Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

Zhu Gang returned from court in a hurry, extremely anxious.

The wide hem of his clothes swayed violently with his steps, creating a whirring sound in the wind.

It seemed that Zhu Gang's anxious look also added a bit of panic.

Beads of sweat kept oozing out of his forehead, first gathering into small streams.
Then it slid down Zhu Gang's angular cheek and wet the collar of his clothes.

He didn't even bother to wipe it and ran straight to the study.

As soon as he entered the house, Zhu Gang supported himself on his knees with his hands, breathing heavily.

His chest heaved violently, as if his heart and lungs were about to be shaken out.

It took him about half a cup of tea to recover.

Zhu Gang said anxiously, "Brother, I feel like I have a rabbit in my heart.

I was in a state of anxiety and couldn't have a moment of peace.

The more I think about what happened in the court, the more I feel something is wrong.

This is a matter of great importance to the fate of our Ming Dynasty. I cannot wait any longer, so I came to you to get your advice."

At this time, Zhu Biao was sitting behind the desk with a book open on it.

But his mind was not on that at all, his eyes were fixed, as if he was lost in deep thought.

It seemed as if everything around him was separated from the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty by a veil.

Hearing the voice, Zhu Biao slowly raised his eyes, and a hint of surprise flashed across his eyes.

That gaze seemed to be pulled back to the real world by Zhu Gang from a distant realm of thoughts.

After a moment, his eyes turned gentle and calm.

Zhu Biao raised the corners of his mouth slightly, forming a soothing smile, and said softly: "Third brother, when will you change your impetuous temper?

But I am really glad that you are so concerned. This matter is of great importance and we really need to think carefully and deal with it with caution.

You and I should keep an eye on changes in the government and find the right time to make suggestions to our father."

As he spoke, Zhu Biao closed the book in his hand with a "click" sound that was particularly clear in the relatively quiet study room.

Then he slowly stood up and straightened his robe.

The wrinkles on the hem of the clothes gradually became smoothed out under Zhu Biao's gentle stroke, and then he walked to the bookshelf.

Just as Zhu Biao raised his hand to take the handwritten book, his movement paused slightly.

His fingers hovered in the air for a moment, as if a thousand worries were carried on those fingertips.

Immediately, Zhu Biao's brows unconsciously frowned slightly, and he sighed softly.

The breath slowly exhaled from the nasal cavity, carrying with it a hint of helplessness and worry, as if lamenting the impermanence and difficulty of this world.

Then Zhu Biao took the book in his hand and patted it lightly.

A hint of disappointment appeared on his face, and his eyes were filled with a sense of regret.

When he looked at Zhu Gang again, Zhu Biao's eyes became serious and deep, as if he wanted to penetrate the other person's appearance and get into his heart.

But his tone was still calm and steady, just a little more serious.

"Third brother, take a look at this.

This is the Ten-Year Strategic Development Plan that you drafted earlier. It has only been implemented for four years, but it has already run into numerous problems.

Sometimes you act too rashly and without thinking.

This "Development Plan" exposes many problems, the most critical of which is that it is incompatible with the current national conditions of our Ming Dynasty.

To be honest, it seems like you have planned a strategy specifically for your future overseas career.

How can your father not be suspicious of your behavior? How can I not worry about you?"

When Zhu Gang heard this, his blood immediately surged.

His face turned red, like a brick just fired from the stove.

Zhu Gang's brows were instantly twisted into a frown, like two twisted braids.

His eyes were wide open, full of grievance and unwillingness, as if he had suffered a great injustice. Zhu Gang unconsciously clenched his fists, and his knuckles turned white from the force.

Even his voice rose a few notches, with a hint of anger.

"Brother!
This overseas expansion was something we had discussed together before, it's an established national policy!
At the beginning, the two of us brothers were in this study, looking at the map, drinking tea at a time, and finalizing one strategy after another.

At that time, you also felt that this was a good way to expand the territory of the Ming Dynasty and achieve great achievements for generations to come.

Today, the ocean-going fleet is being prepared in full swing, with a lot of money and manpower being invested.

As the crown prince, how could you change your mind so suddenly and back down?

I fully believe that if we brothers work together, we can open up a new world for the Ming Dynasty.

With your current attitude, do you think you don't trust me and think I have other intentions?"

As Zhu Gang spoke, his chest heaved violently.

The anger was like boiling water, and there was no way to stop it.

At this moment, he felt as if there was a huge stone blocking his heart, and he felt extremely uncomfortable and suffocated.

Zhu Biao's heart tightened when he saw this, and he hurriedly took two steps forward.

He stretched out his hands and gently placed them on Zhu Gang's shoulders, applying a little force.

It seemed as if he wanted to convey his comfort through these hands to calm the other person down.

Zhu Biao's eyes were full of helplessness and pity, and his tone was a little anxious.

"Third brother, what are you talking about?
You and I are brothers from the same mother, how could I not trust you?

But after the incident with Hu Weiyong, the situation in the court changed suddenly, and everything is different from the past. "

Having said this, Zhu Biao turned his head slightly and looked out the window. The carved window lattice divided the outside world into small squares.

But Zhu Biao's gaze seemed to be able to see through the window lattice and see the changes in the entire court.

There was a trace of worry in his eyes, and he slowly said: "When that case came out, it was like a thunderclap out of nowhere.

The imperial court seemed to have been caught in a terrible storm and is still in turmoil.

In the past, ministers were always in high spirits when they attended court.

In the court, civil and military officials expressed their opinions.

It was common for people to argue over the affairs of the Ming Dynasty until they were red in the face, and the scene was quite lively.

But now, everyone is trembling with fear and dares not even breathe when attending court.

They kept their heads down and were afraid to make any noise even when they walked. The atmosphere was very depressing.

Take Minister Liu, who used to work in the Ministry of Personnel, for example. He was a capable man.

In the past, he had a unique vision in selecting talents and was always able to recruit talented people from all walks of life for the court.

Every time he discussed personnel matters in the court, his face was always filled with confidence.

When recommending people, he can speak eloquently and logically, which convinces others.

But now, every time he went to court, Minister Liu kept his head down.

He walked very carefully, like a thief.

He was also hesitant when recommending someone, and his eyes were full of caution and worry.

Even Minister Liu is now considering his words again and again, for fear of getting involved in any trouble.

The atmosphere in official circles has obviously changed drastically!

If we continue to push forward the overseas mission at this time, it is hard to guarantee that it will not be misunderstood by those with ulterior motives and cause the Emperor to misunderstand us."

As Zhu Biao spoke, he shook his head gently, his face full of helplessness.

Obviously, he was extremely helpless about the changes in the court situation, but he was powerless to change it.

(End of this chapter)