Daming: My boss Zhu Yuanzhang

Wang Jie turned his attention to Li Wei, hoping that he would stand up and say a few words.

This time Li Wei did not disappoint him. He immediately stood up again and asked with a chuckle: "Can Minister Li also know the way of business?"

Li Shu glanced at him and said disdainfully: "I have read the classics of saints and sages, how could I be contaminated by these vulgar ways?"

Li Wei suddenly smiled when he heard what he said. Li Shu is a typical scholar who pretends to be noble. He eats other people's food and drinks other people's food, but also treats others as lowly. It's like the ministers of the Six Ministries looking at the Ministry of Light Industry. Same.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was on the throne, frowned slightly when he heard what he said. He also hated these literati who ruined the country with empty talk. This was something he had always worried about.

Li Wei directly retorted: "Since you don't know how to do business, wouldn't the Chamber of Commerce be screwed up if I entrust it to you?"

"Humph, I don't need to do anything personally. I only need to take care of the businessmen. Isn't it the same with the Duke?" Li Shu said matter-of-factly.

Li Wei sneered: "Although I don't do everything myself, the Chamber of Commerce was founded by me. I know all the details from entry to exit. Do you dare to compare with me?"

The Chamber of Commerce is one of his main sources of income, and strictly speaking, the Chamber of Commerce is private property, and it does not belong to Zhu Yuanzhang, let alone the imperial court. Li Shu's doing this is no different from Ming robbery, and of course he will not hand it over.

However, those above the court are all moral gentlemen. At this time, they must not mention personal interests and must prevail over others with reason.

Li Shu's cheek twitched. Although Li Wei's words were a bit arrogant, he was a newly promoted Duke with outstanding merits. He, a newly promoted "minor official" in this place, really couldn't be compared with others.

"Then...then the bank should be under the control of the account department, right?"

"Oh, do you know what deposit reserves are? Do you know what inflation is? How dare you reach out to the bank even if you don't know anything?"

Li Wei mentioned a few nouns casually and made him speechless. However, he still didn't want to give up and insisted: "My lord, you don't need to use these new words that you have never heard before to scare people. Although I didn't listen, Yes, but it’s not that difficult if you think about it, I can master it just by learning!”

"Sorry, you want to become a disciple but I don't want to accept a disciple yet." Li Wei mocked.

Hearing this, Li Shu's face suddenly turned red. He had no intention of becoming a disciple, but these things were all made by Li Wei. If he wanted to learn, he really had to ask others for advice. There was nothing wrong with Li Wei's words.

When Wang Jie saw that Li Wei had silenced the new Minister of the Ministry of Finance with a few words, he breathed a sigh of relief and admired Li Wei even more.

He had never seen Li Wei be so capable of attacking people before.

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and looked at them. He knew very well that most of these literati were moral gentlemen, but they were often helpless when doing practical things. Even some unscrupulous and traitorous ministers were much better than these virtuous scribes. This gave him a headache. , Incompetence is not enough. It is too difficult to find capable ministers with both talents and virtues. This is why he shows mercy to Li Dang.

I don't know why, but these good ministers in the court would move closer to Li Wei and form the so-called "Li Party", which made him unable to do anything without cutting him off, and even if he did, he would not let go.

After a moment of silence, Zhu Yuanzhang said to Li Shu: "What he said is right. If the Ministry of Accounts really wants to participate in the bank and chamber of commerce, it should learn some real skills honestly, otherwise, don't make this idea!"

Hearing this, Li Shu felt conflicted in his heart. It would definitely not work for him to worship the traitor Li Dang as his teacher, but His Majesty also made it clear that he would not be allowed to interfere in these affairs without first learning these things.

"Yes!"

After much thought, he couldn't help but feel embarrassed, so he had to retreat to the courtroom first.

After the report from the Ministry of Household Affairs was completed, Zheng Kexin from the Ministry of Punishment also came out to report. It was nothing more than the trial of cases in various places, the custody and management of criminals, etc. These were all routine matters. Others also acted as if it had nothing to do with them and listened quietly. With.

However, as soon as Zheng Kexin finished speaking, Li Wei came out to interrupt again: "Your Majesty, I have some suggestions on this, please give me your permission to report them!"

Zheng Kexin's face suddenly darkened after he finished speaking, and the officials were also stunned for a while.

