Emperor Ming's grandson

Chapter 316 Zhu Yuanzhang's Death

Yoshihiro Ouchi's choice was undoubtedly a wise compromise with reality.

"It seems that Ouchi Yoshihiro is also a man who knows the times."

Zhu Xiongying turned to Li Wenzhong beside him and said, "In this way, we can proceed according to the plan. On the one hand, we will strengthen the deployment of the navy in the north of Iwami Province, and on the other hand, we must also prepare for the handover with the Ouchi clan."

Li Wenzhong nodded in agreement, but he couldn't help but sigh in his heart that this Eastern Expedition, although seemingly going smoothly, actually showed the accumulation of the Ming Dynasty over the years.

Zhu Xiongying's skills have become more and more sophisticated. Every move he makes is well thought out. He not only takes into account the immediate interests, but also leaves redundant room for future variables.

Whether it is the Southern Dynasty or the Northern Dynasty, Guandong or Guanxi, there are arrangements between and within each force.

"However, Your Highness." Li Wenzhong pondered for a moment and raised his doubts. "Even though Ouchi Yoshihiro is willing to exchange territory, we still need to be wary of his intentions. After all, Settsu Province and Sakai City are geographically important. If he takes this opportunity to expand his power, it will not be a good thing for our Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Xiongying smiled upon hearing this and said, "Ouchi Yoshihiro's compromise cannot be easily regarded as true surrender. But this is the fun of chess, isn't it? You have to be cautious at every step, and also learn to find loopholes in the opponent's moves."

Zhu Xiongying stood up and looked out the window. The mountains in the distance were looming in the mist.

"Settsu Province and Sakai City are indeed the throat, but they are also the places that tie up the energy of the Ouchi clan. Such places must be carefully guarded, but they are far away from Kansai. If the Ouchi clan really has ill intentions, this place will become his shackles. We just need to place the chess pieces."

"What do you mean, Your Highness?"

"Sakai City requests to station troops and open a port, and to send an angel with a special envoy."

After hearing this, Li Wenzhong's mind suddenly became clear, and he admired Zhu Xiongying's strategy even more.

"Your Highness has a far-sighted vision, and I am ashamed to be inferior to him."

As long as they could station troops in Sakai City and have envoys from the Ming Dynasty, the Ouchi clan would not be able to do whatever they wanted, and it would also require a lot of energy.

Moreover, it would be difficult for the Ouchi clan to refuse, because Sakai City's special trading status was the product of the Kan'ei trade between Japan and Sakai.

"We need to send a capable person to this place to ensure everything goes well."

Zhu Xiongying nodded gently: "Of course, this matter is of great importance. We need to send a man who is both wise and brave. He must be able to see through the subtle movements of the Ouchi clan and stabilize the situation at the critical moment."

Regarding Japan's layout, the Ming Dynasty was not only trying to gain some territories, but also to shape a new order, a new order with the Ming Dynasty as the core, in which all forces submitted and fought endlessly.

As the order was issued, the Ming army began to prepare for the handover with the Ouchi clan. At the same time, the military deployment of Iwami Province was also quietly carried out to ensure that there would be no accidents during the handover.

In Kyoto, as the Ming army gradually stabilized, Emperor Go-Komatsu's career as a puppet officially began. He was placed under house arrest in the Kyoto Imperial Palace. In addition to the necessary rituals every day, he learned the etiquette and culture of the Ming Dynasty, hoping that one day he would be able to go to the Ming Dynasty to apologize and express his sincerity to the Ming Emperor.

Although Emperor Go-Kameyama of the Southern Dynasty returned to Kyoto, the situation he faced was still grim. He knew very well that in order to truly revive the Southern Dynasty, relying on his own strength alone was far from enough. What was more important was to win the hearts of the people, consolidate the foundation, and gradually erode the power of the Northern Dynasty. However, even if there was no external influence or internal strife, this process would be terribly long. Without the rule of the Muromachi shogunate, the most powerful force, the guardian daimyo in various places began to quickly fall apart, and began to attack each other according to the old grudges accumulated over the past few decades.

