Zhu Yuanzhang in the cellar

Chapter 69: Snow in Winter
In the evening, Zhu Yunfeng returned to the palace.

At this time in the study of the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Biao was reviewing memorials, while Zhu Di was playing with his mobile phone.

Since there was no internet, Zhu Di could only watch the videos that had been cached and downloaded on his mobile phone.

Zhu Yunfeng stepped through the gate, and no palace guards dared to stop him. He went straight into the study as if he was in an empty place.

Seeing him come in, Zhu Di just glanced at him and continued watching the video. Zhu Biao put down the memorial, raised his head and asked, "You're back? How are you?"

"What do you want to hear?"

Zhu Yunfeng sat down in the chair opposite his desk.

"How is my Ming capital?"

Zhu Biao asked.

"."

Zhu Yunfeng glanced at Zhu Di and said, "Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"

"Tell a lie first?"

“Extremely majestic.”

"What's the truth?"

"Nothing."

“Is it that bad?
Zhu Biao was surprised.

"If you don't believe me, ask Lao Si. He has been to our city."

"It's nothing."

Zhu Di added a comment.

Zhu Biao had never left the mountain, let alone the city or county, he had never even been to Lansha Town.

But Zhu Di had seen the world.

Although a prefecture-level city is not a big city, it is far superior to the Ming Dynasty's capital, Jinling City, Yingtian Prefecture.

At that time, Zhu Di was lost in the city. When he looked up, he saw tall buildings all around him and busy traffic. He had never seen such a grand scene in his life, and it gave him a strong visual impact.

In contrast, the city of Nanjing at that time, according to the research of Academician He Bingdi, an expert on Ming history, in his book "Population and Related Issues in the Early Ming Dynasty".

In the fourth year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty, the population of Jinling was about 20,000 households, or about 100,000 people. When the population census was conducted in the 14th year of Hongwu, the population of Jinling reached about 50,000 households, or more than 200,000 people.

But this also includes soldiers and their families stationed in Nanjing, as well as all the population statistics outside the city around Shangyuan and Jiangning in the suburbs of Jinling.

After that, Zhu Yuanzhang committed four major crimes, which according to records reduced the population of Nanjing by half.

It was not until the later years of Zhu Yuanzhang, in the 28th year of Hongwu, that the population of Nanjing City reached 700,000 through several large-scale population migrations and the addition of soldiers to replenish the population of Jinling.

Now is the 12th year of Hongwu, and the total population should be around 200,000. However, there are tens of thousands of troops stationed in the city alone, and tens of thousands outside the city.

This means that of the 200,000 people in Nanjing at that time, half were soldiers and the other half were basically the soldiers' families.

There are only a handful of indigenous people.

No wonder no one believed that Hu Weiyong was rebelling. Most of the people in this city were soldiers, and all the military power was in Zhu Yuanzhang's hands. Not to mention that a prime minister like him wanted to rebel, even if Li Wenzhong wanted to rebel, it would be difficult.

In addition, Zhu Yuanzhang emphasized agriculture and suppressed commerce, so business was not prosperous, there were few restaurants and shops, and many people set up stalls to barter.

Baochao was either refused as payment or could only be used to purchase in excess. For example, an item worth one tael of silver could only be traded with Baochao of at least four or five taels of face value, so the number of transactions was pitifully small.

There were not many streets, concentrated in several criss-crossing streets such as Dazhong Street, Sanshan Street, Xinqiao Street, and Taiping Street. It was still okay during the day, but in the evening there were very few people coming and going, which shows how depressed Nanjing was at that time.

"Ugh."

Zhu Biao sighed and said, "The Ming Dynasty was just established and there was a lot of work to be done. Even the capital was not as prosperous as it would be in later times."

"We'll talk about construction later."

Zhu Yunfeng said, "Our ancestors emphasized agriculture and suppressed commerce in order to ensure that the country had food first. Only when the country was well fed could it think about other developments. After a few years when agriculture was well developed, it would be the same for construction. First, how is Hu Weiyong today?"

"As you said, I did not convene an inner court meeting. I just asked the Secretariat to hand over today's memorials and state affairs, and asked the Ministry of Public Administration to hand over today's government affairs for comparison."

Zhu Biao patted the thick stack of documents on the table and said, "Except for the four documents on the transfer of officials, the rest of the matters are all here."

"In other words, Hu Weiyong transferred officials without authorization?"

Zhu Yunfeng touched his chin and said.

"Yes."

