But to everyone's surprise, it had such a counterproductive effect.

Zhu Yuanzhang was clearly very angry after all these events. He had finally seen through Zhu Yunwen.

This person is not only useless, but also wicked. Despite not being very bright, he insists on being cunning and using all sorts of means to hurt others.

But every time, it ends up harming both oneself and others.

How could a founding father like Zhu Yuanzhang tolerate such a thing?

Not to mention giving him the throne later!

So Zhu Yuanzhang coldly said:

"From today onwards, you are no longer required to attend the morning court session, and you are not allowed to participate in any state affairs."

Zhu Yunwen's face turned deathly pale, and he slumped to the ground.

At that moment, he felt as if Zhu Yuanzhang himself was telling him that he would not be made crown prince.

This was even more painful for him than killing him.

At the same time, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Yuntong. Despite being in such dire straits, Zhu Yuntong was able to turn the tide and was willing to suffer himself rather than let the Ministry of Revenue exploit the workers.

This shows that he is a person of upright character, who cares about the people, and is also very capable.

After all these events, Zhu Yuanzhang had to admit that Zhu Yunwen was even stronger than himself in some aspects.

At least regarding today's incident, if it were me, I would probably just have to swallow my anger and suffer in silence, and I would never have been able to launch such a perfect counterattack like Zhu Yunwen.

Therefore, Zhu Yuanzhang had already decided that after a period of time, he would publicly appoint Zhu Yunwen as the Crown Prince.

At this moment, Zhu Yunwen's extraordinary abilities have surely won over all the civil and military officials.

At least the military officers were absolutely convinced.

Even if some civil officials were dissatisfied, he believed that Zhu Yunwen would have a way to make them submit.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled. Seeing that he had a successor was a great joy.

Since the death of his crown prince Zhu Biao, Zhu Yuanzhang has been worrying about the issue of succession every day.

Now, not only do they have a good choice, but the successor they have chosen is also so capable.

He might even surpass Zhu Biao, which would definitely be something Zhu Yuanzhang would be happy about.

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang truly regarded Zhu Yunwen as a precious treasure.

He then said, "Yun Tong, we'll have the Ministry of Revenue continue to expand your palace."

Zhu Yuntong said, "No need, Grandfather. I'm already quite satisfied with this palace; it doesn't need to be too large."

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback, then sighed and said:

"Wouldn't that be unfair to you?"

Zhu Yunwen smiled and shook his head, and Zhu Yuanzhang said nothing more.

In any case, he had already made up his mind to make Zhu Yunwen the Crown Prince after a while.

At that time, Zhu Yunwen will take over the Eastern Palace, and Lady Lü and Zhu Yunwen will have to leave the Eastern Palace.

The vast Eastern Palace is far better than the Prince of Wu's residence.

"Alright, since you think it's fine, then stay here for now."

His words actually revealed something: he was saying he would stay here for the time being, clearly indicating that Zhu Yunwen would leave in the near future.

It's just that no one noticed it.

Then Zhu Yuanzhang said:

"With the Minister of Revenue gone, there's a vacancy. Yunwen, who do you think would be a good candidate?"

Zhu Yunwen thought for a moment, then looked directly at Zhang Shan, the head of the Ministry of Revenue.

He then said to Zhu Yuanzhang, "Grandfather, this Zhang Shan, the head of the Ministry of Revenue, was forced to exploit the workers during the construction of the Prince's Mansion."

But it was out of necessity, and this time he helped his grandson, which can be considered making amends. Moreover, judging from the accounts he sorted out and his assistance in exposing the true colors of the Minister of Revenue, he is capable enough.

Therefore, I think we should give him a chance and recommend him for the position of Minister of Revenue.

Upon hearing this, the officials present were somewhat shocked. A mere sixth-rank official had suddenly risen to the rank of second-rank minister.

This is practically instant success!

Zhu Yuanzhang thought Zhu Yuncong's words made sense, and mainly to save face for Zhu Yunwen, so he nodded and said directly:

"Alright, let's appoint Zhang Shan, the head of the Ministry of Revenue, as the Minister of Revenue."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Shan knelt on the ground with great emotion: "Your Majesty, I thank you. Your Highness, the Third Prince."

Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yuanzhang both nodded slightly, and then Zhu Yunwen said:

"I value your character and hope you can work hard. Don't go astray like before."

Zhang Shan kowtowed deeply and said, "I am very grateful to His Highness the Third Prince for the whipping that day, which woke me up. Although I was forced to do so at the time, I really shouldn't have done such a thing as whipping the workers. Afterwards, I regretted it very much and took out money as compensation. Now, I am fortunate to have the favor of His Highness the Third Prince. From now on, I will definitely devote myself to the cause until my dying breath."

Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yuanzhang exchanged a satisfied look and both smiled.

Zhu Yunwen smiled because after Zhang Shan became the Minister of Revenue, the Ministry of Revenue would be loyal to him.

Zhu Yuanzhang clearly saw this as well, and he was very pleased that Zhu Yunwen had used such a clever method to gain control of the entire Ministry of Revenue.

Zhu Yuanzhang was not only happy, but also very pleased, and quite surprised by Zhu Yunwen's methods.

Today's incident not only failed to harm Zhu Yunwen, but also allowed him to take control of the Ministry of Revenue, demonstrating Zhu Yunwen's cunning.

On the contrary, Zhu Yunwen has repeatedly shot himself in the foot, and now he has completely lost his chance.

Zhu Yunwen glanced at Zhu Yunwen, his eyes filled with endless killing intent, but even more so with helplessness.

He knew that, in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, he had already lost the struggle between himself and Zhu Yunwen.

But he didn't want to lose so completely; it was absolutely impossible for him to willingly give up the throne.