Night falls,
The palace became more solemn and mysterious under the moonlight.
The moonlight shines on the palace wall, reflecting a faint silver light, showing a solemn atmosphere.
Outside the Yangxin Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang stood outside the hall. Look up at the sky, look at the scene of the palace, and quietly admire the masterpiece you created.
How many years have passed, Zhu Yuanzhang's nerves have been tense, and he rarely relaxes like today. The autumn wind blew by the Hongwu Emperor and raised his robes.
"There are so many beauties in the country that it attracts countless heroes to bow down."
"I regret that Emperor Qin and Han Wu were slightly less talented in literature; Emperor Tang and Song Zu were slightly less elegant."
"The genius of the generation, Genghis Khan, only knows how to bend a bow and shoot at giant eagles."
"It's all over, let's count the famous people, let's look at the present."
He recalled what his grandson-in-law said today, echoing in his mind.
The first sentence is exciting, but the second sentence is a bit sad.
Those heroic figures in history are looked up to and admired by future generations.
The sentence "It's all gone" has become a thing of the past.
"After all these years, we feel that we are doing the right thing."
"But in the world, there are always people who stand up and say that we are wrong, and kill them all."
"Only today do we feel that maybe we are really old."
Zhu Yuanzhang murmured to himself that now he didn't even have anyone to talk to, so he could only look at the sky.
I have always heard that some magicians can observe the sky and predict the future.
But after looking for a long time, he couldn't find any clues.
"We are really old, and we are all gone. Many famous people still look at the present. It is still the Ming Dynasty, but this present is not our present. It is time for someone new to step forward."
After a long time, Zhu Yuanzhang lowered his eyes from the sky again.
Looking at the land in the distance, thousands of lights.
"What this kid Li Xiao said today makes sense."
"Not long ago, we studied history books and found out many dynasties. In fact, from the beginning, hidden dangers of destruction were laid. One wrong step and one wrong step after another."
"But what Li Xiao said today is completely different from our thoughts."
"If you are not careful, everything will be lost. No matter what, we must choose the best heir."
In this way, Zhu Yuanzhang faced the wind and thought for a long time.
"Let's go see that kid again after morning service tomorrow."
The next day, morning.
The morning of the Ming Dynasty is really early.
Ministers must get up at midnight, walk through most of Beijing's Meridian Gate, and wait outside the Meridian Gate at three o'clock in the morning.
When the drums on the Meridian Gate tower sounded, the ministers lined up. The palace gate opened at about five o'clock in the morning, and hundreds of officials entered one after another. After the emperor arrived at the Gate of Supreme Harmony, he knelt down and kowtowed three times.
All officials are early, and so is Zhu Yuanzhang.
He slept for a few hours and got up again at Yinshi (four o'clock in the morning).
In fact, Li Xiao had known about this for a long time and sneered at it. In terms of the degree of involution, the Ming Dynasty was undoubtedly awesome, and the capitalists of later generations were not so ruthless.
"Long live my emperor! Long live!"
With the sound of the audience of hundreds of officials ringing out, the morning dynasty officially began.
"When there is something going on, we will start, and when there is nothing going on, we will retreat."
the eunuch shouted.
In fact, although the morning court in the Ming Dynasty was early, if there was nothing wrong, they could leave the court early. If they left early, some officials could still sleep in their cages.
The idea of Huilongjue came from the Ming Dynasty.
Soon, several officials mentioned some innocuous things.
Needless to say, these officials are all from Zhu Yunwen's side.
This was just a foreshadowing, for the Holy One to wake up and prepare for the subsequent impeachment of Li Xiao.
Although Zhu Yunwen refused to meet these officials in private, his subordinates Huang Zicheng and Qi Tai did not do so. What could he do if there was no one in the court?
Zhu Yuanzhang was about to doze off after hearing this, and was ready to leave the court early to meet his grandson-in-law.
And at this time,
Finally, someone stood up. This person was none other than Tie Xuan from the Ministry of Rites.
The six departments in the government affairs correspond to the six departments of officials, household, rituals, military, punishment, and work respectively. Their functions and powers are above the six departments. They assist the emperor in handling government affairs, supervise the six departments, and correct officials.
Although he is only from the seventh rank and has a small official position, he has the power of supervision.
Tie Xuan cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have something important to report."
Zhu Yuanzhang saw it was an iron tripod stone and said, "Tell me."
Tie Xuan said: "I want to impeach Yi Bin Li Xiao."
