Daming: After self-explosive time travel, Lao Zhu's mentality collapsed

Zhu Di's eyes were like torches, and he spoke slowly:
"My dear minister, please stand up. I summoned you to the capital today because of the Fengyang Reform."

His eyes were piercing as he looked directly at Chu Ze and said:
"I know all about what you did in Fengyang. It is a good deed to abolish outdated rules and enlighten the people."

"However, the civil and military officials in the court were discussing this. Some said that you were forming a clique for personal gain, while others said that you were abrogating the ancestral system and committing treason."

"Do you have any explanation for this, my dear?"

Chu Ze was not panicked when he heard this, but said seriously:
"Your Majesty, all I have done is to seek the welfare of the people of Fengyang. If you say that I only know how to work hard and love the people, and ignore the laws of the country, then that is my fault."

"But if you accuse me of forming a clique for personal gain or having ulterior motives, I would never dare to do so."

His eyes were open and his tone was firm:
"As the governor of Fengyang, I have a clear conscience. I make decisions when necessary and make changes when necessary. Only in this way can the people of Fengyang live and work in peace and contentment."

"As for those discussions, they are nothing more than the slander of certain vested interests. They don't care about the lives of the people at all, they just want to protect their own power and interests."

Chu Ze looked angry and said word by word:
"If Your Majesty wants to punish me for these rumors today, I will not refuse even if I die, but I beg Your Majesty to think twice!"

"The reform of Fengyang concerns the well-being of millions of people. It concerns the rise and fall and survival of our Ming Dynasty!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall fell into complete silence.

Civil and military officials looked at each other in bewilderment, not daring to say anything.

Even Zhu Di, who was sitting on the dragon throne, looked a little solemn.

After a while, Zhu Di slowly spoke, his tone grim:
"What a straightforward and courageous person! Your words, Lord Chu, really moved me."

"Since you dare to argue with the emperor today, I believe you have a plan in mind."

"Then tell me, how do you plan to continue the Fengyang Reform? How do you silence those questioning voices?"

When Chu Ze heard this, a gleam of light flashed in his eyes.

He raised his head and said in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty, I think that in order to completely reverse the accumulated problems in Fengyang and get rid of the old and establish the new, there should be three strategies:
First, we should promote honest people to important positions and jointly promote reform.

Second, severely punish corruption. Anyone who dares to deceive his superiors and subordinates, or who embezzles and perverts the law, will be severely punished to serve as a warning to others.

Third, be considerate of the people. Establish schools and popularize education. Reduce taxes and revitalize agriculture, sericulture, industry and commerce. Let the people live and work in peace and contentment, and they will naturally support the court, and the reform will be successful.

These three suggestions are very powerful.

Civil officials and military officers all looked at him sideways.

Zhu Di couldn't help but be moved when he heard this.

He sat upright on the dragon throne and pondered for a long time.

Suddenly, he slapped the table and said loudly:
"My dear minister, this is a brilliant plan! It not only helps to eliminate evil and pacifies people's hearts, but also helps to foresee the future and serve the country and the people!"

He stood up suddenly, looking around at the ministers with a sharp gaze:
"My dear ministers, do you have any other opinions? Chu Ze worked hard in Fengyang to govern the country and eliminate harm for the people. How could such a wise minister be misled by slander?"

All the civil and military officials in the court were silent.

Seeing this, Zhu Di sneered:
"So, you all have no objection? In that case, then listen to me:
I am pleased that you, my beloved minister, have been loyal and diligent in serving the country. I have specially granted you a plaque with the words "loyal, diligent and virtuous" written by me as a token of encouragement.

At the same time, Chu Ze still took charge of Fengyang's government affairs. Anything that was beneficial to the welfare of the people could be carried out on his own without having to report it.

In addition, I deeply agree with the three strategies proposed by Chu Ze. All departments in the court should immediately issue an order to implement them accordingly, so as to revive the administration and appease the people as soon as possible. "

"Thank you Lord for your grace!"

Chu Ze bowed his head again, expressing his gratitude.

The rest of the ministers also quickly bowed their heads in submission.

For a time, under the dragon throne, the voices of "Long live the dynasty" were heard continuously.

Chu Ze quietly glanced at the civil and military officials around him and sneered in his heart.

Although he dared not say it, who knows what he was thinking in his heart. Zhu Di's support for him was tantamount to directly confronting those powerful people who colluded with him.

The emperor is forcing the emperor to abdicate.

And to myself, it is to give great trust again.

How can words express this kindness?

If it weren't for the emperor's support, how could a mere Hanlin scholar like me fight against those powerful and influential people?
This trip to the capital to report not only thwarted the conspiracy of those with ulterior motives, but also solidified his position in the emperor's heart.

From then on, no one in the entire court dared to touch him easily!
Although his heart was in turmoil, Chu Ze's eyes were as firm as ever.

He must take this path to eliminate harm for the people, promote benefits and eliminate disadvantages!

After the court session ended, Du Renjie hurried over, took Chu Ze's hand and praised him repeatedly:
"Your Highness is indeed far-sighted and has won the battle without fighting! Once these three strategies are put forward, won't those parasites shut up?"

Du Renjie was extremely excited, as if Chu Ze's victory was his victory.

Chu Ze smiled and patted his shoulder:
"Lord Du, you are too kind. If it weren't for the emperor's wisdom, I would never have been able to defeat those powerful people. Today's victory is more due to the emperor's great grace."

Du Renjie nodded and asked:
"My Lord, what are your plans next?"

Chu Ze hesitated for a moment and said seriously:
"There is no room for slackness in reform. Although the imperial decree has been passed down, strict supervision is still needed for implementation in various places."

"I plan to return to Fengyang immediately and go ahead. Lord Du will stay in the capital and keep a close eye on me. If there is any disturbance, please report it immediately."

Du Renjie bowed and said firmly:
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will do my best until my death!"

Chu Ze was overjoyed and held his hand tightly:
"Lord Du is so sincere, I am grateful to you! When Fengyang reform is completed in the future, I will share the world with you!"

Du Renjie was excited and expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

On the second day, Chu Ze bid farewell to the emperor and Du Renjie, and set off for Fengyang overnight.

Although he was exhausted from the journey, his heart was full of passion.

Although the court was temporarily calmed, this was only the first step in the reform.

There will be more difficulties to overcome and more obstacles to be resolved.

But with the support of the people and close friends like Du Renjie to help him, what else does he have to fear?
When one person attains the Tao, the chicken and the dog ascend to heaven.

The road ahead will surely be smooth!
Chu Ze's carriage gradually disappeared on the horizon of the imperial city.
When they returned to Fengyang, the people had already received the news and gathered outside the city gate, eagerly waiting.

"I heard that our prince was in the court, arguing for the people? Is that true?"

"Needless to say, who is our prince? If anyone dares to bully the people of Fengyang, he will be the first to disagree!"

"That's right. With a good official like the prince here, we have nothing to fear!"

The people were talking to each other, all of them were very excited.

Suddenly, a sharp child's voice shouted:
"Look, the prince is back!"

People looked in the direction the child pointed.

All I saw were horses raising dust and flags waving.

The leading rider was none other than the high-spirited Chu Ze!
"Long live the prince!"

The people cheered and rushed forward to pay their respects.

Chu Ze quickly dismounted and personally helped everyone up:
"Fellow villagers, please stand up! I came to the capital only to plead for the people. I really don't deserve your respect."

"What are you talking about, Your Majesty!"

A white-haired old man said excitedly:
"You have been the master of the people in the capital, how can we not be grateful? Today, when I saw that the prince had returned safely, I burst into tears!" (End of this chapter)