In Hongwu, we started as rebels

Chapter 821 The Legitimacy of Court Party Strife
Passing through the heavy imperial city gate, you arrive at the square in front of the Fengtian Hall.
The square was extremely spacious, and the surface paved with bluestone slabs was as smooth as a mirror.
Each stone slab, polished by time, gleams with a warm, lustrous sheen.

On both sides of the square stand two rows of tall white marble ornamental columns, each carved with exquisite dragon and cloud patterns.
At the top of the ornamental column, a mythical beast crouches, its eyes gleaming, as if watching over the solemn imperial city.

At the end of the square, the Fengtian Hall stands majestically.

The main hall features flying eaves and bracket sets, creating a magnificent and imposing structure.
The layers of eaves resemble a roc spreading its wings, ready to soar into the sky.

The palace is constructed from massive nanmu trees, exuding a faint woody fragrance and showcasing royal majesty.

Above the palace gate, the three large characters "Fengtian Hall" are written in a vigorous and powerful style, inspiring awe and respect.

The officials walked slowly along the imperial road in the center of the square toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

As the officials stepped into the Fengtian Hall...

A calm and dignified aura emanated from them.

The interior of the hall was extremely spacious, with tall pillars supporting a massive dome.

Above the dome, the four cardinal directions and eight directions are drawn!

In the center of the main hall, a magnificent red carpet was laid out, stretching all the way to the base of the dragon throne.

The dragon throne is made of pure gold and inlaid with countless rare gemstones.

Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty sat upright on the dragon throne.

Dressed in a bright red dragon robe and wearing a crown, with a dignified expression, he silently gazed at those below him.

After all the ministers had taken their positions,
The chief eunuch stepped forward, surveying the assembled officials below, his voice booming and clear.
"If you have something to do, start the show, if nothing happens, leave the court!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Guoyong, the Assistant Minister of Works and the Minister of Agriculture, stepped forward, bowed, and said:

"Your Majesty, the flood control project in Henan has been in preparation for a long time. Now everything is ready, and we are just waiting for the right opportunity."

Your Majesty, I believe that a flood control team should be established as soon as possible.
"Go to Henan as soon as possible to alleviate the suffering of the local people."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and looked at Qin Kui: "Minister Qin, has the Ministry of Works made any preparations for this?"

Qin Kui stepped forward and replied respectfully:
"Your Majesty, the Ministry of Works has made full preparations."

This flood control project will utilize new types of concrete dams, which are sturdy, durable, and capable of withstanding a once-in-a-century flood.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Works also allocated a large number of laborers and supplies to ensure the smooth progress of the flood control work, and the initial funding had also been prepared.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face showed a hint of satisfaction:
"Water management is a major national issue that concerns the livelihood of the people, and we must go all out to address it."

He turned to look at the five boys standing quietly at the front and asked:

"Zhu Su, you were originally in Kaifeng and are familiar with the local hydrology. Would you be willing to go there for this flood control project?"

King Zhu Su of Zhou stepped forward, bowed, and said:

"Your subject is willing to go. I have been well-versed in the classics and history since childhood, and I also have some knowledge of water management."

"On this trip to Henan, your son will certainly do his utmost to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the Prince of Zhou, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes:
"Very well, with your words, I am relieved."

This flood control effort will be jointly overseen by you and the Ministry of Works. Complete it as soon as possible so that the people of Henan can be spared the suffering of floods.

"Your Majesty, Holy Might!"

The court officials bowed deeply, and just when everyone thought they could smoothly move on to the next topic,

Ji Yucheng, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, suddenly stepped forward. His expression remained unchanged, but his eyes revealed a hint of determination.
He took a deep breath and said loudly:
"Your Majesty, I have a plan to tell you!"

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and looked at Ji Yuchen: "What is it?"

Ji Yucheng raised his head, looked directly at Zhu Su, and said loudly:

"Your Majesty, I must impeach His Highness Prince Zhou for his secret meeting with the Duke of Song. This is an act of treason and treasonous intent!"

As soon as this statement came out, the whole place was in an uproar.

The officials were stunned for a moment, then began to whisper among themselves, their faces filled with shock.

Lu Yunyi, standing in front, was taken aback, his brows furrowing instantly.

What is this for?
Qin Kui stared intently at him, gritting his teeth, looking as if he wanted to devour someone.

Prince Zhu Su's expression changed drastically. He turned around, his eyes wide with anger, and pointed at Ji Yuchen, shouting loudly:
"Ji Yucheng, you're spouting nonsense!"
When did I secretly meet with the Duke of Song? Don't spout nonsense here!

