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

Chapter 307: Zhu Biao ascends the throne, nine kings enter the capital, and the reign is Yongle
The capital of the Ming Dynasty.

In the Wenhua Hall of the Imperial Palace, Prince Zhu Biao is summoning envoys from the Inca Empire. This came from the American Empire, and a huge mission came, including a group of young students who wanted to study in Ming Dynasty.

After summoning the envoys, Zhu Biao lay on the imperial chair and closed his eyes to rest. Zhu Yunwen came to him with a cup of tea and whispered: "Father, let's have a cup of hot tea. The Ministry of Finance will come over to report later."

Zhu Biao slowly opened his eyes, took a sip from the tea cup, and sighed softly: "Yunwen, you have grown up too. Fortunately, you are here to help me, otherwise I would be exhausted by myself."

Zhu Yunwen shook his head and smiled modestly: "I am just doing odd jobs. The main thing is that the ministers are loyal to their duties, and your twelfth uncle is helping you in the court."

"You learn to manage politics, and you will be able to help me criticize mistakes in the future." Zhu Biao smiled.

"Yes!" Zhu Yunwen was secretly happy.

In these years, he was the only son by Zhu Biao's side, and Zhu Biao also began to train him. Many ministers in the court spoke highly of Zhu Yunwen, the emperor's grandson, saying that he was kind, polite and like a prince.

"Xia Yuanji, the Minister of Household Affairs, would like to see you." The eunuch came to report.

"Xuan." Zhu Biao rubbed his eyebrows.

After handling government affairs in the morning, Zhu Biao returned to the palace to rest. He strolled to Kunning Palace and saw that the door was open and there were many people walking back and forth.

"Ah?" The fat eunuch looked at Zhu Yunwen for help.

Zhu Yunwen came over, and the fat eunuch hurriedly walked up to greet him, covered his face and complained: "Your Highness, a barbarian from nowhere came from nowhere, broke into the East Palace, and saw that the slaves would not deal with him."

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and nodded slowly: "It makes sense. You go down and discuss it with them. I will come and approve the deal. If you have money, you can benefit the people more."

"You are busy with government affairs, so don't delay." Queen Ma looked at Zhu Biao and sighed, "Biao'er, you have suffered a lot these past ten years."

"Yes!" Xia Yuanji nodded and retreated.

Zhu Yuanzhang also came forward, patted his shoulder and said: "Biao'er, you have to continue to suffer. This time we come back to pass the throne to you."

"I haven't seen my brothers for a long time." Zhu Biao sighed.

Zhu Biao was horrified and quickly knelt down: "Father, this is impossible, I still..."

"You dare to hit me? Dare to hit me?" The fat eunuch got up angrily.

The fat eunuch was immediately dumbfounded, brother?
Zhu Yunwen's eyes were cold and he shouted at the fat eunuch: "Why don't you kneel down and apologize? This is His Highness Zhu Xiongying, the eldest grandson of the emperor."

……

Zhu Biao listened and laughed loudly: "Our Ming Dynasty has become increasingly wealthy in recent years. You, the Minister of Household Affairs, will also be worried. How can you use so much money?"

"What? You're not welcome?" Zhu Yuanzhang glared.

"Biao'er, just prepare to ascend the throne." Empress Ma also said, "From now on, your father and I will go to Daozang to live in seclusion and live our own lives."

Xia Yuanji nodded and frowned: "It's true that having too much money is a worry. The students of Xuanwu Academy had debated before, saying that the Supreme Emperor's book said that if there is too much money, be careful about inflation. They also suggested that the court should have too much money. Carry out infrastructure construction, such as building roads, regulating rivers, building nursing homes, hospitals, etc. "

After a while, Xia Yuanji, the Minister of Household Affairs, went to the palace and bowed respectfully: "Your Highness, Xia Yuanji, is here to see you."

At this time, a voice came: "Who is making trouble there?"

……

Zhu Xiongying, who had not returned for ten years, felt very strange. He whispered to himself: "Has this been rebuilt?"

"Ah?" Xia Yuanji was shocked, "I... I'm afraid..."

"Who are you?" Zhu Xiongying sneered.

He was surprised because Kunning Palace had been closed since Queen Ma left. Why were there so many people there all of a sudden? He walked forward hurriedly, and when he entered the door, he saw Zhu Yuanzhang and Queen Ma cleaning there. He was shocked: "Father, Queen Mother? When did you come back?"

Snapped!
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Xiongying slapped him angrily, and he was knocked to the ground. Zhu Xiongying frowned coldly: "There is an evil slave like you in the East Palace."

"Get up!" Zhu Biao raised his hand, "Xia Aiqing, I came to you today to tell you that Mr. Tang, the former Minister of Household Affairs, has returned home, and you will take over as Minister of Household Affairs."

A fat eunuch was walking by with a group of people. When he saw him suddenly appearing, he immediately rushed up and shouted angrily: "Who are you? Dare to break into the East Palace?"

Seeing that Empress Ma said this, Zhu Biao no longer refused, but his face was still full of sorrow. Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said: "Biao'er, you have done well in the past ten years, and we can rest assured. I have decreed that your brothers will come back to prepare for your coronation ceremony."

