Daming: I am the Crown Prince

Xu Miaojin went out of the palace to visit Zhu Youling and Chang Lanshi. It can be said that she had mixed feelings.

Emperor Zhu Yunhuan also felt that many nobles in the court had lost their moral integrity and martial arts in recent years, so he ordered the legitimate sons of dukes and marquises of appropriate age to enter the palace to study martial arts.

Many people are aware of these things. The Ming nobles seem to be getting worse with each generation. Not only the nobles, but also many military officers who inherited their fathers' positions are also mediocre in ability.

Everyone is well aware of this kind of situation. Starting from Zhu Yuanzhang, various systems of inheriting official positions and titles were formulated to ensure that the children of military generals and nobles maintained a certain lower limit.

To be honest, there is some effect. At least there won't be a situation where officers of the fifth or sixth rank can't even ride a horse.

However, every policy has its countermeasures, and some people can still think of ways to find loopholes.

Obviously, the civil and military officials had no opinion on this matter. On the one hand, this can be understood as the emperor's emphasis on the nobles and a favor to them. On the other hand, it can be understood as the emperor's dissatisfaction with the education of the nobles.

Things were unfolding in an orderly manner, and Zhu Yunhuan felt that everything was going well.

On the day of the pig in the middle of spring, Zhu Yunhuan first went to the Xiannongtan to offer sacrifices to the farming hoe, which was to encourage farming. Although the Ming Dynasty was trying to develop maritime trade, Zhu Yunhuan did not intend to think about any "transformation" and could not see any other hope in the short term.

Industrialization is a bit far away. Now we have an agricultural civilization, and the main economy is based on small farmers.

What Zhu Yunhuan can do now is to make the Ming Dynasty's economy no longer rely solely on agriculture as much as possible. Naturally, there is also a need for some improvements in commercial trade.

One acre and three mu of land was the area that Zhu Yunhuan had to cultivate personally, but at this time he seemed to be just helping out.

Old Zhu appeared in front of many officials after a long absence. He was in a good mood and said, "Look, let me teach you how to farm."

"Grandfather, I am an emperor, not a farmer." Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "If you want to farm, I will find some uncles later. The fields in my hometown cannot be left uncultivated."

Old Zhu glared at Zhu Yunhuan and said, "How dare you!"

"Why wouldn't I dare? My second uncle and fifth uncle have both farmed in their hometowns. Maybe this trip will reveal something, and I will have to let my third uncle go back to farm." Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "It's good for my third uncle to go back and farm. I can get closer to him."

Old Zhu thought about it carefully and said, "Let's talk about this later. If something really happens, we have to call your uncle back."

Although Zhu Yunhuan changed many things, he was not sure. For example, his third uncle died in the 31st year of Hongwu, three months earlier than Zhu.

Zhu Wenyao was anxious, "Awesome!"

"Yes, it's an ox!" Zhu Yunhuan was relieved. My son knows the difference between an ox and a horse. "This is an ox, used for plowing the land, and a horse is used for riding, so that we can fight in the war."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and picked up Zhu Wenyao, saying, "Why are you talking to the child about this? Just farm the land well."

Zhu Yunhuan also laughed in silence. It was impossible for his son to be imprisoned in the high walls of Fengyang and not be able to tell the difference between cattle and horses when he was released. He would not live as a commoner of Wu.

Zhu Yunhuan led the ox, Old Zhu held the plow, and Zhu Wenyao sat happily on the ox's back. This was what they were supposed to do. The emperor led the ox and held the plow, and this was the meaning of ploughing the field himself.

Xu Miaojin is not idle either. She is now busy tidying up the ridges of the fields. In a few days she will personally take care of the silkworms. This is what it means to encourage people to engage in farming and sericulture.

Old Zhu, who was an old farmer, was very happy and said to Zhu Yunhuan, "We are old, you hold the plow, this is hard work."

Zhu Yunhuan didn't waste any words, but was a little worried, "Grandfather, I'm fine with holding the plow. But I'm afraid I don't have a good grasp of the depth of the plowed land."

"Just follow me, we don't need you for anything else." Old Zhu said with some disdain, "None of you know how to farm. This is the imperial field for offering sacrifices to heaven and earth, so everyone should pay attention."

Zhu Yunhuan didn't know how to answer for a moment, because he felt that even if you put your heart into some things, you might not achieve results.

After a few jokes, it was time to continue farming.

Other emperors might just pretend to plough the land and then hand it over to someone else to take care of it. But Zhu Yuanzhang was different. He ploughed the land himself every year.