Ji Yucheng said without backing down:

"Your Highness, you have left the escort and arrived in Shangyuan County ahead of schedule."
What is your explanation for waiting for the Duke of Song to come to the capital from Fengyang?

If one had nothing to hide, why would they need to be so secretive about it?

Prince Zhou, Zhu Su, trembled with rage. He turned to Zhu Yuanzhang, bowed deeply, and said:
"Father, I am innocent!"

Your son arrived in Shangyuan County ahead of schedule.
I just wanted to rest a bit because I was tired from the journey, and I had no other intentions.

As for the claim of a secret meeting with the Duke of Song, that is completely fabricated.
Your Majesty, I have never entertained such thoughts! I beg you to consider this carefully!

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was gloomy, and his eyes flashed with a fierce light.

Staring intently at Ji Yuchen, his voice was cold and authoritative:
"Is there any evidence? If not,..."
To impeach a prince based solely on one side's account is tantamount to deceiving the emperor!

Ji Yucheng's heart tightened, but he gritted his teeth and forced himself to speak:

"Your Majesty, although there is no conclusive evidence, this matter is highly suspicious. I urge Your Majesty to thoroughly investigate this matter to rectify the court!"

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed in fury, then slammed his hand on the armrest of the dragon throne and shouted:

"Nonsense and disturbance of the court! Guards, seize Ji Yucheng and throw him into prison. We will deal with him after the truth is found!"

The adults' expressions gradually relaxed.
At this moment, Yang Jing, the Minister of Justice, slowly stepped forward. He wore a scarlet official robe of the second rank, his expression stern, and his steps steady.
Each step was taken with extreme weight, as if treading on the heartstrings of everyone present.
The previously noisy discussions inside the hall suddenly ceased.

Yang Jing entered the hall, bowed respectfully, and spoke in a loud and clear voice:

“Your Majesty, I can attest that what Lord Ji said is not unfounded.”

"Wow—"

The crowd erupted in uproar once again, all eyes fixed on him, their faces filled with disbelief.

What are you doing?
Zhu Yuanzhang's expression turned slightly unpleasant, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

But soon, for some reason, he regained his composure and calmly looked down at the person below.

"What evidence?"

Yang Jing slightly raised his head and glanced around.
Finally, the conversation turned to King Zhu Su of Zhou, who spoke slowly and deliberately:
"A few days ago, Lord Yu's son died unexpectedly at the post station. The case was of a heinous nature, and His Majesty ordered the three judicial departments to investigate it."

Your Majesty, I dare not slacken in the slightest and will personally oversee this case.

Following a thorough manhunt, the investigation focused on Shangyuan County.

At this point, Yang Jing paused briefly, his gaze sweeping across the faces of everyone in the hall, observing their reactions.

King Zhu Su of Zhou's face turned slightly pale, and a hint of panic flashed in his eyes.
Yang Jing continued:

"During the investigation, the secret agents I dispatched discovered..."

A mansion in Shangyuan County has been closed on weekdays, with few people coming and going, and has been vacant for at least a year.

After the incident, numerous suspicious individuals were seen frequently entering and leaving the premises.
They walked in a hurry, as if deliberately avoiding something.

"I became suspicious and ordered my investigators to keep watch on both sides."
I did not initially connect this matter with His Highness Prince Zhou; I considered it merely a routine investigation.

But just a few days ago...

I was just informed that His Highness the Prince of Zhou, who resides in this residence, is far away in Yunnan. This greatly shocks me.
But considering that King Zhou was about to come to court, I didn't think too much about it.

Today, Lord Ji mentioned the matter between His Highness Prince Zhou and the Duke of Song.
After careful consideration, I realized something was amiss, and I felt compelled to speak out.

As Yang Jing spoke, he took out a memorial from his sleeve and presented it with both hands.

"Your Majesty, this is a detailed memorial written by the Ministry of Justice."

It records various unusual events at the Shangyuan County government residence.
"And please review the characteristics and activity patterns of those suspicious individuals, Your Majesty."

The chief eunuch hurriedly stepped forward, took the memorial, and presented it to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang took the memorial and quickly scanned its contents, a flicker of anger emanating from his eyes.

After reading it, he gently placed the memorial on the imperial desk and said calmly:
"Zhu Su! What else do you have to say?"

King Zhu Su of Zhou trembled, his legs went weak.
He struggled to his feet, his forehead covered in cold sweat, and said in a trembling voice:

"Father, I was just resting briefly in Shangyuan County. I didn't know those people!"