They were already surprised when Li Wei took back the affairs of the previous two departments. Now he even wants to intervene in the affairs of the Ministry of Justice. Isn't this Duke Han's management a bit too lenient?

Zhu Yuanzhang also cast his gaze on him, his eyes sharp, and he paused for a moment before saying in a deep voice: "Speak!"

"Yes!" Li Wei was not polite at the moment and said directly: "The Ministry of Punishment can't just try the cases, it also needs to organize and analyze these cases. Are the number of criminals this year more or less than last year? Why did it increase and why did it decrease? ? Only after knowing the reason can the court prescribe the right medicine to reduce the crime rate. In addition, these prisoners cannot just be locked up. They must be educated. Punishment is only a means, and educating the people to abide by the law is the purpose..."

Li Wei talked a lot. Although Zhu Yuanzhang was very dissatisfied with his wanton interference in government affairs, his eyes couldn't help but light up when he heard these suggestions!
These words shocked him greatly. Punishment was not the purpose, but educating the people was. What about the crime rate? He wanted to use this as one of the criteria for official evaluation!
Zheng Kexin's eyes were also full of surprise. Although he didn't want to admit it, from the bottom of his heart he agreed with Li Wei's suggestions. He didn't expect that the Duke knew more about the legal system than the officials in the Ministry of Justice.

"Your Majesty, what Duke Han said is really a mature strategy for running the country. If the Ministry of Punishment follows this law, it will definitely educate the people and reduce the... crime rate. If the people abide by the law, the world will be safe."

He Li from the Ministry of War quickly came out and praised.

He could see that the Duke's energy was still very terrifying. Originally, due to Zhu Yuanzhang's change in attitude and Chen Su's departure from Jin Yiwei, he had already become somewhat alienated from Wang Jie and other Li party members, but now that he saw Li Wei He personally took action and easily suppressed the officials and households. Now there is a high probability that the punishment department will also be obedient. Such power made him realize the reality.

"What Mr. He said is absolutely true. I second my opinion!"

Wang Jie, as the main force of Li Party, quickly came out to echo.

"I also agree that this is a good policy for governing the country!"

Han Yike, who easily avoided getting involved in court battles, also went out to report that he really felt that Li Wei's advice would benefit the country and the people. Although the Ming Dynasty has basically unified the world, there is actually no peace in various places, and there are often bandits. Unfortunately, this is the time when these good strategies are needed.

Han Yike is now the deputy censor of the capital procuratorate. In the absence of the censor of the capital, he is equivalent to a promotion of the first department. His status is the same as that of the six departments. His words are still very weighty. When other ministers see this , immediately saw the direction of the wind clearly, and they all echoed:

"I also second the proposal..."

Zheng Kexin looked at this situation. Although he did not want the Criminal Department to be controlled by others, he could only bow his head and remain silent.

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the ministers, feeling both happy and worried.

Li Wei has intervened in government affairs several times today, with unprecedented enthusiasm. In the past, he would have laughed three times and rewarded him heavily.

However, now it is one moment and another. Li Wei is no longer the little reckless young man. He is the Duke of the country, with power in the government and the opposition, and he has to treat it with caution.

"This is a very good policy. You can write down a charter later and submit it to the Ministry of Justice for their reference."

Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly that he could not deny this good strategy, but he would not let Li Wei control the affairs of the six ministries again.

Li Wei had already expected this, and had never thought about personally participating in the affairs of the six ministries as before, but it didn't matter. As long as his ideas were adopted, he would have an impact on the government, which was also indirect power.

"According to the order."

Li Wei handed over his hand and then silently returned to the courtroom.

But at this time, when the ministers saw that his suggestions were adopted three times in a row, they no longer dared to be scornful, and looked at him with a hint of awe.

Lan Yu, who was behind him, was so jealous that her eyes were about to burst into flames when she saw that he was so beautiful.

Although these nobles would occasionally say a few words, they usually either clamored for war or wanted to fight. Anyway, they rarely had serious business. Not only would they not be accepted by Zhu Yuanzhang, but they would be reprimanded anyway, like Li Wei There are almost no situations where civil servants are suppressed in this way. If they had not had outstanding military exploits, I am afraid that the court would have been dominated by civil servants.

