"Don't get involved in this. Go to the Governor's Mansion and check on the Beijing Garrison. If all else fails, take Yunwen out hunting," Zhu Xiong Ying said without hiding anything. "It's good that you know about this. If any nobles want to get involved, let them!"
Chang Mao immediately said, "I will not associate with those scholars. What I fear most is their use of classical Chinese! Your Highness, please rest assured. I will go to train the troops tomorrow. Do you need me to select a deputy general?"
Zhu Xiong Ying thought for a moment and said, "If we take Yunwen away, that kid will probably cause trouble too. As for Yunwen, he's too lazy to even write a memorial. I'll assign you a deputy general later."
Chang Mao immediately muttered, "Alright then, this will let His Highness the Prince..."
Zhu Xiong Ying glared at Chang Mao. Zhu Yunwen was, after all, his younger brother, so of course he had to look after him. Judging from Zhu Yunwen's behavior over the years, he had really become foolish from studying too much, and had an unwavering belief in the words of some sages. This kid also had immense admiration and trust for some great Confucian scholars.
If those great Confucian scholars really instigated him, Zhu Xiong Ying would be in a real predicament. He couldn't very well turn against his own family for the greater good!
Send Wang Chengen to deliver the imperial decree; Zhu Xiong Ying still wanted to see his troublesome younger brother. As for Zhu Yunwen, well, that kid was probably having a good time somewhere. He avoided court affairs as much as possible. Not to avoid suspicion, but simply because he disliked and loathed them, and was content to be a peaceful prince.
Upon arriving at the Wuying Hall, Zhu Xiong Ying said, "Grandfather, those people are all kneeling at the Meridian Gate."
Taking the list from Wang Chengen, Old Zhu said, "Some people really want to get things done, thinking about the imperial examinations and the court. But others are probably just thinking about their reputation."
“If we punish them with court flogging, they’ll be considered loyal ministers; if they’re beaten to death, they’ll probably gain the reputation of being outspoken and upright officials.” Zhu Xiong Ying chuckled, taking a stack of memorials from Old Zhu’s desk. “Let them be. I can’t bear to use court flogging!”
Some practices cannot be tolerated; otherwise, if civil officials were to kneel at the Meridian Gate at the slightest dissatisfaction, that would be a serious matter. Moreover, if being flogged in court becomes a means for civil officials to gain fame, that would be even more disastrous.
During the mid-to-late Ming Dynasty, many officials considered it an honor to be flogged in court, as if this made them pillars of the state and the conscience of scholars. Empty talk that harms the country is no different from seeking fame.
Old Zhu chuckled and said, "Then we'll just leave this matter alone?"
Zhu Xiong Ying said nonchalantly, "I don't care. When it comes time for me to be demoted or kill someone, Grandfather will grant my permission."
"Let us handle this ourselves; it's easy for us to kill people." Old Zhu immediately changed his mind. His grandson was a bit ruthless. "Ying'er, there are quite a few talented scholars among them. You can be of great use to them in the future. We're thinking about the hearts of the scholars in the north, while these people are thinking about the fairness of the imperial examination system. That's not wrong either!"
Old Zhu, considered cruel and bloodthirsty, was trying to persuade Zhu Xiong Ying to show leniency, not because he was old and soft-hearted. At this time, Old Zhu was actually even more bloodthirsty, but he also hoped that Zhu Xiong Ying would succeed him smoothly.
"The killings haven't even started yet, have they? There are always scheming people stirring things up. Who knows, a few might have to be killed eventually." Zhu Xiong's tone was relaxed, as if he didn't care at all. "Grandfather can demote a few more later, and I'll summon them back after I ascend the throne!"
At this point, Old Zhu suddenly became animated, "Ying'er, we've been thinking of demoting some people these days. One reason is to let them gain experience, and the other is to prepare them for your ascension to the throne. By then, they should be loyal to you!"
Theoretically speaking, what Old Zhu said is not problematic. If it is true that Zhu Xiong Ying recalled those exiled scholars, then it can be considered that Zhu Xiong Ying promoted and recognized their talents. If they were disloyal, it would not only be a social death, but they might also be regarded as treacherous officials and sycophants in the history books.
This list needs to be carefully considered. Ordinary civil and military officials are not qualified to be the subject of Old Zhu and Young Zhu's schemes here, nor are they worth their efforts to subdue.
As for the ministers kneeling at the Meridian Gate, let them continue kneeling. If they fall, imperial physicians and eunuchs will help them improve blood circulation and reduce bruising. Once they wake up, they can continue kneeling. This will not affect the integrity of these sons of the emperor.
As for Zhu Yunwen, he hurried to the Wenhua Hall, for his elder brother had issued an edict, and he dared not disobey!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
