Ming Dynasty: Zhu Biao's younger brother, the most rebellious son in history

Chapter 89: A woman's heart is as unfathomable as the sea.

When they were young, Zhang Hao took care of them for a period of time, but he didn't have much memory of that time. Later, these soldiers who were left at home by Zhu Yuanzhang to be looked after all went to war. Zhu Chong only had some vague impressions of them, but he only remembered their names.

As for the familiar feeling that emerged in his mind, Zhu Chong couldn't explain it clearly. He just felt that he might have remembered it wrong.

At this time, Zhu Chong asked, "Where is the second brother? Is the second brother here too?"

"coming."

Zhang Hao said this, and then added: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is here too, to take you three home."

"what?"

When Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di heard Zhang Hao say that Zhu Biao had also come, they felt very upset.

All right...what is Zhu Biao here for?
They were not that afraid of Zhu Kai, Zhu Chong and the other two.

Although Zhu Kai often bullies them, he is indeed a good brother.

Zhu Biao was different. Zhu Yuanzhang had trained him as his successor since he was a child. He had an oppressive aura and a majestic expression that made the three brothers fear him from the bottom of their hearts when they saw him.

Brother, you are here now, are you going to exercise Zhu Yuanzhang's power to educate his son on his behalf?

The three brothers Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di felt uncomfortable at the thought of being beaten by Zhu Biao.

Zhu Di was quite smart. He was also afraid when he heard about Zhu Biao, but the more afraid he was, the more he wanted to find a way to eliminate his fear.

Zhu Biao has arrived, but Zhu Kai is still here.

With your second brother around, are you still worried that your eldest brother might beat you?

Zhu Di was very confident in his identity as "Zhu Kai's little follower". As long as he stayed by Zhu Kai's side all the time, he would not have to worry about being beaten.

Zhu Di quickly asked Zhang Hao: "Where are my elder brother and second brother now? Are they also in Chang'an?"

When Zhu Gang heard Zhu Di's question, he immediately became alert.

Yes, if Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai were not in Chang'an, they could have easily run away from Chang'an before Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai came.

Zhang Hao smiled without saying anything, looking behind Zhu Di and Zhu Gang.

"I am naturally in Chang'an."

When Zhu Biao's voice appeared, Zhu Di and Zhu Gang were suddenly stunned, and Zhu Chong beside them was not much better.

The three of them turned their heads mechanically and saw Zhu Biao looking at them with a frown, while Zhu Kai was standing aside with a smile, looking at his three stupid brothers.

Zhu Biao did not need to identify himself, someone beside him naturally helped him to identify himself: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!"

Prince?

Zhao Wenlai, Zhang Qianshan and a group of yamen runners, their bodies became like mud after hearing someone announce Zhu Biao's identity. Zhu Kai's personal soldiers standing behind them did not pull them up or anything, and just let them collapse to the ground.

The Crown Prince, the Second Prince, the Prince of Qin, the Prince of Jin, the Prince of Yan... these five oldest sons of Zhu Yuanzhang gathered in Chang'an.

And yet I want to kill them... Just think about the possible consequences.

Death is the easiest outcome.

The people who were watching on the street were also shocked when they heard that the prince was coming.

Chang'an and Yingtian are thousands of miles apart. They only knew the prince but never thought that they would ever meet him.

This is probably... the most senior official I have ever seen, right?
The people knelt down one after another to pay homage to Zhu Biao and others.

Seeing Zhu Biao frowning, Zhu Di suddenly had a very bad premonition. He rolled his eyes and immediately pretended to be very surprised. He walked towards Zhu Biao... and Zhu Kai behind him: "Second brother! Hahaha~ Long time no see!"

Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang also saw Zhu Kai. They imitated Zhu Kai and greeted him.

Now, the only one who can save them is Zhu Kai.

How could Zhu Kai not know what these three younger brothers were thinking?
But what does it matter?

"Hahahaha, my stupid brothers! Long time no see!"

Zhu Kai also looked very happy and hugged his three younger brothers.

Zhu Biao watched coldly from the side. He wanted to evacuate the crowd and then find a place. After all, this was on the street and it was inappropriate to scold his brother in public.

Evacuate the crowd first and deal with things later.

