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

"Old Ten, your suggestion makes sense." Zhu Yuanzhang said approvingly, "I will seriously consider your suggestion. Moving the capital is a serious matter and requires long-term consideration. You can leave first. I need to think about it carefully."

Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied with Zhu Tan's detailed analysis, and his admiration for Zhu Tan was beyond words. Zhu Tan's insight, wisdom and calmness made him see the shadow of a future monarch, which made him secretly regret in his heart: Why was Zhu Tan born so late?
If Zhu Tan was his eldest son, a prince, he would not hesitate to entrust the future of the Ming Dynasty to him. Zhu Yuanzhang knew that choosing a capable successor was crucial to the stability and development of the country. He looked at Zhu Tan's departing back with mixed feelings.

However, reality is always full of helplessness. Zhu Yuanzhang understood that although he was full of expectations and admiration for Zhu Tan, the position of the crown prince had already been chosen. He could not easily change this decision because it was related to the stability of the entire Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed and hid the regret in his heart. He decided to pay more attention to Zhu Tan's growth and development in the future and do his best to provide more opportunities and platforms for this young and promising prince.

Ying Tianfu.

Forbidden City.

Fengtian Temple.

Zhu Yuanzhang formally proposed the issue of moving the capital in the court. This heavy news immediately caused an uproar among the court officials. The ministers whispered to each other and discussed it. The court was suddenly in an uproar.

As important officials of the court, the six ministers could not remain silent on this matter. They all stood up to express their opinions. However, to Zhu Yuanzhang's surprise, these ministers who were usually loyal and devoted all raised objections without exception.

The Minister of Finance was the first to speak out. He said worriedly: "Your Majesty, moving the capital is a serious matter and will cost a huge amount of money and resources. The treasury is empty and the people are exhausted. We should not act rashly!"

Then, the Minister of War also stood up and said solemnly: "Your Majesty, although Beiping is strategically located, it is too close to the border. Once a war breaks out, the capital will be the first to bear the brunt. I think Yingtian Prefecture is located in the heart of Jiangnan and is safer and more secure."

Several other ministers also expressed their concerns and opposition to the relocation of the capital. Their reasons were varied, some worried that the relocation would affect national stability, some thought that the cold climate in Beiping was not suitable for living, and others worried that various unforeseen problems would arise during the relocation process.

Zhu Yuanzhang listened to these objections, and his anger gradually rose. He understood the worries and concerns of these ministers, but he was more aware of the necessity and urgency of moving the capital. He widened his eyes and sternly glanced at every minister in the court, trying to suppress the dispute with his majesty.

However, the ministers did not seem to be intimidated by his majesty. They still insisted on their own opinions, and some even began to argue. The atmosphere in the court became increasingly tense, and a fierce debate was about to take place.

The debate in the court became more and more intense, and ministers stepped forward one after another to express their views in passionate words.

"Your Majesty!" The Minister of Rites stepped forward and said in a sonorous voice, "Moving the capital is a national event that concerns the safety of the country and the well-being of the people. Although Beiping is the former capital of the Yuan Dynasty and has its geographical advantages, its etiquette and cultural roots are all in the south of the Yangtze River. How can we talk about moving the capital lightly and abandon our Han culture?"

As soon as this statement was made, many civil officials echoed it, emphasizing that as the former capital of a foreign ethnic group, Peking was culturally incompatible with Han traditions, and moving the capital might cause a cultural gap.

The Minister of Justice spoke next, his brows furrowed, his tone serious: "Your Majesty, the matter of moving the capital will affect the entire body. Beiping is located in the border area, and the public security situation is worrying. Once the capital is moved, it will inevitably lead to a large number of people moving, and social security will be difficult to guarantee. I am afraid that after the capital is moved, chaos will arise and the people will suffer."

These words immediately resonated with some ministers, who were worried that moving the capital would bring about social unrest and be detrimental to the long-term stability of the country.

