In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 1046 Your Highness, Prince Yan, You Are a Rebel
The atmosphere inside the room was terrifyingly heavy.
The crackling sound of the charcoal fire never stopped.
This added a touch of gloom to their hearts.

After a long silence, Lu Yunyi was at a loss for how to answer Zhu Di's question.

Sometimes, patience can indeed resolve a lot of trouble.
But most people will break down under endless forbearance.
Because this kind of forbearance has no end, and it's unknown when it will end.

Especially for those who once held power, the stark contrast of losing power is enough to drive anyone mad.

Moreover, for a prince like Zhu Di,

If all you seek is to preserve your life, then all your forbearance is meaningless.
It would be better to simply hand over military and financial power and live out one's days in peace; that would be much more pleasant.

Taking a deep breath, a resolute glint flashed in Lu Yunyi's eyes, and he said in a deep voice:
"Your Highness, although things haven't reached the worst point yet, we must prepare for the worst."

Whether it is a prince or a grandson who succeeds to the throne, it is not good news for you.

But there is one thing that could be considered a stroke of luck amidst misfortune.

"what's up?"

Zhu Di's voice had become hoarse at some point.

Within a few short moments, the anger in my heart seemed to have completely dissipated.

"Fortunately, there are still quite a few princes like you in the Ming Dynasty."

Moreover, as His Majesty's eldest son, you are one of the most powerful princes among the vassal kings.

Even if the imperial court wanted to reduce the power of the regional military governors, it certainly wouldn't start with you.
In this way, things took a turn for the better.

Zhu Di chuckled upon hearing this, a hint of self-mockery in his eyes, and sighed:

"What turning point? The difference between dying early and dying late?"

"no no."

Lu Yunyi shook his head, mentally organized his thoughts, and said in a deep voice:

"Your Highness, since I began my official career, there has only been one major truth I have come to understand."
If something isn't extremely bad, everyone will pretend they didn't see it, always harboring a sliver of hope that it won't affect them.

But precisely because things are like this, they often escalate to the worst possible outcome.

A real turning point will only appear when everyone realizes that no one is safe when the nest is overturned.

It's like I dropped a ball into this room.

If left unattended, it will keep rolling until it reaches a dead end.

This applies to everything; unless you reach a dead end, many things simply cannot be turned around or stopped.

Zhu Di fell silent.

He was so intelligent that he instantly understood the deeper meaning.
Even in the chaotic Yuan Dynasty, unless things were extremely bad...
Everyone understood that if they didn't fight, they would have no way out.
There would be no heroes rising up to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the former emperor and execute the local gentry.

"You mean, once the imperial court begins to weaken the power of the princes, it won't target me first?"
Instead, they would start with some of the weaker vassal kings in the mainland.

Should I, as the king, remain inactive at that time, allowing the situation to continue to deteriorate while waiting for a turning point?

Lu Yunyi nodded emphatically:
"Only in this way can we arouse the rebellious hearts of the princes and generals."

In the current court, His Majesty and the Crown Prince are practically the only ones who can make decisions.

This is how figures like Hu Weiyong, Li Shanchang, and the current rebels came to be.

They were unwilling to be controlled by the imperial court, fearing that if they retreated again and again, they would eventually have nowhere left to retreat to.

If a new emperor ascends the throne and everything goes smoothly for him, new rebel factions will inevitably emerge.

However, those who oppose the party will change.

Those who were once rebels will become loyalists, and those who were loyalists will become rebels.

It could be a powerful nobleman in the military, a local general, or a local official.

even"

At this point, Lu Yunyi's tone became increasingly low, his voice extremely soft:
"By then, Your Highness Prince Yan"
Perhaps you, His Majesty's eldest son and the king of the frontier, will become the rebel they speak of.

Or become a member of the rebel party who turns a blind eye to the rebels' actions, or even secretly helps them.

And I, too, might become a rebel.

"Rebel?"

Upon hearing this title, Zhu Di was momentarily stunned, a rare occurrence, and gave a self-deprecating twitch at the corner of his mouth.

