In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1040 Unwavering Original Intention
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.

Yingtian City enjoyed a long-awaited period of peace.

But just the day before the sweet potatoes were to be harvested,
While the entire capital was immersed in the busy preparations before the harvest,
A message from the palace quietly spread throughout the mansions of all the nobles in the capital region.
This was especially true for the governors of the Six Ministries and the Five Military Commissions.

Mao Xiang has been reinstated!
He was not only released from prison, but also put on the official robes of the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard again.

They appeared openly and brazenly at the Embroidered Uniform Guard headquarters.

He even stood at the entrance of the government office for a long time so that the officials from the six ministries could see him clearly.

This news was like a pebble thrown into still water.
This has stirred up the already calming situation in the capital, making the undercurrents even more turbulent.

Could it be that His Majesty's previous truce was merely a delaying tactic?
On the surface, a truce is declared, but in reality, the Embroidered Uniform Guard is secretly being reinstated, with ulterior motives at play?
Rumors began to circulate quietly within various government offices, but had not yet spread to the general public.

Inside the Ministry of War's office, Minister of War Ru Chang was frowning as he reviewed documents concerning unrest in various regions.

He knew perfectly well that only a handful of these documents contained genuine accounts of popular uprisings.

The rest were all instigated by local powerful figures to test the court's bottom line under the guise of bandits.

In recent days, he has reported to His Majesty more than ten times to request the mobilization of troops.
But each time the soldiers didn't arrive, the rebels would scatter like birds and beasts, turning back into ordinary civilians.

Even local officials deliberately covered it up, making it extremely difficult to investigate.

Over time, Ru Chang had become somewhat numb to these documents of rebellion.

He sighed softly and put down the document in his hand.

His gaze fell on another newly delivered message.

The document clearly records the news of Mao Xiangguan's reinstatement.

As one of the six ministers, he already knew the inside story of Mao Xiang's release from prison and his secret operations.

But such a blatant and aboveboard reinstatement must have a deeper meaning behind it.

Just then, a clerk in his thirties rushed in, his expression grave.
He walked quickly to Ru Chang's desk and whispered:
"My lord, we've investigated and found out; it's a decree from His Highness the Crown Prince."
I heard that His Majesty originally disagreed with releasing Mao Xiang.

But His Highness the Crown Prince insisted, and His Majesty ultimately did not stop him.

"What does the Crown Prince mean?"

Ru Chang looked surprised and pressed for confirmation: "Is the news accurate?"

"It was Eunuch Liu from the palace who told me personally, so it should be correct."

Ru Chang looked doubtful, a hint of confusion flashing in her eyes, and muttered to herself:

"The Crown Prince has been seriously ill for a long time, so why would he suddenly deal with personnel matters in the court?"

Why did they specifically reinstate Mao Xiang?
It's really strange.
Could it be that His Majesty is using the Crown Prince's name to try and put Mao Xiang back in the lead?

In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through his mind.

He looked at the clerk and nodded slightly:

"I understand. You may leave now. Report any further news promptly and do not delay."

"Yes."

After the official left, Ru Chang picked up the report again, her eyes vacant, with a hint of apprehension.

Du Pingping, the current deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, is not worthy of the attention of these high-ranking officials and is far inferior to Mao Xiang.

However, if Mao Xiang were to regain control of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, many uncertainties would inevitably arise.

After a moment's thought, Ru Chang tore off a piece of paper.
He quickly wrote down the details of the matter, then summoned a clerk and instructed him:
"Quickly deliver this letter to Liu Gong of the Hanlin Academy, and tell him that I am going to his residence for drinks tonight."

"Yes, my lord."

After doing all this, Ru Chang finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Leaning back in his chair, he looked thoughtful, his heart filled with frustration.

Honestly, even if Mao Xiang were reinstated, he might not have been afraid.

Having such a ruthless character around makes things difficult and uncomfortable.

He gazed at the withered leaves falling outside the window and murmured to himself:

"If only the Embroidered Uniform Guard could be completely shut down."

Time slips away quietly, the sun sets in the west,

The golden sunlight poured down like molten gold, bathing the entire city of Yingtian in a warm yellow hue.

The news of Mao Xiang's reinstatement, after a day of fermentation, was gradually accepted by the court officials.
Since things have come to this point, we can only accept it.

But not long after, another piece of news shocked the entire capital.