He wanted to tell Zhang Hao something, but suddenly remembered that Zhang Hao was Zhu Kai's soldier, and they would not listen to anyone else except Zhu Kai.

"Brother Kai, have your people take them away! Put them in solitary confinement. The people here cannot be trusted. To prevent someone from silencing them, they need to be put in solitary confinement."

Zhu Biao first discussed it with Zhu Kai. After hearing it, Zhu Kai immediately ordered Zhang Hao to do it. Then Zhu Biao took out his badge and said, "Third brother, take my token and mobilize the troops. The garrison commander here is Zhang He. Ask him to send troops into Chang'an City!"

Zhu Gang and Zhu Di were a little disappointed when they heard that Zhu Biao had assigned tasks to Zhu Kai and Zhu Chong but not to them.

"Uh……"

Zhu Di observed Zhu Biao's expression and said hesitantly, "Brother, let me go with my third brother."

Zhu Gang also said:

"Yes, yes, and me too! We'll go with Third Brother."

As they said that, the two wanted to run.

"Come back!"

Zhu Biao would not let them run away. He shouted loudly, scaring Zhu Gang and Zhu Di so much that they dared not move.

They really didn't dare to move, as Zhu Biao was already angry.

If I continue to provoke Zhu Biao, wouldn't that make him even angrier?
It’s better to just be a dog.

"One is the King of Jin, the other is the King of Yan, they only care about their heads and not their butts!"

Zhu Biao got angry at first by saying two sentences, but later found that he could not vent his anger because of these two sentences.

He waved his hand: "Follow me!"

He didn't even bother to curse, it was obvious that he was going to be ruthless!

The ominous premonition in Zhu Gang and Zhu Di's hearts became stronger and stronger, but neither of them had the ability to resist.

I can only... ask Zhu Kai for help.

"Second brother..."

Zhu Di looked at Zhu Kai aggrievedly, with a pleading look on his face.

Zhu Kai also became pitiful: "Fifth brother, it's not that second brother doesn't want to help you, but... I can't help you. When eldest brother found me, it was exactly the same as what happened next."

what?
Even Zhu Kai got beaten?

Zhu Di had no way to beg for mercy now. After all, even Zhu Kai was beaten. What was the point of begging for mercy?

Just wait to be punished.

When Zhu Biao heard what Zhu Kai said, he was speechless... What do you mean it's exactly the same as what happens next?

Did I lift a finger?

In order to hide your injuries, I risked my mother's anger and brought you to Chang'an to recuperate.

My second younger brother is really unscrupulous in order to trick his younger brother.

But the key point is that Zhu Biao had no way to expose Zhu Kai, because he was going to beat someone up next, and Zhu Kai's beating would also be included in that.

Zhu Kai didn't feel that he was betraying his brother. When Zhu Biao wanted to pull him into the tent, it was indeed the same as what would happen next. But Zhu Kai was injured, so how could Zhu Biao, who felt sorry for Zhu Kai, bear to hit him?

Zhu Kai: Then you can’t blame me. It’s your fault that you don’t have any injuries.

If Zhu Di and Zhu Gang knew what Zhu Kai thought, they would probably not believe Zhu Kai for a long time.

……

The next morning, Zhu Biao got up early.

It can be seen that Zhu Biao is in a good mood now.

People feel refreshed when good things happen. After worrying for so long, his brothers are finally together again. Zhu Biao finally put his mind at ease and was naturally in a very happy mood.

As for Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di, the three of them cannot go out today and should just stay in the inn and rest.

Zhu Chong's palace had not been built yet, so Zhu Kai booked the most luxurious restaurant in Chang'an City for Zhu Kai and his brothers and the people from the personal guards camp to live there.

According to Zhu Biao's personality, he would definitely not live in such a luxurious restaurant. But because of Zhu Kai, he liked a luxurious life, so Zhu Biao could only follow his wishes.

Zhang He, the garrison general of Chang'an City, has led his troops into the city, and imposed a curfew on all personnel, entering a wartime state. Yin Lu, the prefect of Chang'an City, knelt outside the restaurant all night without waiting for Zhu Biao.

Yingtian Prefecture had just investigated and punished a group of corrupt officials who used the name of taxation to enrich themselves. Zhu Yuanzhang also sent the skins of several major criminals to various prefectures, asking them to read the relevant files carefully and giving a death order that if they exploited the people again, they would be severely punished.

