Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum.

Zhu Yuanzhang seldom came here, even though he missed his elder sister very much. It was precisely because of this longing that he always had an urge to go there.

But before that, Zhu Yuanzhang knew very well that he could not go because his eldest brother had passed away and the huge dynasty had no successor. Zhu Yunwen was still young, and the huge Huaixi noble group would completely sideline Zhu Yunwen.

After all, Lan Yu and Zhu Yunwen have no blood connection, and Zhu Yunwen, who is gentle in temperament, probably cannot suppress Lan Yu.

That guy was so bold and unscrupulous in front of me, how could he really obey the orders of a kid?

So Zhu Yuanzhang thought about killing Lan Yu to escort his grandson Zhu Yunwen on the road to inheriting the throne and clear the obstacles.

Just as I once said to Zhu Biao, pull out all the thorns from the bushes.

However, all this changed greatly because of the appearance of Zhu Ying. Even Zhu Yuanzhang could not have imagined that his eldest grandson, who left the palace at a young age due to fake death, had the wisdom of a natural emperor.

"Big sister, it was you who brought our grandson to us, right? I know it must be you, there is no mistake."

"Sixteen years have passed in the blink of an eye, but to me, you're still here as if it were yesterday."

"Perhaps you are now blaming me for waiting for sixteen years. In fact, I should have come to accompany you a few years ago."

"Big sister, this is not our fault. It's our eldest grandson who won't let us go. He has been thinking of various ways to keep us here. You should have seen all these things, so you can't blame us."

"But, the time is almost right now. It won't take long for us to get here. We've already waited for sixteen years. You don't mind these few months, do you?"

In front of Empress Ma's tomb, Zhu Yuanzhang appeared with a somewhat hunched figure.

There was no one around. Liu He and other palace maids and eunuchs were waiting outside. Now was Zhu Yuanzhang's time to be alone with his eldest sister.

As Zhu Yuanzhang muttered to himself, a breeze suddenly blew on his face, bringing a slight coolness.

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly laughed like a child.

"I knew you wouldn't blame me, big sister."

…

East Palace.

At present, Zhu Ying's office has basically moved to the Eastern Palace. After all, he cannot live in Kunning Palace forever.

After he ascends the throne, he will move from Kunning Palace to the Eastern Palace to reside.

After all, by that time, his identity was no longer the Crown Prince, but the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

"Grandpa went to the Xiaoling Mausoleum and hasn't come back yet, right?"

Zhu Ying asked Guo Zhong.

In the palace, the eunuchs are the most well-informed about most things.

Guo Zhong bowed and said, "Your Highness, His Majesty went there this morning and has not returned yet."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ying lowered his head and sighed.

He knew that his grandfather had gone to his grandmother's mausoleum, and the reason he didn't take him with him must be that he had a lot of things to say that were not convenient to tell him.

Zhu Ying also knew how the old man felt at the moment.

As time goes by, it will be the beginning of winter in a few days. At this time, Nanjing has become a little colder.

In three months, it would be the first day of the first lunar month, the date for his enthronement set earlier.

This is the first inheritance of the Ming Dynasty. Coupled with Zhu Ying's current prestige, the whole country attaches great importance to it. Since the news of Zhu Ying's ascension to the throne spread, the situation around the Ming Dynasty has become stable.

The kings of the surrounding countries also sent envoys to the capital of the Ming Dynasty to present generous gifts to Zhu Ying when he ascended the throne.

At this time, no one dared to offend. No matter what the matter was, it had to be put aside. As a result, the crime rate of the entire Ming Dynasty was almost zero.

Anyone who dares to make trouble at this time will be punished with a third degree of severity.

Even the smallest act of stealing could be punished with a serious crime, starting with three years of hard labor, on the pretext of affecting the crown prince's ascension to the throne.

Although Zhu Ying has now handed over most of the government affairs to the cabinet, he is actually not doing nothing.

For example, checking the economic situation of the statistical department, verifying the corruption of officials and the military, and some data from local governments.

The next step is to prepare for the new policy.

Implementing new policies, establishing the rule of law, establishing the Ministry of Law, and reducing the emperor's power were the main things Zhu Ying did after he ascended the throne.

Zhu Ying's reign title had also been determined, and it was called Yongsheng.

It implies that the Ming Dynasty will prosper forever.

