Da Ming: I told you to die for your cause, why are you actually going to die?

Chapter 41: Is Zhu Yunwen the popular choice to be established as emperor? [Seeking monthly votes]

Inside the warm pavilion of the Huagai Hall, the charcoal fire burned brightly, dispelling the chill of late autumn, but unable to dispel the heavy atmosphere that permeated the air.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang issued an edict to expel the vassal kings, he still had a lingering worry.

He was very clear about the principle that things can change quickly.

Therefore, he immediately summoned Hanlin Academician Liu Sanwu, Imperial Son-in-Law Commander Mei Yin, and Crown Prince's Attendant Huang Zicheng overnight.

These three were carefully selected by Lao Zhu.

Liu Sanwu was mature and prudent, a master of Neo-Confucianism, a leader of the Qingliu faction, and highly respected.

Mei Yin was his favorite son-in-law, who controlled part of the military power in the capital region. He was loyal, reliable, and family.

Although young, Huang Zicheng was well-versed in scholarship and quick-witted. He was one of Zhu Yunwen's teachers and represented the future civil officials.

"A vacant position of heir apparent is not a blessing for the nation."

Old Zhu got straight to the point, his voice low and hoarse, carrying an undeniable weight:
“Biao’er is gone, leaving behind this heavy burden. How much longer can these old bones of ours hold on? We have to find someone to entrust the country to.”

He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping across the three faces, both scrutinizing and questioning, as he asked:

"You all know Yunwen well. He is kind and filial, and diligent in his studies. When Biao was alive, he loved him the most, even on his deathbed."

He choked up, not continuing, "We've been thinking that the position of heir has been vacant for too long, it's time to appoint one. You all discuss it."

The warm room was completely silent, with only the occasional soft crackling of the charcoal fire.

The three ministers all lowered their eyes, their hearts churning with turmoil.

The emperor summoned him, and the topic was again the selection of an heir, with the target being the emperor's second grandson, Zhu Yunwen. This was practically an open secret!

However, the emperor specifically requested to "discuss it," clearly indicating that he still had concerns.

Seeing that no one spoke, Old Zhu took the initiative to throw out the two heaviest burdens in his heart:

"Firstly, the issue of legitimate and illegitimate children."

"Second!"

Old Zhu's gaze became deep and sharp:
"If a boy who is not yet twenty is made crown prince, will the officials, the veteran generals, the regional governors, and our sons who have been enfeoffed be convinced? Will they sincerely assist a child emperor?!"

This is his deepest and most realistic concern.

Zhu Yunwen's benevolence might have been seen as weakness and vulnerability by warlords and arrogant generals in the chaotic world.

The silence was finally broken.

The first to speak was Liu Sanwu.

He bowed deeply to Emperor Zhu, his voice steady and clear, carrying a profound understanding born of experience: "Your Majesty is wise. Prince Yuntong is indeed the legitimate son of Consort Chang. However, according to the principles of the Spring and Autumn Annals, the eldest legitimate son is valued, and even more so, the order of succession."

"His Highness Crown Prince Yiwen is the heir apparent of the nation and the hope of all the people. After the death of Crown Princess Chang, Lady Lü succeeded to the position of Empress and presided over the Eastern Palace. She has been a model of maternal virtue. Her son, Prince Yunwen, is, according to the rites, the eldest son of the Crown Prince."

This is the meaning of "a second wife is treated like a legitimate wife, and her son will inherit the mantle".

The Book of Rites states: "The son of a second wife shall be treated with the same respect as the eldest son of the legitimate wife." Throughout history, there have been countless instances of sons of empresses succeeding to the throne.

"His Highness Yunwen is the heir to the Crown Prince and will continue the Crown Prince's lineage. His status has long been established and is beyond dispute. This is the first point!"

Liu Sanwu, citing classical texts, elevated the legal status of a second wife's son to the same level as that of the first wife's legitimate son.

They even treated Zhu Yunwen as Zhu Biao's actual eldest son, which was in line with the responsibility of bearing the burden, cleverly bypassing Zhu Yunwen's status as the legitimate son and thus legitimizing Zhu Yunwen's identity.

Old Zhu's taut jawline seemed to loosen slightly.

Liu Sanwu's words directly addressed the legal issues he most needed to resolve.

Although he had long accepted Zhu Yunwen as the legitimate son, he needed others to agree.

Immediately afterwards, Huang Zicheng stood up, his expression excited, with the sharpness of a newborn calf and the eagerness to defend his disciple:

"Your Majesty! Although Prince Yunwen is young, he is exceptionally intelligent and naturally filial. His pure and filial nature is evident to Heaven and Earth. When His Highness the Crown Prince was seriously ill, His Highness served him day and night with medicine and soup, never taking off his clothes, for months on end, until he became emaciated."