Hearing the word 'Li Xiao', Zhu Yuanzhang frowned slightly. He had met Li Xiao yesterday. Why did someone want to impeach him today? Could it be that his whereabouts were exposed?
It shouldn't be. Tiedingshi has always been upright as an official, never formed cliques, and was even a bit stubborn. How could he do such a thing.
If someone makes trouble to impeach Li Xiao, it is because of Zhu Yunzhen.
Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes swept across the audience, trying to find who Tie Xuan was with...
As for Zhu Di, his heart dropped when he heard that Tie Xuan wanted to impeach Li Xiao.
He looked at Tie Xuan in surprise. He was once a good friend and he even saved his life. Why did he actually want to deal with him? He really knows people but doesn't know his heart! !
Tie Xuan, you are so insidious. I tried to win over you, but you ignored me and went to help Zhu Yunwen, who is not familiar with you. What are your intentions?
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Tie Xuan, if you want to impeach Li Xiaokai's matter, don't talk about it. I said last time that I won't pursue it anymore."
"I am not concerned about this, but there is something more important."
Tie Xuan was righteous, and then said loudly: "I impeached Li Xiao, the guest of honor, for relying on the love of the Holy Emperor and King Yan, he was domineering and domineering for the so-called lust in the Ming Dynasty. He became a local bully in Beiping Mansion! What he did , thrilling, this time there are signs of becoming the king, breaking the earth and becoming the king!!"
The words fell,
The entire hall resounded with the surprised voices of all the officials.
Who would have thought that Tie Hyun would be so impeached.
He actually said that Li Xiao wanted to become the king and hegemony and break the earth to become the king! !
This is not to make it clear that others are going to rebel, but to punish them to death.
"Tie Xuan, you are spouting shit, how can we tolerate your nonsense in the main hall!"
Zhu Di burst into anger. He had never expected that Tie Xuan would be impeached like this. He wished he could just cut Tie Xuan off with a knife.
After saying that, Zhu Di raised his hands and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said: "Father, my guest Li Xiao lives in Beiping Mansion and abides by the law. Internally, he is filial to his parents, harmonious to his wife, and respectful to his brothers. Externally, he loves the people and benefits one party, and the people praise him. Regardless. No matter how you look at it, it doesn’t have anything to do with what Tie Xuan said, so please take a closer look!”
At this moment, the main hall became extremely quiet.
Zhu Yuanzhang's face was gloomy and uncertain, and he squinted at the people below.
If others impeached Li Xiao, Zhu Yuanzhang might not believe him.
If it were Tie Hyun, I would really believe it on ordinary days.
But Zhu Yuanzhang met Li Xiao yesterday. He already understood Li Xiao's character. How could he become the king and dominate?
Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly: "Tie Xuan, do you know what you are talking about? You are crazy to impeach Li Xiao and make him king! How can a guest of honor do it?"
Tie Xuan said loudly: "I am absolutely telling the truth. Li Xiao's move is already more arrogant and unscrupulous than the feudal king!"
Zhu Di was extremely angry and cursed: "Tie Xuan, you dare to slander my son-in-law. If you don't tell me why today, I will chop you on the spot, and your blood will spatter five steps!"
The atmosphere instantly became tense and full of gunpowder.
All the officials looked at Tie Xuan in confusion. Why did this guy go crazy today?
Isn't he good friends with Zhu Di?
"Quiet!" said the eunuch.
Tie Xuan looked at Zhu Di: "King Yan, do you think I will be afraid of your threats? Even if you splash my blood ten steps today, I will still tell you."
"You!! You are the only one, Tie Xuan, who still claims to be Qingliu."
Zhu Di said angrily: "I'm afraid you are being taken advantage of by villains. Tell me, I want to see what you can say. If you are upright, you will not be afraid of the shadow!"
Tie Xuan cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, Li Xiao was originally a guest of honor. According to the rules, he was not suitable for an official position. It was King Yan who strongly recommended him and became a parent official.
It is not appropriate to have a title, as King Yan sought it from the Holy One.
As far as I know, King Yan had many sons-in-law, but only one son-in-law received this treatment. This shows how much King Yan loves this son-in-law.
But King Yan was a little too affectionate! ! He has caused trouble!
As far as I know, after Li Xiao took office as the magistrate of Dong'an County, he spent three days fishing and two days drying nets. He only hurriedly explained things every day and then went to do other things. "
After saying that, Tie Xuan looked around, looked at the surrounding officials, and then said loudly: "Your Majesty strictly prohibits officials from doing business, but he went to do business to make money!!"
