King Luhuang of the Ming Dynasty: My father, Ming Taizu

Jiang Li picked up the memorial in a panic and quickly read it through. As he read deeper, his face gradually became solemn. He understood that the contents of this memorial were a huge shock to the court, the emperor, and even the entire Ming Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, please calm down," Jiang Li took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "I will go and investigate this matter thoroughly. I will find out the crimes of these ministers one by one, and I will never let the leaders off easily!" His voice was firm and powerful, revealing an unquestionable determination.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang's anger did not dissipate. He glared at Jiang Li and said sternly: "I raise you Jinyiwei to help me solve problems. This capital relocation is related to the future of the Ming Dynasty, and there must be no mistakes. You must find out for me what forces are behind these ministers and are secretly obstructing them! I want to know who is behind this!"

Jiang Li felt Zhu Yuanzhang's anger and majesty, and he knew that he could not hesitate or retreat at this time. He replied solemnly: "Yes, Your Majesty! I will not fail in my mission and defend the imperial court's plan to move the capital to the death!" After that, he stood up and hurriedly retreated.

With Jiang Li's departure, the warm room returned to peace. But Zhu Yuanzhang's anger did not subside, and his eyes were still cold and firm. He knew that the relocation of the capital had caused huge disputes within the court, and the struggle would be extremely difficult and fierce. But he also firmly believed that as long as he had enough determination and means, he would be able to clear all obstacles and lead the future of the Ming Dynasty to a brighter direction.

In the following days, the whole Yingtian Prefecture was shrouded in a tense and oppressive atmosphere. Under the command of Jiang Lin, the Jinyiwei launched a secret investigation. They shuttled through every corner of the city like ghosts, secretly tracking the ministers suspected of collusion and monitoring their words and deeds. For a time, the Yingtian Prefecture was in a state of panic and everyone was in danger.

In the court, Zhu Yuanzhang also stepped up his efforts to promote the relocation of the capital. He frequently summoned ministers to discuss the relocation of the capital and personally urged relevant departments to formulate detailed plans. His attitude was firm and decisive, which made those ministers who were still hesitating and waiting to choose to support the relocation of the capital. They understood that opposing the relocation of the capital at this time would undoubtedly challenge the emperor's bottom line, and the consequences would be disastrous.

However, despite Zhu Yuanzhang's full preparation and response, the relocation of the capital still faced huge difficulties and challenges. Those ministers who opposed the relocation of the capital would not easily give up their positions and interests, and they still carried out various obstructions and sabotages in secret. What made Zhu Yuanzhang even more headache was that as the investigation deepened, Jinyiwei discovered that there was a more complicated network of power hidden behind these ministers.

These forces not only involved civil officials and military generals in the court, but also had inextricable ties with some local tyrants, gentry and even royal relatives. They used their power and resources to secretly manipulate the court's decisions and direction, attempting to obstruct the process of moving the capital. This made Zhu Yuanzhang feel an unprecedented pressure and sense of crisis.

In order to deal with this situation, Zhu Yuanzhang had to take more decisive and tough measures. On the one hand, he strengthened his support and trust in the Jinyiwei, allowing them to investigate those ministers and forces suspected of collusion and obstruction of the relocation of the capital; on the other hand, he also strengthened the control and rectification of the court, and severely suppressed and punished those ministers who dared to openly oppose the relocation of the capital.

At the same time, Zhu Yuanzhang also actively sought external support and assistance. He sent envoys to various places to publicize the benefits and significance of moving the capital, and to win the support of local tyrants and gentry; he also established friendly exchanges with neighboring countries, stabilized diplomatic relations, and created a favorable external environment for moving the capital.

Ying Tianfu.

Forbidden City.

Fengtian Temple.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne with a grim expression on his face.

I can’t tell how many times the issue of moving the capital has been discussed.

However, progress is still slow!

Zhu Yuanzhang was filled with resentment.

All civil servants in the world can be killed!

Zhu Yuanzhang was thinking.

At the same time, he said in a cold voice: "The relocation of the capital has been decided, and there is no reason to change it! I hope you will make plans early and prepare as soon as possible! Do you understand?"

As soon as Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, the six ministers stepped forward one after another and made their statements. Their faces all looked solemn, as if the heavy burden of moving the capital was already weighing heavily on their shoulders.

