Zhu Gaochi is going to Japan.

This news spread widely in the palace. After all, they were all royal descendants and were relatively well-informed about the news.

Most of the imperial concubines, princes and grandchildren were quite concerned about this matter.

The establishment of the new feudal system meant that all the princes and grandchildren of the emperor had to find a way to make a living for themselves, otherwise they could only become a rich and idle prince, eating and waiting to die.

In fact, for most of the princes and grandchildren of royal family, they always want to do something in their hearts.

We are all still young and dream of making a name for ourselves.

When it comes to both literary and military strategy, the palace academy is full of top-notch teachers who train as much as possible, which naturally makes it easy for students to develop lofty ambitions.

Few people say they just want to spend their life lying down like a salted fish.

After all, they had never lacked food and drink since they were born, and Zhu Ying kept increasing the money in the treasury, so their expenses were at least several levels higher than before.

Not to mention, even the most ordinary concubine would have four meat dishes, four vegetable dishes and one soup on a daily basis.

The princes and grandchildren of the emperor have received a fixed monthly salary since they were born.

According to age groups, the monthly allowance for newborns is five strings of cash, while for adults and those coming of age it can reach thirty strings of cash.

It may not sound like much, but all other food and clothing expenses are reimbursed separately, which is equivalent to pocket money for the princes and grandchildren.

And after being crowned king, he can also receive a higher salary.

Now that Buxing has granted land and property, all of it is paid directly in the form of treasure notes.

All the land properties in the treasury only go in and never go out.

After learning that Zhu Gaochi was going to Japan, Lu began to inquire from various sources.

Now we have a clear idea of ​​Zhu Gaochi's current team.

Then she called Zhu Yunwen and told him, "Your brother Chi is going to Japan now. I heard that he even asked Xia Yuanji, the head of the Ministry of Revenue, to come to the Crown Prince."

"Nana Yuanji has many friends, and now he has formed a team. When he returns to Japan, he has almost taken care of all the officials."

"I heard that your cousin Li Jinglong had won over a number of talented people, and was originally planning to take them to Japan with the King of Yan."

"You have a good relationship with your cousin, so why don't you go and test the waters? Previously, those talented scholars were aiming for the Prince of Yan, but now it has been changed to the Crown Prince. They must be somewhat reluctant in their hearts."

"Now that the Prince of Yan has gone straight to Xia Yuanji, those talented scholars must be feeling even more uncomfortable. Talk to Duke Cao and see if you can convince a few of them to follow us to Champa."

Lu was a man of meticulous mind. Just by looking at some previous events, she judged that the people previously recruited by Li Jinglong would definitely have some rifts because of Zhu Gaochi's invitation of Xia Yuanji.

According to Zhu Gaochi's current situation, if Xia Yuanji followed him to Yancheng, Japan, he would be like a prime minister, with high power and influence.

The Buddha is too big, and some people are unwilling to see it.

This is an opportunity.

Because of her mother's family background and her previous efforts to protect herself, Lu had few connections in the court or the country.

Originally, there was no need for all this. As the Crown Princess, she was naturally of noble birth, and even the death of the Crown Prince would not affect her in the slightest.

However, Zhu Ying's sudden appearance made Lu feel a little embarrassed.

Now I can only think of ways to win over some talents to go to Champa.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen looked a little hesitant.

After thinking for a while, he said, "If I go and tell my cousin, it may not be a good idea."

After all, they are young people and they can't bring themselves to lose face.

"What's wrong with that?"

Mrs. Lu's tone suddenly became a little higher, and then she said slowly: "When my mother and I go to places like Champa, we really need the assistance of talents from the Ming Dynasty."

"Otherwise, if we only rely on you and me, we won't even be able to manage our own territory."

"I see that your elder brother has no intention of sending troops to attack Champa, so when the time comes, we will probably take a piece of land from Champa as your vassal state."

"When the time comes, we will have to fight against the royal family of Champa. I know your character very well. How can you possibly defeat them? You can only rely on others."

"Go find your cousin and tell him about your suffering. He will eventually find a solution for you."

Hearing this, Zhu Yunwen couldn't help but think of how good his cousin Li Jinglong had been to him.

After thinking about it, I felt that my cousin should help me, so I nodded in agreement.

After watching her son Zhu Yunwen leave, Lu called the maid and said, "Please ask Mr. Huang Zicheng to come over."

The maid quickly agreed.

Although Huang Zicheng doesn't seem to have any special performance, his talent and knowledge are not low even among those in the imperial court.

After all, Huang Zicheng was specially appointed by Zhu Yuanzhang to be Zhu Yunwen's companion in the Eastern Palace. At that time, Zhu Ying had not yet appeared, so he was considered a designated assistant minister.

This time when going to Champa, Lu knew that Huang Zicheng didn't really want to go.

But Lu had to help persuade him.

Not long after, Huang Zicheng was summoned from the Hanlin Academy.

"Your Highness has greeted the Crown Princess."

Huang Zicheng bowed respectfully.

Mrs. Lu said with a smile, "Mr. Huang, you are too polite. Please take a seat and I will serve you tea."