He simply couldn't imagine that he, the crown prince,
One day, they will be labeled as traitors.

Zhu Di suddenly realized something, looked at Lu Yunyi, and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes:

"Is this what you said last year? There's no right or wrong, only positions?"

Lu Yunyi nodded and sighed softly:

"Nowadays, some of the senior officials and clerks in the Six Ministries are impeccable in their political affairs."

Otherwise, they wouldn't have been able to rise through the ranks, and they themselves aren't exactly bad people.

But it is precisely because they do not want the palace to be a place where words carry absolute weight and laws are enforced that they secretly resist.

This is a good kind of rebel.

"A good traitor?"

When Zhu Di heard this strange combination,

He suddenly laughed, his long beard trembling slightly, finding it utterly absurd.

He leaned back in his chair, downed the tea in his cup in one gulp, and muttered to himself:

"Perhaps... I myself will become a good rebel in the future."

Lu Yunyi also found it somewhat absurd, staring blankly at the sparks flying in the brazier, his eyes gradually becoming vacant.
"And you?" Zhu Di suddenly spoke, his tone carrying a hint of inquiry:

"You're telling me all this? Are you also planning to become a traitor?"

Having seen countless people, he could clearly sense the unwavering determination in Lu Yunyi's heart.

This isn't speculation; it's like a fact that's already been established.

Lu Yunyi slowly stood up, took a deep breath, bowed deeply to Zhu Di, and spoke sincerely:

"Your Highness, I rushed here in such a hurry to seek help."

"Help?"

A hint of absurdity flashed in Zhu Di's eyes:
"What did you do that gave them leverage over you?"

"Your Highness, I am an official under the Crown Prince."

Lu Yunyi didn't offer any further explanation, but simply stated his position.

Zhu Di's pupils suddenly contracted, and he instantly understood all the prerequisites.
All previous calculations were based on the premise that the crown prince would not be able to hold on.

If something happens to the Crown Prince
How could the officials serving the Crown Prince in the court possibly have a good end?

"This"

Zhu Di's breath hitched.
I felt a sense of impending doom, like a storm brewing.

If something truly happens to my elder brother, the turmoil in the court will be immense.

It will definitely be more severe than the case of the South Korean public official last year!
The Liang State Duke's Mansion and the Chang State Duke's Mansion
At least for these two noble residences, things are unlikely to end well.

"How can I help you?"

"Your Highness, to be honest, I do not know what kind of predicament I will face in the future."

Lu Yunyi's tone was sincere:
"But when things really get critical, if His Highness can offer a word of assistance..."
Even a subtle hint or suggestion would be a tremendous support to me.

Zhu Di had never experienced such a desperate situation.
Although he didn't understand the weight of a single word of help, he didn't refuse and nodded.

"The imperial court is preparing to build the north-south official road. This was driven by your efforts, and the funds were provided by the Market Exchange Bureau. Based on this alone, I will help you."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"I have a question, but I'm not sure if I should ask it."

"Your Highness, please speak frankly."

Zhu Di, with his deep-set eyes, quietly looked at Lu Yunyi:
"Your base is outside the Great Wall. If something really happens, will you just surrender?"

Lu Yunyi's expression was subtle. Instead of answering directly, he asked in return:

Will His Highness surrender without resistance?

Zhu Di's breath hitched, and he nodded slightly:

"The king knows."

Wise people always speak only to the point.

Lu Yunyi was quite satisfied with this, straightened up, and said softly:

"Your Highness, I have said all I needed to say. I must take my leave now."
"About two days from now, I will enter Beiping City with the main force, and then I will discuss the details with Your Highness."

"So cautious?"

Zhu Di admired Lu Yunyi's caution to some extent, even thinking that he was overly cautious:
"You can stay at the Prince's residence and join the main force after they enter the city."

Lu Yunyi took a deep breath:

"Your Highness, it is still unclear who is the enemy and who is the friend. It is always better to be cautious."

You should also pay close attention to the people in the three departments of Beiping; these people are almost certainly not likely to become rebels.

Zhu Di's pupils contracted slightly, and he nodded gently:
"I understand. You may go."

