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

Chapter 93: As an emperor, how can I be so sulky? !
What's more, Zhu Kai had just cured Ma Xiuying, and he held a high position in Ma Xiuying's heart. Even if Zhu Yuanzhang had great abilities, he could not scold Zhu Kai in front of Ma Xiuying.

"Rebellious son! You don't want us to have a good meal, do you?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was very angry. He looked at Zhu Kai and said, "You deserve a beating. I asked you to go to the northern border, not to risk going deep behind enemy lines. No one cares if you go crazy outside, right? Don't you think about your mother at home when you play around like this? Do you know how worried she is about your mother?"

"Oh?"

Zhu Kai looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and just said "oh" in surprise.

What is this attitude?

Zhu Yuanzhang was puzzled, but Ma Xiuying next to him was very calm and said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Before dinner, Kaier told me that you would definitely cross the river and destroy the bridge tonight, and you would find a reason to beat him up and bring me in."

"Uh……"

Zhu Biao, who was standing next to him, almost spit out his food from laughing.

His second brother was so bad that he left no chance for Zhu Yuanzhang to survive.

No wonder Zhu Yuanzhang often hated Zhu Kai with such hatred. Now he understood Zhu Yuanzhang's difficulties.

That’s right, being Zhu Kai’s father means having to bear a lot of suffering that he shouldn’t have to bear.

After Zhu Yuanzhang heard what Ma Xiuying said, his face turned green.

The eyes of the man who wanted to kill became sharper.

This guy knows us too well, we can’t keep him!

"Okay, okay, what can't you two talk about in a calm manner? You have to have a fight. You can't live without a fight, right?"

Ma Xiuying rolled her eyes helplessly. After scolding Zhu Yuanzhang, she handed Zhu Kai a piece of beef bone and said softly, "Kai'er, your father is right. The emperor does not sit in the hall, and the gentleman does not stand under the dangerous wall. You are taking too much risk by going deep behind the enemy. This is a very dangerous behavior. You can't do this again in the future, understand?"

"Yeah, yeah, mom is right. I promise I won't do that again."

When Zhu Kai spoke, there was a silly smile on his face, which made people's anger reduced by three points... Well, of course, except Zhu Yuanzhang.

Everyone else transferred their anger to Zhu Yuanzhang.

In Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, Zhu Kai was a little bastard, bad from the inside out.

Snapped!
The angry Zhu Yuanzhang slammed the table. Before Ma Xiuying could glare at him, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately made his attitude clear: "Rebellious son, do you want to do it again? I tell you, there is no way! You stay in Yingtian Prefecture honestly and are not allowed to go anywhere. You went out and made your mother worry so much that you got such a serious disease. Do you want to go out next time?"

This is a good reason... Zhu Kai admires it.

When it comes to the founding emperor who flatters others, no one is better than Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Kai.

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, and his eyes revealed only four words: Dad, you are so fake!

The one who wanted Zhu Kai to leave was Zhu Yuanzhang. He felt that as the second prince of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Kai already had strong abilities. It would be unreasonable for him not to help the Ming Dynasty become stronger.

Now, in order to flatter Ma Xiuying, Zhu Yuanzhang completely ignored the arrangements he had in mind for Zhu Kai and was talking nonsense here.

Zhu Biao didn’t believe what Zhu Yuanzhang said, so how could Ma Xiuying believe it?

As expected, Ma Xiuying looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with disgust, as if saying: Do you want to deceive me twice?

Zhu Yuanzhang felt the distrust of the three people closest to him, and his face suddenly turned red.

To be honest, Zhu Yuanzhang himself didn't believe what he said.

"...Ahem, eat! Eat!"

Zhu Yuanzhang quickly buried his face in the big rice bowl and tried to hide his embarrassment by eating.

In fact, there is nothing to hide. We are all the closest people. Those who understand will understand. Besides, everyone just mentions it casually during the meal and will not hold on to it like a little pigtail.

After eating a few bites of food and changing the topic, the matter was over.

After dinner, Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai left tactfully, leaving Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying behind.

The couple hasn't spoken to each other for a long time, and when they do talk now, they will definitely talk about their children.

Of course, what Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying talked about the most was Zhu Kai.