In this long struggle, Japan's fate seemed to be controlled by an invisible hand, and this hand came from Zhu Xiongying.

However, before the layout in Japan was completed and the remaining forces of the Muromachi shogunate around Kyoto were eliminated, Zhu Xiongying received a telegram and had to hurriedly return to the capital by boat.

Zhu Yuanzhang was ill.

Upon hearing the news, Zhu Xiongying felt depressed.

In the history of the modern world, Zhu Yuanzhang lived to be 71 years old, which is this year.

But logically speaking, since Zhu Yuanzhang did not suffer the major blow of losing his wife and son, and there were no large-scale cases of implicating meritorious officials during the Hongwu period except for the Hu Weiyong case and the Guo Huan case, Zhu Yuanzhang's mood was still relatively good. Even after abdicating and becoming the emperor, he was quite interested in traveling around the country and planned to see the scenery.

Moreover, because of the establishment of the Grand Council and Zhu Biao's continued sharing of the responsibilities, Zhu Yuanzhang did not have to put too much strain on his health in handling government affairs in his later years.

It was true that his eyesight was not good, but he got a pair of reading glasses through the Yin-Yang Qi Sea, which greatly alleviated the problem. Until Zhu Xiongying and others went to the expedition, Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to be in good health and could even ride a horse.

And now that he suddenly said he was sick, Zhu Xiongying couldn't help but worry.

After all, people who have reached this age are already considered to be very old in this era. Even in the modern world, some old age diseases contracted at this age are very difficult to treat.

So, even if there is medicine, it may not be able to cure it.

In addition, he was fighting outside. Although the throne of the Ming Dynasty had been replaced, there were still unpredictable things that might happen. There were too many such things written about in history books.

Therefore, Zhu Xiongying had to temporarily put down everything and rush back to Beijing.

The ship was speeding through the waves. Zhu Xiongying stood at the bow, gazing at the outline of the capital city which was becoming clearer in the distance.

He recalled how Zhu Yuanzhang had taught him over the years how to be a responsible politician, how to establish authority in the army, and how to rule the world with benevolence. These memories came flooding back like a tide.

It was already dusk when we docked at Yanziji Wharf and arrived in Beijing.

The setting sun dyed the glazed tiles of the palace into a dazzling golden color, making it look particularly solemn.

Zhu Xiongying dismounted from his horse and went directly to the residence of the retired emperor without taking any other action.

Along the way, he met many palace servants walking in a hurry. There was a hint of uneasiness in their expressions, which made Zhu Xiongying even more uneasy.

In front of the palace gate, Zhu Xiongying saw Dai Sigong, the Imperial Medical Bureau official, waiting outside.

The old man's hair and beard were all white, and his brows were furrowed at this time.

"Envoy Dai."

Zhu Xiongying pulled his sleeve and pulled him aside, asking anxiously in a low voice: "What disease did the emperor have? What medicine did he take? Are the emergency medicines stored in the Imperial Hospital available?"

"Ugh"

Dai Sigong sighed and said, "To be honest with you, Your Highness, the Emperor is suffering from heartache."

"Heart disease?" Zhu Xiongying frowned and became even more anxious when he heard this.

Heart disease is very serious, especially for the elderly.

Maybe you can rely on taking medicine to get through it once, twice or even more times, but due to the aging of the body and the consumption in early years, it is basically impossible to recover by taking medicine.

"As for the medicines in reserve, they have not been used yet. The emperor's condition is not particularly serious now, and he can still take medicine to treat it, mainly to replenish the heart blood. In addition, he should not work too hard and should rest more. And unless it is absolutely necessary, I dare not use those medicines."

Dai Sigong shook his head and whispered, "Also, the emperor misses his old friends and is troubled. Although he seems to be at ease this year, he is actually always thinking about those meritorious veterans. Especially recently, he often talks about the past, and his words reveal nostalgia and sadness. Such emotions, accumulated over time, may also be the cause of his heart disease."