Just one year had passed and taxes were being imposed on the people in Chang'an again. Even if Yin Lu had a hundred heads, they would not be enough to chop off.

How could he not be afraid?
Besides, the person present was the crown prince, the prestigious heir to the throne of the Ming Dynasty. How would he handle this matter?
Zhu Biao was kind-hearted, gentle and honest. Yin Lu wanted to ask Zhu Biao to try his best to make the matter smaller and not to bring it to the attention of Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang's character... those who know him know it. He is magnanimous on ordinary days, but once he encounters the oppression of the people, Zhu Yuanzhang will definitely start a massacre. If Zhu Yuanzhang knew about it, he would lose the position he had worked so hard to get, and his life would be over.

However, Yin Lu knelt for a whole night but did not wait for Zhu Biao. Yin Lu believed that Zhu Biao must know that he was outside, but he just did not come out to see him. This was very telling.

Zhu Biao, you are not going to let him go.

The more Yin Lu thought about it, the more frightened he became. He dared not stand up. He felt that even if he died on his knees in front of the restaurant, it would be better than being skinned and stuffed with straw by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Just when Yin Lu thought that Zhu Biao would not appear, Zhu Biao appeared.

He walked out of the restaurant slowly and came directly to Yin Lu: "Master Yin, what are you doing kneeling here? How can the prefect of Chang'an City kneel on the street?"

To put it bluntly, he just looks down on Yin Lu.

I think it’s shameful for Yin Lu to do this.

Yin Lu was about to cry.

If you can live standing up, who would want to kneel down?
But, I have to kneel down now!

It’s even uglier to die without kneeling!
"Your Highness, I, Yin Lu, am here to apologize to you."

Yin Lu would evade the main issue and say, "I don't know how to judge people and use them, and I let him seek the benefit of the people. I deserve to die!"

After all, Yin Lu only admitted that he was guilty of misjudging people, and he did not admit anything else.

Even if he embezzled the money, Yin Lu refused to admit it.

"The Ming Dynasty has always hated corrupt officials, and the punishments they have enacted are quite harsh, but they are definitely not meant to kill innocent people. If you just don't know how to judge people, you are definitely not guilty of a crime that deserves the death penalty."

Zhu Biao didn't want to hear Yin Lu shirking responsibility here. With his level of skills, he was not even a fourth-rank official in the court.

"You can go back first. After I have investigated everything, I will handle it according to the laws of the Ming Dynasty. As for the implicated person you are worried about, in our Ming Dynasty... at least here, it will not happen."

I originally thought that it would not appear in the Ming Dynasty.

But thinking of what Zhu Yuanzhang had done, Zhu Biao finally didn't say this.

Zhu Yuanzhang was not good at other things, but he was quite good at the policy of collective punishment. Although Zhu Biao did not agree very much, he did not object. In times of chaos, severe punishments were used. The Ming Dynasty was just established. In addition, given the environment Zhu Yuanzhang himself had experienced, Zhu Biao would not stop Zhu Yuanzhang from carrying out the policy of collective punishment.

The incident in Chang'an was discovered by Zhu Biao. When he came to solve the matter, he would not rely on Zhu Yuanzhang or let Zhu Yuanzhang interfere.

If Yin Lu was simply the most negligent person, Zhu Biao would have punished him for the crime of negligence. But looking at his current appearance, it seems that he doesn't think it is as simple as the crime of negligence. There must be other stories involved.

After hearing what Zhu Biao said, Yin Lu believed what Zhu Biao said, but... Yin Lu would not think that this matter would just pass like that, and he let Zhu Biao make a big deal out of a small matter, which was not just a simple crime of negligence.

As the prefect of Chang'an, could Zhao Wenlai impose taxes without his tacit approval?

impossible!
Zhu Biao asked Yin Lu to leave, but he did not leave. Instead, he said to Zhu Biao with a troubled look on his face: "Your Highness, there are other reasons for the taxation. Can you allow me to explain the reasons to you?"

Without Yin Lu's explicit words, Zhu Biao knew what he wanted to say: "You mean to say that increasing the people's taxes is to help the King of Qin build a palace?"

"..."

His monologue was snatched away again, and Yin Lu was speechless.

