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

The tall body shines brightly under the scorching sun.

The long sword in hand flashes with cold light.

That demeanor is simply not that of an ordinary person!
"The Emperor is mighty!"

"Long live the emperor!"

Civil and military officials all cheered in unison, like mountains and seas roaring.

Qin Yunyun also stepped forward with tears in her eyes, trying to support Chu Ze.

Chu Ze, however, pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly.

"Yunyun, I'm sorry to have made you worried."

He whispered softly in his wife's ear, with such tenderness.

"Your Majesty has returned safely, I will thank God!"

Qin Yunyun was in tears and burst into tears.

The two hugged each other for a long time before they walked hand in hand into the palace gate slowly amid cheers.

Wang Yangming, Qi Jiguang and other civil and military officials followed closely behind, all of them in high spirits.

The palace gate slowly closed, blocking out all the noise.

Inside the palace, lanterns and candles were brightly lit.

Chu Ze sat on the dragon throne and summoned all the ministers to discuss state affairs.

"Now that the border war has been settled, even though the Mongolian cavalry has been defeated, we cannot let our guard down."

Chu Ze's solemn gaze swept over everyone.

He went on to say: "The Xixia clan is eyeing us with eager eyes. The Jin dynasty is also waiting for an opportunity to make a move. I'm afraid that soon, there will be another bloody storm."

"This battle was not easy. Although we won, our army also suffered heavy losses. Although morale is high, we are exhausted after all."

"Next, we should rest and recuperate and accumulate strength. At the same time, we should be on high alert and be on guard against external enemies."

"In addition, we must recruit talents and enrich the national treasury. Let the people rest and recuperate, and become increasingly prosperous. Only in this way can we lay a solid foundation for future conquests!"

Upon hearing this, all the ministers were in awe.

They all agreed, praising the emperor for his wisdom and bravery, and his foresight.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn and dignified. In front of the magnificent dragon throne, Chu Ze, wearing a dragon robe, had a sharp gaze and was full of majesty.

Wang Yangming, Qi Jiguang and Yang Jinglong, three important officials, stood respectfully at the bottom of the steps. Their robes were still stained with blood and smoke from the battlefield, and they were covered with scars, but they looked heroic.

"My dear ministers, this great victory on the border is all due to your efforts. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to you all!"

Chu Ze bowed his hands, his face showing compassion, but his tone was powerful. He exuded an unquestionable imperial majesty.

"I am terrified! It is our duty to be loyal to the Ming Dynasty!"

The three of them knelt hurriedly, their heads hitting the cold stone steps. The dull sound of the collision echoed in the hall.

"No gift."

Chu Ze waved his hand lightly and swept his eyes over the three people.

"In this battle, all of you have made great contributions. Lord Qi, you led your troops to a surprising victory and annihilated 20,000 elite Mongolian cavalry. Lord Wang, you were even more brilliant and captured and killed the enemy chieftain in one fell swoop. Lord Yang, you fought bravely and gained a lot."

"How can such military exploits not be rewarded handsomely?"

Just as he finished speaking, the sound of hurried horse hooves suddenly rang out outside the hall.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a horse charging into the palace gate. On the horse sat a middle-aged man dressed as a scholar.

The man had gray hair on his temples and a scholarly air between his brows.

"The Minister of Personnel, Hai Rui!"

Some careful people recognized the person and exclaimed in surprise.

Hai Rui dismounted and ran to the front of the palace with big strides. When he reached the dragon throne, he bowed to Chu Ze.

"Your Majesty, I, Hai Rui, pay my respects to you! Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and has accomplished great success. I am extremely pleased!"

Chu Ze nodded slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"My dear Hai, you have come from the south, exhausted from all the journey. I wonder what you are doing here?"

Hai Rui took out a memorial from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"Your Majesty, I went south with Lord Wang to take over the southeastern coastal area. Now we have eliminated all the local tyrants and raised enough military pay. I am here to report to your Majesty."

Chu Ze unfolded the memorial and quickly scanned it. Instantly, a gratified smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"My dear Hai, you are truly a pillar of the country! How should I reward you for such a great contribution?"

Upon hearing this, Hai Rui waved his hands repeatedly.

"I have served the country with loyalty, which is only my duty. As for rewards, I have a request, and I hope Your Majesty will approve it."