Both of them knew not to treat Zhu Kai as a child, but neither of them expected that Zhu Kai would be so mature.

When it came to the matter of Ma Xiuying contracting smallpox, Zhu Kai performed the best and handled the problem calmly.

"Kai'er has changed a lot during this trip to the North."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, "No matter from which aspect, Kai'er is reassuring. It's just his style of doing things that makes us think he is a child. In fact, he is much more stable than we see and think."

Ma Xiuying had the same idea as Zhu Yuanzhang, but she added: "No matter how mature Kai'er is, I hope he is just my Kai'er."

I just hope Zhu Kai stays by my side and doesn't go anywhere.

Ma Xiuying prefers Zhu Kai and has no such idea about Zhu Biao. Zhu Kai is the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty and he is destined not to stay with her alone.

But Zhu Kai can!
Ma Xiuying believed that she and Zhu Yuanzhang could ensure Zhu Kai's safety for the rest of his life.

In later times, this would be considered a damn desire for control.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not refute Ma Xiuying's words, otherwise it would have been another endless quarrel.

With Zhu Kai's personality, how could he be a good boy next to Ma Xiuying?

Zhu Kai didn't want to be confined by the palace, so he made a fuss over and over again until he was able to leave the palace. Now that he has grown up, he doesn't want to be bound by the city of Yingtian Prefecture, so he will definitely leave again.

Go to the north, go to the south, go to all parts of the Ming Dynasty... go to all places you can go.

However, these words cannot be said now. Ma Xiuying's illness has just improved. If something happens again because of anger, it will be a big trouble.

"Well, there is also Biao'er... We haven't dealt with government affairs during this period. We must finish what we have done during this period later."

Zhu Yuanzhang held Ma Xiuying's hand and said, "Sister, I can't be with you every day. You should go to bed early at night and don't wait for me."

"With so many things to do every day, when will the government affairs be finished? Take a break."

Ma Xiuying knew that Zhu Yuanzhang was a workaholic, but she still advised him: "You haven't dealt with government affairs these days, but the court officials haven't rested. They are still working. The New Year is coming soon. Let them rest for a few days and have a good New Year first."

The most important thing is the Chinese New Year.

Zhu Yuanzhang said that those people had to work hard since they received the salary he gave them, and they had to be available on call at any time.

However, what Ma Xiuying said was not without reason. After hesitating for a while, Zhu Yuanzhang, the workaholic, finally decided... to have a good New Year!
There are so many things to do every day, how can I possibly handle them all?

Look at that naughty kid Zhu Kai. He doesn't know what to do every day. Why does he work so hard every day?
Zhu Yuanzhang figured it out. The reason he was a workaholic was that he wanted to solve the current problems and not bring too much pressure to his successor.

But judging from the current situation, both Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai are people who are not worried about pressure. The excellence of these two people has convinced Zhu Yuanzhang.

Especially Zhu Kai, who looks like a frivolous boy but is actually very decisive and ruthless. Coupled with Zhu Biao's tough character, these two outstanding sons alone are enough to allow Zhu Yuanzhang to rest for a while.

"Okay, listen to my sister, let's talk about it after the New Year."

Zhu Yuanzhang readily agreed, and then said: "During the day, I will go to deal with things, and I will come back when I am done. When I am back to rest, we will spend the New Year together!"

The main thing is the Chinese New Year.

Zhu Yuanzhang also withdrew some of his attention from government affairs after seeing that his two sons, whom he had placed high hopes on, were performing more and more reassuringly.

After all, your own son is the one you can trust!

……

The night is deep.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying were whispering in the Kunning Palace. Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao did not rest either. After leaving the Kunning Palace, Zhu Biao did not return to the East Palace, but went to Zhu Kai's Fengxian Hall.

The two brothers had some things they hadn't had time to say.

Of course, when the two brothers were talking, wine was indispensable. The two brothers were full and there was no need for too much other food. A plate of peanuts, a plate of soybeans, a braised beef and a dish of cold dishes were all served. The two brothers drank and chatted, and it was very lively.

Where is Zhu Kai?
"Brother Kai, we haven't talked for a long time, right? It's been almost a year." Zhu Biao sighed as he spoke: "After the Chinese New Year, I went to Huguang and you stayed in Yingtian. Later, you went to the northern border. After you came back, mother got sick. Alas... everything came together."

