In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1045 Surrounded by wolves in front and tigers behind, death is inevitable.

The atmosphere in the room was heavy. Yao Guangxiao frowned, and his hand, which was holding prayer beads, paused.
He looked up at Lu Yunyi, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes:
"Lord Lu, are you saying that the rebels want to use the Northern Yuan to create border troubles and distract the court?"

"It's not just about being distracted."

Lu Yunyi shook his head, his tone becoming increasingly solemn.

Throughout history, since the Qin Dynasty, in every period of intense change...
There are always foreign enemies who take the opportunity to stir up trouble, and some even collude with the rebels in the court.

Your Majesty has implemented new policies and rectified official corruption.
This touches upon the interests of the powerful and wealthy, who wish His Majesty would stop immediately.

If the northern border were suddenly in crisis, the court would inevitably split into two factions.

One faction advocated prioritizing the suppression of external threats and postponing the new policies.

The other faction insisted on continuing the reorganization, leaving border defense to be handled by the border troops themselves.

He paused, looked at Zhu Di, and said, word by word:

"Your Highness, consider this: His Majesty is advanced in years, and His Highness the Crown Prince needs to recuperate."

Faced with this situation, what choice would you make?
Historical experience tells us that, in most cases, the choice will be to stabilize external threats first.

Once the new policies are suspended, the opposition party will have a chance to catch its breath and may even be able to turn the tide.

By then, all the previous plans will have been in vain.
His Highness the Crown Prince's situation is likely to become even more perilous.

Zhu Di's heart sank upon hearing this. His gaze swept across the defense line from Liaodong and Daning to Gansu on the map, and his expression grew increasingly solemn.

Having been stationed on the northern frontier for many years, he deeply understood the importance of border defense and was also well aware of the methods employed by those in the court.
For the sake of profit, they are truly capable of colluding with foreign enemies.

During the chaotic end of the Yuan Dynasty, many powerful and influential people did not hesitate to invite wolves into their homes in order to protect themselves.

"Has the situation really gotten that tense?"

"The Crown Prince is seriously ill and His Majesty is old; this is the most dangerous time for the nation."

Zhu Di's expression was extremely solemn, and he sighed softly:
"Then what do you think should be done?"

Lu Yunyi's expression was calm, yet it revealed an undeniable firmness:

"The most urgent task is to strictly inspect the border defenses."

We have no jurisdiction over Shanxi and Shaanxi.

But Beiping, Daning, and Liaodong must be kept under control; absolutely no trouble can be allowed to occur.

Zhu Di nodded:

"Of course, no matter how things develop, we cannot relax our border defenses."

After a pause, Lu Yunyi's expression darkened further, his dry, cracked face revealing a bright red mark, like scars inflicted by the cold wind.

His voice was chilled to the bone, sharper than the wind and snow outside the window:

"Furthermore, Your Highness, please prepare for the worst."

"What do you mean?"

Zhu Di's expression suddenly changed, and his pupils contracted slightly.

Lu Yunyi took a deep breath, his tone soft and gentle, yet it only intensified the chill in the room:

"The poison that His Highness the Crown Prince suffered from is called Red Tide Algae, which originates from the southeastern sea area and is extremely potent."
Once inside the body, it lurks in the internal organs, and ordinary medicines can only suppress it, but cannot eradicate it at all.

The imperial physicians' assessment of a stable pulse was merely a stopgap measure.

His Highness the Crown Prince's true condition... perhaps only His Majesty knows.

"presumptuous!"

Zhu Di slammed his hand on the table, making the teacups vibrate and hum, his face turning ashen.
"His Highness the Crown Prince is the foundation of the nation; how dare you presume to speculate on his fortune or misfortune?"

If this gets out, you wouldn't have enough heads to chop off even if you had ten!

The pressure around him suddenly dropped, and even the charcoal fire in the study seemed to dim.

Yao Guangxiao quickly started to pluck his prayer beads, wanting to offer some words of advice, but Lu Yunyi stopped him by raising his hand.

Despite Zhu Di's rage, Lu Yunyi's expression remained unwavering, growing even more resolute.
"I have gone to great lengths to come here not to make irresponsible remarks about the foundation of the state."

If I don't mention this, does Your Highness really think you're completely unaware?

His Highness the Crown Prince has been seriously ill for half a year, and rumors in the capital have never stopped, with the rebels stirring up trouble.

What are they hoping for?
They were hoping for something to happen to His Highness the Crown Prince, hoping for chaos in the court!

He took a deep breath, his voice slightly slower, yet still carrying a heavy weight:

"When I was in the capital, I had a private meeting with the head of the Imperial Medical Academy."