Zhu Yunhuan was used to doing the farming himself. As for the officials, village elders, gentry, etc. who were watching the ceremony, they could naturally see the royal family's attitude towards farming.

Leaving aside other things, Emperor Hongwu has been farming personally over the years, and Emperor Chengkang has also been doing it personally over the years.

It's just that this year is a little special. He used to only lead the ox, but now he can hold the plow. After all, he is the emperor now, so he is naturally qualified to do such things.

Of course, many people also saw the legendary little prince.

Not only is he very lively, he is also extremely close to Emperor Hongwu. The selection of the future crown prince of the Ming Dynasty has been completely settled. As long as the little prince is ten years old, he will definitely be immediately appointed as the crown prince.

There is no need to doubt this at all. Civil and military officials should not have any unrealistic fantasies. The crown prince of the Ming Dynasty is easy to identify.

After finishing the ploughing and returning to the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Yunhuan took a bath and asked, "Don't let the second sister come when you are ploughing the silkworms. She is pregnant and it is not convenient for her now."

"Of course, your Majesty doesn't need to tell me. I would never dare to let my second sister come." Xu Miaojin smiled gently, "It's my second sister who needs to be persuaded. She is the most sensitive and is most afraid of dragging down your Majesty."

Zhu Yunhuan thought about it and it made sense. He smiled and said, "I will go see her in a couple of days. Now that they are emperors and have started their own families, it is difficult for brothers and sisters to see each other."

Xu Miaojin naturally had a lot of say in this regard. She was the youngest and most favored sister, and was taken care of by her brothers and sisters-in-law, and could play with her nephews.

But now, she can only see him a few times a year. Not to mention her nephew who doesn't remember much, even her brother and sister-in-law are very cautious when they see her, and they are very careful when asking questions or answering anything.

After changing their clothes, Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin went out. Now the benefits of moving from the East Palace to the Qianqing Palace were reflected, as the West Palace was right outside the door.

"We are making Wen Yao hungry." Old Zhu was holding the egg custard, feeling distressed. "Have one more bite, just one more bite."

Zhu Wenyao pursed his lips and shook his head. It can't be said that he shook randomly, but he had to wait until his grandfather put the egg custard next to his mouth before he turned his head. He had to be coaxed a few times before he ate a little bit. "I don't think he's hungry. If he's hungry, you don't need to feed him." Zhu Yunhuan couldn't bear it anymore and said, "Grandfather, I'll feed him. You've been tired all day and need to rest."

Xu Miaojin also quickly spoke up, "Grandfather, let the granddaughter-in-law feed him. Wen Yao is used to me feeding him."

Old Zhu turned his head to look at Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin, and casually put the bowl on the tray in the maid's hand, "Wen Yao has eaten some, there will be more food later, you don't need to feed him."

Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin were used to it and did not think that this was just flattery that went against the grain, so naturally there was nothing to worry about.

Old Zhu patiently and gently wiped Zhu Wenyao's mouth, his words full of doting, "You make trouble just for a meal, we owe you this! You never fed your father, and now I have to take care of you, a naughty boy, when I am old."

"Then just consider it as making up for it." Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "I don't remember anything about my childhood anyway. If you say you fed me when I was a child, then I believe it."

Lao Zhu said calmly, "I never fed you. How could I care about you then?"

Zhu Yunhuan was not disappointed either. He had already known some things, so naturally there was nothing to regret.

Old Zhu asked, "Your uncle can't go back to Beijing, but he can go back to Fengyang. Do you know the difference?"

"I know. The princes are not allowed to return to the capital for three years before the new emperor ascends the throne. But when my third uncle committed a crime, he went back to his hometown in Fengyang to plow the fields and reflect on his actions. That's nothing." Zhu Yunhuan replied, "Are you using my third uncle to establish your authority during this sea trade trip?"

Old Zhu smiled and nodded, saying, "Your third uncle is suitable. Everyone in the world thinks that you have a good relationship with your second uncle, and are closest to your fifth uncle. However, your most capable uncles are your third uncle and your fourth uncle."

Zhu Yunhuan did not refute this because the actual situation seemed to be true.

"I saved your second uncle two years ago, but he's a useless man, so let's ignore him for now. Your third uncle has been in the northwest for so many years, and he has some military merits and prestige." Old Zhu said with a smile, "Now find a reason to let him return to his hometown and remove his military power."