"Brother, do you still think that now is the same as when you were little?"

Zhu Kai ate peanuts and said with a smile: "We have all grown up and have our own things to do. How can we stay together all day? When I get married, we brothers will have less and less time to get together."

This is the price you pay for growing up.

Zhu Biao also agreed with what Zhu Kai said. He said to Zhu Kai, "If you get married, I will also take a concubine, the daughter of Lü Ben. I was going to take her into the East Palace after her coming-of-age ceremony, but I didn't expect so many things to happen at the same time."

The coming-of-age ceremony should still be held, it’s just a little late.

In fact, it didn't matter whether the coming-of-age ceremony was held or not. No one in Zhu Kai's family cared about it. However, the court officials strongly demanded that it be held because the coming-of-age ceremony represented that Zhu Biao was more legitimate. If Zhu Yuanzhang dared to mention the issue of changing the crown prince in the future, the officials could naturally oppose Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao have the same birthday, and they will hold their coming-of-age ceremony together. This is also good news for the court officials. When the time comes, all officials will congratulate Zhu Biao and leave Zhu Kai aside. Then people all over the world will know that Zhu Kai is just an accessory of the prince.

By then, their respective identities and status will be clearly determined!
"Second brother, in the future...will you still go to the battlefield?"

Zhu Biao still asked the question that concerned him the most, "I don't want you to go, but your personality... even if I don't want you to go, you won't listen to me, right?"

"Ah."

Zhu Kai nodded and said to Zhu Biao: "I just want to do what I can do and what I want to do. No one knows how to fight a war better than me, not even Xu Da. Brother... This world is not the world you see, nor is it the world I know. There are still many challenges in the future. We can't just be frogs in a well."

"Don't try that on me, you bastard!"

Zhu Biao said in a low voice, "The world belongs to the world. What does it have to do with you fighting? I don't want you to go to the battlefield."

"How can we expand our territory without fighting? I have a big dream."

Zhu Kai laughed and said to Zhu Biao:

"Brother, I think fighting is very exciting, so I want to fight for fun. I have a lot of life-saving things on me, so no one can take my life."

"Come on this!"

Zhu Biao stared at Zhu Kai, "Do you think I want to hear you say this? Brother Kai, what exactly do you want to do? Tell me the truth, and then we can do it together. You can't do everything by yourself and we can only follow behind, right?"

It's not that they want to control Zhu Kai in this way, but they want to know what Zhu Kai is going to do so that they can follow him. They can't just stand there in confusion and watch Zhu Kai messing around, right?

"Brother, to be honest, I don't know what I want to do. Maybe I'll do it when I think of something. Maybe I can think of too many things. Maybe I can't think of anything in ten days or half a month."

Zhu Kai explained to Zhu Biao, "However, I must tell you and Dad about what I want to do. You know I get a headache when I see all the government affairs that need to be handled. When my excitement is over, won't you still have to do the follow-up work?"

Hearing Zhu Kai's words, Zhu Biao couldn't help but shook his head: "Brother Kai, this is not the right reason. You don't want to tell us because you don't agree with the way my father and I handle things, right? Or you just can't stand the whole court."

Ok?
Zhu Biao has matured. I can now hear the hidden meaning in his words.

That's right!

Zhu Kai really looked down upon the way Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao handled government affairs, including the entire Ming Dynasty's court and those officials.

In Zhu Kai's opinion, their ideas are too outdated!
The current official system is just some patchwork of the previous dynasty. Although the dynasty has changed, the roots are the same. What is the point of changing the dynasty again?

Zhu Kai looked down on it, so Zhu Kai would keep making trouble, making all the trouble, so that Zhu Yuanzhang could see the benefits of these things to the Ming Dynasty, and then Zhu Yuanzhang would take drastic measures.

Only Zhu Biao could hear it, which surprised Zhu Kai.

"Brother, you have matured. It seems that Dad made the right choice in choosing you. If you become the emperor, the Ming Dynasty can last for another 300 years!"

Zhu Kai spoke the truth. From every aspect, Zhu Biao was better than Zhu Di, and was favored by all officials. There was no more stable prince in the world than Zhu Biao.

