Why did the emperor rebel?

Chapter 1039 Sincerity Is a Nirvana
In Wenhua Hall, King Zhou and others frowned and looked at each other.

The emperor's performance just now made them feel that the court was short of money, so they wanted to make plans on King Yi.

Frankly speaking, the emperor's behavior made them feel a little petty, but they could accept it.

After all, the imperial court has indeed had many difficulties in the past two years. As the clan, they gave some food and money to make the emperor happy, but it didn't matter.

Of course, the more important thing is that after so many years, the vassal kings of various places have indeed accumulated a lot of wealth, except for some who are too poor.

For them, even though they had to endure the rectification of the land in the army, and give some more money, although they feel distressed, as long as they can be safe and sound, that's all.

However, the emperor's words made them feel a little confused.

After pondering for a moment, Zhou Wang said.

"Your Majesty clearly understands that, as vassal kings, the ministers have their own responsibilities. If the court needs it, the ministers will naturally do their best."

"However, the imperial court has regulations on the disaster relief methods everywhere. How dare the ministers intervene without authorization. What's more, the ministers have no experience in dealing with affairs. Even if they participate in it, I am afraid it will be a disservice."

"In the past two years, the imperial court has had a hard time, and the ministers and others naturally know that if there is a disaster this year, the minister is willing to donate [-] shi of grain to the national treasury to relieve the victims."

Different from King Yi, King Zhou has always been famous for his virtuousness. Naturally, he was also highly valued by the previous emperors. Zhou Fan's annual salary is the highest among all kings, reaching a terrifying 1 shi. Moreover, All withdrawals are based on true color, no color or banknotes.

Therefore, King Zhou is the real rich man. To him, [-] shi of grain is nothing. In fact, he can take out more if necessary. However, King Yi took [-] shi in advance. If he Taking too much would embarrass Yiwang.

Hearing this, King Lu also said.

"Your Majesty, I am also willing to donate eight thousand shi of grain to the national treasury. If necessary, I and the king of Zhou can also discuss with other kings later, and each will take some more to serve the country. I will not wait." Dare to refuse."

In just a short moment, it was already [-] shi, and, if what King Lu said was true, then these vassal kings in Beijing now add up to [-] to [-] shi, No problem at all.

This is thanks to the absence of Shen Shangshu from the household department, otherwise, I am afraid that I will immediately nod my head like a chicken pecking at rice.

Although it is said that these grains have to be converted into silver at a [-]% discount, in fact it is only tens of thousands of taels of silver, but the national treasury is really empty now.

If the food can be in place, then at least within a month or two, the salaries of the officials in the capital can be regarded as settled.

But even so, King Zhou and the others still looked worried and looked at the emperor sincerely, as if the emperor was not asking them for money, but they were rushing to hand over the money.

Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu sighed and said.

"Several uncles really misunderstood. I understand your intentions, but even if I take these grains, I will not take them into the national treasury. After all, these grains are not for the court, but for the people."

"If you really have the heart, you can directly distribute these grains to the people affected by the disaster, or cooperate with the local government to provide porridge for disaster relief. These are all good strategies. If necessary, I can issue a decree to the local government and order them to assist. yes."

These words were equally sincere, but after listening to them, the kings were not only not happy, but even more worried.

Immediately, King Zhou, King Lu, and King Yi stood up at the same time and said.

"Your Majesty, the so-called kindness comes from above, and the ministers are certainly willing to share the country's worries, but stealing heaven's grace to raise hope, should be done by the ministers. Therefore, please forgive the ministers for not daring to obey the imperial edict."

After all, King Zhou even knelt down on the ground to show his solemnity.

King Lu and King Yi did not speak, but they also acted in the same way as King Zhou. Obviously, they also had the same attitude.

Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu's face also became serious.

Of course he understood what King Zhou and the others were thinking.

If it is said that King Yi donated food in order to save money and avoid disasters and leave the capital as soon as possible, then the actions of King Zhou and even King Lu have already begun to take shape.

It is very difficult to get people to pay, but it depends on what situation you are facing.

Zhou Wang and others are so active in wanting to donate these grains. In the final analysis, it is actually the four words that Zhou Wang said just now.

