The capital of the Ming Dynasty, the main hall.
King Zhu Zhen of Chu, Zhu Chun, King of Shu, Zhu Bai, King of Xiang, Zhu Gui, King of Dai, Zhu Zhi, King of Liao and other vassal kings came one after another, all dressed as scholars.
Zhu Chun was overjoyed when he saw the rich collection of books in the main hall. He waved his hand to Wang Yue, the imperial eunuch, and said in a low voice: "I heard that the "Goose Qun Tie" is hidden in the main hall. Find it and open our eyes."
Wang Yue frowned and said: "King of Shu, this is really difficult for our family. If there really is Wang Xianzhi's treasure, why would we servants need to look for it? The emperor will also summon you to share the reward with all the princes."
"Haha, Brother Eleven, don't embarrass him. There are a lot of ancient books here. It's a rare visit. Why don't you take the opportunity to borrow a few books from the emperor?"
Zhu Zhen came over and came to Wang Yue's rescue.
Looking at the familiar Dabentang, Zhu Zhen felt a little enlightened.
Many years ago, when I was still a teenager, I stayed here briefly. Liu Bowen, Song Lian, Li Shanchang, Xu Da... famous ministers and generals in the early Hongwu period also came here.
Behind the table sat a kind-hearted emperor. He was discussing classics and history with his ministers, and discussed military and state affairs. At that time, everyone was surrounding his eldest brother, Zhu Biao. But later, the eldest brother moved to Wenhua Hall to study, and he and others who were originally studying with him had to return to the mansion. After many years, they never had the opportunity to get together to read and laugh together.
Before Zhu Biao visited Xi'an, he wrote a letter and agreed that when he returned to the capital again, he would discuss classics and stories and share interesting things about Wuchang with his elder brother. It's a pity that after eldest brother comes back...
"Brother."
Zhu Zhen looked at the young man approaching, as if he had returned to more than 20 years ago at this moment, and couldn't help but stepped forward and shouted.
The whole hall was silent, and all the vassal kings looked at Zhu Zhen in astonishment.
Zhu Zhen suddenly realized his mistake and quickly bowed to apologize.
Zhu Yunwen grabbed Zhu Zhen's arm and said warmly: "Uncle King Chu must have missed Emperor Xiaokang. This main hall was originally used by Emperor Xiaokang, a famous Confucian professor, and the princes invited by Taizu. It's a pity that it has not been used for many years. I invite all uncles to come over today." After asking questions, after much thought, this main hall is the most suitable, so please take a seat inside."
A group of vassal kings followed Zhu Yunwen into the next hall. Except for the table and chairs in front of it, the others were all mats and tables.
Zhu Yunwen sat on a chair, and a group of vassal kings sat on the floor, looking down at the low table, with a copy of "Xunzi" placed on it. He couldn't help but wonder, and he couldn't help but speculate, could today's incident be related to Xunzi?
Zhu Chun looked through the book and the waiter served tea.
Zhu Yunwen picked up "Xunzi", shook it in his hand and said: "In Confucianism, Xunzi advocates different opinions from Confucius and Mencius. Does anyone know what the difference is? Uncle King Shu, tell me."
Zhu Chun stood up and saluted with a book in his hand: "Your Majesty, Xunzi is not a pure Confucian figure. When he studied Confucianism, he absorbed the Legalist theory, which means respecting the king's way, also called hegemony, advocating etiquette and justice, and talking about the rule of law and advocating the law. The former king, the queen king..."
Zhu Yunwen nodded repeatedly after hearing this.
Zhu Zhi, Zhu Geng, Zhu Shangbing and other vassal kings were confused when they heard that Zhu Chun liked to study, but not everyone likes to study. Besides, he was sleeping well at home, but he was suddenly summoned to the palace, so why not come to the palace? This hall, what is Zhu Yunwen’s intention?
If the matter is not explained clearly, who would care about Xunzi?
Zhu Gui was even more uneasy. Ever since Zhu Yunwen came back from Jurong, he had dealt with more than 30 officials at once. Anyone related to the dereliction of duty in the Jurong mine, whether it was the Metropolitan Procuratorate or officials from the Ministry of Civil Affairs, were dismissed from their posts. , with the distribution of mines to work for three years, after three years, go home to farm, never to use it.