Zhu Xiongying felt a sinking feeling in his heart when he heard this.

As time went by, more and more old brothers who had followed Zhu Yuanzhang to establish the country had died of illness. Their deaths were undoubtedly a huge blow to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Over the years, although Zhu Yuanzhang appeared strong on the surface, the pain in his heart never truly healed, but was instead torn apart again and again.

"Is there any way to resolve the emperor's worries?" Zhu Xiongying asked anxiously.

Taking medicine for conditioning and stocking up on emergency medicine for heart disease is one thing, and soothing your mood is another.

Dai Sigong pondered for a moment and said, "Heart disease needs heart medicine to cure, and the person who tied the bell should be the one who untied it. Perhaps, only by letting the emperor vent his depression can his condition be alleviated. Your Highness, you might as well spend more time with the emperor and talk to him about the past. Other things."

Zhu Xiongying nodded. He had already made up his mind. He was worried and confused. As for what Dai Sigong did not say, he also knew that it was to let those meritorious officials and veterans come to Beijing to accompany Zhu Yuanzhang. However, this matter was not something Dai Sigong could decide or even suggest, so he did not dare to say it.

After all, these old guys are all old, and many of them live in Fengyang, Zhongjing. Even if there are railways and trains now, a trip to Nanjing will still be a long and arduous journey. If someone dies on the way, who will be held responsible?

As you walk into Zhu Yuanzhang’s bedroom, a faint smell of medicine hits your nose.

Zhu Yuanzhang was lying on the bed with a pale face, but when he saw Zhu Xiongying, a rare smile appeared on his face.

Beside him, Empress Ma, who had also aged a lot, was holding a bowl of medicine and blowing it for him.

"Ying'er, you're back." Although Zhu Yuanzhang's voice sounded weak, it was still full of majesty.

"Grandpa, I heard that you were sick, so I rushed back immediately." Zhu Xiongying held Zhu Yuanzhang's hand tightly, his eyes slightly red.

Zhu Yuanzhang patted the back of his hand gently and comforted him, "Don't worry, it's just some minor problems. When people get old, they will always have problems of one kind or another. But how is your Eastern Expedition going?"

Zhu Xiongying briefly reported the situation in Japan and his own layout. After listening, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction: "Well done, Ying'er, you have indeed grown up and can take charge of your own affairs."

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze seemed to penetrate time and look towards the uncertain future, with a hint of expectation or exhortation in his tone.

"Ying'er, although I have handed over the Ming Dynasty to your father, I know your ambitions. I have fought countless battles and governed the country in my life, all for the sake of bringing peace to the world. Now, this burden will also be placed on your shoulders."

Zhu Xiongying felt the warmth of Zhu Yuanzhang's palm, and that warmth contained an indescribable power.

He said quickly: "Grandpa, don't worry, I will do my best to protect every inch of land and every citizen of Daming."

Queen Ma stood by, her eyes slightly moist, and whispered softly, "Grandson, your grandfather is always worried about this country and you."

Soon, Zhu Biao finished his day's government affairs and rushed over.

He had already been informed of the news that Zhu Xiongying had returned to the capital, and Zhu Biao knew that Zhu Xiongying was anxious, so he came to visit him as soon as possible without any intention of blaming him.

"Father."

Zhu Xiongying looked at Zhu Biao, who had gained a lot of weight due to overwork, and the white hair on his temples, and sighed inwardly that time is unforgiving.

"Biao'er, you are here too."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao, then at Zhu Xiongying. There seemed to be thousands of words in his eyes, which finally turned into a sigh.

"——Seeing you, I feel relieved."

Zhu Biao walked to the bedside and gently held Zhu Yuanzhang's other hand: "You must take care of yourself."

A trace of relief flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes. He slowly sat up. Although his movements seemed a little strenuous, the majesty of an emperor remained undiminished.

