Ming Dynasty: A hundred-year-old immortal cultivator, Zhu Yuanzhang’s biological father

Zhu Yunwen said: "But, Mr. Huang treats me sincerely and is my teacher. I...I can't do nothing. This is disrespectful to teachers and heartless. I can't be so heartless and stand by and watch."

Mrs. Lu was stunned for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up: "Son! You are right! A real man should not stand idly by when encountering such a thing. Your royal grandfather always thinks you are a coward. Go, go and beg your royal grandfather to pardon Huang Zicheng!"

"Whether it succeeds or not, you will be highly regarded in the eyes of your royal grandfather."

"You usually don't fight, but you respect your teacher and filial piety. If you don't fight again, your grandfather will be even more disappointed in you!"

"My child, I was confused just now. You are right! Find a chance and go find your grandfather!"

Zhu Yunwen nodded heavily: "Son, listen to me! Son, I understand!"

……

The spring rain is drizzling, and the bleakness of winter is gradually replaced by the vitality of spring.

Minister Yang took advantage of the oil-paper umbrella and walked towards the cell with lingering fear.

The situation in the court today was truly completed in an instant, from the release of Zhu Xiongying, to the killing of Zhu Huaizheng according to national law, to the arrest of Huang Zicheng in imperial prison.

Every sound is a mixture of good and bad, sonorous and powerful.

But who could have imagined that the final result would be that Huang Zicheng was imprisoned?
The officials in the court had wild imaginations and it was difficult to figure out what the old man was planning.

Especially after the court was dismissed, the request for an audience with the Left Censor-in-Chief Bao Zhao made this major case in the early years of the Hongwu period even more shrouded in mystery.

No one knows what the old man will do next, but everyone knows with fear that things are far from over!
The Minister of Justice Yang Jing, with his intelligence, came to the outside of the cell with a complicated expression. He hesitated for a long time while standing outside the cell.

In any case, the emperor favors Zhu Huai, very much. There is no doubt about this. Others may not know it, but Minister Yang must feel the same way.

It doesn’t make sense!

What was the reason, or what magical power did Master Zhu have, that made Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor of the Ming Dynasty and the father of all people, attach so much importance to him?
Yang Jing stood in the rain and thought for a long time, but he still couldn't figure it out. But one thing was certain, he needed to release Zhu Huai.

Although the old man didn't mention this, Minister Yang is no fool.

There is no need for the court to make a final decision on this matter, nor is there any need for the three judicial departments to discuss anything. Master Zhu must be released first, and then the three judicial departments will close the case and clear Zhu Huai's name.

A murderer was able to get away with it in the end. The people certainly played a big role in this, but more of it must have been due to Zhu Yuanzhang's acquiescence.

Yang Jing took a deep breath, put away his umbrella, and walked into the cell.

These four days, this kid has also suffered... eh.

Just as Yang Jing was thinking this, he saw a young lady lying on Master Zhu’s bed in the cell.

The four eyes met.

Somewhat embarrassing.

Yang Jing's mouth twitched, and he glanced at Xu Miaojin lying on the bed, pretending not to see it, and said to Zhu Huai: "Mr. Zhu, you can go out now."

Zhu Xiongying was stunned: "Released from prison?"

Yang Jing nodded, "Yeah."

Zhu Xiongying was puzzled: "Why?"

Yang Jing: "..."

To be honest, I'm speechless.

It’s the first time you see someone being released from prison, and he’s still being coy?

He clasped his fists patiently and said, "Mr. Zhu is so righteous. Today, there is a grand court meeting in the Golden Palace. Tens of thousands of blood-letters are scattered all over the Golden Palace. Hundreds of victims ran to the gate of the Fengtian Palace and knelt down to beg the emperor to release you."

"The people are supporting me, so how can I stand against them? The last person to do this was Huang Zicheng."

Yang Jing smiled and said casually: "Haha, he has been sent to the Northern Pacification Prison."

hiss!
Zhu Xiongying took a breath of cold air.

But besides being surprised, I was more moved.

The people of the Ming Dynasty really...did not let me down!

My comrades did not let me down!

The people's will and justice lie ahead. Zhu Xiongying has always had confidence in the people and believes that the people of the Ming Dynasty have the ability to save themselves from danger!
The old man has always taught me to understand the people, take root among the people, and go deep into the people. Don't always think that you are superior, because the existence of these peasants makes some people superior.

So when you are in a high position, you must empathize with them, love them, and think about them. Life is not easy for the common people. Since ancient times, the energy unleashed by the Han people has been able to subvert any dynasty. So, what is this little thing?
So Zhu Xiongying was not surprised at all!
He looked at Yang Jing, clasped his fists and said, "I understand. Thank you, Lord Yang. I'll be out right away."

