The Zhu Emperor wanted to bestow the title of Baron upon a craftsman. Although this was only the lowest rank among the Ming Dynasty's noble titles, it was still a title. Many civil and military officials were eagerly eyeing it, as this title was not so easily obtained.
Moreover, Zhu had some prior intentions: no noble title could be conferred without merit for the country and military achievements, and no official title could be granted without a special imperial decree!
Moreover, the barony granted this time is hereditary. In the Ming Dynasty, there were two types of titles: one was granted for life, and the other was hereditary. Whether a title was hereditary or not depended on the size of military achievements, and both were granted with a certificate of nobility.
Besides those with military merit, those who could receive titles included the Duke Yansheng, a descendant of Confucius in Qufu, as well as imperial sons-in-law and relatives of the emperor, but they were only given imperial edicts and not official certificates.
Whether the title of peerage was truly valuable or not is now clear, naturally leading to ongoing debates in the imperial court.
There were debates, but many people realized that it was basically Zhu Yuanzhang who deliberately brought up this topic to let the civil and military officials and nobles in the court have a good debate and to make their positions a little clearer.
Zhu Xiong Ying didn't need to worry about the affairs of Yingtian Prefecture; he was currently focused on integrating the border troops and emphasizing combat readiness. His task was to organize weavers to quickly produce cotton quilts and clothing, as both Japan and Korea were experiencing a shortage of winter supplies.
Zhu Xiong Ying did not want his soldiers to stuff their tattered clothes with cotton and hay. Good logistical support was an important part of ensuring combat effectiveness, and Zhu Xiong Ying understood this quite well.
The happiest person was probably Zhu Yunwen, because now everyone in Beiping Prefecture knew who was truly in charge.
Getting close to the Crown Prince is incredibly difficult, but his most favored younger brother wants to ride horses one day, stroll in the garden the next, and then go on a "spring outing" the following day. Some civil and military officials, or nobles, concerned about their reputation, can't personally participate, but they always have offspring. Even if they don't have suitable offspring, there are always suitable candidates among their relatives.
Zhu Yunwen was very happy inviting friends and family together. Not only did he eat, drink, and have fun, but he was also fawned over wherever he went. This was truly a case of being so happy that he forgot about home.
Zhu Xiong Ying returned to Fulong Palace, and Xu Miao Qing naturally came to the study. "Husband, Yun Tong sent someone with a report. It says that the merchant caravan going to the grasslands has the shadow of nobles."
Zhu Xiong Ying didn't mind, and just smiled and said, "They can be considered imperial merchants, and I know about these things."
“But Yun Tong said that Marquis Jingning Ye Sheng and Marquis Nanxiong Zhao Yong are probably involved in many illegal activities,” Xu Miaoqing said in a low voice. “The goods they are transporting to the north may contain contraband.”
Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze froze. The Marquis of Nanxiong, Zhao Yong, was still alive and working under him. This wasn't because Hu Weiyong's faction had been executed, but even so, how dare they still act so lawlessly?
Zhu Xiong Ying nodded. If someone was truly courting death, he wouldn't care about anything else. Although he knew some nobles were very bold, they seemed completely unaffected by the series of precedents.
Since that's the case, Zhu Xiong Ying won't say anything more. If those people really want to do it this way, he'll just watch and see.
Let's see if those people have tougher necks, or if our knives are sharper!
Song Zhong was naturally summoned by Zhu Xiong Ying, and his task was to investigate Zhao Yong and Ye Sheng. Moreover, Zhu Xiong Ying had reason to believe that while these two were indeed founding marquises, there might be more than just two marquises involved in these matters.
If something were to actually happen, even if Zhu Xiong Ying didn't go on a killing spree, things wouldn't be much better. Such events would likely reflect a top-down corruption. It seems that peace has prevailed for so long that many have forgotten the ruthless iron fist.
Corruption and bribery exist in every era, even in times of war. The nobility are among the fastest to become corrupt. These people, who have risen through the ranks by risking their lives, naturally seek pleasure and indulgence once peace is restored.
Even though there are still some minor battles, and even though the emperor now deeply abhors corruption and bribery.
Just as Zhu Xiong Ying was still planning to investigate some matters, a military report arrived by express courier from Tianjin.
In fact, as early as the beginning of the year, Yi Seong-gye, under the urging of some confidants, ascended the throne at Suchang Palace in Gaegyeong and changed the era name to Joseon. Moreover, at his behest, King Gongyang and his two sons were hanged, and all the Goryeo royal family members imprisoned in two places were exterminated.
Despite Yi Seong-gye's apparent 'respect for the Ming Dynasty' and seemingly established policy of subservience to the Ming, and despite sending officials to Yingtian Prefecture, he was quite dissatisfied with the Ming's occupation of Busan while seeking a 'legitimate' legitimacy.
Zhu Xiong Ying's maternal uncle, Chang Mao, sent a letter, indicating that there were clear signs of Korean troops gathering. These people seemed to intend to attack the Ming Dynasty's troops stationed in Busan, and it appeared they planned to take advantage of the winter.
The Koreans felt they were adapted to the local weather, but the Ming army might not have been. Their aim wasn't just to reclaim Busan, but also to boost the morale of the army and the people, now that a new emperor had ascended the throne.
Zhu Xiong Ying was naturally furious; it seemed that Yi Seong-gye was courting death. Perhaps his successful usurpation had greatly boosted Yi Seong-gye's confidence, and the old man was now somewhat emboldened and arrogant.
Since that's the case, Zhu Xiong Ying doesn't mind teaching Li Cheng Gui a harsh lesson. Although Zhu Xiong Ying isn't currently thinking about immediately reclaiming the four commanderies from the Han Dynasty, and he knows that the four commanderies didn't truly and completely occupy the Korean Peninsula, it doesn't matter; he can thoroughly punish those people now.
Yi Seong-gye may have wanted to use force to achieve peace, or he may have wanted to demonstrate his authority and boost morale internally.
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