Ming Dynasty: Charge, Emperor Yongle!

Chapter 105 Conflict Erupts in the Palace, Princess Ning Provokes Trouble!

"The old prime minister."

"What exactly does Your Majesty intend to do?"

"Why can't I understand any of this?"

After the court session, Hu Weiyong went straight to the residence of the Duke of Han and inquired about Li Shanchang.

The joy that should have been felt for the Right Chancellor of the Central Secretariat had now subsided, replaced by a sense of unease and even fear.

Wang Guangyang was the third scholar to be granted a noble title. He was from Huaidong and was known for his caution, integrity, prudence, and ability to handle complex matters. It seemed strange that he would be demoted by the emperor and then promoted to a higher position.

"You weren't blinded by joy."

"This makes me very happy."

Li Shanchang's insightful eyes swept over Hu Weiyong, and he calmly said, "The emperors who have risen to power are becoming increasingly adept at using their cunning tactics."

"They stripped the military power of the Huaixi generals without any basis and demoted them to local posts as generals."

"By strengthening the power of the Six Ministries and the Censorate, the influence of the Secretariat on the imperial court was weakened."

"Old Prime Minister, you mean...?"

Hu Weiyong's expression hardened, and his eyes wandered off.

"Don't you understand?"

Li Shanchang stroked his long beard and said in a deep voice, "If you want to take something, you must first give it."

"His Majesty has already laid the bait; now it's up to us to see who will take it."

"If Feng Sheng and his group still don't know when to advance and retreat, the outcome for them will only be worse than for Zhu Liangzu."

"brush!!!"

Hu Weiyong's face turned deathly pale instantly. He never expected that the wealth and glory that were within his grasp would be a harbinger of death.

This wasn't because Zhu Yuanzhang valued him; rather, Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to use him as a stepping stone to further verify the loyalty of the Huaixi faction.

"You'll see what happens at tomorrow's court assembly."

"Not only Feng Sheng and others, but Liu Bowen would probably be greatly surprised as well."

Li Shanchang waved his hand, dismissing the guests.

"call!!!"

Hu Weiyong's clothes were soaked with cold sweat, and the biting winter wind sent chills down his spine.

He didn't remember how he left the Han State government. He only knew that tomorrow's New Year's Day court would be a new beginning. If he made a wrong move, he would be doomed. Whether he could hold onto wealth and status depended on his abilities.

"father."

"Hu Xiangta..."

Li Shanchang's eldest son, Li Qi, emerged from a corner, watching Hu Weiyong's departing figure with a strange light in his eyes.

From a minor official to the Right Chancellor of the Ming Dynasty, Hu Weiyong took less than twenty years, which surpassed Li Shanchang. In anyone's eyes, Hu Weiyong was a top figure, no less than Li Shanchang or Liu Bowen.

"He was too clever for his own good."

Li Shanchang spared no effort in advising his eldest son: "He thought that with the support of the nobles of Huaixi, he could gain a foothold in the court, and with his cleverness, he could win the emperor's favor. Yes, now he has achieved that; he has become the Right Chancellor of the Secretariat."

"I have already resigned due to illness, and the Secretariat will henceforth be under the sole control of Hu Weiyong."

"Furthermore, the Huaixi Party members regard him as their leader, so what else does he have to fear or care about?"

Little did they know, the higher they climb, the harder they fall.

"Father, what should we do?"

Li Qi asked, looking puzzled.

"The saying goes that inaction is worse than action, so the best course of action right now is to do nothing."

"Out of consideration for our past relationship, the higher-ups have granted my Li family a marriage alliance; this is your good fortune."

"Once my Li family becomes related to the imperial family, what do those people from Huaixi amount to?"

Li Shanzhang was shrewd and calculating, and he saw through the fact that the essence of this game was the result of the expansion of imperial power.

Anyone who stood in Zhu Yuanzhang's way would be ruthlessly crushed, including Xun Gui of Huaixi.

"Um."

Li Qi nodded obediently in response.

