Ming Dynasty: Pick up attributes from the battlefield to create the Ming Dynasty

a few days later.

Inside the Fengtian Hall, members of the imperial family gathered.

It can be said that, apart from Zhu Di and Zhu Shuang, who were imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Court, all the other members of the Zhu imperial family were present.

With the New Year approaching, Zhu Yuanzhang specially convened a banquet for the imperial family.

In the 28th year of the Hongwu reign, the Ming Dynasty achieved considerable development, and Zhu Yuanzhang naturally wanted to celebrate it.

At the highest position in the Fengtian Hall, the three figures remained: Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, and Zhu Ying, grandfather and grandson.

In the picture, Zhu Yuanzhang sits on the throne in the middle, with Zhu Biao and Zhu Ying on either side.

Such seating arrangement is sufficient to demonstrate the current distribution of imperial power in the Ming Dynasty.

Three dragons in court, solemn and domineering.

After arriving at the Fengtian Hall, these members of the Zhu imperial family paid their respects to Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, and Zhu Ying respectively.

Although some of these princes were of a higher generation than Zhu Ying and were basically his uncles, Zhu Ying was, after all, the grandson of the Ming emperor, so these princes and uncles naturally had to pay him respects.

Soon, after the greetings were given, the palace maids began to serve delicious dishes and fine wines.

Since the Ming Dynasty now has a very large territory, the food served at the banquet is naturally diverse in style.

It features Anhui cuisine, which Zhu Yuanzhang loved, as well as Shandong cuisine, which was mainly served at state banquets, roasted mutton from northern Xinjiang, and a variety of high-quality seafood.

After all the delicacies were served, Zhu Yuanzhang stood up from his dragon throne and said to the many members of the Zhu family in the hall, "The New Year is just around the corner. Today is both a state banquet and a family banquet, so please don't stand on ceremony."

After Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, the banquet officially began.

The palace maids, with light and graceful steps, immediately filled the wine cups for the Zhu family members who had come of age.

At the same time, the court musicians also began to play melodious music.

The entire banquet was quite grand and solemn.

Once the banquet began, the atmosphere was equally lively, with some of the younger princes playing and frolicking among themselves in the Fengtian Hall, creating quite a commotion.

In contrast, most of the vassal kings looked uneasy, even fearful.

These feudal lords were experiencing a complex mix of emotions at that moment.

As the Ming Dynasty grew stronger, it continuously expanded its territory and the population also increased.

In reality, the strength of the Ming Dynasty had almost nothing to do with these vassal kings.

After all, these vassal kings in the Ming Dynasty are basically just figureheads; they have no power or influence of their own.

Naturally, they couldn't get a share of the spoils when the Ming Dynasty was at its peak!

but.

Each of them can still enjoy wealth and luxury.

After all, these princes were all relatives of Zhu Ying. Apart from Zhu Di and Zhu Shuang, Zhu Ying still gave the other princes a lot of face and provided them with a large amount of money...

Nevertheless.

Some of these feudal lords still harbored resentment; it could be said that they longed to return to their former status.

But everyone knows in their hearts that these fantasies are just fantasies and will never come true.

After all, with Zhu Ying's arrival, the Ming Dynasty had completely embarked on the path to prosperity. Not only did Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty have great trust in Zhu Ying, but all the people of the Ming Dynasty also supported Zhu Ying.

As long as Zhu Ying is alive, these vassal kings will naturally never be able to gain power.

Therefore, during such a grand banquet, many vassal kings seemed to be able to drink alone in silence, using this method to vent their dissatisfaction.

Of course, not all the vassal kings were unhappy.

For example, Zhu Quan, Zhu Bai, and Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Ying trusted these princes quite a bit, and even gave them some extremely important positions.

Currently, Zhu Quan serves as the deputy of the Royal Bank, in charge of the financial power of the Ming Dynasty Royal Bank. This position is practically the purse strings of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Quan was able to take the position largely because of Zhu Ying's trust and recommendation.

Zhu Quan proved himself quite capable. Since becoming the deputy of the Ming Royal Bank, he worked diligently every day and remained loyal to Zhu Ying.

They have also achieved considerable political success.

He was considered one of Zhu Ying's favorites.

As for Zhu Bai, he is currently the head of the military workshop, in charge of the construction of weapons for the Ming Dynasty, which is also an extremely important official position.

After all, the Ming Dynasty is now a nation with abundant martial virtue, and military strength is its foundation.

Weapons are naturally of paramount importance.

Zhu Ying's ability to appoint Zhu Bai as the head of the Ming Dynasty's military workshops was naturally based on trust.