Although he did not say it explicitly, he vaguely mentioned that His Highness the Crown Prince was physically weak and could not withstand hard work or anger.

If I know these things, how could those powerful rebels not know them?
They're all waiting, waiting for a sudden upheaval so they can seize the opportunity to stir up trouble!

Zhu Di's chest heaved violently, and the anger in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by deep worry.

He slumped back into his chair, his voice hoarse:

"Is there really no other way?"

"There are solutions, but they are too difficult."

Lu Yunyi spoke slowly and deliberately:
"First, we need to find an antidote for the red tide algae; second, we need to stabilize the political situation and prevent the rebels from taking advantage of the situation."

But now, neither of these two things is easy.

Yao Guangxiao then spoke, his voice calm yet solemn:

"Lord Lu, you've come today for more than just His Highness the Crown Prince's illness, haven't you?"

Lu Yunyi looked directly at Yao Guangxiao and asked in return:

"Mr. Yao, what do you think is the purpose of my visit today?"

Yao Guangxiao's expression changed slightly. He glanced at Zhu Di at the head of the table, pondered for a moment, as if he had made up his mind:
"For the position of Crown Prince."

The room fell silent again, broken only by the crackling of the charcoal fire.
Sparks flew up and quickly went out, as if life had been cut short by the heavy topic.

Looking at Zhu Di's somber expression, Yao Guangxiao slowly added:

"If His Highness the Crown Prince were to truly encounter any misfortune..."

Your Majesty still has several vassal princes, including the Prince of Qin and the Prince of Jin, all of whom are adult princes.

In terms of seniority and prestige, he is a potential successor to the throne.

Especially His Highness the King of Qin, as the head of all the kings, stationed in Guanzhong,
If His Majesty intends to select virtuous and capable individuals, he would likely be the first to be chosen.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di's eyes flashed with regret, and his brows furrowed slightly.

"My second brother is stubborn and has made many mistakes in his fiefdom in his early years. Father has never been very satisfied with him."

The third brother guarded Taiyuan, cautious and meticulous, but lacked a bit of boldness.

If we were to truly choose from among the kings, it would be difficult to reach a definitive conclusion.

"It is precisely because there is no definitive conclusion that it is more likely to transcend the category of kings."

Yao Guangxiao twirled his prayer beads, his tone carrying a hint of speculation:

"Your Majesty has spent your life on the battlefield and values ​​the stability of the country above all else."

If a new crown prince is appointed, regardless of which vassal king is chosen, the other vassal kings may harbor resentment.
If they become suspicious of each other, trouble may ensue.

Just then, Lu Yunyi suddenly let out a soft sneer, breaking the silence in the hall.

He looked up at the two of them, a hint of helplessness in his eyes:

"These words probably don't reveal His Majesty's thoughts."

Zhu Di and Yao Guangxiao looked at him at the same time, their eyes full of doubt.

Lu Yunyi continued:

"If His Majesty wanted stability, he wouldn't have so lavishly enfeoffed princes back then."
If the prevailing custom were to be followed, His Highness the Crown Prince would not be allowed to use his own faction to rival the court officials.

"what do you mean?"

Zhu Di leaned forward, a hint of urgency flashing in his eyes.

Lu Yunyi turned around, his tone filled with unwavering certainty:
"His Majesty may not appoint another crown prince."

"what?"

Zhu Di's brows furrowed instantly:

"If no crown prince is appointed, then what is the foundation of the nation?"

Yao Guangxiao also stopped counting on his prayer beads, his eyes filled with astonishment:
"A country cannot be without a ruler for a day, much less without a crown prince. If the crown prince passes away and no heir is appointed, wouldn't the world descend into chaos?"

Whether things are chaotic or not depends entirely on Your Majesty's decision.

Lu Yunyi spoke calmly:
"With the establishment of a crown prince, the princes vied for the throne, the power of the regional princes became unbalanced, and each regional prince held military power."

Especially a king like Your Highness,

Besides His Highness the Crown Prince, who else can command the submission of the princes?

"You mean His Majesty wants to establish a crown prince?"

Yao Guangxiao suddenly thought of something, his voice trembling slightly, his eyes filled with disbelief.

Lu Yunyi nodded heavily:
"That's pretty much it. His Highness the Crown Prince has two sons: Prince Yunwen is the legitimate son, and Prince Yunwen is the eldest son born out of wedlock."

If Your Majesty wishes to establish a crown prince, you must choose from these two men.

"boom!"

These words struck Zhu Di like a thunderbolt.

He sat in the chair, his face somewhat pale.

If a prince were chosen, he might not be without a chance.
After all, Beiping was the former capital of the Yuan Dynasty, and held a prestigious position, with a large army under his command.

