Why did the emperor rebel?

Chapter 757 A Skilled Hunter

At the beginning, Emperor Taizu enshrined all his sons as kings, thinking that they were the vassal screens. The most important of them was the Thirteen Sailors, who established a vassal at the border, and their status and power were different from those of other kings.

But it was also because of this that these kings of Sai also bore the brunt of the later cutting of the vassal.

The thirteen kings of Sai, according to the order of the initial conferment, are Qin Wang, Jin Wang, Yan Wang, Qi Wang, Dai Wang, Su Wang, Liao Wang, Qing Wang, Ning Wang, Gu Wang, Han Wang, Shen Wang, An Wang.

But up to now, there are still very few people who are still establishing feudal clans at the border.

King Yan’s lineage was difficult to enter Beijing and became the imperial lineage. King Qi’s lineage and King Gu’s lineage were expelled from the kingdom because of their conspiracy and rebellion during the Yongle period, and their descendants were deposed as commoners. In other words, the country was abolished because there were no descendants.

The remaining few, King Su, King Liao, King Han, King Shen, and King Ning all moved inward during the Yongle period and lost their status as King Sai. Now they are still establishing vassals on the border, except for the old King Qin and King Jin. , that is, King Dai and King Qing.

Among the last four kings of Sai, King Qin was in Xi'an and King Jin was in Taiyuan. Although they were kings of Sai, after Emperor Taizong moved the capital, these two places were actually considered inland.

There are only King Dai and King Qing, one is in Datong and the other is in Ningxia Zhencheng. However, there is one difference. Although King Qing is entrusted with the town, but because the town is "damp and damp, the water spring is evil", so the family of King Qing has lived in the town for a long time. Weizhou, it was not until the third year of Jianwen that he reluctantly came to the town and became a feudal vassal.

So after all the fights and calculations, the king of Sai who really stayed at the border from the beginning to the end, now, only the generation of kings is left!

As a child of the clan, although he is studying in Beijing, he will still touch the government to some extent. For example, there has been a lot of trouble recently... Rectify the army!
Undoubtedly, at this time, Zhu Yinyu mentioned Datong City for this reason.

"Yinji, do you want to shake off all those private fields of King Xiang on the border?"

For the first time since entering the mansion, Zhu Chenglian spoke with a bit of hesitation.

You know, this is no small matter!
Although Zhu Chenglian had made up his mind to seek justice for the deceased old Min King, the matter of the military colonization was of great importance, and it was really not something that could be meddled casually.

It's not that a little private land can do anything to these clan vassals, but that too many people are involved in this matter.

From the Ming dynasty to the present, there are no less than [-] princes canonized, and hundreds of county kings. As for the generals who rule the country, there are not three thousand generals, but one thousand generals. Such a huge number has actually been given to the court. brought a heavy burden.

So in fact, starting from about the reign of Emperor Xuanzong, the salaries of many clans have been incomplete. Of course, even if they are not in full, it is still a large amount of money and food, which is enough to support the luxurious daily necessities of the clan.

But don't forget, many of these vassal and county kings today came from the Yongle period. They have seen the ostentation and power of their parents, so naturally they will not be satisfied with mere salaries.

However, under the strict clan regulations of the Taizong and Xuanzong dynasties, the kings were strictly restricted from doing business, granting officials, and participating in court affairs. above.

The land in the interior is limited, and most of them are owned by the owner. If there are too many occupations, the court will be dissatisfied, and it will also affect the performance of the local officials, which will easily cause a lot of troubles. Therefore, the kings will soon focus on the frontier fortress Juntun.

Especially for those privately cultivated fields, they are not registered in the household department, and they are not taxed. As long as they get it in their hands, the annual harvest is all their own.

Moreover, the source of these privately cultivated fields is not legal, so the most feared thing is the imperial court's verification. However, with the banner of the kings, local officials dare not investigate these privately cultivated fields at all.

Therefore, the generals on the frontier used soldiers to reclaim private land, and at the same time "given" part of the land to the kings, and cultivated it for the kings. These princes only need to send a few people to collect money every year. Why not do something good?

Even if it is found out, this level of crime is nothing more than a mild reprimand to the kings, and there is no pressure at all.

Therefore, in the matter of occupying the military settlement, the clans even took a larger share than the nobles.

This is exactly what made Zhu Chenglian hesitate.

Zhu Yinyu's method should be said to be a very good method. Although they don't know much about the efforts of the imperial court to rectify the military settlements, they have heard a little bit about it.

Especially after the incident of Yang Hong and Ren Li happened, everyone in the court felt the emperor's determination to rectify the army.

The Daiwang Mansion has been in Datong City for decades. Although it has been stripped of military and political power, it must be Qinger in terms of the control of the ownership of the nearby military settlements.

