The Ming Dynasty started with saving the eldest grandson

Chapter 471 Abdication
Replacing five cabinet scholars at one time and adjusting more than half of the ministerial-level officials is indeed a big deal.

However, the ministers behaved very restrained and cooperatively, and the job transfer process did not cause much chaos.

However, a small incident occurred in the middle, and the ministers subconsciously wanted to go through the court recommendation procedure.

It’s not that they want to share the fruit or anything, but they’re used to it.

Zhu, who had remained silent all along, took the opportunity to lose his temper, severely reprimanded all the ministers, and also put the blame on the Neo-Confucian school.

"We implemented the court discussion method with the original intention of employing people fairly, but we did not expect it to be used by Neo-Confucianists to facilitate their clique-building and selfish pursuits."

"In order to prevent such things from happening again, we have decided to abolish the law of court discussion."

"In the future, the emperor will make the final decision on personnel selection, and only the Ministry of Personnel and the cabinet scholars have the power to recommend candidates."

"Other officials are not allowed to intervene without imperial decree, otherwise they will be punished for abusing their power and forming a clique."

The ministers accepted this matter well. Only a few felt a little regretful, but no one jumped up and down to oppose it.

The imperial recommendation was not in line with traditional etiquette, and with the precedent of Neo-Confucianism, it was normal for Zhu Yuanzhang to abolish this policy and restore the ancient method.

Zhu Yuanzhang was very happy to see the bad policies being abolished so quietly.

Even a little proud.

You guys think you are smart every day.

I'm afraid that from the beginning to the end, I didn't realize what the method of court recommendation meant.

He had completely forgotten about it, and it was only after others reminded him that he realized the problem.

With the support of Old Zhu and the abolition of the law of court discussion, Zhu Xiongying's personnel adjustment became smoother.

He has the final say on almost all matters concerning people, big and small.

Chen Jingke was a little surprised. It was too harmonious.

It is completely different from the previous calls for war and killing.

Madam Ma said, "This is all the foundation laid by Biao'er."

No one can deny this point. Zhu Yuanzhang was the one who created the system, and Zhu Biao was the one who implemented this system.

Just like a machine, Zhu Yuanzhang drew the structure diagram based on his imagination and made some parts.

But this structural diagram is not perfect, and no one knows whether the parts fit.

Zhu Biao is the person who puts the parts together and makes the machine run.

He also made a large number of spare parts, so if a part was damaged, he could just replace it with another one.

Including the two years he served as regent, he was in power for only seven years, but the impact he brought was far-reaching.

This time, the imperial court mobilized so many people and abolished Neo-Confucianism, but it did not cause systemic chaos.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s prestige is one of them.

The most important thing is that the foundation laid by Zhu Biao is solid enough.

But Old Zhu felt very aggrieved after hearing this. Why are you finding new ways to slander me?

Chen Jingke smiled and said, "In fact, the reason why the ministers cooperated so well this time was because of the intimidation of the emperor."

Zhu Yuanzhang was immediately happy: "Jing Ke really understands me..."

However, Chen Jingke immediately said: "Now everyone has only one idea, cooperate with the crown prince and don't let the emperor come out for a stroll anymore."

“Haha…” Empress Ma laughed.

Old Zhu: “…”

"Okay, okay, you all find ways to slander me, don't you? Humph, I'm broad-minded and won't argue with you."

After everyone chatted and laughed for a while, Madam Ma started talking about business:

"Biao'er is going to pass the throne to Xiongying. Do you think now is the right time?"

Chen Jingke thought to himself, no wonder he didn’t call Zhu Xiongying over, it turned out he was here to discuss this matter.

He was mentally prepared for Zhu Biao's abdication and did not make a fuss about it.

He did not express his opinion, but waited for Lao Zhu to make a decision.

However, Lao Zhu also waited for a long time, and when he saw that he hadn't spoken, he scolded him:
"Speak up, why are you staring at me?"