Keeping Zhu Kai's praise in mind, he continued to say to Zhu Kai: "Brother Kai, do you look down on the officials of the Ming Dynasty? No! These people's abilities are beyond doubt, and you believe in their abilities. The reason you look down on them is because of the current system? Do you think that the previous dynasty system that we have inherited and improved is not worthy of the Ming Dynasty that has changed the world?"

"Correct!"

Seeing that Zhu Biao had been pursuing this matter, Zhu Kai simply said what he wanted to say: "Brother, reform is not something that can be solved by changing dynasties or monarchs. We need reforms from top to bottom and from bottom to top. This is the only way to change the world. Let's not talk about anything else, just say that the officials in the court are too selfish."

"The literati, they became ministers of the Ming Dynasty just to enter the literati class, so that they can become the superior people! It must be said that being an official is indeed the superior people, but it is wrong to divide people into classes. They can feel privileged, but they cannot get rid of their status as ordinary people."

"So, if the Ming Dynasty wants to change with each passing day, it needs to carry out reforms from top to bottom and bottom to top, so that the common people can become stronger. At the same time, it is also necessary to let the scholars and officials know that when they take off their official uniforms, they are just ordinary people."

Zhu Kai told Zhu Biao the idea that wealth should be shared among the people and a strong country would become prosperous as a result of a strong people.

Zhu Biao was very surprised when he heard Zhu Kai talking, but it was understandable.

Zhu Kai had mentioned and raised these viewpoints from the very beginning. Zhu Biao naturally thought that what Zhu Kai said made sense, but he did not take it seriously and just regarded it as Zhu Kai's imagination.

But what Zhu Biao didn't know was that Zhu Kai's fantasy was the reality that Zhu Kai wanted to realize.

In that kind of world, there is no hierarchy, everyone is like a dragon, everyone is well-read, and can write brilliant articles. Zhu Biao had imagined the emergence of such a world, but he never thought that such a world was something he could create.

"Brother Kai, what you are talking about... is too big. I can't do it!"

Because of Zhu Kai's words, Zhu Biao realized his own insignificance. He was actually powerless in the face of the world that Zhu Kai expected.

I can't do it myself.

Even Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't do it.

Zhu Kai...maybe he can do it, because he is the one who can see that world the most. Looking at Zhu Biao staring at him with his bright eyes, Zhu Kai understood what Zhu Biao meant, and then said: "Don't look at me, I can't do it either."

That's just the future I dreamed of.

"…If you can't do it, what the hell are you talking about!"

Zhu Biao was so angry that he cursed, but Zhu Kai shook his head and said, "At least, we have to work hard for this goal, right?"

Are you working towards this goal?

Maybe.

"So, you want to deal with the officials first?"

Zhu Biao understood what Zhu Kai meant, but he couldn't help but feel that Zhu Kai's idea was bold: "Brother Kai, if you do this, it will shake the foundation of the Ming Dynasty."

What if the foundation is shaken?

Besides, if I don’t do it myself, Lao Zhu will do it, right?

It’s terrifying to think about the killings during the middle and late period of Zhu Yuanzhang’s reign, when rivers of blood flowed.

Zhu Kai certainly knew that he had no problem protecting himself. No matter how cruel Zhu Yuanzhang was, he would never kill his own child.

The reason why Zhu Yuanzhang raised the butcher knife was because he wanted to eliminate the scholar-official class. However, killing people is useless if you want to eliminate the scholar-official class. Those who come from humble backgrounds and poor families, once they pass the test of leaping over the dragon gate, will become the new scholar-official class.

If you want to completely eliminate the scholar-official class, there is a way: hold a butcher knife in one hand and a book in the other.

Use the butcher knife to eliminate those who claim to be scholars and officials, and use books to let people know that the Ming Dynasty will only protect the common people, so that people can recognize the name of the common people from the bottom of their hearts. "Brother, open a school."

Zhu Kai said to Zhu Biao, "We should eradicate the power of the scholars and officials over books from the root, and let them control it in our hands. We can take this opportunity to eliminate the powerful class."

A book is a blunt knife, a knife that kills people and breaks their hearts.

How can the literati ensure their sense of superiority and ensure that they will not be eliminated?

