The Ming Dynasty: The opening scene features Zhu Di angrily accusing him of illegitimate succession.

Lin Yue just wanted to die, then return to the modern world as Happy Superman, a Homelander who doesn't eat beef. He wasn't a pervert who liked getting beaten up.

A beheading happens in an instant, but being beaten really hurts!

Lin Yue was furious after taking a hard punch from Zhu Di and tried to retaliate, but he was no match for him.

He had barely raised his hand when he was soundly beaten by the Yongle Emperor, who was busy with his campaigns in the south and north.

If fighting back doesn't work, then running away is the only option.

Lin Yue turned around and ran towards the east side of Fengtian Hall, shouting as he ran.

"Why did Your Majesty strike someone? A scholar can be killed but not humiliated!"

Your Majesty makes arbitrary decisions, blocks channels of communication, and beats your ministers; you are clearly a foolish and tyrannical ruler!

Even if Your Majesty were to kill me today, history will judge for itself and proclaim your atrocities to the world!

"Rebellion! Rebellion! Shut up, shut him up!"

Zhu Di was so angry that he trembled all over. He flung off the hem of his dragon robe and chased after Zhu Di, completely abandoning his imperial dignity and showing only utter rage.

"You scoundrel, you're courting death! I will exterminate your entire clan!"

Lin Yue ran wildly around the dragon pillar in the hall, dodging the guards on both sides, but in the end, he was surrounded by men and was firmly held by two strong men on his left and right.

Seeing that escape was hopeless, Lin Yue continued to glare angrily at Zhu Di: "Exterminate my three clans?"

Even if His Majesty were to exterminate my entire clan, what would I have to fear!

Running away wasn't for survival, but to avoid being beaten.

Now that we've been caught, let's keep attacking relentlessly, and hopefully die a glorious and swift death.

Lin Yue threw his head back and laughed loudly, his words resounding: "My grandfather was a remnant of the Southern Song Dynasty. When he heard that Emperor Taizu Gao had rebelled against the tyrannical Yuan Dynasty, he crossed the river by boat to join the army. He followed the Prince of Kaiping (Chang Yuchun) on the northern expedition to Dadu and died in battle at Liulin!"

My father inherited the military register and served as a centurion in the Pingyang Garrison Command. During the Hongwu era, when Japanese pirates invaded Jiangsu and Zhejiang, he defended the coastal border and fought bravely to the death!

My Lin family has been loyal and virtuous for generations, and the whole family has been devoted to the Ming Dynasty. Now, I am all alone!

So what if my entire family is exterminated? I am all alone, with no ties to the world, and my only purpose is to die for my country!

Lin Yue's voice grew increasingly impassioned.

"Even if I die today, I will speak the truth and uphold justice!"

It is a fact that Your Majesty's succession was illegitimate, and falsifying history is nothing but self-deception. Only by being diligent in governing and caring for the people can you prove that you are worthy of being the emperor.

If you insist on your tyrannical rule, even killing me will not silence the public's discontent! I, Lin Yue, will have no regrets even in death!

Lin Yue glared angrily at Zhu Di, and finally roared.

"Your Majesty, remember the man you are to kill. I am Lin Yue, Lin Boyan, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination) of the Dingchou year of the Hongwu reign of the Ming Dynasty!"

Lin Yue's revelation of his background, combined with his fearless words and actions, makes it difficult for anyone to say that he is not a loyal subject of the Ming Dynasty.

His problem is that his methods are wrong, not that his values ​​are flawed.

Zhu Di stopped abruptly, staring intently at Lin Yue, his chest still heaving violently, but reason gradually returned to his mind.

Lin Yue's statement as a censor was outrageous, but his background was indeed too virtuous.

He was a descendant of the Southern Song dynasty loyalists, the grandson of a martyr of the Northern Expedition, and the son of a centurion who died fighting against Japanese pirates. His background was truly beyond reproach. If we were to kill him, wouldn't that chill the hearts of the people?

Zhu Di suppressed his anger and stood in the hall, pacing back and forth with his hands on his hips.

The extravagance of relocating the capital and the uncertainty of establishing an heir were both hidden worries in his heart.

But they have no choice but to move them. There are a lot of loyal ministers in Nanjing. He can keep them in check now that he is in his prime, but what will happen when he gets old? Will his descendants be able to keep these people in check?

Moving the capital would make the officials in Nanjing unhappy, but not moving the capital would make the old comrades in Beiping unhappy.

He was originally a prince who came to power; if he couldn't hold onto his military power, he would be completely finished.