"Uh..." Chen Jingke was speechless: "Don't you have to make the decision on this matter?"

Old Zhu said unhappily, "What can we object to? It's just to see if you have any big plans, so as not to conflict with them."

Chen Jingke didn't feel touched, he just felt a headache.

This old Zhu, if it's really useful, use it to death.

However, he still carefully considered the overall situation and finally said:
"If nothing unexpected happens, there will be a major war in the Western Region next year, and this war may last for several years."

"Japan in the east is also planning to take action in the next two years."

"A change of throne during a war could affect the morale of the army."

"My suggestion is... to send troops as soon as possible, preferably not to delay until the beginning of next spring."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows and said, "Timur sent troops to attack others? Why didn't we hear any movement?"

Chen Jingke shook his head and said, "It doesn't matter whether Timur sends troops or not. Our layout is complete. No matter what he does, we just need to act according to the plan."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and said, "Then let's do it at the end of the year."

Madam Ma hesitated and said, "There is less than a month left. Will the time be too short? How about putting it in February next year?"

Zhu Yuanzhang explained: "Sending troops to the Western Regions is somewhat similar to sending troops to Liaodong. The army must prepare before the New Year and must set out in February at the latest."

The journey to the Western Regions is too long, so we must set off early.

Liaodong is a long way away and too cold in winter, so we set out around the New Year and arrived just as the weather was warming in April and May, which was perfect for fighting.

When the weather turned cooler in October, they began to withdraw their troops.

These are the experiences left by our ancestors. With the current productivity, it is impossible to launch a war against the climate.

"Since we are considering sending troops in the early spring of next year, it would be best if the succession to the throne is completed before the end of the year."

"In this way, the soldiers can fight without worries."

There is another point that no one has mentioned, which is whether there is any rush or not.

In every dynasty, upon the death of the previous emperor, the successor would ascend the throne on the spot.

Only after completing the coronation ceremony did he begin to deal with the late emperor's affairs.

To be honest, that was really hasty.

Zhu Xiongying still has at least twenty days to prepare.

Moreover, it was the New Year, and the provincial governors and envoys from vassal states had all arrived in the capital.

It also saves them from having to make another trip separately.

So, the matter was settled.

Someone may say, such a big thing is decided like this?
What a child's play.

Normally, the succession of the throne is indeed troublesome.

The main trouble is that after the new emperor ascends the throne, a large number of civil and military officials must be replaced, and the temporary chaos caused by personnel adjustments is inevitable.

But Daming has no such concerns. He has a team of three generations.

Of course, the main reason is that Zhu Xiongying started to govern early.

He was familiar with both civil and military officials, and had already promoted those confidants who should be promoted.

There is no need to adjust the current structure.

His ascension to the throne was merely a transition from acting emperor to the real emperor.

Other than that there is no difference, everyone just does what they should do.

But even so, the necessary process still needs to be followed.

Not only must it not be less, it must also be perfect.

The reason is simple. If there is any imperfection in the process of the succession of the throne, it may lead to conspiracy theories.

There's no need to give people an opportunity to spread rumors in a place like this.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao first summoned the nobles, such as Li Shanchang, Xu Da, Lan Yu, Fu Youde and others.

After communicating with them, the succession of the throne was confirmed.

Everyone naturally knew what to do and immediately swore to be loyal to the royal family and assist the prince.

After gaining the support of these bigwigs, Zhu Biao began his performance.

Over the next few days, he issued several orders in succession.

It was he who issued the order as the emperor, not Zhu.

After all, he is now the legal ruler of the country.

These orders are all intended to resolve matters that were previously delayed.

For example, Zhu Yunwen was renamed King of Yu, his fiefdom was located in the southwest of Yanzhou, and he was allowed to leave for his fiefdom after the new year.

This canonization, in the eyes of most people, is very normal.

To develop Yanzhou, the royal family sent a prince to set an example.

