The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Outside the mansion gate.

After a few breaths.

Seeing the earnest gaze of the eldest grandson of the emperor, who held his hand tightly and was full of concern.

Wang Zhi took a deep breath, forcing back his tears, and said repeatedly, "Your Highness is too kind to this old minister! Your Highness is of inestimable worth; how could this old minister dare to accept such an honor?"

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head and said, "Grandpa Wang, what is there to be afraid of?"

"My grandfather often told me that when he was trapped in Haozhou City, it was you, Grandpa Tang, and Grandpa Xu who protected him and helped him break through the encirclement!"

"When you were defending Changzhou, you were hit by two arrows while trying to block Zhang Shicheng's army. You held your ground and never left the city wall."

"Later, during the Northern Expedition, you served under my maternal grandfather. You led the vanguard across the Yellow River and captured the Yuan capital, making outstanding contributions..."

"Without you, there would be no Ming Dynasty as we are today. You and the Emperor are of the same generation, so it's only natural for me to call you Grandpa Wang!"

Zhu Xiong Ying's words came from the heart and were completely unpretentious.

Ultimately, the Zhu family owes its current success to these elders!

Most of the generals in Huaixi were his maternal grandfather Chang Yuchun's direct subordinates.

As long as one doesn't commit the grave mistake of treason.

After Old Zhu and Biao'er's father pass away, he will surely treat them well and ensure that they have a good end!

Wang Zhi spent his entire life teetering on the edge of a knife, witnessing all sorts of dramatic events.

But a few words from the eldest grandson of the emperor brought tears to his eyes again, and he murmured, "This old minister, this old minister..."

He held Old Wang's arm tightly and offered a few words of comfort.

Zhu Xiong Ying glanced at the other worshippers and offered them each a helping hand, showing them the proper etiquette.

After entering the mansion.

He did not forget to visit his grandmother, Madam Pan, and convey Empress Ma's greetings. He then sighed, "My grandmother often told me that my grandfather spent half his life on the battlefield, while you, by managing the household and raising the children, have also rendered meritorious service to the Ming Dynasty!"

"Now that the world is at peace, it's time for you to enjoy your retirement. Don't worry about anything in your daily life. If there's anything at home, just tell the royal family or U.A...."

Upon hearing this, Madam Pan's eyes instantly welled up with tears, and she repeatedly expressed her gratitude.

Wang Zhi stood aside, watching all of this, deeply moved.

Judging solely from the words and actions of the imperial grandson.

The emperor did not forget these veteran ministers, nor did the empress...

Zhu Xiong Ying sat in the Marquis's residence for a while before leaving.

He then summoned all of Wang's sons to his side and showered them with praise.

A full hour later.

Before leaving the residence, Zhu Xiong Ying held Wang Zhi's hand and said gently, "We're all family, so let's not stand on ceremony. I've come today to offer my New Year's greetings on behalf of my grandfather and grandmother! Seeing that everyone at home is well puts my mind at ease!"

I have conveyed Lao Zhu's message.

Zhu Xiong Ying accepted the gift again before leaving with peace of mind.

But the entourage of the eldest grandson of the emperor disappeared into the street.

Looking at his father, who stood motionless like a stone statue, Wang Wei felt heavy-hearted. He stepped forward and said softly, "Dad, it's windy outside, let's go back inside!"

Wang Zhi, leaning on his cane, turned to look at his sons and said solemnly, "Today, you all saw it!"

"The imperial family has shown us a great favor! Even after I am gone, you must all remain loyal. Do you understand?"

The Wang family sons all bowed and replied, "Your sons understand, and will certainly not fail your teachings, Father!"

The words of Wang Zhi and his son are not mentioned.

The following days.

Zhu Xiong Ying didn't have a moment to rest.

On the seventh day of the first lunar month, I went to the residence of the Marquis of Changxing.

This Marquis of Changxing, Geng Bingwen, was also from Haozhou. In his early years, he followed his father, Geng Junyong, to join Zhu Yuanzhang!

He was a man of outstanding military achievements throughout his life, and was the best defender in the early Ming Dynasty!

Now in his early fifties, he's still capable of being highly valued!

