Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 116: Fang Xiaoru wants to clear his name? Luo Guanzhong's past, Zhu Yunhuan's plan!

"A gentleman can be deceived by his own methods!"

In the Prince of Wu's palace, Zhu Yunhuan was all smiles.

Yao Guangxiao stroked his beard and said: "Fang Xiaoru is a man of great learning and integrity, which is admirable."

Yang Shiqi kept shaking his head.

As a disciple of Confucianism and reading the same books of sages, he disagreed with Fang Xiaoru's actions.

Unlike outsiders, Yang Shiqi knew very well that Fang Xiaoru was not afraid of death, nor was he bribed by the King of Wu.

He just sticks to his own way and doesn't know how to adapt.

The question raised by Zhu Yunhuan happened to be the "truth" that he recognized, so Fang Xiaoru acknowledged it very frankly.

To outsiders, this was "ironclad evidence" that he supported King Wu and betrayed King Xian.

If Yang Shiqi were in their shoes, he would definitely not just stick to his own opinion but fail to find flexibility.

However, Fang Xiaoru's actions did objectively help Zhu Yunhuan.

Although Yang Shiqi laughed at Fang Xiaoru's pedantry in his heart, he was happy about it.

Yao Guangxiao suggested: "Your Highness the Prince of Wu may be able to strike while the iron is hot and try to add fuel to the fire to win over Fang Xiaoru."

"This person has a very high reputation among the scholars. If he switches sides and helps Your Highness, Your Highness's reputation among the scholars of the world will be greatly improved."

Zhu Yunhuan laughed and said, "Among the scholars of the world, what kind of reputation do I have? Even if I improve it, it won't be that high."

Although he only wrote a poem and a couplet, scholars all over the world recognized that he had some talent.

But that's all.

Because the Da Ming Daily was written entirely in vernacular Chinese, it was denounced by countless scholars as being vulgar.

Of course, this does not affect their daily subscription and reading of the Ming Daily.

Cursing is one thing, watching is another, they are two different things.

Zhu Yunhuan's style of doing things is completely different from the Confucian requirement of "humility and respect".

Any scholar who has heard of what he did would hardly help shaking his head.

A good reputation among scholars?

To Zhu Yunhuan, it simply did not exist.

However, according to the information gathered by the Intelligence Bureau, many heroes in the martial arts world and outlaws were full of praise for him.

It is believed that the King of Wu is straightforward, heroic, daring and never pretentious. If he were in the martial arts world, he would definitely be a well-known hero!
"If Fang Xiaoru is willing to become my disciple, I will be willing to pay a fortune for his bones, even though he is not very useful." Zhu Yunhuan said, "I am afraid that no matter how poor he is, he will not become my disciple."

Yao Guangxiao smiled and said, "I just cherish his talent because it is not easy for him to study. If he is unwilling, I cannot force him."

The demon monk with a Buddha face sighed softly: "With his influence among scholars, if he can't be used by His Royal Highness the King of Wu, then kill him."

……

Fang Xiaoru woke up slowly.

When I opened my eyes, I saw Huang Zicheng sitting beside the bed with a complicated expression.

He suddenly reached out and grabbed the other person, saying, "Brother Huang, you must believe me."

"I have never colluded with the King of Wu or betrayed the King of Xian."

"I swear to heaven and earth, and to the saints!"

Huang Zicheng looked at him and sighed softly.

He suddenly broke free from Fang Xiaoru's hand and stood up.

"I believe you? But how can I believe you?"

"Yesterday at the Military Academy, you answered King Wu's question in front of everyone. Everyone heard it clearly."

"You openly support the King of Wu, and this is not an injustice to you!"

He roared in anger, his voice roaring like thunder.

The sound was so strong that the windows were rattling.

Fang Xiaoru denied it repeatedly: "Where did this come from?"

“What I support is only the words of the saints and the teachings of the saints.”

"I have never said a word that I support the King of Wu taking the King of Yan, the Duke of Liang and other meritorious generals as disciples."

Huang Zicheng sneered: "Is there any difference?"

"You've already said that elders can take younger people as their teachers. In the eyes of the world, isn't this just waving the flag for King Wu and clearly supporting King Wu?"

Officials in the court and scholars all over the world opposed Zhu Yunhuan's actions. The biggest reason was the order of seniority.

As a junior, Zhu Yunhuan could not accept the elders as his disciples.

As a result, Fang Xiaoru stood up to interpret the scriptures - according to the saints, elders can worship younger generations as their teachers!

If the scholars continue to oppose it, they would be opposing the saint!
Which scholar dares to oppose a saint?
"No, absolutely not!" Fang Xiaoru denied it flatly: "There is no order of learning, the one who is more accomplished is the teacher."

"The elders can take the younger ones as their teachers. This is the teaching of the saints."

"But the prerequisite is that this junior must be knowledgeable and have high moral character, far superior to that of the elders."

"The King of Wu is rude and disrespectful, has little knowledge, no talent and no virtue. What qualifications does he have to be the teacher of the world's military commanders?"

"He has never been on the battlefield and has no combat experience."

"I have never written a brilliant article, nor have I ever had a talent that is unrivaled in the world."