At this time, the imperial court was strictly investigating the mines. Many censors and household officials ran out of the capital overnight and went to various mines to conduct strict inspections. Once problems were discovered, they would be unbearable.
Zhu Gui's heart was burning. Compared with other vassal kings, he was the first to enter the mine, and he was also a coal mine. This stuff is not the same as limestone. It needs to be dug deeply. It is very common to dig two feet deep. It is very common to dig four feet deep. Five feet is not illegal.
It’s just that coal mines will collapse from time to time, and when they collapse, there are usually people there. Over the years, there have been many people buried in the coal mine. Although I used money to stop my mouth, who knows what these people will use Money can't help matters. If someone finds out, will this business still be possible?
Zhu Yunwen was very satisfied with Zhu Chun's explanation. He stretched out his hand for Zhu Chun to sit down, and then said: "Every time I read, I found that all the wise kings of the past dynasties respected the king's way, hegemony, and the rule of law. , uphold the law, settle disputes, determine the north and the south, and rectify the east and west. Do you think I should be a wise king, or should I be a cowardly king?"
Zhu Chun, Zhu Gui and others stood up quickly: "You should be a wise king."
Zhu Yunwen became serious and looked deeply at the vassal kings: "If you are a wise king, you must act according to the "Da Ming Law" instead of the "Huang Ming Ancestor Instructions". Are you willing to do this?"
Zhu Gui's heart was shocked.
Zhu Yunwen's words are very obvious. He is telling the vassal king that the "Huang Ming Ancestor Instructions" written by Zhu Yuanzhang will no longer be a protective shield for the vassal king. They will lose the protection of Taizu and truly be with the people of the Ming Dynasty. Same, within the scope of application of "Da Ming Law".
Zhu Gui swallowed his saliva and spoke nervously: "Your Majesty, the "Huang Ming Ancestral Instructions" is the work of Taizu after all. It is also an important code for protecting the royal family and blessing future generations."
Zhu Yunwen looked at Zhu Gui, who did not dare to look directly at him, and asked, "Uncle Daiwang, please don't forget that the Ming Dynasty Law was also the work of Taizu."
"However, for royal family members, the "Ancestor Instructions of the Emperor Ming" should prevail."
Zhu Gui insisted.
Zhu Yunwen chuckled, with a chill in his eyes: "During the Hongwu period, the "Ancestor Instructions of the Emperor Ming" was useful. But in my court, is the "Ancestor Instructions of the Emperor Ming" still useful? The King of Zhou harmed the people, and the King of Qi conspired against him. Who has ever taken the "Ancestor Instructions of the Emperor Ming" seriously? Ask yourselves, uncles, how many of you have a clear conscience for what you have done over the years, and how many of you are dedicated to serving the people and the country?"
"When there was no vassal reduction, the emperor's uncle was there, acting like a king, using the people like slaves, killing the people like butchering dogs, robbing the people like cutting grass and mustard, bullying the people and letting them die in the ice and snow. These things, some of Taizu's It has been dealt with. Some matters have been put on hold until now. I have not had an attack. It does not mean that I do not know about it. If you really respect the "Huang Ming Ancestor Instructions", how could such a thing happen? "
The vassal kings dare not say anything. Apart from the dead princes, King Jin, King Lu, King Qi, etc., it is hard to say who among the living has done these things. Of course, as a vassal king, with a noble status, power and soldiers, it is normal for him to act out of style.
But judging from what Zhu Yunwen meant, he wanted to use old accounts to overturn the "Emperor Ming Ancestors". Well, you are the emperor anyway, Zhu Yuanzhang can't climb out and teach you a lesson, and none of you here can twist your arms and calves, you say It’s whatever it is…
Faced with Zhu Yunwen's "equal treatment" policy, Zhu Chun was somewhat uncomfortable. The royal family members no longer have special privileges, so what kind of royal family members are they? But the "Xunzi" in front of me seems to be speaking on behalf of Zhu Yunwen:
Rule of law!
But Xunzi still talks about etiquette. He is not Han Feizi. You have to save some face for the princes.
