King of Han Dynasty of Ming Dynasty

"Rebellious ministers and traitors!"

"Blinded by greed, officials and businessmen colluded to oppress the people."

“Shouldn’t these people be dealt with?”

"Shouldn't they be arrested and killed?"

Zhu Gaochi raised his eyebrows and stared at Yang Shiqi who was nearby with a gloomy face.

"If this is all a party dispute, it's a court dispute."

"Then Yang Shiqi, I really want to know which side you are on in your heart and who you are speaking for."

"Those words were spoken for the court, the country, and the people."

“Has it always been false?”

These words.

This is a serious statement.

It was like a thunderclap exploding in Yang Shiqi's heart.

He was so frightened that his soul left his body and his body began to tremble unconsciously.

Then, he shook his head frantically and said:
"Your Highness. Your Highness"

"That is absolutely not what I meant. I have absolutely no selfish motives at all."

"I sincerely ask Your Highness for your understanding."

While talking.

Yang Shiqi's trembling body could no longer stand, and he knelt down in front of Zhu Gaochi, and kowtowed to show his sincerity and determination.

Seeing this, Zhu Gaochi glanced at him expressionlessly, letting him kowtow for a long time before waving his hand at him and saying:
"okay!"

"Get up!"

"Don't kneel here."

Afterwards, he continued with earnest words:
"Your thoughts."

"I know it in my heart, and I also know that this is definitely not your intention."

"But. Shiqi."

"Be careful what you say!"

"I understand this, and I understand you."

"If such words were spoken in front of Your Majesty, I don't need to say much about the consequences, right?"

"That's not helping me, but putting me in an unjust situation."

Having said this, he paused, pointed to the chair prepared for him, and suddenly changed the subject, saying in a deep voice:
"Sit down and talk!"

This statement.

To Yang Shiqi's ears, it sounded like the sound of nature.

Feeling the change in Zhu Gaochi's tone, he couldn't help but worry about himself, and hurriedly said with gratitude:

"Yes Yes Yes"

"That's what His Highness taught you."

"I know, I know."

"Thank you, Your Highness, for your magnanimity and your kindness."

In this regard.

Zhu Gaochi smiled without commenting, knowing that he would give a sweet reward after a beating.

Then, he waved his hand at him and gave him a heartfelt explanation, saying:

"Shiqi! Shiqi!"

"The character of the current emperor has made me serve as a minister for so many years."

"You should know it in your heart."

"He has no objection to the conspiracy between me and the second brother, and he has no objection to our open and secret struggles."

"Sometimes, there is even a covert push, intentional or unintentional."

"The main purpose is to hope that through our open and covert struggles, the Ming Dynasty will become better and better."

"Instead of hoping that the two of us will make the court worse and worse."

"So, as long as we are within the rules, as long as we are doing this for the Ming Dynasty and the prosperity of the court, Your Majesty will selectively turn a blind eye and will never interfere."

"That's why a series of things happened, from the weapons workshop to the Metropolitan Investigation Bureau, etc."

"Your Majesty has nodded and supported us, but this is also the result that Your Majesty wants to see."

"Otherwise, do you think that with Lao Er's skills and abilities, he can really accomplish it alone with his passion?"

"Moreover"

"The throne of the crown prince is above me. If the second brother keeps making trouble like this, how can it be disadvantageous to me to clean up the court and get rid of corrupt officials?"

"The second brother is charging in the front, willing to hack and slash his way and clear the roadblocks for me. Why should I object or be unhappy?"

This statement.

If Zhu Gaochi and the Crown Princess had a heart-to-heart talk, they would not have been able to truly resolve Zhu Gaochi's emotional knot and make him see things clearly.

He certainly could not say such words. His thoughts on the second brother's actions were exactly the same as Yang Shiqi's.

But just now, after listening to the Crown Princess's guidance and explanation.

At this moment, Zhu Gaochi's perspective and direction in looking at problems and things were very different from before.

There are also different understandings and opinions on what Zhu Gaoxu did.

No longer petty and nitpicking as before.

At the same time, the sense of crisis brought by the second child was also alleviated a lot.

"Shiqi."

"As for what you said, those individuals are my supporters."