"Lord Yang, if you have time, please meet my old man and thank him on my behalf. He is old, but he is still working hard for me. I think he has made great efforts in this matter. I feel guilty about it."

"Ah?"

Yang Jing was stunned for a moment, staring at Zhu Xiongying in astonishment, and said in a trembling voice: "Zhu, Mr. Zhu... Hehe, your grandfather, who is it?"

Zhu Xiongying laughed: "Secret."

He stared at Zhu Xiongying, his body a little stiff, and even his smile looked awkward.

If he remembered correctly.

The last person who came to visit me in prison was still an old man, and it was only old man Hongwu!

Could it be that…
Yang Jing's heart was in turmoil. He looked at Zhu Xiongying nervously, with a hint of awe in his eyes.

If the old man is really this kid's grandfather, then all the causes and consequences of today's court meeting make sense.

That's not right!
Yang Jing looked at Zhu Xiongying tremblingly, and smiled calmly: "Mr. Zhu is the old man's godchild, right? Did you recognize him?"

After all, Zhu Xiongying today looks very different from Zhu Xiongying back then.

Zhu Xiongying pretended to be surprised and asked suspiciously: "How did Minister Yang know?"

Yang Jing smiled and said, "Isn't this just a random guess? Haha, I wonder if Mr. Zhu's biological parents are still alive?"

Zhu Xiongying nodded: "Dad is here, but Niang is not."

"Uh? Oh, is that so? I'm sorry, Mr. Zhu, please accept my condolences." Yang Jing replied with a gloomy look.

Zhu Xiongying cupped his hands and asked, "Master Yang, is there anything else?"

Yes! Of course!

Yang Jing was about to say something, but then he was stunned and realized that the other person was getting ready to leave.

He kept all his suspicions in his heart and said with a smile: "It's nothing, I just asked casually."

Zhu Xiongying said: "Okay, I'll take my leave then."

Yang Jing hummed, thought for a moment, and said, "Wait a minute. I'll ask a few clerks to pack your things and send the prison stuff back to you. Mr. Zhu, can you tell me where the mansion is?"

Zhu Xiongying smiled and said in a neither humble nor arrogant manner: "Thank you, Lord Yang."

After telling Yang Jing the address of the mansion, Yang Jing left with his hands behind his back.

The moment he turned around, Yang Jing's expression became extremely solemn.

Today's casual question really shocked him.

He had thought that Zhu Xiongying and Zhu Yuanzhang had a close relationship, but he never thought that they were grandfather and grandson.

Zhu Xiongying said he recognized her... Haha, this is really a wonderful fate.

hiss!
Yang Jing sucked in a breath of cold air. He had unknowingly walked in the rain, and was completely unaware of being soaked. Did you recognize him?

Emperor Hongwu did adopt several sons, but I have never heard of him adopting a grandson!

Now everyone in the palace is paying attention to the issue of appointing a crown prince. How can the old man have the time to blindly recognize a grandson?

What if they didn't recognize each other? What if they were relatives?

Yang Jing's eyes suddenly widened and his whole body shook like a sieve.

"Master Yang, oh, Master Yang, what's wrong with you?"

"It's raining so hard, why are you walking in the rain?"

The assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice came over and held an umbrella for Shangshu Yang.

Yang Jing glanced at the second-in-command of the Ministry of Justice beside him and said, "Ming Sheng, do you still know our Emperor Ming's eldest grandson?"

Li Mingsheng, the assistant minister of the Ministry of Justice, was stunned for a moment and said, "I know. Recently, I don't know where His Royal Highness the Grandson has gone."

"I may have seen him." Yang Jing said suddenly.

Li Mingsheng was puzzled: "What?"

Yang Jing put his hands behind his back again, walked into the rain, and waved his hand back: "Don't hold an umbrella for me. I'll think about something for a while. Go and deliver Mr. Zhu's belongings back to him. Remember, be respectful."

Minister Li was stunned.

I?
Fourth grade?
The Minister of Justice?
The second in command of the Ministry of Justice?
Sending a prisoner's belongings back home? I'm ashamed! Don't I want to save face?
……

The sun had set, but the lights in the Jinshen Hall were still bright.

In the empty hall, thick copper lamps were everywhere, lighting bright flames.

After the door was opened, several lights flickered.

"emperor."

Zuodu Yushi Bao Zhao walked in.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him coldly: "Tell me about the results."

Bao Yushi hurriedly said: "Those who participated in shielding Wen Boqi include Jiangning County Magistrate Wang Shiqun, Jiangning Assistant Official Niu Feng, Jiangning County Criminal Division Chief Cao Ming, Yuhua County Magistrate, Yuhua Criminal Division Chief..."

“This group of people, under the instruction of Wen Yuzhang, did not file a case against the people afterwards.”

Zhu Yuanzhang listened without any sadness or joy.