Therefore, Zhu Chenglian is very clear about how much share King Xiang occupies in it, and even, as long as the Daiwangfu is willing, the detailed transaction records, evidence such as land deed guarantor, etc., can be made clear.

Using this matter to judge King Xiang must be accurate.

It is true that with the heir of Emperor Renzong and the status of the emperor's uncle, King Xiang could not be punished too severely, but it is not a problem at all to drive him back to the fief in disgrace.

However, the problem is that with this head together, it is difficult to accept it if you want to!
There are some things, such as pulling out radish and bringing out mud, among other things, if King Xiang's foundation is shaken out, then the foundation of Daiwang Mansion will inevitably be lost.

Not only that, the invasion and occupation of the military settlements involved various palaces, and if the Daiwangfu took the lead, if the emperor took the opportunity to beat other kings, it would be tantamount to offending a large group of clans on behalf of the Wangfu.

Zhu Chenglian is not afraid of offending others, and he doesn't care what kind of punishment he himself receives, but after all, his family is behind him, and he must be cautious about such things that will involve the whole family in turmoil.

However, under Zhu Chenglian's complicated eyes, Zhu Yinyi still nodded and said.

"Brother Cheng, I know that this matter is difficult to handle, and I also understand that it will involve the entire Daiwang Palace, but..."

As she spoke, a trace of pain and shame flashed across Zhu Yinyu's face, and she said in a low voice.

"I really can't help it."

"After all, King Xiang is the emperor's uncle, and he has a good reputation. Although his reputation is damaged now, if there is no sufficient reason, even His Majesty, it is impossible to do anything to him."

"Brother Cheng, can you help me this time, on behalf of the entire Min Palace, and also on behalf of the deceased grandfather, I will definitely remember Brother Cheng's kindness!"

After the words were finished, Zhu Yinyan stood up, with a solemn expression, bowed deeply, and did not speak.

However, even under such circumstances, Zhu Chenglian was still hesitant, frowning tightly, neither refusing nor agreeing.

As a result, the atmosphere in the flower hall suddenly froze. Zhu Fanzhi on the side looked at Zhu Yinxuan and Zhu Chenglian, and wanted to persuade him, but in this situation, he didn't know what to say. Can helplessly lower his head.

Zhu Yinzhen just bowed his hands together without moving at all, and Zhu Chenglian remained silent like this. After about half a cup of tea, Zhu Chenglian finally spoke, his voice was a little hoarse, and said.

"Sound..."

"Sound!"

The two voices sounded almost at the same time, but the latter one was obviously a little harsh.

So, Zhu Chenglian stopped talking, and Zhu Yinyu also straightened up, and the three of them looked towards the source of the sound at the same time, only to find that at some point, King Zhennan had already stood behind the side screen.

"Father..."

"Uncle Wang..."

"granduncle……"

The three of them called out one after another and bowed their hands to salute, but their expressions were different.

Zhu Chenglian lowered his head faintly, as if he was a little embarrassed, and Zhu Yinyu was the same, but there was a trace of guilt on his face.

King Zhennan didn't speak, but walked up to the three of them, then turned and said to Zhu Chenglian.

"The conversation between you just now, I have heard from behind, Cheng, you are a good boy, I understand your intentions, and I understand your difficulties, this matter is what Yinji did wrong, it was too much. I'm making things difficult for you!"

"Actually, you and Fan Zhi have already done enough for Prince Min's Mansion. This kindness, this king and Yinyuan will always remember it in their hearts."

While talking, Zhu Huixun also cupped his hands to Zhu Chenglian and the two of them.

Although this is just the most common etiquette, the two young people felt restless, especially Zhu Chenglian, who hurriedly bowed deeply and said.

"What did my uncle say? Great uncle treats me like a family member. Now, in front of his spirit, some people dare to make trouble, but I can't seek justice for him. I..."

After saying these words, Zhu Chenglian's expression was full of guilt, but before he could finish speaking, Zhu Huixun interrupted him.

"Success!"

I saw this chubby prince lightly pressing on Zhu Chenglian's shoulder, speaking earnestly.

"You don't have to have any burdens. We were born in the Tian family, so we naturally have our own responsibilities. If you can really give up and take care of the palace, then this king is really disappointed in you."

While talking, Zhu Huixun withdrew his hand, glanced at Zhu Yinxun, and said.

"In the final analysis, this is a matter of King Min's Mansion. You can do this for your father. As the descendants of King Min's Mansion, if we let it go, we will be sorry for the love and care that King Father gave when he was alive..."

Seeing this situation, Zhu Chenglian was stunned, and asked subconsciously.

"Uncle, you plan to..."

"Knock the Dengwen Drum and go!"

Zhu Huixun let out a breath, and said lightly.