Zhu Biao nodded and said, "This kind of thing happened often before. Father was very angry about it and questioned Hu Weiyong, but he always made excuses by saying it was negligence. In addition, the people transferred were all from Huaixi, and they were all local neighbors, so father couldn't say anything."

"Ah."

Zhu Yunfeng responded to show that he understood.

No wonder this old guy has a way to seek death. He extends his hand to Lao Zhu’s power. If he doesn’t die, who will die?
"What should we do now?"

Zhu Biao asked.

"You didn't do anything else today, except reviewing memorials?"

"Done."

"What have you done?"

"Call Wu Bozong, Liu Song, Xue Xiang, Han Yike and others to discuss the matter."

"Who are these people?"

"Officials in eastern Zhejiang were demoted and excluded because they were disliked by Hu Weiyong."

"Well done."

Zhu Yunfeng smiled and said, "But don't go too far. Our ancestors wanted a balance and hoped that the court officials would check and balance each other and not threaten the imperial power. If you stuff too many officials from Eastern Zhejiang, they will be the next to be purged."

"Ok, I know."

Zhu Biao nodded. Hu Weiyong's faction was very powerful in the court now, and officials who offended him were basically expelled, including one of his teachers, Wu Bozong. He could do nothing about it.

But now that he holds power, he naturally has to call back those officials who were previously driven out by Hu Weiyong.

There is no need to talk about anything else. After the Hu Weiyong case is over, it will be natural for them to return to the court.

of course.

In addition to them, Zhu Biao would also listen to Zhu Yunfeng's opinions and look for former Yuan officials with outstanding political achievements and abilities to fill the positions.

When his father came back, Zhu Biao hoped that the scene he would see would be that Hu Weiyong and his party had been basically wiped out.

The composition of the civil service group became the remaining non-corrupt officials from Huaixi with outstanding abilities and political achievements, some officials from eastern Zhejiang, and some promoted former Yuan officials.

This kind of three-way balance of power and mutual restraint is probably what my father would like to see.

"Then?"

Zhu Biao asked again, he was not completely without ideas.

What he actually relies on is the Zhejiang East Group.

Liu Ji, Song Lian, Wu Bozong and others were all members of the Zhejiang East Group and were feared by Hu Weiyong.

If Zhu Yunfeng did not take action, he would order a reason to eliminate Hu Weiyong and his party and replace them with the Zhejiang East Group.

But it sounds like Zhu Yunfeng's method is more effective, so he will take a look at Zhu Yunfeng's approach.

"Just wait."

Zhu Yunfeng smiled and said, "Be patient. We are in the dark and he is in the light. He will show his true colors eventually."

"Ah."

Zhu Biao nodded and looked at the light snow falling outside the study.

For now, all we can do is wait.

Whether it is the time when Hu Weiyong reveals his flaws or when Tu Jie reports him, it will be the end of the other party.

The only difference is that by the time Tu Jie reports it, it is also the deadline given by his father.

As night falls, it snows in Nanjing tonight.

The weather is getting colder.

The next day, Crown Prince Zhu Biao gave winter clothes to all his ministers and cancelled the morning court meeting on the grounds that the weather was turning cold.

All matters concerning the six ministries were transferred to the Secretariat, which then forwarded them to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

A few days later.

In late November, approaching the twelfth lunar month, the city of Nanjing was covered with snow.

Located east of Xuanjin Bridge and south of Datong Street in the southwest of the imperial city, it is home to row upon row of mansions and densely packed courtyards.

In the evening, after the Secretariat was dismissed, Prime Minister Hu Weiyong returned to his residence in a carriage, surrounded by a large crowd.

And behind his carriage, there were six more carriages.

Everyone got off the carriage, and the steward at the door came forward, knelt down and kowtowed to Hu Weiyong, saying, "Father."

"Um"

Hu Weiyong responded.

The steward quickly stood up and took up an umbrella to shield him from the wind and snow.

"Serve the tea first and arrange the banquet." Hu Weiyong entered the house and walked from the outer courtyard to the main hall. The house was burning with charcoal and was as warm as spring. He took off his cloak and sat on a chair.

"Yes."

The steward then bowed and walked out.

The rest of the officials came in later.

Those who can enter the prime minister's residence are certainly not ordinary people.

They all hold high positions and great power.

They were Chen Ning, the Grand Censor of the Censorate, and Ding Yu, the Left Grand Censor and Left Governor-General of the Grand Marshal's Office.