The maid brought the freshly brewed tea, and Huang Zicheng hurriedly said that he didn't dare.

And then sat down.

Mrs. Lu said, "During this period of time, Mr. Huang has been somewhat wronged because of Yun Wen's matter."

"It's just fate. There's no other way. I think Mr. Huang should have figured it out."

Huang Zicheng couldn't help feeling a little sad when he heard what Lu said.

Originally, he should have been a popular minister, favored by His Majesty, and a companion in the Eastern Palace. He would surely hold great power in the future.

But with the appearance of Zhu Ying, his identity became embarrassing.

As the former companion of the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace, he certainly could not go to Zhu Ying's place. Now, after Zhu Ying was canonized as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Zhu Yunwen naturally cancelled his status as companion of the Eastern Palace.

The number of times he went to the Eastern Palace was gradually decreasing, and he now stayed in the Hanlin Academy for a long time.

The status is neither high nor low.

Huang Zicheng smiled bitterly and said, "Your Highness is very talented. Under his rule, the Ming Dynasty is becoming more and more prosperous. All the ministers think highly of His Highness, and the military officers and soldiers are like this."

"He is extremely beloved among the people. Everyone sings praises of the future Ming Dynasty. Under the leadership of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, the Ming Dynasty will be prosperous and peaceful."

Huang Zicheng did not directly answer Lu's question, but seemed to be praising Zhu Ying.

In fact, the meaning of these words is to tell Lu that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is now fully grown, all civil and military officials obey his orders, and the people also support him very much. If you want to do anything to him, I will not accompany you.

Lu naturally understood what was meant here, and smiled and said, "Mr. Huang is right. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's prestige is probably almost the same as Your Majesty's. It is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty to have such a crown prince."

"The reason I invited you here today is not because of some other reasons, but because of your future career."

"Sir, I heard that Xia Yuanji, the head of the Ministry of Revenue, has decided to follow the Prince of Yan to Yancheng in Japan. This has been approved by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

Having said that, Huang Zicheng clearly understood what Lu meant.

Of course, given the current situation, Huang Zicheng can completely reject Lu. Lu is no longer the same Lu as before. Huang Zicheng is not worried that Lu and Zhu Yunwen, who are about to leave, will cause trouble for him.

But Huang Zicheng was also hesitant.

In fact, he is living a very good life in the capital now, and he is very satisfied with it. Because of the reform of officials' salaries, his income is very good even in the Hanlin Academy. At least it is not a problem to support his family.

Eating meat every now and then has become a common thing.

The prosperity and convenience of the capital city make everyone who lives here not want to leave, and Huang Zicheng is no exception.

He actually knew the news that Zhu Yunwen was going to Champa a long time ago, but Huang Zicheng never expressed his opinion on this matter.

After all, he was not only doing this for himself, but also for his sons.

It is much better to gain a birth in the capital than to go to a barren place like Champa.

It’s just that Xia Yuanji’s matter gave him some more thoughts.

Seeing Huang Zicheng's hesitation, Lu knew that this must be possible, and said, "Sir, you probably haven't been to Champa."

"But there is one thing you can find out, sir. His Royal Highness is currently developing maritime trade, and the first stop in the Nanyang area is Champa."

“This means that specialties from Jiangnan and other places will be shipped to Champa first.”

"No matter what, Yunwen is the younger brother of His Majesty the Crown Prince. He has never done anything to embarrass His Majesty the Crown Prince. I think you are clear about His Majesty's attitude towards Yunwen."

"Champa became Yunwen's vassal state, and the Crown Prince agreed to it. It won't be a difficult matter if we take care of it in the future."

"With the boost from the Ming Dynasty, Champa's economy will definitely not be too bad. Even if the prices are a little higher, what the Ming Dynasty has, Champa will naturally have as well."

"If you follow me, you will be like Xia Yuanji. You should be the leader of the Champa civil officials."

"If you have indeed made achievements in Champa, I think Yunwen is not a petty person. It is possible that he will promise you a hereditary title and make our vassal state rich and prosperous for generations."

"At this point, Mr. Yu Daming should be almost unattainable."

"Mr. Huang, what do you think?"

Lu's words painted a big pie for Huang Zicheng.

At the moment, Huang Zicheng is obviously moved by this cake.

Lu was right. If Huang Zicheng went now, he would be the head of Champa's civil servants like Xia Yuanji, with the same power as a prime minister.

Moreover, Huang Zicheng had been studying with Zhu Yunwen for a long time, and he knew very well that Zhu Yunwen would definitely listen to his opinions on many matters.

It can be said that his career has been smooth sailing.

Finally, the hereditary title promised by Lu was the last straw that broke the camel's back.

Who doesn’t want to be rich for generations?

It is almost impossible for intellectuals to obtain hereditary titles. Now that such an opportunity is before them, there is no reason to miss it.

At this moment, Huang Zicheng's breathing became heavier. After calming down a little, he said solemnly: "I will do my best to assist His Royal Highness."

Hearing this, Lu smiled and nodded.

Finally, she found an opportunity and convinced Huang Zicheng.

