The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 98 Returning Home to Pay Respects to Ancestors? I Can Do It!

Upon hearing about the good grandson, they talked about the old friends who had helped him.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes reddened slightly as he pulled his eldest grandson to his side and said earnestly, "We're relieved that our grandson remembers these kindnesses!"

"Actually, it wasn't just your Grandpa Liu who gave our family a piece of land so that your great-grandparents could be laid to rest in peace —"

"And there was also Old Mother Wang. We were only teenagers then. Our whole family was gone, and we had no food or shelter. We were about to starve to death on the road."

"Thanks to her, she managed to gather some dry rations for us and took some of her own cloth to Huangjue Temple to bribe the monks. She knelt down and begged them to accept us as their apprentices, which gave us a way to survive."

He talked about several people and events in a row.

It was terrifying to hear.

It was also thanks to Old Zhu's good fortune that he had benefactors along the way.

Otherwise, where would we have the Hongwu Emperor of today?

Zhu Yuanzhang gripped his eldest grandson's arm tightly and said, "These people are all like second parents to the Zhu family!"

"Although I have bestowed upon you wealth and honor since my ascension to the throne, I will never forget your kindness!"

Zhu Xiong Ying turned to the side and said, "Grandfather, I remember everything!"

"You often taught me that a ruler must first and foremost value the hearts of the people and never forget his roots. If he forgets even his own benefactors and doesn't even know where his roots lie, how can he govern the world well?"

"Well said!"

Zhu Yuanzhang, feeling grateful, patted his beloved grandson's head and then began to give him instructions.

"The month before last, your grandmother and I were talking about how we need to send someone to Fengyang to pay respects to our ancestors in May."

"Your father wants to help us manage state affairs, so he plans to send you!"

In fact, since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, every three to five years, Emperor Zhu would send someone to his ancestral home in Fengyang to hold a ancestral worship ceremony.

He himself went back twice.

One is February of the fourth year of the Hongwu reign.

During this period, he inspected the construction progress of the Fengyang Imperial Mausoleum, met with the elderly Wang family who had helped him and the descendants of Liu Jizu, and bestowed generous rewards upon his neighbors and old friends.

This trip can truly be described as a triumphant homecoming!

One is April of the eighth year of the Hongwu reign.

During his stay, he inspected the construction progress of Zhongdu and visited the imperial mausoleum again to pay his respects.

This was also the last time in my life that I set foot on the land of my hometown, Fengyang.

After that, most of the time it was Crown Prince Zhu Biao and court officials who went to offer sacrifices and sweep the tombs.

The most recent time was in the seventeenth year of the Hongwu reign, which was two years ago, when Biao'er's father was ordered to return to his hometown.

Looking into his grandson's big eyes, Old Zhu hesitated for a moment, thinking, "Is Grandson thinking that we just sent your father back to his hometown the year before last, why are we sending him again this year?"

"It's strange, but for the past year or two, I've often dreamed about your great-grandfather and great-grandmother. Sometimes I even have nightmares—"

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head, dismissing these distracting thoughts, and added, "Let's not talk about this anymore!"

"Once the eldest grandson returns to Fengyang, remember to visit the imperial mausoleum first, then the ancestral mausoleum. During the sacrificial rites, be sure to be respectful and observe proper etiquette!"

"You must understand, you're going on our behalf. Your intentions, in the eyes of our ancestors, are the same as our intentions!"

"Furthermore, our eldest grandson must personally oversee the restoration of the mausoleum. The bricks and stones of the spirit path, the beams and pillars of the sacrificial hall, the foundation of the mausoleum walls—not a single part can be flawed!"

Despite being somewhat curious deep down about what kind of nightmare Old Zhu had?

You can see the solemn look on his grandfather's face.

Zhu Xiong Ying quickly composed himself and nodded in agreement, "Grandson understands! I will inspect the area thoroughly and then report back to Grandfather!"

Zhu Yuanzhang patted his eldest grandson's arm and said, "Well, there are two more things!"

"One is my fellow villagers back home; as I just said, I can never forget their kindness!"

"When our eldest grandson arrives in Fengyang, he should first go to the residence of Marquis Yihui to pay his respects to your grandfather Liu's wife and descendants, and see how they are doing and if they are facing any difficulties. He should also personally visit the Wang family—"

"In any other isolated village, remember to give a reward of silver to every surviving old neighbor or household, and exempt them from taxes for three years —"

He was the ruler of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yuanzhang was very serious and meticulous about even the smallest matters concerning his hometown.

Zhu Xiong Ying listened attentively, nodding repeatedly.

Understanding Old Zhu's meaning, he added, "This time, your grandson is returning to pay respects to our ancestors on behalf of Grandfather and to visit our old family!"

"During the journey, I will observe and listen carefully, setting aside any airs of royalty and refusing official receptions, so as not to disturb the local people and cause them suffering!"

Zhu Yuanzhang felt a warmth in his heart and smiled, "Excellent! My grandson understands me best!"

"As for the last thing, all these years we've been thinking about bringing our fellow villagers to the capital to see our imperial palace!"

"Back last year, if it weren't for the grain theft case and the subsequent busyness, we originally planned to write to Fengyang and invite them to a gathering in August. But then there were too many people and too many things to do, so we put it off!"

"Our eldest grandson is going back to his hometown this time. Remember to make proper arrangements for him and bring him to the capital to see the city. Don't let them feel constrained, and don't allow the servants to neglect them."

Zhu Xiong Ying noticed it.

Old Zhu summoned his fellow villagers to Beijing, primarily to alleviate their homesickness!

At the same time, it also shows the world that even as the emperor, he does not forget his roots!

He hurriedly replied, "Grandpa, rest assured, I will find the villagers and convey your wishes, make proper arrangements for carriages and horses, and escort them safely to the capital!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said with satisfaction, "Our grandson has truly grown up; he can share our burdens and shoulder responsibilities!"

After chatting for a while...

Zhu Xiong Ying then took his leave and returned to Kun Ning Palace. Inevitably, he mentioned the matter of ancestor worship to Empress Ma.

Seeing this, Empress Ma also gave her many warnings.

The following day, in a private residence in the south of the city.

Luo Guanzhong and Jia Zhongming sat in the hall, each with a worried expression on their faces.

According to what the Imperial Guards said that day, they should be receiving a distinguished person today.

-

In this world, there are very few people who can command the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

After pondering for several days and nights, he still couldn't figure out who this person could be.

On the other hand, this incident confirms that the reason for being brought to the capital this time was probably not related to Zhang Shicheng!

Conversely, why go to such great lengths?

Crunch!

A noise came from the outer courtyard.

Luo Guanzhong and his friend exchanged a glance, then both stood up and looked towards the door.

A few breaths later, an unfamiliar Imperial Guard, gripping the hilt of his sword, strode forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Gentlemen, you have been waiting long. Our esteemed guest requests your presence!"

Such a polite manner.

Seeing this, Luo and Jia felt relieved.

After returning the greeting with clasped hands, they stepped across the threshold.

He saw the other Imperial Guards, who were respectful and fearful.

Clearly, the person who came to greet us was of high status.

As Jiang walked quickly, he glanced at the two figures behind him out of the corner of his eye.

The imperial grandson went to great lengths to find someone surnamed Luo!

Now that I've brought it over, I can finally give it a try.

However, the two of them were filled with anxiety and disorientation.

It is unknown how incredibly lucky they were to be received by the eldest grandson of the emperor!