"You, you..." Zhu Yunwen was shocked, then went up and bowed respectfully, "Brother, you are back."

"I am the chief eunuch of the East Palace." The fat eunuch said arrogantly, "Which family are you from to accompany the young master? Why are you so ignorant of the rules? In the East Palace, there is no order and you can't wander around. Come on, drag him down and beat him hard. Ten sticks.”

"How could it be? It's too late for my son to be happy, it's too sudden." Zhu Biao said excitedly, "If my son knows that you are coming back, I will pick you up."

Unexpectedly, Zhu Yunwen didn't look at him at all and waved his hands violently: "Why don't you get out of here?"

"Get out!" Zhu Xiongying said coldly, "Get out of the East Palace."

"This...this..." Zhu Biao didn't know how to answer.

"If you can afford it, feel free to go ahead and do it." Zhu Biao smiled, "In recent years, Xia Yuanji, the Ministry of Revenue, has been able to keep the huge and complicated taxation, accounts, etc. in order."

East Palace.

"Yes, the bastards are all good now, especially the fourth child." Zhu Yuanzhang spread his hands, "When he comes back, we have to deal with him."

Zhu Yuanzhang slapped hard: "What's going on? You should also bear the responsibility for the big tomorrow. Do you still have to rely on me? I am over sixty, can't I still enjoy the blessings?"

"I obey the decree." Xia Yuanji bowed again, "Then I also told His Highness the good news that another 100 million taels of silver have been received from the national treasury."

The fat eunuch became numb and quickly knelt down and kowtowed: "This slave has no eyesight and bumped into His Highness the Emperor's Grandson. This slave..."

"Zhu Yunwen, is this the evil slave you raised?" Zhu Xiongying turned around.

"My son is not suffering." Zhu Biao shook his head and said, "As long as you are fine, Queen Mother."

The fat eunuch got up and quickly exited the East Palace. The moment he walked out of the East Palace gate, he was very unwilling. He had served in the East Palace for ten years and was immediately kicked out.

……

Brothers Zhu Xiongying and Zhu Yunwen were walking in the East Palace. They had not dealt with each other since they were children and had no brotherhood. Ten years later, Zhu Yunwen said with a surface politeness: "Brother, why did you come back suddenly?"

"Grandpa and Grandma Huang are also back." Zhu Xiongying said calmly, "Grandpa Huang will pass the throne to father. I will come back and be the crown prince."

"What?" Zhu Yunwen exclaimed in surprise. "Huh, Zhu Yunwen, originally I wasn't interested in the position of prince. I just wanted to practice." Zhu Xiongying smiled coldly, "But when I came back and saw that you were still so hypocritical, I had to change my mind. This prince , let me do it.”

"The position of prince is yours." Zhu Yunwen said, "You are the legitimate son, so it is not my turn no matter what. You don't have to attack me like this."

"That's right!" Zhu Xiongying snorted, "I also have a younger brother."

He sneered and left to find his younger brother Zhu Yunxi. He did not deceive Zhu Yunqi just now. He was indeed not interested in the position of prince and only wanted to practice cultivation.

When he came to another courtyard of the East Palace, he saw a young man practicing his sword. He shouted: "Yunxi."

The young man looked up and said overjoyed, "Brother."

This young man was Zhu Yunxi. He had not seen him for ten years, but he was also a handsome young man. He ran to Zhu Xiongying excitedly and said excitedly: "Brother, you are back, why didn't you tell me in advance so that I could pick you up."

The brothers were very happy after not seeing each other for twenty years. Zhu Xiongying took him to the pavilion aside and had a lot to say.

……

The next day.

A piece of news shocked the government and the public: the emperor returned and ordered the nine vassal princes to come to Beijing to pass on the throne to the prince. After the morning court meeting, all the ministers were a little confused as they walked on the royal road.

"It's too sudden. His Majesty will pass the throne as soon as he comes back. I think His Majesty is in good spirits. Why are you so anxious to pass the throne?"

"Actually, His Majesty has basically had nothing to do in the past ten years. His Royal Highness has been supervising the country. The Crown Prince has done a good job, and I think Your Majesty will be relieved."

"It's good, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is much gentler. Every time I play against His Majesty, I am always on tenterhooks."

"Don't mention it yet, it's been ten years, Your Highness is used to it."

"Nowadays, most people in the government and the opposition are enabled by the prince, and the strength of the academy party is getting stronger and stronger."

"There is no way. The academy not only sends talents to the imperial court every year, but also sends talents to various vassals in the Ming Dynasty. Don't many ministers also want to go to overseas vassals?"

"Indeed, I also want to see the outside world."

After the shock, there was no big disturbance, and the officials continued to do whatever they were supposed to do. It's just that the Ministry of Rites is getting busy. They have to prepare for the crown prince's enthronement ceremony.

On the bustling streets of Yingtian City, Zhu Yuanzhang stood at the intersection of the crowded streets, feeling a little dazed. He complained in his mind: "What the hell, where is the sesame cake stall at the corner of the street? Why don't you see anyone setting up the stall?"