Zhu Di was very concerned about his reputation and honor. He was busy all his life, constantly trying to prove that he was capable of being the emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Emperor Yongle's mentality was very similar to that of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. Since normal succession and brotherly harmony were no longer possible, he needed to at least have achievements to prove himself so that people would have nothing to say about him.

The deaths of Fang Xiaoru and others had only recently occurred, yet there was already widespread criticism. He had only been on the throne for half a year. If he were to kill another loyal minister who dared to speak out, wouldn't that confirm his reputation as a "tyrant"?

After considering many reasons not to kill Lin Yue, Zhu Di began to find a way to save face for himself.

Killing a mere seventh-rank remonstrating official would be as easy as turning one's hand, but letting him go would demonstrate the emperor's magnanimity.

Lin Yue spoke frankly and dared to remonstrate; did Zhu Di lack the magnanimity to tolerate others?

Zhu Di's gaze lingered on Lin Yue for a long time. The courtiers remained silent, heads bowed, studying the gold bricks on the ground. No one dared to observe the Yongle Emperor's ever-changing expression.

However, Zhu Di's long silence made the court officials realize that something had changed.

Minister of Rites Li Zhigang was incredibly astute. He was the first to propose renaming Beiping to Beijing in preparation for the subsequent relocation of the capital. His ability to understand the emperor's intentions was already unparalleled.

He glanced sideways and noticed that Zhu Di was also looking at him, which immediately made him feel reassured.

Emperor Yongle, it seems he no longer wants to kill anyone.

Li Zhigang immediately stepped forward slightly and said, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. I have something to say, and I dare to offer my advice."

Zhu Di raised his hand, indicating that he would speak.

"The words of Lin, the Supervising Secretary, are arrogant and offensive to the emperor's authority."

Li Zhigang's voice was loud and clear, and everyone in the hall could hear him clearly. "But upon closer examination, his heart is pitiful and his will is commendable."

He glanced at Zhu Di's expression, and seeing that the Yongle Emperor did not seem displeased, he continued.

"Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty by Emperor Taizu, we have broadened the channels for public opinion. It is the duty of officials to advise the emperor and impeach officials."

Lin Yue, a seventh-rank remonstrating official, was young and impetuous, but he was conscientious and dutiful and not a rebellious person.

Now that Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, it is the perfect time to demonstrate the magnanimity of a wise ruler. If you were to punish someone for their speech, it would discourage scholars from speaking out and stifle their freedom of speech.

Emperor Taizong of Tang was able to tolerate Wei Zheng; why doesn't Your Majesty issue a minor punishment as a warning, to demonstrate your leniency in accepting criticism?

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di's expression softened slightly. As long as his nephew, Emperor Jianwen, wasn't mentioned, he was actually quite easy to talk to.

Moreover, even if you mention Emperor Jianwen, as long as you are not loyal to Emperor Jianwen, Zhu Di generally won't do anything to you.

"Hmm?" Lin Yue frowned, realizing that things were not so simple.

He tried to speak, but Zhu Di glanced at him and Ji Gang immediately stepped forward and covered Lin Yue's mouth.

Zhu Di was somewhat afraid of Lin Yue, this hothead. He slowly spoke, deciding to let this trivial matter pass by first.

"What Minister Li said is in line with my thoughts. The Ming Dynasty was founded on the principle of not punishing people for their words."

Lin Yue uttered arrogant words, but considering his ancestors' contributions to the country and the fact that his words contained some truth, he will be given a small punishment as a warning, to be prevented from happening again.

Emperor Yongle raised his hand and waved: "Where is the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard? Throw Lin Yue into the imperial prison and keep him under strict guard."

"Yes, sir!"

Lin Yue, looking completely bewildered, was carried out. He struggled for a moment, but found it was no use.

Lin Yue couldn't help but wonder: What do you mean by "imprisoned"? Does that mean they won't kill me?

fff, let me go! Lin Yue still has something to say!

Lin Yue was dragged out, and the assembled officials breathed a sigh of relief as their stiff bodies gradually relaxed.

Finally, the idiot is gone. What era are we living in? Still spouting this nonsense about speaking out to the death. Don't you know that Zhu Di and Zhu Yuanzhang really killed people?

You have to be alive to invite fame. What's the use of being dead? In the Ming Dynasty, there were at least 30,000 to 50,000 officials who were beheaded. One more won't make a difference.

Zhu Di watched Lin Yue disappear outside the palace gates, and looked at the ministers with different expressions inside the Fengtian Hall, feeling utterly exhausted.

"Dismiss the court."

All the civil and military officials responded in unison.