The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 86 Zhu Biao: Our Xiong Ying has made a great contribution!

Inside the private room.

This was accompanied by Fang Xiaoru's question.

Zhu Xiong Ying's heart stirred slightly.

Who are we?

My ancestor was Zhu Yuanzhang, who started with a bowl, rose from humble beginnings, swept away all the heroes, drove out the Tartars, and conquered a vast empire.

My father served as regent for over a decade, and his benevolence spread throughout the land. His subjects trusted and respected him. Throughout history, he was the most reliable Crown Prince, Zhu Biao!

As for me—I am naturally the eldest grandson of the Ming Emperor, Zhu Xiong Ying!

Meeting Old Fang's gaze, Zhu Xiong Ying did not answer directly, but calmly said, "Mr. Fang, you must still remember that four years ago, my grandfather heard of your great name and summoned you to his side for an audience! To this day, he still speaks highly of your character and scholarship!"

"Furthermore, my father, like Mr. Fang, also studied the Five Classics under Master Song—"

Upon hearing this...

Fang Xiaoru froze for a moment.

In the fifteenth year of the Hongwu reign, he was summoned by the emperor to the palace to meet him, and later returned to his hometown.

When Song Gong was in the capital, he was invited by the imperial court to serve as a teacher of the Five Classics, specifically to lecture on the classics to the Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

Thus, the identity of the young master Zhu before them became obvious.

He should be the eldest son of the Crown Prince!

He's the eldest grandson of the imperial family!

He was wrong before!

I had assumed this young man was a member of the royal family, someone who had received a decree from the palace.

Fang Xiaoru was always extremely filial and righteous, and he valued respect and honored his teachers.

When the blank seal case broke out, his father, Fang Keqin, was killed, and he traveled thousands of miles to escort the coffin back to his hometown.

After the funeral, he immediately returned to Song Lian's tutelage to continue his studies, upholding filial piety and the proper conduct towards his teacher!

Now that we know its origin.

How could we remain indifferent?

That square face immediately became solemn.

He straightened his clothes, took a deep breath, and bowed, saying, "I am Xiaoru, unaware that His Highness the Crown Prince was in person. My previous remarks during our discussion were presumptuous and lacked respect. I beg Your Highness's forgiveness!"

Old Fang is not only straightforward, but also a respectable person!

Zhu Xiong Ying quickly approached, placed her hands on his arms, and said respectfully and gently, "Mr. Fang, please get up!"

"I have long admired you, sir! I have not revealed my identity today for fear of losing my sincerity in discussing philosophy with you!"

"Furthermore, the university that specializes in teaching practical skills was originally built last year after we petitioned the Emperor—"

"Before the Lantern Festival, the Emperor saw your name in the files. Knowing your character, he simply issued an edict to the Ministry of Justice —"

Hearing these words...

Fang Xiaoru was moved and felt admiration.

The fact that the grandson of the emperor could set aside his status and seek the Way with humility shows his respect for learning. He is indeed worthy of being the son of the crown prince!

He perfectly inherited the benevolence and virtue of the crown prince!

This is a blessing for all people and for the world!

More importantly, the royal pardon for all of them!

He shed his reserved demeanor, revealing a sincere heart, and bowed respectfully, saying solemnly, "Your Highness is too kind; it was I who was narrow-minded!"

"Your Highness, as a grandson of the emperor, humbles yourself in pursuit of the Way! You do not cling to power, nor are you arrogant; you diligently study and value your principles—this is the true way of a gentleman! The demeanor of ancient sages—"

Zhu Xiong Ying listened.

He was secretly thrilled.

Look at this, what a scholar is like, putting on a serious act of flattery?

The key is that he couldn't find any fault with what Lao Fang said!

We can only accept it.

After saying what was on my mind.

Fang Xiaoru's gaze was firm, without hesitation, and he bowed again, saying, "I am already aware of Your Highness's heart for establishing schools and your ambition to practice the Way!"

"Since Your Highness has entrusted me with this task, I will certainly do my utmost to fulfill my duties and live up to the teachings of the sages."

Guan Laofang readily agreed.

Zhu Xiong Ying maintained her supporting posture, but was somewhat surprised.

He originally thought it would take a while longer to pull.

I didn't expect things to go so smoothly!

But I quickly figured out why.

Firstly, Fang Xiaoru was a traditional scholar who valued ethical principles and moral values.

