My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 86 Touching the Imperial Power
Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang avoided discussing Fang Cai's topic, Ma Yu breathed a sigh of relief.

He's over forty this year, and his perception of the world is already set in stone, making it very difficult to change.

Even if he knows that his perception is wrong, it is extremely difficult for him to change it deep down.

This has nothing to do with stubbornness; it's just human nature.

It's actually a good thing that he listened to my explanation without flying into a rage and denouncing it as fallacy or heresy, nor did he refute it.

This shows that he listened.

He avoided the topic simply because it contradicted his preconceived notions.

Next, he will consult historical records to verify what he just said, and then gradually adjust his mindset.

As for whether it can be accepted in the end, how much it can be accepted, and whether subsequent policies will be adjusted as a result.

No one knows.

But at least there was no direct opposition, which is already a good sign.

He was well-prepared for the question Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

However, he did not answer directly, but said, "This question is a bit outrageous."

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression changed, and he stood up and said to the eunuch in the distance:

"Everyone must leave Kunning Palace and not approach it even a step further. Anyone who disobeys will be executed."

"Whoosh..." The eunuchs didn't dare to delay and jogged away.

Consort Chang and Xu Miaoyun also quickly bowed and took their leave; this time, no one tried to stop them.

Zhu Gang and Zhu Di also subconsciously got up, wanting to leave.

But Zhu Yuanzhang, who had already returned to his seat, said:

"You two sit down and listen, so you don't just know how to fight and kill."

Empress Ma was taken aback upon hearing this, and a look of worry appeared on her face, but she did not say anything.

Zhu Gang also looked worried. He knew very well that he was just a prince, not the crown prince.

There are some things that the princes are not allowed to know.

Now their father has left them here; they don't know what his plans are.

It would be troublesome if it caused unnecessary misunderstandings for my older brother.

No, I have to talk to my father about this later.

Zhu Di, on the other hand, didn't have so many ulterior motives. When he heard that he could stay and listen to 'treasonous' things, he was extremely excited.

Zhu Biao's expression remained unchanged, as if he did not see anything wrong with it.

After everyone had left, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Ma Yu again:
"Speak, we want to hear what kind of treasonous act this is."

Ma Yu was naturally aware that there were some problems with Zhu Yuanzhang leaving Zhu Gang and Zhu Di behind, but he did not consider the possibility of raising poisonous insects or changing the heir apparent.

The history of the past has already proven how secure Zhu Biao's position as crown prince was.

Zhu Yuanzhang likely had other plans behind his actions, and he probably had some suspicions about them as well.

It's just that it's not certain yet, so there's no need to bring it up.

It's not too late to discuss it after Zhu Yuanzhang himself speaks out in the future.

So he pretended not to notice anything, and upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, he said:

"Now, let's put aside all traditional ethical and moral principles, and the ideas of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism will also cease to exist."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyelids twitched.

Zhu Gang couldn't help but gasp, and even Zhu Di, who was still young and naive, was startled.

This is truly outrageous!

Only Zhu Biao raised his eyebrows, revealing an excited expression.

Ma Yu paused for a moment, waiting for them to process the information, before continuing:

Let's go back to the original question.

"This question needs to be answered from two perspectives."

"First, why do nations come into being, or why do people band together to form a group?"

"Secondly, from the perspective of the group and the state, how can a stable regime be established?"

To consolidate his regime? Zhu Yuanzhang immediately perked up his ears.

Previously, Ma Yu talked about macro-level issues in general terms, and rarely touched on specific matters.

When it was mentioned, it was only touched upon briefly.

Is it finally time to get down to specifics today?

Ma Yu didn't pause this time and continued:
"Let's address the first question: Why do people form groups?"

"Can't I or my family live alone?"

Why join a group and be exploited and enslaved by others?

At this point, he looked at the group and asked:

"Now, put aside your identities and just act like ordinary people."

What would be your reasons for joining a group?

Everyone was taken aback at first, and then fell into thought.

They really had never considered this issue.

Humans have always lived in groups, and they naturally believe that it is a matter of course for people to stick together.

But now that Ma Yu has asked this question, they realize that things are not quite like that.

Why do people join a group?
After joining a group, you might be lucky enough to become a free citizen, or unlucky enough to become a slave.

Wouldn't it be better to hide away in the mountains and live a free and unrestrained life?
Zhu Gang frowned and said, "The environment in the deep mountains and forests is harsh, and we have to face all kinds of wild beasts. If we get sick, there's nowhere to get medical treatment..."

He spoke more and more fluently as he spoke: "Integrate into the community, and let's work together to reclaim wasteland and cultivate the land."

"Together we resist ferocious beasts, together we fight back against the enemy's invasion..."

"People stick together in order to survive better."