As for reducing the power of the princes, in fact, both Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Yunhuan knew that reducing the power of the princes was inevitable. It was nothing more than a matter of means. It was a matter of whether to do it gently and without hurting their feelings, or to directly force the princes to death or to force them to rebel.

Zhu Yunhuan's methods seemed to be relatively mild. He only took away the military power of the princes and even gave them certain compensation in other places. He would still use the princes of the royal family when necessary.

Zhu Yuanzhang was naturally satisfied with this approach. As an emperor, it was okay to be a little petty and suspicious. He just needed to find a way to solve those hidden dangers. However, when it was time to employ people, he had to employ them, and he also had to pay attention to the method.

"I think so too. Third uncle is dividing pastures and building border fortresses in the northwest. It's time for him to take a break." Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "Fourth uncle is training troops in Daning. There will be no war for two or three years."

Old Zhu laughed. Zhu Yunhuan's meaning was very clear. Once the imperial court sent troops to the north, it would certainly still use the Prince of Jin and the Prince of Yan as nominal commanders, and they would still restrain each other at that time.

Zhu Yunhuan smiled and said, "I just want to think that under my leadership, the border fortresses of the Ming Dynasty will be formed and the border defenses will be complete. Then we won't have to worry about the Tartars in the north, nor will we have to worry about the nobles in charge of the army or the royal family in power."

Old Zhu smiled and nodded. These things were the responsibility of Zhu Yunhuan. This was what the second emperor of the Ming Dynasty should do.

Lao Zhu then said, "When the time comes, we will give the order and you can go and plead for mercy."

Zhu Yunhuan said quickly, "You can't go and plead for mercy. If you do, it means that I, the emperor, don't care about the matter. If we really want to punish the royal family this time, I have to do it myself."

Old Zhu thought about it carefully and said, "Well, we can't protect you forever. We have to suppress your capable uncles. Especially your third and fourth uncles, they are very capable and think a lot."

This is not to say that Zhu Yuanzhang thought his sons dared to rebel, but he thought that his sons would be dissatisfied, arrogant or disobey the law.

Zhu Yunhuan smiled and said, "I have thought about this as well. In fact, my uncles are all very nice. When they appointed me as the crown prince, they had no objections."

Old Zhu asked with a smile, "Do they really have no objections or ideas, or are they forced to accept it by us?"

Zhu Yunhuan said shamelessly, "That's also because I showed my ability. My uncles all know their limits. They also know that it's no good to compete with me, so naturally they won't compete."

Old Zhu did not refute, because that was indeed the case. If it weren't for Zhu Yunhuan's outstanding performance, he would not have made up his mind so quickly.

Zhu Wenyao felt a little lonely, "Grandfather."

Seeing Zhu Wenyao start to eat again, Zhu Yunhuan couldn't help but worry. It's not that he was worried that the child would have indigestion because he ate too much, but he was worried that the child looked fat and white now, would he become thin in the future?

I hope so. He is fat now, but he will lose weight in the future. When he grows up a little, we can give him some exercise. We will definitely not let him become obese.

It seems that you are a little worried and anxious, but there is obviously no need to think too much about many things.

Old Zhu then looked at Zhu Yunhuan, "Your third uncle was punished, what about your second brother?"

"Of course Yunwen will be punished, but the punishment cannot be too severe." Zhu Yunxun looked at Old Zhu with a smile, "Grandfather, if I issue a harsh imperial decree, do you think Yunwen will be frightened and have an accident?"

Old Zhu was silent for a moment before he said, "That's true. You can handle it as you see fit. In this incident, anyone from the royal family who is involved will be punished, otherwise it will be difficult for you to do your job in the future."

Zhu Yunhuan naturally understood this truth, "It is at this time that I have to deal with it."

It's good to just listen to this. If something happens at this critical moment, it's like actively handing over the handle. If we don't do something at this time, it would be inappropriate.

There are some things that everyone knows, and it is obviously inappropriate to say them too bluntly. But no matter what, the big case that broke out in Taicang must be handled properly.

Old Zhu went to bed early, and Zhu Wenyao also went to bed early, so Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin returned to the Qianqing Palace.

After all this trouble, I not only feel happy, but also feel that according to my luck, I should have another son. Now I only have one son and one daughter, which is obviously not enough.

The new day still starts with getting up early to prepare for the morning court and continuing to deal with some things. Zhu Yunhuan also feels that there should be some answers to many things.

He obviously didn't intend to drag out some things. He concentrated his efforts on major tasks and also cut the Gordian knot to prevent the situation from getting worse. (End of this chapter)