The controversy surrounding the year-end grand court assembly continued to spread throughout the capital, causing a great uproar.

The nobles of Huaixi trembled at the thought of the heads hanging above Fengtian Gate, fearing they would suffer the same fate as the six marquises.

The Twelve Imperial Guards of the Capital had begun to take over the palace, with the emperor's adopted sons, the crown prince's confidants, and princes' sons serving as commanders. This was quite remarkable, as this capital army had become the emperor's most trusted personal guard, numbering over 6 and representing the last remaining force of the Ming Dynasty.

A line of defense.

In Kunning Palace, Empress Ma summoned several of her daughters-in-law again to chat about family matters.

"The Empress Dowager truly favors the Xu family's daughter."

"It's only been a few days, and they've already brought in Miss Xu again."

The Crown Prince's concubine, Lady Lü, said gently, "If you ask me, let's choose an auspicious day and hold the wedding for Fourth Brother and Sister Xu."

"nonsense."

Empress Ma was not angry at all. She said kindly, "According to the etiquette of the Ming Dynasty, a man can only get married at the age of sixteen. How can you change it so easily?"

"Yes, my wife misspoke."

Lady Lü replied with a smile.

The conversation between the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law made the atmosphere in the hall somewhat subtle.

A shadow crossed Princess Xie Jin's eyes. Her marriage to Prince Zhu Gang of Jin was only to be discussed after the start of the new year, but no one was talking about it. Instead, everyone was concerned about the marriage between Prince Yan and Xu Miaoyun.

The Crown Prince's principal wife, Lady Chang, sat beside Empress Ma, her expression remaining aloof and she did not wish to interrupt.

Hai Bie sat next to Xie Jin and opposite Xu Miaoyun, listening quietly. Logically speaking, she was only a concubine of the Prince of Yan and was not qualified to be here, but due to the status of Duke Yuan, Wang Baobao, and the power of Prince Yan, Zhu Di, Empress Ma summoned her into the palace.

"I am so happy that my good-for-nothing fourth son was able to marry two beautiful wives."

"From now on, we will have to rely on you to ensure the continuation of the Yan lineage."

Empress Ma looked at Xu Miaoyun and Hai Bie and gently gave them instructions.

"Yes."

Xu Miaoyun and Hai Bie felt a little embarrassed after hearing these words.

"Child, come here."

Empress Ma beckoned to Xu Miaoyun, who stepped forward, somewhat flattered.

"I've had this for many years, you can keep it."

Empress Ma took off a bracelet from her wrist and slipped it onto Xu Miaoyun's wrist.

"Your Majesty, this will not do."

Xu Miaoyun was shocked and shook her head repeatedly in refusal, for this was Empress Ma's personal possession.

"Put it on."

Empress Ma put the bracelet on her wrist and patted it, saying, "This bracelet was a gift from His Majesty. Although it's not worth much money, it's a token of his affection. Your fourth son is a scoundrel who isn't very reliable. You'll need to be more understanding of him in the future."

"Miaoyun kowtows in gratitude to Your Majesty!"

Xu Miaoyun took a step back and bowed her head in greeting.

She knew that Empress Ma's gift of the bracelet was not only a sign of her regard for her, but also a sign of her guilt. Prince Yan, Zhu Di, had caused a huge scene by running away from his marriage, leaving the Wei State Duke's family in a terrible state of affairs. Now that he had returned, he was betrothed by the emperor to Bo Yalunhai, the eldest daughter of the Yuan State Duke, as his concubine.

She already knew about these things, and she was prepared for the deep and complicated life once she entered the royal family, so she didn't take it to heart.

However, Empress Ma's actions did remind her of her mother, and her gratitude was beyond words.

"Thump!"

The Crown Princess Chang, who was standing nearby, was the first to notice Empress Ma's actions. Her eyes widened, as if she could hardly believe it.

You should know that she was the Crown Prince's principal wife, Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma's nominal eldest daughter-in-law. Even she didn't get this bracelet, so why should the Princess of Yan get it?

"brush!!!"