However, the ministers who supported the relocation of the capital were not to be outdone. A military general stepped forward and said in a loud voice: "You are wrong! Beiping is a place with beautiful mountains and rivers, which is a natural barrier. Moving the capital here can take advantage of the terrain to strengthen national defense and ensure national peace. Moreover, as the capital of the former Yuan Dynasty, Beiping already has a certain urban construction foundation. After the relocation, it only needs a little repair and it can be used as the new capital."

As soon as this statement was made, military generals immediately echoed it. They emphasized the military advantages of Peking and believed that moving the capital was a necessary move to strengthen national defense and ensure national security.

In the court, civil officials and military officers each held their own opinions and debated fiercely. Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, frowning, with mixed feelings in his heart. He knew that this debate would not end easily and he had to make a decision.

Finally, he slapped the dragon chair and stood up. The court immediately fell silent, and all the ministers looked at him nervously.

"Enough!" Zhu Yuanzhang shouted angrily, "I have thought deeply about the matter of moving the capital. Beiping does have its geographical advantages and military strengths. However, what you said is not without reason. I have decided to postpone the relocation of the capital and order the relevant departments to make detailed plans and proper arrangements. During this period, no one is allowed to discuss the relocation of the capital!"

A luxurious restaurant in Yingtian Prefecture, towering over the bustling streets, is like a magnificent palace, majestic and breathtaking. This restaurant is called "Zuixian Pavilion", which is the most famous romantic place in Yingtian Prefecture. It is not only magnificent in architecture, but also famous for its luxurious decoration and top-notch service.

On the top floor of Zuixian Pavilion, there is a very mysterious private room, which is specially set up for dignitaries and important officials of the court. This private room is extremely luxuriously decorated and spacious, enough to accommodate dozens of people without being crowded. As soon as you enter the door, you will see a huge round table. The tabletop is made of extremely precious mahogany and covered with a brocade tablecloth, which is colorful and magnificent. The table is filled with exquisite jade, porcelain, gold and silver utensils, each of which is a priceless treasure.

There are several precious paintings and calligraphy hanging on the wall, including ancient calligraphy and masterpieces of contemporary masters, each of which exudes a strong cultural atmosphere and artistic charm. In addition, there are comfortable soft couches and exquisite tea tables in the room. The soft couch is covered with soft brocade, and the tea table is filled with various precious tea sets and tea leaves for guests to rest and drink tea. At this moment, dozens of the most influential ministers in the court are gathered in this luxurious room. They are dressed in luxurious official uniforms, with dignified demeanor and different demeanors, but each of them exudes a majestic and inviolable temperament. These civil servants usually dominate the court and control the lifeline of the country, but now they gather together to discuss how to oppose the relocation of the capital.

"My Lords," an elderly civil servant spoke slowly. His voice was low but full of authority. "The matter of moving the capital concerns our vital interests and must be considered carefully. Our industries and families are all in the south and have deep roots. How can we easily abandon them and follow the court to move to the north?"

"Lord Li is right," another minister took over the conversation, frowning and looking worried. "The north is a cold and harsh place with a bad climate. How can we southerners adapt to it? Moreover, the north is close to the military front, where wars are raging and dangers are rife. Civil servants like us shoulder the heavy responsibility of the country. How can we put ourselves in danger and leave our families behind?"

"Yes," another minister added, "After the capital is moved, the south will lose the protection of the court and become a barbarian land. How can our family's century-old foundation be destroyed in an instant? Moreover, the south is rich in resources and has a prosperous economy, which is the foundation of the country. Once the capital is moved, the economy of the south will be severely hit and the country will fall into turmoil."

Everyone nodded in agreement, with worried expressions on their faces. They knew that once the capital was moved, their interests would be greatly damaged. Therefore, they had to do everything they could to stop the implementation of this plan.

"My Lords," the old civil servant who had spoken first spoke again, "we must unite as one and oppose moving the capital. Tomorrow in the court, we will join forces to advise His Majesty on the harms of moving the capital and implore His Majesty to revoke his decision."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison, "We must join forces to advise and oppose to the death the relocation of the capital!" Their voices were firm and powerful, full of determination and conviction.

