My aunt is Queen Ma

Chapter 7: The Study of Emperors
What have you learned?

Zhu Biao immediately put aside what happened just now and said with a slightly excited tone:
"Ma Yu is truly a man of great talent...a talent for governing a country."

Queen Ma looked a little surprised.

Firstly, I didn't expect that he wouldn't talk about the red book and iron certificate first.

Secondly, I didn't expect that he had such a high opinion of Ma Yu.

This made her very curious. What on earth did the two of them talk about in prison that caused such a drastic change in her son's attitude?

"Don't get excited and tell me slowly what he said to you."

Zhu Biao scratched his head embarrassedly, calmed down his excitement, and relayed their conversation to her.

When Empress Ma heard Ma Yu's analysis of the five elements of the capital, she just nodded slightly and was not surprised.

It’s not that she thinks these five points are wrong.

On the contrary, she believed that Ma Yu's analysis took all aspects into consideration and was quite perfect.

It’s just that today’s conversation is a continuation and supplement to the previous topic.

It is expected that he can say these five points. It would be strange if he couldn't.

However, through these five points, she also confirmed one thing.

Ma Yu had indeed received a systematic education, and he calculated based on his knowledge that Zhu Yuanzhang would return disappointed, rather than simply making a blind guess based on luck.

When she heard Ma Yu's characterization of the Danshu Tiequan incident, the expression on her face finally changed.

She asked Zhu Biao to tell her every word, and sometimes she would even ask repeatedly about a word until she was sure.

This made Zhu Biao very strange. Although Ma Yu's analysis was unique, it shouldn't be something that his mother took so seriously, right?

So he asked his doubts.

Faced with her son's question, Empress Ma pondered for a while before answering:
"He understands the teachings of the emperor."

"Ah?" Zhu Biao couldn't help but exclaim in surprise:
"The study of the emperor? Him?"

It's not that he doesn't believe his mother, but this is too unbelievable.

Even if Ma Yu had a teacher, it would be an exaggeration to say that he had any connection with the imperial studies.

The key point is, why didn't he hear anything related to the emperor from these words?
Could it be that considering issues from the emperor's perspective is the emperor's learning?

Queen Ma could naturally see her son's confusion, so she explained the reason to him in detail.

The study of emperors sounds profound, but in fact it is not that mysterious.

To put it bluntly, it is about how to cultivate the mentality and insights of rulers.

This was what the founding group of the Ming Dynasty lacked the most, and even Zhu Yuanzhang, Empress Ma and others only had a vague understanding of it.

We can only learn and imitate through the deeds of emperors recorded in history books.

Zhu Yuanzhang read the emperor chapter of official history over and over again.

Empress Ma also read books herself. She also read biographies of empresses from past dynasties to learn how to be a qualified empress.

But as we all know, some things will not be recorded in books.

Many things about mentality cannot be conveyed through written books.

It must be slowly nurtured through words and deeds.

Aristocratic families once hindered the development of society, but on the other hand, a lot of knowledge was passed down through them.

It is not easy for ordinary people to survive, and they do not have the ability to protect books.

During times of war, only wealthy families had the ability to transport books over long distances to safe places.

As for mentality and knowledge...it's not that children from aristocratic families are smarter than ordinary people, but it's the result of the environment.

Children from aristocratic families have access to high-level secrets from an early age through family connections.

They live in that environment and understand many things naturally.

For them, many things that they take for granted may be things that ordinary people will never be able to touch in their lifetime.

From the Xia Dynasty to the Song Dynasty, the rulers of most dynasties were outstanding figures from aristocratic families.

They naturally have the mentality of a ruler and possess the knowledge to govern the world without having to learn it deliberately.

What, you mean Liu Bang?

The origin of Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, is controversial, but he was at least from the landlord class.

His younger brother Liu Jiao, when he was young, studied under Xunzi's disciple Fuqiubo.

Fu Qiubo himself was one of the most famous scholars in the late Qin Dynasty and early Han Dynasty.

To make an inappropriate analogy, it is equivalent to your family using their connections to send you directly to study with an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Can this be an ordinary family?
All I can say is that his background was not that high, but he was definitely not a poor person from the bottom of society.

Moreover, Liu Bang was surrounded by a large group of noble children from the six kingdoms, who were teaching him how to be a monarch.

But what was the founding group of the Ming Dynasty like?
This is not to belittle them, a group of people from humble origins who relied on their hard work to rule the world.

This just proves that they are all outstanding people.

But conquering the world and ruling the world are different. There are some things that you just don’t understand.

After all, she was teaching her own son, so Empress Ma was very attentive and patiently explained many points over and over again.

Zhu Biao finally understood what was going on and what Ma Yu's analysis of the red book and iron certificate meant.

Finally, Queen Ma sighed:
"If your father and I understood the true art of being an emperor, we wouldn't have come up with such a harmful method as the Red Book and Iron Certificate."

Zhu Biao quickly comforted him, "Dad and you also acted with good intentions, there's no need to blame yourself."

"And his analysis also cleared my father's name... well, it proved that my father wasn't a mean and ungrateful person."