Among the six ministries, there are the Minister of Punishments Lu Zongyi, the Minister of Revenue Ren Bin, the Minister of War Zhao Ben, and the Minister of Personnel Chen Yu.

It can be said that these six people are among the highest-ranking officials besides Li Shanchang and Hu Weiyong.

After entering the hall, everyone took their seats.

The butler quickly brought hot tea to them one by one.

Hu Weiyong sat high in the main seat, took a sip of tea, raised his head, and saw that everyone was looking at him, so he smiled and said, "The snow is getting heavier."

"This year, Henan, Gansu and other places have suffered from drought, but they lack this snow. Next spring, we should be able to have a good harvest. This is all thanks to the Prime Minister's merits."

Minister of War Zhao Ben said hurriedly.

He was originally a Langzhong in the Ministry of War, a fifth-rank official, but was promoted directly to the position of Shangshu of the Ministry of War because he was a fellow villager of Hu Weiyong.

Moreover, this kind of thing happened very frequently during the Hongwu Dynasty, or to be more precise, it happened thirteen years before Hongwu.

Due to the imperfection of the examination and selection system, most officials at that time were appointed based on recommendations. If Zhu Yuanzhang and Hu Weiyong thought you were capable, then you were capable.

Not to mention being promoted from a fifth-rank military doctor to a seventh-rank official, a few years ago there was a case of being promoted directly to the Minister of War from a seventh-rank official. That person was named An Tong, and he was also recommended by Hu Weiyong.

But later, Zhu Yuanzhang felt that he did not live up to his reputation and his talent was mediocre, so he demoted him and sent him to Shanxi to serve as a political advisor.

But it also proves from another perspective that as long as you can curry favor with Hu Weiyong, even if you are incompetent, you can still be quickly promoted to the third rank (second rank after the 13th year of Hongwu) and be the Minister of Six Ministries.

For a time, Hu Weiyong's house was crowded with people. In addition to officials from Huaixi, there were also a large number of non-Huaixi officials who came to him to seek refuge. As a result, most of the court was made up of officials who came to him to seek refuge.

However, in the face of Zhao Ben's flattery, Hu Weiyong bowed to the northeast direction of the imperial palace and said: "I am wrong. It is thanks to your majesty's heavenly virtue and everyone's sincere efforts."

"Yes Yes Yes."

Zhao Ben nodded repeatedly in agreement.

Imperial Censor Chen Ning also said: "Your Majesty is not in good health, the Crown Prince is the regent, the Prime Minister is assisting the people, working day and night, this snow is also a gift from heaven to the Prime Minister."

"Yes, the Prime Minister is in the Secretariat, and the two capitals and thirteen provincial governments of the Ming Dynasty are all on the Prime Minister's shoulders. Now there is still a war in the north, and the southwest is not peaceful. There are still civil unrest in various places. The Prime Minister is trying every means to maintain it."

The Minister of Revenue Ren Bin also flattered him.

He was recommended by Hu Weiyong in September this year. Historically, he was beheaded in the first month of the 13th year of Hongwu because of the Hu Weiyong case. Naturally, he was the core force of Hu Weiyong's party.

"Hahahahaha."

Hu Weiyong laughed and said to Ding Yu: "Father-in-law, if you look at them, you will please me."

After that, he waved his hand and said, "We are all serving the court, so why bother talking about who is doing a good job and who is doing a bad job? Now the treasury is empty, and civil unrest is everywhere. My father-in-law only put down Peng Pugui's rebellion in July. We should still work hard for the country with all our heart and soul."

"Yes Yes Yes."

Everyone was smiling, which was in stark contrast to a few days ago.

In September, Zhu Yuanzhang was furious because of the incident with the Champa envoys. He locked up Hu Weiyong and Wang Guangyang and wanted to punish them.

Hu Weiyong quickly pushed the blame onto the Ministry of Rites.

In October, Zhu Yuanzhang executed all the officials of the Ministry of Rites and only then released Hu Weiyong and Wang Guangyang.

But at the end of October, Tu Jie, the Chief Censor who was originally a member of Hu Weiyong's party, suddenly reported to the emperor for unknown reasons that Liu Bowen was poisoned to death by Hu Weiyong. Wang Guangyang knew about this.

Zhu Yuanzhang then questioned Wang Guangyang, but Wang Guangyang refused to admit it, so he was demoted to Hainan. While he was still on the way, within two days, Zhu Yuanzhang issued another letter to reprimand him.

In early November, more than ten days ago, Wang Guangyang committed suicide.

