King Luhuang of the Ming Dynasty: My father, Ming Taizu

Zhu Tan returned to the study, dismissed his attendants, left only a single lamp on, and carefully arranged the four treasures of the study on the desk.

The tip of the pen moved across the paper, and each word was as sharp as iron painting and silver hook, with force penetrating through the back of the paper.

"Father, I, your humble servant Zhu Tan, have been taught by you since I was young. I am deeply grateful for your kindness and have no way to repay you."

In his memorial, Zhu Tan did not directly request a fiefdom, but instead elaborated at length on his idea of ​​managing a piece of wasteland as a test of the new policy.

He knew Lao Zhu's concerns about land annexation.

So he specifically emphasized that what he wanted was not a rich land, but a barren land that no one cared about.

He wanted to establish a more democratic system there.

After writing the memorial, Zhu Tan repeatedly considered and revised it. After making sure it was foolproof, he carefully rolled it up and placed it in a rosewood box.

He stood up and opened the door of the study.

"Ready your horse!"

After a while.

A black horse was led to Zhu Tan by a servant.

Zhu Tan jumped on the horse and shook the reins in his hand. The black horse neighed and rushed out of the county government office like an arrow from a bow, galloping towards the direction of the imperial palace.

Imperial Palace, Imperial Study Room.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne with a frown on his face, holding a memorial in his hand, which was the one that Zhu Tan handed over.

"Absurd! Absolutely absurd!"

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed the memorial on the table and said angrily, "This kid has only been out for a few days and he's already thinking about starting his own business!"

The chief eunuch Wang Gonggong who was standing nearby was so frightened that his whole body trembled and he dared not utter a sound.

"Who does he think he is? Zhuge Liang? He wants to govern a wasteland and build an ideal society. What wishful thinking!"

Zhu Yuanzhang became angrier as he spoke. He suddenly stood up and paced back and forth, the anger in his heart not subsiding for a long time.

"Pass the order, Prince Xuanlu enters the palace. I want to ask him what he is up to!"

Eunuch Wang lowered his head, his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, not daring to utter a sound.

He knew Zhu Yuanzhang's temper too well, and he would get furious if he disagreed with something.

The punishment could be a beating at the lightest and the loss of one's head at the worst. This job of serving others is like serving a tiger.

The imperial study was eerily quiet, with only Zhu Yuanzhang's heavy breathing echoing.

Eunuch Wang took a sneak peek and saw that Zhu Yuanzhang's chest was heaving and his face was ashen.

He was obviously very angry about Zhu Tan's memorial.

It was unknown how long it took for Zhu Yuanzhang's anger to gradually subside.

He sat dejectedly on the dragon throne and sighed, as if he had aged ten years in an instant.

When Eunuch Wang saw this, he knew his chance had come.

He walked quietly to Zhu Yuanzhang, poured him a cup of hot tea, and whispered:
"Your Majesty, please calm down. The dragon's health is the most important thing. His Highness Prince Lu is young and hot-tempered. It's normal for him to act impulsively. Why should Your Majesty be angry?"

Zhu Yuanzhang took the teacup but did not drink it. He just stared at Eunuch Wang with his cloudy eyes and snorted coldly:
"Young and full of vigor? He is planning a rebellion! I am not even dead yet, but he is already thinking about establishing his own faction!"

Eunuch Wang was startled and immediately knelt on the ground, saying in a trembling voice:
"Your Majesty, please forgive me. I have no such intention! Your Highness Prince Lu just wants to follow the example of the ancient sages and govern the area. He has no intention of being disloyal!"

"Humph, you actually know how to speak for him!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was still angry.

"If he really wanted to govern an area, why didn't he ask me for permission, but instead secretly submitted a petition? It's obvious that he is guilty and afraid that I won't agree!"

Eunuch Wang lowered his head and dared not defend Zhu Tan anymore.

Anything we say at this time would only add fuel to the fire. We can only wait until Zhu Yuanzhang figures it out himself.

After a long silence, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly asked:
"What do you think Biaoer would think about this?"

Eunuch Wang was stunned for a moment, then he realized that Zhu Yuanzhang was thinking of Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

He answered cautiously:

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is kind and tolerant, and I believe he will understand the filial piety of Your Highness Prince Lu."

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't say anything, but frowned, as if he was thinking about something.

Eunuch Wang did not dare to disturb him and could only kneel quietly beside him, waiting for his decision.

After a long while, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed and murmured to himself:
"Yes, Biao'er has always been kind, maybe he can persuade Lao Shi..."

