My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 88 Confidence
Empress Ma was taken aback upon hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words.

She was just about to talk to Zhu Yuanzhang about this when he spoke first.

It's better to lay things out in front of the children to avoid affecting the relationship between father and sons or brothers later.

Zhu Biao's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes became much more serious.

It wasn't that he was wary of his younger brothers; he didn't care if his brothers learned more skills. What he cared about was his father's attitude and purpose.

Zhu Gang's heart skipped a beat; it might concern his future, how could he not care?

He had no intention of vying for his elder brother's position, but that didn't stop him from caring about his own future interests.

Zhu Di was the slowest to react at the scene. At first, he thought that his father had only let his two sons listen in on a whim.

At this moment, I realized that my father had other ideas.

It could very well be about my future.

How to settle princes has always been a major problem in every dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty was no exception.

So what kind of system will his father adopt?

We'll likely have the results today.

Looking at the four men with unusual expressions, Zhu Yuanzhang said:
"I have been thinking about what kind of system to adopt for members of the royal family."

"My initial idea was to enfeoff the best princes as border kings to guard the frontier for the Ming Dynasty."

"So at that time I only taught you how to fight and wage war, not how to govern."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao's heart tightened.

Empress Ma was also having some difficulty breathing; this old man really dared to think of such things.

However, she did not question him. Since Zhu Yuanzhang had said that, he must have had other ideas.

Listen on and see what his plans are.

"But after listening to Ma Yu's analysis, I realized that this method might be beneficial to the Ming Dynasty in the short term, but it would bring disaster in the long term."

"Later he talked about productivity, believing that the scope of the court's rule had its limits."

“For those exceeding the limits, a feudal system was adopted.”

“Within the effective territory, they were often directly under the jurisdiction of the imperial court.”

"So we thought, where the conditions are better but the court has difficulty managing, we'll enfeoff you brothers there."

Hearing this, Empress Ma and Zhu Biao relaxed.

As long as there's no internal enfeoffment, those areas beyond our reach can be enfeoffed however we like.

At the same time, it became clear why Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly had Zhu Gang and Zhu Di attend confidential lessons.

This is an attempt to groom them to become rulers.

Zhu Gang and Zhu Di were thrilled; it was their own fiefdom!

How could they not be excited?

Zhu Yuanzhang continued, "Later, Ma Yu also talked about the changes in temperature, saying that the environment in the north would worsen during cold periods, while the south would be relatively better."

"At that time, we thought about expanding our territory to the south."

Empress Ma nodded and said, "Your father and I have discussed this matter; we should take Jiaozhi first."

"One of the purposes of having Wu Zhen oversee the training of the navy was to prepare for the attack on Jiaozhi."

Zhu Biao already knew about this, so he didn't say anything.

Zhu Gang and Zhu Di suddenly realized that this order was related to such a big plan.

Zhu Yuanzhang continued, "I have recently studied the situation in Jiaozhi and the areas to the south."

"We discovered that crops can be grown there all year round; it's practically a granary."

"The shortcoming is that it is too far from the central government, making governance extremely inconvenient."

"Moreover, the environment there is harsh and there are many barbarians. To truly rule this place would require a huge amount of manpower and resources."

"This is also why few dynasties were able to establish long-term and stable rule there."

"At that time, we had an idea to divide you brothers into different fiefdoms and send you there."

"With you managing the area nearby and the support of the Ming Dynasty, I believe it won't be long before things stabilize."

"At that time, the Ming Dynasty will have a sufficient source of grain."

When it came to actually enfeoffing people, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di could no longer control their emotions, and the smiles on their faces were impossible to hide.

Empress Ma and Zhu Biao also smiled; for them, this was indeed the best outcome.

It not only resolved the issue of imperial relatives, but also enhanced the foundation of the Ming Dynasty.

As for whether the feudal lords will escape control... it's too early to consider that.

Even if it escapes control, it will not have a significant impact on the Ming Dynasty's homeland.

At this point, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his brothers Zhu Gang and Zhu Di and said:

"It's just that the conditions there are too harsh, and we're afraid you won't want to go and will complain that we're being unfair."

Zhu Gang, no longer caring about maintaining his composure, hurriedly said:

"Father, you're overthinking it. Everything we have is given to us by you. Even if you asked us to go through fire and water, it would be our duty."

"Moreover, we are being granted a fiefdom. If people still harbor resentment over this, they are not worthy of being called human."

Zhu Di quickly added, "Third Brother is right. You're the one who calls the shots in this family. Who would dare to have any objections?"

As he spoke, he suddenly scratched his head and said, "It's just that I'm too far away from you and Mother. I'll miss you."

Even in this solemn moment, Zhu Yuanzhang was still amused by his simple and honest appearance:
"Haha... You still know to miss your parents now, but who knows what will happen when you grow up and go to the fiefdom."

Zhu Di immediately panicked and tried to explain, "No..."

Empress Ma patted his head and laughed, "Silly child, your father is just teasing you."