As long as Huang Zicheng agrees, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince probably won't stop him.

…

Mansion of Duke Cao.

Li Jinglong did not expect that Zhu Yunwen would come to him in person at this time.

But since he was here, Li Jinglong had to treat him well. No matter what, Li Jinglong had feelings for Zhu Yunwen.

Li Jinglong just felt a little pity for this cousin who had been clinging to him since childhood.

He was originally going to become the crown prince, but Zhu Ying suddenly appeared and took the position away from him.

He had already been crowned as the Crown Prince, but there was no noise at all, no movement in the court, he just disappeared like that.

Zhu Yunwen didn't know how to speak directly.

When chatting, I kept talking about other things. The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I didn't know how to say them.

Li Jinglong was so smart that he quickly realized Zhu Yunwen's intention from his hesitation.

After weighing the pros and cons in his mind, he took the lead and said, "Gao Chi is going to Japan soon. It's spring here. I heard that Yun Wen has also decided on Champa. I wonder when he will leave."

Zhu Yunwen breathed a sigh of relief. His cousin had first mentioned the matter of the vassalage, so it was not so awkward for him to continue the conversation. He said, "It's almost the beginning of spring here. My elder brother hasn't sent an order to Champa yet, so it should be a recent matter."

"Once the decree reaches Champa, I will set off."

If Zhu Ying wanted to enclose territory and establish a fiefdom in Champa, he would of course have to communicate with the Champa envoys.

With the current strength of the Ming Dynasty, even if the Champa royal family is somewhat reluctant, there is nothing they can do to refuse. They just have to determine the scope of the vassal state first.

Some specific matters have been reported to the Champa envoys. In about a month, it will be time for Zhu Yunwen to take up his fiefdom.

Li Jinglong nodded and said directly: "Since Yunwen is going to Champa this time, we will have fewer opportunities to meet in the future."

"Champa is actually a pretty good place. It's not far from the Ming Dynasty and there's maritime trade there. I heard the scenery is great. My cousin, don't forget me when you go there. If you have any good things, remember to send me some."

"But Champa is a strange place after all. My cousin has already found officials and generals of the vassal state when he goes there."

"It's not like the capital outside, so we need to be more prepared."

"If there is anything my cousin can help with, I will definitely not refuse."

Zhu Yunwen paused, then continued, "As for the military commanders, my elder brother promised me that I could bring some generals who graduated from the Beijing Military Academy with me, and he would also arrange for a number of elite troops to go with me."

"Only in the civil service area, not many people are willing to follow me. I came here today to see if I can ask my cousin for help."

Li Jinglong had guessed all this, and said immediately: "Don't worry, cousin. It just so happens that I have contacted some good friends here. They originally planned to go to Japan. Now if I talk to them, I think many of them will be willing to go to Champa with me."

"If they can help my cousin with domestic affairs, it will be a blessing for them."

Zhu Yunwen's eyes revealed a touch of emotion. He didn't expect that his cousin would actually help him so much. He agreed to help without even saying anything.

This made Zhu Yunwen a little excited and said: "With the help of my cousin, Yunwen will definitely be able to build the Champa vassal state."

Li Jinglong smiled and said, "Champa is a good place. If I have time to go there in the future, my cousin, please don't forget me."

Zhu Yunwen immediately said, "I am very happy that my cousin can come to Champa. How can I neglect him?"

Li Jinglong nodded and said, "Okay, I will wait for your words. Give me a few days and I will select a group of talents for you to go to Champa to assist you."

That's not really a polite remark.

Compared with Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Yunwen, Li Jinglong naturally had a better relationship with Zhu Yunwen.

So helping means really helping.

Anyway, the current Prince of Yan Zhu Di can be said to have stayed at the grassland border for a long time. In addition to the grassland military base planned by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Zhu Di can go to Yancheng at most for retirement.

The talents he had recruited did have some complaints because of Zhu Gaochi.

Zhu Gaochi himself was not very famous and was too young. In addition, Japan was an island country with many natural disasters. Many people could imagine that without the King of Yan, it would be difficult for Yancheng to expand.

With this in mind, it would be better to seek refuge with the King of Jin or the King of Qi.

Given the personalities of the King of Jin and the King of Qi, I think it won't be long before they expand their city walls and have more opportunities to realize their ambitions.

Compared with Japan, Champa was much more prosperous. Moreover, as the first stop of Ming Dynasty's maritime trade, it was more convenient to travel to Ming Dynasty. It only took less than ten days to return to Ming Dynasty from Champa.

Of course, wise people will know how to choose.

Moreover, as the younger brother of the crown prince, Champa must be much safer than Japan in terms of safety.

"Thank you for helping me, cousin. Yun Wen will definitely remember it."

There was a hint of gratitude in Zhu Yunwen's words.

Li Jinglong has always been a person he admired, and now he is willing to help him like this, which makes Zhu Yunwen like Li Jinglong even more.

I made up my mind that after arriving in Champa, I must find some rare treasures to send to my cousin.

Seeing Zhu Yunwen's expression, Li Jinglong knew that he had made the right move and it opened up another way.