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly had an idea. He stood up and told Eunuch Wang: "Pass the order and summon the crown prince to the palace!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Eunuch Wang was delighted and quickly stood up to convey the order.

……

When Crown Prince Zhu Biao hurried to the imperial study, he saw Zhu Yuanzhang sitting on the dragon throne with a gloomy face and a memorial in his hand, which was the one handed to him by Zhu Tan.

"Father, you summoned me here, but what's the important matter?"

Zhu Biao stepped forward and saluted and asked.

Zhu Yuanzhang said nothing, but threw the memorial in front of Zhu Biao and said coldly:

"See for yourself!"

Zhu Biao was confused and quickly picked up the memorial and read it carefully.

After a moment, his expression became serious.

This matter is of great importance. If not handled properly, it will lead to a tragedy of quarrel between brothers.

"Biao'er, what do you think about this?"

Zhu Yuanzhang asked in a deep voice.

"Father, my tenth brother..."

Zhu Biao wanted to say something but stopped himself. He knew that Zhu Yuanzhang was angry and did not dare to defend Zhu Tan easily.

"You just say it's okay, I'll forgive you."

Zhu Yuanzhang said.

"Father, although my tenth brother acted a little rashly, his starting point was good. He wanted to emulate the sages of the past, govern the area, and benefit the people. This intention is worthy of recognition."

Zhu Biao said, carefully considering his words.

"Hmph, that sounds nice! If he really wants to govern an area, why doesn't he come to me for help, but instead submits a memorial secretly?" Zhu Yuanzhang said angrily.

"This..." Zhu Biao was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to answer.

"In your opinion, how should this matter be handled?"

Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

"Father, I think it would be better to give my tenth brother a piece of land."

Zhu Biao bowed and said sincerely, "You know your tenth brother's temper. It's up to you. He's very stubborn."

Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry that he laughed, pointed at Zhu Biao and cursed:
"You kid, are you cursing me in a roundabout way?"

Zhu Biao knelt down quickly, bowed his head and said, "Father, I dare not."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed and rubbed his eyebrows. This Old Tenth Brother really gave him a headache.

At this time, Eunuch Wang came in and reported:
"Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Lu is waiting outside the palace."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand tiredly: "Announce."

Didn't he understand what Zhu Biao meant?
In fact, he also thought about letting Zhu Tan become a fiefdom.

But the tenth son is different from the other sons. He has an active mind, ideas, and is more proactive. He is the kind of person who can get things done.

Such talent should be kept in Yingtian to assist the crown prince.

After a moment, Zhu Tan strode in. He was wearing a green robe today and a jade pendant on his waist, which made him look handsome, but there was a bit of rebelliousness between his brows.

"My son, I will meet my father."

Zhu Tan bowed.

"Get up." Zhu Yuanzhang said lightly, but his eyes were staring at Zhu Tan sharply, as if he wanted to see through him.

Zhu Tan stood up and looked directly into Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes without any avoidance.

The father and son looked at each other for a moment, and Zhu Yuanzhang was the first to look away. He coughed lightly and asked:

"I have already read the memorial you submitted."

Zhu Tan's heart tightened, but he replied calmly:

"I wonder what your Majesty thinks?"

"Nonsense!"

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed the table, his eyes wide open as if he was about to spit fire:
"Is becoming a vassal a joke? Why don't you stay in Yingtian and learn how to govern a country from your elder brother? Instead, you just want to run away. What on earth are you thinking about?!"

Zhu Tan had long expected that Zhu Yuanzhang would not agree easily, but he did not expect his reaction to be so intense. A nameless anger suddenly rose in his heart.

He stiffened his neck and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang without showing any weakness:

"Father, I am already twenty-two years old, and have long passed the age of twenty. Why can't I become a fief? Have you forgotten that when my second, third, and fourth brothers were my age, they were all crowned kings and became fiefs, and established their own careers in their own fiefdoms?"

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly and threw the memorial in his hand back to Zhu Tan's feet:

"They are your brothers, so they are naturally different from you! You don't study hard and practice martial arts, but spend the whole day thinking about those unorthodox ways. I am not old and confused yet, how can I let you do whatever you want?!"

Zhu Tan bent down to pick up the memorial, brushed off the non-existent dust, and still had a stubborn look on his face:

"Your Majesty, what you said is wrong. I have made great contributions to the court over the years. Haven't I done enough? When attacking Japan, I led the troops and expanded the territory for you. When providing disaster relief to the people, I personally helped them solve their problems."

"Just because I am not a legitimate child, do you treat me differently, father?"

"presumptuous!"

