The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Zhu Yuanzhang knew his sons' personalities and character very well.

The second son, Zhu Shuang, had been enfeoffed in Xi'an Prefecture for many years. He had the words "arrogant and domineering" engraved in his bones and had done a lot of things that overstepped his bounds and violated regulations!

That's not all; they even dared to outwardly comply with but inwardly defy his imperial decrees...

As for the third son, Zhu Gang, he was arrogant and haughty from a young age. Before he was enfeoffed, he only listened to him, his wife, and Biao'er, and didn't even respect the six ministers.

As for the fifth son, Zhu Su, and the seventh son, Zhu Fu.

One was obsessed with poetry and other miscellaneous studies and was cunning; the other was cruel, bloodthirsty, and committed many illegal acts.

Therefore, the moment he saw the letter of apology, he knew there was more to it than met the eye!

In fact, over the years, his several good-for-nothing sons, though arrogant, lawless, extravagant and presumptuous, have become his own unruly sons.

But they are, after all, their own flesh and blood, and the core barrier to consolidate the Ming Dynasty's border defenses.

How could we really be so heartless as to deal with it?

Moreover, with him and Biao'er around, as long as the sons don't commit any rebellious acts, they won't be able to cause any major trouble!

Right now, the eldest grandson has managed to make his fearless sons all bow their heads and submit.

What made him even more gratified!

What's most remarkable is that the eldest grandson was quite capable and helped his uncle cover up the truth, thus saving face for the royal family.

Such magnanimity and composure are not found in ordinary people!

Old Zhu shook his head and sighed softly, "The foreign officials know that I am decisive and ruthless, and intolerant of any dissent, but they don't know that what I least want to see is the Zhu family killing each other!"

"And like what Xiuying and I said last time, Da Sun may look young, but he has a truly filial heart!"

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard, put down the memorial to plead guilty, and picked up the thin book next to him.

He raised his head, glanced indifferently at the eunuch, and asked, "Did the Crown Prince's Palace send all of this today?"

The attendant reported, "Your Majesty, it was indeed His Highness the Crown Prince who sent it, mentioning that the princes donated money and goods to help with the construction of the university..."

Zhu Yuanzhang continued sweeping, and saw the following recorded:

Prince Zhu Shuang of Qin donated 50,000 taels of silver.

Prince Zhu Gang of Jin donated 30,000 taels of silver.

King Zhu Su of Zhou donated 40,000 taels of silver.

Prince Zhu Fu of Qi donated 30,000 taels of silver...

"Hmph! My sons have only been enfeoffed for a few years, and it seems they've all amassed quite a fortune in secret. They should have been the ones to pay the price..."

Zhu Yuanzhang pressed the registers down under his hand, his eyes slowly narrowing.

Using the letter of apology as an opportunity, we can also discipline the officials under the various princes' courts!

For those chief historians and clerks who stood by and watched the princes lose their virtue, did not offer any advice, and even colluded with them in their corruption.

Those who should be dismissed should be dismissed, those who should be exiled should be exiled, and those who should be executed should be executed!

Only in this way can we deter the princes from acting recklessly, thus guarding the fiefdoms and stabilizing the foundation of the imperial clan!

Zhu Yuanzhang tapped his fingers on the table and glanced sideways, saying, "Go and call my eldest grandson over here..."

"This servant obeys the decree!"

……

Wenhua Hall, in a side room.

Ever since the eldest sons of the various princes entered the capital, this place has not only been a place for Zhu Xiong Ying and officials such as Wang Pu to discuss matters, but it has also become a place where he and his brothers completed their homework.

At the head of the table, Zhu Xiong Ying was sitting down, giving his younger brother Zhu Yun Wen some pointers on his studies.

"Yunwen's essay is well written, and his handwriting is becoming more and more steady, but his strokes are too soft and lack strength. Our descendants of the Zhu family, whether in their studies or in their work, must have their own backbone, be kind but with a bottom line, and have a sharp edge in their writing. Do you all remember that?"