Marquis of Quanning, Sun Ke; Marquis of Yongding, Zhang Quan; Duke of Kaiguo, Chang Sheng; Marquis of Dongping, Han Xun; Director of the Market and Exchange Bureau, Lu Yunyi; and Yuan Tai, Right Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, jointly submitted a memorial.

We request Your Majesty to grant Yu Tongyuan, who is building a city in Sichuan, the title of Marquis!

Memorials requesting the inheritance of titles and honors for meritorious generals were not uncommon.

But this time it caused a huge uproar!

The feud between Yu Tongyuan and Lu Yunyi began during the Northern Expedition in the twenty-first year of the Hongwu reign.
The situation has never eased over the years; in fact, it has intensified.

Why would Lu Yunyi take the initiative to request a title for Yu Tongyuan?

It's like the sun has risen in the west!

Even more surprisingly, the emperor did not reject the memorial.

However, they kept it under wraps and didn't release it, even suggesting that they would consider it later.

This ambiguous attitude alerted the court officials.

Now, the founding nobles are either old or dead, and their power is gradually waning.
However, with newly emerging generals and nobles still existing, the court officials were unwilling to add any new nobles.

The last person to be enfeoffed as a marquis was Zhang Quan, the Marquis of Yongding.

Zhang Quan is now stationed at Puzikou City, controlling the capital's army.

The Chaohu naval force was Yu Tongyuan's foundation, and even without being granted a title, he still wielded considerable influence within the navy.

If he were to be granted a marquisate, he would certainly be in command of the navy.
This situation was unacceptable to the court officials.

Before the sun had set, Minister of War Ru Chang, Ministry of War Principal Qi De, Minister of Works Yan Zhenzhi, Ministry of Works Principal Wang Guoyong, Vice Censor-in-Chief Zhang Gou, and others...
They then rushed together to the Wuying Hall to try and dissuade His Majesty.

At this moment, the atmosphere inside the Wuying Hall was so heavy that it was almost frozen.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne at the head of the table, quietly watching the ministers below deliver their impassioned speeches.

His expression appeared calm, but the veins on his forehead were bulging and his eyebrows were twitching.

The head eunuch standing nearby, seeing this,
Knowing that His Majesty was furious beyond measure, they didn't even dare to breathe loudly.

Qi De, the chief clerk of the Ministry of War, spoke first, addressing him by his given name without any hesitation:

"Your Majesty, Yu Tongyuan has no real talent or learning; he only obtained the position of Vice Commander-in-Chief of the Second Rank because of his family background."

Promoting him to the rank of nobility now would surely be difficult to justify!

He dared to be so presumptuous because everyone in the capital knew that Yu Tongyuan had lost power and was powerless to stir up trouble.

Wang Guoyong, the chief clerk of the Ministry of Works, also stepped forward, bowed, and said in a loud voice:

"Your Majesty, I believe there are already too many nobles and officials in the capital."

The annual salaries distributed have already placed an unbearable burden on the imperial treasury.

The addition of another nobleman is undoubtedly adding insult to injury; Your Majesty, please consider this carefully!

Zhu Yuanzhang's lips curled into a mocking smile, a cold laugh playing on his lips.

How could he not understand the implied meaning in Wang Guoyong's words?
It was nothing more than an allusion to his numerous sons, the enfeoffment of various princes, and the squandering of the court's wealth.

But when he spoke, the sarcasm on his face had vanished.

Only a calm tinged with a hint of mockery remained:
"I just received the memorial, and you already know about it? It seems that news travels very fast in the capital."

The ministers below looked embarrassed, but still refused to give up.

Minister of Works Yan Zhenzhi stepped forward and bowed, his voice calm and even:

"Your Majesty, the court has established positions for meritorious officials."
It was originally intended to reward civil and military officials who had made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty.

Now that the Northern Yuan has been destroyed and the Southern Barbarians have submitted, the world is at peace, and the people are living in peace and contentment. It is the perfect time for them to recuperate and thrive.

Promoting military officers rashly at this time

This might arouse suspicion among the people, making them think that the court still intends to wage war abroad.

Minister of War Ru Chang also stepped forward and spoke:
"Your Majesty, the nation is currently at peace, and there is no need to lavishly reward military generals."

Even if rewards are to be given, priority should be given to rewarding those veterans who have made outstanding contributions but are old and frail.

They fought for their country and guarded the frontier, yet they have yet to receive any recognition.
The court should value them so as not to dampen the morale of the army.

