King of Han Dynasty of Ming Dynasty

On June 8th, court meeting.

Civil and military officials gathered in the court.

It has to be said that in the eyes of many civil officials, Zhu Gaoxu was arrogant and domineering, acted rudely and overbearingly, and sometimes even did some inappropriate things.

But since Emperor Yongle's expedition to the northern desert, and Zhu Gaoxu's regent, the Ming Dynasty's government, let alone that of the man they once looked down upon, has experienced a new lease of life and vitality, showing a different new look.

For the ministers in the court, although there are various conflicts of interest, they are more or less hostile and wary of each other.

However, after being rectified by Zhu Gaoxu, the court environment, which was originally full of intrigue and power struggles, became clearer unknowingly, and at least on the surface, everyone seemed harmonious.

When doing things, few people would try to trip others up behind their backs or deliberately make things difficult for others.

The rest days and court hours originally stipulated by the court have also gradually changed. The time is much more relaxed than before, which makes many people secretly praise it. After all, we are all human beings, and no one likes to hold meetings at every turn. And holding meetings when nothing big is happening is even more disgusting. Xiao Tian can rest more and sleep in more. Who would be willing to get up early and work like a slave, and hold meetings that are full of nonsense and have no nutritional value?

Of course, this was not only the thing that made them happiest. What made them applaud the most was that as the Ming Dynasty's treasury became more and more full, although Zhu Gaoxu investigated corrupt officials very ruthlessly and could not tolerate any sand in his eyes, he was more understanding of their sufferings. The salaries of these court officials also increased a lot compared with the previous basis.

Unlike in the past, when they received low salaries and did the most tiring work, some court officials with larger families had to tighten their belts to make ends meet even for their families at certain times of the month.

It also allows them to avoid having to do things against their conscience or accept bribes in order to make a living and support their families.

For someone who gives them enough rest time and increases their salary.

In this situation, who could hate it?
Who can not like a superior who doesn’t just make empty promises but instead stuffs pie in their hands?

In this regard.

In the court, many civil officials who originally had many complaints about Zhu Gaoxu gradually had their original image of Zhu Gaoxu broken down without realizing it, and their impression of Zhu Gaoxu became better and better.

Inside the palace.

The ministers gathered in twos and threes, whispering and talking about their daily lives.

After all, it is still early and it is not yet time to go to court. The protagonist Zhu Gaoxu and others have not arrived yet. They can just chat and talk about family matters in a low voice, so there is naturally no need to worry, nor do they have to worry about any punishment.

Not long after.

The Minister of Revenue, Xia Yuanji, strode in hurriedly from outside.

As he entered, many of the ministers who were originally chatting about family matters subconsciously shut up and hurriedly greeted him with a slight bow.

Xia Yuanji had a gloomy face and simply ignored the greetings coming from all around. He didn't take them to heart at all. He quietly came to his own seat, half-closed his eyes and fell into deep thought, no one knew what he was thinking about.

After a while.

The other ministers of the six ministries also arrived one after another.

Song Li, the Minister of Works who was next to Xia Yuanji, was stunned when he saw Xia Yuanji's slightly gloomy expression. He frowned subconsciously, as if he had thought of something:
"Master Xia..."

"What's wrong with you?"

"Who has upset you so early in the morning?"

"As soon as I walked in, I saw you with a gloomy face, looking like you were keeping strangers away."

As he spoke, Song Li seemed to have thought of something, his expression changed slightly, and he spoke cautiously:

"Isn't it because of the King of Han?"

"Master Xia, we heard that the King of Han urgently summoned you to his residence last night to discuss matters."

"But what happened?"

"Master Xia, can you tell me something?"

Say it.

He looked over with eagerness, waiting for him to answer his questions.

After all, knowing some things in advance, one can make some assessments of the situation in his mind about what will happen in the court later. Not to mention how much benefit one can gain from it, at least it will help one avoid defeat and put oneself in an embarrassing situation.

Xia Yuanji was interrupted and glanced at him indifferently, then said in a deep voice:
"I have no comment to make."

"There's nothing much to say. Sir Song, there's no need to ask me questions."

"If nothing unexpected happens, the King of Han and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will be here soon. If Lord Song is really interested, you can ask them directly later."

