The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 88 Zhu Yuanzhang: We trust Grandson!

Inside Wenhua Hall.

After putting down the roster, Zhu Xiong Ying picked up the booklet.

Upon closer inspection, it revealed the school's budget for expenses.

The format recorded therein is none other than the double-entry bookkeeping method that has been popularized throughout the country since Old Zhu issued his decree last time!

When he reached the total amount donated by the various princes, his brow furrowed, and he asked Biao'er's father, "Father, why is there an extra 20,000 taels of silver here?"

Seeing his beloved son's meticulousness, Zhu Biao took the accounts and said with a smile, "Our Ying'er is indeed very observant!"

"This extra silver is a donation that your second and third uncles sent a few days ago—"

Second Uncle Zhu?

Third Uncle Zhu Lu?

Zhu Xiong Ying was slightly taken aback, then suddenly realized.

At the end of last December, Emperor Zhu sent an imperial edict to several of his uncles, giving them a perfunctory reprimand!

His reminders and pleadings were clearly remembered by his uncles!

It's no wonder that his nephew cared so much!

In the future, whether there's something to say or not, I should write more letters to express my affection for my family.

He was definitely not after money!

She caught a glimpse of her eldest son staring blankly.

Zhu Biao, thinking he was touched, put down the ink brush he had picked up and gently comforted her, "Our Ying'er, don't take it to heart!"

"Since your second uncle and the others have taken the initiative to send this, it is truly out of their sincere hearts! Although they may occasionally be impatient and lose their temper, they understand the greater good of the nation and know that educating people through schools is beneficial to the Ming Dynasty —"

After observing for such a long time, Zhu Xiong Ying finally figured it out.

Biao'er's father treated his second, third, and fourth uncles with genuine kindness, not insincerely, for show, or to maintain a certain image!

While admiring him, he thought of his younger brothers Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Yunwen and others who were still studying in the main hall.

These past few days, I've been busy with my work and have inevitably neglected some things.

Starting tomorrow, as the eldest brother, I must take good care of him!

After my father finished his long-winded speech...

Zhu Xiong Ying readily replied, "Father is right, I've remembered it all, and I will definitely be filial to my second and third uncles in the future."

Fourth Uncle————

Zhu Biao looked at it and nodded in satisfaction.

About half an hour later.

Zhu Xiong Ying left Wen Hua Tang and tiptoed into the warm pavilion of Hua Gai Dian.

Surprisingly, it was completely quiet.

Even the eunuchs trembled with fear, standing still and not daring to make the slightest move.

Then glanced toward the dragon throne.

It was clear that Old Zhu's face was ashen; he had probably just lost his temper!

Zhu Xiong Ying was somewhat relieved; thankfully, she had stayed a little longer with Biao'er's father!

Otherwise, given Zhu's volatile temper, even his beloved grandson would likely suffer collateral damage.

After a pause, Little Zhu mustered his courage and slowly walked towards the imperial desk.

He looked up and glanced around, then leaned back, handed over the tea, and tentatively asked, "Grandpa, who has angered you?"

"Have some tea to calm down, don't get too angry and ruin your health!"

"The entire capital and thirteen departments of our Great Ming Dynasty rest on your shoulders—"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's anger subsided slightly. He took the tea, sipped it, and said in a deep voice, "My great-grandson may not know, but since last year, I have issued an evaluation decree, strictly prohibiting corruption and negligence!"

"Yet, judging from the documents sent from various places at the beginning of the year, some people still dare to line their own pockets and outwardly comply while inwardly disobeying us. They are treating our words as mere whispers in the wind!"

Zhu Xiong Ying understood instantly.

No wonder Old Zhu was furious!

The controversy surrounding the grain dumping case has not yet subsided.

Furthermore, the local efforts to recover the funds have continued since the end of last year.

Even with the ongoing crackdown on corruption and the constant pressure on officials, there were still people who dared to challenge the emperor.

Wouldn't that be asking for trouble?

Zhu Xiong Ying pondered and said, "Grandfather, please calm down! This isn't necessarily a bad thing!"

"Think about it," the grandson said, "the performance evaluation system I spoke of back then was originally intended to rectify the court's discipline and severely punish corruption. Now that these deeply hidden corrupt officials have been uncovered, it proves that Grandfather's decision was correct!"

"If this is not the case, when they rise to a high position and become like Guo Huan, the disasters they cause will only be greater!"

'

By simply changing the perspective and using just a few words, Old Zhu's anger was largely dispelled.

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes, patted the thin booklet, and pondered, "What our eldest grandson said makes sense!"

"But those few who are seriously involved cannot be let off easily. They should be executed immediately, their property confiscated, and their families banned from employment forever—we must remind the court officials once again!"

"As for those on this list who have repeatedly failed their assessments, they should be punished even more severely, dismissed from their posts, investigated, and dealt with strictly without any leniency!"

"And these prefectural and county officials, who dare to procrastinate and have failed two assessments, should also be demoted and transferred to the border regions to atone for their crimes through meritorious service."

"Starting this year, we believe that the Crown Prince should continue to lead a joint effort with the Censorate to re-examine the performance evaluations across the Ming Dynasty, identify and address any omissions, and punish anyone who has shielded or condoned such behavior!"

good good!

This year, the officials of our Great Ming Dynasty are really having a tough time!

Old Zhu's methods sometimes focus too much on the results.

They only trust individual authority!

Little Zhu picked up the teapot, immediately refilled it, and added a sentence.

"Grandfather, in my opinion, whether it's court officials or local officials, we can't simply kill one to deter many and use laws to restrain them. The key is to expand the propaganda!"

"Since last October, hasn't Grandfather issued the Great Proclamation to the whole country? That's a good strategy!"

"But what is done here is mostly done through written and oral methods. Why can't we add some other forms that are popular with the people and easy for them to understand?"

"For example, plays, vernacular novels, and the like?"

"Should we add more cases so that ordinary people can also support the Emperor's anti-corruption efforts?"

When it comes to novels...

Zhu Xiong Ying then thought of Luo Guanzhong.

Luo was born in the early Ming Dynasty, and according to his age, he was only in his fifties!

Now, the Romance of the Three Kingdoms must be finished soon, right?

I wish we could find them.

Lock him in a dark room to make him produce more.

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then turned to look at his beloved grandson, whose eyes were shining brightly. He nodded and said, "The methods my grandson has suggested are indeed feasible!"

"Could it be that Grandson wants to help us share the burden?"

Old Zhu had seen through his little scheme again.

Zhu Xiong Ying seized the opportunity and said with a smile, "If Grandfather trusts his grandson, how about leaving this matter to me? I guarantee you'll be satisfied then!"

"However, we will need your assistance in carrying out our tasks!"

After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang felt that the purpose of the good grandson was not simple.

After pondering for a long time, he said, "We approve!"

"But let me make this clear from the start! Whether Da Sun is in charge of the university or handling this matter, his studies cannot be neglected!"

With this guarantee, the objective is achieved.

When the novels and plays are staged, won't it be possible to make some money to use for national welfare and people's livelihood?

At the same time, it kills two birds with one stone and also helps relieve Lao Zhu's worries!

Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes widened, and he hurriedly said, "Grandpa, don't worry, I haven't neglected my studies for a moment. If you don't believe me, ask Mr. Liu and the others when you have time!"

"Even today, when my grandson met Mr. Fang, he praised him highly."

But the eldest grandson patted his chest and made a promise.

I also heard Fang Xiaoru's praise.

Zhu Yuanzhang was pleased, pulled his arm, and said with obvious affection, "We'll trust Grandson!"