Many civil and military officials immediately looked at each other in surprise, and some couldn't help but whisper among themselves. The emperor's actions had exceeded everyone's expectations.
Little Zhu was overjoyed and immediately knelt down, saying, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your great kindness! Your subject will devote all your efforts to living up to Your Majesty's holy grace!"
Chang Mao immediately stepped forward and knelt down, his tone resolute, "Your subject obeys the decree, Your subject will certainly assist His Highness the Left Crown Prince."
Li Jinglong was not to be outdone; this was a good opportunity to curry favor with the Crown Prince. "Your subject obeys the decree!"
Many people actually understood that Chang Mao and Li Jinglong were in charge of this matter, but nominally the Crown Prince was in charge. The so-called reporting to the Crown Prince might sound like the Crown Prince would ultimately make the decision, but that was only in name.
This is different from back then. When Emperor Hongwu was in power, all matters, big and small, were first submitted to the Crown Prince for review before being sent to Emperor Hongwu. The Crown Prince back then was not a figurehead or someone with no real power; many matters were handled simply by the Crown Prince's approval.
As for now, Little Zhu's side is just a formality; it's probably just a stamp from the little stamp-obsessed maniac who then sends it to his father, the emperor.
Although everyone understands this principle, it still surprises many and makes them feel that the crown prince's position is truly secure. Even if it's just symbolic, it doesn't affect the crown prince's legitimacy.
The emperor is young and vigorous, yet he is willing to invest so much in nurturing the crown prince; this is no ordinary favor.
The nobles of the Xu faction were naturally excited, mainly because the Crown Prince's position was secure, which was certainly good news for them. The nobles of the Xu faction were naturally inclined to be close to young Zhu, just as the Chang faction followed Zhu Yunying's lead.
To put it bluntly, if the late emperor hadn't passed away and had ascended the throne and made Lady Lü his empress, the noble families of the Chang lineage might not have had much of an objection. However, they would certainly have submitted memorials requesting that Lady Chang be made empress, and they would have been eager to request that the imperial grandson be made crown prince. They would have given Lady Lü and Zhu Yunwen absolutely no chance.
[I highly recommend Yeguo Reading; it's really good for tracking books. You can download it here: yeguoyuedu. Give it a try!]
Zhu Yunying's situation back then seemed a little complicated, but in reality it wasn't too complicated, given his status as the eldest son of the legitimate wife.
However, they certainly did their utmost to become Zhu Yunying's support and protector. Zhu Yunying's ascension to the throne also aligned with the interests of the Chang lineage of nobles.
The situation is the same now. Zhu Guoben's position is secure, and the nobles of the Xu faction will naturally cheer for the crown prince. The crown prince will inevitably ascend the throne in the future, and no one can threaten his position.
Even if the Crown Prince only received symbolic power in this campaign to garner merit, it was still a 'public announcement' to the world!
Thinking about it more deeply, this actually means that the current emperor allows some military officers to get close to the crown prince. Not those from the Xu faction who are naturally close to the crown prince, but rather some people from the Fu faction, or generals from other factions, to get close to the crown prince.
Isn't this obvious? These soldiers fought valiantly in Goryeo, and any merit they receive is well-deserved; it was earned through their own bloodshed. However, after receiving their rewards, they must naturally express their gratitude to the Emperor. And now that the Crown Prince is in charge of this matter, the favor is bestowed by the Crown Prince himself, so of course, they must also be thanked.
Understanding these things naturally made the nobles of the Xu faction even more excited and gave them more confidence in the future of the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty. They all felt that the Crown Prince's position was as secure as Mount Tai.
There's no need to worry about the emperor's favor being too great, because both the first and second Zhu Yuanzhang were established at a relatively young age and had more or less come into contact with some nobles, and even had some military power.
Even the emperor doesn't shy away from these matters. If others were to speak out at this time, they could easily be accused of sowing discord within the imperial family, which is no small matter. Such a charge would be unbearable not only for ordinary civil and military officials, but also for members of the imperial clan and their relatives.
Zhu Yunying then asked, "Your Highness, since you've been put in charge of this matter, do you have a plan in mind?"
Xiao Zhu remained silent for a moment. Just as Xu Huizu was feeling a little anxious, Xiao Zhu realized that this meant he was to carry out the previously agreed-upon plan.
Since that's the case, there's no need to worry. Little Zhu does sometimes lack quick wit, but that's not because he's stupid; it's simply because he's young and hasn't experienced much.
But now, if he follows the previously agreed-upon plan, there will naturally be no problem; it's a piece of cake for him.
Xiao Xiao immediately said, "Your Majesty, I believe that in addition to the Five Armies Commandery, the Ministry of War and the Imperial Clan should also be involved."
Zhu Yunying seemed somewhat displeased and said, "Members of the Imperial Clan? The Crown Prince should know that this involves military affairs, and the Imperial Clan Court should not get involved."
No one thought there was anything wrong with what the emperor said. The imperial family of the Ming Dynasty was already wealthy and powerful enough, and it would be hard to find a group that received more preferential treatment than the imperial family of the Ming Dynasty in any other dynasty.
The imperial family's status is sensitive; they are inherently unsuitable for contact with military power, as this is a highly taboo matter. The emperor's statement is acceptable, but even if he didn't, ministers would likely object. This isn't about disrespecting the crown prince; it's simply for the long-term stability of the Ming Dynasty—it's the duty of a subject.
Little Zhu was not annoyed and continued, "Father, I believe this war is a war of national annihilation. The court should raise righteous troops to punish the disloyal. If we simply follow the old ways, it will damage the face of the court. We should have the imperial family and relatives assist in the administration to show the grace of the emperor."
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
