Daming: I am the Crown Prince

Zhu Yunhuan never really entrusted important tasks to Chang Sheng and Chang Sen because he knew that his two uncles were mediocre in ability.

If they were asked to do something particularly important, it would not be helping them but harming them. Zhu Yunhuan naturally understood this principle very well.

So now Chang Sheng, the founding duke, mainly does things that seem important and prominent, but are actually of little value. The same is true for Chang Sen, just show up, there are not many other requirements.

But now, Chang Sen can't even do such a thing. It may not be because of lack of ability, but because he really has no intention to do anything.

It would be a lie to say that I wasn't disappointed, but all of this seemed to be acceptable, mainly because my expectations for Chang Sen were relatively low from the beginning.

It is also because Chang Sen seems to be somewhat derelict in his duty now, but fortunately he still keeps some bottom lines and basically does not participate in some corrupt activities, which is worth being happy about.

Lan Yu and Chang Sheng also left Wuying Hall in disgrace. They knew that these things would make them lose face in front of the emperor, but no matter what, these things had already happened.

Now they should think about how to behave in the future. The emperor may be disappointed in them, but he must not be disappointed forever. Lan Yu and Chang Sheng both know this.

They even understood in their hearts that if Chang Lan was no longer around, Zhu Yunhuan would still recognize his relatives on the Prince of Kaiping's side and would recognize Chang Sheng as his uncle.

But such family ties cannot withstand repeated consumption, and everyone knows this.

So Lan Yu and Chang Sheng all knew what to do. With their status as the Prince of Kaiping, their positions in the court were unquestionable, and they didn't seem to have anything to worry about.

After all, even if they did nothing and just enjoyed their wealth and luxury, there would be no problem. But that was not what they were pursuing, and they did not want the lineage of the King of Kaiping to be driven out of the central government.

Looking at some of the nobles of the Ming Dynasty today, many of the founding nobles have actually been marginalized. The lineage of King Kaiping cannot take this path.

A sense of urgency is actually a good thing. Zhu Yunhuan has nothing to worry about Lan Yu, after all, he is a general. Even if there are some problems with his personality, he can still control it now. He is a capable person.

If you want to be promoted frequently, you need to work harder. Lack of ability does not mean you can just sit back and relax. There are some things that should be done that you still need to do. After all, your status is there, so how can you just ignore it?
After everyone else left, Zhu Yunhuan said to Zhang Fusheng, "Ask Daoyan to come over."

Daoyan hurried to Wuying Palace and said, "Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you."

Zhu Yunhuan looked at Daoyan and asked seriously, "Master, I am not joking with you. Do you know what you should do when you go to Taicang?"

Daoyan replied, "Your Majesty, investigating cases is not something I am good at, so I can just sit in on the trials. I am stupid, so I can only write down everything and report it to Your Majesty."

This is what is called a smart person. It not only means being able to guess some of Zhu Yunhuan’s thoughts, but most importantly, having a clear understanding of his own abilities and knowing what he should and should not do.

As for things like missions, that's a piece of cake. Daoyan is of course very clear about what his primary mission is this time in Taicang, and he will definitely do his best to get it done.

Zhu Yunxun smiled and said, "Then the Jinyiwei and Beizhenfusi people will be under your command. You should also ask the Fuma Duwei more. They have some contacts with the nobles."

Daoyan was naturally aware of this. This time, letting the two princes-in-law come forward naturally represented the emperor's attitude. Some cases required the royal family or relatives to come forward to maintain order.

It’s just that Zhang Lin himself comes from a noble family and is close to the Chang faction, so naturally he has many connections in the military.

Yin Qing seemed to be a little better off, as his background was not that high, but he was from a military family after all. This meant that they could be used in some matters, but their position could not be absolutely trusted.

The good news is that Zhang Lin is a relatively honest second-generation nobleman, and Yin Qing is not of high birth and is also relatively honest, so there is no need to worry about them being too biased.

In fact, the main reason is that everyone knows about this case, and the emperor is keeping a close eye on it. Even the "imperial envoy" does not dare to "play freely" on this matter.

Taicang is too close to Yingtian Prefecture. If anyone dares to take any action under such circumstances, it would not only be extremely bold, but would be seeking death.