Seeing his elder brother's comments in public, Zhu Yunwen blushed and quickly said, "I have learned your lesson, elder brother!"

When it was Zhu Yunwen's turn to step forward, this younger brother, who was usually lively, honest, and the most clingy, stepped forward.

One can see crooked and messy handwriting on the paper, and it only copied the original text of the Analects without any of its own insights.

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned slightly and said, "Yun Tong, I just told you yesterday that your writing should be straight and even. How come you've reverted to your old ways in less than a day?"

"And when we go to school, learning is one aspect, but the key is to use our brains and think..."

Zhu Yunwen stuck out his tongue and replied repeatedly, "I understand, I understand, don't worry, big brother, I will definitely study hard..."

When it was his second uncle's eldest son Zhu Shangbing's turn, he saw that this little brother, just like his younger brother Zhu Yunwen, was no less troublesome!

I couldn't help but offer a couple of criticisms.

However, his cousins ​​Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Jixi, and Zhu Youdun did a good job on their assignments.

That said, Zhu Youdun here is the eldest son of his fifth uncle.

Historically, he was a renowned playwright!

As the eldest brother, after checking all his younger brothers' homework, he didn't even have time to order the eunuchs Sanbao and Laishun to bring tea and snacks so they could relax together.

Zhu Yunwen suddenly sighed and said, "Brother, I always feel that I'm stupid. I'm not good at studying, and I'm also bad at riding and archery. I don't know what I'll be able to do in the future?"

Young man, you have such awareness?

Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes flickered slightly. Not wanting to discourage him, he smiled and said, "Yun Tong, you are mistaken. You are kind-hearted, sincere, and loyal. You will surely be able to safeguard our Zhu family's rule and become a wise and virtuous member of the imperial family..."

Zhu Yunwen's expression brightened, and he nodded firmly.

Zhu Xiong Ying, in high spirits, turned to his fourth uncle's eldest son, Gao Chi, and said, "Fourth brother, during your time in the capital, please follow our weight loss method and make sure you control your weight. Then you can practice riding and archery with us!"

He added, "With your character, virtue, integrity, composure, and the qualities of a national hero, you will surely be able to command respect and trust everyone, even if you were to govern a region in the future. We have high hopes for you!"

Zhu Gaochi never expected that his elder brother would have such a high opinion of him.

He was deeply moved and immediately stood up, bowing deeply and saying, "I will certainly not let my elder brother down!"

He gave his younger brothers a good dose of motivational talk.

He was just thinking that in a little over a month, it would be the big day of his eleventh uncle and his aunt from the Lan family. Should he invite everyone to join in the fun?

Lai Fu, who was standing at the door, rushed in and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, the Emperor has sent someone!"

Old Zhu?!

These days, he has been behaving himself and taking care of his younger brothers!

We await the completion of the university, and then we will begin to implement the grand plan to strengthen the nation and enrich the people!

I haven't done anything wrong, so why did Old Zhu send someone to look for me?

Could it be because of his uncles?

Zhu Xiong Ying remained completely calm and composed, saying indifferently, "Oh, let him in!"

The eunuch of the Hall of Literary Glory bowed deeply as soon as he entered, saying, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince, His Majesty requests that you come to the Warm Pavilion immediately. He has something to discuss with you!"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and said, "I understand, I'll go see Grandfather right away!"

"Yunwen, Yunhuo, Gaochi, and all my brothers, remember to review the lessons taught by the teacher today!"

"yes!"

Two incense sticks later, in the Huagai Hall.

Inside the warm pavilion.

On the other side, Zhu Xiong Ying had just stepped in when he respectfully greeted them.

Zhu Yuanzhang then moved his eldest grandson to his side, handed him the thin book, and said, "Grandson, take a look. These are the donations your second, third, fifth, and seventh uncles, as well as several other imperial uncles who are serving in their fiefdoms, made to your university. The details are all recorded here!"

Zhu Xiong Ying blinked and exclaimed, "Grandpa, Second Uncle and the others are so kind! I am deeply grateful!!"