Ming Dynasty: Ask Zhu Yuanzhang to abdicate at the beginning

Chapter 280: His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is truly a genius never seen before!
The carriage rolled forward.

Zhu Yunhuan did not ask any further questions, and Gu Panjun did not continue speaking.

Some words should be kept in moderation.

Analyzing a person's psychology is essentially a cruel thing.

When you cut open the hearts of most people, they are neither white nor black, but gray.

To put it bluntly, it's neither that good nor that bad.

Everyone has his or her own little calculations in mind, which cannot be easily revealed to others.

Even parents and relatives are no exception.

This is also the reason why life is always acting.

After Xu Miaojin knew about Gu Panjun's existence, he suddenly treated her so well and even promised to let his brother, the Duke of Wei, Xu Hui, marry her as his wife.

No matter how you look at it, this matter is a bit puzzling.

Everything goes wrong for a reason.

Is it just because Gu Panjun is good-looking?

This reason is hard to believe.

Zhu Yunhuan thought of the Xu family in history, which was an example of betting on both sides.

Xu Miaoyun married Zhu Di, while Xu Huizu supported Emperor Jianwen.

Several of Xu Huizu's younger brothers were given important positions after Zhu Di became emperor, but Xu Huizu was the only one who was kept under house arrest.

But strangely, later on, Xu Huizu's son was rewarded by Zhu Di and became the hereditary Duke of Wei.

In other words, whether Emperor Jianwen or Zhu Di won the Jingnan Campaign, the foundation of the Xu family would not be shaken.

As for Xu Miaojin, it is said that after Xu Miaoyun's death, Zhu Di had always wanted to make her queen, but she refused.

Later, Xu Miaojing even became a nun, but Zhu Di could not stop thinking about her, so he never took another empress.

That's very interesting.

In his previous life, when Zhu Yunhuan read history books, he only regarded them as interesting stories.

Who knows what is true and what is false?

In history, there are too many things hidden in the fog.

But in this life, he himself was in the game and his feelings were different.

If it is true as Xu Miaojin said, that after Xu Da died and Xu Miaoyun got married, she has been the head of the Xu family, and all things were planned by her, then Xu Miaojin is definitely not as simple as she appears.

Since ancient times, it has never been a trivial matter for an emperor to choose a queen, but rather it involves the political arrangements of the court.

It can be said that one move affects the whole body.

It is also because of this that many emperors were unwilling to even have a queen.

It is not uncommon in history for the queen's throne to be vacant.

On the contrary, it is everywhere.

Even Qin Shi Huang, who swept across the six kingdoms and unified the world, never had a queen.

Yao Guangxiao, Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong and others arranged this move of Gu Panjun, but it was a clear plan, so it was not perfect.

If Zhu Yunhuan could see it, Xu Miaojin might be able to see it.

If she knew the truth but still deliberately went to the Gu family to propose marriage, then her true intentions would be very questionable.

There are no fools in the court.

Everyone in the court is a shrewd man.

Yang Shiqi said that he entered the court because he wanted to see the highest scenery and play chess with the smartest people in the world.

However, there are countless matters of all sizes in the court every day, and not every one of them is worth planning.

Many things are carried out in an orderly manner according to established rules.

As the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yunhuan had been in power for a long time and his position had become extremely solid.

Whoever he appoints as the Crown Princess will be the future Queen of the Ming Dynasty.

This is definitely a big deal and worth careful planning.

It is not surprising that various forces appear on the scene at this time.

"The Xu family is a founding father of the country." Zhu Yunhuan pondered, "Although the Xu family took the initiative to cancel the engagement, after all, they did so after being rejected. This is a loss of face. If it gets out, it will not be good for their reputation."

"People who don't know would think that I forced the Xu family to do this in order to snatch the woman."

"To properly handle this matter, we need to think of a foolproof solution."

Yang Rong quickly replied, "Your Highness, this matter..."

Before he could finish, Zhu Yunhuan interrupted him and said, "You don't need to say more."

He turned to Gu Panjun and smiled, "What suggestions do you have?"

This is the test.

If you can't even handle such a small matter, how can you help deal with the affairs of the harem in the future?
Yang Rong suddenly realized that he had said too much.

Gu Panjun blinked her bright eyes and smiled brilliantly: "Actually, Sister Xu has already given a solution. She said she wants to recognize me as her sister."

"If His Royal Highness the Crown Prince allows, I will go to the Xu family and formally become sworn brothers with Sister Xu."

What a great idea.

Yang Rong's eyes suddenly lit up.

If Gu Panjun recognized Xu Miaojing as his "adopted sister" and worshipped the late King of Zhongshan Xu Da as his "adopted father".

Then she would have another layer of relationship with the Xu family.

It would be an honor for the Xu family to marry His Royal Highness the Crown Prince again.