It is because they have books, a weapon that kills without bloodshed, in their hands that children from poor families have to study and take exams to gain fame if they want to make the leap to success and escape their poverty.

If you want to study and get guidance from famous teachers, then come and study under us, the scholars. We will treat you as master and disciple and will give you the best teaching. As long as you don't forget us after you become successful, that's all.

The tone of his voice made him seem like a saint.

In fact, he is full of thieves and prostitutes.

Once you do anything that goes against the Master's wishes, you will be considered as betraying your Master and ancestors, and everyone will isolate you.

Who would like this method?

Do you know?
will not!

Even Zhu Biao wouldn't like it.

"But how can we choose scholars who are well-versed in literature? They are all scholars."

Zhu Biao was very depressed, he found that this was almost unsolvable.

"Then during the imperial examination, we will focus on policy essays rather than essays, and select a group of capable officials."

Zhu Kai held up five fingers. "Five years, only five years. As long as they don't completely change within five years, we can nominate the next batch of capable officials."

Officials can only be selected for five years... Of course, this does not mean that all of them are five years, but it is to ensure that the majority of officials remain true to their original aspirations within five years.

"Of course, there is a more important point. We are going to cut down the inheritance of the scholars!"

Zhu Kai looked at Zhu Biao and asked, "Brother, do you know where the inheritance of scholars is?"

The inheritance of scholars is in books, but there has always been a holy place in the hearts of scholars: Confucius!
Confucius, the sage of Confucianism!

The Confucius Temple is a holy place that scholars yearn for.

Confucianism has been changed beyond recognition by later generations, and has completely disregarded the interests of the country and only cared about their own Confucian family.

After hearing Zhu Kai's question, Zhu Biao said a word without hesitation: Kong!

"Yes, it's the Kong family!"

Zhu Kai looked at Zhu Biao and said with a smile: "Brother, the Kong family now is not the Kong family of scholars. They have formed a small kingdom. In their place, they only recognize the Kong family but not the Ming Dynasty. In our Ming Dynasty, we will never allow such a powerful existence."

"..."

Zhu Kai was talking about killing people. Although Zhu Biao didn't agree, he remained silent. After a long time, he said, "Brother Kai, if you take this step, you will offend the scholars and officials of the world."

"Offend the whole world? So what?"

Zhu Kai smiled, "Are they going to rebel and then go to war? I think rebellion is good, but can they succeed?"

The scholar's rebellion failed after three years.

This is not just a lie...it's the truth.

Besides, who would be happy if we took action against the Kong family?
Military generals, the military generals and nobles who followed Zhu Yuanzhang to conquer the world!
When conquering the world, military generals will be in the limelight, but after conquering the world, they will gradually withdraw from the stage. They are naturally unwilling to accept this. Some generals will even humble themselves and mingle with civil officials in order to maintain their status.

If the Confucius Temple is taken down and the Kong family is brought down from the altar, the military generals will be happy and they will unite closely with Zhu Yuanzhang.

With these military generals who followed Zhu Yuanzhang to conquer the world, what could those literati do even if they rebelled?
"Brother, we are now in a critical period of change. If we cannot break the system that has lasted for thousands of years, we will have no choice but to remain stagnant."

Zhu Kai looked at Zhu Biao and said, "Throughout history, three hundred years is a hurdle for a dynasty, but those who create new situations and make bold innovations can survive longer. The Ming Dynasty wants to create a thousand-year dynasty. If it continues with the previous system, the final result will not be better than that of the Song Dynasty."

To change!

It must be changed!

Although Zhu Kai destroyed the Jurchens, it is very likely that a male Jurchen or a demon Jurchen will emerge in a few hundred years. This is a challenge that the Ming Dynasty must face. If it wants to meet the challenge, it must fundamentally reform the world and make it different.

Follow the trend and don't rest on your laurels.

Zhu Biao thought about it, but still couldn't make up his mind, so he said to Zhu Kai: "Well, brother Kai, let's talk about the school you mentioned first."

"Running a school is easy."