However, only a very few people knew that Zhu Biao was clearing mines.

After all, Lu's death was unclear, and no one knew whether Zhu Yunwen would hear any rumors.

It would be good for everyone to put him far away so that he can never come back.

Moreover, the location of Zhu Yunwen's fiefdom was also very particular.

The most suitable place for human habitation in Yanzhou is the southeast, which can easily support thousands of people.

The rest of the country is basically arid and semi-arid, uninhabited areas. There are also habitable lands along the coast, but they are scattered and difficult to connect.

The southwest corner is one of the few livable areas that can be connected, except for the southeast.

There is no problem in feeding hundreds of thousands of people.

And it is far away from other closed countries, so it is very safe.

But because it is far away from other countries, it is difficult to achieve great things.

If Zhu Yunwen had been a prince honestly and managed his fiefdom carefully, his life would have been very comfortable.

If he has ambition, he is powerless.

It can be said that this fiefdom neither treated Zhu Yunwen unfairly nor set a limit to his potential.

Even if he heard some rumors about Lu's death from somewhere, he could do nothing about it.

Moreover, as a father, Zhu Biao personally appointed Zhu Yunwen as the Duke of Yanzhou.

It also completely cleared Zhu Xiongying.

After all, if Zhu Xiongying gave him such a title, others might say that he was mistreating his brothers or something.

As a father, Zhu Biao was given this title, so others would praise him for his selflessness.

No matter what problems arise in the future, they have nothing to do with Zhu Xiongying.

It can be said that the issue of Zhu Yunwen's placement alone fully demonstrated Zhu Biao's wisdom.

Everyone was very satisfied with this canonization.

Zhu Yuanzhang, Empress Ma and other insiders were satisfied.

The nobles were also satisfied. After all, the royal family had set an example, and they were willing to be conferred titles later.

Even Zhu Yunwen himself was very satisfied, as mentioned above.

For him at the moment, it is really comfortable to be able to occupy the southwestern corner of Yanzhou alone.

There is no competition, just live your life in peace.

Moreover, compared to the southeast, this place is closer to the Ming Dynasty, and trade is much more convenient.

No matter how you look at it, that was his father's care for him.

So, how could he not be satisfied?

I just feel a little reluctant to leave my elder brother Zhu Xiongying.

He still remembers how sad and confused he was when his mother passed away.

It was the appearance of my elder brother that brought me a sense of security, and he has been taking good care of me ever since.

In his heart, Zhu Xiongying is both a brother and a father.

He was extremely reluctant to leave his elder brother suddenly.

But he also knew that going to Yanzhou was his mission as a prince, and he had to go no matter how reluctant he was.

What's more, being born into a royal family, he also has his own ideals and ambitions.

Initially, he wanted to be the King of Sai and assist his elder brother in building his career.

Later, when the Ming Dynasty adopted the feudal system, he dreamed of going to a feudal state to make a name for himself and turning it into a paradise on earth.

Now that his dream has finally come true, he is very excited.

The only person who was dissatisfied with this matter was Zhu Xiongying.

He really couldn't bear to let his brother run so far away.

"Hey, why do people have to grow up?"

"Why do you think people have to go through separation and death?"

"you say……"

Chen Jingke: "..."

If I wasn't afraid that you would have a psychological burden, I would really want to tell you the truth about Lu's death, to see if you would still be pretentious.

Zhu Xiongying was just sad for a moment and would not really stop the enthronement.

He also knew very well that this canonization was necessary.

Next, he used his power to prepare a large amount of supplies for his brothers.

The number of craftsmen equipped was more than twice that of an ordinary vassal state.

Zhu Yunwen was also very clear about this, and was so moved that tears welled up in his eyes:

"Prince..."

"Call brother."

"Don't worry, big brother. I will definitely build the country well and won't embarrass you."

While Zhu Xiongying acted very friendly and respectful to his brother, Zhu Biao was also busy and began to meet with ministers frequently.