But he never imagined that his father would skip the princes and directly establish the grandson as emperor!
In that instant, the secret hope in his heart vanished completely.

But before he could even lament, he realized an even more serious problem: the power behind Yunwen and Yunhu was enough to tear the entire court apart!
“Yunwen. Yunwen”

Zhu Di muttered to himself, his fingers clenched so tightly they turned white:
"Yun Tong is the legitimate son, his mother is Lady Chang, and he has the support of military nobles and many border generals."

Although Yunwen was born out of wedlock, he grew up by His Majesty's side from a young age and was deeply loved. Most of the civil officials in the court favored him.

If it were a choice between these two...

He didn't finish his sentence, but the panic in his eyes said it all.
If Yun-hu succeeds to the throne, the civil service will inevitably be dissatisfied.

The conflict between civil and military officials will intensify.
If Yunwen succeeds to the throne, the military's power will be hampered at every turn, and the nobles will never let it go.

At that time, the situation will likely be even more perilous than the struggle for the throne among the princes.

Yao Guangxiao's expression also became extremely solemn, and his hands, which were holding prayer beads, trembled slightly.
"Lord Lu, are you aware of the seriousness of this matter?"
Civil officials supported Yunwen, while military officers supported Yunhuo.
Once His Majesty decides on the candidate, the court will inevitably be divided.

If the rebels seize the opportunity to sow discord, causing civil and military officials to fight each other, while the vassal kings sit back and watch the tigers fight, the Northern Yuan can then take the opportunity to march south.
The foundations of the Ming Dynasty may be shaken!

"That's right."

Lu Yunyi's tone was heavy:
"Therefore, we must at least resolve one issue first; the matter of the imperial court remains unresolved for the time being."

"Then we should first stabilize the northern border, preventing the remnants of the Northern Yuan from wreaking havoc on the frontier."

He looked at Zhu Di, his eyes filled with earnestness:

"Your Highness guards the northern frontier and commands a large army, making him a pivotal force in the north."

If chaos breaks out in the capital over the issue of choosing an heir,

Your Highness's attitude will determine the course of the entire situation.

I have risked coming here today to discuss this with Your Highness.

How can we safeguard the Ming Dynasty and maintain stability in the northern border regions amidst this turmoil?

Zhu Di took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

He knew Lu Yunyi was right; this was not the time to panic.

He stood up, walked to the map, his gaze sweeping over the direction of Yingtian, his voice slightly hoarse:

"If His Majesty truly intends to establish a crown prince, who do you think he will choose?"

Lu Yunyi was silent for a moment, then shook his head:

"Your Majesty, I dare not assert, but according to the law, His Highness Yuntong is the legitimate son and should have priority."
However, the Crown Princess Lü was the principal wife of the Eastern Palace.
Prince Yunwen is also a possibility of succeeding to the throne, and most of the court officials favor him.

more importantly.
His Majesty has always been wary of the military's excessive power. Prince Yuntong has the support of the Duke of Liang, the Duke of Song, the Duke of Ying, and the border troops.

His Majesty may have some concerns.

"If His Highness Yunwen were to ascend the throne, the civil officials would become too powerful, which is not what His Majesty desires."

"This is the dilemma," Yao Guangxiao sighed.

"His Majesty has spent his life scheming, but he probably never expected that the Crown Prince would suddenly fall seriously ill."

"No matter who His Majesty chooses, we must be prepared."

Zhu Di's gaze gradually hardened:
"First and foremost, the northern border must be stabilized; we must not allow the Northern Yuan any opportunity to exploit the situation."

Secondly, closely monitor developments in Beijing.
If things change, prepare a contingency plan immediately.

The charcoal crackled, and sparks flew onto the blue brick floor, only to be swallowed up by the cold air in an instant.

Lu Yunyi suddenly raised his eyes, his gaze falling on Yao Guangxiao, his tone calm yet undeniably authoritative:

“Mr. Yao, please go out first. I have a few private words to say to His Highness alone.”

Yao Guangxiao's hand, which was holding the prayer beads, suddenly stopped, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He discussed matters with Zhu Di for many years.

There has never been a case of someone being asked to leave midway.

But judging from Lu Yunyi's solemn expression, it didn't seem like he was faking it.

Glancing again at Zhu Di, he saw that Zhu Di's brows were slightly furrowed, but he did not object.

It was clear that this matter involved top secrets and should not be overheard.

He immediately composed himself and bowed deeply to the two of them:
"I understand, and I will wait outside."

Having said that, he slowly walked towards the study door.
The heavy wooden door creaked open, and a gust of cold wind, carrying snowflakes, rushed in, causing the candlelight to flicker violently.

His shadow stretched long as he disappeared outside the door.

