Parallel Ming Dynasty: The more he compared, the more devastated Zhu Yuanzhang became.

{Original World: Your world's emperor is actually a narrow-minded person who can't tolerate honesty!}

{Original World: Just because Zhang Shouwang spoke a few frank words, they refused to give him any more important positions. That's incredibly autocratic and intolerant of dissent!}

New World: What are you mocking? Your emperor is exactly the same as our emperor!

They are all the same dynasty, all the same emperors. By criticizing our emperor, aren't you just mocking your own?

{Original World: The two worlds are ultimately different; our emperor and your emperor are fundamentally different!}

{New World: Then let's pull them out and compare!}

{Original World: What do you take the current emperor for? A mule? A donkey? Why are you dragging him out to cause such trouble?}

The comments section instantly erupted into a heated argument.

Meanwhile, in the new world on the other side.

Seeing the heated discussions on the screen, Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor, was filled with embarrassment.

This video is just too fair; it even dug up this old story of his own.

If this matter hadn't been exposed, he would have had a flawless positive image throughout the entire Ming Dynasty. But once the video was played, all the people of the Ming Dynasty knew that he was a petty and narrow-minded emperor.

The princes standing in the hall felt no embarrassment whatsoever, for they knew all too well what kind of person their father was.

He has always been good at using capable ministers, and if a minister does not meet his expectations, he will definitely not keep him.

As an emperor, there's nothing wrong with acting a bit domineeringly.

But now, his petty and narrow-minded nature has been exposed throughout the entire Ming Dynasty. If he doesn't take some remedial measures, the scholars of the world, in order to gain a reputation for integrity, might pick up their pens and grind ink to utterly vilify him.

After pondering for a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang said in a deep voice, "Sanhu, pass on the message and promote Zhang Shouwang to the capital."

"The deed is done. All the people of the Ming Dynasty know that Zhang Shouwang is a loyal and outspoken minister. If the court continues to neglect or ignore him, the people will surely tear us apart."

Zhu Yuanzhang had long since stopped caring about these empty titles he held in his lifetime.

But for capable ministers, promoting even one more person is a good thing.

Even if he himself couldn't use it, the emperors of the Zhu family in later generations would still be able to.

"yes!"

Sanhu immediately agreed in a deep voice.

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Yuanzhang turned to look at Zhu Duo, who had a calm and composed expression.

"Duo'er, I'm sorry to have wronged you. You did such a big thing back then, and I, as your grandfather, not only didn't reward you, but I almost hit you."

"But you're so stubborn. You even grabbed a broom when you saw me, and you still wouldn't tell me the truth. In your heart, do you think your royal grandfather is so untrustworthy?"

"I have nothing to be aggrieved about. Although I was born into the imperial family, I should not treat the people of the world with the mindset of a 'governor.' I only want to save more people of the Ming Dynasty."

Every ordinary citizen is a living, breathing human being.

While it's not to say that everyone is born equal, at least when it comes to life, emperors and commoners alike only have one.

"The emperor shepherds the people... The emperor shepherds the people..."

Zhu Yuanzhang kept muttering this phrase, a creed that emperors of all dynasties regarded as golden rules. However, Zhu Duo did not agree with this phrase and instead said that all lives are equal, which was really not something an emperor should say.

But looking at the barrage of comments and the attitudes of the people towards Zhu Duo, it seems that Zhu Duo's actions are more likely to win the hearts of the people.

The comments section was even more unrestrained, with many saying that Zhu Duo was more suitable for the throne than Zhu Yuanzhang.

Even the comments section explicitly stated that if the next emperor wasn't Zhu Duo, they would all rise up in rebellion.

Although these are just comments in the video and no one actually takes action, they have already revealed the true thoughts of the people.

"Duo'er, you founded the Peace Trading Company yourself. How much money did you spend back then? Your Imperial Grandfather will compensate you for it all!"

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly spoke with a solemn expression.

The princes in the hall were all taken aback and immediately cried out, "Father, you mustn't!"

"Why not?!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face instantly darkened, and all the princes felt a chill in their hearts, cold sweat poured down their foreheads, and they all fell silent in fear.

"Speak! Why not?! Duo'er has devoted manpower, effort, and money to the people of Xuzhou, doing everything he could to repay his kindness. Am I not even allowed to compensate him for his sacrifices?"

