem forced and backfire.

So I gave up the idea.

He looked back at his brother-in-law who was looking around behind him and couldn't help but shake his head secretly.

This kid is spoiled. If he is not taught a good lesson, he will be a real loser.

But when he thought of his mother, Zhu Biao felt a headache.

Chang Mao was not a legitimate son. To be precise, Chang Yuchun had only one legitimate daughter, who was Zhu Biao's future Crown Princess.

His wife, Lan Yu's elder sister, later died of illness. He was away fighting for many years and never remarried.

Chang Mao was born to a concubine, but because there was no legitimate son, he, the eldest son of a concubine, became the heir to the family.

Although his mother did not obtain the status of legal wife, she became the de facto mistress of the Chang family because of her son.

It is not difficult to guess what would happen if a concubine of low status relied on her son to rise up.

Chang Yuchun was often away fighting in wars and had no time to discipline his children. Chang Mao's mother spoiled him blindly, which led to his dandy character.

Although Concubine Chang wanted to take care of it, she was still young and powerless.

Secondly, she had lived in the palace for many years and had no chance to learn from Empress Ma.

Zhu Biao was also very busy. He had to study every day and learn government affairs from his mother.

I don't have the energy to worry about my brother-in-law.

Everyone understands Chang Mao's situation and can only hope that he will become better as he grows up and becomes more mature.

But now it seems that this hope is somewhat slim.

Considering how much he heard in prison, if it got out, who knows how much trouble it would cause.

Zhu Biao immediately made up his mind that he must discipline him. However, he would discuss the specifics of how to do it with his mother after returning to the palace.

Chang Mao didn't know that his hard days were about to begin. He was suffocated after being locked up in prison for so many days.

Now that it's finally released, everything about it looks pleasing to the eye.

It feels so good to be free.

After sending the prince back to the palace, I will go home to get the money and enjoy myself to make up for the losses of these days.

He was secretly thinking about where to spend his money later.

However, when he arrived at the palace gate, before he could open his mouth, Zhu Biao spoke first:
"Come with me to the palace, and don't run around for the next few days."

"Ah?" Chang Mao was naturally unwilling and said quickly:
"I haven't been home for so long, my mother must be worried, I'm going to go back and tell her the news first."

Zhu Biao knew what he was planning, so he snorted coldly and said:

"I will send someone to inform your mother."

Then he said sternly, "Remember, keep to yourself what you hear in prison, and don't spread a single word."

"Otherwise I will put you in jail for the rest of your life."

Chang Mao couldn't help but shudder. Others didn't know the truth and just thought that the prince was gentle, kind and generous.

He had a lot of contact with Zhu Biao, but he knew very well how cruel the prince's methods would be when he was really angry.

Obviously, this matter has touched the bottom line. If I dare to say anything nonsense, I will probably be skinned alive if not dead.

At that moment, he did not dare to mention going home anymore, and quickly promised:
"Don't worry, I'll keep everything that happened in prison to myself..."

"No, what prison? I've never been to prison. I've been practicing martial arts at home these days."

Zhu Biao looked at his brother-in-law who was still being clever, feeling both amused and helpless.

But it can be seen that he does know the seriousness of the matter, and that is enough.

So he didn't say anything more and took Chang Mao back to the palace.

He first went to the East Palace to change his clothes, and then asked someone to arrange a place for Chang Mao to stay.

The imperial city was divided into the harem and the outer court. Normal men other than the emperor were not allowed to enter and leave the harem at will, but there was no such restriction in the outer court.

Otherwise, the palace guards would have rebelled.

Moreover, the government offices of the three provinces and six ministries are all within the imperial city. We can't castrate all these people.

That would be a huge uproar.

It was not difficult to arrange a place for Chang Mao to live in the palace, but it was impossible to make him feel as comfortable as at home.

Chang Mao felt so upset that he would have burst into tears if the situation had allowed it.

Zhu Biao had no time to pay attention to him, so he sent someone to Kunning Palace to inform Concubine Chang that Chang Mao had been brought back and was in the Eastern Palace.

She can come visit any time.

Then he went to the Qianqing Palace to meet Empress Ma.

After visiting the prison and hearing so much shocking information, he couldn't wait to discuss it with his mother.

What? You're asking why Empress Ma is in the Palace of Heavenly Purity?
Not only did she handle government affairs in the Qianqing Palace, she also openly sat on the dragon throne.

Zhu Yuanzhang had no objection, so why do you bunch of monsters have so many opinions?
-
When Zhu Biao arrived at the Qianqing Palace, Empress Ma was discussing the "Great Ming Code" with Li Shanchang, Liu Bowen and others.

And it was obvious that the atmosphere was not very good.

Li Shanchang's face was full of disdain. When he spoke to Liu Bowen, he was sarcastic and would refute whatever the other party said.

This made Liu Bowen very embarrassed, but he didn't dare to offend the other party.