The words fell.
The clamor of officials sounded again.
"Ah, how can this be done? How can officials do business?"
"Yes, officials have too much power. If they use their power, will other businessmen still have a way to survive?"
"Oh my god, if Master Tie hadn't mentioned it, I would still be in the dark."
"This is really a case of covering the sky with one hand, becoming a local official, and using power to do business."
Those who were talking quietly were naturally those on Zhu Yunwen's side.
The officials on Zhu Di's side were also taken aback and began to think of countermeasures, but this was the first time they heard such a thing, so they did not dare to speak rashly and were secretly worried.
Zhu Yuanzhang knew this and asked, "Zhu Di, is this possible?"
For a moment, Zhu Di's thoughts were flowing and he was thinking about countermeasures crazily.
In fact, many officials in this court secretly run their own businesses and industries, not using their own identities, of course, but as domestic slaves.
But Zhu Di couldn't use this as an excuse to say it in this court.
Otherwise, it will cause a huge shock, and moreover, it may force many people who are on his side to move to the other side.
Yes, thinking of this, Zhu Di knew how to deal with it.
Zhu Di cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty, this is absolutely not the case. Li Xiao has not done business, but his daughter Zhu Ningyun has some property in her house. Li Xiao is just doing some small favors for her. As for using the power in his hands to do business, it is even more nonsense. He He never uses authority to oppress others and treats others well. The people love him very much and call him Qingtian."
"I see."
Zhu Yuanzhang was quite satisfied with this answer.
After all, Li Xiao also said yesterday that everything he did was for his granddaughter. His eyes could not deceive anyone, and Li Xiao was indeed kind, and he felt deeply about it.
"nonsense."
Tie Xuan retorted: "If it's just some industries, that's it. But Li Xiao's business is huge and he has monopolized the business of Beiping Cloth Shop. All the cloth shops in Peiping are owned by Li Xiao alone. These are just some industries. ?
I'm afraid it won't be long before the entire Ming Dynasty's cloth-making business is taken over by him alone. I'm afraid there will be a wealthy businessman, a businessman richer than Shen Wansan! ! !
Your Majesty, please think back to Shen Wansan back then. With his huge wealth, he could win over an army in an instant. This was a huge hidden danger! "
This Tie Xuan is indeed a scholar.
When impeaching someone, you can always use some allusions to make the case seem reasonable and well-founded.
Who is Shen Wansan?
The richest man in the late Yuan Dynasty and Ming Dynasty was as rich as the country.
It is said that his assets exceed half of the national treasury.
After Zhu Yuanzhang came to power, he wanted to build the city of Nanjing. In order to show his sincerity, Shen Wansan took the initiative to fund it. Half of the city of Nanjing was built with Shen Wansan's money.
This made Zhu Yuanzhang very wary. Later, Shen Wansan actually helped Zhu Yuanzhang and rewarded the three armies, which made the soldiers happy.
Zhu Yuanzhang completely realized that this man's wealth was too huge, and he could even use money to recruit a group of troops instantly, so Zhu Yuanzhang killed him.
At this time, seeing that the atmosphere was tense, other officials in the hall who were close to Zhu Yunwen also came out to impeach him.
"Your Majesty, this person is both an official and a businessman. He has outstanding abilities and can monopolize a government's business in a short period of time. It's really scary. He will definitely be the next Shen Wansan to rise."
"I agree with what Master Tie said, and I am not being alarmist. Yibin Li Xiao is already showing signs of success. If this continues, it is really possible for him to become the king and hegemon."
"Historical tragedy cannot be repeated. Your Majesty, please remove Li Xiao from all positions as soon as possible and demote him to a commoner, so as not to leave any trouble."
A full seven or eight people came out to agree with Tie Xuan's statement.
But there was no one on Zhu Di's side, because he was really caught off guard this time. Apparently the people on the other side had already discussed in private how to impeach Li Xiao.
But Zhu Di knew what was going on and hurriedly raised his hands and said: "Father, Tie Xuan's words are generalizations and taken out of context. Li Xiao indeed monopolizes the cloth business of the government, but he only thinks about the people and benefits the people. Everyone praises me!"
Then, Zhu Di said loudly: "I would like to ask everyone present how much a piece of the most common silk cloth used by ordinary people costs."
The question was posed, but no one answered.
The hall suddenly became quiet.
Because those who can enter the court are officials of sixth rank or above.
Would such an official buy cloth for the common people?