At that time, the entire Hu Weiyong party felt like the sky was falling. Everyone was in a panic, fearing that Zhu Yuanzhang would attack and settle accounts with them.

Unexpectedly, just over ten days later, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly fell ill, and the crown prince became regent, and nothing happened.

This made Hu Weiyong's party feel like they had arrived at the Lingxiao Palace from the Palace of Hell.

One underground, one heaven.

"Humph."

Hu Weiyong suddenly snorted coldly and said, "This villain Tu Jie actually dared to falsely accuse me. He will not die a good death."

Minister of Justice Lu Zongyi said: "Now Tu Jie has been imprisoned in the Imperial Court, and I am afraid he will make trouble in prison."

"Well"

Hu Weiyong pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty has his own laws. Besides, the prince can distinguish right from wrong, so he will not trust the words of a villain."

He said this, but he had made up his mind in his heart that he would find a way to find Mao Xiang, the assistant governor of the Yiluansi, tomorrow. No matter what method he used, he would see if he could make Tu Jie shut up forever.

For example, hanging oneself in prison is a common occurrence.

"Dad, the banquet is ready."

The butler came in to report.

No one paid attention to his strange name.

In the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang stipulated that no one except royal family members and nobles were allowed to own slaves. Therefore, the rich or powerful people at that time kept slaves by taking in fake children.

As a result, the servants in the mansion would not call the master or the head of the family, but would call the master and mistress father and mother.

The children of the host and hostess are called father and mother.

This custom was maintained until the end of the Ming Dynasty, when border generals in the army would also adopt slaves and servants as adopted sons to fight in battles, and the fighting power of these slaves and servants was often more courageous than that of the regular army of the imperial court.

"Ah."

Hearing the steward's words, Hu Weiyong nodded and said, "Come on, the weather is cold, it's a good time for a feast."

Everyone followed him to the backyard and had a great chat.

They ate and talked at the table. Soon, after three rounds of wine and five dishes, everyone said goodbye and left.

But the Minister of Personnel Chen Yu stayed and deliberately did not leave.

In the backyard house, Hu Weiyong was going to send everyone to the door and let the servants take them out of the house on his behalf.

But when he turned around, he saw Chen Yu was dawdling and not moving. He probably knew that he had something to ask him, so he deliberately asked, "Mingguang, do you have anything else to do?"

When Chen Yu saw that everyone had left, he said to Hu Weiyong in a coy voice, "I recently got some local products from my family, which are not valuable, and I want to present them to the Prime Minister."

As he spoke, he took out a small bag from his arms, opened it and took a look. Inside was shining gold, estimated to be three or four pounds.

"Cough cough."

Hu Weiyong coughed twice, closed the door, and said, "Since it is a worthless local product, it doesn't matter. I heard that your son is now a magistrate in Ji'an Prefecture."

"Yes Yes Yes."

Chen Yu quickly said: "His matter about the Tongpan"

"Tongpan?"

Hu Weiyong was surprised and said, "A fellow magistrate."

"what?"

Chen Yu was stunned at first, then he said happily: "The Prime Minister really gave me a surprise today."

Although he was the Minister of Personnel, the Ministry of Personnel did not have the power to directly mobilize officials at that time, and its influence on officials was limited to those below the fifth rank.

If one wanted to directly transfer and appoint officials, one had to go through the Secretariat, including the transfer documents issued by the Ministry of Personnel, which also had to be approved by the Secretariat.

So even though he was the Minister of Personnel, he could only ask Hu Weiyong to handle the transfer of his son.

He didn't expect Hu Weiyong to be so straightforward, which made him very happy.

"Recommending talented people to the court is my job."

Hu Weiyong said with a smile.

"Thank you, Prime Minister. Thank you, Prime Minister!"

Chen Yu thanked him repeatedly, put the gold bag on the table and said, "Then I will not bother you any more."

"I won't send it off. I'll go back and send the transfer document to the Secretariat."

Hu Weiyong returned to the table.

"Yes Yes Yes."

Chen Yu opened the door himself and went out to close it.

After he left, Hu Weiyong reached for the gold bag, tossed it upwards, and a smile appeared on his face.

Now that His Majesty is in poor health, the affairs of the court seem to be managed by the Crown Prince. However, the Crown Prince is still young after all, so we naturally have to rely on him for national affairs.

The transfer of officials in the court also had to go through him.

I believe it won’t be long before the scene of people crowding outside my house like before September returns.

(End of this chapter)