"My minister retire."

Lu Yunyi pulled up his hood, concealing his face in shadow, and slowly left the study. After he left, Yao Guangxiao, dressed in a monk's robe, hurriedly entered, his tone full of surprise and doubt:

"Your Highness, why did Lord Lu leave?"

The next moment, Yao Guangxiao's voice came to an abrupt end.

The once forthright Prince Yan now sat at the head of the table with a gloomy expression.
A gloomy aura enveloped him.
His eyes were filled with unyielding worry, shock, and resentment.

what happened?
Yao Guangxiao was filled with doubts and slowly retreated, wanting to give the Prince of Yan some quiet space.

But just as he retreated to the doorway, Zhu Di spoke in a deep voice:
"Don't leave yet."

"Your Highness, what are your orders?"

"Go and fetch the roster of officials under the Prince's command, and we'll review it together."
It is necessary to clearly identify which people can be trusted and which are not worthy of entrusting one's life to.

In addition, bring the register of officials of the eighth rank and above in Beiping Prefecture, and handle them accordingly.

Yao Guangxiao froze, a flash of horror crossing his eyes.

Although he didn't know what had happened,
But he also knew it must be a huge change, so he immediately bowed deeply.
"Yes, Your Highness, I will take care of it right away."

After saying this, Yao Guangxiao slowly left the study and closed the door behind him.

Only Zhu Di remained in the room.
The flickering candlelight cast alternating shadows on his face, making his expression appear even more unpleasant.

The charcoal fire in the stove gradually dimmed, sparks became sparse, and a few specks of gray smoke rose into the air.

Like the sudden appearance of white hair at his temples.

"Brother."

"you"

Zhu Di's hoarse voice was filled with an overwhelming sadness.

As the eldest sons, they had a very deep brotherly bond.
To him, his elder brother was already like a father figure.

These days, all the news coming from the capital is that the Crown Prince's condition is improving.

But he preferred to believe Lu Yunyi's speculation.

The Northern Pacification Commandery and the Prince of Yan's Mansion have cooperated on numerous occasions.
Human judgment has never been wrong, not even once.

Since he says the situation is dire, then we've already reached the edge of a precipice.
People are complex.

Zhu Di was filled with sorrow at this moment.

But deep in my heart, a secret glimmer of hope still lingered.

Why can't it be me?
Once Beiping truly becomes the commercial center of northern China, overflowing with money and goods...

His status will surely rise again.

There might be a possibility that they will try to get their hands on a reserve position.

Even if the possibility is extremely small, it still exists in reality.

A mix of thoughts swirled in my mind.
Zhu Di was sometimes silent, sometimes muttering to himself, his expression utterly absurd.

Time passed quietly, and the sky gradually darkened.

The oil lamp on the table burned out, and the charcoal fire in the stove could no longer dispel the chill. The faint flame lingered, flickering in the darkness.

At this moment, a tall and slender figure appeared at the door; it was Princess Xu, the wife of the Prince of Yan.

She knocked gently on the door, her voice soft and filled with worry:

"Your Highness, are you alright?"

Zhu Di slowly raised his head, which had been hanging low, his eyes bloodshot and his face haggard.

A bluish stubble appeared on his chin, making him look exhausted as if he had been up all night.

"without"

He tried to reply, but found his voice so hoarse he could barely speak.

The next moment, the door was pushed open.

Princess Yan, dressed in an indigo blue dress, walked in with a worried expression.

Seeing his expression, her face changed slightly. She waved her hand gently and gave the order:

"Add charcoal and light the lamps, and bring over a pot of warm tea."

"Yes."

Before long, the eunuchs had finished everything.
The study was bright again.

The darkness could no longer conceal the weariness and haggardness on Zhu Di's face.

Princess Yan waved away all the eunuchs, sat down beside him, gently took his hand, and said softly:

"Your Highness, has something happened?"

Zhu Di remained silent for a long time before finally speaking softly:
"My brother's illness may not be cured."

Princess Yan was taken aback, then her expression changed drastically, becoming stern:
"Your Highness, be careful what you say!"

