The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Two hours later.

Zhu Xiong Ying had just returned to the palace when he received a summons from his grandfather.

Upon arriving at the Huagai Hall, they learned that Emperor Zhu was receiving his ministers, so they decided to rest in a side hall for the time being.

But a sense of curiosity inevitably arose in his heart: was it because of the grain theft case? Or perhaps the progress of the university?

In the past month, this eldest grandson of the emperor has not had a moment's rest.

Besides attending classes at the main hall every day and finding time to exercise, she also had to take care of Empress Ma, be concerned about the health of her close relatives, and oversee the construction of schools in the suburbs...

Of course, to be honest, compared to Lao Zhu and Biao'er's father, these days are not really tiring!

Just as he was pondering this, the figure of the eunuch stepped in from outside the hall.

"Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence!"

Hearing the sound.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and headed straight for the outer hall.

When they quietly entered, they found that Old Zhu looked unwell, clutching a vermilion brush in his hand, his head bowed as he processed a memorial.

He coughed lightly and bowed respectfully.

"Grandson greets His Majesty!"

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang looked up and said, "Our grandson is back. He spent the whole afternoon inspecting the schools. Did it go smoothly?"

Seeing his concerned expression, Zhu Xiong Ying stepped forward and stood aside, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Grandfather. Everything is going very smoothly!"

"Even the foundations, under Grandpa Tang's supervision, have all been laid!"

"According to the craftsman, if the project proceeds quickly, most of it can be completed before winter. By next spring, students from all disciplines will be able to resume classes smoothly!"

Zhu Yuanzhang listened attentively while stroking his beard.

He then smiled and said, "With your Grandpa Tang here, and officials from the Ministry of Works and other places keeping an eye on things, our eldest grandson doesn't need to go looking so frequently!"

"As for why I called you here, there are two things I need to tell you!"

"The first thing is that your fourth uncle sent you a letter from Beiping, written specifically for you."

"The second thing is that the day after tomorrow is your uncle Li's birthday. We've discussed it with your grandmother, and you will represent the royal family, bringing gifts, and personally visit the Duke of Cao's residence..."

During the conversation.

Old Zhu picked up a letter.

Upon hearing that the letter was from his fourth uncle, Zhu Di, Zhu Xiong Ying roughly guessed its contents.

A few months ago, Xu Da's health improved, and he informed Beiping of the whole story...

Upon hearing the news, his fourth uncle, being the son-in-law, couldn't help but send a letter of thanks to his eldest nephew!

Then there was my uncle Li Wenzhong's birthday; I never expected Old Zhu to remember it so clearly.

It just so happens that I haven't seen Uncle Bao'er for a few days!

After a while.

Zhu Xiong Ying took it and looked at it.

As mentioned above, it is not much different from what was expected!

At the end of the letter, he mentioned that his cousin Zhu Gaochi had come to the capital and asked him to take care of him.

It goes without saying that, as the eldest brother of all the imperial grandsons, he would do the same!

Upon seeing the good grandson, he finished reading the letter.

Zhu Yuanzhang turned his head and asked curiously, "What did your fourth uncle write to our eldest grandson?"

Zhu Xiong Ying did not hide anything and explained the key points.

After listening, Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "Your fourth uncle is quite generous! He gives you whatever you want!"

"Does our grandson need anything?"

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head and said, "With my grandfather and grandmother by my side, I lack nothing!"

"But since Fourth Uncle has spoken, I can't refuse. Let's think it over before I ask Fourth Uncle to bleed!"

Upon hearing this,

Because of the military situation in the north, Old Zhu's heart was originally shrouded in gloom, but at this moment he couldn't help but laugh loudly.

"You little rascal!"

After chatting for a while, Zhu Xiong Ying returned to Kun Ning Palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang remained in the Huagai Hall.

After reviewing and annotating the memorials at hand, the sky suddenly darkened.

He originally intended to return to his palace to rest, but unexpectedly, Mao Xiang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, requested an audience.

Upon being summoned by the palace attendant, Mao Xiang strode to the emperor's presence, knelt on one knee, and solemnly said, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty is wise. After three months of thorough investigation, I have obtained irrefutable evidence that Li Cunyi and his son have colluded with the rebels, and this has been verified..."

"The details of Hu Weiyong's secret persuasion of the Duke of Han in the past are all here!"

When the eunuchs took the documents and placed them before him, Zhu Yuanzhang did not immediately peruse them. His gaze was icy, fixed on the person below him, and he said, "Have we solidified all the evidence? What we need is to convince the world!"

Mao Xiang touched his forehead to the ground, maintaining his kowtow posture, and said, "Your Majesty, I guarantee with my own head that this is all true and irrefutable evidence!"

"Among them, there are five key witnesses, and their testimonies have been examined one by one without any contradictions. All of them have signed and signed their statements..."

"There are three pieces of physical evidence: first, the secret letters between Li Cunyi and Hu Weiyong; second, the testimony of Li Cunyi's confidant, who detailed the process of persuading the Duke of Han..."

He finished speaking.

When Mao Xiang looked up again, he saw that the emperor's face was solemn, and he was already carefully comparing and reading through the document.

Every movement, reflected in his eyes, became heavy and slow.

A full incense stick's time had passed, and all that could be heard was a rustling sound.

Everyone felt like each day was an eternity!

After a long silence, the emperor on the dragon throne suddenly sneered, "Very well, very well indeed!"

"We've treated the Li family well. Take Li Cunyi, for example; we've given him an official position, official rank, salary, and a life of wealth and honor!"

"And then there's Li Shanchang, we were even more generous to him! We granted him the title of Duke, a certificate of merit, and even married our daughter into the Li family, making us in-laws... And this is how they repay us?"

He vented all his anger!

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice, "Pass on my imperial decree! Immediately mobilize the Embroidered Uniform Guard to arrest Li Cunyi, Li You and his son, as well as their close associates, staff, and relatives involved in the case, tonight!"

"Those here must be thoroughly interrogated to uncover all clues about the remaining members of the traitorous party, leaving no stone unturned!"

"Furthermore, a comprehensive control system has been implemented at the Korean government residence. All persons entering and leaving, whether relatives, servants, or visiting officials, must be registered..."

It looks like solid evidence.

Some doubts eventually became reality.

Although Zhu was furious, he did not arrest Li Shanchang immediately because of Li's reputation in the court.

Instead, he plans to start by eliminating those around him one by one, and then purge the Hu faction!

This time, he will show no mercy!

This is for the sake of the overall situation of the country, and even more so for the purpose of purifying the government.

To prevent our eldest son, Zhu Biao, from being burdened by past events and constrained after ascending the throne!

"I obey your decree!"

Mao Xiang was startled. He bowed deeply, slightly bent over, and backed away from the palace.

After dismissing the eunuchs, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne, paused for a moment, and said in a low voice, "Bai Shi, Bai Shi, we gave you many opportunities, but you didn't seize them..."

Thinking of my former comrades-in-arms, many of whom have turned their backs on me.

At this moment, Old Zhu's body and mind suddenly became much more aged, and he felt an indescribable sense of loneliness!