Ming Dynasty: The ghost betrays the Confucian sage, my son Zhu Yuanzhang

Chapter 235: Go to the Supreme Emperor to impeach His Majesty! Zhu Yuanzhang:? ? ?

Fengtian Palace, early morning.

Zhu Yuanzhang has not been promoted to the left prime minister so far. The right prime minister Wang Guangyang lacks the ability to handle affairs, so Zhu Yuanzhang has to personally advise many things. He also leaves most things to the left prime minister of Zhongshu Province, Hu Weiyong.

He gradually discovered that Hu Weiyong's ability to do things even exceeded Li Shanchang. Hu Weiyong was smart and could figure out the holy will. He understood many of Zhu Yuanzhang's words without having to explain them clearly, and he handled things properly.

This made Zhu Yuanzhang very comfortable to use, but he also knew that people who often speculate on the emperor's thoughts will, over time, regard their own thoughts as the emperor's thoughts. This is what Zhu Yuanzhang wants, he wants to indulge Hu Weiyong. Therefore, he decided to help Hu Weiyong again.

"The position of Prime Minister Zuo is very important when it comes down from Zhongshu Province." Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at the ministers and said, "Dear ministers, you can all submit to recommend a prime minister."

The ministers looked at each other in confusion. Recommend? Your Majesty, are you trying to trick us again?
In the first year of Hongwu, everyone recommended Li Shanchang to be the prime minister of the left. As a result, you made Xu Da the prime minister of the left and put Li Shanchang in the position of the prime minister of the right. Later, because Xu Da really wanted to go out to fight, you promoted Li Shanchang to the prime minister of the left, but you also made Xu Da the prime minister of the right. Isn't it just a containment? Prime Minister Zuo holds such an important position, will you listen to the ministers?

"I obey the decree." All the ministers bowed.

Hu Weiyong was secretly happy. He was now the Zuocheng of Zhongshu Province, only one step away from the position of prime minister. He knew that Wang Guangyang could not become Prime Minister Zuo. If he had succeeded, he would have done it long ago, and then his chances would be great.

However, at such a moment, you must not let the nobles of Huaixi recommend you, as that will have the opposite effect. Your Majesty hates the collusion between civil servants and military ministers.

……

"Hey, you're asking us for money so early in the morning?" Zhu Yuanzhang glared, "The general is in urgent need of military pay recently. The Ministry of Household Affairs gave him the money and grain, and our salaries are waiting."

"Okay, Liu Bowen, are you planning to take advantage of our internal treasury? We have a big family to support, and we have no money!" Zhu Yuanzhang snorted and left angrily.

"That guy Liu Bowen actually urged the public to pay out his salary in Fengtian Palace." Zhu Yuanzhang cursed angrily while eating, "This slanderous scholar shows no mercy to me. How can I owe him that money?"

"Father, Mr. Liu may really be short of money." Zhu Biao suggested cautiously.

"Your Majesty, you have money in your inner treasury. I heard that your empress has made a lot of money." Liu Bowen continued.

"Why do you say this? His monthly salary is enough for ordinary people for a year. What additional expenses can he have?" Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes showed sarcasm, "It's just the bad habit of those scholars, buying some unique books for collection. ”

"If you have something to say, just say it. It's almost time to go to court. You stand up now." Zhu Yuanzhang glared. He was in a hurry to go back to Kunning Palace to drink porridge and eat sesame cakes.

Zhu Yuanzhang was still chewing sesame cakes in his hand and raised his hand: "Wei Yong, get up! We read your book and we were so excited that we didn't even close our eyes all night."

Wenhua Hall.

"There is nothing we can do." Liu Bowen spread his hands, "The family is almost at a loss. If His Majesty defaults on his salary arrears again, I...I will impeach him."

"I no longer want to be one." Liu Bowen blew his beard and glared, "This Fengtian Palace is just a big coffin. Who wants to stay here?"

Zhu Yuanzhang returned angrily. Zhu Biao has brought breakfast here from Kunning Palace. In order to save time, Zhu Yuanzhang has eaten here directly after the morning court in recent days.

"Maybe... it's really not enough." Zhu Biao responded tentatively, "After all, the expenses of Beijing officials are quite huge."

Song Lian covered his face and shook his head, helping him out.

Zhu Biao hesitated to speak. He wanted to tell his father that the accounts were not settled that way. He was about to say something when Hu Weiyong came to the palace following the imperial edict and bowed to the two of them: "I pay my respects to your Majesty, His Royal Highness."

The officials looked strange, and their eyes fell on Liu Bowen. Song Lian walked up with a smile and said: "Bowen, you... you are the only one who has been responsible for the emperor's debts throughout the ages."

"Your Majesty, I have something to report." Liu Bowen stood up.

Liu Bowen bowed respectfully, knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, my salary has not been paid for two months. Please stop delaying it."

"How come there is a shortage? As Uncle Chengyi and Yushi of Zuodu, aren't the salary and rewards I gave him enough to support his family?" Zhu Yuanzhang snorted disdainfully.

"..." Song Lian was speechless, "You don't want to be an official anymore."

Hu Weiyong secretly rejoiced, but on the surface he still maintained humility and respect. He bowed deeply and said, "I am afraid. If there is anything inappropriate, please forgive me."

Zhu Yuanzhang wiped his hands and solemnly picked up the memorial. With a sharp light in his eyes, he read slowly:

"Within five years, the country's military and civilians should have enough food. Within eight years, the country's grain production should be restored to the level during the reign of Emperor Shizu of the Yuan Dynasty, that is, the annual income should be more than 1200 million Dan. Within ten years, the price of grain should be reduced to the level of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. During the Zhenguan period, the price of rice was only 3 qian.”

