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

In the imperial study, the candlelight flickered.

The light and shadows danced on the wall like ghosts, like countless pairs of prying eyes, making this world shrouded in a mysterious and oppressive atmosphere.

The bookshelves around stood quietly like silent guards.

But it also seems to be hiding an invisible pressure that makes people feel breathless.

The picture of mountains, rivers and the country looked even more mysterious and heavy under the dim light.

It was as if he was looking down on the world and coldly watching the changes that were about to take place.

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang's face was gloomy, like a volcano about to erupt.

He exuded a chilling aura as he sat upright on the dragon throne.

His eyes were as sharp as an eagle's as he swept coldly over the people below, his heart also being stirred up by the complicated situation.

Soon Xu Lin was seen staggering, looking panic-stricken, carrying a wooden box, and rushing into the imperial study.

His face was as pale as paper, completely bloodless.

His eyes were filled with fear and despair, as if there was an evil ghost chasing him.

With a plop, Xu Lin fell heavily to his knees.

The sound of knees hitting the ground was particularly harsh in the quiet imperial study, and the dust that was splashed flew wildly in the dim light.

"Your Majesty, I have failed to perform my duties properly and deserve death. Please punish me!"

Xu Lin's voice was trembling like the fallen leaves in the autumn wind, and his crying words were filled with endless fear and regret.

His body was shaking violently, like sifting chaff.

His hands were gripping the ground tightly, his knuckles turning white.

It was as if Xu Lin wanted to embed his soul into the cold tiles in an attempt to alleviate the guilt in his heart a little.

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious when he saw this and stood up suddenly.

With a "bang", he slammed his hands heavily on the table, causing the pens, inkstones and inkstones on the table to jump.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes were wide open, and there was a raging anger in his eyes, as if it were real.

His finger pointed straight at Xu Lin like a sharp blade, and the sound exploded like thunder.

"You didn't even ask what those people who threatened Jiang Yongming looked like before you rashly killed them.

Xu Lin, what are your intentions?

If you act so recklessly, where do you place the laws of the Ming Dynasty? Where do you place my will? "

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice echoed for a long time in the empty imperial study, carrying with it unquestionable majesty and anger, causing pain in everyone's eardrums.

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang was disappointed and angry at Xu Lin's incompetence, and was also deeply worried that the situation would get out of control.

On the surface, he was reprimanding Xu Lin in a stern voice, but secretly he was keeping an eye on Zhu Biao and Zhu Gang standing beside him.

Zhu Yuanzhang hoped to find a solution from his sons' reactions, while also secretly testing their abilities and character.

Xu Lin fell to the ground, shaking, his body like a leaf in the wind, his eyes filled with tears of regret and fear.

His lips trembled and he hesitated again and again.

Finally, he told the truth in a crying voice.

"Your Majesty, I have a difficult secret to reveal!
A few months ago, my family suddenly received an anonymous letter.

Xu Lin paused, as if recalling the contents of the letter.

The fear on his face intensified, and his body curled up tighter unconsciously.

“The letter was written in harsh language, not only including the detailed whereabouts of his wife and children’s daily travels, but also describing various cruel scenes that were detrimental to his wife and children.

These people threatened me that if I didn’t close the case as soon as possible according to their demands, my wife and children would be killed.”

As Xu Lin spoke, tears welled up in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks.

It dripped onto the ground, soaking a small area of ​​the floor tile.

"Your Majesty, you may not know that I come from a poor family.

His parents died when he was young, and he has been relying on his own hard work all the way.

After going through countless hardships, he finally got his current position in the court. The ups and downs in his life are hard for others to imagine.

Besides, my wife and children are the most precious people in this world to me. They are the driving force and support for my struggle.”

When Xu Lin thought of the past, he couldn't help but feel sad, and his voice became more choked.

"The letter also hinted that if I did not obey, not only would my family's lives be in jeopardy, but the power and position I had worked so hard to build up over the years would also vanish in an instant.

Only I know how much effort I have put in over the years to gain a foothold in this complicated officialdom.

Every step is like walking on thin ice!"

Xu Lin kowtowed as he spoke, his forehead hitting the ground.

There was a dull sound, echoing in the silent imperial study.

His forehead soon became red and swollen, and traces of blood oozed out, staining the dust on the ground red.

"After receiving the letter, I was restless day and night, pacing back and forth in the room, thinking countless times about how to respond.

On one hand, there are the laws of the court and my own duties, which I know very well cannot be violated.

But on the other hand, these are the lives of my family members and the hard work of my entire life!
I really couldn't bear this kind of pressure, and I was confused and deluded for a moment, and did such a wrong thing.

I know that I deserve death, and I only ask Your Majesty to spare my family."

In this solemn atmosphere, Xu Lin's words seemed even more helpless and sad.

Zhu Gang heard Xu Lin's crying and thought to himself.

He tilted his head slightly and his eyes fell quietly on Zhu Yuanzhang.

I saw that my father's face was full of anger. Although his clenched fists were slightly relaxed, they still revealed an indescribable majesty.

Zhu Gang knew in his heart that Zhu Yuanzhang needed a way out at this time.

At the same time, he was well aware of the critical situation. If he did not plead for Xu Lin as soon as possible, the situation would get out of control.

At this time, Zhu Gang was extremely anxious, and beads of sweat had already appeared on his forehead.

He gave Zhu Biao a subtle look, his eyes full of urgency and suggestion, as if to say: "Brother, please help Xu Lin to plead for mercy, otherwise the situation may be out of control."

At the same time, Zhu Gang bit his lips slightly and clenched his hands into fists unconsciously, showing his inner nervousness.

Zhu Biao raised his eyes slightly, and their eyes met briefly, and he understood what he meant.

He knew very well that this matter was thorny and if handled improperly, the court would fall into chaos.

At this time, Zhu Biao frowned slightly and looked solemn.

He took a deep breath and calmed himself down.

After a moment, Zhu Biao stepped forward, clasped his hands together, and respectfully advised, "Father, although Xu Lin made a serious mistake, he was coerced and had his own reasons.

Moreover, he had made many contributions to the imperial court in the past, fighting in battles in the north and south, and had made many contributions to the stability of the Ming Dynasty.

If we punish severely now because of a momentary mistake, I am afraid it will discourage the officials.

I hope that the emperor will show leniency to him and allow him to make meritorious contributions while serving his sentence, so that he can atone for his crime and continue to serve the court."

Zhu Biao spoke sincerely, with a hint of pity in his eyes.

He lowered his head slightly, waiting for Zhu Yuanzhang's response.

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a long time, slowly sat back on the dragon throne and leaned back.

He supported his chin with one hand and stroked his beard again, his expression as solemn as if he was carrying a heavy burden.

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes wandered between Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao, as if he was weighing something.

“This is indeed a difficult matter.

Our Ming Dynasty has always had strict laws and clear rewards and punishments.

Only in this way can we ensure that orders are carried out, the people are convinced and the country is safe.

However, Xu Lin is now acting under duress. If he handles the situation improperly, it may discourage his subjects and give those with ulterior motives an opportunity to take advantage.

Can you tell me how to maintain justice while balancing the relationship between all parties and stabilizing the situation in the court?"

(End of this chapter)