This was a preemptive strike; now that they've tidied themselves up a bit and started behaving themselves, they can avoid bringing up old grievances.
Zhu Yunying was very determined to implement the new policies, and he really didn't want to use his younger siblings as an example to deter others, as that would not be friendly to him.
Zhu Yunying and the others naturally nodded obediently at this time. They were already considered to be obedient younger brothers, and they dared not ignore Zhu Yunying's suggestions.
Besides, their leader is speaking so seriously now, so it's clearly not something trivial. They should hurry up and pack their things; even if they can't help their leader, they can't hold him back.
Seeing his younger siblings being so obedient, Zhu Yunying felt quite gratified. These younger siblings were quite sensible; putting aside the small matters, they really didn't cause him much trouble in important matters, which was an outstanding performance.
Given their status, if these people were to cause any trouble, not only would the civil and military officials of the court find it difficult to handle, but even Zhu Yunying himself would find it challenging.
"Speaking of which, we need to increase commercial taxes and reorganize the output and import of the Maritime Trade Office," Zhu Yunying said with a smile. "At that time, many affairs of the Maritime Trade Office will be under the control of the imperial court. It certainly can't be like it is now, where the imperial court only manages the overall situation and lets many things go unchecked."
Zhu Yunwen was a little puzzled and said, "Your Majesty, didn't you reorganize the Maritime Trade Office last year? All imports and exports were handled by the Maritime Trade Office."
"It's only because you're obedient that you listened to everything we said," Zhu Yunying explained with a smile. "There are other military officials and relatives of the empress, but they're not as obedient and sensible as you. They're all busy accumulating wealth, and they don't care about the court or our words at all!"
Zhu Yunwen's face immediately turned red, and he said angrily, "Royal brother, let's settle accounts with those people later! Those bastards, have they forgotten that they were able to receive such benefits all thanks to your grace, Royal brother!"
"Alright, don't go too far." Zhu Yunying said with a smile to Zhu Yuntong, "Fourth brother will also go with your third brother. In a couple of days, we'll have Song Zhong talk to you. Give him a good talking-to, especially fourth brother. He should have some property after he establishes his own residence."
This is an "imperial decree to confiscate property," a tactic Zhu Yunwen is familiar with. If he goes and gives them a good talking-to, his assets will increase significantly, which will naturally be a reward from his elder brother, the emperor. This can be considered "starting from scratch."
Zhu Yunwen beamed and said, "Then, Your Majesty, I'll be waiting. When the time comes, have Song Zhong explain things clearly, for I am rather slow-witted!"
"I think you're just too lazy to use your brain!" Zhu Yunying said with a laugh, "Fourth brother, remember this: when the time comes, show some royal bearing. You're our fourth brother, so don't let people look down on you. You've been too well-behaved these past few years, which makes it easy for people to underestimate you."
Zhu Yunwen was still somewhat confused and had no idea what Zhu Yunying meant. But one thing was certain: since the passing of the First Zhu, both Lady Lü and Zhu Yunwen had become more cautious.
Let's not even talk about Zhu Yunwen. Zhu Yunwen and Lady Lü are even more obedient and sensible in front of Zhu Yunying, afraid that they might do something and be 'punished' by Zhu Yunying later.
The Maritime Trade Office definitely needs a thorough overhaul. Zhu Yunying doesn't want to see a major source of revenue for the court become a channel for some people to get rich. It shouldn't just be about enriching those individuals; the court should take the vast majority of the profits.
Moreover, Zhu Yunying could sense that although the previous strict rectification of officialdom by the old Zhu had indeed made the officialdom much cleaner than during the Yuan Dynasty and the early years of the founding of the country, as soon as the pace was relaxed even slightly, corrupt officials would suddenly emerge. Now it was time to make those people nervous again.
Let's try to do both things at once. Some things should indeed be done, but some things shouldn't be left to their own devices, as that wouldn't be a good thing.
Although Zhu Yunying seemed to be discussing serious matters, the atmosphere at this family banquet was quite pleasant. At least Lu's three sons were all quite excited and proud.
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