"I think given Lord Song's status, as long as Lord Song speaks, the King of Han and the Crown Prince will definitely tell you."

As soon as he finished speaking, Xia Yuanji withdrew his gaze and kept silent, choosing to close his eyes and rest.

These words.

It can be said that Song Li was really offended and made him feel disgusted.

But when I think about it carefully, it seems that what I asked was indeed a bit abrupt. Not to mention that Xia Yuanji kept silent about this matter, I am afraid that if it happened to me, I would answer in the same way.

After figuring this out.

Song Li no longer bothered to make trouble, and just stood aside quietly without saying anything more.

That's it.

After a while.

The palace door was slowly pushed open. Hearing the noise coming from behind, the ministers who were originally whispering and chatting from time to time suddenly fell silent, lowered their heads and stood obediently aside.

After a while.

As the footsteps disappeared.

When everyone looked up, they saw Zhu Gaoxu and the Crown Prince standing on either side of the dragon throne on the high platform.

Seeing this scene, the court officials did not dare to hesitate for a moment. They suddenly focused their minds and knelt down hurriedly.

Seeing this, Zhu Gaoxu waved his hand calmly and said:
"Okay, everyone, get up!"

"Let's get rid of all the so-called red tape and get straight to the point!"

As he spoke, Zhu Gaoxu held his chin with his right hand, twirled his beard, looked around at the ministers, and said in a cold voice:

"The Japanese bandits had evil intentions before."

"Under the guise of an envoy, they attempted to disrupt the capital of the Ming Dynasty, kidnap Ming Dynasty officials, and even wanted to join forces with the White Lotus Sect to assassinate Zhu Zhanji, the grandson of the Ming Dynasty. This is the root cause of the chaos in the Ming Dynasty."

"Isn't it that you all have heard about the previous closure of the city and the city-wide search?"

"What do you think about this matter?"

Say it.

Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaochi, who were standing on the high platform, stared at the people below with their eyes wide open.

This statement came out.

In an instant.

The whole hall was in an uproar in an instant.

The ministers in the court had heard about this matter to some extent.

We know that they are actually Japanese bandits who intend to commit illegal acts in the capital of the Ming Dynasty.

But they really couldn't believe even in their dreams that these bastards were so bold as to do such evil things.

What on earth is this thinking?

Are you really going to die?

"Shut up!"

"Be quiet."

"I want you to tell me what to do!"

"Instead of letting you guys chat here."

"answer me!"

That's what I said.

The ministers who were originally talking were frightened so much that they trembled and shut their mouths instantly.

That's it.

They can't afford to carry such a big pot, nor do they dare to carry it!
"Everything is up to His Majesty, the Crown Prince."

"I have absolutely no objection."

That’s right!
This is the answer they want.

Wouldn't it be enough if you had answered this earlier?
After getting a satisfactory answer, Zhu Gaoxu, Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaosui subconsciously looked at each other.

Afterwards, Zhu Gaochi calmed down, sorted out his thoughts briefly, and said in a deep voice:

"Since you have let us make the decision."

"Well."

"The Japanese bandits' actions show that they have no regard for the Ming Dynasty and disregard the prestige of the Ming Dynasty. They regard the Ming Dynasty as nothing."

"This move is really malicious and outrageous."

"I must strike back fiercely at the Japanese bandits for their rebellious behavior. I must defeat these dirty bandits who only like to hide in the gutter and make them afraid. I must beat them so that they kneel down and beg for mercy. I must beat them so that they are terrified. This will demonstrate the power of the Ming Dynasty and consolidate the dignity of the Ming Dynasty as the suzerain."

"If this happens, we must fight back hard and not let them get scared."

“Once this matter gets out”

"Once the surrounding vassal states know about this, you can imagine how they will view the Ming Dynasty as their suzerain. Will they think that the Ming Dynasty is easy to bully? Will they still respect and honor the Ming Dynasty as their suzerain?

"so."

"Whether it's revenge or maintaining the dignity of the Ming Dynasty."

"This battle must be fought. Not only must it be fought, but it must be fought fiercely, leaving no room for maneuver and not giving them the slightest chance to breathe."