Although Governor Yu was the descendant of a meritorious official,
However, he had a poor reputation within the military.
Furthermore, his dealings with the rebel Marquis of Nanxiong, Zhao Yong, were unclear.
If we promote someone rashly, it might arouse doubt among the soldiers and generals, damaging the prestige of the court. I urge Your Majesty to be extremely cautious!

Zhu Yuanzhang listened to his ministers, each offering their own opinions.
I felt dizzy and lightheaded. Finally, a brief moment passed, and I raised my hand to wave it.
"Alright, alright, I haven't made a decision on this matter yet. You may all leave."

The ministers looked at each other, bewildered, and could only bow in respect.
"My minister retire."

After everyone left, Zhu Yuanzhang finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He picked up the tea from the table, took a sip, his eyes subtle, and his face carrying a hint of sarcasm.

Not long after, Guo Ying, the Marquis of Wuding, a tall man clad in armor, slowly walked into the hall, stood at the lower end, and asked with his hands clasped:

"Your Majesty, what was the purpose of those people coming just now?" "What else could it be? They were naturally there to stop me from arbitrarily bestowing titles."

Upon hearing this, Guo Ying's brows furrowed immediately, and she rebuked him without any regard for sentimentality:

"When Zhang Quan was ennobled last year, they secretly obstructed it."
Now they even dare to speak out to my face! They're utterly audacious!

Seeing his indignant expression, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly laughed, his tone mellow:

"Guo Si, court officials have their considerations, and military generals have their stance."
Both sides have their own version of events, as has always been the case; it's alright, no need to get angry.

Guo Ying frowned slightly; he had recently noticed that His Majesty's temper had improved considerably.

In the past, he would always be the one to offer advice and His Majesty would fly into a rage, but now His Majesty was the one trying to comfort him.

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly, his tone tinged with emotion:

“Sometimes I wonder if I have been too harsh and cruel in dealing with these court officials, which is why Biao’er suffered this calamity.”

Guo Ying's expression changed slightly, and she quickly said:

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's poisoning was the work of the traitors and has nothing to do with Your Majesty!"
The traitors deserve to die, but Your Majesty is not worthy of such self-reproach.

If I may be so bold as to speak disrespectfully, Your Majesty, although you have a poor reputation among the scholars in the capital,
In the hearts of the people, you are the god who saves all living beings and the emperor who is ordained by Heaven.

Many villages outside Yingtian City, after earning money, used it to repair bridges and pave roads.
The first thing we will do is build a temple and sculpt a statue for you.

They offered incense and made offerings daily, even bringing their children to worship.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat at the head of the table, his laughter growing ever more hearty:

"The people respect me, but their respect is rather strange, as if I have already passed away."

Guo Ying also laughed and said softly:
"The common people are simple and honest, and they have always treated heroes this way."

News came from Sichuan a few days ago that the Wuhou Temple, which was built hundreds of years ago, is still being guarded.

I believe His Majesty's achievements will be passed down for centuries to come.

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, changing the subject:

"Let's not talk about that. How is Yu Tongyuan's city-building project in Sichuan progressing?"

"Your Majesty, he has built more than ten cities and leveled thousands of acres of land."

However, many local chieftains resisted, and he killed many of them.

The city is now sparsely populated, and the land is uncultivated.

But that doesn't matter; we can just bring some local people from the mountains over to cultivate the land.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, then asked:

"What do you think about granting him a marquisate?"

Guo Ying looked thoughtful and slowly said:

"The Yu family has followed His Majesty since the time of the Chaohu Navy."

He fought in numerous battles and achieved remarkable feats.

Now that his father and two elder brothers have all died in battle, he is the only son left in the Yu family.

If they do not inherit the Yu family's title, the military generals will likely harbor resentment.

"You also think Yu Tongyuan should be granted a marquisate?"

"Your Majesty, I believe that the honor should be bestowed upon the meritorious members of the Yu family, not Yu Tongyuan himself."

Although this person has some ability, he is short-sighted and acts for personal gain.

If it weren't for his background in the Chaohu Navy and his reliance on the Yu family's influence...

Even if he gave his whole life, he could never achieve his current status.

At this point, Guo Ying changed the subject and lowered her voice:

"Your Majesty, everyone in the capital knows about the feud between Lu Yunyi and Yu Tongyuan."

Previously, even if someone wanted to request a title for Yu Tongyuan, they dared not speak up because they were wary of Lu Yunyi.