Zhu Yuanzhang's tone carried a hint of anger.

Prince Zhu Shuang of Qin gritted his teeth, knelt down on both knees, and said, "Father, Duo'er's Peace Trading Company is now quite large in the Ming Dynasty. It is no exaggeration to say that it is as rich as a country."

On the contrary, the national treasury's reserves over the years have not seen much substantial growth.

A million taels of silver might not have much impact on the Peace Trading Company, but it could have a huge impact on the various affairs of the national treasury.

Therefore, I humbly suggest that we cease using money to compensate my nephew Zhu Duo.”

After saying this, Zhu Shuang stared intently at the ground, not daring to look up and meet Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze.

Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then turned to look at Zhu Duo, "Duo'er, what are you thinking?"

"Your subject is willing to follow your second uncle's arrangements. In fact, Duo'er doesn't care about any compensation at all."

Zhu Duo spoke calmly, but a cold laugh rose in his heart.

Was Zhu Yuanzhang genuinely willing to compensate him with money?

Did Zhu Shuang really dare to go against Zhu Yuanzhang's wishes?

To put it bluntly, this is nothing more than a glamorous show.

In the adult world, appearances are maintained by this tacit understanding. Zhu Duo didn't really care about Zhu Yuanzhang's compensation; his Peace Trading Company was already incredibly wealthy.

The compensation Zhu Yuanzhang mentioned might not even be equivalent to a day's profit for the Heping Trading Company.

However, the Heping Trading Company has always paid its taxes on time and in full, bringing the Ming Dynasty far higher tax revenue than before, and has never been involved in court politics. Therefore, the Heping Trading Company has been able to survive steadily in the Ming Dynasty to this day.

Otherwise, given Old Zhu's temperament, he would have uprooted the Heping Trading Company long ago.

He would never allow anyone to threaten his imperial rule!

Moreover, the Peace Trading Company owes its current scale largely to the special privileges bestowed upon it by Emperor Zhu after the disaster relief efforts in Xuzhou.

"The plaque for the business is bestowed by the Emperor. As long as the business does not violate the laws of the Ming Dynasty, no one may make things difficult for it."

This was a reward personally bestowed upon the Heping Trading Company by Zhu Yuanzhang.

This is precisely why the Peace Trading Company and the Ming Dynasty have been able to maintain a win-win situation over the years.

Zhu Duo continued, "Back then, it was thanks to the imperial plaque bestowed by His Majesty that the Heping Trading Company was able to achieve its current success. This reward alone is worth more than any monetary compensation."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly, a hint of regret on his face, and said, "Since you insist, then we won't force you."

"However, your Peace Trading Company is enormous, paying countless taxes every year. Won't it be too much for you to manage alone? Would you need my help, as your grandfather?"

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. The Peace Trading Company is just a small business, and its internal structure is very stable, so it doesn't need any extra help."

Zhu Duo directly rejected Zhu Yuanzhang's "good intentions," and Zhu Yuanzhang showed a hint of regret on his face.

How could the Peace Trading Company be considered a small business?

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't genuinely want to help him; he was afraid that Zhu Duo would use the power of the Peace Trading Company to do things he shouldn't.

For example... plotting to seize power!

-

Meanwhile, in the original world on the other side.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon throne in the Golden Palace, his face full of embarrassment.

Although the Zhu Yuanzhang in the video is not him, if it were him, he would have done the same thing.

Even the most capable minister will not be retained if he refuses to obey.

After a moment of silence, Zhu Yuanzhang asked, "Is Zhang Shouwang still the prefect of Xuzhou?"

A minister stepped forward quickly, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, the current prefect of Xuzhou is Li Yishan. Because of the flood in Xuzhou that year, Zhang Shouwang was demoted two ranks."

Now, he should have been promoted to the position of Prefect of Xuzhou.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang slowly nodded.

Zhang Shouwang's official position is not bad. Although he has never had contact with this person, he knows from this video that Zhang Shouwang is a capable minister.

Even if he doesn't need it himself, it wouldn't be a bad idea to leave it for his grandson Zhu Yunwen to use in the future.

[Promoted to the highest rank, salary doubled, and bestowed with the title of Loyal and Patriotic Official!]

Zhu Yuanzhang immediately ordered a reward.

【Yes! 】

The ministers standing in front of the hall were filled with envy.