The matter of Xu Huizu breaking off the engagement can also be put behind us.

Gu Panjun, who originally had no foundation, now has the Xu family as his backer.

Moreover, this relationship is neither distant nor close.

The Xu family could not use this opportunity to become an external force to wield power, but they did enjoy some benefits, which could be considered the favor of the emperor.

This move is simple yet ingenious.

Yang Rong recalled his previous discussion with Yao Guangxiao and Yang Shiqi. Both of them said that although Gu Panjun grew up in the countryside, she had extraordinary knowledge and a smart and kind heart. Now it seems that this woman is indeed scheming.

"Okay, then let's do as you say." Zhu Yunhuan ordered, "Tell the driver to turn around and head to the Duke of Wei's mansion."

……

The Duke's Mansion of the State of Wei.

The inner court.

A tall and handsome man was reading a book in the pavilion.

He has an extraordinary demeanor and is extremely focused when reading, with no distractions.

This person is naturally the eldest son of King Zhongshan Xu Da, Xu Huizu, Duke of Wei of the Ming Dynasty.

There is a charcoal brazier in the pavilion, which adds a bit of warmth to the winter.

On the stone table in the pavilion, the four treasures of the study were placed, with a piece of white paper spread out on it. The ink had not yet dried, obviously it had been written not long ago.

He was the only one in the courtyard, with no maids or servants to serve him.

The setting sun shone its rays on the people in the pavilion. The yard was extremely quiet because it was winter and no insects or birds were seen. Only the low sounds of swords and sticks could be heard from the yard next door.

The sound was not loud, but very rhythmic.

It did not break the tranquility of the courtyard, but added a pleasant but not annoying tone to it.

People cannot be in an absolutely silent environment, as this will make them anxious and restless.

Mild environmental noise is very important to humans.

This is the yard in front of me.

Xu Huizu flipped through the book in his hand, immersed in it. The Xu family has a strict family tradition and a good way of educating children.

Different from other noble families, all the children of Xu family are outstanding, and none of them indulges in eating, drinking, playing and enjoying themselves.

outside room.

Xu Miaojin's carriage drove into the mansion and then he jumped off the carriage.

There were still traces of tears on her face, as if she had just cried.

The personal maid hurried forward to support her.

Xu Miaojin waved her hand and said, "You can go back to my place. I have something else to do. I need to go see my brother."

The maid looked worried: "Miss, are you okay? Do you want to..."

"I'm fine." Xu Miaojin forced a sad smile and said, "I just want to see my brother and explain the situation to him. I don't need anyone to accompany me."

The personal maid didn't dare to say anything more and bowed and left.

Xu Miaojin turned around and walked towards the courtyard where Xu Huizu was.

After she walked forward for dozens of steps and there was no one else around, the "sadness" on her face gradually disappeared.

The beautiful face gradually calmed down, and then the corners of her mouth slightly lifted up, revealing a happy smile.

Where is the sadness and sorrow I felt just now?
However, this look quickly disappeared.

Xu Miaojin walked to the gate of the yard, where there were six or seven people standing there waiting.

Seeing that it was the young lady coming, everyone hurriedly bowed.

Xu Miaojin gestured slightly, then pushed open the gate, stepped into the yard, and instructed:
"I have something to discuss with my brother. You are to stay outside and guard. No one is allowed to leave for even a moment without permission, and no one is allowed to enter the courtyard. Do you understand?"

The girl's voice was not loud, but it was as melodious as the sound of a yellow oriole, extremely pleasant to the ear. However, it also concealed a murderous aura like that of a female general who had fought in the battlefield and had experienced hundreds of battles. It was majestic to the ear.

Everyone was startled and responded quickly.

Xu Miaojin just walked into the courtyard, then turned around and closed the gate herself.

The yard is quite large.

From the gate of the courtyard, follow the path forward for dozens of steps, and go around the shade of the trees. Suddenly, the view opens up and you can see the pavilion in the courtyard and Xu Huizu, the Duke of Wei, who is reading a book in the pavilion.

At this time, there were no traces of tears on Xu Miaojin's face.

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, her delicate face like goose fat made her look like an angel from heaven, but more lively and agile than an angel.

She looked very happy and cheerful, and said with a smile: "Brother, why have you been studying all these days, and not practicing martial arts with the other brothers?"

The Xu family was large and prosperous, and Xu Da had four sons and four daughters.

In addition to Xu Miaoyun marrying Zhu Di and becoming the Princess of Yan, the second daughter was also canonized as the Princess of Dai Zhu Gui.

Xu Miaojing is the third daughter and has a younger sister who is still young.

Among the four sons, the second one died early.

Xu Huizu now has two younger brothers.

The faint sound of the dance of swords and sticks was made by the two of them.

The Xu family is a noble family. It was thanks to Xu Da who led troops to fight on the battlefield, fought bloody battles and gained military merits that they achieved their current status.