Ma Yu nodded and said, "That's a good answer. We need to stick together for survival." "There are too many dangers in the outside world, from nature and from other creatures."

"An individual's abilities are limited, and they are vulnerable in the face of the entire world."

"Only by pooling the strength of the masses can we survive better."

"That's why people banded together, forming tribes that eventually evolved into nations."

"However, simply gathering people together does not necessarily create a powerful group."

"We also need various rules and regulations to coordinate relationships between people and to unite everyone and leverage the power of the group."

"In this case, individuals must relinquish some of their rights to the organization."

"To put it simply, before joining a group you are completely free to do whatever you want and no one can interfere."

"But if you join a group, you have to obey the management of that group, and there are some things you can no longer do."

"This also means that you have lost some rights."

"So here's the question: if you're willing to forgo some rights to join this group, what do you hope to gain?"

Everyone fell into thought, but Zhu Di thought the least and blurted out:
"That's safety, of course, and then... well, being well-fed and clothed..."

"Hmm... it would be even better if we could eat better and study more..."

The more he talked, the more he realized he wanted a lot, and the more uneasy he felt. In the end, he awkwardly scratched his head and stopped talking.

Ma Yu praised, "You're absolutely right. People join an organization for these kinds of things."

"Safety is the first need, then we want to have food and clothing, and then we want to be well-fed and warmly clothed..."

"Why would I join a group if it weren't for these things?"

"Am I so lowly that I want to be a slave, exploited and enslaved?"

Upon receiving approval, Zhu Di chuckled.

Zhu Yuanzhang and the others all wore thoughtful expressions.

Ma Yu didn't continue speaking, but stopped to let them process the information.

After a long while, Zhu Yuanzhang finally spoke, saying, "Continue."

Ma Yu then said, "Then let's talk about the second question: how should a country maintain its rule?"

"How should a monarch, as the founder of a group and a nation, handle his relationship with the people?"

"Some people have devised methods to keep the people ignorant and have created ethical and moral codes to enslave the people."

"But there is one thing they can never change, and that is that the people need to live."

"If this demand cannot be met, the people will rise up, overthrow the country, and build a new one."

"Ensuring the safety of all people and ensuring they have enough to eat and wear is the most important task of a monarch, and it is a task that must be accomplished."

"This problem seems simple, but it is actually very complex."

"In the course of history, it has experienced countless twists and turns."

"For example, why is the state's public power stolen? And why do the people lose everything and become slaves?"

"How should a monarch reclaim lost public power, and how should he safeguard the interests of the people?"

"From the third generation to the present, the history of China's development has revolved around these issues."

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was gloomy and his gaze was cold, and the atmosphere became tense.

This question is indeed outrageous, and no emperor would want to hear it.

Because the prevailing theory is that monarchical power is a matter of natural law.

Everything is a gift from Heaven, so the people must be unconditionally loyal to the monarch.

The so-called thunder and rain are all the emperor's grace.

However, Ma Yu laid everything bare, viewing it as a form of exchange.

It goes against the mainstream and is outrageous.

The reason he could tolerate it was because Ma Yu believed that imperial power was public power.

Otherwise, he would have already gone on a rampage and killed someone.

Zhu Biao was also startled; his cousin was too outspoken.

Not to mention Zhu Gang and Zhu Di, if Chang Mao were here, they would definitely say, "We understand you."

My cousin's mouth is terrifying.

Empress Ma could only manage a wry smile. What on earth was going on in this nephew's head?

Now she's starting to doubt whether she can protect him.

Fortunately, he put the imperial power and public power together, which shows that he still knows the importance of things.

In fact, Ma Yu was also sweating bullets when he said this, fearing that Zhu Yuanzhang might come up with a surprise attack.

After all, this was the era of imperial power. To dare to question the monarch's authority was like lighting a lantern in a latrine—it was suicidal.

He equated public power with imperial power for this very reason.

Even if Zhu Yuanzhang were to question him, he would already have a way of explaining.

Fortunately, although Zhu Yuanzhang was very unhappy, he at least did not get angry and kill anyone, nor did he raise any questions.

We passed this hurdle without any major incidents.

The next step is to find a solution that avoids touching on the issue of imperial power.

After a long while, Zhu Yuanzhang's complexion improved slightly, and he spoke:
"So you think that the duty of officials cannot be limited to pacifying the people and collecting taxes, but also requires them to shoulder more responsibilities?"

As soon as he spoke, the tense atmosphere instantly eased, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhu Biao glared at Ma Yu discreetly, warning him to stop talking nonsense.

Ma Yu felt a warmth in her heart; Brother Biao wasn't so bad after all.

I must find a way to help him get through those tribulations in this lifetime, and I can't let what happened in the previous life happen again.

He nodded slightly to show he understood, and then replied:
"This is actually a trend in the development of history..."

(End of this chapter)