"Your parents are already very happy that you have this intention. If you can manage the fiefdom well, that will be the greatest way to repay your parents."

"Besides, going to the fiefdom doesn't mean you can't come back. You can come back anytime you miss your parents."

Zhu Di smiled sheepishly, finally relieved.

Zhu Biao finally spoke up, saying, "Remote areas are desolate and harsh; the court should provide more compensation to my brothers."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "That is the way it should be, but this matter is only a plan for now and will not be implemented within ten years."

"You must remember not to leak this information, not even to the other brothers, to avoid causing unnecessary trouble."

They all nodded solemnly, and they wouldn't say anything without his permission.

After chatting for a while longer, the three brothers left together.

As they stepped outside the main hall, they glanced at each other and burst into laughter.

There was never any rift between the brothers. Even if they had some ulterior motives, it was all for their own future benefit, which is only human nature.

Now that the feudal system is established, there's no need to even think about such trivial matters.

The brothers' bond became purer, and everyone was naturally happier.

Zhu Biao said, "Come on, come to my place, let's have a good chat, brothers."

“My cousin has given a lot of lessons before, which you all missed. It’s a good opportunity to learn them together.”

The other two naturally had no objections and immediately headed towards the East Palace.

Halfway there, Zhu Gang suddenly asked, "What about Second Brother?"

Zhu Biao laughed and said, "Your second brother has learned more from your cousin than we have, so don't worry about him."

"We're going to visit my cousin's estate in a few days, right? We can meet up privately then."

Zhu Gang thought about it and agreed, but at the same time he felt even more envious of his second brother.

I only listened to a few courses, and I was able to gain so much.

My parents and older brother are like completely different people now.

My second brother follows my cousin around every day; I can't even imagine how many good things he's learned.

No, I need to find a way to get to know my cousin better.

Although Zhu Di did not speak, his eyes also revealed a thoughtful expression.

This kid looks honest and simple, but he's actually quite clever.

Empress Ma was overjoyed as she watched the three brothers leave side by side at Kunning Palace.

As a mother, her biggest worry was her brothers fighting amongst themselves, but now she can finally put her mind at ease.

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "How about it? You're not complaining about us anymore, are you?"

Empress Ma smiled and walked behind him, reaching out to massage his shoulders:

"Yes, Chongba is the smartest and the one who thinks the longest ahead. Otherwise, how could you have become the emperor?"

Zhu Yuanzhang felt so light-hearted that his mouth twisted with laughter.

"Haha...that's right, we never do anything unreliable."

At this moment, Empress Ma said, "You have so many sons, and you will surely have even more in the future."

“I’m afraid that little bit of land in Jiaozhi isn’t enough to go around,” Zhu Yuanzhang said. “The world is vast. If Jiaozhi isn’t enough, then we’ll go to the Western Regions. If the Western Regions aren’t enough, then we’ll go to Liaodong. If Liaodong isn’t enough, then we’ll go to Southeast Asia.”

"In short, wherever the Ming army can reach, and wherever it is suitable for human habitation, it can be divided up."

"We're not worried about having too much land for our sons to divide; we're just afraid of having too little land to distribute."

Empress Ma suddenly said, "If there is really too much land, the meritorious officials can also get a share."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's body trembled.

Empress Ma placed her hand on his stiff shoulder and said:

“At the beginning of the dynasty, nobles were the backbone of the court, but this may not be the case after a few decades.”

"The higher the rank of the nobles, the more they can restrain the court, and the more tragic their fate will be in the future."

"Why not enfeoff those who have made the greatest contributions and have the greatest influence to the ends of the earth?"

"The minor nobles who remain are too weak to pose a threat to the court."

"Moreover, with the example of granting fiefdoms, the young nobles will be even more loyal and dutiful."

What's the point of being a powerful minister within the imperial court, only to be purged by it in the end?
It would be better to work hard, achieve great merit, and earn yourself a fiefdom.

Even the smallest fiefdom is still a state, and it has the right to establish ancestral temples.

Empress Ma keenly sensed that Zhu Yuanzhang's body was gradually relaxing, and she pressed on:

"Moreover, we will deal with the Kong family, crack down on reformed Confucianism, and target the gentry and clans in the southeast."

“Every matter involves a wide range of issues, and a single misstep can cause a major upheaval.”

"We must firmly bind the nobles to us; only in this way can we quell all the turmoil and complete the transformation."

"To leave a clean and substantial legacy for future generations."

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression shifted slightly; clearly, the latter part of the speech had moved him, and he finally spoke:
"That makes sense, but this matter needs further consideration."

Empress Ma smiled; his lack of direct objection meant that the matter was still open to discussion.

In this way, the goal of retiring meritorious officials and eliminating potential threats was achieved, while also winning over the hearts of the people—a win-win situation.

"There's no rush. The Ming Dynasty hasn't unified the country yet, and that's precisely the time when we need their help."

"It's not too late to consider this matter after the world is truly at peace in one or two decades."
-
Ma Yu, who left the palace, had no idea what Zhu Yuanzhang and the others said after he left.