Zhu Kai said to Zhu Biao, "First, we will conduct pilot projects in Yingtian and Huguang. We will use the money from the national treasury to allow the people to go to school for free. We will find some students who are frustrated or have failed the imperial examinations and are unable to continue taking the exams. We will let them teach children. Then we will select more suitable officials and let them teach teenagers. Finally, we will select the best candidates and find reliable and trustworthy people to give those students official education of the Ming Dynasty, teach them how to be an official and how to deal with the world. Finally, we will recruit them as officials through the imperial examinations. Those who fail the examinations will be allowed to stay in school to teach students... Well, everyone has the opportunity to take the imperial examinations before the age of 30. That's enough."

Zhu Kai brought out some methods of civil service examinations in later generations. After hearing them, Zhu Biao praised them repeatedly and thought that Zhu Kai's idea was very good.

"Isn't this the county exam, the prefectural exam, and the palace exam? This is a good idea!"

Zhu Biao agreed with Zhu Kai's proposal and praised him by clapping his hands: "We just need to let the people who study for free know that they can study not because of those scholars, but because of the Ming Dynasty. They have the opportunity to study!"

The most important thing is still the Ming Dynasty!

If they wanted to make the people stand with the Ming Dynasty, they could gradually weaken the influence of the literati, improve the status of the people, and consolidate the Zhu family's rule over the Ming Dynasty.

This kind of bloodless change is what Zhu Biao wants to see. Isn't it better than killing the Kong family and causing rivers of blood to flow?
"When Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, was conducting the imperial examination, he said that all the talents in the world could be found in the imperial examination. The imperial examination is no longer suitable now. The method you mentioned, Brother Kai, is the one that can bring all the talents in the world into the imperial examination!"

Zhu Biao clapped his hands to express his happiness: "Oh, I finally found a solution to the problem. Good! Good! Great news!"

good thing?

not necessarily!
Zhu Kai knew that Zhu Biao didn't want to see too much blood, but not everything could be accomplished without shedding blood.

Zhu Biao was a tough person and he didn't mind killing people and causing rivers of blood, but that was Zhu Biao's bottom line and he didn't want to do that.

Just because he doesn't want to do it doesn't mean others won't do it.

After those civil officials knew about Zhu Biao's school, how could they not guess what Zhu Biao was going to do? This was to dig up the roots of their scholars! How could they not trip up Zhu Biao?
They took advantage of Zhu Biao's unwillingness to take action and kept talking to him. After the first negotiation, they would continue to talk with him a second and third time, forcing Zhu Biao to back down so that they could get the benefits they wanted.

Zhu Kai was too familiar with the nature of those civil servants. No one could beat them in terms of talking, and they could do anything as long as they didn't use weapons.

Zhu Yuanzhang is still in power. Under his pressure, officials may accept his orders, but... they cannot accept his orders all the time.

The longer the officials are suppressed, the more aggressive they will become once they lose Zhu Yuanzhang who can suppress them. When they face Zhu Biao, they will release all the pressure they have suffered from Zhu Yuanzhang.

By then, will Zhu Biao be able to suppress them?
will not!

Zhu Biao would not use a knife easily, but Zhu Yuanzhang didn't care about that. When he could no longer tolerate it, Zhu Yuanzhang would resort to force to solve the problem.

However, Zhu Biao did not want to resort to force from the bottom of his heart. As long as the literati knew Zhu Biao's bottom line, they would frantically cross the line and keep asking Zhu Biao for benefits.

By then, will Zhu Biao be able to hold on?
Now that Zhu Yuanzhang is still alive, those people dare not do too much to Zhu Biao, but once Zhu Yuanzhang is gone, Zhu Biao will not be able to resist those literati at all.

In other words, why did the literati support Zhu Biao so much and hate Zhu Kai?
The reason is very simple. Zhu Kai is the same kind of person as Zhu Yuanzhang. He is moody and does not regard the literati as human beings. The literati are naturally afraid that they will be suppressed for too long and they will not know how to resist.

Unfortunately, Zhu Biao cannot understand the problem now.

Zhu Kai can see it clearly because he is standing at the end of the Ming Dynasty and looking at the present hundreds of years later. Of course he can see it clearly. As for the rest, can Zhu Kai be sure that he can see it clearly?
Zhu Biao felt that the plan to set up a school could be implemented, but other things were not necessary for the time being.

For example, as Zhu Kai said, pull Confucius down from the altar and make the Kong family disappear from the Ming Dynasty... Doing so will plunge the entire Ming Dynasty into chaos.

