Ming Dynasty: The Crocodile King of Han Prince Zhu Gaoxu's Family

Chapter 18 Dad, what can you use to win?
"I know you don't believe me, Dad. Let's discuss this and see how big your chances of winning are. Let's also show you why grandpa suppresses, fears and distrusts uncle." Zhu Zhanhe looked at his father with a complicated expression. He couldn't bear to say it, but he had to wake his father up, so he continued.

"Dad, please listen carefully. I will explain it from several aspects and see if what I say makes sense.

First: the influence of the civil service. Since the Yongle era, all local officials have either come from my uncle's family or been promoted by him through the imperial examinations. The connections are self-evident. It can be said that the entire civil service system of the Ming Dynasty is now entirely composed of my uncle's people! Add to that my grandfather's frequent military campaigns, and my uncle handles all the affairs of the court. So, who has the final say now, my uncle or my grandfather? This is also my grandfather's concern. And you have no advantage in this area! Because you have no support from the civil service. How can you govern the country without civil servants? Dad?
Second: Military power. Grandfather holds all the military power in the Ming Dynasty. Of course, you, Dad, have fought for years and have your own deployments. But don't forget, Grandfather has always personally mentored Brother Zhanji, and he knows all the military personnel. Add to that Uncle's benevolent rule, and whose side will they side with at the critical moment? Grandfather has absolute say in this matter. Between you and Uncle, you have a slight advantage over Uncle, but only slightly. And Grandfather can revoke your military power at any time! Do you understand?!

Third: Grandfather's approval. Dad, let me presume to say this: Grandfather was born into a military family, has a military mindset, and governs the country with a pure military approach. And my uncle has been favored by my great-grandfather since he was young, and even served with him as regent for a short time. He's a classic example of governing the country through civil means, and his strengths and weaknesses complement my grandfather's military approach. The two of them work together very well. Grandfather understands this very well, which is why he's allowed my uncle to be regent, not you or Third Uncle!
Moreover, our family is of rebellious origin. Even if we don't consider the personal ability of the eldest uncle, grandpa will only choose the eldest uncle for the sake of orderly inheritance of future generations, not to mention that there is also the emperor brother Zhanji now. You are not even considered, unless something unspeakable has happened to the eldest uncle. But even if the eldest uncle has problems, grandpa has still cultivated the emperor brother Zhanji. In this regard, you have no advantage at all!

Fourth: The approval of the imperial court. Dad, even if you want to take action! Imperial power is indispensable. You have absolutely no chance of success here. Ever since Grandma passed away, the inner court of the Imperial Palace has been managed by my aunt. Even the Phoenix Seal is in her hands. You have only been able to achieve this situation by constantly spreading gold beans. Tell me, who do those eunuchs and guards belong to now or in the future? Even if you take action, which side will they be on?

Fifth: The power of the feudal lords. Dad, the succession to the throne requires the approval of the feudal lords of all regions! Between you and your uncle, who do you think they will choose? Your uncle is kind and benevolent. He has been regent for so many years. Have you ever seen any feudal lord raise any objections? You are a military general, as decisive and ruthless as your grandfather. If it were you, who do you think the feudal lords would approve of?

"Dad, the civil officials, the military commanders, the palace, the princes, even Grandpa himself, when you factor in all these forces, you only have a slight advantage in the military, and Grandpa can take it away at any time! You have no advantage in anything else! Even Uncle Rumor has it that he's the most powerful among the people, so where does your confidence come from? What can you use to win?!" Zhu Zhanhe's words were like a nuclear bomb dropped on the heart of Prince Zhu Gaoxu of Han, exploding his heart.

After hearing his son's clear and logical words, Prince Zhu Gaoxu of Han was completely broken.

But Zhu Zhanhe's heart-piercing remarks were not over yet, and he continued to speak heart-wrenching words.

"Uncle's current situation is that although he is not the crown prince, he is actually the eldest prince. He is nominally the regent, but in reality he is the ruler.

Besides, Dad, didn't you notice that when Grandpa was charging outside, he really looked like a great general who was conquering the north? So, what can you use to win, Dad? "Zhu Zhanhe said the last few words "great general who was conquering the north" very seriously. The following comment about Zhu Gaochi being the emperor was very serious. It was also these last few words that directly made our Prince of Han collapse.