Seven cabinet scholars, heads of various departments, veteran nobles, and so on.

Understand the current national situation, make adjustments in certain areas, and fill in the gaps for Zhu Xiongying.

The key point is that during this period he expressed the idea of ​​abdication.

Those who can sit in this position are all smart people and they immediately guessed the reason.

No one was surprised by this.

Firstly, Zhu Yuanzhang had already set an example; secondly, everyone knew that it was impossible for Zhu Biao to fully recover, so abdication was the best option.

But the play still has to be performed.

Naturally, the ministers disagreed and begged him to give up the idea.

When Zhu Xiongying heard about this, he immediately came outside the hall, kowtowed and cried, saying that he was still young and unable to take on such a heavy responsibility.

Zhu Biao had to retract the idea.

However, the news of his abdication spread throughout the court and the country that same day.

Everyone's reaction to this was...nothing special.

As things stand, all the cabinet scholars are appointed by the crown prince, and his accession to the throne is just a formality.

What's so strange about that?

The people are quite happy about this.

To be honest, Zhu Biao's reputation among the people is indeed not as good as Zhu Xiongying's.

After all, he was the Crown Prince appointed by Heaven. He had done good deeds in eradicating schistosomiasis in the south, and had also implemented good policies such as the land tax distribution left to him by Chen Jingke.

In other words, the imperial court did not allow it, otherwise, countless people would have built a shrine for him.

As for Zhu Biao...he was just the father of the Crown Prince.

Now that the crown prince has grown up, it's time for him to succeed to the throne.

The good days that we ordinary people have been looking forward to for more than ten years are finally coming.

When Chen Jingke learned about these situations from the Jinyiwei, he was really at a loss whether to laugh or cry.

Of course, these cannot be shown to Zhu Biao.

He was not a man without emotional intelligence, and he knew very well that what Zhu Biao needed at this moment was everyone's affirmation.

If he knew that the people only regarded him as the 'father of the crown prince', it would be a heavy blow to him.

Anyone would probably feel uncomfortable and aggrieved.

Therefore, he changed the public opinion information into how reluctant the people were and how grateful they were for Zhu Biao's kindness.

As expected, after reading this information, Zhu Biao was very pleased.

"If I can get a few compliments from the people, my reign as emperor will not be in vain."

When Zhu Xiongying learned about this, he burst into tears and immediately ordered Fang Xiaoru to publish Zhu Biao's deeds in the newspaper.

It is mainly about the good policies he has implemented over the years and the benefits the people have received.

"My father was relatively low-key and tried not to disturb the people while in office, so that the people were not aware of his achievements."

"As his son, I must let the world know his greatness."

Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma were very pleased. The family reunion with a loving father and filial son is what the elderly like to see most.

No matter what happened outside, Zhu Biao still pushed forward the process according to plan.

Three days later, he summoned his ministers again, saying that his health was failing and he wished to abdicate.

He was dissuaded again by his ministers.

On the fourth day, Zhu Biao rarely appeared at the morning court, and everyone knew the purpose of his appearance.

Everyone perked up.

Moreover, everyone was very conscious and put away some less important memorials, leaving more time for Zhu Biao.

As expected, after dealing with several important matters, Zhu Biao announced that he would give up his throne to Crown Prince Zhu Xiongying.

The ministers tried to dissuade him again, but Zhu Xiongying knelt down and kowtowed in refusal.

There should have been some arguing here, but in the end, Zhu Biao got angry and scolded everyone, and everyone had to agree.

But it was obvious that Zhu Biao's health did not support this, so everyone just gave a symbolic dissuasion and completed the process.

It ended after three refusal and three declines.

The succession to the throne has become a foregone conclusion, and the next step is to determine an auspicious day, prepare for the coronation ceremony, etc.

Zhu Xiongying also needs to think of a reign title that he likes.

(End of this chapter)