After this period of recuperation, Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to have recovered a lot. Although he still needed to stay in bed, at least he was not like other illnesses where he could not take care of himself. He could get up and walk around on the ground to stretch his muscles.

"Ying'er, tell your father about this in detail. Let's hear your opinions."

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang was still concerned about state affairs.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Xiongying both knew that the old man loved to hear these things at this time. As a great leader, he did not like those nagging family matters.

So, after just a brief talk, Zhu Xiongying began to describe in detail every detail of the situation in Japan and every step he had made. Zhu Biao listened carefully, asking a few questions from time to time or expressing his agreement with certain decisions.

When Zhu Xiongying talked about how he stationed troops in Sakai City, opened a port, and sent envoys with special authorization to stay there, a hint of admiration flashed in Zhu Biao's eyes.

"Ying'er, you made a great move. Not only did you control the lifeline of the Ouchi clan, but you also laid an 'anchor' for the Ming Dynasty's layout in Japan. In this way, with mountains of gold and silver in hand and through overseas trade, the national strength of our Ming Dynasty will be further enhanced." Zhu Biao's words were full of affirmation for his son.

Zhu Yuanzhang also nodded and said: "Ying'er, although I was not at the front line of your Eastern Expedition, I have seen every move you made through the battle reports. You did a great job."

Queen Ma stood aside, gently wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes. She looked at the three men, her heart filled with emotion.

"Okay, you all stop guarding here."

Zhu Biao and Zhu Xiongying looked at each other, then stood up gently and prepared to leave.

"Biao'er, you stay." Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly called Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao stopped and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with some confusion.

"I have something to say to you alone."

Only Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao were left in the bedroom.

Zhu Yuanzhang said leisurely: "Biao'er, I know that my body may still have some days left, but I can never live forever."

Zhu Biao's eyes were slightly red, and his voice was choked with sobs: "Don't say that." Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head gently and continued: "Biao'er, I have no regrets in this life, but I have something that I must ask you to agree to."

"I will definitely do it." Zhu Biao's voice was firm.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with relief, and he slowly said: "Biao'er, we need you to promise that in the future, the throne of the Ming Dynasty must be inherited by Ying'er. No one can change the heir, and no one can do what Empress Lu did."

When Zhu Biao heard this, he was shocked. He did not expect Zhu Yuanzhang to make such a request at this time.

Liu Bang, the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty, was shot by a stray arrow during his expedition against Ying Bu and died. His son, Liu Ying, the Emperor Hui of Han, ascended the throne and Lü Zhi was honored as the empress dowager, becoming the first recorded empress and empress dowager in history. After the death of Emperor Hui of Han, Lü Zhi successively supported the former Shao Emperor and the latter Shao Emperor and twice ruled the country, becoming the first woman to rule the country after the unification of China by Qin Shihuang. Together with Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty, she was known as "Lü Wu". Before her death, Empress Lü handed over the military power to the Lü family, which caused the Lü Rebellion and eventually led to the extermination of the Lü family.

The "Empress Lu" that Zhu Yuanzhang mentioned naturally did not refer to Ma Xiuying. Zhu Yuanzhang had already abdicated, and Ma Xiuying was now the empress dowager, but she would never interfere in politics or do anything to harm the Ming Dynasty.

The one Zhu Yuanzhang was referring to was the current empress, Empress Lu.

Literally "Empress Lü".

What Zhu Yuanzhang was afraid of was that after he and Ma Xiuying were gone, some uncontrollable turmoil would occur in the Ming Dynasty.

After all, although Zhu Xiongying is now fully grown, from another perspective, he is also a threat to Zhu Biao. Emperors and princes like Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao are extremely rare, and there are more of them like Li Shimin and Li Chengqian.

From a historical perspective, any king who has been in power for a long time will find it difficult to tolerate a prince who can pose a threat to him. No matter how outstanding the prince is, there is a high probability that the father and son will eventually break up as long as time is long enough.