Looking around, the streets are wide and clean. There are no hawker stalls in the past. They have all been turned into shops. He muttered in his heart: "We still like the fireworks from before. This world does not belong to me anymore, it belongs to young people."

Finally, he bought sesame cakes in a clean and bright sesame cake shop. He took them out and squatted at an intersection to eat them, watching the crowds of people.

……

This day.

Many officers and soldiers suddenly arrived at the Xuanwu Lake Pier. Everyone on the dock was curious, what kind of big shot was here? Upon inquiry, it was found that King Qin had returned from Japan. Many ships were leaving the Xuanwu Lake port because King Qin had brought back a huge fleet.

A few days later, the officers and soldiers came again. This time it was the King of Jin from Nanyang who came back with a larger fleet. People in the capital are spreading rumors that the emperor has issued an order to summon the nine vassal princes to the capital for the enthronement ceremony of His Highness the Crown Prince.

Sure enough, as the vassal kings came to Beijing one by one, the capital became more lively. Those who followed the vassal kings to Beijing, as well as envoys from overseas countries, all came to attend the enthronement ceremony of the Ming Prince.

When Fourth Master Zhu and Zhu Di came to Beijing, they kept a low profile. Just the two of them rode into the capital without notifying the Ministry of Rites, so no one came to pick them up.

"Ten years have passed. The capital has changed a lot." Zhu Di said.

"Yes, it is indeed the largest city in the world today." Fourth Master Zhu looked around and sighed.

"Grandpa, where are you going? Follow me back to Prince Yan's Mansion?" Zhu Di asked.

"Of course I will go back to the academy." Fourth Master Zhu spread his hands, "I still have a home in the back of the academy."

"Then let's go back to our respective homes." Zhu Di waved his hand.

He rode back to Prince Yan's Mansion, while Fourth Master Zhu came to Xuanwu Academy. After entering the academy gate, he saw students coming and going, but no one recognized him.

The current dean of the academy is Chu Xiangyu, and the old dean Luo Guanzhong has retired. Fourth Master Zhu walked slowly and came to the former dean's yard. He opened the door and saw an old man lying on a chair basking in the sun, holding a book in his hand.

"Lao Luo!" Fourth Master Zhu shouted.

The old man was Luo Guanzhong. When he opened his eyes and saw Fourth Master Zhu, he jumped up in surprise: "Dean, you are back."

Fourth Master Zhu stepped forward: "Oh, Lao Luo, you have become like this, your hair is all white."

Luo Guanzhong laughed: "Dean, you haven't changed at all, you are still so coquettish."

The two looked at each other and laughed, remembering that when Xuanwu Academy was founded, there were not a single student, and Fourth Master Zhu went around to fool the students. Today, Xuanwu Academy is the highest academic institution in the Ming Dynasty.

"Mr. Luo, have you heard? The old thief is back." A woman walked in quickly and froze when she saw Fourth Master Zhu sitting on the chair.

Fourth Master Zhu was speechless and rolled his eyes: "Chu Xiangyu, could the old thief you are talking about be me? Why do you still have such a big grudge against me after so many years? You don't like me, but you can't love me, right?"

Chu Xiangyu, who is wearing a simple and elegant dress, has a beautiful and dignified face, giving people a sense of elegance and calmness. Time seems to have left little trace on her face, but has made her more mature and charming.

……

Ten days later.

Prince Zhu Biao ascended the throne and held an unprecedented grand enthronement ceremony.

It was just dawn, and the palace was already busy inside and outside. The melodious bells echoed in every corner of the Forbidden City, announcing the arrival of a new era. Crown Prince Zhu Biao officially ascended the throne under the spotlight.

The coronation ceremony was held grandly in the magnificent hall. Zhu Biao was wearing a dragon robe and a crown, walking steadily towards the throne. Behind him was a long queue of palace maids and eunuchs, holding various ceremonial guards, making Zhu Biao even more majestic. As he sat on the throne, the drums and music sounded, and the sound shook the sky.

At the ceremony, civil and military officials dressed in court uniforms lined up neatly and knelt three times and kowtowed nine times to the new emperor. In this grand enthronement ceremony, not only the nine vassal princes returned to the court, but also envoys from overseas countries traveled thousands of miles to congratulate him.

The new emperor ascended the throne, and his reign was named Yongle, which means that the people of the world will always be happy. Zhu Biao glanced at the ministers and said in a deep voice:
"In the year of Yongle and Kaiyuan, when I first took over the throne, I was filled with fear and awe. All the high officials in the court are the pillars of the country. I sincerely hope that you can abide by the late emperor's instructions, be loyal to the best, and share the country's worries. Help me govern the country and create a better future.”

"Since I am a new king, I should recruit talents from all walks of life. It is easy to find ministers who are brave enough to do things, but it is hard to find loyal ministers who dare to speak out. The former can help me handle the affairs of the government, and the latter can help me distinguish right from wrong."

"Therefore, a prosperous age like the rule of Zhenguan is difficult to find today. If ministers can give advice without scruples, and the king can humbly accept advice without being displeased, then there will be no need for the world to worry about not being governed, and prosperous times will surely reappear."

(End of this chapter)