He always upheld the principle that the emperor is the guide for his subjects, and was loyal to the emperor and loved his country. After the Jingnan Campaign, he would rather die than submit to his fourth uncle, which was precisely because he adhered to this principle!

But little Zhu is the second in line to the throne and the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty!

If Lao Fang dared to refuse, it would be disrespectful to imperial authority, a denial of himself, and a violation of moral principles!

Secondly, Fang Xiaoru was an ambitious man who had been unappreciated and had been lying low for many years. If he wanted to realize his ambition of "enlightening the king and bringing peace to the country," he had to hitch a ride on the royal family's coattails.

The principle of being upright and unyielding is only directed against powerful regimes that violate Confucian traditions.

As for the legitimate imperial power, like many scholar-officials, Lao Fang had no reason to refuse!

In short, these are the benefits of having a certain status!

Zhu Xiong Ying said, "Excellent! From now on, we will rely on your guidance in education and governance!"

"As for your family, they can all live together in the capital at that time."

That afternoon.

Zhu Xiong Ying successfully persuaded Fang Xiao Ru and made arrangements for his resettlement.

They immediately returned to the palace and headed towards the Wenhua Hall.

He planned to meet with Biao'er's father on the way to report on Lao Fang's situation.

Let's check on the enrollment and other matters, and see how things are going with him!

On this side, they hadn't even stepped into the main hall yet.

He was stopped by a cross-eyed eunuch!

It turned out that Biao'er's father was discussing important matters with a group of ministers.

Two hours have passed, and the meeting has not yet ended.

Zhu Xiong Ying glared at him, clenching his fists, and asked, "Oh, tell me, who did you call 'father'?"

The horse-faced eunuch was startled, lowered his head, and obediently reported, "Your Highness!"

"This morning, His Highness the Crown Prince summoned the Duke of Wei, the Duke of Xin, the Minister of War, the Grand Secretaries of the Left and Right Spring Palaces, the Marquis of Yongchang, and the Marquis of Changxing—"

In recent years, Old Zhu has become a hands-off manager, and most of the military and political affairs are handled by Young Zhu!

He was very welcoming to a group of high-ranking military officials.

Zhu Xiong Ying finally understood.

Either there's military intelligence in the north, or something's happened in the southwest!

He was getting a little bored while waiting and was planning to go back to the Huagai Hall to sound out Old Zhu.

Noises and commotion could be heard coming from the main gate.

In a short while, Xu Da, Tang He, Li Wenzhong, and his maternal uncle Lan Yu appeared before them.

"Your Majesty, we pay our respects to the Crown Prince!"

As they exchanged greetings, Zhu Xiong Ying could keenly sense the smiles on the faces of these elders.

His eyes were brimming with light!

Something's up!

Feeling puzzled, he quickly offered a helping hand, saying, "Elders, please don't stand on ceremony!"

Before they could exchange more than a few words, a palace attendant came to announce, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince summons you!"

A dozen or so breaths later.

Zhu Xiong Ying entered and saw Biao'er's father sitting at the table, reading documents.

"Your son greets his father!"

Zhu Biao looked up, smiled, and waved his hand, saying, "No need!"

"After the morning court session, I heard from your imperial grandfather that you went to see Mr. Fang when you left the palace today. Did you manage to meet him?"

Seeing Biao'er's father, he was in a good mood, just like Xu Da and the others.

Could it be that the Ming army really won a great victory?

Zhu Xiong Ying suppressed his thoughts and said, "Reporting to Father, I have seen Mr. Fang—"

He recounted in detail the process of inviting Fang Xiaoru.

After listening, Zhu Biao stroked his short beard and nodded slightly: "Ying'er, at such a young age, is already able to persuade people with reason and treat the virtuous with sincerity. As her father, I am extremely gratified!"

"Oh, right, look at this military report. This was sent by my elder brother—well, by your Uncle Mu!"

"I remember last winter, you bluntly stated that Si Lunfa's ambitions were becoming apparent, and that he would inevitably rebel within the year, putting Jingdong in danger—"

"Your imperial grandfather immediately ordered your Uncle Feng to implement a scorched-earth policy and firmly defend the Jingdong and Baiyachuan defense lines! Later, grain was transferred from Sichuan to Yunnan to reinforce the passes, awaiting your Uncle Mu's suppression of the Mosuo rebellion so that he could lead the main force back!"

"In early December, Na Silunfa indeed led his troops to besiege Jingdong, but failed to capture it."

"By the end of the twelfth lunar month, they had lost several thousand soldiers instead."

"You've done a really great job this time!!"