"Don't say it hasn't happened yet. Even if it does happen, it's for the sake of long-term peace and stability in the world."

Queen Ma glanced at her son and said, "You've been suspecting your father all along, okay? Now you realize that you've wronged him?"

Zhu Biao felt uncomfortable after his thoughts were discovered, and quickly changed the subject:
"And how talented is Ma Yu? I admit he's very talented, but to conclude that he understands imperial studies based solely on this is a bit hasty, I think."

Empress Ma did not dwell on her son's embarrassing incident and nodded slightly, saying:
"What you said makes sense, but he is the person we have met who is most likely to understand the art of imperial rule."

"Next, you need to communicate with him more and confirm as soon as possible whether he really understands."

“This is very important to our family.”

Zhu Biao said solemnly: "Don't worry, I will confirm this as soon as possible."

"But I have to find a suitable topic before I go to him."

Empress Ma's heart moved, and she said, "There is a suitable question right now."

Zhu Biao said in surprise: "Oh, I wonder what the problem is?"

Empress Ma smiled and said, "It's about causing Li Baishi and Liu Bowen to argue."

Zhu Biao's eyes lit up and he said happily:

"Mom, you are so smart. This is a good question. I will go to the prison to see him tomorrow."

Empress Ma stopped him and said, "Don't be impatient. Think about this issue yourself first. Once you have a clear understanding of it, then ask him."

"Besides, your frequent visits to and from the prison could easily arouse unnecessary suspicion."

Zhu Biao also calmed down and said, "Yes, I understand."

"After some time, I can use the excuse of visiting my second brother in prison, and no one will suspect anything."

Queen Ma said, "I'm glad you understand. Go on and tell me what else you talked about."

Zhu Biao nodded and continued to repeat what was said in prison.

What he didn't expect was that when he said "Confucius and Mencius are the basis, Guan Yu and Xun Zi are used for practical purposes", Queen Ma stood up from her chair.

This startled Zhu Biao, and he quickly asked:

"Mom, what's wrong with you?"

Empress Ma said excitedly: "No need to verify it, this is the emperor's learning."

Zhu Biao was dumbfounded: "Ah? This... isn't this a strategy for governing a country?"

Empress Ma laughed and said, "Silly child, isn't the strategy of governing a country part of the study of emperors?"

Zhu Biao finally reacted and scratched his head, saying, "Uh... I'm confused."

It’s not that he is confused, to put it bluntly, he is still young.

Besides, his parents didn't understand this stuff, and he had no place to learn.

I didn't think about it at all.

Only after being reminded by Empress Ma did he understand that this was the study of emperors.

Queen Ma took a deep breath, calmed her excitement, and then said:

"He commented that Guanzi was a ruler who always put practicality first."

"He himself is no different. Otherwise, he would not have been able to transcend the limitations of doctrine and say things like Confucius and Mencius are the foundation, Guan and Xunzi are the application."

Zhu Biao heard the hidden meaning and asked quickly:
"Do you agree with his point of view?" Queen Ma did not answer directly, but said:

"Li Baishi was a disciple of the Legalist school. Under his influence, your father and I also read many Legalist classics, including Guanzi."

"Many of our strategies for governing the country come from the book Guanzi."

"We have not studied Xunzi's book, which is influenced by Neo-Confucianism, and we dare not make any comments on it."

"But since Ma Yu dared to say so, there must be a reason behind it."

Zhu Biao's heart couldn't help but beat wildly. His mother's words undoubtedly meant that even if this view was not completely correct, it was still feasible.

In other words, Ma Yu not only understood how to govern a country, but also understood the art of being an emperor. How could this not excite him?

"Since he is so talented, should we pardon his crime and release him?"

Queen Ma paused, shook her head and said:
"No, there's no need to rush. Continue as planned to probe him and confirm the depth of his knowledge."

"Then find out his background, or at least understand his temperament."

"Besides, this is a serious matter. We have to wait for your father to come back before we can make a decision."

Zhu Biao also realized that Ma Yu had a prejudice against the royal family and it was not known whether he was willing to be used by the royal family.

It really can't be released directly.

We must first find a way to resolve the resentment in his heart.

As for Ma Yu's personality...

Zhu Biao then told the story of how he persuaded Ma Yu not to insult Zhu Yuanzhang.

"That Ma Yu was not afraid of death, but he changed his words because he didn't want to implicate us."

"He's only doing this with a little favor from my second brother. He must be a sentimental person."

Empress Ma said, "You are right, but this is a matter of great importance and we must be cautious."

"It wouldn't be wrong to observe it a little longer."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly and said, "Yes, I have already told my second brother. I will definitely be able to figure out his character."

"If he is as clear-cut as he appears to be, then we can make good use of him."

Empress Ma agreed, "If he can clearly distinguish between gratitude and resentment, things will be easier to handle."

The mother and son talked for a while and made a plan regarding Ma Yu's matter.

It's nothing more than resolving hatred, binding them with kindness and righteousness, and accepting them for my own use.

Yes, they have decided to pardon Ma Yu's crimes.

Because no matter how capable he is, he at least knows something about imperial studies.