Judging from his performance over the past few years, Zhu Bai, like Zhu Quan, has worked very hard every day and has not let Zhu Ying down.

In addition, Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Ying's younger brother, is also deeply trusted by Zhu Ying and currently serves as the manager of the Alchemy Hall.

Once the banquet began, these individuals appeared quite relaxed and lively.

Zhu Quan even took the initiative to hold up a wine glass and toast Zhu Ying.

In terms of their relationship, Zhu Quan was Zhu Ying's uncle, but when he communicated with Zhu Ying, he still addressed him as His Highness the Imperial Grandson, in order to express his respect for Zhu Ying.

"The Ming Dynasty is developing so rapidly now, and the people are living in peace and contentment. This is all thanks to His Highness the Grandson, His Highness the Crown Prince, and Father Emperor."

"May the Ming Dynasty make even greater progress in the new year! I'll drink to that first!"

After Zhu Quan finished speaking, he immediately drank the wine in his glass in one gulp.

Zhu Ying nodded slightly and said, "The Ming Dynasty belongs to the Zhu family, and the future of the Ming Dynasty will naturally require the efforts of our whole family."

After saying that, Zhu Ying also drank the wine cup in one gulp.

Afterwards, Zhu Quan toasted Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao separately.

Seeing this, the other princes followed Zhu Quan's example and began to toast Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, and Zhu Ying.

Soon, after several rounds of drinks, most of the vassal kings were also flushed.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao, who had already cultivated the "True Dragon Qi," were not affected at all. Clearly, given their current physical condition, no matter how much alcohol they drank, it would have no effect.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang was not drunk, he was naturally quite gratified to see his clansmen enjoying themselves in the hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang then raised his wine cup and began to speak eloquently to the crowd.

"Our Great Ming Dynasty is now the strongest nation in the world!"

"This year, we destroyed the Japanese islands, pacified the southeast, attacked the South Seas, and swept through Korea! The territory of the Ming Dynasty has become the largest in the history of the Central Plains!" "We are naturally very excited!"

"I hope that everyone will contribute to the development of the Ming Dynasty in the new year!"

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang drank it all in one gulp.

after that.

Zhu Yuanzhang then praised Zhu Ying to everyone, saying in a loud voice, "We know very well that the reason why the Ming Dynasty is now able to dominate the world is because of Xiong Ying's greatest contribution!"

"Come, let's pay tribute to the hero together!"

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang raised his wine cup again and toasted Zhu Ying. Then everyone shouted "Long live the Ming Dynasty!"

After drinking quite a bit, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao rewarded Zhu Ying's children with many gifts, creating a very pleasant atmosphere.

Among them, Zhu Yuanzhang's most beloved great-grandson was Zhu Wenxi, the eldest son of Zhu Ying.

The reason is simply that Zhu Wenxi is Zhu Ying's eldest son.

In addition, Zhu Yuanzhang could also sense that although Zhu Wenxi had not yet grown up, he had already shown a lot of imperial aura, and in terms of his conduct and dealings with others, he even resembled Zhu Ying.

Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang naturally loved her very much.

Zhu Yuanzhang held Zhu Wenxi in his arms, then gently rubbed Zhu Wenxi's forehead and said kindly, "Xi'er, today is the end of the year. Tell me, what do you want?"

After thinking for a moment, Zhu Wenxi said in a childish voice, "Three things for my great-grandson!"

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang quickly asked, "Tell me about it!"

"First, my great-grandson wants the Ming Dynasty to last for ten thousand generations; second, he wants the Ming Dynasty to unify the world; and finally, he wants the people of the Ming Dynasty to live in prosperity, with no more poor peasants!"

When Zhu Wenxi expressed his New Year's wish, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled happily.

"Alright! We'll definitely grant all three of your wishes!"

……

On the other side...

Zhu Bai also came with a wine glass to drink with Zhu Yunwen.

After the two had a few drinks, Zhu Bai suddenly asked Zhu Yunwen, "Yunwen, how much do you know about the three Zhu brothers?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen sneered and said, "Uncle, why are you asking about their business? I advise you to mind your own business."

Zhu Bai quickly replied, "I have no time for such things. It's just that today is a gathering of my royal family, and I'm only curious because I didn't see the three Zhu brothers."

After hearing Zhu Bai's explanation, Zhu Yunwen slowly said, "Uncle, I don't know much about the current situation of these three guys. I only heard that they have been exiled to Qiongzhou."

“These three guys are all pampered and spoiled. Qiongzhou is a long way away. If they don’t die along the way, they will at least be skinned alive.”

"However, they can't blame anyone else for their current predicament; they can only blame themselves."