But for Zhu Kai, chaos is the best way to solve the problem.

Zhu Biao could not help but remind Zhu Kai: "Brother Kai, your idea of ​​making the Kong family disappear is too dangerous. You must not let Dad know about this."

Otherwise, Zhu Yuanzhang would take it seriously.

He will really kill all the Kong family.

"Isn't it just right to know?"

Zhu Kaicai didn't buy it and said to Zhu Biao: "Let Dad clear away the stumbling blocks of what you want to do, and we will lead the Ming Dynasty forward in big strides."

What's so difficult about this?

Zhu Kai didn't understand what Zhu Biao was struggling with.

……

Zhu Yuanzhang started living in Kunning Palace, which meant that Ma Xiuying's illness was no longer a problem.

What’s important right now is not just the Chinese New Year!

Wang Guangyang came to see Zhu Yuanzhang. After confirming that there was no bigger problem with Ma Xiuying's illness, he asked Zhu Yuanzhang directly: "Your Majesty, there is still one matter that needs your decision. The coming-of-age ceremony of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Second Prince has been postponed for a long time. There are only three days left before the Chinese New Year. If it is delayed further, the coming-of-age ceremony will be postponed even further. Your Majesty, this matter cannot be delayed."

"Can't postpone it? Why can't it be postponed?"

Zhu Yuanzhang put down the red brush in his hand, looked at Wang Guangyang and said, "Don't you think that if the coming-of-age ceremony is not held, you don't agree with the prince I appointed?"

"This……"

What is this word?

Wang Guangyang had a frown on his forehead. Zhu Yuanzhang was being unreasonable at this time.

We identify most with Zhu Biao, but the key point is that as the emperor, you may not necessarily identify with Zhu Biao.

If Zhu Yuanzhang only had Zhu Biao as his son, then they would not have to worry so much, but the key is... Zhu Biao also has a twin brother, Zhu Kai, and Zhu Kai is even more doted on by Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying, which forces others to speculate about Zhu Yuanzhang's behavior.

Did Zhu Yuanzhang like Zhu Biao or Zhu Kai more?
Wang Guangyang was undoubtedly in the most difficult situation at this time. He could not tell from Zhu Yuanzhang's words whether Zhu Yuanzhang liked Zhu Kai or Zhu Biao more... No matter who of these two became the crown prince, he would be the crown prince chosen by Zhu Yuanzhang. Could they still not agree with the crown prince chosen by Zhu Yuanzhang?

What a fuck!

Wang Guangyang was confused at this time. He didn't know how to understand what Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to say or what he wanted to express.

"Humph! Tell those officials to do what they are supposed to do. No matter who becomes the crown prince, he is the crown prince of Ming Dynasty, the crown prince of Ming Dynasty that all officials need to respect!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was not polite to Wang Guangyang, "From now on, if I hear anyone discussing these non-existent things behind their backs again, they won't have to do it anymore!"

"..."

Wang Guangyang didn't expect that a casual question from him would make Zhu Yuanzhang so angry.

Wang Guangyang walked out of the Wuying Hall tremblingly. He thought about it carefully and suddenly felt that something was wrong.

Zhu Yuanzhang's attitude was wrong. He shouldn't have this attitude.

Based on Wang Guangyang's understanding of Zhu Yuanzhang, he had already chosen Zhu Biao as his successor. This had always been Zhu Yuanzhang's attitude, and it was unlikely to change now.

But why...from what Zhu Yuanzhang said, it seems that he is somewhat dissatisfied with Zhu Biao?

wrong!
He was not dissatisfied with Zhu Biao, but with the court officials.

Almost everyone already knew that Zhu Biao was the crown prince, but no one was sure and wanted to take this opportunity to test Zhu Yuanzhang's bottom line again and again.

But...is Zhu Yuanzhang's bottom line so easy to test?
The more you try, the more I won’t let you try. I will even make you anxious and make you wonder who I will choose!
As the emperor of a country, naturally no one would stop Zhu Yuanzhang from doing whatever he wanted.

Hey~
Wang Guangyang couldn't help but sigh. He found that the longer Zhu Yuanzhang was emperor, the more unpredictable his style of doing things became, as if he was afraid that others would guess what he was thinking.