On the eighth day of the first lunar month, they went to the residence of Marquis Wuding.

Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding was only eighteen years old when he started his business with his grandfather, the Emperor. He was also the brother-in-law of Emperor Zhu and the maternal uncle of Zhu Tan, the tenth uncle!

Among all the imperial relatives, he was one of the people most trusted by Emperor Zhu!

We can't afford to be negligent!

In the following days, Zhu Xiong Ying also visited the residences of Marquis Wu Liang of Jiangyin, Marquis Wu Zhen of Jinghai, Marquis Zhao Yong of Nanxiong, and Marquis Yang Jing of Yingyang...

Everyone here is an old man from Huaixi who started his business with Lao Zhu!

Even more so, they were fierce generals and capable ministers!

Right now, they're among the most capable fighters!

By the fourteenth day of the first lunar month, on the eve of the Lantern Festival.

That afternoon, Zhu Xiong Ying came to the Huagai Hall and told his imperial grandfather about the recent visits to relatives.

"Your Majesty, I've been quite busy these past few days, delivering New Year's gifts and greetings to Grandpa Xu and his family on your behalf. Everyone is grateful for Your Majesty's kindness! They've even returned the favor with gifts!"

"Seeing he couldn't refuse, the grandson had no choice but to accept it..."

Hearing about the current situation of his old comrades-in-arms and the little things that had happened.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and repeatedly praised it.

But then I thought of that nightmare I'd been having for the past few days.

My heart is filled with mixed feelings of emotion and reflection.

These old brothers who followed him out of the pile of dead bodies in Haozhou had rendered meritorious service to the emperor, were arrogant, and held tight military power.

Not just anyone can subdue them!

Luckily, my sister is here, and my son is here.

Our grandson is still alive and well after that illness.

Even if one day he is gone.

Biao'er served as the crown prince for nearly twenty years. He was kind and dignified, and was able to keep the emperor in check!

The eldest grandson, Xiong Ying, was Bo Ren's grandson. Behind him stood the Chang and Lan families, who carried the blood of Huai Xi. These elderly people from Huai Xi deserved respect and admiration.

But first, we'll lose our leader, our eldest grandson who can keep things in check, and replace him with another, more lenient successor.

Which of these arrogant and fierce soldiers will be loyal?

At that time, for the sake of peace in the Ming Dynasty and for the continuation of the throne, even if he was reluctant, he would have no choice but to ruthlessly kill and exterminate the entire clan!

In fact, since the Hu Weiyong case, who would be willing to kill a brother who had risked his life together?

Back in the Red Turban Army, people shared a bowl of porridge and risked their lives for each other.

A bond forged through life and death together, forged in the face of death!

Side.

They noticed that Old Zhu was staring at the memorial in his hand, and suddenly seemed lost in thought.

Zhu Xiong Ying moved closer, standing on tiptoe, and caught a fleeting glimpse of the imperial desk.

He couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Grandpa, has something happened that's causing you so much trouble?"

He saw his eldest grandson and peeked around curiously.

Zhu Yuanzhang quickly changed the subject, pointing to the case file: "Our grandson doesn't know, this case file was submitted by the Ministry of Justice!"

"The person mentioned inside is a scholar named Fang Xiaoru."

"As early as four years ago, in the fifteenth year of the Hongwu reign, Wu Chen and others from the Hanlin Academy recommended him, and we even had an audience with him!"

Fang Xiaoru?

Old Fang?

Even in later generations, he would be considered a great celebrity!

He was the chief disciple of the great Confucian scholar Song Lian, a fellow student of Biao'er's father, and a core successor of Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism!

His writings were unparalleled in his time, and he was revered as a master by scholars throughout the world!

In addition, he was also the tutor of Emperor Jianwen, Zhu Yunwen!

After the Jingnan Campaign, all the imperial edicts and proclamations that vehemently denounced his fourth uncle were written by this man.

Of course, he is most famous for having his entire family of ten clans exterminated by his fourth uncle, Zhu Di!

He was also the only fierce man in the hundreds of years of the Ming Dynasty to have his entire clan of ten executed!