"Such filial piety is so moving, it cannot be done by an ordinary young man. This is the foundation of great virtue!"

He first set the tone with filial piety, transforming Zhu Yunwen's benevolence and weakness into a moving virtue.

"As for scholarship!" Huang Zicheng's voice was even clearer and more confident: "Your Highness is quick-witted and eager to learn, always with a book in hand. You have read widely in the classics, history, philosophy, and literature, and are especially proficient in the Book of Documents and the Great Learning, and have a deep understanding of the ways of governing the country and cultivating oneself."

“When I served as your tutor in the Eastern Palace, I personally witnessed Your Highness’s clear reasoning and profound insights, which always impressed us greatly.”

"Given time, he will surely become a wise and virtuous ruler."

"Your Majesty is discerning and has a keen eye for talent. Choosing such a benevolent ruler for the country is truly a blessing for the nation and a boon for all the people."

Finally, Mei Yin, who had been silent all along, also stood up.

He had a special status, being both a nobleman and holding some military power.

His statement is of paramount importance.

Mei Yin did not quote any classical texts, but instead bowed respectfully to Old Zhu, his voice steady and powerful:

"Your Majesty! As the commander of the Rear Army Commandery, I am well aware of the army's morale. The soldiers yearn for a wise ruler and for peace. His Highness Yunwen's reputation for benevolence is well-known in the army. As the Crown Prince's direct descendant, His Highness inherits the Crown Prince's virtues, which is why the people's hopes are high!"

His eyes were piercing, and his tone was resolute:

"As for those meritorious nobles, veteran generals, high-ranking officials, and even vassal kings, His Majesty's divine might is awe-inspiring, and his will is absolute. Who dares to disobey?! If anyone harbors ulterior motives, dares to question His Majesty's will, or disrespects the Crown Prince, your subject Mei Yin will be the first to object!"

"My soldiers will also serve His Majesty and His Highness the Crown Prince with their lives to defend the legitimate lineage!"

His words were forceful and resolute, filled with a determination to back up his military power and pledge allegiance.

This not only demonstrated the military's stance but also reassured Zhu De:

With military power in hand and loyal ministers supporting him, what are you waiting for? We'll beat you until you submit!
The three ministers, though from different perspectives, presented a progressive and intricately connected narrative.

Liu Sanwu solved the most crucial legal and legal issue of Zhu Yunwen's identity, making him the rightful eldest son and heir of the Crown Prince!
Huang Zicheng demonstrated that Zhu Yunwen's virtue and ability conformed to the way of being a ruler.

Mei Yin represented the loyalty of the military and nobles, using the most straightforward force to dispel Zhu's last concerns about disobedience.

Old Zhu listened quietly, his face expressionless, only his deep-set eyes flashing with sharp light, revealing the intense turmoil within him.

The words of the three ministers were like three powerful torrents, constantly assaulting the last vestiges of hesitation and worry in his heart.

Until he saw the small memorial tablet on the desk that belonged solely to Zhu Biao.

All the concerns, all the considerations, all the imperial strategies, at this moment, could not outweigh a father's promise to his deceased son, nor could they outweigh the almost obsessive determination to leave the best of everything to Zhu Biao's bloodline.

Old Zhu took a slow breath.

That breath seemed to absorb all the heaviness and hesitation in the warm room.

"You're right! The throne belongs to Biao'er! Now that Biao'er is dead, his son should sit on it!"

"Yunwen is unfit for the great responsibility! Yunwen is benevolent and filial, and is the only suitable candidate for the crown prince!"

"Liu Sanwu!"

"Chen is here!"

Liu Sanwu's spirits lifted.

"At tomorrow's court assembly, you should propose the establishment of an heir apparent first, and then we can see the attitude of the ministers before making a decision!"

"My lord, I obey your order!"

Liu Sanwu, Huang Zicheng, and Mei Yin bowed simultaneously, their voices loud and clear, carrying a sense of excitement and solemnity that came after the dust had settled.

Old Zhu's gaze passed over them, landing on the deep night sky outside the hall, his expression complex and unfathomable.

For some reason, he suddenly thought of Zhang Biao.

That bastard should also support Li Yunwen, right?

Or should we make him attend court tomorrow?
The thought flashed through his mind, and Old Zhu was instantly shocked by his own actions.

No, no! This is such a big deal! What if that scoundrel tries to commit suicide in court again?!

"Oh well, Li Yunwen is the popular choice anyway, so one more won't make a difference."

Old Zhu sighed heavily: "Biao'er, I kept my word, the throne belongs to your lineage!"

(End of this chapter)