In the end, I could only admit that I was inferior and choose to keep silent.

Li Shanchang then let him go with a smug look on his face, and then loudly expressed his thoughts.

Queen Ma just watched them discuss quietly and did not stop them.

On the contrary, Zhu Biao was very dissatisfied with this scene.

Li Shanchang was too narrow-minded and somewhat conceited.

Liu Bowen was also a minister of the court. Regardless of whether what he said was right or wrong, you have no reason to humiliate him like this.

And it happened in front of the Queen and the Crown Prince.

The point is, what you, Li Shanchang, said is not entirely correct. In many places, you are obviously making far-fetched arguments and relying on your status to oppress others.

In one word, domineering.

How can a person who is not tolerant become the prime minister?

Zhu Biao even wanted to step forward to stop it, but he didn't.

He knew very well that he was just a prince and the consequences of doing so would be too serious.

After all, Li Shanchang not only represents himself, but also has a large group of founding heroes standing behind him.

Once you speak out, it is likely to cause unnecessary misunderstandings.

Queen Ma glanced at her son and saw his dissatisfaction, but she didn't say much. Instead, she continued to discuss the issue with everyone.

However, at this point, things had become Li Shanchang's unilateral opinion, and there was no room for discussion.

So after talking for a while, Empress Ma found an excuse to adjourn the meeting.

Li Shanchang walked in front with a victorious attitude and a proud look on his face.

Liu Bowen followed behind at a distance, looking very cautious.

The performance of the two made the balance in Zhu Biao's heart tilt again.

Empress Ma had been observing her son's expression. After everyone left, she asked all the eunuchs to leave before saying:
"Are you very dissatisfied with Baishi?"

Zhu Biao did not hide his thoughts and nodded:
"Prime Minister Li has gone too far. How could he humiliate his colleagues like this?"

"This is in front of you. I can't imagine how much more he would go beyond your control in private."

Empress Ma said, "In private, he cursed me even more harshly than this. Several times, someone came to me to complain, and he humiliated them to my face."

Zhu Biao asked in confusion, "Then why don't you care?"

Empress Ma sighed and said, "How can we manage it? You should know how much credit he has contributed to our conquest of the empire."

"That's just his personality. He's very capable but narrow-minded. He can't be persuaded with words."

Zhu Biao said, "If you let him do this, who will dare to serve the country in the future?"

Empress Ma said, "That's why we supported Liu Bowen, hoping that he could compete with Bai Shi."

Liu Bowen was trying to contain Li Shanchang?

Thinking of how Liu Bowen was bullied just now, Zhu Biao looked puzzled:
"Liu Zhongcheng is a pious gentleman. How can we restrain him?"

Empress Ma's expression was a little strange: "You said Liu Bowen was a pious gentleman?"

Zhu Biao looked bewildered. "Even after being humiliated like this, he chose to give in and endure. It's obvious that he didn't want to cause a conflict that would affect the stability of the court."

"Isn't a person who considers the overall situation like this a gentleman?"

Empress Ma laughed and shook her head, saying, "What if I told you that when he was serving the Northern Yuan Dynasty, he was the most active in suppressing the rebels."

"He even threatened death to force his boss to adopt his suggestion."

"Later, because his superiors didn't listen to his advice, which led to his defeat, he even considered committing suicide and dying for his country."

"Do you still think he's a pious gentleman who's patient and considerate of the greater good?"

This was the first time Zhu Biao heard about this and he was shocked.

I didn’t expect that Liu Bowen, who was like a bullied daughter-in-law, had such a tough side.

But more are still puzzled:

"Then why was he so forbearing when facing Li Xiang?"

Empress Ma's face turned serious and she said, "Because he doesn't want to be our pawn and go against Li Baishi."

"He deliberately showed weakness, just for us to see, and for everyone to see."

Zhu Biao felt a chill on his back. These old foxes were too cunning.

I am still too naive and was deceived by appearances.

But then he became puzzled again:
"Since he's unwilling to confront Li and give in, why did you and my father choose him?"

Empress Ma said, "Because he has the bureaucrats of Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and even the entire Jiangnan region, standing behind him."

"Those who want to gain more power will push him forward."

"As long as he doesn't break away from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang groups, he will have to stand up and fight against Li Baishi, no matter how reluctant he is."

Zhu Biao suddenly understood and said, "I see... I didn't expect things to be so complicated. I still have a lot to learn."

Looking at her son who looked very educated, Empress Ma smiled again and said:

"It's good that you know, but don't underestimate yourself. It's already remarkable that you can achieve this at your age."

Zhu Biao said modestly: "It's all thanks to my parents' good teaching."

Empress Ma took this opportunity to explain to him how to employ people and analyzed the current situation in the court.

It gave him a better understanding of the current situation in the Ming Dynasty.

After finishing the conversation, she asked about what happened in the prison today:
"What did you gain from meeting Ma Yu?"

(End of this chapter)