The Minister of Revenue, Zhao Heng, was the first to speak: "Your Majesty, moving the capital is indeed a major event for the country. However, the money and grain managed by the Ministry of Revenue has been used up in recent disaster relief for the people. The construction of the new capital in Beiping requires a huge amount of silver, which is difficult to raise. I am afraid that I will not be able to do it and will delay the important event of the court. Please consider it carefully."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned upon hearing this. He knew that what Zhao Heng said was true, but the decision to move the capital had already been made, so how could he abandon the big plan for a small matter? So he responded in a deep voice: "I have my own ideas about the financial difficulties. The Ministry of Revenue's top priority is to be prudent and cut down on all waste."

Zhao Heng received the order, sighed secretly, and had to return to his shift.

Then, Li Tai, the Minister of Works, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the project of moving the capital is of a large scale and cannot be completed overnight. The Ministry of Works is already short of manpower, and skilled craftsmen are even harder to find. It is difficult to achieve both quality and progress. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."

Zhu Yuanzhang was even more displeased after hearing this. He looked at Li Tai with a sharp gaze and said, "The Ministry of Works is responsible for building roads through mountains and bridges over rivers. Now that the capital is about to be moved, how can we shirk our responsibilities because of a few difficulties? I don't care how you raise funds, but the matter of moving the capital must not be wrong!"

Li Tai was overwhelmed by Zhu Yuanzhang's majesty and had to agree meekly, but he was filled with worry and sadness in his heart.

Wang Chen, the Minister of Justice, saw this and stepped forward to say, "Your Majesty, during the relocation of the capital, a large number of people will be needed to move materials and build houses. Although the Ministry of Justice is in charge of the prisons of the country, the number of prisoners is limited, and most of them are severely punished, so it is difficult to fill this task. Please consider it, Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered and scolded: "When did the Ministry of Justice become so timid? Moving the capital is a major plan of the court, how can the Ministry of Justice stay out of it? If you are short of manpower, try to recruit! What I want is results, not excuses!"

Wang Chen was scolded so hard that his face turned red. He had to retreat back to his original position in disgrace, secretly groaning in his heart.

At this time, Chen Yong, the Minister of Rites, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, although the capital is to be moved urgently, the etiquette and laws should not be neglected. I think that before moving the capital, we should first offer sacrifices to the Taimiao to comfort the spirits of our ancestors in heaven and also add auspiciousness to the move."

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression eased a little after hearing this. He nodded and said, "What the Ministry of Rites said is exactly what I want. The matter of offering sacrifices to the Imperial Ancestral Temple will be handed over to the Ministry of Rites. But it must be resolved quickly and the date of moving the capital must not be delayed." Chen Yong accepted the order and thanked him. He secretly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling fortunate that he had finally found a suitable reason.

Minister of Personnel Zhou Bi saw that the first four departments had already spoken, so he had no choice but to step forward and say, "Your Majesty, after the capital is moved, the Yingtianfu government office will be empty. I think we should set up a corresponding agency in the new capital to maintain the normal operation of government affairs. This matter is of great importance and requires long-term consideration. Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment and said slowly: "The Ministry of Personnel's concerns are not unreasonable. However, the relocation of the capital is urgent and cannot be delayed. I have made up my mind to gradually establish new institutions during the relocation process to ensure that government affairs are not affected. The Ministry of Personnel needs to draw up a detailed plan as soon as possible."

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang had made up his mind, Zhou Bi had no choice but to agree and retreat, but he was full of worries.

The last person to come out was the Minister of War, Sun Mao. He said solemnly, "Your Majesty, Beiping is located in a frontier fortress, and there is still a risk of invasion by the Tartars. I think that moving the capital at this critical moment requires even greater vigilance and strict precautions. Should we postpone the plan to move the capital to ensure that nothing goes wrong?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious when he heard this and said, "How dare the Ministry of War come to obstruct the relocation of the capital! Let me tell you, this relocation of the capital is to better defend against foreign invasions! If the Ministry of War can't even fulfill this responsibility, then what use do I have for you? There must be no delay in the relocation of the capital! You must strengthen your vigilance and deploy strict defenses to ensure safety during the relocation!"

Sun Mao was so frightened by Zhu Yuanzhang's rebuke that he became silent. He immediately knelt down to apologize and promised to strengthen precautions, but he was very anxious in his heart.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked around and saw that the six ministers had finished speaking and had no more objections. He then said coldly: "The matter of moving the capital is a major event for the court and the country! I hope that the six ministries can work together to overcome the difficulties! If anyone dares to shirk responsibility and obstruct again, don't blame me for being rude!" After saying that, he stood up and left. The six ministers were left staring at each other, silent as a cicada, and sighing in their hearts.

