If being the county magistrate Zhou was not easy, then was being Zhu Yunwen easy?
Born without a mother, he lived under the roof of others from a young age. Although his father was Crown Prince Zhu Biao, he was busy with political affairs and rarely had time to care for his children.
He was usually handed over to his stepmother, Lady Lü. Given that she wanted to ensure her son's right to inherit the throne, one can imagine how she would treat Zhu Yunwen.
Therefore, Zhu Yunwen's reputation has always been very bad, and it was only recently that things took a turn for the better.
But over the years, Zhu Yunwen has also endured hardship and swallowed his anger.
Faced with a seemingly unsolvable situation, Zhu Yunwen forged his own path.
After leaving the country, he never complained about anyone. He continued to serve the country and its people wholeheartedly, even at the cost of his life, based on his status as the grandson of the emperor.
Every policy, every order implemented—which one hasn't truly brought progress to the world?
Zhu Yunwen looked at Magistrate Zhou and said:
"You say it's not easy for you, but do you think it's easy for me? Implementing land policies and going against the gentry, wealthy people, and nobles across the country. Do you think it's easy for me?"
To reclaim the southwest region, even as the Crown Prince, I had to lead the troops and be at the forefront. I had to constantly show my face to boost morale, putting myself in danger. Do you think it was easy for me?
The people of Dongdao are nitpicking, naming names, trying to cause me trouble. I face the people of the world, the dignity of the nation, and the hopes of my ministers. Do you think it's easy for me?
Alone, I ventured into the Eastern Island nation, facing their conspiracies and various dangers. Tell me, was it easy for me?
Even in your Black Cloud County, where such a thing happens, I, as the Crown Prince, would still have to change my identity and come to investigate personally. Tell me, do you think it's easy for me?"
These questions left Magistrate Zhou speechless.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, wanting to argue, but all of it seemed so pale and powerless.
Yes, facing this man in front of him, what right does Magistrate Zhou have to say that he has it tough?
If the man before him had even a little bit of selfishness, like Magistrate Zhou, then he wouldn't have had to do so many things.
He only needed to stay comfortably in the Eastern Palace and enjoy himself, then wait for Zhu Yuanzhang to pass the throne to him after his death, and then live the rest of his life as a carefree emperor, ignoring the suffering of the people and their lives.
Even if he were like Magistrate Zhou, solely focused on his own interests, he could easily have become a tyrannical and incompetent ruler. He would have indulged in his own pleasures, exploited the people, and frequently killed officials…
However, Zhu Yunwen did not.
He never did anything that would wrong the people of the world.
Instead of enjoying his high position, he was constantly worried about the people and always took the lead, putting himself in danger on many occasions.
It's all for the sake of national prosperity and strength.
Therefore, all of Magistrate Zhou's complaints were insignificant in front of Zhu Yunwen.
He was just struggling financially; his life as a county magistrate was not quite what he had imagined—a life of luxury and wealth.
He did not suffer any loss or harm as a result.
In Zhu Yunwen's view, this was just like the mentality of those in his later society who studied hard from a young age, finally got into a good university, obtained a high degree, and then found a relatively ordinary job after graduation, but complained about the low salary.
But you can't assume that someone is being unfair to you just because of this.
That's just because I was too ambitious and thought that everything I had now was not worth the effort I had put in.
In short, they are never satisfied.
Zhu Yunwen sighed. He had said a lot today, and he felt that there was no need to repeat or continue saying some things.
Although in his view, the issue of the income of Ming Dynasty officials should be considered.
However, these issues should never be the reason for officials to commit numerous misdeeds.
Therefore, Zhu Yunwen patiently said a few more words:
"Imagine, since it's so difficult and challenging to become an official these days, why would anyone want to become one?"
Since you feel that you have suffered such a great injustice in this position, the imperial court is not forbidding you from resigning, is it?
Since he didn't resign, it means that sitting in this position is at least much better than before he became an official.
Since that's the case, we should be content. Greed is insatiable; sometimes, excessive ambition only leads to ruin.
County Magistrate Zhou remained silent, having no face to refute any further.
After Zhu Yunwen finished speaking, he slowly turned around, thought for a moment, and then spoke:
"The magistrate of Heiyun County colluded with bandits. He deceived the imperial court and swindled money from bandit suppression funds. He oppressed the people and profited from their suffering. Today he has voluntarily confessed his crimes. I hereby sentence him to be beheaded in the execution ground in three days. The leader of the Heiyun Gang and all his bandits shall be executed in public along with him. There shall be no error."
All the officers and soldiers present shouted:
"yes!"
Zhu Yunwen then waved his hand and left with Zhao Qingzhu and ten Imperial Guards.
Back in the county government office, Zhu Yunwen instructed the officials to draft a notice about the matter and post it on the public notice boards throughout Heiyun County.
The people must know about this.
Sometimes, the more people know, the more problems can be avoided.
Most of the people were unaware of the details of this bandit incident.
Now that we know this, it is absolutely impossible for the same tricks and scams to happen again in this area and even the surrounding area for many years to come.
Because once the people find out, they will question it, and once they question it, some things are destined to stop.
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