The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

A good ten breaths passed.

Zhu Yuanzhang calmed down and regained his composure.

He left the throne and walked step by step to his eldest son, saying, "Biao'er, we know everything you've said!"

"I know you're going to plead for Li Shanchang!"

"But you should understand, Li Shanchang is the Duke of Han of the Ming Dynasty!"

"Back when we ascended the throne and bestowed rewards, Xu Da, Li Wenzhong, Feng Sheng, Deng Yu, and others were all ranked lower, while Li Shanchang was ranked first. We compared him to Xiao He, but how has he repaid us all these years?"

"Someone is plotting against us! Against the imperial court! They know this, but they don't report it, they don't stop it—what kind of behavior is that?"

"This is disloyalty, and even more so, it's being two-faced, trying to secure a way out for himself! If Hu Weiyong wins, he can continue to enjoy power and wealth; if we win, he can also stay out of it!"

"There's no such thing as a free lunch!"

"Not to mention, after Hu Weiyong was executed, we did give the Li family a chance, but they turned a blind eye and didn't even submit a memorial to express their gratitude for the favors we bestowed upon them..."

"Biao'er, we're heartbroken!!"

He noticed the anger in his father's eyes had materialized.

Zhu Biao quickly bowed and said, "Father, please calm your anger! Your son understands your feelings!"

"But... the Duke of Han ultimately did not take that step. Based solely on witness testimonies, he could not be convicted of treason. Moreover, he possessed the imperial edict..."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced sideways and said, "I know what you're worried about!"

"But we're all so old, we don't know how many more years we have left, and this empire will eventually be handed over to you!"

"There are some things you can't do, but we have to do them..."

Old Zhu's words revealed a certain meaning.

I'm worried that Li Shanchang will outlive him!

Moreover, in terms of reputation and status, a single word from him could stir up the entire Huaixi Group!

It can also influence the government!

If he weren't there, could the eldest son still be kept in check?

As for his collusion with Hu Weiyong, he already had a criminal record and had already offended the enemy, so he could not be allowed to live!

Before he dies, he must eliminate all these huge hidden dangers for his descendants.

Even if history records him bear the infamy, he will leave behind a peaceful and prosperous era for future generations!

What else should I say after discovering my beloved son?

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand to stop him, saying, "Alright, don't meddle in the Li family's affairs! We know what we're doing!"

"Next, Biao'er, you're in charge of wrapping up the grain theft case, especially those death row inmates—sentence them to execution as soon as possible!"

"The Ming Dynasty is so vast; killing ten thousand corrupt officials is far from enough!"

When the grain theft case was mentioned, Zhu Biao's expression turned solemn, and he bowed again, saying, "Your subject will humbly follow Your Majesty's teachings!"

……

same day.

After studying at Dabentang, Zhu Xiong Ying returned to Kunning Palace in the afternoon.

Led by Sanbao, Laishun, and other young eunuchs, they sneaked into the palace.

It was astonishing that Old Zhu had arrived at his grandmother's residence from the Huagai Hall ahead of schedule, a first for all time.

The two spoke softly.

Then they discovered the eunuch at the gate, who was about to go inside to announce their arrival.

Zhu Xiong Ying quickly stopped him with a look, then listened intently for a while.

Basically, Old Zhu arrested people from the Han State's mansion, and then he spoke with his wife about it...

After all, this matter was bound to escalate and eventually reach Empress Ma!

It's better to say it sooner rather than later.

In fact, it was obvious to everyone that while Zhu was openly targeting Li Cunyi and his son, he was actually aiming at Li Shanchang behind the scenes.

Zhu Xiong Ying understood why he did this.

Old Li is now seventy-one years old.

With such great achievements and such a long life, yet harboring ulterior motives and lacking the ability to advance or retreat...

To be old and not die is to be a thief.

Therefore, in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, this was the living Sima Yi!

Any emperor would have had such concerns and would certainly have taken precautions to prevent such a situation!

But if Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to kill Li Shanchang, he still had to get past one hurdle: Empress Ma!