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang's serious eyes and knew that this was Zhu Yuanzhang's last wish.

"Father, I will definitely follow your wishes. In the future, Ying'er will inherit the throne of the Ming Dynasty and ensure that the Ming Dynasty will be forever stable."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang showed a gratified smile on his face. He gently patted the back of Zhu Biao's hand, as if to convey all his expectations to him.

"Ying'er is talented, courageous, and kind-hearted. He will definitely become a good emperor. What I am most worried about in my life is the future of you and the Ming Dynasty. Now, with your promise, I am relieved."

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang's body seemed to relax a little.

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang's old face and felt a pang of sadness in his heart. He knew that his father had devoted his entire life to the Ming Dynasty, and now he should keep this promise for his father.

"Go ahead, we should have a good rest."

After saying that, Zhu Yuanzhang closed his eyes. Zhu Biao did not leave. In the bedroom, the only sounds were the breathing of the father and son and the occasional sound of the wind coming from outside.

As night fell, candlelight flickered in the bedroom. Zhu Yuanzhang gradually fell asleep under the effect of the calming and blood-replenishing herbs in the medicine. His breathing became steady, and Zhu Biao got up on tiptoe.

Time passed quickly, the leaves outside the East Palace turned from green to yellow and gradually fell. Not long after, it began to snow again.

In the winter of that year, at the New Year's Day, all the nobles who were living in Fengyang received the imperial edict.

These founding heroes, who were already in their seventies, took a train to the north of the Yangtze River, got off, and then took a boat across the Yangtze River.

Duke of Korea Li Shanchang, Duke of Ying Fu Youde, Duke of Song Feng Sheng, plus some marquises, it can be said that it has been a long time since such a large number of people have been gathered together.

The palace wall was deep, with a row of eunuchs clearing the way in front.

They walked slowly into the palace along the road that was exposed after the snow was cleared.

And Xu Da was already waiting for them in front.

It can be said that this "Great Wall on the Frontier" is the only one among the first generation of generals in the Ming Dynasty's military who is still in office.

"Tian De, I haven't seen you for many years." Li Shanchang sighed softly. There was a hint of vicissitudes in his voice, but he could not hide his inner excitement.

Xu Da, who also had a gray beard, said nothing, but just patted Li Shanchang's shoulder gently.

The friendship that we have built together through fighting through the troubled times no longer needs to be explained in words.

"Finally, I can see the Emperor."

Li Shanchang nodded in agreement: "Yes, back then we followed the emperor to fight in many battles, and never thought we would have the peace we have today."

Fu Youde patted the snowflakes on his body and said with a smile: "Well said, our old bones can still offer a bottle of wine to the emperor, which is not in vain."

Feng Sheng said solemnly: "I just hope the emperor is in good health."

The banquet was held in the Wuying Hall, which was brightly lit and full of warmth, dispelling the severe winter chill.

Each of their tables was covered with a variety of delicacies, with a fragrant aroma, all of which were the hometown flavors that the Huaixi generals loved.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat in the main seat, wearing a brocade robe embroidered with dragon patterns. Although his face looked a little haggard, he was still smiling, looking at the old brothers who had accompanied him through the ups and downs.

With the help of Zhu Xiongying, Zhu Yuanzhang stood up and greeted him.

"Come, come, sit down. Let's not talk about anything else today. Let's just reminisce about the past."

The nobles took their seats one by one. They all had white hair and beards, and some of them were hunched over, but the heroism honed on the battlefield had not diminished in the slightest.

"It's a pity that Dingchen can't see all of us old brothers get together."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, and everyone was stunned.

In the 27th year of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang missed Tang He very much, so he sent someone to summon Tang He to the palace. At this time, Tang He was already terminally ill. Zhu Yuanzhang recounted with Tang He the difficult past when he was a child and a youth. Tang He could not speak, but could only cry constantly. He wanted to kowtow, and Zhu Yuanzhang also cried bitterly. Soon after, he died at the age of 70. Zhu Yuanzhang cried bitterly and issued an edict to posthumously confer the title of King of Dong'ou on Tang He, with the posthumous title of "Xiangwu".