Upon seeing this, Zhu Bai immediately whispered to Zhu Yunwen, "From what I understand, Zhu Yunwen has already arrived in Qiongzhou, but he has completely become an ordinary person. He even spends his days planting crops in the fields and fishing by the sea."

As soon as Zhu Bai finished speaking, Zhu Yunwen looked puzzled and quickly asked, "Uncle, how did you know about these things?"

Zhu Bai smiled slightly, patted Zhu Yunwen on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "Your Imperial Uncle naturally has his own methods, so you don't need to worry about that."

Upon hearing what Zhu Bai said, Zhu Yunwen's expression immediately turned serious. He whispered to Zhu Bai, "Uncle, please don't ask any unsolicited questions."

"Now that you are in charge of the Ming Dynasty's military industry and are deeply trusted by His Highness the Crown Prince, if you worry too much about Zhu Yunwen, you may bring trouble upon yourself."

Faced with Zhu Yunwen's well-intentioned reminder, Zhu Bai immediately said, "Yunwen, you can rest assured. Your Imperial Uncle knows what he's doing and would never do anything to betray the Ming Dynasty."

"By the way, where is this Lü family member now?" Zhu Bai asked again in a low voice.

Upon hearing the name of Lady Lü, Zhu Yunwen shook his head and said, "I really don't know anything about Lady Lü."

"Perhaps, only my eldest brother knows right now."

"Why don't you ask your older brother?"

Upon hearing Zhu Yunwen's reply, Zhu Bai hurriedly shook his head and said, "Let's forget about it. This is a small matter, so there's no need to bother His Highness the Imperial Grandson."

At this time.

Some dancers also came to the main hall and began to dance gracefully to the accompaniment of various musical instruments. Some of the vassal kings, seeing this, put down their wine cups and focused their attention on the dancers.

As for Zhu Ying, he didn't have time to appreciate it; instead, he was discussing the development of the Ming Dynasty next year with his father.

Soon, after the dancers finished their performance, the banquet came to an end.

At this time.

King Zhu Su of Zhou suddenly stood up and walked to the center of the hall.

Zhu Su was the fifth son of Zhu Yuanzhang and the younger brother of Zhu Di.

The reason he suddenly stood in front of everyone was to plead with Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, and Zhu Ying to let him see his fourth brother, Zhu Di.

Suddenly, Zhu Su knelt before Zhu Yuanzhang and his two grandsons, and said in a trembling voice, "Father, at this time of year, I have a request to make of you!"

After Prince Zhu Su finished speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly put down his wine cup and said expressionlessly, "Tell me about it."

"Father, seeing the Ming imperial family gathered together in this Fengtian Hall, I naturally feel happy and harmonious. However, I can't help but think of my fourth brother."

"Since today is a gathering of our royal family, I miss my second and fourth brothers very much. I beg Father to allow me to visit my two elder brothers at the Imperial Clan Court."

Zhu Yuanzhang did not immediately express his opinion, but instead looked at Zhu Biao and Zhu Ying beside him.

Zhu Su was well aware that this matter required the consent of Zhu Biao and Zhu Ying, so he continued to kneel in the main hall and pleaded with Zhu Biao and Zhu Ying.

"Your Highness, Your Highness the Crown Prince, although my second and fourth brothers did some foolish things before, they are still members of the Zhu family. Now that the year is coming to an end, I only ask to say a few words to my two brothers and express my longing. I ask Your Highness, Your Highness the Crown Prince, to grant my request."

As soon as Zhu Su finished speaking, Zhu Gang, the third son of the Prince of Jin, also stepped forward.

Zhu Gang then turned to Zhu Yuanzhang and wept bitterly, expressing his feelings for Zhu Di and Zhu Shuang.

"Father, my second brother and fourth brother have been imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Court for quite some time now. Today is the end of the year, and I would like to see them and express my brotherly affection!"

"I also ask Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness the Imperial Grandson to grant us this opportunity. I believe that my second and fourth brothers have already reformed themselves and realized their mistakes during their time at the Imperial Clan Court. I urge Father, Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness the Imperial Grandson to give them another chance."

Gradually.

More and more princes began to step forward, pleading with Zhu Shuang and Zhu Di for a meeting with them that day.

After all, most of the princes had some affection for Zhu Shuang and Zhu Di, and they were also well aware that Zhu Yuanzhang certainly hoped to see the brothers get along.

Furthermore, with Prince Zhou, Zhu Su, and Prince Jin, Zhu Gang, having spoken out first, if Zhu Yuanzhang truly does not allow it, then these princes who speak out later will not suffer much loss.

...(End of this chapter)