The Crown Prince's concubine, Lady Lü, picked up her teacup and leisurely sipped her tea, seemingly nonchalant, but in reality, she felt a growing sense of apprehension towards the Prince of Yan and his residence.

Princess Xie Jin of Jin was so jealous that her eyes were practically spitting fire. Among all these people, she was the one who looked most like a clown.

At this moment, Empress Ma focused her gaze on Haibie, who was dressed in Yuan Dynasty attire, and her eyes were full of gentleness: "Good child, we are all family from now on. If there is anything, just come to the palace and tell me."

A palace maid carrying a red cloth tray approached Hai Bie, on which was a gold plaque. With this plaque, Hai Bie could enter Kunning Palace at any time without prior notice.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Hai Bie performed a Mongolian salute and gladly accepted the gold medal.

"When I first met the Wang family's younger sister, I only knew that she was a rare talent in the world. But when I met this girl, she actually outshone the Wang family's younger sister."

Lady Lü put down her teacup and praised Hai Bie.

"Haibie's beauty is all thanks to her mother; her mother's beauty surpasses Haibie's tenfold."

Hai Bie was straightforward and outspoken; his clear voice rang out in the hall.

"Mother?"

A look of confusion appeared on Lady Lü's face.

"It's Haibie's mother."

Hai Bie said in front of everyone the last thing Crown Princess Chang wanted to hear.

"brush!"

Everyone present looked up at Madam Chang. Lan Yu had been punished for bullying Wang Baobao's wife, and all his official positions and merits had been stripped away. Everyone in the court and the country knew about this. The conflict between the Prince of Yan and the nobles of Huaixi originated from this incident.

"Giggle!"

Crown Princess Chang's face suddenly darkened, and her hands clenched tightly in her sleeves.

"The child is right."

Empress Ma said, "As children, no matter where you are, never forget your parents."

"Let me in."

"Princess."

A commotion outside the hall interrupted their conversation.

"Tap tap!"

A pretty young girl in a red dress barged into Kunning Palace, and the surrounding palace maids hurriedly bowed to her upon seeing her.

"Ningguo, what are you doing?"

Upon seeing the visitor, Empress Ma reprimanded him with a stern face.

"Ningguo greets the Empress Dowager, eldest sister-in-law, second sister-in-law, third sister-in-law, fourth sister-in-law, and youngest sister-in-law."

Princess Zhu Yingrao of Ningguo immediately bowed to everyone present and greeted them.

"Yingrao is here."

Chang, Lü, and Xie Jin all greeted Zhu Yingrao.

When Xu Miaoyun and Hai Bie first met this princess of the Ming Dynasty, they couldn't help but be curious, as she was the biological daughter of Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma.

To everyone's surprise, Zhu Yingrao stood up and walked up to Hai Bie, sizing her up before saying, "I've heard that you are a princess of the Northern Yuan. The Yuan people pride themselves on growing up on horseback, so your riding skills must be exceptional. Yingrao, would you be willing to test your skills?"

"???"

Immediately, everyone present was stunned. Zhu Yingrao wanted to ask Hai Bie for riding skills.

"Ningguo, you must not be so presumptuous!"

Empress Ma tried to stop Zhu Yingrao. Yuan Guogong Wang Baobao had just returned to the court, and Qin Wangfei Wang Yuemin had died suddenly. At this time, the competition between Ningguo Princess and Haibie would affect the hearts of countless people. No matter who won or lost, it would not be a good thing.

"Is your sister-in-law scared?"

Zhu Yingrao raised an eyebrow, revealing a provocative expression.

"Since it is Ningguo who wants to compare, it would be rather unreasonable for Haibie to refuse."

Xu Miaoyun suddenly spoke, and her words drew the attention of the others.

"Your Majesty the Empress."

"Hai Bie is willing to compete with the princess!"

Haibie had already stepped forward and bowed to Empress Ma.

"What?"

Seeing this, Empress Ma was somewhat taken aback, not expecting that Hai Bie would actually listen to Xu Miaoyun.