Therefore, compared with literary talent, the Xu family attaches more importance to martial arts.

Xu Huizu practiced martial arts since he was young. He was very good at horseback riding and archery, and was known as the "archer".

With a long spear in his hand, a dozen or so people could not get close to him.

Of course, for noble families, learning to read and write is also a must.

However, they are not as proficient as those from civil servant families who specialize in literary talent.

After all, there are specialties in the art industry.

When it comes to poetry and writing, family traditions are very important.

Some children from families of poetry and literature may have read so many books and memorized so many poems before the age of ten that many people may never be able to achieve that level in their entire lives.

Hearing this, Xu Huizu put down the book in his hand and said with a smile: "Times have changed."

"Since His Royal Highness the Crown Prince invented new guns and rapid-fire cannons and ordered the Ming Manufacturing Bureau to mass produce them, the era of relying on passion and charging forward with swords in hand has come to an end."

"I felt this deeply when I was studying at the Daming Military Academy."

"The future mode of warfare will inevitably undergo earth-shaking changes."

"His Royal Highness has pioneered another branch of science. Under the guidance of the Ming Academy of Sciences, the Ming Manufacturing Bureau has made multiple iterations of improvements to the original guns."

"The power of guns is increasing. Coupled with the popularity of rapid-fire cannons and shrapnel shells, the mode of warfare has completely changed."

"Before, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince led his army to annihilate the Japanese pirates and conquer Japan. Zhang Fu and Zhu Neng swept across the northern desert and defeated the Northern Yuan Dynasty in one battle. They all relied on advanced weapons and new tactics and methods."

"No matter what martial arts you practice in the future, or even the traditional deployment of troops, I'm afraid it will be useless in fighting."

Xu Huizu sighed softly and said, "If you want to lead troops in battle in the future, you must learn new tactics and methods."

"A lot of the knowledge we had before has become useless."

"I can only start from scratch, so naturally I have to put in some effort and read more books."

Xu Miaojin was smart and had read a lot of books, including some on military affairs. She also liked to show off her military prowess and often went out to meet people in military uniform. But she was a girl after all and had never actually led troops, so her feelings were naturally not as deep as Xu Huizu's.

Her eyes fell on the book that Xu Huizu had just read. She saw the words "Ten Military Principles" written on the cover of the book.

Next to it was another thicker book with the words "On War" written on it.

Xu Miaojin had heard of both of these books.

It is said that they were the teaching materials written by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince himself when he was lecturing at the Ming Military Academy.

All the contents written are summarized based on the combat characteristics of muskets and artillery.

As soon as these two books were published, they caused a great sensation.

The students of the Ming Military Academy are all veterans who have been through many battles and are naturally experts in knowing what is good.

As soon as I saw it, I was amazed by its extraordinary content.

Later, Zhang Fu and Zhu Neng led an expedition to the northern desert and pacified the Northern Yuan Dynasty, proving to the world that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's tactics and strategies were not just talk.

My brother highly praised these two books and would study them all night long and couldn't put them down.

"Will practicing martial arts be of no use in the future? Will all the military books I learned in the past be read in vain?" She still didn't quite believe it.

"That's not necessarily true." Xu Huizu shook his head and said, "Practicing martial arts can strengthen the body, which is very useful for marching and fighting."

"Without a good physique, soldiers cannot run and fight, and many tactics and strategies cannot be deployed."

"Even if it is commanding an army to fight, the energy consumed is not something that ordinary people can bear."

"If you don't keep fit, it won't work."

"However, it is difficult to rely on martial arts to kill enemies and gain merit as before."

"The guns from the Manufacturing Bureau are becoming more and more powerful."

“I saw it with my own eyes.”

"No matter how skilled you are in martial arts, one bullet can put you down immediately."

"As for the military books and tactics I read before."

Xu Huizu changed the subject and said, "Strategies and ideas on military operations such as The Art of War are still useful."

"After all, no matter how things change, they still remain essentially the same."

"No matter what weapons you use, you still have to use the strategies you need."

"It's just that the methods of deploying troops that I learned before, such as the Two Dragons Emerging from the Water Formation, the Three Elements of Heaven and Earth Formation, the Four Gates Fighting the Earth Formation... are all based on weapons such as bows and arrows, spears and swords, and shields and armor."

"In this era of widespread gun use and rapid-fire cannons and blooming cannons, they are no longer useful."

"If the generals still stick to the old ways and try to fight against guns and cannons with shields and spears, it would be like a three-year-old child challenging a tiger with a stick, which would only add to the joke."

When he said this, he could not help but sigh softly, "Your Highness the Crown Prince is truly a rare talent that has never been seen in the history of the world. There has never been such a talent in the past ten thousand years."

……

(End of this chapter)