Beiping.

Prince Yan's Mansion.

Zhu Di looked at the court's report with a dazed look on his face.

"What? The imperial court is moving the capital to Beiping? What's the logic behind this? If Beiping becomes the capital, where will I, the Prince of Yan, go? What is Dad thinking?"

Beside Zhu Di, monk Daoyan said with a smile on his face: "Your Highness, isn't this a great thing?"

Zhu Di frowned. "How can this be called a good thing?"

Monk Daoyan walked slowly to Zhu Di's side, his steps were light and steady, as if every step was on solid ground. He knew Zhu Di's mood at the moment, and understood his worries and doubts. So he spoke softly, his voice full of wisdom and calmness.

"Your Highness, although the relocation of the capital is sudden, it is not without cause. The court's move must have a deep meaning." Monk Daoyan said slowly, his eyes deep and firm, as if he could see through all appearances and get to the essence.

Zhu Di turned his head and looked at Monk Daoyan, his eyes flashing with a questioning light: "Deep meaning? What is the deep meaning?"

Monk Daoyan smiled slightly. He did not directly answer Zhu Di's question, but asked: "Your Highness, do you think that moving the capital to Beiping is good or bad for you?"

Zhu Di frowned, pondered for a moment and said, "It's a mixed bag. The good thing is that if Beiping becomes the capital, my status will definitely be improved and my influence will also expand. The bad thing is that this will inevitably involve many complex political games, which I am afraid I will find it difficult to deal with."

Monk Daoyan nodded and agreed, "Your Highness is right. However, I think that this matter will do more good than harm to Your Highness."

"Oh? Why do you think so?" Zhu Di asked curiously.

Monk Daoyan began to analyze the situation for Zhu Di in detail: "First, once Beiping becomes the capital, its political status will be greatly enhanced. As the Prince of Yan, you will not only be more directly involved in the decision-making process of the court, but also have the opportunity to further expand your political influence. This will undoubtedly be a huge boost to your future career development."

He paused and continued, "Secondly, Beiping is located in a frontier fortress and is an important barrier against foreign enemies in the north. Moving the capital here means that the court will pay more attention to the defense of the north. As an important official guarding the north, your responsibilities and status will also be improved. This is not only a challenge for you, but also an opportunity."

Zhu Di listened to the monk Daoyan's analysis, and his doubts gradually dissipated. He began to realize that moving the capital to Beiping might really be beneficial to him. However, he still couldn't completely let go of his worries. After all, this matter involved too many political interests and complicated interpersonal relationships. If he was not careful, he might fall into an irreversible situation.

"That being said, I always feel that there are deeper reasons behind this matter." Zhu Di said in a deep voice, his eyes revealing a trace of worry and uneasiness, "I am worried that moving the capital to Beiping is not as simple as it seems on the surface. There may be a bigger conspiracy and trap hidden behind it."

Monk Daoyan's expression also became solemn when he heard this. He understood that Zhu Di's worries were not groundless. The political struggle in the court has always been complicated and cruel. If you are not careful, you may become someone else's pawn without knowing it. Therefore, he must remind Zhu Di to stay vigilant and deal with it carefully.

"Your Highness is right about what you are worried about." Monk Daoyan said slowly, "The matter of moving the capital is indeed a serious matter. It must involve many complicated political interests and interpersonal relationships. Therefore, we must take a long-term view and deal with it cautiously."

He paused, and continued, "Perhaps we can ask some friends in the court for information and see what they think about this matter. At the same time, we must also strengthen our own defense and preparation, just in case."

Zhu Di nodded in agreement: "That's right, I will immediately arrange for people to gather information and make corresponding preparations." His eyes gradually became firm, as if he was ready to face all difficulties and challenges. "No matter what kind of conspiracy and trap is hidden behind the relocation of the capital, I will deal with it carefully and move forward bravely!"

Monk Daoyan looked at Zhu Di's firm eyes and resolute expression and couldn't help but secretly admire him. He knew that His Royal Highness the Prince of Yan was not an ordinary person but a wise ruler with great ambitions and foresight. As long as he could seize the opportunity of moving the capital and carefully deal with the challenges and difficulties, his future achievements would be limitless!
The two chatted about some specific details about the relocation of the capital and then left to get busy. Zhu Di immediately summoned his advisers and generals to discuss countermeasures and arranged for people to go to the court to inquire about the news. Monk Daoyan returned to his meditation room to meditate in seclusion and tried to discern the essence and truth of the relocation of the capital from the complicated appearances. (End of this chapter)