The door closed again, leaving only Zhu Di and Lu Yunyi in the study.
The atmosphere suddenly became even more somber, and even the sound of the charcoal fire seemed exceptionally clear.

Zhu Di sat back in his chair, a hint of inquiry in his eyes:

"Is there something you need to discuss privately?"

Lu Yunyi's expression was even more somber than before, his gaze fixed directly on Zhu Di's face, and he said, word by word:

"Your Highness, we were just discussing the political situation, the Crown Prince, and the rebel faction."

But none of these are the most important things to you.

Because unless His Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, no matter who the new emperor is, you will not escape retribution.

"Liquidation?"

Zhu Di raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, before his expression suddenly turned serious as he realized the key point.

Lu Yunyi leaned forward, lowering his voice even further:

"Your Highness, imagine if His Highness the Crown Prince were here..."

He was brothers with the princes and knew that the defense of the northern frontier could not be separated from the presence of the border prince, so he would naturally protect them.

However, if a new ruler ascends the throne, regardless of whether that new ruler is the Prince of Qin, the Prince of Jin, or any of the princes Yunwen or Yuntang,
Among their top priorities would undoubtedly be the reduction of the power of the regional military governors and the consolidation of their military control.

Zhu Di's pupils contracted sharply, and he gripped the corner of the table tightly with his fist!

He instinctively wanted to retort, but opened his mouth and couldn't utter a word.

He was well-versed in history and knew all too well about the new emperor's command of the army, without exception.

These words were like a sharp knife, unexpectedly piercing through his lingering sense of luck.

Lu Yunyi looked at his expression, his tone carrying a hint of understanding:

"Your Highness should know my character well."

But Your Highness should be aware of how utterly disgraced my reputation is in the capital.
Some things are beyond our control.

His Highness commands the army but has no intention of rebelling. Will the new emperor believe him? Will the officials in the court believe him?

Once His Majesty passes away and a new emperor ascends the throne...

Court officials would inevitably petition to reclaim the military power of the vassal kings, citing the need to weaken the power of the vassal states and consolidate national stability.

At that time, in order to consolidate his imperial power, the new emperor...

Even knowing the loyalty of the various vassal kings, they had no choice but to take action.
Either strip them of their military power and relocate them back to the capital for domestication.
They could either fabricate charges against him and demote him to a commoner.
Even worse, they might end up dying and disappearing from the world.

"you"

Zhu Di was speechless, his chest heaving violently, and his breathing becoming rapid.

He walked to the map, his gaze sweeping over the defense line from Beiping to Liaodong.
That was the territory he had guarded for many years, a peace bought with the blood of his soldiers.

But at this moment, on this land to which he poured his heart and soul,
It became a sword hanging over their heads!

He suddenly recalled his father's actions in recent years.
The authority to mobilize troops among some of the vassal kings was revoked, and the Imperial Guards were ordered to secretly monitor their movements.
Last year, under the pretext of rectifying official corruption, the salaries of several princes were reduced.

These were measures he had previously regarded as his father's excessive worry due to his old age.

When put together, they all point to the phrase "reducing the power of regional military governors."

It wasn't that he was slow-witted; it was just that he hadn't wanted to think about it deeply before.

"Your Majesty... Father..."

Zhu Di's voice was somewhat hoarse, his eyes filled with disbelief and a hint of unconcealed sorrow.

"His Majesty is a great ruler, but also a father figure." Lu Yunyi's tone softened slightly, but remained heavy:
He had a fatherly affection for the various vassal kings.

Therefore, I will not take action against you all while I am alive, and I will still rely on you to guard the border.

If His Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, the eldest brother, like a father, will also consider the bond between brothers.

But alas, His Highness the Crown Prince is gravely ill, and everything has changed.

Zhu Di staggered back a step, grabbing the table to steady himself, his face ashen.

He finally understood completely that whether he chose a prince or a grandson as heir apparent...

For him, the king of the frontier who held considerable military power, the outcome was the same.

The new ruler would never tolerate the existence of a vassal king who commands tens of thousands of elite troops and guards a strategically important location.

"Then what should I do?"

Zhu Di's voice trembled slightly; this was the first time he had shown such obvious panic.

He spent his life on the battlefield, never fearing the iron cavalry of the Northern Yuan.

But now, facing this invisible yet inevitable reckoning, I feel a deep sense of powerlessness.

Looking at his appearance, Lu Yunyi sighed inwardly, but remained composed:
"Your Highness, I have risked coming here today not only to inform you of the critical situation at court, but more importantly, to give you a warning."

From this day forward, only forbearance can ensure your safety.

"Endurance?"

Zhu Di looked up at him, a hint of confusion in his eyes:

"Will endurance really work?"

(End of this chapter)