Many of the nobles were jealous, but many admired him. They felt that he was giving honor to the nobles, and they themselves were honored. As much as they admired Li Shanchang in the past, they admire Li Wei now.

Zhu Yuanzhang saw the subtle changes in the attitudes of the ministers, and his heart suddenly became solemn.

This kid's behavior today is a bit abnormal. It seems that he needs to be investigated carefully!

After the Ministry of Punishment finished reporting, Zhao Mao, who had just helped Li Wei fight against the Ministry of Personnel, also came out to report the imperial examination.

Since he had just "fighted side by side" with him, Li Wei did not interrupt him again. However, as Zhao Hao was the prince, he would definitely not become a member of Li's party. Li Wei just did not target him for the time being, and would still do so in the future. Find a way to get rid of it.

He Li of the Ministry of War saw the opportunity early and had already expressed his attitude. When he was doing something, he glanced at Li Wei repeatedly to test his intentions, but Li Wei said nothing more.

In other ministries, he repeatedly spoke out and severely criticized those who did not go his way or disliked them.

Eliminate dissidents and form cliques for personal gain. This is what he is going to do now!
Now that he is so powerful, even the six heavenly officials cannot compete with him. Those with lower grades dare not say anything and can only listen honestly. An early court meeting became the podium for Li Wei to announce his return. Under his influence, the suppressed "Li Party" revived again, threatening to resume its heyday when he first became public.

After the morning court, Zhu Yuanzhang returned to the apse, his face immediately darkened, and he urgently ordered Xu Shou to summon Mao Xiang.

At this time, Li Wei walked out of the palace surrounded by officials, looking like a powerful official.

From that day on, Li Wei attended almost every court meeting and was concerned about government affairs, no matter how big or small. Although Zhan Wei, Zheng Kexin and others expressed their opposition several times, they were suppressed by him, He Li, Wang Jie and others.

In the yamen founded by Li Wei, a group of dignitaries gathered here to listen to the instructions of the Duke of Han.

Li Wei glanced at everyone. There were all old faces here, such as He Li, Wang Jie, Wu Chen, etc. They were all old faces from the past. Although some of them had been demoted, after hearing what happened in the court, their hearts became hot again. He stood up and looked at Li Wei with burning eyes.

"Everyone, I have been sorry for you in the past. I did not help you when you suffered injustice, but I did it for a reason. I hope you can understand."

Li Wei said softly.

What he said is true. The reason why he didn't help these people in the first place was because he was afraid that Zhu Yuanzhang would be cruel.

Of course, there are also reasons why he has no interest in government and wants to run away.

No one is stupid. Although Li Wei's reason is a bit far-fetched, they will not question it.

"The Duke of Han made serious remarks."

"Yes, sir, don't worry about it. Although we are temporarily frustrated, as long as you are here, I think we will always be able to make a comeback."

"Not bad……"

Everyone was talking and making probing words.

Li Wei did not disappoint them, and immediately said: "Don't worry, everyone, as long as you are outstanding, the imperial court will use you sooner or later, and the day you will rise again will not be too far away!"

When everyone heard this, they were immediately overjoyed. With Li Wei's words, they felt relieved.

"Thank you, Duke Guo!"

Wu Chen took the lead in thanking him, and everyone else followed suit.

Li Wei nodded lightly, but then changed the topic and said: "But I have to say something upfront. When you are an official and govern, your ability is one thing, and your moral character must not be compromised, especially corruption!"

As he spoke, he glanced at everyone with sharp eyes and said coldly: "You all know how much His Majesty hates corrupt officials, and so do I. From now on, if someone secretly accepts and grants money, takes bribes and perverts the law, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

When everyone heard this, their hearts tightened.

Li Wei gave them a very stern warning. If they really don't listen and make such mistakes in the future, not only will they not get help from the Duke, but they will be severely punished.

Among the people, some people's expressions changed slightly. Although some people were disappointed, they were not worried. It was obvious that some were greedy and some wanted to be greedy. As for the truly honest ones, it was not that there were none, but only very few.

Li Wei saw their reactions in his eyes and couldn't help but shake his head secretly.

Although these people are useful, they are not upright people like Wu Bozong and Han Yike.