Ji Yucheng, having just recovered from his shock, seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire, loudly proclaiming:

"Your Majesty, His Highness Prince Zhou's words are clearly a sophistry."

If it was just a short rest, why hide in the mansion and attract so many suspicious people?
If there weren't some unspeakable secrets involved, it would be hard to believe!

Qin Kui, standing to the side, was so anxious he kept stamping his feet.
He knew that if this matter was not handled properly, not only would His Highness the Prince of Zhou be in big trouble, but the flood control efforts would also be severely affected.

He hurriedly stepped forward, bowed, and said:
"Your Majesty, it is far too hasty to conclude that Prince Zhou has treasonous intentions based on just one memorial."

His Highness Prince Zhou has always been honest and kind, and utterly loyal to His Majesty and the court.
How could they have committed such a treasonous act? We implore Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly!

Zhu Yuanzhang's sharp eyes swept over the people in the hall.

Before he could speak, Yuan Tai, the Right Vice Censor-in-Chief, slowly stepped forward.

He stood tall and straight, with a stern face and eyes that exuded an air of integrity and uprightness.
Dressed in scarlet official robes, they appeared solemn and dignified under the candlelight in the hall.

Yuan Tai bowed respectfully, his voice steady and powerful:

"Your Majesty, I also have something to report."

"explain."

"Like Minister Yang of the Ministry of Justice, I am also investigating the truth behind the murder of Governor Yu's son."

At first, I didn't pay much attention to the mansion in Shangyuan County, assuming it was just the residence of an ordinary wealthy family.

But having heard what you gentlemen have said today, I have also remembered it.”

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall became extremely tense, and everyone frowned deeply!
Lu Yunyi glanced at Zhan Hui, who was standing at the very front of the civil officials.
He noticed that his expression remained calm throughout.
This surprised Lu Yunyi even more, as Zhan Hui was an official under the Crown Prince, and Yuan Tai was Zhan Hui's confidant.
How could Zhan Hui allow Yuan Tai to do this?

Isn't this undermining the palace?
The more Lu Yunyi thought about it, the more complicated things seemed.
How did two groups of people who usually fight to the death end up together?
At the head of the table, Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes slightly and slowly asked:
"Is there any evidence to support your claim?"

Yuan Tai raised his head, his expression resolute:

"Your Majesty, all the documents are kept in the yamen (government office)."

It contains detailed records of the Censorate's attention to that residence and the investigation of related suspicious individuals.

After the court session concludes, I will immediately present this to Your Majesty for review.

At this moment, King Zhu Su of Zhou was deathly pale, and his body swayed precariously.
He staggered forward a few steps, then collapsed to his knees with a thud, tears streaming down his face.

"Father, I have truly been wronged!"
Your son has absolutely no intention of rebelling. Your son was truly just taking a rest at the residence.
"I have no idea where the Duke of Song has gone."

Zhu Yuanzhang did not speak, but carefully examined the court officials in front of him.

Ji Yucheng snapped out of his shock and made a decisive move!
“Your Highness, now that things have come to this, you should tell the truth and stop trying to deny it.”

Qin Kui's face turned red with anger. His eyes widened as he pointed at Ji Yuchen and shouted:

"Ji Yuchen, don't you dare kick me when I'm down!"

His Majesty and the ministers know perfectly well what kind of person Prince Zhou is; how can you slander him like this!

Ji Yucheng retorted without backing down:
"Minister Qin, now that the evidence is right in front of you, do you still want to protect His Highness Prince Zhou?"

This is a matter of utmost importance concerning the safety of the imperial court; it cannot be treated lightly!

The two argued endlessly, and the atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly tense.
Many officials were shocked to see a minister and a vice minister arguing in public for the first time.

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his hand on the armrest of the dragon throne and shouted:

"Shut up, all of you! What kind of decorum is this in the imperial court!"

Upon hearing this, everyone fell silent, lowering their heads and daring not to utter another word.

Zhu Yuanzhang took a deep breath, glanced at everyone, and slowly said:

"This matter is of great importance, and I will certainly investigate it thoroughly. Yuan Tai, present the documents immediately after the court session."

Yang Jing, you continue to investigate this case with all your might, and you must get to the bottom of it.

Yang Jing and Yuan Tai responded in unison:
"I accept the decree!"

Zhu Yuanzhang then looked at Prince Zhou, Zhu Su, and said coldly:
"Until the matter is clarified, you shall remain in your residence to reflect on your actions and await further judgment!"

Zhu Su's body trembled, and he collapsed weakly to the ground, muttering:

"Your subject obeys the decree."