It now seems that Zhu Biao did not believe in the so-called tax collection for the purpose of building a palace for the King of Qin, because Zhu Yuanzhang had already foreseen that the pressure of building the palace would be placed on the people, so he had previously issued an order to withdraw a portion of the grain tax and commercial taxes from the state government to build the palace, and to allocate a sum of money and grain from the national treasury every year to support the construction of the palace.

Zhu Biao interrupted Yin Lu's monologue to tell him that the reason he gave was not appropriate and that he did not believe what he said.

Now, Yin Lu was at a loss. The two reasons he found were both refuted by Zhu Biao, which also made Yin Lu see Zhu Biao's attitude.

Handle matters impartially and reject personal feelings.

Yin Lu left in a daze, and Zhu Biao returned to the restaurant.

His identity has been exposed, and no matter what he does next, it will attract countless people's attention.

You'll be watched wherever you go, so it's better to stay in the restaurant and listen to reports from your subordinates.

Moreover, Zhu Biao could not find peace in the restaurant.

After the initial panic, the prime minister Zhao Wenlai gradually began to calm down. He had once listened to Li Shanchang's lectures and had always considered himself Li Shanchang's student.

Faced with the current situation, Zhao Wenlai knew that he was doomed to die, but he naturally did not want to die. He still had lofty ideals to realize, and he would be unwilling to die like this.

Of course, one thing that makes Zhao Wenlai better than Yin Lu is that he knows that all his hopes of survival now depend on Zhu Biao. If he says he will live, then he will live, and if he says he will die, then he will die.

Now, he is being held prisoner and living with Zhu Biao. This is his last chance to survive.

So Zhao Wenlai begged desperately to see Zhu Biao early the next morning, saying that he had something important to report.

Zhu Biao knew that this was Zhao Wenlai's survival instinct, but in his opinion, as long as he acted according to the law, Zhao Wenlai's crime was unforgivable, and his plea could not change the result.

But Zhu Kai has a different view on this:

"Brother, I think Zhao Wenlai is a complete treacherous villain. You should know that officials in this world are not as upright as you see them, or that not everyone you see in the court is a patriot. You should go and see it. When people are on the verge of death, their desire to survive will show you the bad roots of people."

Zhu Biao agreed with Zhu Kai's words, but his own ideas were different.

As long as I follow the laws of the Ming Dynasty and the national laws, I can govern the country well.

But Zhu Biao then remembered that Zhu Yuanzhang would also use many methods outside the national law when doing things.

"Okay, let's go meet him then."

Zhu Biao glanced at Zhu Kai and asked, "Do you want to go with me?"

"I dont go!"

Zhu Kai refused without hesitation, "I guess Zhao Wenlai will say a lot of bad things about me when he expresses his loyalty to you. If that's the case, why should I go? Isn't this asking for trouble?"

Don't go!

Zhu Kai sees things very clearly. He knows when he should go and when he should not go.

After hearing this, Zhu Biao did not continue to persuade him.

Since Zhu Kai doesn't want to go, then don't go.

Then, Zhu Biao went to see Zhao Wenlai.

When Zhao Wenlai saw Zhu Biao, he knelt on the ground and said, "Your humble servant Zhao Wenlai greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. I wish His Royal Highness a thousand years of life!"

Zhu Biao had been vaccinated by Zhu Kai, so he was naturally more cautious about meeting Zhao Wenlai again: "What do you want from me?"

"I want to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to plead for mercy! Please forgive me." Zhao Wenlai looked at Zhu Biao, "I know my crime is unforgivable, but I think I have read some books and understand the ways of the world. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty and the future emperor. I am willing to be His Royal Highness's loyal dog and serve His Royal Highness with all my strength!"

Seeing that Zhu Biao remained silent, Zhao Wenlai continued, "Your Highness, do you think your position as crown prince is secure?"

"It's exactly what my second brother said!"

Zhu Biao seemed to have guessed what Zhao Wenlai was going to say next, but he said calmly, "You want to see me because you have something to ask me. I don't want to hear you ask me questions now."

"As your Highness commands!"

Zhao Wenlai seemed to have expected that Zhu Biao would not talk too much with him, so he simply got straight to the point and stated his request: "I think that your position as the crown prince is not secure now, Your Highness. The biggest variable is your younger brother, the second prince who is favored by Your Majesty."