Similarly, generals like Wu Bozong and Han Yike would not obey him. He can only say that it is difficult to have both ends of the world. If you want to take these people under your command, you must give them some benefits. Fortunately, he has already made a plan. .

"I know that everyone only gets a salary, and life is a bit hard. In this regard, you can rest assured that there are many jobs in the Minghuang Chamber of Commerce, and the income is very good. If you have servants and family members at home and are relatively free, you can go to work in the Chamber of Commerce. I’ve arranged it so that with some extra income, everyone’s life will be better.”

"Of course, if everyone is content with poverty, I won't force it."

Li Wei said softly.

These officials have their own domestic servants, and even high-ranking ones have servants assigned by the court. Usually these people serve them, beat their subordinates, etc., and they are idle. If they are arranged to enter the chamber of commerce, they will get paid for their work. Money is a given.

As for the money, of course it belongs to these officials in the end. Everything about the slave belongs to the master, including all the income from his work. Not many people like Li Wei give slaves generous treatment. On the contrary, the master will appropriate the money earned by the slave as Own.

After everyone heard Li Wei's words, they finally breathed a sigh of relief. Those who wanted to be corrupt quickly gave up the idea of ​​making money. If they could have normal income, they would naturally not risk corruption again.

Of course, this is also what some people think. There must be some people who secretly embezzle money. Li Wei will not be merciful to such people. As long as he knows about it, he will deal with it severely without Zhu Yuanzhang taking action, so as not to implicate everyone. .

After Li Wei warned them, he specially comforted Wu Chen and other people who were demoted, and asked them to wait for the opportunity.

After this simple discussion, he finally calmed people's hearts.

After everyone dispersed, Li Wei also left the Office of Directors and returned to the Arms Bureau.

The people in the Prince Consort's Mansion are multi-minded, and those servants and maids are all sent by Zhu Yuanzhang. It is normal for these people to report to Zhu Yuanzhang, and there is also Xiaoqing...

Li Wei sighed quietly, sitting alone in a room in the Ordnance Bureau and waiting silently.

It has been two days now, and Chen Su should come to report the results of the investigation to him today.

From the afternoon until near evening, Chen Su walked in in a hurry.

"I've met the father-in-law!"

"Hmm," Li Wei hummed lightly, paused for a moment, and then asked, "How is the investigation going?"

He was eager to know the truth, but also worried about hearing something he didn't want to accept.

Chen Su did not have so many worries and answered directly: "Your Majesty, we have found out some clues. The Xu Yao you are talking about was said to be the palace maid assigned to take care of the former Yuan concubines. Later, the former Yuan concubines were sent away. After returning to Mongolia, she joined the Jiaofang and became Shao Wu of the Jiaofang Division..."

"Concubine of the former Yuan Dynasty? When did it happen?" Li Wei was confused.

He had been in power for many years and had some knowledge of the Ming Dynasty's destruction of the Yuan Dynasty. It is said that when Xu Da conquered Dadu of the Yuan Dynasty, Emperor Yuan had already taken his wife and children and ran away. How could the Ming Dynasty still have concubines from the former Yuan Dynasty?

"Yes, sir, although Emperor Yuan abandoned the city and fled in advance, there were many concubines in Qian Yuan's palace at that time. He only fled with a few family members such as the concubine and prince, and many concubines and female officials were captured by the Ming army.

His Majesty once told the generals not to bully the orphans and widows, so these concubines were sent to the capital to be cared for by people in the palace. Later, His Majesty saw that these people were not acclimated to the local environment, and specially ordered them to be sent back to Beiyuan. "

Chen Su explained.

Zhu Yuanzhang was indeed very kind to the prisoners, especially the former Yuan royal family. He did this not only to show Shengde's desire to dismantle the enemy's fighting spirit, but also to maintain the royal face.

After hearing this, Li Wei had a vague suspicion in his heart.

"Is there any more?" Li Wei asked.

Chen Su shook his head gently: "No, sir, you have told me that this person may be related to the Jin Yiwei. My subordinates did not dare to alert the enemy. I only heard this."

Li Wei nodded and said: "This matter is not urgent. You can set up an intelligence organization first, and then we can investigate slowly later."

"Yes! I am recruiting people, and these people will soon be able to work for the Lord!"

"Ah."

Li Wei nodded lightly and asked him to retreat. (End of chapter)