"Is he gone?"
The eunuch quickly returned to the palace and met the emperor who ruled the empire.
Wanli leaned on the chair slantingly, staring at the two figures, one large and one small, not far away. When he saw the eunuch coming back, he glanced at him casually and asked.
"Your Majesty, Zhang Yicheng listened to the slave's words, kowtowed on the ground to thank me, and then left."
The eunuch replied respectfully, and then glanced to the side, where Yan Chenhao was teaching Fu Wang Zhu Changxun to study.
However, his eyes suddenly closed and he was obviously used to this situation.
"Hmph, I guess he still has some courage." Wan Li snorted from his nose. He naturally saw Zhang Yicheng's intention.
However, I am not disgusted with it. No matter what, from the morning when I knelt down at sunset, my persistence and sincerity are still commendable. Originally, he did have the idea of arresting those who were close to Gu Boyang among the people. It was not that he really thought that they were Gu Boyang's accomplices, but he simply wanted to intimidate everyone and tell them that his authority could not be violated.
Now that he was moved by Zhang Yicheng, his thoughts have calmed down a lot. Instead, he felt that he could use this person to send some signals to calm the minds of the world.
However, Zhang Yicheng and all that were soon forgotten by him - Zhu Changxun finished his day's study and walked over to him.
"How did you learn today?" Wanli asked with a smile, reaching out to caress the boy's head.
"After studying "The Great Learning", Master Yan also taught me "Historical Records"."
Fifteen-year-old Zhu Changxun looked like a little adult. He straightened his back and answered with a serious face. The brocade clung to his body. He never neglected to exercise while studying, which made his figure quite moderate. , coupled with that face, it looks very eye-catching.
Recalling his eldest son who was always hunched over, fat and somewhat unconfident, the contrast was so sharp that Wanli became even more fond of the second son in front of him.
"When you study, you can't study rotely. You have to be able to combine it with reality... Well, just in time, my father will give you a test."
Wanli smiled and said:
"I think you have heard about the recent 'Demon Book' incident, right? Now my father has arrested all the people who caused the rebellion. Can you tell me how to deal with it?"
After the words fell, Zhu Changxun was still thinking, but Yan Chenhao's body became tense.
For a dynasty that has passed its pioneering period, what the emperor wants to hear should be a benevolent answer, such as killing only the culprit and interceding for others.
A benevolent emperor played a great role in the stability of the dynasty, and the Central Plains dynasty, which was deeply influenced by Confucian culture, generally recognized Emperor Wen more. Back then, Zhu Yuanzhang preferred the kind Zhu Biao, and the one Zhu Di finally chose was also kind. Zhu Gaochi.
But Zhu Changxun will most likely not answer like this.
He still remembered that he once told Zhu Changxun the story in "Water Margin". When Song Jiang and others were recruited, his reaction was like this:
"The monarchs and ministers of the Song Dynasty were so incompetent that they actually gave in to a group of bandits."
Xiao Zhu Changxun's face was full of disdain:
"One hundred and eight people in Liangshan are called heroes, but they are actually thieves and bandits, causing trouble in the world... If anyone finds a corrupt official and kills them by lynching, then the world will be in chaos!"
"Repeated defeats of the army have brought great disgrace to the court. If the rebellion is not suppressed, where will the majesty of the court be? Such recruitment will give other people the wrong impression. From now on, there will be many people who occupy the mountain and become the king!"
"If it were me, I would never compromise with them. I would definitely train a strong army and fight them to the end! It's just a river in Liangshan, and the emperor is sitting on the world. Is it possible that I can't defeat him?"
"I will follow the example of Emperor Taizu and conquer Mongolia repeatedly until Liangshan is pacified, kill all the bandits, and send a message to the world!"
A deafening sound came from his small body.
Although "Water Margin" is only a fictional story, it can be seen from Zhu Changxun's answers that he has extraordinary power in his bones.
He also persuaded the emperor at that time that the emperor should look at the overall situation and consider everything. Sometimes thieves and bandits are not impossible to take advantage of, and at the same time, he should always be lenient. However, Zhu Changxun did not take it seriously - that was the first time Zhu Changxun treated him. The teacher retorted. After all, he was fifteen years old and had his own thoughts.
However, Wanli may not necessarily dislike him - after all, he is his most beloved son, so he naturally puts on a filter.
Thinking of this, Yan Chenhao relaxed slightly, raised his head and stared at Zhu Changxun.
Wanli looked at him with encouraging eyes.
Under the gaze of the two people, Zhu Changxun thought for a while, and then replied respectfully:
"Father, the two brothers Gu Xiancheng wrote demonic books, criticized the government, disrupted the Ming Dynasty, and even had evil thoughts. They are extremely abhorrent and their crimes are unforgivable. But-"
He hesitated and said:
"Others are just deceived. As the saying goes, 'He who doesn't know is not guilty.' The reason why they obey the Gu brothers is because of their heart, just for the court. They may not like their sons, but But he is a loyal minister of the Ming Dynasty!"
"My son thought that it would be more appropriate to be given a lighter punishment, such as a rebuke or a fine of silver."
His words shocked everyone present. Wanli and the eunuchs were stunned by King Fu's words - that demon book was aimed at Zhu Changxun! Once successful, those so-called "bewitched" people will be accomplices! This situation was forgiven by the prince with a generous heart, and only such a small punishment was given. How kind this is! Recalling that King Fu was not harsh with his servants, they only thought of another person - Renzong Zhu Gaochi.
As for Yan Chenhao, his shock was different from theirs.
"Okay, okay, okay!" Emperor Wanli reacted first, laughed and clapped:
"I already know my son's heart! My son is so kind, it is really a blessing for the Ming Dynasty, a blessing for the Ming Dynasty!"
The clever eunuchs next to him immediately began to praise each other. Suddenly, the hall was filled with praises, but Zhu Changxun prostrated himself deeply without any emotion on his face, which attracted Wanli's approving eyes.
No one noticed Yan Chenhao's slightly furrowed brows and thoughtful eyes.
Wanli and Prince Fu chatted for a few more words, and Concubine Zheng walked in from the gate, followed by a maid. She smiled and said:
"Your Majesty, it's really hard for you to review the memorials. I saw the new soup that I recently learned... I also made it for Xun'er, let's have a try."
The eunuchs immediately stepped forward and arranged the tables and chairs. The food prepared by Concubine Zheng was immediately placed on the table.
The setting sun shone on them.
Wanli was in a daze for a moment.
At this time, he seemed not to be the lofty emperor, but just an ordinary husband. He had just returned from work. His wife served hot soup and his son talked about his studies in school. Everything seemed so warm.
Stroking Zhu Changxun's head and feeling the tenderness of Concubine Zheng beside him, Wanli's eyes were as gentle as water, full of warmth and happiness.
His eyes suddenly became firm, as if he had made a major decision in his heart.
This is my family.
I want to leave the best to my son.
(End of chapter)
