Daming: After self-explosive time travel, Lao Zhu's mentality collapsed

"From now on, you are my King of Dingbei. This title not only symbolizes your great achievements in guarding the border and pacifying the people, but also means that you will become my most trusted and loyal minister!"

"I am grateful for your majesty's grace. I will do my best and live up to my mission!" Chu Ze's heart was filled with emotion and he kowtowed repeatedly.

When the news came out, the whole country was jubilant. People took to the streets one after another, vying to spread the praises of Dingbei King Chuze.

"With King Dingbei in charge of the northern border, we no longer have to worry about foreign invasions! We can concentrate on living a peaceful life!"

"Isn't it? I heard that the King of Dingbei is not only a martial arts master, but also has good strategies for governing the country. With such wise ministers assisting us, our Ming Dynasty has nothing to worry about!"

For a time, the name of "King of Dingbei" was heard everywhere, and countless heroes came here to follow Chu Ze and serve him.

Zhu Yuanzhang saw this and looked at Chu Ze with a new eye. He often summoned Chu Ze to ask about state affairs and exchange ideas. The two had a great conversation, as if they were close friends regardless of age.

In this way, Chu Ze completely conquered Zhu Yuanzhang with his extraordinary talents and amazing political achievements. His power was at its peak and he became a powerful figure in the court.

However, just when Chu Ze's future seemed bright, an undercurrent crisis was quietly brewing.

A bunch of conservatives in the court had long been resentful of Chu Ze's promotion of Western learning and reform of old conventions. Now that he was in a high position and had great power, they were even more jealous.

"This Chu Ze is just a boy from a humble background, yet he dares to steal the limelight in the court and act recklessly!"

"That's right! How dare he promote Western learning and attempt to undermine our authority. Isn't this courting death?"

A group of old and incompetent officials secretly plotted to frame Chu Ze. For a time, rumors were flying everywhere, portraying Chu Ze as a disloyal and unjust careerist.

"Chu Ze has his own army on the border, and he is obviously trying to usurp the throne!"

"That's right! He is still building schools and misleading people. I don't know what he is up to!" Such foolish and ignorant rumors were spreading wildly among the government and the public.

The news spread quickly. Even some local officials were shocked. They were conservative and had always been resentful of Chu Ze. Now they couldn't sit still after hearing these rumors.

Over there, Chu Ze on the front line was still working day and night, completely unaware of the sudden changes in the situation in the rear.

"Your Majesty, you see, the teaching quality of these newly built schools has improved a lot, right?"

"Isn't it? These ethnic minority compatriots are really talented. I believe they will be able to make contributions to the border in the future."

Chu Ze, Zhao Si and other confidants are inspecting the educational achievements on the border.

Suddenly, the sound of rapid horse hooves interrupted their conversation. A horse galloped over, and the man on the horse was sweating profusely, obviously running all the way from the distant capital.

"Your Highness, something bad has happened! Urgent news has come from the capital!" The man gasped heavily and handed a letter to Chu Ze.

Chu Ze took the letter and looked at it, his face instantly became solemn.
The letter said:
"Your Highness, Prince of Dingbei Chuze: Recently, rumors have spread in the capital that Your Highness is plotting a rebellion. A group of petty officials are fanning the flames and trying to frame Your Highness. Although the emperor did not believe it easily, he could not help but be skeptical. Your Highness should return to the capital as soon as possible to set the record straight! Do not delay, as the strife within the family must be prevented!" The person who signed the letter was actually the Minister of Personnel, Li Si. This person has always supported the new policy and has a close personal relationship with Chuze. He took a great risk to send a secret letter, which shows how urgent the situation was.

After reading the letter, Chu Ze's face turned gloomy and he was speechless for a long time.

"Your Highness, these old thieves dared to spread rumors and cause trouble, intending to put you to death!" Zhao Si and other confidants were shocked and indignant, "What should we do?"

Chu Ze took a deep breath and said slowly: "Forget it, people's words are scary. I never thought that I would end up like this after devoting myself to the country. It seems that this time when I return to Beijing, I am afraid that it will be dangerous."

"Your Highness!" "Your Highness, please think twice!" "You must not surrender!" The confidants kept advising him.

Chu Ze waved his hands and gritted his teeth, "How can I, Chu Ze, be a coward? A real man should put the country first! If I don't return to Beijing to clarify, I'm afraid that those traitors will take advantage of it and cause the Ming Dynasty to fall apart!"

"The safety of my family and country depends on me at this moment. How can I stand idly by and let the treacherous people take power? Even if I die, I will not hesitate!" Chu Ze's eyes were wide open and he spoke passionately.

Seeing this, all the confidants could not help but stand in awe and kneel on the ground. "Your Majesty is so righteous, how dare we, the subjects, not follow you? We are willing to live and die with you to prove our loyalty!"

Chu Ze was deeply moved and helped everyone up. "I am very grateful for your loyalty. But this trip to Beijing is extremely dangerous. You don't have to take any risks, just stay here and guard the border."

"If I can die, I will let the emperor know my loyalty. You will assist the new emperor and make the Ming Dynasty last forever. We will say goodbye today. I hope the country is safe and we will meet again in the future!"

After that, Chu Ze hugged each of his confidants tightly, tears welling up in his eyes. Although everyone was reluctant to let him go, they knew that Chu Ze had made up his mind, so they had to say goodbye.

Chu Ze hurriedly set out on the road with a simple bag, traveling day and night in a dusty state.

In a trance, he saw the magnificent scenes of governing the country in these years. The spread of Western learning, the prosperity of all industries; the heroic cavalry guarding the northern border; educating the people and living in harmony... All the past events were vivid in his mind.

Will all this come to naught because of the slander of the petty people in the court?

This thought made Chu Ze shudder. He clenched his teeth and swore in his heart: "I, Chu Ze, will leave my life to the emperor. But my ideal of revitalizing the Ming Dynasty must not be wasted! Even if I die, I must make sure that this country will be stable and long-term!"

Chu Ze wrote by candlelight in the inn that night. He wrote down all the strategies he had taken over the years to rectify the administration of officials, improve agriculture and sericulture, and establish schools. It was a long and fluent article with tens of thousands of words.

At dawn, Chu Ze finally completed this ambitious memorial. He carefully sealed it and told his confidants, "You must present this memorial to the emperor. I have no regrets in this life, and I only hope that I can do my best for the Ming Dynasty!"

Chu Ze's eyes were red and his expression was solemn. His confidants were all impressed by his courage and burst into tears.

In this way, Chu Ze returned to the capital alone. In the towns he passed along the way, the people knelt down on the road and bid him farewell with tears. "King Dingbei, please take care of yourself!" "King Dingbei, we will never forget your kindness!" The sad cries rose to the sky.

Chu Ze held back his tears and waved goodbye to everyone. His heart was bleeding: If anything happens to me, please don't be sad. I have no regrets in this life, I only hope that the people can be healthy and the country can be stable and peaceful!
Finally, in full view of the public, Chu Ze arrived at the capital. He strode into the palace gate and ran into a group of indifferent guards. (End of this chapter)