"Hu Weiyong, these heroic words are all coming from you."

His eyes fell on Hu Weiyong. Hu Weiyong took a deep breath and bowed again: "Yes, but this is not just rhetoric. It is reported to the emperor that if you give birth to a child in five years and make the country rich in ten years, this prospect will definitely be realized."

"well said!"

Zhu Yuanzhang walked up to Hu Weiyong and said in a low and powerful voice: "Hu Weiyong heard the order. I now appoint you as the Prime Minister of Zhongshu Province. I hope you can live up to my expectations and help me solve my problems."

Hu Weiyong was stunned for a moment, then he realized what he was doing and bowed deeply again: "I accept the decree to thank you, and I will do my best to assist your majesty in creating a prosperous Ming Dynasty."

He was ecstatic that he had finally reached this point, one person was inferior to ten thousand people. …

Qinhuaihe Street.

Zhu Di has been monitoring the Liang Wang envoy recently, but found nothing. Since the last time the Supreme Emperor killed Chi Shang, the envoy has almost stayed behind closed doors. But the more this happens, the more problematic Zhu Di feels.

He walked along the bustling streets, nibbling a piece of sesame seed cake in his hand. Suddenly, a shout came from my ears: "Come and take a look. The sincerity of Master Liu Bowen's authentic calligraphy and painting is not to be missed!"

Zhu Di followed the sound and saw a middle-aged man enthusiastically selling calligraphy and painting to passers-by. Several works hanging behind him were shining in the sun. Zhu Di's eyes narrowed. Isn't this the housekeeper of the Liu Mansion? Why is he selling Liu Bowen's calligraphy and paintings here?

With doubts in his heart, Zhu Di walked up to the middle-aged man and asked in a low voice: "Lao Cai, what's going on? Could it be that you secretly took out Liu Bowen's calligraphy and paintings and sold them? If so, whoever saw it share."

The middle-aged man looked up and recognized Zhu Di in front of him, because Zhu Di had followed Zhu Biao to the Liu Mansion. He smiled bitterly and said: "His Royal Highness, you are really joking. How dare I do such a sneaky thing? My master asked me to sell these calligraphy and paintings, and the family really can't open the door."

"What? Uncle Cheng, a high-ranking official in the court, is actually short of money?" Zhu Di's face was full of disbelief.

"We really have no money!" A man emerged from behind the calligraphy and painting. It was Liu Bowen. He spread his hands and said, "Your Highness, King Yan, I heard that your Zhatian Gang is very wealthy. How about you buy a few calligraphy and paintings?"

"Mr. Liu?" Zhu Di quickly walked behind the calligraphy and painting, "You are so short of money if you smash it?"

"Your father hasn't received his salary for two months?" Liu Bowen said angrily, "I'm not a corrupt official, so I can only sell calligraphy and paintings."

"Uh..." Zhu Di held his forehead, "My father is really the stingiest emperor in history."

"That's what you said." Liu Bowen joked, while casting a meaningful look at Zhu Di.

Zhu Di waved his hand quickly: "Mr. Liu, don't look at me like that, I don't have any money either."

Liu Bowen was speechless and rolled his eyes: "You Zhu family are really stingy!"

"Eh!" Zhu Di's eyes flashed with cunning, "Mr. Liu, I have an idea. You can go to the Supreme Emperor to read a copy of my father's book and say that he owes ministers salary. The Supreme Emperor will definitely help you. He is the fairest. ”

Liu Bowen looked strange.

What a fourth prince, you are really cheating. It's a good idea, though.

"Mr. Liu, I can only help you so far." Zhu Di turned around and left.

"His Royal Highness, King Yan, you are here. Come buy a painting and calligraphy to support me." Liu Bowen wanted to pull him, but Zhu Di walked away quickly.

Liu Bowen complained speechlessly, not even leaving a penny behind, he was stingier than his father.

……

Xuanwu Academy.

Fourth Master Zhu, Yao Guangxiao and Luo Guanzhong were drinking tea. On the table was the latest manuscript of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms". Fourth Master Zhu said while watching: "Lao Luo, you are a big IP."

Although Luo Guanzhong does not understand modern terms such as "big IP", he can feel Master Zhu's affirmation and is very happy in his heart. The creation of "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms" is nearing completion. With the full support of Master Zhu, it will be published and released to the world.

At this moment, Chu Xiangyu led Liu Bowen in. As soon as Liu Bowen saw Fourth Master Zhu, he immediately knelt down and saluted: "Your Majesty, Liu Bowen, I would like to see the Supreme Emperor."

Fourth Master Zhu waved his hand and motioned for him to stand up: "In the academy, there is no need to adhere to these etiquettes. They all call me Dean, so you should call me the same."

Yao Guangxiao smiled and interjected: "Master Liu, you are a rare visitor. Are you here today to see me?"

Liu Bowen smiled slightly: "Actually, I came to see the Supreme Emperor."

Fourth Master Zhu picked up the tea cup and took a sip: "What do you want from me?"

Liu Bowen looked serious and said loudly: "I want to impeach the current emperor. He has already owed me two months of salary."

puff!
Fourth Master Zhu squirted out a mouthful of tea and held his forehead in embarrassment, "Well, you Liu Bowen are brave enough to impeach the emperor."

"Your Majesty, I can't even open the pot." Liu Bowen continued to pay his respects, "I also know that fighting in the north requires money. Or, Your Majesty, can you borrow a few more million taels from the court?"

"I have no money!" Fourth Master Zhu immediately shook his head, "My family doesn't have any food left."

Liu Bowen: "!!!"

Damn, this whole family is stingy!

(End of this chapter)