"I heard that the Second Prince led 3,000 elite soldiers in this northern expedition and became quite famous in the northern border. I'm sure you know what the military commanders are like. Seeing how martial the Second Prince is, wouldn't they be more partial to him?"

After explaining, Zhao Wenlai added, "Of course, the reason why I said this is that after the Second Prince went to the Northern Territory, Your Highness and the Second Prince had a deep brotherly love, and the world knows it. If the Second Prince was still a playboy in Yingtian City, I would not say this to you, but now... Your Highness is in danger!"

"Your Highness, think about it. Not to mention the reputation that the Second Prince left behind in this battle, his two fathers-in-law, Xu Da, Duke of Wei, and Feng Sheng, Duke of Song, are both veteran generals in the army with very high prestige. Can you pull them into your camp?"

Zhu Biao did not say anything. Zhao Wenlai thought that his words had moved Zhu Biao, so he quickly continued: "If Your Highness uses me, I will certainly follow your orders, and repay your kindness even if I die. The taxation of Chang'an City is my responsibility. I have a very detailed account book, and I have records of who got how much money. I can hand it over to Your Highness then." After saying that, Zhao Wenlai leaned over and bowed.

Zhu Biao looked at Zhao Wenlai who was prostrating himself and sighed in his heart.

It seems that what my second brother said was right. Zhao Wenlai used this method to save himself a chance of survival.

Conspiracy theory, complete conspiracy theory.

Zhu Biao even felt that skinning Zhao Wenlai and stuffing him with straw was too easy for him.

There is no good in this group of scholars. They make up all kinds of fictitious conspiracy theories all day long. If Zhu Biao had not matured early, he might have been deceived by such conspiracy theories.

"If Brother Kai wants to be the crown prince, if he wants to be the heir to the throne of Ming Dynasty, he doesn't have to wait until now."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhao Wenlai, then said softly:
"If Brother Kai wants to be the crown prince, I will give him the throne."

"..."

It was the first time that Zhao Wenlai heard such remarks.

If you want to be the crown prince, just give it to him. Is the crown prince so worthless?

Brother, that’s not just the position of Crown Prince, but also the heir apparent of the Ming Dynasty!
Becoming an emperor is the dream of many people, but why is Zhu Biao so uninterested in the position of crown prince?

However, Zhu Biao also knew that Zhu Kai had no interest in the throne.

"Zhao Wenlai, you have a mean mind. As the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, if I have to keep a despicable person like you around just to form cliques, that would be my misfortune!"

Zhu Biao looked at Zhao Wenlai and stopped him from thinking: "You are greedy for profit and have ignored the people of the world for your own selfishness. If I employ you, what's the difference between you and me?"

Having said that, Zhu Biao decided not to continue talking to him, so he stood up and was about to leave.

When Zhao Wenlai heard that his proposal had no effect on Zhu Biao, he became very anxious.

If Zhu Biao doesn't save me, who else can?
"Your Highness! Your Highness, please save me! I am useful!"

In order to save his life, Zhao Wenlai dared to say anything: "I expose to you that Li Shanchang, the Duke of Korea, has colluded with his cronies and is plotting a rebellion. There is also Tang Shengzong and Lu Zhongheng... The people of Huaixi have colluded with each other and are planning a rebellion, Your Highness!"

"..."

When Zhu Biao heard what Zhao Wenlai said, he suddenly stopped walking out.

Zhao Wenlai thought he had convinced Zhu Biao again, and just as he was about to continue, he heard Zhu Biao say, "If that's the case, then I can't let you stay!"

After hearing Zhu Biao's words, Zhao Wenlai held back all his words. He never expected that Zhu Biao would be indifferent to rebellion.

After Zhu Biao left and closed the door completely, Zhao Wenlai collapsed to the ground.

He knew that he had no chance of survival.

But if I die, others won’t have an easy life either!
And what about Zhu Biao?

The reason why he wanted to kill Zhao Wenlai was very simple.

Zhao Wenlai is a complete villain. In order to survive, he dares to say anything and bite anyone.

Such people are crazy, and Zhu Biao doesn't like dealing with such people.

So Zhao Wenlai must die!
After Zhu Biao left the room where Zhao Wenlai was imprisoned, he returned to Zhu Kai's room.

