Ming Dynasty: Charge, Emperor Yongle!

Early spring.

On the shores of Xuanwu Lake, the clear waters ripple, and the scenery of the lake and mountains complement each other, creating a breathtaking view.

Zhu Di sat cross-legged on the Taiping Embankment, gently waving his pole. The bamboo pole swayed slightly, and the fishing line rippled with the waves, displaying a leisurely and contented demeanor.

"One hundred households."

"You know, our Prince Yan is so young, how come he's taken to fishing?"

"He traveled all the way to Houhu, and he didn't even feel tired."

The guards of the Imperial Guard Commandery kept a close watch on Zhu Di from a distance, occasionally grumbling.

"Old Du the Third".

"You talk too much. His Highness the Prince of Yan is of noble birth and has his own rules for handling affairs. It's none of your business to meddle."

The commander sternly reprimanded his subordinates.

"Your humble servant is wrong."

The guard immediately fell silent and bowed his head in apology.

The centurion continued to look at the boy on the Bai Causeway, feeling rather troubled. Prince Yan, Zhu Di, was notoriously unruly in Yingtian Prefecture, skilled in everything from chicken-walking and dog-fighting to horseback riding and hunting.

The conversation between the two did not attract Zhu Di's attention, because while he appeared to be fishing, he actually kept his eyes closed and his mind was focused on his work.

Which one should I choose?

Zhu Di looked at the figures in his mind, appearing particularly conflicted.

This space has existed since he was in his mother's womb, and it contains counterparts from different times and spaces.

These counterparts are more like a piece of life memory that he can integrate and absorb. However, each time it takes a lot of energy. Over the years, he has only absorbed three counterparts: a scholar, a martial arts master, and a hunter.

These qualities alone made him stand out among Zhu Yuanzhang's sons; he was proficient in both literature and martial arts, and his archery skills were superb.

Facing the upcoming second northern expedition, Zhu Di did not want to be an outsider.

The Yongle Emperor in history matured too late, ascending the throne at the age of 42. The three-year Jingnan Campaign further depleted the national strength of the Ming Dynasty during its rise. Even the five subsequent northern expeditions failed to completely eliminate the threat from the Mongolian steppe.

If one were to participate in the Northern Expedition now, one could lay the groundwork for military affairs at least a decade in advance, thus establishing a solid foundation for oneself.

If he were to marry the daughter of Xu Da, the Duke of Wei, he, as a prince, might very well follow in the footsteps of Li Shimin.

"brush!!!"

Thinking of this, Zhu Di reached out to one of the counterparts, and a vast amount of memories instantly flooded his mind.

"uh-huh!"

Zhu Di couldn't help but let out a painful groan, his face contorted in a grimace.

It took him a while to open his eyes, a look of joy on his face.

This counterpart is a general, though not as famous as Xu Da or Chang Yuchun, but no less capable than ordinary Ming generals. After the fusion, he directly mastered the ability to lead troops into battle, which is equivalent to avoiding many detours.

..............

at the same time.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Crown Prince Zhu Biao, surrounded by palace maids and eunuchs, walked toward the main hall where the princes studied daily.

Confucius said: "The Book of Poetry contains three hundred poems, each of which can be summed up in a single sentence."

"Think no evil, oh no, think no evil."

"Uh... Confucius said: 'At fifteen, I studied and set my heart on learning; at thirty, I stood firm; at forty...'"

While reciting the Analects of Confucius, Book 2, "Wei Zheng," Zhu Shuang, the King of Qin, kept glancing furtively at Zhu Gang, the King of Jin, beside him.

"Without confusion, without doubt."

Zhu Gang whispered a hint.

"Forty...teacher..."

Zhu Shuang originally wanted to recite it, but when he looked up, Master Song Lian was already standing in front of him with a ruler in his hand, so he simply stretched out his left hand.

"Right hand, the left hand was used yesterday."

Master Song Lian, with a stern face, reprimanded him meticulously.

Zhu Shuang reluctantly extended his right hand, and *smack!* Song Lian slapped him without hesitation.

"Ouch!"

Zhu Shuang was in so much pain that she showed her pain mask.