Zhu Yunxun then said, "No one is happy to see such a case happen, but some things can't be delayed. We still have to go to sea. This is a big deal, and some things need to be investigated quickly."

Daoyan was naturally aware of this. It was not necessarily that the emperor was so obsessed with going out to sea. It was simply that going out to sea depended on the sea breeze and the ocean currents. If you missed the time, you would have to wait another year.

Logically speaking, it would seem that we could stop and wait for a while after a case like this, but so much preparation has been done in the early stages, and if there are no particularly serious circumstances, we should continue to move forward.

Daoyan also said seriously, "Your Majesty, I think the purpose of investigating this case is, first, to find out the facts of the case, second, to replace officials and goods, and third, to prepare to go to sea."

Zhu Yunhuan agreed and said, "It's good that you understand this. These things can't be delayed. Master, the burden on your shoulders is not light. You have to do these things well."

Daoyan didn't have any big objection to this. The main reason was that the emperor arranged for him to go to Taicang, which naturally entrusted him with an important task.

However, Daoyan did not feel any pressure about this. He was an extremely capable person and naturally had some self-conceit. What he feared most was that he would not be able to display his abilities.

It was good enough now, the so-called Grand Secretary helped the emperor with his advice and occasionally participated in some political discussions. But this was not enough, Daoyan still wanted to do something big.

Zhu Yunhuan was naturally more confident in Daoyan's abilities.

This is not to say that Daoyan has left behind much fame and deeds in history, but that Daoyan has been around to help with government affairs in the past few years, and his ability can be seen.

Zhang Fusheng then reported, "Your Majesty, the Minister of Personnel and others are outside the palace asking for an audience."

Zhu Yunhuan immediately nodded and said, "Xuan. These people are smart. I guess they have already decided on the candidate yesterday."

Daoyan and Xia Yuanji also thought so. These ministers knew about the matter yesterday and must have urgently discussed countermeasures. After His Majesty got angry in the court, he immediately began to arrange countermeasures.

Ru Rong and the others naturally bowed first when they entered the hall. Zhu Yunhuan asked directly, "Have you discussed it? Who will be arranged to go?"

Ru Heng immediately replied, "Your Majesty, I think that the Right Vice Minister of Personnel Huang Guan, the Right Vice Minister of Revenue Zhuo Jing, the Right Vice Minister of Justice Hou Tai and others can go to Taicang to investigate the case thoroughly." Since it was a major case designated by the emperor, and he specifically required the three judicial departments to begin investigating the case and that officials at the vice minister level should go there, then the six ministries would show a sufficient attitude.

As for the Censorate and the Dali Temple, His Majesty will appoint the personnel when the time comes. It is impossible for Ru Heng and other six ministers to arrange everything.

Now the confidence is insufficient, mainly because the civil officials are also involved. If this is done by taking on all the responsibilities and directly deciding on the selection of all the investigating officials, it will naturally be difficult for the emperor to be satisfied and for people to be reassured.

Zhu Yunxun thought about it carefully and asked again, "If three assistant ministers go there at once, can they finish the work of each department?"

Ru Rong and others hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, the Taicang case is more important. Although the government offices have a lot of affairs, if we work harder, it will not affect them."

This is also the truth. Although the fact that three vice-minister-level officials were investigating the case at once would definitely have an impact on the various departments, everyone knew what a major case was at the moment.

If the case in Taicang is not investigated thoroughly, no one will be in trouble. This matter must be done quickly. The emperor must not be allowed to have any doubts, and the voyage must not be delayed.

This is also the consensus of everyone. The investigation of the case must be quick and decisive. If it delays going out to sea, no one will suffer any consequences!
Zhu Yunhuan nodded in satisfaction and said, "That's good. Let's make arrangements. These people should leave tomorrow morning at the latest. There's no need to go to the palace. Just leave after everything is arranged."

Ru Rong and others naturally had no objection. According to convention, some officials leaving or going to Beijing might be received by the emperor during the morning court session, but this was not an absolute thing.

Now we should hurry up and handle the case, and naturally we can put some courtesy matters aside for the time being.