"Later, this king will write the original letter to King Qin, King Jin and several other respected vassals about the incidents that happened in Beijing, and ask them to come forward to uphold justice, and wait for their reply. No matter what the result is, this king will go to the palace again, and have a good discussion with that Xiang king!"

"Okay, Uncle Wang is so arrogant, that's what you should do!"

This time, before anyone else spoke, Zhu Fanzhi spoke first.

"Don't worry, Uncle Wang. After I go back, I will also tell the students of Zongxue to write letters to their families. When I go to the palace, I will go with Uncle Wang! I don't believe it. He is a King Xiang. It's lawless!"

These bold and dry speeches lightened the heavy atmosphere in the flower hall.

However, Zhu Chenglian's expression was still very complicated, but he didn't mention the matter just now, but hesitated for a moment, and asked.

"But Uncle, Your Majesty has a deadline for you and Yinzhen to leave Beijing within one month, and the letters from the kings will take almost a month, no matter how quickly, this..."

"Then don't go!"

This time, Zhu Huixun was very calm, as if talking about a trivial matter.

As he spoke, he glanced at Zhu Yinxuan again, and said.

"It's nothing more than resisting the decree. This king and Yin Yu, when they went to plead guilty outside the palace gate today, they had already made plans. His majesty was furious and cut off this king's title and smashed into the high wall of Fengyang. Such a punishment We are not afraid, let alone others?"

After a brief pause, Zhu Huixun turned his head, looked at Zhu Chenglian, and said with a smile on his face.

"Speaking of which, I have to thank you. Just now, the king did hesitate. After all, His Majesty gave me father and son two steps to inherit the throne smoothly, and return to the feudal land to live a good life as if nothing happened. However, time will always smooth everything out, I really thought so for a moment.”

"However, seeing that you are willing to do so much for your father, this king realizes that, as my father's son, I am not as good as a junior like you..."

Hearing this, Zhu Chenglian froze for a moment, suddenly felt something stuck in his throat, wanted to say something, but couldn't.

However, Zhu Huixun didn't realize it, he just sighed, looked at Zhu Yinxun, and said.

"It's a pity that Yin Xun was wronged, but it's his fate to be born in Prince Min's Mansion!"

Hearing this, Zhu Yinyan also let out a long breath, bowed and said.

"My father's words are wrong. When my grandfather was alive, he loved Yin Xun so much. If his old man suffered such humiliation, Yin Xun would turn a blind eye. How can there be filial piety?"

"How can an unfilial person be a descendant of the Zhu family?"

"Whether it's the capital city or returning to the vassal, even if it's in the high walls of Fengyang, as long as you can have a clear conscience and be worthy of the blood of the Taizu, what's there to be afraid of?"

Zhu Yinxun said these words very firmly, and Zhu Huixun felt relieved when he saw them, and clapped his hands and smiled.

"Okay, you are worthy of being the son of this king, and the descendant of the Zhu family! I think your grandfather will be proud of you if he knows it!"

Perhaps it was because this scene was so touching, Zhu Fanzhi beside him, a tall man, had already begun to wipe his tears with a handkerchief.

On the other side, the complex emotions in Zhu Chenglian's heart became more and more intense, he opened his mouth and shouted.

"Uncle, actually I..."

However, this time, it was the same, just halfway through his mouth, he was interrupted.

Zhu Huixun patted his shoulder lightly again, and said.

"Chengge, you don't need to talk too much, just do what the king said, and go back to Zongxue to study hard. Don't worry about this matter anymore. It's not easy for you and your father to survive until now. He is still acting on his behalf. The palace is waiting for you to come back from your studies and take charge of the vassal for him, don't be willful!"

Under the sleeve robe, Zhu Chenglian clenched his fists tightly, but in the end, under Zhu Huixun's gentle gaze, he nodded slightly...

After leaving the gate of King Min's Mansion, Zhu Fanzhi and Zhu Chenglian walked side by side, but obviously, both of them were not in a good mood, especially Zhu Fanzhi, who looked listless.

Walking to the entrance of the alley, the carriages from the two prefectures were already waiting. Standing in front of the carriage, Zhu Fanzhi suddenly stopped, lowered his head and said in a deep voice.

"Cheng Zhen, do we really want to watch Uncle Wang and Yin Yang go on an adventure alone, and stay in Zongxue by ourselves, standing idly by?"

Zhu Chenglian's body froze, but he didn't speak, just kept silent, and got into the carriage with the help of his servants, leaving Zhu Fanzhi standing alone, with a look of disappointment flashing across his face.

The carriage swayed forward, raising a puff of smoke, and passed by Zhu Fanzhi, the bells hanging from the four corners were ringing, accompanied by the calm and firm voice of the young man.

"I will write a letter to my father. Don't worry, King Xiang will definitely pay the price for what he has done!"

(End of this chapter)