If I disliked Zhu Yunwen before because I learned about history and realized that Zhu Yunwen handed over the empire he left behind to others in various self-destructive and foolish ways.
So now, his dislike for Zhu Yunwen is like seeing through a person and feeling disgusted by some of their actions.
So far, Zhu Yunwen has feigned respect by kneeling before his father and showing concern for Zhu Yunhuo's illness, and later he has finally stopped hiding his true intentions and plotted to kill Zhu Yunhuo on the road.
He also volunteered to go to the disaster area for relief, but did nothing and only caused trouble for Zhu Yunwen.
Later on, she even twisted the truth in court. Despite being clearly wrong, she tried to shift all the blame onto Zhu Yunwen.
Now they're protecting a sinner here, resorting to any means necessary, even to the point of shamelessness.
This shows just how disgusting Zhu Yunwen was.
At least in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart, he was really disgusted, especially when he thought of Zhu Yunwen, who was full of benevolence and morality, and acted very filial and obedient, and even deceived Zhu Yuanzhang for a time.
Whenever he thinks about it, Zhu Yuanzhang feels that he was blind to his own abilities.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and said:
“I witnessed the entire process of Yunwen dealing with Zhou Ji last night. Zhu Yunwen, can my words be considered as favorable testimony? Do you doubt my credibility? Or do you want to say that I was also bribed by Yuntong?”
Faced with Zhu Yuanzhang's series of bland questions, Zhu Yunwen quickly replied:
"Grandfather, I dare not question you. Since you saw it with your own eyes, it must be true."
"I never imagined Zhou Ji could be so hateful. I thought he was the descendant of a meritorious official and wouldn't do such a thing. It truly chills my heart..."
Zhu Yuanzhang snorted and said:
"I don't think you're heartbroken, you're disappointed. Hmph, step aside, you don't need to get involved in this."
Zhu Yunwen's face was grim. He could only nod slightly, take two steps back, and remain silent.
At this moment, Zhou Dexing finally couldn't help but step forward and say:
"Your Majesty, I have served you with merit and hardship. Now I have only one son, my only son."
Even if he was wrong, he should have been handed over to the three judicial departments for joint trial, or His Majesty should have made the decision himself. Why did the third prince kill him?
Even if his crimes are serious, he should be given a chance and some face, considering the years of service he has given to the Ming Dynasty.
But now, not only do they completely disregard my contributions and feelings, they even personally beat my son to death. Such behavior is heartbreaking, utterly heartbreaking.
Upon hearing Zhou Dexing's words, before Zhu Yuanzhang could speak, Zhu Yunwen snorted and said:
"Disheartening? How dare you say that?"
Zhou Dexing wanted to retort, but Zhu Yunwen didn't give him the chance and continued:
"You are a meritorious person, you have made contributions and worked hard, that is undeniable. But that does not mean you have the right to do whatever you want, much less that your son can commit so many crimes."
In our Ming Dynasty, the management of officials was extremely strict, and the established criminal laws served as a constraint on them. However, which of Zhou Ji's numerous crimes was not enough to warrant his death?
And here you are, using your own achievements and hard work as a pretext? Is this the basis for your son's reckless behavior and the ability to commit such disgraceful acts in the palace?
Zhou Dexing was furious. He knew his son was indeed wrong, and he couldn't refute it.
He could only say in despair, "What a sharp-tongued brat! Even if my son is in the wrong, can't you show him some leniency? Can't you spare his life?"
“Even the emperor is subject to the same laws as commoners. How is your son any different? Why should he be treated leniently before the law? If you treat him leniently, how will you explain this to the people of the world?”
How can we explain this to those he bullied, or even those he killed? If we treat him leniently, wouldn't that encourage such behavior? Wouldn't it allow other sons of meritorious officials to act with the same unbridled arrogance and recklessness?
Zhou Dexin clenched his fist and said:
"So you're going to beat him to death? How could you be so cruel?"
Zhu Yunwen snorted and said:
"This isn't the first time I've done something like this. You can ask around; before I went to provide disaster relief, I beheaded the son of the prefectural magistrate in the street without any mercy."
Therefore, I won't be lenient with your son either. If you remain so stubborn, be careful you don't bring trouble upon yourself and implicate the entire clan!
Unable to argue with Zhu Yunwen, Zhou Dexing could only turn to Zhu Yuanzhang and say:
"Your Majesty, please say something. Zhu Yunwen's actions have chilled the hearts of us military generals. Are you just going to tolerate him like this?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said with a gloomy face:
"So what do you want?"
Zhou Dexing gritted his teeth: "Severely punish Zhu Yuntong and give my son justice."
Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly flew into a rage, slammed his hand on the table, and roared:
"You scoundrel! Your son has committed crimes and committed heinous acts in the palace. Where is the justice? Yunhu handled this matter perfectly right under my nose. If there had been any problems, I would have stopped him long ago."
"You dare to be so arrogant, considering yourself a meritorious official? You even want us to punish Yunhu? You are truly arrogant! If we don't punish you properly today, do you have any respect for the imperial authority, the royal family, or the laws and regulations?"
Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's fury, Zhou Dexing, though frightened, gritted his teeth and said:
“If Your Majesty does not give me justice and punish Zhu Yunwen, I will never give up.”
Zhu Yuntong's eyes narrowed slightly; he knew that Zhou Dexing was doomed to die today.
His son was guilty of an unforgivable crime, so it was understandable that he complained a few times after his death.
This matter will at most pass.
However, he overestimated himself and kept making trouble in the main hall, even offending Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Yunwen on several occasions.
This absolutely made Zhu Yuanzhang want to kill him.
You should know that even someone as arrogant and conceited as Lan Yu would never dare to treat Zhu Yuanzhang in such a way.
As expected, a murderous glint flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, and he suddenly waved his hand:
"Guards, drag him outside the Meridian Gate and behead him."
These words shocked the entire room.
At that time, a military officer tried to plead for him, but Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened.
"Anyone who pleads for mercy will be dragged out and beheaded."
These words immediately frightened the high-ranking officials in the hall, who dared not even think of pleading for him.
Several guards then stepped forward and dragged Zhou Dexing away.
Zhou Dexing broke down and kept cursing, but it was all in vain!
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