Even in the later years of the Hongwu reign, if Empress Ma had been alive, Li Gong probably wouldn't have died and been stripped of his title...

I listened for a long time.

As expected, his grandmother, from all sides, meant that Li Shanchang should not be touched!

Wait until the sounds inside subside.

Zhu Xiong Ying, carrying her schoolbag, then took her first steps into the room.

Seeing Old Zhu's angry expression, his eyes were bloodshot and wide open!

Empress Ma sat calmly on the couch, her face serene, her hands still sewing clothes.

The outcome of the battle is obvious.

His imperial grandfather was defeated!

A complete and utter defeat!

He was no match for his grandmother...

"Grandson greets His Majesty the Emperor! Grandson greets His Majesty the Emperor!"

He bowed.

Zhu Xiong Ying had no choice but to temporarily avoid Zhu's sharp edge and move closer to Empress Ma.

Upon seeing his eldest grandson, Zhu Yuanzhang, preoccupied with his own thoughts, simply hummed in response.

Empress Ma pulled him to her side, took out a handkerchief, and wiped the light sweat from his forehead, smiling as she asked, "Who was on duty giving lessons today, and what wise teachings did they learn?"

Testing his knowledge, who are you looking down on?

We have a photographic memory!

Zhu Xiong Ying immediately perked up, straightened her back, and stood upright, saying, "Your Majesty, today Mr. Li is giving a lesson, and he is lecturing on the 'Yan Yuan' chapter of the Analects!"

This Mr. Li, whose name is Li Xiyan, studied the teachings of Yi and Luo and served as the Left Spring Palace Assistant Grand Master.

For the past ten years or so, I have been teaching at the main hall.

He once slapped the back of his father's hand and beat up his fourth uncle Zhu Di, third uncle Zhu Gang, and other princes.

It was Zhu Xiong Ying who dared to pluck the beard from the great Confucian scholar Liu Sanwu.

But when facing Li Xiyan, he could only obediently attend class!

"Fan Chi asked about benevolence, and Confucius replied, 'Love others.' The Master taught us that the benevolent person loves others!"

"A ruler should be benevolent and kind, govern the world with compassion, and be compassionate towards the suffering of the people. He should not impose harsh policies or abuse punishments, only then can he bring peace to the world and stabilize the hearts of the people..."

In conversation.

Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly sensed that something was wrong.

These words seemed to be a veiled criticism, implying that Old Zhu was wrong.

But by the time he realized what was happening and turned around, it was too late.

Empress Ma, filled with satisfaction, glanced at her husband and said, "Mr. Li has taught him exceptionally well!"

"The concept of 'benevolence' is the foundation of our conduct and how we treat others... Unfortunately, some people simply won't listen to it..."

Seeing that the situation was not good.

Before Old Zhu got angry.

Zhu Xiong Ying quickly tried to salvage the situation, saying, "Grandmother, but I feel that what the teacher taught was the fundamental nature of sages, like the character '仁' (ren, benevolence), which needs to be analyzed dialectically, broken down into its components!"

Empress Ma was taken aback.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who had remained silent until now, seized the opportunity, stroked his beard, and said, "Oh, our eldest grandson, tell me, how should we analyze this separately?"

Zhu Xiong Ying paced back and forth, saying, "Grandfather, Grandmother, I believe that 'benevolence' should be given to those who deserve it!"

"To you, and to your uncles, brothers, sisters, and other close relatives, and to the ordinary people who live a simple life, farming and weaving, we should have the utmost sincerity and love in our hearts, be considerate of their difficulties, and treat them with kindness..."

"But to speak of benevolence towards those foreign enemies who invade our borders, rebels who plot rebellion, and corrupt officials who exploit the people, is precisely to let tigers run rampant, which is unbenevolent to the world and to the people!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's gloomy expression vanished.

Turning to look at Empress Ma, his brows and eyes revealed a hint of sentimentality and pride.

Our grandson is right!

He sees things even more clearly than Biao'er!

Benevolence is for our people, for our own flesh and blood!

What are those traitors and corrupt officials anyway?