The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Zhu Xiong Ying was in a good mood after intercepting the eunuch Sanbao.

Then he instructed the young eunuchs, including Lai Shun, to lay out all the gifts in a row.

With the intention of testing his teaching, he would occasionally offer his advice and consultation.

After relaxing, Ma He mustered his courage and spoke eloquently, revealing his origins!

Judging from his speech, he has clearly read quite a few books.

But within the palace, literate people were extremely rare!

After all, not long after ascending the throne, Zhu Yuanzhang had strictly prohibited eunuchs from reading and writing in order to prevent them from interfering in politics.

It wasn't until his fourth uncle, Zhu Di, after the Jingnan Campaign, that things began to loosen up!

When Emperor Xuanzong of Ming, Zhu Zhanji, came to power, he not only completely abolished the ban, but also established the Inner Academy to teach young eunuchs to read...

However, when asked about Southeast Asia, Ma He was able to speak fluently and knowledgeably about it.

"Your Highness, although I have never been to Southeast Asia, my grandfather and father did travel overseas!"

"When I was little, I often told those stories!"

"For example, to go to Southeast Asia, one needs to depart from major ports such as Quanzhou and Guangzhou, and take advantage of the northeast trade winds in winter to travel south. It can take as little as ten days to reach Champa!"

"Further south are the kingdoms of Siam, Java, Malacca, and others..."

Zhu Xiong Ying listened with great satisfaction.

With such insight, he already possesses the potential to become a great navigator!

He couldn't help but encourage him, saying, "One day, we'll believe in Sanbao, and you'll be able to lead the Ming Dynasty fleet on a personal trip to Southeast Asia... Don't let us down!"

Ma He exclaimed excitedly, "This servant is willing to go through fire and water for Your Highness!"

One side.

The emperor's eldest grandson showed great favor and regard for the newly arrived eunuch.

The eunuchs, including Lai Shun and Lai Fu, were all on high alert!

Zhu Xiong Ying was naturally perceptive and immediately noticed all of this.

Before dismissing Ma He, he coldly glanced at the others and deliberately said, "Since you're following me, you must work together!"

"If you dare to harbor any ill intentions, you won't be allowed to stay..."

"This servant wouldn't dare!"

……

Ten days later, we entered early April.

The scope of the Guo Huan case is becoming increasingly wide.

It was no longer limited to central government officials; from south to north, many county officials, as well as local grain chiefs, gentry, and landlords were arrested and brought to justice!

With the assistance of Crown Prince Zhu Biao, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to be in a very good position and showed no signs of stopping!

By mid-April.

After reviewing the summary of investigations across various regions, Emperor Zhu was furious.

As early as the beginning of March, based on the reports from Yu Min and other censors from various places, it was originally thought that the deficit was only a few million shi!

But in the end, he realized that he had underestimated these bastards!

The loss amounted to a staggering 24 million shi of grain!

Inside the Hall of Literary Glory.

Zhu Yuanzhang slammed his fist on the table, but when he got tired of it, he sat back down on the dragon throne.

He looked at Crown Prince Zhu Biao and exclaimed, "My Biao'er, you saw it all!"

"I never imagined that the investigation would uncover such a shocking hole!"

"And in this month-long arrest and investigation, the six ministries and thirteen provincial administrations down the chain of command divided the spoils, conspired to deceive us, drain our resources, and bleed the people dry..."

"These people have no conscience whatsoever!"

"Even corruption, in our view, is worse than treason!"

"Leaving it like this is just a waste of food!"

"Pass on my decree: tomorrow, Guo Huan, Wang Daoheng, Zhao Mao, Wang Zhong, and the others are all to be escorted to the execution ground and beheaded!"

"And those people we arrested last time, we don't need to keep them around for the New Year either..."

Old Zhu was furious.

At this moment, even if Empress Ma were to arrive, it would be of no use.

Seeing his father's resolute decision, Zhu Biao, as the executor, didn't waste any words and replied, "Your subject obeys the decree!"

"Everything will be arranged today, and the execution will be carried out as a warning to the public tomorrow!"

"Yes, go ahead!"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

Zhu Biao had just left the inner hall when Mao Xiang walked in.

After paying his respects with full prostration, he took out a secret report, presented it with both hands to the emperor's desk, and said, "Your Majesty! This is the testimony obtained from the interrogation by the Embroidered Uniform Guard!"

"Because it involves the Duke of Han, I dare not act on my own..."

Li Shanchang?

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious.

Mao Xiang's words brought him a sense of peace.

He received the secret report and read it carefully.

The contents stated that someone had accused Li Cunyi and his son of being henchmen of Hu Weiyong.

Furthermore, he mentioned Li Shanchang, who was an insider and had been suspicious and observing all along, which was extremely disrespectful.

This time, unlike in the past, there is a great deal of solid evidence!

"Have you investigated all the evidence here thoroughly?"

Even Zhu Yuanzhang himself didn't notice.

At that moment, his voice became low and hoarse, like the growl of a beast.

Mao Xiang, trembling with fear and lest he utter a single wrong word, bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, I have only verified part of the matter. The rest is still under investigation, and we have not yet confirmed that the Duke of Han was involved..."

Upon hearing this...

Knowing that in recent months, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has focused its efforts on corruption cases and is short-handed.

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't blame him. Instead, he looked directly at him with a sense of pressure and said in a deep voice, "Don't rush. Remember to investigate thoroughly and don't miss anything!"

Considering that the Duke of Han was a founding father with numerous achievements, and also had the emperor's attitude.

Just a few words.

But to Mao Xiang, it carried immense weight.

"yes!"

He watched as Mao Xiang retreated.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt a wave of drowsiness wash over him.

He instinctively leaned back, closed his eyes to rest, and thought to himself, "Bai Shi (Li Shanchang), don't let me down!"

I fell asleep without realizing it.

In a daze, I heard someone calling "Grandpa Emperor"!

That familiar voice... is it our eldest grandson?!

Am I dreaming?

My mind immediately relaxed.

But soon, Zhu Yuanzhang realized something was wrong; there seemed to be something around him.

When he opened his eyes, he saw a small hand helping him fasten his dragon robe...

That's because he loves Sun Xiong Ying.

He still had his schoolbag slung over his back, so he had probably just returned from school.

Looking across the court and the country, inside and outside the palace, only Zhu Xiong Ying, the eldest grandson of the emperor, could swagger in without being announced.

"Grandpa, you're awake! You're too tired; it's not good for you to sleep here. Why don't you go back to your palace and rest a while longer?"

I glanced at the secret music placed on the edge.

Zhu Yuanzhang tucked it away, placing it at the bottom, while holding his eldest grandson in his arms and saying kindly, "I'm not tired, I was just thinking about something!"

"Tomorrow is a day off. I remember that my eldest grandson is going to the Imperial Hospital and also visiting the Duke of Wei's and the Duke of Han's residences. Please be careful on the road..."

According to custom.

Zhu Xiong Ying had informed Old Zhu about leaving the palace a few days in advance.

Seeing that his grandfather was concerned about the matter and wanted to travel, he readily agreed.

He also remembered to pass on a message for Empress Ma, telling Old Zhu to go back for dinner!

They simply left the palace gate.

Zhu Xiong Ying's face immediately changed color.

Based on those few glances I stole earlier.

This time, Li Shanchang is in big trouble!

As for Lao Li's personality, although he didn't particularly like it, he had to admit his abilities!

Tomorrow, when we arrive at the Han State Mansion, I'll test Old Li again!

Let's see if there's any hope!