"Also, the officials of the three counties of Jiangning, Yuhua and Shangyuan assisted Wen Boqi in looking up the addresses and household registration files of the people, and leaked them to Wen Boqi, making it easier for Wen Boqi to threaten and rape them."

Bao Zhao continued to say that there were now twenty-one officials involved in the case, including twelve regular officials who were registered and paid salaries by the Ministry of Personnel.

There were nine non-official officials, including constables recruited independently by the county governments.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Bao Zhao silently: "No more?"

Bao Zhao was shocked: "Please report to the emperor...if we...if we investigate further, he will be a Beijing official..."

Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly: "Are the officials in Beijing superior to others? Are the officials in Beijing doing things for the people? The officials we want are not the nobles who harm and whip the people. We want good officials who get things done!"

"Keep checking!"

Bao Zhao took a deep breath and said hurriedly: "As you wish!"

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted, "Post this crime on the imperial edict, tie up the people, and send them to Caishikou. We won't behead them, but let the people deal with it themselves!"

"In addition, the female relatives of all officials shall be appointed as the teaching officers, and the male members shall be allowed to keep their bodies intact or be beaten to death!"

Bao Zhao's cheek twitched. This old man... won't leave any offspring for the other party at all!
"Grandpa Emperor." A soft call came from outside the door.

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand and said to Bao Zhao: "Go and do your job."

The lights in Jinshen Hall are as bright as day.

There was still a hint of light in the sky outside, but it slowly dimmed under the continuous spring rain.

The Jinshen Hall is very large. In the ancient architectural complex, all the taller and more solemn palaces and pavilions would have perpetual lamps lit all year round.

Only this kind of light can support the illumination of such a huge palace.

Zhu Yunwen walked in with a bowl of sweet-cooked egg noodles.

"Grandpa Huang, are you hungry? I cooked some noodles for you."

Zhu Yuanzhang hummed and asked Zhu Yunwen to put the bowl on the desk. "You are so thoughtful. What do you want to see me for?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen knelt on the ground silently.

Zhu Yuanzhang naturally knew why Zhu Yunwen came, and he said to the advisor: "Go ahead."

Zhu Yunwen said hurriedly: "Grandpa Emperor, the gift of a few words is all about serving teachers. When a country is about to prosper, teachers are valued and tutors are respected."

"A teacher is like a father. In ancient times, filial piety was manifested."

Taking a deep breath, Zhu Yunwen raised his head and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang firmly: "Grandpa Emperor, Master Huang is my grandson's teacher. I am here to apologize to Huang Zicheng!"

"Master Huang is sincere and will never help the tyrant. Please understand, Father."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Yunwen silently, and instead of answering, he asked: "Where do you think Huang Zicheng committed the crime?"

Zhu Yunwen was silent for a moment, and then said, "My grandson believes that he is innocent. The strength of a country lies in its willingness to listen to the voices of all sides. If you listen to both sides, you will be enlightened, but if you listen to only one side, you will be in the dark."

"Grandpa Emperor, Master Huang's original intention was good, and he also wanted to set an example. I don't think Master Huang was wrong."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed and said earnestly: "You may think that we are targeting Huang Zicheng for your elder brother."

"The Zhu family needs officials who can get things done and do practical things, not those who hinder the development of the Ming Dynasty."

"You learned a lot from him. There are many people who can teach. The Ming Dynasty is not short of teachers or talents. We can still run smoothly without anyone."

"But how can we make Huangming turn faster? We need to remove some of the silt that hinders development. Right and wrong are not black and white."

Zhu Yunwen gently retorted: "When it comes to time, it's better to be neither black nor white. If black and white are reversed, or it seems to be true but not true, wouldn't it be unfair?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment: "Well, that's right, I understand, OK, let's have some noodles, you can go down."

Zhu Yunwen was delighted: "Good!"

Looking at Zhu Yunwen's departing back, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed: "My child, you always want to fight for this and that, but you don't understand this principle. If you succeed, it will only harm you!"

"Grandpa is doing this for your own good. I love every one of you."

"To others, black is black and white is white, but to us, the royal family, there is no such thing as black or white. White people can be killed, and black people can be used."

“The manipulation of political power cannot be determined by a simple statement of right or wrong, black or white.”

"There have been corrupt officials in every dynasty. Why didn't the emperor kill them? Do you think they are all stupid? As long as they are kept, they must be useful people!"

"We don't do things for outsiders to judge. Scholars can hate evil and be clear about right and wrong, grudges and favors, but we, the Zhu family, have millions of ordinary people on our shoulders!"

To put it bluntly, different perspectives lead to different ways of looking at things.

Zhu Hongwu did not need the literati and history books to describe him as magnificent, benevolent, and virtuous. (End of this chapter)