……

The next day, Zhao Wenlai committed suicide out of fear of punishment and died in a room in the restaurant.

Zhu Biao had no sympathy for him, and neither did Zhu Kai. The two of them acted as if they had never seen Zhao Wenlai before and didn't know who he was.

Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di, who were just lying in bed resting, felt a little unsatisfied after hearing the news of Zhao Wenlai's death.

It's such a pity for such a scum to die like this.

However, the issue of increasing taxes in Chang'an did not end so easily. The investigation still had to be conducted. With Zhu Biao in charge and Zhang He assisting, coupled with the search of the residences of Zhao Wenlai, Yin Lu and other Chang'an officials, a large amount of money was seized.

Zhu Biao put the money into the treasury and bought a large amount of grain and meat, which he distributed to the people so that they could have a good New Year. The people had happy smiles on their faces... They could finally have a good New Year.

……

Zhu Biao found Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di, and investigated and punished a large number of officials involved in crimes in Chang'an City, but he was unable to hide it from Zhu Yuanzhang.

When Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai set out for Chang'an, Zhu Yuanzhang also sent a group of Jinyiwei to Chang'an, not for surveillance but for investigation.

Zhu Yuanzhang was a man with a strong desire for power, and the last thing he wanted to happen was things getting out of his control.

Did Zhu Yuanzhang believe in Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai?

Believe!

But Zhu Yuanzhang preferred to believe in himself.

He only believes in the results of his own investigation.

In Chang'an, there were still officials collecting taxes from the people. Zhu Yuanzhang was very angry about this. He had already taken ruthless measures! He had already taken fatal measures! But why couldn't these corrupt officials be stopped?

Is money more important than life?
In Zhu Yuanzhang's view, this is all nonsense. What's the point of money if you've lost your life?
But this incident happened to Zhu Biao, so Zhu Yuanzhang needed Zhu Biao to solve the problem. He also wanted to see how his eldest son could handle the matter.

Now, he was even more worried.

They are the three stupid sons of Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di.

When you go out alone, can you still act like you are in Yingtian Prefecture, with a crowd of people following you?
I don't even know how to take some soldiers with me.

Zhu Yuanzhang was very angry when he thought of his three stupid sons who did not know how to behave themselves when going out alone.

There's nothing wrong with you being chivalrous, but the problem is that you don't know how to protect yourself while doing so.

snort!
He is just a small chancellor, yet he dares to take our son's life!

Tolerable or unbearable!
That Chang'an prefectural official named Zhao Wenlai - it was really wrong to let him die so easily.

At the very least, I would cut him into pieces to vent my hatred!
"Perhaps there are other reasons."

While Zhu Yuanzhang was angry, he was also thinking about Zhu Biao. The Zhu Biao he knew was a man who abided by the national laws and was very serious about them. He would not do anything beyond the law, and would not allow others to trample on the laws of the Ming Dynasty.

But now...why let Zhao Wen die so quickly?

Zhu Yuanzhang felt that there was something wrong with Zhu Biao's behavior.

……

Zhu Yuanzhang knew that five princes including Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao were in Chang'an City, and Li Shanchang, who was far away in Fengyang, also knew it.

As Zhu Yuanzhang's highest logistics and administrative officer during the war, he knew Zhu Yuanzhang's suspicion very well. This matter would certainly not end with Zhao Wenlai's death. If Zhu Yuanzhang intervened, it would inevitably cause an uproar.

Moreover, Li Shanchang remembered people's names very clearly.

Zhao Wenlai had attended classes in his school, but only for a few classes. However, Li Shanchang remembered Zhao Wenlai's name very clearly.

This person is too selfish and cannot be used in any important position.

In other words, being the prefect of Chang'an was the limit.

Such an insignificant person, whether he died or not, would have little impact on Li Shanchang. If he died, he died...it was no big deal.

However, Li Shanchang felt something was wrong with the way Zhu Biao dealt with Zhao Wenlai.

It was handled too quickly and didn't make any sense.

Isn’t it Zhu Biao, but Zhu Kai?

Li Shanchang was a little worried. If the person handling the matter was Zhu Kai, then it would be fine. No matter how that guy handled it, the final result would be acceptable.

But if it was Zhu Biao, that would be different.