They don't know how to buy cloth. They have servants who buy it and cut it and buy ready-made clothes.
Of course, there are also some officials who claim to be clean.
For example, Tie Xuan was so poor that he wore a court dress for several years.
I also wear official uniforms on weekdays, and at most I buy shoes. There are no servants in the house, and I don't know how to buy cloth. At most I buy a piece of ready-made clothing.
Only very poor people would buy that kind of ordinary silk cloth and ask an old tailor in the village to make a suit of clothes.
For a long time, there was no response from the main hall.
Seeing this scene, Zhu Yuanzhang felt an unknown fire surge into his forehead.
Li Xiao is indeed doing practical things, but these high-ranking officials don't even know how much the cloth worn by the common people costs. They don't know how expensive firewood, rice, oil and salt are, so how can they think about the common people?
And now, these people are still impeaching people who do practical things? ? ?
Zhu Yuanzhang slapped the dragon chair and cursed: "You people, you still say you care about the people, but you don't even know the most basic thing, the price of cloth used by the people. How did you become an official? You are floating in the sky. Can’t you see the suffering below??”
The words fell.
All the officials bowed their heads.
Seeing this, Zhu Di was overjoyed, looked at the officials, and said:
"Since you don't know, I will tell you. The most commonly used silk cloth by ordinary people is two hundred yuan a piece. But the cloth Li Xiao sells is thirty yuan a piece! Tell me, does this benefit the people? Ze Wanmin?"
The officials in the main hall were shocked again.
What? ?
They never expected that the prices were so different!
If this is really the case,
How much money can that thirty cents of cloth bring to the people?
If this is the case, so what if we have a monopoly, then the people will benefit!
Now, the officials in Zhu Di's camp also knew how to speak.
"Your Majesty, this is a great kindness. People's lives are not easy, and cloth is in urgent need. This way, people will be less likely to be profited by profiteers."
"Yes, although Li Xiao is engaged in business, he is just helping Princess Yong'an with advice. This is not considered a violation of the rules. It can be seen that Princess Yong'an must be kind-hearted, so she set the price like this."
"I have heard that Princess Yong'an is kind-hearted by nature. This must be her idea. Thirty cents per piece of cloth is probably just a cost and does not make any money, benefiting the people!"
Soon, these officials found the point of their rebuttal.
Shift the focus from Li Xiao to Zhu Ningyun, Princess Yong'an.
It is said that the holy granddaughter was kind-hearted and could not bear to see the suffering of the people, so she came up with such an idea.
As expected, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said: "I have also heard about this matter. My granddaughter is indeed kind-hearted. Li Xiao can be regarded as helping the princess. It doesn't matter. I won't be held guilty!"
Zhu Yuanzhang learned from Li Xiao yesterday that everything he did was to let his granddaughter see the prosperous Ming Dynasty, and he did see the effect. Thirty yuan a piece of cloth is the evidence.
Other officials went to extreme lengths to say that they would not allow the people to enjoy this real benefit.
"Your Majesty, this is just Li Xiao's plan."
Seeing that he was about to give up at this moment, Tie Xuan hurriedly said: "Li Xiao is very thoughtful. He is indeed selling cloth for thirty cents a piece, but why?
The purpose is to defeat other cloth shops and gather their industries.
As it gradually grew, it began to radiate to surrounding prefectures.
It spread like a cobweb until it encompassed the entire Ming Dynasty. All the cloth business in the world was owned by one person. What a terrible thing.
At that time, Li Xiao can raise the price to 200 Wen per horse, 300 Wen per horse, or even 400 Wen. By that time, he will have no rivals. He can set the price as much as he wants. No one can compete with him. That is what he wants. Disaster! "
The words fell.
Everyone was surprised and thought it seemed reasonable.
There is a way for businessmen to get bigger, which is to pay the initial costs, monopolize a line of business, and then obtain greater benefits.
Li Xiao never dreamed of this.
He didn't even want to be an oligarch. In the court, some people already described him as one.
"Your Majesty, I think what Tie Xuan said is reasonable and I have to guard against it."
"Your Majesty, I think this matter is ridiculous. Li Xiao is serving the country and the people."
"Your Majesty, it will be too late after the whole world has collapsed."
"Your Majesty, Tie Xuan is just an alarmist. How can one person monopolize the world's business?"
The two groups started a debate contest.
The court hall turned into a mess.
Zhu Yuanzhang felt as if his head was going to explode. He slapped the dragon chair and said angrily: "Shut up!"