"Why did he hit our son again? That old scoundrel."

Through the window paper, Zhu Yuanzhang saw this scene and couldn't help but curse.

"Father, Mr. Song..."

Crown Prince Zhu Biao mentioned Song Lian's name with a smile.

Zhu Yuanzhang remembered that Song Lian was a great scholar, and his anger suddenly dissipated.

"Your Highness Prince Jin, it's your turn."

Song Lian began to examine the next prince: Prince Zhu Gang of Jin.

Zhu Gang confidently rose and replied, "Someone asked Confucius, 'Why don't you participate in government affairs?'"

Confucius said: "The Book of Documents says: 'Filial piety, indeed! Loyalty to one's brothers, and this applies to governance. This too is governance; what else is there to govern?'"

Confucius said: "To offer sacrifices to spirits that are not one's own is flattery. To see what is right and not do it is cowardice."

"Pass!"

Song Lian stroked his long, white beard and then tested the next person: "Your Highness, Prince Yan..."

"Tap tap..."

Zhu Yuanzhang, with his hands behind his back and a majestic gait, entered his headquarters. He surveyed his surroundings, his face ashen.

"His Majesty."

Song Lian hurriedly knelt down to pay his respects.

"Father."

The princes present all bowed.

"No need for formalities, please rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Song Lian slowly stood up.

Where is my fourth child?

"this..."

"Where did the fourth brother go?"

Before Song Lian could answer, Zhu Yuanzhang felt a fire ignite in his chest. He slowly paced around, questioning those around him.

Crown Prince Zhu Biao looked at the crowd, where only Prince Yan, Zhu Di, was missing, and felt somewhat helpless.

"Your Highness, Prince Yan."

A sudden commotion arose outside the door, and the eunuchs quickly made way for them.

Prince Yan, Zhu Di, swaggered into the main hall, drawing sidelong glances from the princes present.

"Fourth brother."

Where did you go?

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang could no longer suppress his anger, Zhu Biao spoke up first to ask Zhu Di.

"To the Crown Prince."

"Your Majesty, my younger brother, has gone to Xuanwu Lake."

Zhu Di lazily cupped his hands in greeting, readily acknowledging the situation.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang flew into a rage and snatched the golden mace from a servant of the Imperial Guard standing nearby.

"Father."

Zhu Biao stood in front of Zhu Di, and the other princes quickly pleaded, "Father, please spare our fourth brother/fourth brother."

"Snapped!"

Zhu Yuanzhang angrily threw down his golden mace, picked up Song Lian's ruler, but then thought it wasn't enough and threw it on the ground. He then took off his thick-soled black dragon boots and pointed at Zhu Di: "I told you to study, but you went to Xuanwu Lake. We've lost all face."

"Father."

Zhu Di met Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze directly without flinching or avoiding it, saying, "Your subject believes that books can be read, or not read."

"You bastard."

These words immediately ignited Zhu Yuanzhang's anger, and he grabbed his shoe, ready to beat him.

"Father."

Zhu Biao stopped Zhu Yuanzhang in time and advised him, "Fourth brother may have other reasons and did not intentionally neglect his studies."

As he spoke, he quickly gave Zhu Di a few meaningful glances, signaling him to back down.

"May this old minister ask Your Highness, why do you read books, and why do you not read them?"

Song Lian, with his full head of white hair, was not angry, but patiently asked Zhu Di for the reason.

"gentlemen."

Zhu Di first bowed, then straightened his body and said loudly: "The reason why common people, peddlers and laborers, study is nothing more than to learn literary and martial arts so that they can sell their skills to the emperor. Have you not heard that one can be a peasant in the morning and a courtier in the evening?"

"We princes are born to be kings, and we should do our utmost to serve the country and protect the nation."

"The responsibilities of a vassal king are extraordinary. He should consider the well-being of the people with the mindset of a ruler, and need not be confined to the Four Books and Five Classics."

The moment those words were spoken, the entire audience was stunned.

The entire main hall fell silent.

No one expected that Prince Yan, Zhu Di, would openly oppose Zhu Yuanzhang's move to have his princes study, which was truly rebellious.