Gratitude comes from above!

Taking King Yi as an example, Luoyang is indeed his fiefdom, but this does not mean that he can do whatever he wants in Luoyang.

As a vassal king, he can bully the people, rob the people's daughters, ride horses in the street and even disregard human lives. Although these crimes will pay a price, they will not hurt the root cause.

On the contrary, if he has nothing to do to help the people, help the poor, uphold justice, be the master of the people, win a good reputation, and be praised by everyone, that is the real way to die.

Therefore, they are not afraid to pay for food and money, because this is a one-shot deal. Moreover, the emperor has taken advantage of them, so it is naturally not good to continue to embarrass them.

However, if you want to participate in it yourself, if you are a little careless, you will arouse the suspicion of the court.

What does a vassal king want to do to buy people's hearts in such a way?
You must know that even a vassal king with a good name like King Zhou, his good name is reflected in restraining the palace and not intruding on the people indiscriminately. He also has a "virtuous name" like porridge and disaster relief. I dare not touch it.

Only the court can provide disaster relief, and only the court can be grateful to the people.

Therefore, Zhou Wang and others would rather go around a big circle and send money and food to the national treasury than do good deeds themselves.

This is not the so-called timid, on the contrary, this is the smart way.

Because of this, the more "sincere" Zhu Qiyu said, the more Zhou Wang and others would feel that Zhu Qiyu was suspicious of them and was testing them in various ways.

In this way, it is natural for them to wish for some money and food to dispel the emperor's suspicion.

It's just that although they understand this truth, it's hard to say it clearly.

However, Zhu Qiyu pretended not to know again and again, Zhou Wang and others had no choice but to clarify the meaning of these words.

Looking at the three feudal kings kneeling on the ground, Zhu Qiyu murmured and said.

"Several uncles please come up."

So, a servant came forward and helped the old princes up, and after they sat down again, Zhu Qiyu continued.

"I understand what you mean, but don't worry, uncles, I said these words not because I don't trust you, let alone to test them out, but because I sincerely hope that the feudal lords from all over the world can share some of the burden for the imperial court."

Different from the sincerity just now, Zhu Qiyu said these words very seriously, and didn't mean to be half-joking.

However, even so, Zhou Wang and others still kept their heads down and remained silent. The most taboo thing in the court is to believe what others say.

In such cases, silence is the best response.

Seeing this situation, Zhu Qiyu was also a little helpless, after thinking for a moment, he picked up the memorabilia that had just been sent back at hand, and said.

"All of you uncles have read this memorandum. Come to think of it, there has been a lot of news in Beijing recently. Even without this memorandum, you should have known about the news that the Ministry of Rites wants to reform the clan. "

"This matter, apart from the secret melody I showed you just now, the Ministry of Rites has actually presented it to me many times, discussing many details, and you have also seen the general content..."

"The so-called emphasizing Zongxue, setting up subject selection, making worship and sweeping, dismissing redundant posts, strictly protecting surveys, setting up worry systems, prudent marriage, severe punishment, and determining clan salary, involves many things, but its meaning is only one, that is, to reduce the treatment of clan relatives, and to open four chapters. The cause of the people."

"The measures have not yet been agreed upon, regardless of the right, but you need to know, the reason why the Ministry of Rites made this memorial is because the population of the Ming clan is increasing, the court's financial resources are difficult to provide, and the life of the low-ranking clan is difficult, plus... ..."

At this point, Zhu Qiyu stopped talking and glanced at King Yi next to him. As expected, the old prince immediately lowered his head guilty.

"In addition, some vassal kings and county kings have disturbed the people and committed crimes, which has become a disaster. Not only can it be difficult for the vassal to protect the country, but it has become a bully in the mouth of the people."

"As for the impeachments received by the imperial court every year, there are countless. Now my vassal king of Ming Dynasty has become a drag on the country in the private discussions of many officials..."

These words are not unreasonable. Even though they know it is true, the faces of the vassal kings still feel a little uncomfortable when they are said in person.

Especially the two veteran vassal kings, King Zhou and King Lu, their complexions had already darkened. If it hadn't been for the emperor who said these words to them, they would have already made a fuss.

But, even so, the two of them couldn't help but speak, said.

