The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Kunning Palace.

In fact, the moment he heard his eldest daughter crying...

Zhu Yuanzhang's face had long since darkened.

Zhu Xiong Ying, who was nearby, felt a pang of anxiety upon seeing this.

Old Zhu wasn't in a good mood to begin with!

Pleading for mercy now would be like adding fuel to the fire!

His eldest aunt was brought to the palace this morning by order of Empress Ma from the residence of the Duke of Han.

"Grandpa Emperor!"

Hearing his eldest grandson call softly, Zhu Yuanzhang relaxed slightly, took the little boy's hand, and said, "Grandson, let's go inside!"

clap clap!

Upon hearing footsteps, they saw a servant standing bowing.

Zhu Jingjing's heart trembled; how could she not know that her father had returned?

Overwhelmed by her innate fear, she stopped crying, and without even bothering to fix her hair, bowed and said, "Your daughter greets Your Majesty!"

Empress Ma slowly rose to her feet and said gently, "Zhongba is back!"

During this interval.

Zhu Xiong Ying then withdrew his hand, went to his grandmother's side, and said, "Grandson greets His Majesty!"

He then bowed to Princess Lin'an and said, "Xiong Ying greets Aunt!"

He caught a glimpse of his nephew's concerned gaze, noting that he was about the same age as his eldest son, Li Fang.

Zhu Jingjing's heart softened, and she nodded slightly before tears streamed down her face.

However, since her father did not speak, she could only weep silently and remain kneeling.

On the other side, Zhu Yuanzhang walked all the way to his wife's side, and sat down steadily on the north-facing couch.

He looked at his daughter by the candlelight and said, "All you do is cry. Have you forgotten all the etiquette and manners the royal family taught you after you got married?"

She noticed her husband's stiff tone.

Thinking of her eldest daughter, who lost her birth mother at a young age, her life was so tragic.

Empress Ma embraced her grandson and said gently, "Chongba, that's enough! Don't say any more. The ground is quite cold. Let your eldest daughter get up first!"

But Zhu Jingjing had something to ask of him, so why would he get up?

She kowtowed and said, "Father, you are wise! Even if the Li family has committed a crime, I know my husband inside and out, and I know perfectly well that he knew nothing about the treason and has never participated in it!"

"I beg Your Majesty, for the sake of your daughter and your young grandchildren, please save the prince consort's life!"

Married for over ten years.

The couple has always had a very good relationship!

That's why Zhu Jingjing withstood the risks and tried her best to rescue her husband.

Upon hearing her aunt's words, Zhu Xiong Ying knew that something bad had happened.

When it comes to family ties, Old Zhu is a soft-hearted god!

However, he had many concerns regarding Li Shanchang's affairs.

She also didn't want to see her daughter's arm turn towards the outside!

His aunt, on the other hand, was extremely anxious and lost her composure, failing to consider Old Zhu's feelings at all.

Even if they could spare Uncle Li Qi, they probably wouldn't agree to it now.

Three breaths passed.

Glancing sideways, Zhu Yuanzhang's anger surged, his face flushed, and he sneered, "Sister, look at this! A married daughter is like water spilled from a cup—that saying is absolutely true!"

"Our good daughter, after marrying into the Li family, she's truly become a member of the Li family. She's never considered our feelings at all!"

"Let's make this clear today: the Li family's crimes are heinous and treasonous, and we will not pardon them..."

"Guards, take the Princess away to rest!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Jingjing's face turned ashen, and she murmured, "Father, Mother..."

Empress Ma, seeing this, knew her husband's character well.

To all his children.

Sometimes, you might be tough on the outside, but soft on the inside.

When Zuo You was conquering the country and establishing his rule, he mostly kept Biao'er by his side, leaving the rest of the children behind.

In this way, once the Ming Dynasty is stable, it will be more lenient in matters large and small, and the government will try its best to make amends.

Then, she gestured to her beloved grandson, and together they helped their eldest daughter up, giving her a comforting look.

Then he specifically addressed the palace maids, instructing them, "Help the princess down to rest, and don't neglect her!"

"yes!"

The eldest daughter left.

Empress Ma pulled her eldest grandson down to sit beside her husband, and sighed, "I know the Li family is involved in treason and deserves to die. Even Li Shanchang, according to your wishes, Chongba, cannot escape punishment! I won't ask you to pardon them!"

"But Li Qi is the imperial consort, our eldest daughter's husband, and the father of our young grandson! If he is executed along with her, our eldest daughter and her child will be left all alone and destitute!"

"As for Li Qi, I think he's always been dutiful, gentle, and modest. He couldn't possibly have been involved in those things. Chongba knows better than I do!"

"We only hope that Chongba will show leniency and give their family, including women and children, a way to survive!"

Empress Ma has already put it this way.

As the most virtuous grandson in the world.

How could Zhu Xiong Ying not plead for leniency?

not to mention.

Although he disapproved of Old Li's arrogant nature, he respected his uncle Li Qi very much.

Not only Li's uncle, but every time he visited the mansion, he would prepare a feast in accordance with his aunt's arrangements.

More importantly, he has good character!

During the Jianwen reign, his aunt's family was granted a special pardon by Zhu Yunwen.

Afterwards, Li Qi was ordered to guard the local area.

During the Jingnan Campaign, his fourth uncle breached the city walls, and Li Qi drowned himself, bravely facing death!

This loyalty and courage alone deserve praise!

Zhu Xiong Ying turned around and said earnestly, "Grandfather, Grandmother is right!"

"My uncle is a kind and generous man. My grandson is always very cautious around him and has never done anything illegal!"

"I beg Your Majesty to show leniency towards my uncle, for the sake of my aunt and cousins..."

He faced the gazes of his wife and beloved grandson.

Zhu Yuanzhang remained silent for a long time, his fingers lightly tapping the armrest, his mind heavy with emotion.

Throughout his life, he was ruthless and merciless, killing countless people!

To consolidate imperial power, to eliminate potential threats to Biao'er, and to stabilize the Ming Dynasty, he could be ruthless towards meritorious officials and generals, and implicate entire families of those who plotted rebellion...

But faced with the bond of blood ties, they ultimately couldn't make up their minds.

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, "Alright, my sister, my grandson! We won't kill Li Qi!"

"For the sake of my eldest daughter and my grandchildren, I spare her life! But the law must be upheld; my eldest daughter and her entire family shall be exiled to Jiangpu from this day forward, never to return to the capital!"

"Furthermore, the princess's entourage will be completely confiscated, her salary will be waived, and all officials and attendants in the royal palace will be dismissed and barred from enjoying royal privileges..."

"As for the rest of the Li family, the joint trial by the three judicial authorities concluded in the last two days, the charges have been settled, and they will be taken to the execution ground in ten to fifteen days!"

Old Zhu's statement already represents a huge concession.

Empress Ma could not say anything more.

Zhu Xiong Ying blinked.

Is Old Li going to be beheaded so soon?

Judging from his grandfather's confident tone, even if the Heavenly King himself came, he couldn't change the situation.

Thinking back on the past two years, I realized that I had learned quite a bit about military strategy from Li Shanchang.

Shouldn't we go and see them off?

May he rest in peace!

He was definitely not kicking someone when they were down, or going to see Old Li in such a sorry state!

However, Old Zhu's approval is still required for this matter!

Zhu Xiong Ying strode over to her grandfather's side, looked up, and said, "Grandfather, I have something to discuss with you!"

"Although the Duke of Han committed the heinous crime of treason, he still had the kindness of teaching and guiding me! I thought that before his execution, I could see him off, thus fulfilling my past debt of gratitude..."