Zhu Yuanzhang flew into a rage and pointed at Zhu Tan's nose and cursed:
"How dare you say that! What did I teach you? As a prince, you should put the country first, but you spend the whole day thinking about your own achievements. Do you want to surpass the master?!"

"I don't dare!"

Zhu Tan knelt down suddenly, but still kept his back straight, with a hint of grief and indignation in his tone:
"I just want to share your worries and do something practical for the people. Why doesn't your father believe me?!"

"You..." Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry that he was shaking all over. He pointed at Zhu Tan but couldn't say anything for a long time.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao, who had been silent all this time, stepped forward, knelt beside Zhu Yuanzhang, and advised:

"Father, please calm down. My tenth brother is also very filial. He just said something a little offensive. Please don't get so angry that you get sick."

Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath, suppressed the anger in his heart, and looked at his two sons kneeling on the ground, feeling mixed emotions.

How could he not know Zhu Tan's talents?
The child was a quick learner and had great courage, quite a bit of the demeanor he had when he was young.

But, it was precisely because of this that he became even more worried.

Zhu Tan is different from other princes. He is ruthless and unwilling to admit defeat.

If he is not guided well, he may very likely become the second Li Shimin in the future.

Zhu Yuanzhang would never allow such a thing to happen. What he wanted was a stable regime.

A wise king who can assist the crown prince, rather than a vassal king who threatens the imperial power.

"Get up."

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand tiredly, and his tone softened a little:
"Old Ten, you are too impatient. I am doing this for your own good."

"You are still young and don't understand many things yet. After you have gained a few more years of experience, I will naturally choose a suitable fiefdom for you."

Zhu Yuanzhang's words "It's for your own good" were like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the last glimmer of hope in Zhu Tan's heart.

He stood up slowly, a sarcastic smile on his face.

"For my own good?"

Zhu Tan repeated these words, his tone as cold as if it came from the underworld:

"Father, do you really treat me as your son? Or are we sons just stepping stones for Big Brother?!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall suddenly fell silent.

Zhu Biao's face changed and he was about to speak when he was stopped by Zhu Tan's sharp gaze.

"I fought for the Ming Dynasty, survived many dangers, and made great achievements! I provided disaster relief and cared for the people. How am I not like a prince?!"

Zhu Tan pressed on step by step, his voice as loud as a bell:

"Now, I only ask for a vassalage, but you are trying to shirk my responsibility. In your heart, am I not as good as a vassal king who may threaten my position?!"

"How dare you!" Zhu Yuanzhang slammed the table and stood up, furious:

"Rebellious son! How dare you say such nonsense! I am devoted to the Ming Dynasty, but you are full of nonsense and trying to sow discord! Do you still have me, your father, in your eyes?!"

Zhu Tan looked at Zhu Yuanzhang without fear, anger and disappointment intertwined in his eyes.

It was like a blazing fire that almost swallowed up Zhu Yuanzhang.

His questions were full of tears and heart-wrenching, touching the softest part of Zhu Yuanzhang's heart.

Zhu Biao saw that the situation was not good, and he immediately knelt on the ground and begged bitterly:
"Father, please calm down! My tenth brother was just being straightforward and didn't mean to offend me! Please, father, for the sake of your son, forgive my tenth brother this time!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was still furious, pointing at Zhu Tan's nose and trembling, saying:

"Good! Good! Good! You have grown wings and dared to contradict me! Come! Capture this rebellious son!"

The guards outside the palace heard the noise and filed in, but they looked at each other and did not dare to step forward.

Zhu Tan is well-known for his bravery, and no one wants to offend him at this time.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao quickly stood up and stood in front of Zhu Tan, and said to Zhu Yuanzhang:
"Father, my tenth brother was just impulsive. Please don't get angry! I will give my tenth brother a good warning about what happened today and I promise it won't happen again!"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his eldest son who was always gentle and polite. His anger subsided a little, but he was still angry:
"Biao'er, get out of the way! Today I must teach this rebellious son a lesson and let him know what it means to be a ruler and his subjects, and a father and his son!"

"Father!"

Zhu Biao shook his head firmly, with a hint of pleading in his tone.
"Although my tenth brother speaks impulsively, he is also thinking about the Ming Dynasty! He is wholeheartedly trying to relieve his father's worries and to make achievements. Is there anything wrong with that?"

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he was moved.

How could he not know Zhu Tan's abilities?
However, he was more afraid that his son would be too powerful and would threaten Zhu Biao's position and the stability of the Ming Dynasty in the future.

"Prince, there are many things you don't understand!" (End of this chapter)