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall with an imposing air, and strode away.
The chief eunuch in crimson robes, his face stern, quickly waved the whisk in his hand and said loudly:
"Court adjourned."

After saying that, he hurriedly followed.

The group left the main hall, their footsteps echoing in the empty space.

Upon exiting the palace gates, Minister of Personnel Zhan Hui, Minister of Revenue Zhao Mian, and others gave Ji Yuchen and his group meaningful glances.
He then hurriedly left, leaving behind only a gust of wind carrying the sound of his official robes fluttering.

The governors in the governor's mansion all had furrowed brows.
Looking at their retreating figures with surprise,
Today's events were so unpredictable and erratic that they sensed something was amiss.
When Duke Xu Huizu of Wei saw a group of military officers gathered at the entrance of the main hall, his face darkened.
"Everyone, leave! Is there nothing else going on at the government office?"

Thus, the group slowly departed, their steps filled with doubt and contemplation.

After all the officials had left, the officials who had been suppressing their whispers...

It immediately caused an uproar, with everyone discussing it.
"Your Highness Prince Zhou usually seems honest and law-abiding, how could he be involved in such a treasonous matter?"

An official from the Ministry of Rites widened his eyes and whispered to his colleague beside him.

"Hmph, who knows? The affairs of the imperial court are inherently complex and unpredictable. Maybe they're just putting on an act all the time."

Another, older official stroked his beard, a hint of worldliness in his eyes, and continued:

"If you ask me, Lord Ji's sudden impeachment is suspicious in itself."
The fact that Lord Yang and Lord Yuan happened to possess evidence makes the situation even more suspicious!

"Strange? There's nothing strange about this court; it's just a power struggle between various factions."

Another senior official spoke up meaningfully.
Then, with a somewhat enigmatic look, he glanced around:

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Let's go back to the yamen and get to work."

Lu Yunyi walked on the bluestone path, his brows furrowed.
He was still pondering the series of perplexing events that had occurred in court that day, trying to make sense of them.

At that moment, a calm voice rang out beside me:
"Lord Lu, what troubles you?"

Turning around, I saw that it was Li Yuanming, the Minister of Rites, standing not far away with a smile.
Lu Yunyi was taken aback, and he quickly cupped his hands in greeting:
"Lord Li, the court is in chaos, and I am quite confused."

Li Yuanming smiled gently, his wrinkled face full of kindness.
His voice was deep and resonant, carried with a calm and unhurried tone.

"Lord Lu is exceptionally intelligent; can't you figure it out?"

Lu Yunyi didn't try to be brave, but instead smiled:
"Lord Li, I am still young and cannot yet see the mystery within."

"Hahaha"

Li Yuanming let out a hearty laugh and said:

"I can answer your question about this matter, but Lord Lu should also answer my question as well. What do you say?"

"Oh?"

Lu Yunyi looked surprised and somewhat wary of this Minister of Rites.

"May I ask, Lord Li, what is the matter?"

Li Yuanming strolled slowly, a smile on his face:

The matter of Yingtian Trading Company's profit distribution has recently caused quite a stir in the capital.

Every merchant envied it.

Even court officials secretly envied the government departments involved.

Ultimately, their actions boil down to nothing more than the word "money."
But ironically, the concepts of money and wealth have been intertwined throughout history, and the term "merchant" has also frequently accompanied them.

Never before have merchants been as numerous as they are now.

They were openly discussed and even envied by officials.

As the head of the Ministry of Rites, he was in charge of the orthodoxy of etiquette throughout the land.
If you can't sort out the details, you're bound to suffer losses.

In the past few days, I have met with many officials and merchants one after another to inquire about this matter.

But the result greatly disappointed me.
It's all just superficial and boastful talk.

Therefore, I would like to hear Lord Lu's views on merchants, and his opinion on the increasingly high status of merchants today.

"You and I, one old and one young, can answer each other's questions, shall we?"

Lu Yunyi's expression was solemn and his face serious.

He had come to a profound understanding of the importance of the word "legitimacy" during the wars against the Northern Yuan.

This signifies the people's support and the will of the nation.
In the Ming Dynasty, the words "legitimate" were carried by the Ministry of Rites.

If the Ministry of Rites says that merchants cannot enter the main hall, then they cannot!
It could be said that the only one in the imperial court capable of crushing the Yingtian Merchant Guild with a single blow was...
Only the Ministry of Rites held the orthodox right of interpretation.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Yunyi said softly, "Lord Li, shall we go to the Ministry of Rites?"

Li Yuanming laughed: "Let's go."

(End of this chapter)