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "You all talk about benevolence, justice and morality, but who can do things that benefit the people? I don't care about the process, I only care about the results.
No matter in the future or now.
At least now I see that the people are getting benefits and don't have to suffer from being squeezed by profiteers. I hate profiteers the most, but now that such good things happen, you come out to defend them one by one!
What Shen Wansan, bullshit!
So what if Shen Wansan is so rich? I want to take his head today and he will die tomorrow.
When I rule the world, am I still afraid of a businessman? ? "
As soon as this statement came out,
Everyone seemed to recall His Majesty's majesty.
Zhu Yuanzhang continued: "We won't discuss this matter anymore, let's let it go! Whether Li Xiao is true or false, I am happy with what he is doing now!
In the future, if you really become a wealthy businessman and are unkind because of your wealth, I will personally deal with it! In my world, no one can do anything wrong! "
This time.
It’s a final conclusion.
Zhu Yuanzhang did not reject this matter, and the officials also understood that what Li Xiao did was indeed approved by the Holy Spirit.
No wonder he has been favoring Zhu Di recently, probably because of Li Xiao.
Tie Xuan, who originally planned to continue the impeachment, also stopped talking.
I can't go on talking any more.
But at this time, among the crowd, there was a Yanguan who was struggling.
This person is unknown, a nobody, and has always been unknown.
At this moment, he is brewing a big event, that is, death remonstrance!
As a Yanguan, the most praised thing is admonishment by death. If you lose, your body will die, and if you succeed, you will become successful and famous, and leave your name in history. This is what Yanguan is most proud of.
He is from Zhu Yunwen's side, but he is not taken seriously.
This is an opportunity, a chance to show your face.
Once he succeeds and Zhu Yunwen ascends the throne, he will be the one who followed the dragon! ! !
Bet or not.
If the bet succeeds, it will be a huge turnaround.
"If you have something to report, if nothing happens, leave the court." The eunuch shouted.
And at this moment,
The Yanguan finally made up his mind and walked out resolutely.
The official raised his hands and said with a fearless face: "Your Majesty, this matter must be dealt with now, otherwise there will be endless consequences!!! Because I am afraid that after Li Xiao becomes a giant businessman, this world will no longer be your Majesty's! By then, who will I can manage it!”
hiss!
hiss!
hiss!
As soon as this statement came out.
Above the main hall, there were countless gasps of cold air.
Everyone looked at the warrior with pitiful eyes.
I'm afraid... the world in the future will not be His Majesty's world.
This is dead advice! ! !
It's a pity that this official will have to pay the price for his words, just because the person sitting on the dragon throne is none other than Zhu Yuanzhang!
Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang became furious.
Someone actually said this to his face! !
"Come here, drag me out and behead him! Behead him immediately!"
The armored guards came to the hall one after another, directly held the man down and pulled him out.
Na Yanguan knew that he was dead, it was over, the bet was lost.
But when he left, he still shouted, "Your Majesty, think twice, Your Majesty, if King Yan ascends the throne, Li Xiao will have endless troubles."
Although he is dead, if he shouts a few more times, he can still be recorded in the history books.
Zhu Yuanzhang's beard stood up in anger. He was not dead yet. He pointed at the official and shouted: "I will execute you Lingchi!"
The sound faded away.
At this moment, no one dared to say a word anymore.
But Tie Xuan.
Tie Xuan admired that Yan Guan deeply.
This is the true remonstrator who dares to defend this dynasty with his life!
Not as good as yourself.
What a shame!
But now, I must not be a coward!
We cannot watch Ming Dynasty go to the abyss!
This man gave Tie Xuan great courage by dying!
Tie Xuan also took a step forward resolutely and said loudly:
"Your Majesty, I want to impeach you. I impeach Li Xiao for being so bold and reckless. He tampered with the laws promulgated by Your Majesty, increased his salary, changed his work and rest, and even added court institutions himself!!!
This is treating His Majesty as nothing. He can change the law today and establish the law tomorrow. I dare not even think about the future! !
This is what I said is the evidence of Li Xiao’s true supremacy as king! !
Ignore the Holy One and despise the law. This Ming Dynasty still belongs to Your Majesty, not to Li Xiao or to King Yan.
If it is not dealt with, if he gains power in the future, he may become a king with a different surname!
By then, he will have the power to crack the earth and become a king! "
The words fell.
The entire hall was silent! !
The whole palace was shocked! ! ! !
(End of chapter)