Based on Li Shanchang's understanding of Zhu Biao, he should have known something, but did not want the matter to spread, and even less did he want Zhu Yuanzhang to know... That's why he chose to sacrifice Zhao Wen.

What is going on?
Li Shanchang didn't know what had happened, but he was very clear...this was a big deal, so big that even Zhu Biao found it difficult to deal with.

……

Laba, Chang'an City.

The New Year comes after the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. It was on this day that Zhu Biao set up a stage at the intersection of the widest street in Chang'an City.

We must publicly try Yin Lu and other officials who imposed taxes.

What is a public trial?

That is to let the people come and watch, and then announce the crimes of Yin Lu and other officials in front of all the people.

Yin Lu knelt outside the restaurant where Zhu Biao lived for a whole night, but he could not escape the fate of being killed.

He deserved the punishment and deserved to die.

He portrayed himself as a victim in the hope that Zhu Biao would let him off the hook. However, as Zhu Biao found the account book left by Zhao Wenlai, he discovered that Yin Lu was actually the biggest tiger.

Now, Yin Lu has deceived the prince and his crime is even more serious.

It wouldn't be too much to peel the skin and fill it with grass.

From the Chang'an government office to the street where the public trial took place, Yin Lu didn't even have a cage. Two soldiers led him with a rope and walked him forward step by step.

The soldiers did not want to get too close to Yin Lu, because the people around him hated corrupt officials so much that they threw rotten vegetable leaves, rotten eggs, and stones at Yin Lu, cursing as they did so, as if this could not make them feel better.

Zhu Biao stood on the stage, holding the indictment he had written himself about the crimes of Yin Lu and others, and read it out on the podium.

The most important thing... is to present all the crimes of Yin Lu and others to the people.

The people are easily satisfied. They know how miserable they are when facing powerful forces. But once someone of higher status stands on their side and gains their trust, the people will vent their anger.

The people are angry. Their anger is like calm water in a well, but once it explodes, it can destroy everything.

It has to be said that the appearance of Zhu Biao gave the people the confidence and courage to be indignant. Listening to Zhu Biao listing the crimes of a number of high-ranking officials one by one, the people could not hide the excitement on their faces and kept clapping and cheering.

This is exactly what they want to see, they are also people with backing!

After reading out the charges against these officials, Zhu Biao announced to the people on the spot: "From today on, except for taxes stamped with the emperor's seal, all other taxes will be exempted. If anyone dares to raise taxes again, they can go to the capital to file a complaint with the emperor, and Zhu Biao will naturally give them an explanation.

When the people heard this, they were all delighted. This was the result they wanted to see and hear.

Oh my God!
The people have finally waited for the blue sky that belongs to them!
Zhu Biao looked at the people's joy and couldn't help but sigh in his heart.

Brother Kai is right. The people don’t actually ask for much. They are not afraid of hard work, nor will they resist paying taxes. They just want to protect their vested interests and not be plundered by others.

What a simple request!
Of course, Zhu Biao also felt very sad in his heart.

The people knew too little and understood too little. When Zhu Biao asked Zhu Kai how the Ming Dynasty should become stronger and how to make the people live a good life.

Zhu Kai's answer was very simple: "Let the people read!"

Reading enlightens and opens your mind!
Letting common people have access to books is absolutely heresy.

Zhu Biao actually hoped to see this scene.

But he also knew that some people believed that reading was the right of scholars and officials.

And those 'some people' are the literati.

They control the books and the channels for education, leaving the people with no chance to study. This is what this group of scholars does.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang advocated serving the emperor and ruling the world together with the people, rather than ruling the world together with the scholar-officials.

Zhu Kai's words actually provided a very clear path for the emperor and the people to rule the world together.

But is it that easy to achieve?
Zhu Biao looked at the happy people in the audience and couldn't help but clench his fists.

To make the people stand up from now on is not something that can be accomplished by one or two generations. It requires the joint efforts of monarchs for three, five, or even thousands of generations.

Zhu Biao was looking forward to such an outcome, but he was also clear that his lifetime might not allow him to see an era where everyone is as powerful as a dragon.

But, it must be done!
Zhu Biao made up his mind. He was extremely sure that only by doing this could his descendants have a more powerful Ming Dynasty!