As an official of the imperial court, who doesn't hope for a smooth career advancement or to leave a mark on history?

To receive a title personally bestowed by the emperor, especially during one's lifetime, is an unprecedented and extremely rare occurrence.

If this matter were to spread, Zhang Shouwang's doorstep would probably be worn down by people.

How many officials and literati must have flocked to him, vying to befriend this "loyal and discerning minister"? It's almost unimaginable.

This is truly a case of being blessed with good fortune while sitting at home!

The ministers were filled with jealousy.

Your Majesty—

An official dressed in military uniform stepped forward.

Zhu Yuanzhang asked, "What brings you here?"

[I have observed numerous comments in the video's live chat that are detrimental to Your Majesty. Should we implement controls on them?]

[Control? How should it be controlled?]

Zhu Yuanzhang coldly stared at the military general, his brows furrowing. [As the emperor, are you going to send a comment saying that anyone who criticizes me will be executed without mercy?]

Do you really think you can find out who said it just by a name?

Go ask the Ministry of Revenue, how many people in our Ming Dynasty are named Zhang San and Li Si? Can you arrest them all?! Or are you trying to arrest everyone with the same name to establish imperial authority?

Are you trying to kill me?!

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze was as cold as ice, which frightened the military officer so much that he immediately knelt down and begged for mercy, repeatedly saying that he dared not.

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly and did not pursue his crimes any further.

He knew perfectly well what the general was thinking.

The situation is very different now than it used to be.

The footage shown in this video is completely different from the rumors that circulated before.

Their every word and action is being monitored by this mysterious force, and could be made public at any time.

If he really did as the military general said.

Putting aside whether he can catch those who criticize him, if this video were to expose such actions, the people of the world might actually rise up in rebellion.

Now, their every word and action is under this mysterious surveillance. They are all walking on thin ice and can no longer afford to say the wrong thing.

The feeling of being stared at is really uncomfortable.

But the one who felt most uncomfortable was none other than the grandson of the emperor, Zhu Yunwen.

Although the video depicts Zhu Yunwen from another world, the people attribute all the things that Zhu Yunwen did to him.

With such a brilliant talent as Zhu Duo preceding him, he had already aroused considerable dissatisfaction among the people.

No one is perfect. This video details everything I've done in the past. How can I possibly remain on this throne?

Even the smallest flaw can be magnified and used to attack me. This feeling of being constantly watched and monitored is incredibly unpleasant.

I just hope this video can at least preserve some of my privacy. If it exposes other bad things about me, then I'm completely finished.

In the video footage, after Zhu Duo received the full support of the imperial court and was bestowed with an imperial gold plaque, he was not arrogant or complacent at all. Instead, he calmed down and started planning everything from scratch.

Although the Peace Trading Company distributed a huge amount of real money during the disaster relief process, the remaining balance in its accounts was still quite considerable.

On this day, Zhu Duo made a special trip to visit a man named Shen Bi.

Shen Bi was a man of genuine talent and learning. After Zhu Duo recruited him, he immediately entrusted him with important responsibilities, making him the nominal head of the Heping Trading Company.

Moreover, with the plaque bestowed by the Emperor and the impressive reputation accumulated during the floods in Xuzhou, the fame of Heping Trading Company spread rapidly throughout the country.

Zhu Duo's first step in his plan was to invest heavily in recruiting artisans with various skills and to establish a research and development technology academy.

The recruited artisans come from all walks of life, but they almost all share one striking characteristic: they have a quick and agile mind and are extremely adept at accepting new things.

When these people received the invitation from the Peace Trading Company, they were all extremely excited.

It should be noted that the Heping Trading Company's charitable act of disaster relief in Xuzhou touched countless people across the country. Many people were willing to work for the Heping Trading Company for free, but all of them were politely declined by the Heping Trading Company.

After recruiting these people, Zhu Duo first arranged for them to systematically study many novel and interesting classic texts.

These books are mostly unusual books that record the methods of making all sorts of novel objects.

Normally, these would just be books for people to read for their curiosity and amusement, but Zhu Duo valued them highly.

Although the crowd didn't quite understand, no one raised any objections.

In addition to these fascinating books, Zhu Duo also required them to focus on studying the relevant techniques of various categories of handcraftsmanship.

These things should have belonged to the category of "craftsmen". Before they were recruited, they were very puzzled as to why Zhu Duo wanted them to study these things.