Zhu Yuanzhang treated his ministers as enemies!
Thinking of what Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to do, Wang Guangyang couldn't help shaking his head. He regarded all the court officials as enemies, but the court officials were not Zhu Yuanzhang's slaves, so they would naturally resist... In this way, a big fight would inevitably break out between the two stalemate parties.

Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you can't do this. If you continue like this, the newly established Ming Dynasty will be in turmoil again.

The Mongols outside the Ming Dynasty have not yet been eliminated, and people's livelihood has not yet been restored within the Ming Dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang is so stubborn and self-righteous that it has led to disunity between the monarch and his ministers. This will only make his relatives hate him and his enemies happy!
Wang Guangyang was determined to make the Ming Dynasty stronger. This kind of strength was not just on paper, but meant that the country was rich and the people were strong, with the whole world submitting to him. He wanted to become a court official like Changsun Wuji, who could be remembered forever.

But is it possible?
impossible!
With an emperor like Zhu Yuanzhang around, what he wanted to do would not be accomplished smoothly.

Wang Guangyang walked out worriedly. He was thinking about what he should do to become a wise prime minister!
……

In the eyes of court officials, the coming-of-age ceremony was an important factor in Zhu Yuanzhang's determination of who would be the crown prince.

Although Zhu Biao had always been the crown prince, he also helped Zhu Yuanzhang handle government affairs, and everyone thought that Zhu Biao did a very good job.

However, doing well is not necessarily safe.

Especially now that Zhu Yuanzhang was particularly doting on Zhu Kai, the court officials were not sure whether Zhu Yuanzhang would lose his mind and suddenly remove Zhu Biao from the position of crown prince and replace him with Zhu Kai.

After all, it was not uncommon among the royal families in ancient times to dote on princes other than the crown prince and then depose and enthrone them.

The key point is that Zhu Kai looks like a tyrant. If such a person becomes emperor, wouldn't the Ming Dynasty perish in the second generation?

The court officials felt terrified at the thought of Zhu Kai becoming emperor.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt that the coming-of-age ceremony was just a ritual for his child to grow up. This ritual was no different from an ordinary family having a good meal together after the child turned eighteen.

Why do you have to do so much trouble when my child grows up?

Zhu Yuanzhang was very unhappy because so many things went wrong during a coming-of-age ceremony.

If he is unhappy, then the court officials can't be happy either!
This is a typical idea that if I don't have a good life, no one else can have an easy life.

In fact, in Zhu Yuanzhang's mind, he did have the idea of ​​changing the crown prince.

It was not because Zhu Biao was not good enough, but because Zhu Kai was too good. Zhu Biao had been taught by great Confucian scholars and military generals since he was a child. He was familiar with government affairs and able to mediate various relationships. He was a very qualified king.

In contrast, Zhu Kai was a purely wild boy. Everything about him was the result of his own growth. But it was this extremely wild growth that made Zhu Yuanzhang feel that he was more suitable to be the emperor than Zhu Biao, who was taught by great Confucian scholars and military generals.

He is good at fighting, knows the development direction of the Ming Dynasty, is kind-hearted, and cares about the people... Zhu Yuanzhang can see so many advantages, and he always feels that Zhu Kai should be his successor.

If Zhu Kai could become emperor, and Zhu Biao would be prime minister to assist Zhu Kai... Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but squint his eyes.

The picture was so beautiful that Zhu Yuanzhang didn't dare to think about it anymore.

Of course, Zhu Yuanzhang could only imagine this kind of scene... because Zhu Biao had no interest in the throne at all.

How to let Zhu Kai, who has no interest in being an emperor, become the emperor... Zhu Yuanzhang had a headache. He knew his second son too well. Once he asked him to do something he didn't want to do, he would mess things up, and then make you disappointed in him and let him do what he wanted to do.

Such a person is not fit to be emperor!
How to do?
Zhu Yuanzhang thought about it for a long time but couldn't come up with a solution, so he could only sigh helplessly.

This traitor!

Born into the Zhu family, what's wrong with being an emperor?

Isn't this for the Zhu family and for the Zhu family's throne?
Why not!

Zhu Yuanzhang was very unhappy, but he could only sulk in the Wuying Hall!
As an emperor, how could he hold his temper?

(End of this chapter)