"His Majesty……"

However, just after they said two words, Zhu Qiyu raised his hand to stop them, said.

"Of course I know that what these people say is not all the truth. This world belongs to the Zhu family. Naturally, we have our own family to guard it, which is the most reassuring."

These words were regarded as consolation, barely giving Zhou Wang and others a step, and made their faces slightly eased.

But then, Zhu Qiyu changed the subject and said.

"However, since there is such a discussion, it still shows that there are some problems in the middle. Of course, I understand that the current situation of the vassal king's clan is not the clan's fault."

This topic is a bit sensitive, so Zhu Qiyu only scratched the surface and didn't go into details, but quickly turned to the main topic.

"So, after thinking about it, I feel that in order to put an end to these discussions, the vassal kings of various places should take on the responsibility of guarding one side. In normal times, they have their own government offices and county offices to take care of various affairs, but in case of disaster, As the king of one side, if he still stands by and does nothing, he will be under the trust of the imperial court."

The question about the vassal king has always been Zhu Qiyu's heart disease.

In the end of the Ming Dynasty, this problem was never resolved. The system of dividing the world established by the Emperor Taizu was originally intended to maintain the country and the state, but in the end, it became the thing that dragged down the Ming Dynasty. important reason.

It should be said that Daming is not without insight, and those who can see the problem are not without the courage to reform. However, many attempts, in the end, proved to be failures.

As for the suzerainty reform this time, although Zhu Qiyu is in the lead, he is very clear that all the methods proposed now cannot actually solve the suzerainty problem.

This point has been fixed from the root.

If the suzerain is powerful, it will threaten the court, so it must be suppressed. However, under the patriarchal system, the suzerain can only suppress, but not cancel.

Therefore, it can only become nondescript in the end, which is not beneficial to the country, but it cannot be cancelled. Instead, privileges and generous treatment must be given.

Zhu Qiyu had a lot of ideas on how to carry out the reform of the suzerain and vassal, and they were all integrated into the suzerain and vassal reform that the Ministry of Rites is preparing for this time.

As he just said, this reform has two directions. One is to open up the careers of the people and gradually allow the clan to make a living on its own, and the other is to strengthen the control of the clan.

The entire Ming Dynasty, in fact, had these two directions of reform, but at least among the reforms that Zhu Qiyu had seen, they all focused on the second one. As for the future of the clan, before Xuande, the court basically had no I thought about it, that is, after Chenghua, this trend gradually appeared, but it was still only an auxiliary function, and the opening was very small.

During this period of time, Zhu Qiyu has been discussing this matter with Hu Wei constantly, and in the process of gradually clarifying the various regulations, he himself has a completely different idea from the usual one.

Are these vassal kings really just a drag on the court? Is there a way for them to play their role without threatening the court, and in turn become a boost to the court?
When this idea first came up, Zhu Qiyu himself thought it was ridiculous.

Just like Zhou Wang and others were worried, once the vassal king becomes powerful, he will inevitably pose a threat to the imperial court. This is the answer that has been proven countless times in history.

And as long as you need to do things, you will inevitably gain power gradually. Take disaster relief as an example. The vassal king’s participation in disaster relief requires the cooperation of local officials. In this way, he will inevitably deal with local officials. Will hook up in private.

In addition, as Zhou Wang and others said, once the vassal king directly donates porridge or participates in disaster relief through other means, the people will all thank the vassal king. With such a reputation, won’t it pose a threat to the court?

There are many problems in the middle that are difficult to solve, and it is almost a dead end.

However, perhaps because he has seen too many failures, the more complete the rules and regulations of the Ministry of Rites, the stronger Zhu Qiyu's feeling.

And this feeling reached its peak precisely when King Zhou and others entered the palace this time.

You know, with Zhu Yi's scheming and resourcefulness, after getting Zhu Qiyu's secret support, it is almost invincible to roam around the capital.

Whether it is Zhang Xiang, Zhu Jian, or the Sun family in the palace, the Supreme Emperor, almost all of them have been tricked by him.

However, it was Zhu Yi like this who failed in front of Yi Wang, the always domineering, absurd and notorious vassal king...

(End of this chapter)