Crown Princess Chang, Concubine Lü, and Princess Xie Jin of Jin all noticed that the Princess Consort of Yan and the Concubine of Yan seemed to be on the same side. This was beyond their comprehension. Why could Xu Da's daughter and Wang Baobao's daughter get along so well?

"Mother Empress."

"Since your sister-in-law has agreed, you should grant Yingrao's request."

Princess Zhu Yingrao of Ningguo stepped forward quickly, took Empress Ma's hand, and acted coquettishly.

"Okay, okay."

Empress Ma had no choice but to agree now, even if she didn't want to.

"Yay!"

Zhu Yingrao walked happily toward the Imperial Horse Stables of the Palace, and Empress Ma, accompanied by Lady Chang and Lady Lü, left Kunning Palace together.

Princess Xie Jin gave Hai Bie a meaningful look before they walked out of the inner palace together.

What do you think?

Hai Bie and Xu Miaoyun lagged behind, whispering to each other.

"This isn't a slap in your face, it's a slap in our face, a slap in the face of the Prince of Yan's mansion."

"If we take a step back today and another step back tomorrow, how can we possibly get by?"

"Some people want to embarrass His Highness the Prince of Yan, but we will not let them have their way."

Xu Miaoyun's clear eyes flashed with a cold and sharp light.

Princess Ningguo is so young. If no one was instigating her behind the scenes, how could she have thought of competing with Hai Bie? Whether it was intentional or not, this precedent cannot be set.

"I know what to do."

Haibie's eyes were firm, and his face showed an eager expression, completely unafraid.

She was Wang Baobao's daughter, and her skills in riding, archery, and martial arts were second to none.

The Imperial Palace, the Main Hall.

"Observe its cause, examine its origin..."

The twelfth prince, Zhu Bai, held a copy of the Analects in his hand and recited it while swaying his head.

Recite it to me.

Zhu Di snatched the book from behind.

"Observe their actions, examine their motives, and scrutinize their comfort. Where is humanity, um, where is humanity..."

Zhu Bai scratched his head, unable to remember for a long time.

"How can people hide?"

Zhu Di gently patted Zhu Bai's head with the book in his hand, teasingly saying, "You haven't memorized it after all this time, are you a pig brain?"

"Fourth Brother, what are you doing?"

"Everyone else in the main hall is on break, but you drag me back to memorize things every day."

Little Zhu Bai pouted, looking indignant.

"How dare you talk back? Tell me, what do you mean by these words of Confucius?"

Zhu Di raised the book high to test young Zhu Bai.

"Um?"

Little Zhu Bai scratched his head and replied, "The sage means, the sage means..."

"Ouch!"

Zhu Di grabbed his ear: "The Sage means we need to see what he did and figure out why he did it."

o

"You can only tell what kind of person someone is by knowing what they want to do after they've done it."

"Did you remember?"

"I remember, Fourth Brother, let go, let go."

Xiao Zhubai complained bitterly.

"Remember this, so you won't be deceived when you interact with people after you leave the palace."

Zhu Di released his grip and kicked him in the buttocks.

"Ouch!"

Little Zhu Bai pretended to scream in pain, looking at him pitifully.

Zhu Di poured himself tea and drank water, ignoring him.

Among Zhu Yuanzhang's sons, only Prince Zhou Zhu, Prince Shu Zhu Chun, Prince Xiang Zhu Bai, and Prince Ning Zhu Quan could be considered talented.

King Zhu of Zhou devoted his life to academic research and practice, mainly in the fields of medicine and botany.

Prince Zhu Chun of Shu was known for promoting culture and education and for his skillful management of the border regions. Prince Zhu Quan of Ning was learned and talented, with outstanding military abilities and a particular fondness for the arts.

o

Only Prince Zhu Bai of Xiang possesses both literary and martial talents, making him the most valuable candidate for development.

Therefore, in recent days, Zhu Di has been personally instructing young Zhu Bai, hoping to instill in him the right values ​​from a young age so that he can become his right-hand man in the future.