Chu Ze raised his eyebrows with interest: "Oh? My dear, please go ahead."

Hai Rui said solemnly: "I beg Your Majesty to abolish the salt and copper taxes in the southeast. This will allow the local people to breathe a sigh of relief and live a peaceful life for a few days."

As soon as this statement came out, the whole court was in an uproar. You know, the southeast is rich, and tax revenue accounts for nearly half of the Ming Dynasty's treasury. If it is exempted, wouldn't the court suffer heavy losses?
Chu Ze didn't care. He pondered for a moment and suddenly burst into laughter.

"Good! You are worthy of being Lord Hai, so considerate of the people! I approve this request!"

Hai Rui was overjoyed and kowtowed repeatedly.

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty! I will live up to your trust and do my best to benefit the people!"

Chu Ze nodded with satisfaction and turned his gaze to the other three.

"Lord Qi, Lord Wang, Lord Yang, the three of you are the pillars of our country. We need good generals like you to fight on the frontier."

"Lord Yang, Lord Qi, are you two willing to put on your armor again and lead the troops to guard the northwest and northeast borders?"

Yang Jinglong and Qi Jiguang looked at each other and knelt down without hesitation.

"I am willing to do this! I swear to be loyal to the emperor and defend the country until my death!"

"very good!"

Chu Zelong was very happy and looked at Wang Yangming again.

"My dear Lord, you are extremely intelligent and skilled in martial arts. I would like to appoint you as the Minister of War and give you the power to manage the military affairs. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Yangming was stunned at first, then he knocked his knees heavily.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to serve the court with all my heart and soul until my death!"

"Hahaha!"

Chu Ze laughed loudly towards the sky, full of great enthusiasm.

"Today I have such a good minister, the Ming Dynasty will last forever!"

"My dear ministers, why don't you follow me to the Hall of Supreme Harmony to hold a banquet to celebrate the victory!"

All the ministers said yes in unison and followed Chu Ze away in a mighty procession.

For a time, the palace was decorated with lanterns and colorful lights, and there was singing and dancing. Countless civil and military officials filled the banquet hall of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The wine glasses clinked and the music and singing were resounding.

Chu Ze sat in the main seat, Qin Yunyun stood gracefully beside him. They were a perfect match, making others envious.

Qi Jiguang and Yang Jinglong raised their glasses and toasted Chu Ze.

"Long live the emperor! Long live the queen!"

"May our Ming Dynasty prosper and create greater glory!"

All the ministers in the hall cheered and congratulated in unison.

The atmosphere was extremely festive and warm.

Hai Rui raised his cup with a smile, and drank with Wang Yangming. The two looked at each other and smiled, full of vigor and vitality.

Chu Ze saw it and was overjoyed.

Without your great help, the reform of the Ming Dynasty would never have been able to proceed so smoothly.

Qin Yunyun smiled gently and filled Chu Ze's glass with wine. Chu Ze raised his glass to toast his wife, and Qin Yunyun shyly took it and took a sip.

Seeing her shy look, Chu Ze's heart was beating wildly. A warm current flowed through his limbs.

"What a virtuous and kind Queen! I am honored to be able to serve you. It is truly a great honor!"

Hai Rui and Wang Yangming raised their glasses to greet the crowd. They both looked envious and a little tipsy.

"My two beloved ministers, why don't you take a seat? Today's banquet is held to reward you for your contributions!"

Chu Ze laughed and poured wine for the two of them personally.

Hai Rui and Wang Yangming were surprised and delighted, and hurriedly knelt down to express their gratitude.

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace! We, your humble servants, are deeply grateful!"

At this moment, there was a sudden noise outside the banquet hall.

Then, a eunuch rushed in in a panic.

"Your Majesty! Something bad has happened!"

The eunuch stumbled and fell to his knees with a thud.

Chu Ze frowned and put down his glass.

"What's the panic?"

"Your Majesty, someone is outside the palace gate and smashed it to pieces. He is also shouting that he wants to see the emperor and ask for an explanation! We can't stop him!"

Before he could finish his words, the door of the banquet hall was kicked open with a bang.

An old figure strode in.

This person was wearing a grey robe, with white hair and beard, and his eyes were bright and shining.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you! May your Majesty be well!" (End of this chapter)