In fact, at the beginning, Zhu Ying preferred the reign title Shenwu, but it was rejected by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Because the territory of the Ming Dynasty is now vast enough, the imperial court is currently struggling to manage it. In the next ten years, the Ming Dynasty’s top priority is not to expand its territory, but to better digest the territory that has been conquered.

With the death of Timur, the powerful empire collapsed and the Middle East was in chaos. Several major forces were fighting with each other, and the former vassals also declared independence, accompanied by a large number of slave uprisings.

It can be said that in today's world, there is no country that can fight against the powerful Ming Dynasty.

No matter how far away the place is, the Ming Dynasty can send a fleet, or tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses for an expedition.

In addition to the strong financial resources of the Ming Dynasty today, the expedition will not bring too much burden to the Ming Dynasty.

Therefore, the reign title of Shenwu is no longer suitable for the Ming Dynasty, so it was decided to be Yongsheng.

…

Prince Yan's Palace in the capital.

Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui were discussing matters in the house.

"Brother, according to the news from the palace, it has been decided that when His Royal Highness the Crown Prince ascends the throne, we will follow our father and go to Dongsheng Shenzhou together."

"I heard that there are only uncivilized barbarians over there. If we go there, it will be like being exiled. Why do I see that my father and the magician seem to be very happy about this?"

"In my opinion, it's still not as good as the capital. It's so good here. You can get whatever you want. You can find goods from all over the world. Why go to that place where people eat blood and drink meat?"

Zhu Gaosui said that he didn't really want to go to Dongsheng Shenzhou, and he didn't have a good impression of the place, thinking it was similar to the Mongolian Plateau.

Zhu Gaoxu said, "You don't know this, Third Brother. That place is a good place. I heard that the soil is fertile and there is more food than you can eat."

"Not only will we go, but also many craftsmen from the Ming Dynasty. When the time comes, we will build a city just like we did in Japan before."

"Besides, the emperor is far away. We can do whatever we want over there. Why should we bow our heads in the capital?"

"In the capital, everything you do is monitored by the clan affairs office. If you are not careful, you will be impeached. It is never a happy life."

Zhu Gaosui said, "Second brother, if we go, will father give us a city? That is all eldest brother's inheritance. If we go, won't we all be helping eldest brother? When the inheritance is divided, we will only get a small share. We can get a county prince's mansion or something, but we will still be constrained."

"Compared to this, it would be better to stay in the capital and enjoy a life of wealth and glory. It is much better than running around and working hard."

Zhu Gaoxu smiled when he heard this, and said with a hint of mystery: "Third brother, do you know why my father summoned me two days ago?"

"I'm talking about the foundation in Dongsheng Shenzhou. You know that my elder brother is in poor health and is weak and sickly. He has been so tired and exhausted. I guess he will be half dead by the time he gets there."

"Father has always disliked my elder brother. You and I both know this. Previously, it was Grandfather the Emperor who was watching over us, and we couldn't do anything about it. When we go to Dongsheng Shenzhou, we won't be able to take care of this side. At that time, it will be you and me who will be in charge."

Zhu Gaosui was doubtful and said, "Father is not lying to you, brother. Even if we go to Dongsheng Shenzhou, we can't say we don't obey the court's orders. Father can't abolish your position as the crown prince, can he?"

"This is a violation of the laws of the Imperial Clan Court. The court will definitely punish you. It's not just my father who went to Dongsheng Shenzhou. My father will definitely not break up with the court because of this matter."

Zhu Gaoxu said, "Third brother, you don't know this. From what I heard from father, he wants to build several cities, one big one and several small ones."

"By then, my eldest brother will still be the prince, but how much territory he has will be a science."

"My two brothers and I will follow our father. Dongsheng Shenzhou will also need manpower, and there are many natives there. When the time comes, we will make great achievements. How can our father treat us unfairly?"

Zhu Gaosui hesitated and asked, "Did my father really say that?"

Regarding the royal heirs, Zhu Ying set rules in the clan house that anyone who had reached adulthood had the power to make their own choices.

Whether to follow their parents to the Dongsheng Shenzhou to open up wasteland, or to stay in the capital, everything is voluntary and no one can interfere.

This is actually the idea of ​​most royal descendants. After all, although Dongsheng Shenzhou is very famous in the capital, many ambitious people want to go there to establish a country and build their own vassal state, but this matter actually has little to do with many royal descendants.

Not everyone can have their own private army and enough money.