Zhu Di shook his head:

"I've been wondering lately why, despite the chaos in the capital, news about it is becoming increasingly scarce."

Even the number of official documents and decrees sent to Beiping was nearly 30% less than before.

Only today did I realize that my elder brother no longer handles state affairs.
Now all memorials and decrees are issued by the Emperor himself, no wonder there are so many less.

Princess Yan had deep-set eyes; she knew about the matter and had even advised him not to overthink it.

But hearing her husband say this now, her heart also grew heavy:

"Something's not right. Why hasn't Yun Gong sent any news?"

“He is a Duke, and his every move is being monitored. How could he dare to contact a prince in private at such a critical moment?”

Zhu Di's voice was hoarse as he let out a long sigh.

He slumped back in his chair, as if his spine had been removed, one hand supporting his forehead.
"Help me think of something. What should I do?"
If something were to happen to my elder brother, the Prince of Yan's mansion would be in grave danger.

"Your Highness, what nonsense are you spouting?"

Zhu Di sighed and voiced his worries and speculations.

After hearing everything, Princess Yan also abandoned her hopes, her expression shifting uncertainly.
Though unwilling to believe it, I cannot refute it.
She even felt that things might be worse than her husband had described.

"This this."

Princess Yan suddenly remembered something, her delicate brows furrowed slightly, and she said softly:
"Lord Lu, did you come to tell you all this with the intention of mutual protection?"
"If His Highness the Crown Prince were to truly encounter mishap, even you yourself would be in grave danger, let alone a mere border general."

"That's true."

Zhu Di nodded: "He has always been ruthless and is by no means someone who would willingly be manipulated."

I believe he will definitely take some action upon returning to Beiping Commandery this time.

If the situation truly reaches a critical moment,
I believe he will not surrender easily, much less sit idly by and await his death.

Princess Yan's unease grew stronger, and she even held her breath very softly.
"But he is far beyond the Great Wall; how could he possibly disobey the imperial court's orders?"

Why would he listen to that?

Zhu Di's tone carried a certain certainty:

"Don't even mention him being outside the pass; even if he were inside the pass..."

The provincial and municipal governments were slow to respond to favorable policies and even more so to unfavorable policies, which they outwardly complied with but inwardly resisted.

This was even more true for him outside the Great Wall; the six ministries of the imperial court had sent him no fewer than a hundred documents in the past two years.
If even 10% of these projects are actually implemented, that would be a stroke of luck.

At this point, Zhu Di held his breath and lowered his voice even further:

“When he came to the capital last time, I chatted with him and he mentioned something.”

"what's up?"

A hint of absurdity flashed in Zhu Di's eyes, and his voice became somewhat unsteady:

He said, "More and more grassland people are now joining us."

However, because of this barrier beyond the Great Wall, not only did the tribes that submitted harbor resentment,
Even the generals and soldiers of the military command had the same feeling.

He also said he wanted to dismantle Shanhaiguan Pass, so that there would be no distinction between the area inside and outside the pass.

"What?"

Princess Yan was utterly astonished, her eyes filled with absurdity.

Shanhaiguan was built under the supervision of her father, Xu Da, in the fourteenth year of the Hongwu reign (1388). It is the eastern starting point of the Great Wall.

It is also the first line of defense against foreign enemies, situated between the Yanshan Mountains and the Bohai Sea, and is known as the First Pass Under Heaven.

Such a formidable pass, in the eyes of that Lord Lu, is actually going to be demolished?

But soon, the Princess Consort of Yan understood her husband's unspoken meaning.
He brought this up, clearly having the same thought in mind.

"Your Highness, is that what you think too?"

Zhu Di's eyes flickered, and his voice was soft and gentle:
"I, the King, have the authority over the Northern Pacification Commandery and the Liaodong Commandery."
However, due to the existence of Shanhaiguan Pass, this restraint has always been merely a nominal one.

The commander-in-chief of Shanhaiguan was not under my command and was almost completely out of my control.

If it truly comes to a life-or-death moment...

"Lu Yunyi wants to help me, but how will his troops enter the pass?"

(End of this chapter)