This is too important to the Zhu family to make an exception.

But Queen Ma said:

"How we treat him depends on how talented he is."

To put it bluntly, what kind of treatment he gets depends on how capable he is.

If that's all, then find a death row inmate of similar build to die in his place.

Then he dedicated all his knowledge to the cause and lived his life in anonymity.

If his abilities are truly outstanding, then naturally he will receive other corresponding treatments.

Zhu Biao had no objection to this. He just felt that his mother was indeed wise and considered everything carefully.

Then, Empress Ma wrote a letter to Zhu Yuanzhang, telling him everything about Ma Yu.

After finishing writing, she handed the letter to Zhu Biao and said:
"See if there's anything else you need to add."

Zhu Biao bowed and took it, and was a little surprised at first glance.

Queen Ma wrote down in detail the whole story, the results of the investigation, and what Ma Yu said.

The only discrepancy is that the incident of Ma Yu insulting Zhu Yuanzhang was concealed.

It is not completely hidden, but the writing style of the Spring and Autumn Period is used.

He only said that because he was wrongly imprisoned by corrupt officials as soon as he fled to Yingtian, Ma Yu had a misunderstanding of the Ming Dynasty and spoke nonsense several times.

After being persuaded by Zhu Biao, he changed his mind.

As for how big the misunderstanding was or what "outrageous words" were used, no mention was made of it.

Zhu Biao was not stupid, so he naturally understood why his mother did this.

As Ma Yu said in prison, because of his humble background, his father attached more importance to status.

If he knew that Ma Yu insulted him by name, this matter would probably not end well.

Even if he spared Ma Yu's life after being persuaded by his mother and himself, it would be difficult for the two of them to get along normally in the future.

The best way is to just brush it off.

As for whether his father would learn the truth from somewhere else... Zhu Biao was not worried about that.

Since my mother did it personally, my father would definitely not have any suspicion.

Even if someone said something in front of his father, he would not believe a word of it. Instead, he would think that the person was trying to sow discord.

After reading the letter, Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Mother is wise."

Empress Ma laughed and said, "Don't flatter me. I have written the letter, but whether Ma Yu can survive depends on you."

Zhu Biao asked doubtfully, "Me?"

Empress Ma said, "Yes, before your father returns, resolve Ma Yu's prejudice against the Ming Dynasty. Otherwise, you know the consequences."

Zhu Biao's expression also became serious. He said, "Don't worry, I will definitely complete the task."

Afterwards, the mother and son discussed again about Confucius, Mencius, Guan Yu and Xun Zi.

After all, regardless of whether this view is true or not, it is at least the clearest way of governing the country that they know of at present.

If you study more, you will definitely gain something.
-
Li House.

Li Shanchang returned home triumphantly.

His eldest son Li Zhong was very worried when he learned that he had humiliated Liu Bowen in front of the queen.

He was afraid that this move would cause dissatisfaction from the Queen.

Li Shanchang said nonchalantly, "How can Liu Bowen shake the relationship between me and the Queen?"

"Besides, do you think I haven't considered these things?"

"I know your character best, and I deeply detest any illegal or criminal activity."

"My proposal to enforce the law strictly is in accordance with the will of the Supreme Being."

"Liu Bowen thinks he has some talent, but he doesn't understand the emperor's mind and makes random suggestions."

"Even if I don't humiliate him, the higher-ups will hit him."

"If I scold him, the one who gets promoted will only be happy."

Hearing this, Li Zhong didn't know what to say anymore and could only change the subject to talk about something else.

"The prince went to the Yingtian Prefecture prison today and stayed there for a long time before coming out."

Li Shanchang took a sip of the teacup and said:

"He must have gone to see the Second Prince. Did he bring him and Chang Mao out?"

Li Zhong shook his head and said, "Chang Mao has been taken out, but the Second Prince is still in prison."

Li Shanchang shook his head and said, "It seems that the Queen is still angry. This Second Prince is really a cause for concern."

Li Zhong did not dare to criticize the prince, and said cautiously:

"Do you think we should send someone to visit the Second Prince in prison?"

Li Shanchang waved his hand and said, "No, the Queen has ordered the Guards to guard the prison, which is a clear message to the ministers not to try to curry favor with the Second Prince."

"If we do this, it will only make him unhappy."

Li Zhong nodded and said nothing more.

On the other hand, Liu Bowen also learned that Zhu Biao had gone to the Yingtian Prefecture Prison.

He made the same judgment as Li Shanchang and also warned his family not to visit Zhu Chong in prison.

Not only the two of them, but many well-informed people in the capital knew about this matter.

All I can say is that the imperial palace is the most mysterious place in the world, but it is also the place with the least secrets.

Countless eyes are staring at that place, and anything that happens will be immediately noticed by the outside world.

Therefore, Empress Ma told Zhu Biao not to go to the prison too frequently.
-
Zhu Biao returned to the Eastern Palace only after talking with his mother until very late.

As soon as he returned, he ordered people to find "Guanzi" and "Xunzi" and prepared to study them carefully.

A few days later, the letter written by Empress Ma appeared on Zhu Yuanzhang's desk.

(End of this chapter)