For example, many of Zhu Yuanzhang's sons were unable to support prince guards, which was not a small expense. These salaries were not borne by the royal family, but had to be borne by themselves. Those who ranked higher, such as Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang, and Zhu Di, naturally had no worries.

But those who came later, who were not much older than Zhu Ying, or even younger than the emperor's uncles, had little money from their maternal families. They were rich enough, but it was far from enough to support their personal guards. Without Zhu Yuanzhang's special care, the difference between a bastard's son and a legitimate son was not a little bit.

Especially for those in the third generation of the royal family, that is, grandchildren like Zhu Ying, the difference is even greater. After all, the title of prince can only be inherited by the crown prince in the end.

Therefore, Zhu Gaosui's idea was to stay in the capital. No matter what business one did in the capital, money could be made very quickly. Moreover, the Imperial Clan Court could provide protection for the royal descendants who stayed in the Ming Dynasty.

According to current regulations, all royal heirs do not need to spend any other expenses on their studies or other aspects of their growth; the educational expenses are all borne by the Imperial Household Department of the imperial court.

"Don't worry, Third Brother. I wouldn't lie to you. We are the same. And these words came from my father himself."

"My father knows that we two brothers are the best at leading troops in battle. In the land of Dongsheng Shenzhou, my father has to rely on us. He can't lead the troops to fight every day."

"That's a hereditary fiefdom. Isn't it much better than being a rich and idle prince in the capital?"

"People should have dreams and not just care about their present comfort. Otherwise, future generations may blame their ancestors for letting go of this great opportunity."

Zhu Gaoxu continued to talk. Of course, he wanted his third brother to go with him, as he could be a help at least.

In this way, although he does not have the title of crown prince, he can be a crown prince in reality.

Zhu Gaosui was also persuaded. They followed Zhu Di in his wars for many years, fighting against Mongolia and Japan. The two brothers were both generals under Zhu Di, and because of their father-son relationship, Zhu Di was very relieved in many aspects.

Although the two brothers were terrible in literature, they inherited some of Zhu Di's military talent. They were much stronger than the average Ming generals, and they had more experience in leading troops.

"Okay, then I'll listen to my second brother."

Zhu Gaosui thought for a while, and finally made a decision and said.

The other side.

Princess Xu Yihua of the Prince of Yan frowned and said to Zhu Di, "My Lord, why don't you let the second and third sons stay in the capital? The people of this land of Dongsheng Shenzhou are just uncivilized barbarians. They don't even have armor, swords or sharp blades, and they still use bone weapons."

"You said those words to the second brother, leading him to hook up with the third brother and go together. Isn't this just putting the first brother on the fire?"

"The title of the Crown Prince was bestowed by His Majesty himself. How can it be changed at will? What will happen to the inheritance of the palace in the future? Aren't you harming the second and third brothers?"

As his bedmate and childhood sweetheart, how could Xu Yihua not understand what was in Zhu Di's mind?

He clearly wanted the second and third sons to work for him, but he didn't want to give them too many benefits.

Zhu Di argued, "Hey, Yihua, you know what kind of personalities the second and third brothers have. Is there anything they dare not do? They even dared to embezzle the silver from Japan in Japan."

"The situation in the court is becoming increasingly serious. According to what the Crown Prince said a few days ago, the new policy is to rule the country by law. One of the rules is that under the emperor, royal relatives, nobles, officials and nobles will be punished the same as common people if they break the law."

"What good can the second and third brothers, who are so lawless, get in the capital? Just look at the businesses they are doing now. Which one is not banned by the court? It's just that they haven't been strictly investigated. If they are really investigated, can they escape responsibility?"

"Instead of doing that, it would be better for us to go to Dongsheng Shenzhou together. Then I can watch over them under my own eyes. Even if they do something out of line, they won't really be punished."

Since ancient times, there has been a saying that punishment should not be imposed on officials, courtesy should not be extended to common people, and laws should not be applied to respected people.

Of course, Zhu Yuanzhang completely broke this rule, but in reality, there were still many privileges for the royal family.

But now, Zhu Ying’s new policy clearly aims to cancel these privileges.

No one was surprised by this, after all, the privileges of scholars and juren were also reduced in this way before.

The ministers in the court dare not unite to oppose the crown prince, not to mention that they have the support of His Majesty now. If they really start to act, it will probably be another bloody disaster.

After listening to what Zhu Di said, Xu Yihua could only sigh helplessly.