Tang He was Zhu Yuanzhang's best childhood playmate and had accompanied him through all the ups and downs of his life, even longer than Empress Ma. His departure was also a big blow to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Now that all his old friends are getting old, Zhu Yuanzhang can't help feeling sad.

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his glass but did not drink. Instead, he poured the wine on the ground.

"That cup of wine just now, Ji Tanghe!"

Zhu Xiongying refilled the wine glass in time.

Zhu Yuanzhang struggled to stand up and slapped away Zhu Xiongying's hand that was trying to support him.

"This cup of wine is dedicated to Chang Yuchun! Feng Guoyong! Yu Tingyu! Deng Yu! Hu Dahai! Cao Liangchen! Kang Maocai!" Zhu Yuanzhang paused, "Also dedicated to Zhu Wenzheng!"

All the meritorious officials were in awe, especially Feng Sheng, whose eyes turned red when he heard his brother's name.

"This cup of wine is for the soldiers who died in battle over the past forty years!"

Three cups of wine were spilled on the ground, and the wine flowed onto the red carpet, more like bright red blood flowing out.

Zhu Xiongying, who was watching this scene quietly at the side, looked at these heroes who were influential in the last era, and suddenly thought of a line of lyrics.

"This is not river water, but the blood of heroes that has been flowing for twenty years."

At this time, Xu Da suddenly raised his glass and said loudly: "We have wine today, why not drink as much as you can?"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled lightly: "Heaven knows us! Today is just like the past, drink a thousand cups, and don't go home until you are drunk!"

Everyone responded and raised their glasses. For a moment, the Wuying Hall was filled with laughter, as if time had gone back to the era of war and iron horses, and fighting side by side.

After three rounds of drinks, the topic gradually turned to past battles and interesting events. Everyone opened up and told those thrilling stories.

Zhu Yuanzhang listened with great interest, interjecting from time to time, adding details, or laughing heartily, as if at this moment, he had really put down all his burdens and returned to that carefree time.

"Remember the Battle of Poyang Lake, where we defeated the larger force with a smaller one. That scene was truly thrilling!" Fu Youde said with emotion, his eyes glinting with memories.

The Battle of Poyang Lake was the largest inland lake naval battle in China since historical records began. It lasted for thirty-seven days and was unprecedented in the history of Chinese naval battles in terms of its length, scale, number of troops and ships involved, and intensity of the battle. This naval battle laid the foundation for Zhu Yuanzhang to unify the south of the Yangtze River and establish the Ming Dynasty. It can be said that Zhu Yuanzhang's conquest of the world began with this battle.

The Battle of Red Cliffs in Luo Guanzhong's Romance of the Three Kingdoms was also based on the Battle of Poyang Lake. This battle left the most profound impression on all the heroes and veterans.

Li Shanchang was also immersed in deep memories when he heard this. He stroked his long white beard and said with a smile: "In that battle, I learned from your unparalleled bravery, like a dragon out to sea, you defeated the enemy army. I still remember that the emperor stood on the bow of the ship, standing firm in the wind and rain, and personally beat the drum to cheer you on. That heroic spirit still makes this old man feel uneasy."

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but feel his eyes moist as he listened to the memories of these old brothers.

He raised his glass, gestured to everyone, and then drank it all in one gulp, as if he wanted to melt all the hard work he had put in those years into this glass of wine.

The atmosphere in the hall became more lively and everyone raised their glasses.

Zhu Xiongying watched silently from the side. He had never seen Zhu Yuanzhang so happy. It seemed that at this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang was no longer the emperor high above them, but a brother fighting side by side with them.