……

Yin Lu, the prefect of Chang'an, was killed, and all officials, big and small, were punished according to the law. Those who should be killed were killed, those who should be dismissed from office were dismissed, and those who should be imprisoned were imprisoned.

For a time, there was an extreme shortage of officials in Chang'an City.

But, that's okay.

Chang'an City was adjacent to the northern border and was an important military town, so Zhu Biao asked Zhang He to manage it as a military town and then transfer government affairs after the court assigned officials.

Zhang He now admired Zhu Biao very much. Since he had given an order, Zhang He naturally dared not disobey it.

After dealing with matters in Chang'an, Zhu Biao and his entourage also set off for home.

Zhu Kai's wounds were mostly healed, and the blood scabs on his body showed signs of falling off. Zhu Biao felt relieved. At least this year... Zhu Kai would not be blamed too much.

Zhu Kai didn't have anything to do. Was he celebrating the New Year? His sons were all there, and they had all grown up. Ma Xiuying could only sigh that her children had grown up, but she wouldn't say too many things against Zhu Kai.

Of course, this is just what Zhu Kai thought. As for what will happen after returning to the palace, Zhu Kai doesn't know.

A woman's heart, a needle under the sea.

It was a pity for the three little ones, Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di, who were standing next to them.

They left Yingtian secretly. When they ran away, they thought they would be beaten when they returned, but they didn't think too much about it because there was still a lot of time.

But time waits for no one, and the days pass by.

Suddenly I realized that time was running out and I had to go home.

What a pain!
Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di all became nervous. They didn't talk much along the way and sighed as if they were worried about something.

Zhu Kai looked at his three silly brothers and smiled evilly: "Why, you're scared now that you're almost home? What were you doing before?"

"Ugh!"

Zhu Di sighed, "Second brother, I would rather be beaten by my eldest brother again and stay in Chang'an to recuperate than go back to the palace."

He didn't know how to face Zhu Yuanzhang.

The same thing happened to Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang standing by.

Zhu Kai understood their mental journey. When he came out, he was fearless and felt that there was still a lot of time.

They were not afraid of Zhu Biao because Zhu Biao's whip had already fallen on them, while Zhu Yuanzhang was still an unknown. In addition, they were already afraid of Zhu Yuanzhang, so naturally they would think very fearfully.

He had already been severely punished for his mischief in the palace before, and now he had secretly run away for three months. How bad had he been treated?
The three stupid brothers became more and more scared the more they thought about it, which made Zhu Kai laugh wildly in his heart. He then comforted his brothers: "Don't worry, the New Year is coming soon, and Dad won't punish you too harshly."

Zhu Yuanzhang was also a man who cared a lot about face. The only princes he could show off were the six boys from the eldest to the sixth. The others were still young. During the New Year, he had to visit the homes of various ministers, military generals and nobles, so Zhu Yuanzhang had to bring his sons with him.

Not to mention Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai, these three stupid brothers have also grown up and have to learn to stand on their own.

Even if Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to beat them, he had to consider his own face, right?
Even if we want to beat them, we have to wait until after the New Year.

However, the three little ones did not expect that after the Chinese New Year, after they heard Zhu Kai's words, they felt like the clouds had been cleared and the sun had appeared.

Yes, the New Year is coming soon, dad won’t beat us, right?

If these words were said by Zhu Biao, Zhu Chong and the other two would still find it hard to believe, but since these words were said by Zhu Kai, the three of them believed it quite a bit.

After all, Zhu Kai has rich experience in fighting against Zhu Yuanzhang, and he knows Zhu Yuanzhang best.

"Second brother, if you put it that way... Dad really won't punish us hard?"

Zhu Di looked at Zhu Kai, hoping to get Zhu Kai's assurance before he could feel at ease.

Zhu Kai didn't say anything, but looked at Zhu Biao. His purpose was very clear, which was to drag Zhu Biao into the water.

"..."

Zhu Biao was speechless about this.

He really didn't understand why Zhu Kai was so addicted to cheating his brother.

What's fun about this?
Zhu Biao was helpless. Facing the gazes from the three little ones, Zhu Biao said, "The New Year is coming soon. We five are the oldest, and you are the kings of the Ming Dynasty. You still have to meet some ministers in the court."

After saying this, Zhu Biao stopped talking.

The rest is up to them to figure out.

(End of this chapter)