Zhu Yunhuan then looked at Daoyan, "You also go back to the monk temple, and remember to wear your official uniform when investigating a case."

Daoyan said quickly, "I will obey your majesty's instructions."

Daoyan was naturally aware of this. Although he wore monk robes in private, he always wore an official hat and official uniform in formal occasions, and he never ignored these precautions.

However, this was also the emperor's favoritism towards him. Other officials did not receive such treatment. Some of Daoyan's behaviors were unique in the Ming Dynasty officialdom. This is also the fundamental reason why many people believe that this strange monk is the emperor's confidant.

You can understand these things if you think about it. Although Daoyan's official position does not seem to be high, this university scholar has been by your side since Your Majesty was still the crown prince.

Being trusted by the emperor and always helping to discuss state affairs, and also given some special treatments, this is the best proof that the emperor values ​​him.

Therefore, even Ru Rong and others were quite respectful to Daoyan. In addition to the fact that Daoyan was a trusted minister of the emperor, it was also because everyone understood the ability of this great monk.

Now the monk is going to Taicang. Many people naturally have an idea of ​​how to investigate such a big case.

Even if some people are unwilling to admit it or face it, this case must not only be investigated and judged quickly, but also require an extremely upright stance. Anyone who dares to be partial will not have to wait for the emperor to decide.

After arranging these things, Zhu Yunhuan directly sent Ru Hong and others away to go to the government office to do their work.

This inevitably made Ru Rong and others think more, and the emperor was obviously still not satisfied with them.

This is different from the previous arrangements to handle political affairs. This is a deliberate neglect and warning. It is to let Ru Rong and others "make up for their crimes" and strive to perform.

Thinking about these things naturally made Ru Rong and others more anxious. Some things had to be made clear to their subordinates. This case not only concerned everyone's future, but also their lives.

This case must be handled beautifully and to the satisfaction of the emperor, which is not an easy task.

After Ru Rong and the others left, a familiar eunuch said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor Retired has summoned you."

Zhu Yunhuan stood up immediately. He knew that Old Zhu was also impatient. Since some things had been arranged, he would make a decision decisively and there would be no procrastination.

When they arrived at the West Palace, Zhu Yunhuan spoke directly, "Grandfather, for some things, you can just go to Wuying Palace. If that doesn't work, just issue an order. Others may not know how busy the government is, but you don't know?"

Old Zhu glanced at Zhu Yunhuan and said, "Our emperor is too nosy. He even wants to punish members of the royal family. Now you are going to the Fengtian Hall and the Wuying Hall to summon the ministers. Do you still want to be the emperor?"

Zhu Yunxun found it funny. "You just want to overthink it. It's not true! Wen Yao, come here and let daddy kiss you!"

Zhu Wenyao turned around and ran, and the maids and eunuchs followed him hurriedly, fearing that the young prince would fall.

Old Zhu said unhappily, "Don't mess with Wen Yao. He's such a good kid, but you have to make him cry to be happy. Is there any father like you?"

"You're happy to see my son, and I just want to get close to him. Is there anything wrong with that?" Zhu Yunhuan said unconvinced, "If I really have a stern face every day and make Wen Yao afraid when he sees me, then that's good?"

Old Zhu remained silent. Naturally, he did not want Zhu Yunhuan to be a strict father as some ethical teachings said, as he felt that that would lack family affection.

If this happened to the father and son of the royal family, there might be some estrangement, which was the situation he least wanted to see. But Zhu Yunhuan seemed a little unreliable and liked to tease children.

There is nothing wrong with liking children, and there is nothing wrong with teasing children. Old Zhu has always had a special preference for the eldest son. It’s just that he felt very distressed when he saw Zhu Wenyao crying.

Without thinking about anything else, Old Zhu said, "Tomorrow I will issue an imperial decree to reprimand your uncles. The imperial decree will be issued from the court, and you must not stop it."

"I won't stop them. I gave Gao Chi and his men a warning today when I went to court." Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "Second uncle and his men may not be afraid, but Gao Chi and his men are scared enough."

Old Zhu shook his head. If his sons are not careful, his grandchildren will suffer as a result!

But there is nothing we can do about it, because things have already happened and there must be a way to deal with them! (End of this chapter)