The previous words are fine.

Listening to it makes people feel their blood boiling, and it resonates and makes them angry.

However, as Zhu Gaochi finished his last sentence, it was as if a basin of ice-cold water was poured on the hot hearts of everyone present, giving everyone a chill, and making everyone calm down unconsciously.

Everyone looked at the indignant prince with shock and disbelief, with a hint of surprise in their eyes.

Not leaving any room for maneuver?

No chance to breathe?
What does this mean? What exactly do you want to do?
What's going on? From the sound of this, does it seem like they are trying to completely destroy the Japanese bandits?
Start a war of annihilation right away?

So cruel and brutal?
Is this really the gentle, kind prince in their impression? Why does he seem to be a completely different person out of nowhere?

If these words had come from the mouth of Zhu Gaoxu or Zhu Gaosui, all the ministers in the court would not have been surprised at all. After all, Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui were both known to be extremely daring in everyone's mind. There was nothing they dared not do. They had done things like destroying a country and a race, and slaughtering surrendered enemies.

But these ministers never dreamed that Crown Prince Zhu Gaochi could actually say and do such cruel things.

Is this what is meant by "those who are close to vermilion become red, and those who are close to ink become black", or is this the bloodline inheritance of the Zhu family?
Thinking of this, everyone's thoughts can't help but think of the killer Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and then Zhu Biao and Zhu Di.
At that moment, everyone looked at Zhu Gaochi, and their expressions changed slightly and became solemn unconsciously.

Seeing that no one responded from the audience, Zhu Gaochi narrowed his eyes, his expression darkened at a speed visible to the naked eye, and he shouted:

"What?"

"Do you have any objections?"

“Or do you have a different opinion?”

This question was asked.

The ministers in the audience, who had originally lowered their heads, could not help but lower them further, not knowing how to answer this question.

The country will be destroyed and the race will be exterminated!
This is a big deal.

The issues involved and the impacts involved are very wide-ranging.

How can they make a decision immediately?
How can we not consider the impact at all?

In this matter, if the decision is made the slightest bit wrong, one may very likely leave one's name in the history books, and it will be the kind of existence that will be infamous for thousands of years and despised by the world. For civil officials who attach great importance to reputation, this is naturally the last thing they want to see.

Compared to the civil officials who are careful about their reputation, the military generals do not have as many or such big concerns.

The generals in the court looked at each other, then glanced at Zhu Gaoxu standing on the high platform to ask for his opinion. After getting Zhu Gaoxu's approval, the generals in the court stood up without any hesitation, bowed slightly, and agreed in unison:
"Replying to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the two princes."

"I think there is no problem with your proposal."

"This is exactly what we should do as the Celestial Empire and the sovereign nation."

"When faced with provocation, we should respond with thunder and lightning."

"To say that the Japanese bandits' actions were provocative is the lightest way to describe them. A slightly heavier way to describe them is that they colluded with the White Lotus Sect and assassinated the Crown Prince. According to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, how is this different from the crime of rebellion?"

"For rebellion, collusion with rebels, and attempts to overthrow the Ming Dynasty, which has plunged our Ming Dynasty into panic and plunged the people of the world into endless war."

"According to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, this kind of rebellious behavior should be punished by killing all nine generations of the clan. Not a single person should be left alive."

"so."

"We, your subjects, earnestly request that you completely wipe out the Japanese bandits and restore the prestige of our Ming suzerain."

"We are willing to be the vanguard and wipe out these Japanese bandits who have ulterior motives and are rebellious for the court."

"I beg Your Highness the Crown Prince and the two princes to grant me permission."

Say it.

A group of generals knelt on one knee with their hands clasped together.

In an instant, an extremely condensed and heavy aura of solemnity gathered above the entire Hall of Supreme Harmony, causing the temperature in the venue to drop by several degrees without anyone noticing.

The civil official who was still in a daze on the other side of the field suddenly came to his senses at this moment. Feeling the coldness coming from around him, he shuddered subconsciously and felt a little confused.

What's the situation?
Aren’t the generals supporters of the King of Han?

At this time, why are everyone rushing to support the prince?
Is it that the world is changing too fast, or are they too outdated? (End of this chapter)