"Hahahaha~" Prince Han was stunned for a moment after hearing what his son said, and suddenly burst into laughter, tears streaming down his face, his voice full of sadness. About a cup of tea passed before Prince Han stopped laughing, his body swaying and he almost fell down.

"Dad~" Seeing that his father was a little overwhelmed by what he said, Zhu Zhanhe hurried forward and grabbed his father's hand, wanting to help him sit down and rest, but was pushed away by Prince Han.

"Your Highness~" Princess Wei of Han was originally stunned by her son's shocking remarks, but when she heard her husband's almost unbearable laughter, she reacted instantly and hurried forward to help her husband stroke his chest to relieve his breathing.

"I'm fine." After a moment, Prince Han finally recovered from his previous emotional breakdown. He looked at his son with a blank expression and a complicated look, and said softly.

Prince Zhu Gaoxu of Han then stepped forward and stared at his son intently, examining him closely, as if he were a stranger. "He'er, how did you see that?" Perhaps recovering from his grief, or perhaps perhaps realizing something, Prince Zhu Gaoxu seemed a changed man. He sat carefree in his chair, the air of a battle-hardened general, and questioned his son in a gentle, yet unyielding tone.

"History books!" Zhu Zhanhe looked at his father's change in confusion, filled with surprise. Could it be that his words really made him understand? Zhu Zhanhe couldn't help but speculate in his heart, but still answered his father's words respectfully.

"History books? Hahaha~, you actually said history books?" Prince Han seemed to have heard some shocking joke at this time. He laughed loudly and looked at his son with a strange expression. He knew that his son liked to read history books, but he had never discovered that his son was so outstanding!

"He'er, from the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the present day, there are vast historical books. Your father has also been reading since I was a child. Do you know what I have read in history books?" Prince Han Zhu Gaoxu stared at his son's face and said to his son seriously.

Without waiting for Zhu Zhanhe to answer, Zhu Gaoxu spoke first.

"When your father was six years old, I read a truth in history books. Now I tell you, that is: strive to be the emperor! History books from ancient times to the present have told me to strive to be the emperor! Son, do you understand?" At this time, Prince Han had a face full of pride, his eyes staring in the direction of the palace, like a powerful general on the battlefield, holding his head high and chest out and speaking loudly.

"So, son, what about you? What did you read?" After the passion, Zhu Gaoxu looked back at his son and asked seriously.

"So, Dad, you still haven't given up on your idea, right?" Looking at his father's expression, Zhu Zhanhe knew that his words this time were in vain. They hadn't moved Prince Han at all. Moreover, looking at Prince Han's eyes at this moment, it seemed that his determination had become even stronger. "Am I stealing a chicken but losing the rice?" Zhu Zhanhe muttered to himself.

"Dad is asking you a question, answer mine first." Prince Han Zhu Gaoxu continued to stare at his son seriously, obviously not giving up until he achieved his goal.

"Dad, if you ask me that, then I've seen a lot, a lot~" Seeing his father's serious eyes, Zhu Zhanhe knew that he had dug a hole and dug a hole for himself. His performance was too good, so it further stimulated his father's fighting spirit! What a ghost!

"I have plenty of time, tell me." Prince Han was now very excited. He suddenly realized that his son seemed to be a real genius, no worse than the eldest son, and even a super genius in all aspects! Now he wanted to test his son.

Princess Han was a little confused at this time. Just now, the father and son were at loggerheads, crying and laughing, but now they were so friendly. How come they changed so quickly?

　Zhu Gaoxu, Prince of Han, was Zhu Di's second legitimate son. In the 28th year of the Hongwu reign, he was granted the title of Prince of Gaoyang. In the 2nd year of the Yongle reign, he was further granted the title of Prince of Han. In the 15th year of the Yongle reign, he was granted a fiefdom in Le'an Prefecture. In August of the first year of the Xuande reign, he rebelled, was stripped of his title, imprisoned in the Western Palace, and burned to death. Crown Prince Zhu Zhantan died first, and Concubine Wei and her nine sons also died with him, thus being removed from office.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)