"He has not read the Art of War and the military books, and has not learned the true teachings of Sun Tzu."

"He...he...he doesn't deserve it at all!"

Huang Zicheng sneered: "What's the point of you telling me this now?"

"Why didn't you make it clear at the time?"

"Are you afraid of the power of the King of Wu and afraid of death, so you only told half of it on purpose?"

Fang Xiaoru was about to speak out to defend himself. It was not that he did not want to speak, but Zhu Yunhuan did not give him the opportunity to speak. At this time, Huang Zicheng changed the subject and sighed:

"Although the King of Wu is arrogant, reckless and rude, he is still quite talented."

"If we ignore the seniority and ethics, he is not necessarily unqualified to be the teacher of those generals."

"The teachings of the saints you mentioned just helped him find the reason."

Fang Xiaoru said angrily: "What kind of talent can a young boy like you have?"

"Don't be scared by his poem."

"I specifically asked his former teacher, and he said that the King of Wu was not very talented."

“The level of the poems he wrote was also very low.”

"If we say that his personality changed drastically due to the shock of the Crown Prince's death, it would still make sense."

"If you say that he can write amazing poetry overnight, I don't believe it at all."

"In my opinion, the lyrics of his poem about the snowy scene at the Great Wall were probably written by someone else and he memorized them."

"As for the couplet at the end, it was written by His Majesty in order to enhance his reputation."

"This kid doesn't have that kind of talent at all!"

Huang Zicheng's eyes flickered slightly, and a gleam of brilliance suddenly lit up in his eyes.

In fact, he was also very confused about this.

Fang Xiaoru privately found an opportunity to ask Zhu Yunhuan's former teacher, and why didn't Huang Zicheng ask the same question?

He even looked through the poems Zhu Yunhuan had written in the past.

The level of those poems is so low that it can be described as "unbearable to look at".

There is a huge gap between him and Prince Xian Zhu Yunwen, let alone being compared with the poem and couplet he wrote.

However, the topic he asked that day was indeed something he came up with on the spur of the moment.

If Zhu Yunhuan just happened to have someone prepare that poem in advance, it would be too much of a coincidence.

After Fang Xiaoru's "betrayal", Zhu Yunwen also began to suspect Huang Zicheng.

Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yunhuan had been "brothers" for many years, so Zhu Yunwen knew him very well and was well aware of the level of the poems and articles Zhu Yunhuan had written in the past.

But when Huang Zicheng gave Zhu Yunhuan a topic to compose a poem, he wrote a stunning work, which is too unbelievable.

In the past, Zhu Yunwen never doubted his teacher.

I couldn't figure it out after much thinking.

Now, being "backstabbed" by Fang Xiaoru, Huang Zicheng was also questioned.

Could it be that he and Zhu Yunhuan had colluded?

Therefore, when Huang Zicheng went to Prince Xian's mansion to see him, he asked him angrily.

Huang Zicheng had no way to express his grievances, so he could only leave Prince Xian's mansion temporarily, hoping to wait until Zhu Yunwen's anger subsided before doing anything else.

He happened to meet Fang Xiaoru who had fainted in front of the palace gate. Thinking of their past friendship, he brought him back.

Hearing Fang Xiaoru's words, Huang Zicheng pondered and said, "If that's the case, you can set up a trap to expose his true colors."

"Only in this way can you show your loyalty to King Xian and prove that you have never betrayed King Xian."

Fang Xiaoru was cheered up.

This is a way.

If he could reveal the truth that the King of Wu was incompetent but had deceived the world for fame, the suspicion of him betraying King Xian would be completely cleared.

In the eyes of the people of the world, he is still the dignified and loyal Fang Xiaoru!

"Okay!" Fang Xiaoru replied.

Then he frowned again: "To make King Wu show his true colors, we need to find a suitable opportunity, which may not be easy."

Given Zhu Yunhuan's status and position, they couldn't just set random questions for him.

What's more, the King of Wu told everyone that poetry, songs and prose were minor arts and that he himself did not write poetry normally.

I don't even talk about poetry or songs with these scholars.

"There is a ready-made opportunity right now!" Huang Zicheng said with a smile, "I heard that there is a man named Luo Guanzhong who invited a group of scholars to the Juxian Restaurant in the city today. They drank together and talked about ancient and modern events, which attracted many people to come and watch."

"Luo Guanzhong?" Fang Xiaoru immediately thought of a person in his mind and asked, "The Luo Guanzhong who likes to write legendary stories?"

At this time, Luo Guanzhong was already very old.

Although he had never taken part in the imperial examinations, he had some fame among the scholars in the early Ming Dynasty because he had been writing books.

Fang Xiaoru had also heard of this person.

However, in the eyes of orthodox literati like Fang Xiaoru, Luo Guanzhong did not study the teachings of sages in depth, but was obsessed with writing legendary stories. He was a person who was not doing his job properly and was not worthy of being in the upper class.

Of course, he had no contact with people like Luo Guanzhong.

When I suddenly heard Huang Zicheng mention it, I couldn't help but feel a little confused.