"But Shiqi, have you ever thought about whether having such supporters is a blessing or a curse?"

"If one day, I ascend the throne with the support of these people and sit on that position, and I discover this problem again, how should I deal with these people who have the merit of following the emperor?"

"If I show no mercy, will you think I am too cold-blooded and ruthless?"

This question was asked.

For a moment, Yang Shiqi didn't know how to answer.

Have to admit.

If something like this were to really happen, I'm afraid that many people would really have such thoughts.

It is even very likely that these things will cause turmoil in the political situation.

“As for the so-called supporters.”

“To shave off the dross and keep the essence is not a blessing.”

"As long as I am still in this position."

"Those who take advantage of the vacant positions to get to the top, don't they know who to lean on?"

"As long as you are not a fool."

"They will definitely not serve under the Second Brother."

"so."

"What loss does Yu Gu have?"

Say it.

Zhu Gaochi had a faint smile on his face and blinked at Yang Shiqi.

After hearing this.

Faced with this detailed explanation, Yang Shiqi was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly and said:

"Your Highness! Your Highness!"

"It is I who am worried and overthinking."

"Your Highness has seen everything, and knows the pros and cons better than anyone else."

At this moment.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion in his heart. The prince in front of him was truly a wise man who appeared foolish!

The depth of his mind is beyond the reach of ordinary people.

As he said this, Yang Shiqi couldn't help but laugh, a slightly awkward smile.

See this situation.

Zhu Gaochi waved his hand and asked:

"Shiqi."

"You came here today just for this matter?"

"Is there anything else?"

After hearing this.

Yang Shiqi was stunned for a moment, then came to his senses and remembered the second thing he came to report today.

Then, he simply sorted out his thoughts and said:
"Your Highness." "One more thing."

"Because the Japanese envoy was beheaded last time in Yingtianfu City of our Great Ming, and the Prince of Han ordered people to write a letter to warn Japan."

"As a result, Japan had to send an envoy to our Great Ming to explain, intending to repair relations with our Celestial Empire, and at the same time apologize for the mistakes and crimes committed by the previous envoy, in order to seek forgiveness from our Great Ming Dynasty."

"The Japanese delegation has arrived at Yingtian City this evening and has been accommodated at the Envoy Post."

"According to the report from below."

"The Japanese delegation hopes to be summoned by the imperial court as soon as possible."

"So when I got the news, I came here to report immediately and wanted to ask for your opinion."

The Japanese delegation is coming again?
Very good, very good.
Some time ago, the second brother told him that the tiny country of Japan hides unimaginable amounts of natural silver mines.

According to Zhu Gaoxu, this news was obtained from the interrogation of the previous group of Japanese envoys.

but
Because I haven't seen the person, nor have I heard it in person.

As a result, he had some doubts about what Zhu Gaoxu said.

Previously, the people who were sent secretly to Japan to verify the situation have not yet sent back any news.

It was precisely because of this that he had been suppressing the reform of the Ming Baochao in both overt and covert ways, and it was not pushed forward all at once or without any hesitation.

Isn't this just giving you a pillow when you feel sleepy?

He could take this opportunity to think of a way to deceive the Japanese envoys and judge whether what the second brother said was true or false, which would also facilitate his next move.

After a brief pause, Zhu Gaochi came back to his senses, suppressed his restlessness, and asked in a deep voice:
"here."

"Who holds the highest position in the Japanese delegation?"

Yang Shiqi frowned and thought for a moment, then replied:

"seemingly."

"It's similar to the last lineup, and it's also led by a prince."

"I'm not too sure about the specific positions below."

"The only thing that can be confirmed is that this lineup is definitely much more luxurious than before."

Get a definite answer.

Zhu Gaochi nodded in satisfaction, a hint of intriguing smile appeared on the corners of his slightly raised mouth, a hint of satisfaction flashed across his face, and he rubbed his hands and said:
"it is good!"

"I know it."

"I will discuss this matter with the second brother."

"See how the second one arranges it"

"After all, nowadays, it is the second son who is the regent."

"Skipping him directly in this matter is not in line with etiquette, and it will also make people think too much."