"Thinking back to the time when we started the uprising in Huaixi, we were all crowded in a small room, discussing world affairs." Zhu Yuanzhang's words were filled with nostalgia, "At that time, who could have thought that we would be where we are today?"

Hearing this, Xu Da laughed out loud: "Yes, we were still young at that time, with only a passion in our hearts. Now it seems that that passion has indeed changed the world."

The banquet lasted until late at night, and everyone was still not satisfied.

They talked about the glory of the past. At this moment, time seemed to go back. They were no longer old men, but heroes of the golden era.

However, there is no such thing as a banquet that lasts forever.

The dishes changed again and again, but eventually it was time to end.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt sad when he saw these old brothers who had accompanied him through all the ups and downs. He knew that there might not be a second time for such a gathering.

"Today's gathering is truly a rare occasion."

Zhu Yuanzhang said drunkenly: "I have been entrusted with the mandate of heaven for thirty years. I have been worried about dangers and worked hard every day to benefit the people. Unfortunately, I came from a humble background and have little knowledge, so I often have something to think about. As for my merits and demerits, let future generations judge them!"

Zhu Yuanzhang took Zhu Xiongying's hand and placed it on the table with a serious expression.

"May the Ming Dynasty prosper forever!"

"grandfather."

Zhu Xiongying looked at Zhu Yuanzhang's old face and wanted to say something. In fact, Zhu Yuanzhang was not suitable for drinking anymore.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and patted his head.

"Grandson, I am a commoner from Huaixi. What can the world do to me? Today, let's enjoy the happiness of being a commoner."

Zhu Xiongying nodded silently, and surrounded by his children, grandchildren and old friends, Zhu Yuanzhang drank happily.

For him, this was a rare happy moment in his life.

There is no suspicion, no intrigue, and you don’t need to worry about anything. You just need to enjoy the simplest happiness.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked up, and he seemed to see himself as a child herding cattle, holding a grass root in his mouth and looking up at the sky.

The banquet lasted until late at night. When the last light went out, Zhu Yuanzhang was helped back to his bedroom by the eunuchs, with a smile still on his face.

At dawn the next day, the palace servants discovered that the emperor had passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Zhu Biao gave him the posthumous title of "Qinming Qiyun Junde Chenggong Tongtian Daxiao Gao Huangdi", temple name Taizu, and buried him in the Xiaoling Mausoleum in Zhongshan.

The "Taizu Shilu" records:

"At that time, the Yuan government was in decline, and heroes rose up. The great ones usurped the throne, while the small ones seized several cities. They all abused their power and ruined the people, causing great chaos in the world.

The Emperor, with his wisdom and bravery, had the ambition to save the world and bring peace to the people. He took advantage of the time and had the support of heroes. He put down the rebellion and destroyed the strong. In fifteen years, he established the empire, wiped out the heroes, put down the chaos, pacified the world, and achieved the feat of unification.

After ascending the throne, he punished the Yuan Dynasty's decadence and restored strict governance. He was also able to respect the elder scholars, examine rites and music, make the classics clear, respect the correct learning, show favor to the country, clarify the administration of officials, revise the human ethics, worship Fengdu, correct the reputation of the harem, purge the internal affairs, forbid eunuchs to interfere in government affairs, ensure that the five ministries and six departments maintained their positions, set up guards and military farms, and ensured that the soldiers had sufficient food.

Therefore, he brought peace to the country for more than 30 years, the people were at peace, the officials performed their duties, the country was rich, all kinds of blessings were available, his merits and articles were magnificent and brilliant, far surpassing the ancient times! It is said that after Tang Yu surrendered to Xia, Yin Zhou succeeded; Cheng Tang abolished Xia and relied on the people; King Wu defeated Shang and relied on the Western Army; as for Han Gao, although he started on foot, he still borrowed the help of a village headman and led his followers. The emperor did not take over an inch of land or a single person, but he responded to the call of the people and ruled the world. This is unprecedented in the history books. How magnificent it is! "

(End of this chapter)