What does this matter have to do with the King of Wu?
Huang Zicheng explained: "I heard that King Wu likes to read some legendary stories on weekdays, and he even asked people to collect them."

"Aren't there many similar stories in the Ming Daily, which he runs?"

Fang Xiaoru snorted coldly.

For many readers, reading legendary stories to kill time after meals is also a pleasure in life.

However, if one indulges in it and does not delve into the Four Books and Five Classics and the teachings of the sages, then that is typical dereliction of duty!

Fang Xiaoru himself would occasionally take a look at them, but he despised them in his heart.

"When the King of Wu heard that Luo Guanzhong was coming to Jinling City, he went to Juxian Tower in person, saying that he had always admired this man and wanted to meet him."

"You should hurry up and go there now. You may even be able to meet King Wu in Juxian Tower."

Huang Zicheng stroked his beard and said with a smile, "It's a gathering of literati and scholars, and he claims to admire Luo Guanzhong. You can take this opportunity to ask him questions and embarrass him, and expose in public the truth that he has no real talent or knowledge."

"This will not only deal a huge blow to the King of Wu's reputation, but will also clear you of the suspicion of defecting to him!"

"Great!" Fang Xiaoru stood up and bowed deeply: "Thank you, Brother Huang, for your advice! If I succeed in this trip, I will never forget your kindness today."

Huang Zicheng refused his greeting and said coldly, "When you really do something that will bring disgrace upon the King of Wu, it will not be too late to come and pay homage to me again."

"Otherwise, I, Huang, will never be able to bear the worship of a traitor!"

……

Juxian Building.

This building is located in the northern part of Jinling City, not far from the Yangtze River.

Because the building is built high, you can overlook the Yangtze River when standing on the top floor, and the scenery is excellent.

When Fang Xiaoru rushed to the Juxian Tower, he saw a large number of soldiers who had already surrounded the building.

No outsiders are allowed to approach.

Since Zhu Yunhuan was assassinated last time, his precautions when traveling have been greatly strengthened.

After hearing the news about Luo Guanzhong today, Zhu Yunhuan was so excited that he rushed over, wanting to meet this legendary "King of Ancient Novels".

The Jinyiwei were ordered to surround the Jixian Tower in advance, and only outsiders were allowed to leave, not enter.

At this time, Zhu Yunhuan was in the Juxian Tower, sitting opposite Luo Guanzhong. Looking at the old man in front of him, he felt inexplicably dazed.

The historical records do not specify the year of Luo Guanzhong's birth and death.

Some records say that he died in the 23rd year of Hongwu, while others say that he lived until the Jianwen period.

Unlike outside, the guards inside are not very strict.

After all, it was impossible for anyone to know in advance that Zhu Yunhuan would come here today, and it was impossible for a killer to be lurking in advance.

As long as the outside is surrounded, there will be a group of scholars inside and several personal guards who are enough to protect his safety.

"I have long admired Mr. Luo's name. I came here today to invite him to write a legendary story for the Ming Daily."

As soon as these words were spoken, Luo Guanzhong's face immediately showed an expression of excitement.

What is the identity of the King of Wu?
He personally invited me, which is an honor that many people cannot dream of.

Novel writers like Luo Guanzhong certainly hope that their novels can be recited by thousands of people.

However, even though he possessed superb writing skills, he was restricted by the times and his novels, although quite famous, were still not widely circulated.

It is incomparable to newspapers like the Da Ming Daily, which prints hundreds of thousands of copies every day.

If it could be serialized in the Ming Daily...

But soon, Luo Guanzhong shook his head.

"I am deeply grateful for your kindness, Your Highness the King of Wu, but I am used to being free..."

"Mr. Luo just went to the newspaper to write articles and was not subject to any restrictions." Zhu Yunhuan was unwilling to let him go.

As a disciple of Shi Nai'an, Luo Guanzhong not only wrote "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", but also participated in the creation of "Water Margin".

He also wrote works such as "Chronicles of the Sui and Tang Dynasties", "Chronicles of the Late Tang and Five Dynasties" and "Chronicles of the Three Exterminations and Suppression of Demons".

Some have been lost in the long river of history.

The most famous one is "Romance of the Three Kingdoms", but there are actually many different versions.

It was not until people in later generations sorted and compiled it and revised the text that the most widely circulated version came into being.

If he could be allowed to write for the Da Ming Daily at this time, the original appearance of the famous work would be obtained.

Besides, the daily front-page headline of the Ming Daily - The Legend of the Hongwu Emperor - is in need of an author who can carry the banner.

Although it is written quite well now, Lao Zhu still likes it very much.

But if Luo Guanzhong were to write it, it would definitely be more exciting, more fascinating, and more pleasing to Zhu.

After all, when it comes to writing novels, Lao Luo is the most professional.

Zhu Yunhuan had already made his plan, so how could he let Luo Guanzhong leave?

Seeing that he actually refused his invitation, Zhu Yunhuan simply threw out his trump card.

"Mr. Luo, are you worried that you once served under Zhang Shicheng and might be reported, so you don't participate in the imperial examinations and stay away from the court, and therefore you refuse my invitation?"

……

(End of this chapter)