Yang Shiqi still remembered the lesson he had just learned, so he naturally did not dare to say much. He bowed slightly and said:

"Your Highness..."

"Do you have any instructions? If not, I will take my leave first."

Zhu Gaochi raised his eyebrows and waved his hand to indicate:

"Go!"

then.

Yang Shiqi did not linger any longer and walked out of the courtyard with big strides.

After seeing his figure disappear, Zhu Gaochi came back to his senses after a long while, and shouted excitedly to the outside of the door:

"come..."

"Prepare the carriage and go to the Han Palace."

.........

Not long after.

The palace of the King of Han.

This is the second time the prince has visited us today.

Zhu Gaoxu, who had been tiring for a long day and was about to lie down to rest, was forcibly pulled up from the bed by Zhu Gaochi.

He felt extremely resentful about this in his heart.

"Boss..."

"are you crazy?"

"Why are you here to bother me so late at night when you are not at home with your wife and children?"

"Is there any need to live? This life is unbearable."

"You really treat me like a donkey!"

"If you can't give me a clue today, I'm telling you... this is absolutely no fun."

Listening to the bitter and vengeful words and looking at Zhu Gaoxu yawning from time to time.

A trace of embarrassment flashed across Zhu Gaochi's chubby face, and he quickly said:
"Hey hey..."

"Not really, not really... Don't be angry."

"Good things, good things, great things."

"Otherwise I wouldn't have to pull you out of bed in the middle of the night!"

Oh?
Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu's expression of laziness and fatigue instantly disappeared. He straightened up involuntarily and asked with some curiosity:

"Boss..."

"What good news makes you so excited?"

"Let's talk and listen!"

"I hope it's a good thing, otherwise..."

He didn't finish the rest of the words, but everyone is not a fool and naturally understands the implication of his words.

Then, Zhu Gaochi said without any hesitation:
"The Japanese, the Japanese delegation is here again."

"You gave them a good beating last time, and they are scared now."

"Now he is looking at us with all his might, trying to make peace with us!"

Zhu Gaoxu: "????"

good thing?

Can this be called a good thing?

Hey!
He almost couldn't hold back from swearing.

Don’t you know that he felt displeased and disgusted when he saw the Japanese delegation?
The boss is such a bastard, is he trying to make fun of him on purpose?

Thinking of this, Zhu Gaoxu involuntarily stretched out his hand and placed it on Zhu Gaochi's forehead, who was close at hand. After a moment, he couldn't help but mutter in a low voice:
"You don't even have a fever!"

"Why are you so confused and talking nonsense?"

"As for the Japanese, such a disgusting thing, can it be called a good thing?"

Dele.

It seems that the two people's thoughts and ideas are not on the same line.

Zhu Gaochi stroked his forehead with his hand, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his face:
"What's wrong with my second brother..."

"What do you mean?"

"The Japanese have come to explain and apologize. Isn't this something worth celebrating?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu glanced at him indifferently and asked in a deep voice:

"What?"

"Boss"

"You mean, we should accept Japan's apology?"

"Then you are not tempted by the huge silver mines on the Japanese land, and you don't want them anymore?"

"An apology is more important than a huge amount of silver. Don't you know which is more important?"

"I'm not happy at all."

"If I had known that there would be a second wave of Japanese envoys coming, I should have killed them halfway, and it would have been best if they could not reach Yingtian City."

After hearing this.

Zhu Gaochi was slightly stunned, and a sly smile appeared on the corners of his slightly raised mouth, and he said:
"Isn't this simple?"

"Compensation!"

"The request should be higher, the amount should be higher. Didn't you mention this strategy before?"

"If you don't pay compensation, we will accuse you of a series of crimes, such as undermining the dignity of our Celestial Empire, and we will just start the attack."

"Compensation is good too. It just confirms that Japan has a huge amount of silver mines. Who among the officials in the court wouldn't be jealous?"

"Without the resistance of the court officials, and with those sinister people giving advice, can't they come up with a reason to take action?"

"It really doesn't work."

"We will send people to Japan to receive the silver as compensation and then send a team of soldiers to leave at night. We will then use the excuse that Japan is dissatisfied with the compensation and take revenge."

"This excuse is not impossible." (End of this chapter)