Zhu Yunwen read "Xunzi" and read: "In ancient times, Yu Tang believed in his duty and the world was in great order. Jie and Zhou abandoned righteousness and doubled their faith, and the world was in chaos. Therefore, a man who is superior to others must be careful about etiquette and righteousness, and be loyal and trustworthy. This is a king. The main hall is also the main hall. The main hall is the hall where etiquette, righteousness and loyalty are observed. Dear uncles, my wish is for the great governance of the country, the well-off of our people, and peace in the prosperous age! Therefore, I need your cooperation with me, and It’s not about restricting everything, it’s not about harming the people of the Ming Dynasty!”
No one dared to speak, so they could only lower their heads and be taught.
Zhu Yunwen let out a long sigh and continued: "You all know what happened in Jurong. I killed those who should be killed by the Guo family, and I didn't touch any of those who should be kept. Even if it is the Luo family, I will not show mercy. They are just concubines and relatives of the harem, but they are already so wanton. I cannot help but ask, are you emperor uncles in charge of various mines, can you do such a thing? On behalf of the king, your family has the largest number of coal mines, can you do this? Things?"
Zhu Gui stood up quickly, thought for a moment that it was inappropriate, knelt down again, and said in fear: "I never bought people, let alone imprisoned the people, and used them like slaves."
Zhu Yunwen looked at Zhu Gui and asked sharply: "Has anyone died in that mine?"
Zhu Gui was helpless and did not dare to deny it, so he could only say: "This - Your Majesty, there will inevitably be some accidents when mining. Even if there is an accident, I will provide you with adequate compensation..."
Snapped!
Zhu Yunwen slapped the table and said sternly: "Pensions? Can pensions be exchanged for human lives? Don't you know that when a man dies, a family is shattered? Think about it from another angle, if it were you, would you be willing to sacrifice your life for it? Compensation?"
Zhu Gui was a little dumbfounded. He was a member of the royal family, how could he exchange his life for pension? Aren't those ordinary people just doing this kind of dirty work? If they die, they will be given a pension, and it will be over. As for banging the table to scare people?
"Your Majesty, as a member of the royal family..."
"Shut up!"
Zhu Yunwen got angry, stood up and shouted: "The royal clan is noble, but you must not forget that Taizu was originally a commoner in Huaiyou! You are the son of a commoner! You look down on the common people now, just because you look down on your father!"
Zhu Gui's face was pale, this was a bit shocking, even if he moved his father out, he wouldn't move like this.
"Your Majesty, please calm down."
Seeing that Zhu Yunzhen was in a hurry, the vassal kings quickly comforted him.
Zhu Yunwen looked at Zhu Gui and said seriously: "I entrust you with the iron ore, aluminum ore, lead ore... oil because I want to leave a foundation for a stable life and a guarantee for future generations. But you must remember The foundation of the Ming Dynasty is not only yours, nor your descendants, but also the people of the Ming Dynasty. The imperial court is strictly inspecting the minerals. This will be the last time that the "Emperor Ming Ancestor Instructions" protects you. Who took advantage of this opportunity? , If you commit another crime in the future, go to the Criminal Department to receive your punishment!"
"Thank you!"
Zhu Gui breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as you don't lose your head this time, it's easy to say. It will just be changed in the future. At most, we can add some support and reduce the number of deaths. Even if they die, they should be reported to the government first instead of dealing with it privately.
On this day, Zhu Yunwen no longer discussed the mine or state affairs. He only accompanied the feudal kings to read. It was not until the afternoon that Zhu Yunwen closed the book and sent away all the feudal kings in peace.
Liu Changge hurried in and handed Zhu Yunwen an urgent report with an uncertain expression: "Something happened in Yangjiang."
Zhu Yunwen was very calm. He took the document and looked at it carefully. He frowned slightly and immediately ordered the servant: "Summon Jie Jin, Yu Xin, Tie Xuan, Mei Yin and Chen Hui to Wuying Hall."
Liu Changge's eyes were filled with sadness as he followed Zhu Yunwen out of the main hall.
Zhu Yunwen asked his chamberlain to stay behind and walked in the front with Liu Changge. Seeing Liu Changge's sadness, he said: "They are all heroes and meritorious officials of the Ming Dynasty. You will know in the near future what they exchanged for the Ming Dynasty with their lives." .”
Liu Changge felt a little depressed and murmured in a low voice: "They are all well-known men. It is their honor to die fighting to protect the Ming Dynasty."