However, at this moment, there was a sudden sound of hurried footsteps outside the door, and then a guard pushed the door open and reported in a panic: "My lords, it's bad! I just received news that His Majesty has ordered preparations to move the capital!"

This news was like a bolt from the blue, and everyone present was stunned. They looked at each other, their eyes full of panic and anxiety. They knew that once the capital relocation plan was implemented, their opposition would become more difficult.

"What should we do?" a minister asked anxiously, "We must take action as soon as possible to stop your majesty's decision!"

"That's right," another minister echoed, "We must go to the palace immediately to tell His Majesty our opinions and concerns." As he spoke, he stood up and prepared to leave the room. Others also stood up and followed him. They knew that this was a critical moment and they had to unite and face this challenge together.

However, just as they were about to leave the room, the old civil servant who had spoken first suddenly said, "My Lords, please be patient. It is not wise to go to the palace to see the emperor at this moment." Although his voice was not loud, it made everyone stop and look back at him. He took a deep breath and continued, "Since His Majesty has already ordered the preparations for moving the capital, it means that he has made up his mind. If we go to the palace to see the emperor at this moment, I am afraid it will only anger His Majesty and be counterproductive."

"Then according to Lord Li, what should we do?" a minister asked doubtfully. Others also cast their eyes on the old civil servant, expecting him to come up with a solution. The old civil servant pondered for a moment and slowly said: "For now, we can only unite more forces to jointly oppose the relocation of the capital. We can contact other ministers in the court, and even some influential gentry and people, and let them join our ranks. Only in this way can we form a powerful opposition force and force His Majesty to withdraw his order." Everyone nodded in agreement after hearing this. They knew that what the old civil servant said was true. Only by uniting more forces could they effectively prevent the implementation of the relocation plan. So, they began to discuss a specific action plan and prepared to contact other ministers and gentry and people in the court to jointly oppose the relocation of the capital. This conspiracy lasted for a whole afternoon until it was dark, and everyone left the private room and went back to prepare for the next action. They knew that the next struggle would be extremely difficult and fierce, but they were fully prepared and determined to fight to the end for their own interests and their families!
Ying Tianfu.

Forbidden City.

Qianqing Palace.

A warm room.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the memorial and started coughing violently.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat in the warm room of the Qianqing Palace, and the originally peaceful atmosphere was broken by the sudden anger. His eyes were like torches, staring at the memorial in his hand, and every word and sentence was like a sharp knife, piercing deep into his heart. This memorial was carefully compiled by the Jinyiwei after a long period of secret investigation. It recorded in detail how the civil officials in Yingtian Prefecture secretly conspired to oppose his plan to move the capital.

In the memorial, the ministers' words were sharp and their actions were cunning. They used the luxurious private room of Zuixian Pavilion as a cover to collude and plot in private, trying to obstruct the process of moving the capital. What was even more infuriating was that these ministers usually behaved respectfully in the court and obeyed the emperor's orders, but privately they revealed such wolfish ambitions.

Zhu Yuanzhang held the memorial tightly in his hand. His knuckles turned white due to excessive force, and the blue veins on them could even be clearly seen. There seemed to be a fire burning in his chest, which was the fire of anger after being betrayed and deceived. These ministers not only betrayed his trust, but also obstructed his decision-making at a critical moment. This was simply a challenge to his imperial power!

"Someone come!" Zhu Yuanzhang's voice echoed in the warm room, with unquestionable majesty. The guards outside the door immediately responded and knelt in front of Zhu Yuanzhang, waiting for his orders.

"Call Jinyiwei Commander Jiang Li!" Zhu Yuanzhang ordered coldly, his voice revealing a chilling murderous intent.

A moment later, Jiang Li hurried to the warm room. As the commander of the Jinyiwei, he naturally knew what it meant for the emperor to summon him at this time. He knelt in front of Zhu Yuanzhang and asked solemnly, "Your Majesty, what do you want?"

Zhu Yuanzhang did not answer immediately, but threw the memorial in his hand fiercely in front of Jiang Lin!

Jiang Li was instantly shocked! (End of this chapter)