Now that Lu Yunyi has taken the initiative, others no longer have any concerns.

I have heard that many of my old comrades in the army are quite excited about this, believing that Your Majesty still cherishes our past friendship.”

Zhu Yuanzhang was slightly surprised:
"Oh? Lu Yunyi actually has this much intimidating power?"

Guo Ying smiled and said:

"Your Majesty may not know this, but even if the old brothers in the army do not love money themselves..."
But family, friends, children, and sons-in-law all hoped to do business with the Market and Exchange Bureau.

The most profitable business in the capital was dealing with the Market and Exchange Bureau.
Given this relationship, one must naturally consider Lu Yunyi's attitude when acting.

"That's right."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded repeatedly, his face showing emotion, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes:
"I do not love money, and neither does Biao'er."

But my other sons are all greedy for money.

By the way, what do you think Lu Yunyi's intention is in leading this petition?

Guo Ying pursed her lips and said softly:

"Lord Lu is worried that after he leaves the capital, there will be no one to fight for His Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled with satisfaction after hearing this and nodded repeatedly:

“Yun Yi is a smart man and also filial. Even I was a little surprised by the person he chose this time.”

"I was quite surprised as well; Yu Tongyuan has a deep-seated grudge against him."
Now, however, he is able to put aside personal grudges and consider the bigger picture.

This magnanimity is consistent with his performance on the battlefield, demonstrating that his original aspirations remain unchanged.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked thoughtful, nodded slightly, and a hint of emotion flickered in his eyes:

There are not many truly intelligent people in the world.
"In the decades since I ascended the throne, I have only come into contact with a little over ten thousand people, and those who are truly capable are even fewer."

Guo Ying smiled and comforted him:

"Your Majesty, the Ming Dynasty boasts a vast territory and a wealth of talented individuals."

Most of them remain hidden among the people, without having the opportunity to distinguish themselves.

"That makes sense."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, his tone tinged with satisfaction:

"When Biao'er went to Xi'an before, he found that the three officials were quite intelligent, organized and clear in their work, and what was even more rare was that they were honest and incorruptible."

If Biao'er hadn't gone in person, they might have remained minor officials their entire lives.

"Your Majesty is absolutely right. As the saying goes, a fine horse is easy to find, but a discerning eye is rare."

It is already remarkable that His Highness the Crown Prince has been able to discover talented individuals among the common people.

Once His Highness the Crown Prince has fully recovered,
We can certainly recruit talented people from all over the country to serve the nation.

A hint of sadness flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, his tone became much lower, and he nodded slightly:

"That is to be expected. I am getting old, and the heroes of the world only recognize His Highness the Crown Prince."

If he were to fall ill, the court would be thrown into turmoil.

Look at me now, all I want to do is grant him the title of Marquis, and these ministers are doing everything they can to obstruct me.

If Biao'er were healthy, they would never dare to be so presumptuous.

"I am truly old."

"Your Majesty is joking. Liu Sanwu is over eighty years old but still in good health. Your Majesty is only in your sixties. How can you say that you are old?"

Upon hearing Liu Sanwu's name, Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened, and he waved his hand, saying:
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Have the Governor's Office draft a document to summon Yu Tongyuan back to the capital."

Guo Ying suddenly looked up and asked softly:
"Should we give you a heads-up?"

A sharp glint flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes. He chuckled lightly and said calmly:
"Let's recall them first and see how much trouble they cause in the capital."

Furthermore, if this matter is not properly arranged, Yun Yi will find it difficult to leave the capital with peace of mind.

Guo Ying nodded quickly:

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will make the arrangements immediately upon my departure."

He suddenly remembered something and added:

"By the way, Your Majesty, the Left Army Commandery has submitted a memorial requesting that the palace guards be strengthened."

It was also said that many of the Imperial Guards were sons of wealthy and powerful families.

If a sudden change were to occur, panic would be inevitable. Therefore, it is suggested that elite border troops be deployed to the capital for protection.

Zhu Yuanzhang scoffed, his tone disdainful:

"Even the most elite soldiers will become demoralized and lose all fighting power when they arrive in a place as extravagant as Yingtian."

There's no need to transfer border troops; just have the Imperial Guards intensify their training.

In addition, more personnel should be deployed near the East Palace.
All personnel entering and leaving the premises must be carefully checked; no errors are permitted.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

(End of this chapter)