But that didn't dampen his excitement.

In fact, everything he has said since he started talking about productivity has been laying the groundwork for today.

Fortunately, all of this was not in vain.

Even the stubborn Zhu Yuanzhang was persuaded.

The sense of accomplishment was so intense, I can't even describe it.

If the occasion weren't inappropriate, he would have wanted to roar to the heavens.

The successful lobbying also gave him enough confidence.

To be honest, he was too ordinary in his previous life, and he was always insecure when facing the elites of the Ming Dynasty.

Even though he could use information asymmetry to gain an advantage in every confrontation, he still lacked confidence.

He felt that he was simply relying on his extra centuries of knowledge.

Another reason is that they think others are gentlemen and are being modest and yielding to them.

But today, relying on my knowledge, I set up a grand plan and gradually changed Zhu Yuanzhang's mind.

This can no longer be explained by information asymmetry or modesty.

After all, this was Zhu Yuanzhang, who was clearly recorded in historical books as having "the highest virtue of eloquence."

And it's not just one or two people saying that.

Such records can be found in various historical books and personal essays.

If he were just a contrarian, that would be one thing, but the problem is that he is extremely stubborn. Once he makes up his mind, almost no one can persuade him otherwise.

Now, she has not only persuaded him, but also fundamentally changed his perception of certain issues.

This cannot be explained by information asymmetry.

What does this show?

This shows that I do have some real skills.

My past successes in verbal battles weren't entirely due to luck.

This gave him tremendous confidence.

This also gave him more confidence in his upcoming plans.

On the way home, I hid in my study and secretly gloated for a long time.

So much so that several maids mistakenly thought something was wrong with him and secretly went to report to Master Ma.

Master Ma rushed over to check on him and was relieved to find that he was perfectly fine.
-
Just three days after Ma Yu gave Zhu Yuanzhang his lesson, Xu Da and Tang He led part of the Northern Expeditionary Army back in triumph.

Zhu Biao led all the civil and military officials to the dock to welcome them.

Despite his physical limitations, Chang Yuchun also came to greet them.

Ma Yu originally didn't want to join in the fun, but Empress Ma ordered him to come.

Chang Yuchun even went to his house personally and dragged him out:

"It's fine if you don't join in the other excitements, but Tian De and Tang Dingchen are not ordinary people."

"As Her Majesty's cousin, you must go, and you must act very warmly and respectfully, understand?"

"Especially in front of outsiders, you have to show enthusiasm, even if you have to pretend."

Ma Yu understood what it meant after a moment's thought, and said gratefully:
"Uncle Xie, I was too naive."

Chang Yuchun said, "It's good that you know. Stay by my side and do as I say."

Ma Yu nodded repeatedly.

In truth, he was also filled with curiosity about Xu Da, the foremost military figure in the Ming Dynasty.

So early that morning, Ma Yu followed Chang Yuchun to the imperial city gate to meet up.

Even though they knew their relationship was unusual, the courtiers were still surprised to see them together today.

After all, a life-saving grace is a life-saving grace, and political alignment is political alignment.

There is no necessary connection between the two.

However, the fact that Chang Yuchun, as an elder, brought Ma Yu to meet the officials meant that they were already on the same side politically.

This signal was of great importance to the court officials.

Next, the officials came forward to greet him, and naturally, Ma Yu was not left out.

Even Li Shanchang took the initiative to come up and greet Chang Yuchun, asking about his recovery.

He also took the opportunity, as an elder, to ask Ma Yu a few words of concern.

Ma Yu naturally knew that one shouldn't hit a smiling face, especially since the worst thing in politics is to show one's attitude.

Regardless of what you're really thinking, it's best to put on a good act in public.

Therefore, he obediently bowed to Li Shanchang.

Their appearances give no indication that they had ever had a conflict.

Looking at Ma Yu in the center of the crowd, Song Lian had the most complicated feelings.

He thought he could take on a disciple, but things took a completely unexpected turn.

All I can say is that time is destiny.

However, he quickly adjusted his mindset. If he couldn't take him as a disciple, then he would just be a good colleague.

Despite his young age, this person already wields considerable influence in the court.

Crucially, he wielded considerable influence over the emperor, empress, and crown prince.

If I have any problems in the future, I can try to communicate with him.

If both sides can reach an agreement, many things will be much easier to handle.

Zhu Biao appeared soon after. After the officials greeted him, they escorted him to the dock.

Chang Yuchun, as the Crown Prince's father-in-law and military representative, followed closely by the Crown Prince's side, and Ma Yu naturally followed them as well.

What caught the attention of the court officials was that the Crown Prince and Ma Yu spent most of their time chatting on the journey.

Clearly, the two have an extremely close relationship.

This forced them to reassess the queen's status as her nephew.

We soon arrived at the pier.

They arrived ahead of time; Xu Da and the others had not yet arrived.

After waiting for more than half an hour, a row of huge warships finally appeared on the river.

(End of this chapter)