"The relocation of the capital is a done deal, and Uncle should not interfere at this time." Zhu Yunying said bluntly, "We have already made a decision on this matter. This is also the will of Father Emperor and Grandfather Emperor, and there is no room for discussion."
At this moment, Chang Mao quickly said, "Your Majesty, I understand this matter. I will certainly not be instigated on this important matter. Your Majesty should decide on the national policy. I know my limits."
Zhu Yunying was naturally quite satisfied with Chang Mao's answer, and he believed that Chang Mao was not just saying it casually at this time.
The reason is actually quite simple. Over the years, Chang Mao has always been like this, basically following closely behind Zhu Yunying. He has always firmly implemented the policies formulated by Zhu Yunying without any discount.
It's no exaggeration to say that Chang Mao was Zhu Yunying's biggest supporter in the court and his greatest asset within the military clique. This has been true from the beginning, and it will naturally remain so now.
Chang Mao looked at Zhu Yunying and said, "Actually, in recent days, some military families have come to me, hoping that I can advise Your Majesty. They do not want to leave the prosperous Jiangnan region. Most of the military families are from the south, and many of their businesses are located in the south."
Zhu Yunying nodded slightly, understanding the reasoning behind it. "Let's wait and see. I have previously punished some obtuse military officers. If anyone remains stubborn, I don't mind punishing others as well. The court naturally recognizes the merits of our ancestors, but those people should not rely on their past achievements to ruin themselves!"
Upon hearing Zhu Yunying's words, Chang Mao felt a pang of anxiety. He knew that the emperor was absolutely not joking; he was serious.
The emperor's determination to move the capital was very clear, and there was obviously no room for negotiation. The only options were to obey the emperor's decree or prepare to be punished by him; there were no other choices.
“What I mean is that the lineage of the Prince of Kaiping will remain in Yingtian Prefecture from now on.” Zhu Yunying sighed and said with some helplessness, “Yingtian Prefecture is, after all, a secondary capital, and the mausoleums of my grandfather and father are also here, so someone has to stay and guard them.”
Chang Mao had been prepared for this for some time; in fact, Zhu Yunying had discussed these matters before. However, there was uncertainty then, but now it was different; this could be considered a more formal notification. If nothing unexpected happened, the next step would be a discussion in the court, which would mean a complete and final decision.
"There are no outsiders here, after all, we have the blood of the Chang family," Zhu Yunying said with a smile. "If the Chang family went to Beiping, such maternal relatives would be quite different. My maternal grandfather also has influence in the army. Now that the court is stable, there will inevitably be some competition between civil and military officials. If a fight breaks out, the Chang family will definitely be the one who loses out."
Chang Mao was naturally aware of this; he knew the Chang family was indeed somewhat special. In truth, despite his somewhat dissolute lifestyle and lack of significant achievements in court over the years, his status as the emperor's maternal uncle and the eldest son of Chang Yuchun, the Prince of Kaiping, granted him considerable influence in the court.
Staying in Yingtian Prefecture was arguably the best option for the Kaiping Prince's lineage. It seemed to imply a desire to distance themselves from the court and the center of power. However, this was also a way to preserve their lineage, and it ultimately made the Kaiping Prince's lineage even more prominent.
Ultimately, Yingtianfu was still a secondary capital, and the military officers who remained in Yingtianfu were mainly from the lineage of the Prince of Kaiping.
Moreover, Xiaoling Mausoleum is located outside Yingtian Prefecture, which is also close to Zhongdu Fengyang. Sacrificial rites and similar matters are basically the responsibility of the Kaiping King's lineage, and their status is indeed more suitable.
Leaving the center of power does not mean the Chang family will decline; the Chang family remains the most unique noble family in the Ming Dynasty.
Even after Zhu Yunying's death, his descendants would still have to acknowledge this debt. After all, Empress Ma had no relatives, while the Chang family could be considered true in-laws, the in-laws of the Ming Dynasty emperor. They had to acknowledge this debt, and so did his descendants.
Although some things had already been clarified, Zhu Yunying still wanted to make a show of it and discuss it with Chang Mao. Even if it seemed like just a one-sided notification, it was still necessary to put on a show.
Chang Mao was, after all, his uncle, and the Chang family was Zhu Yunying's maternal clan; he still needed to maintain a certain demeanor.
Zhu Yunying was somewhat relieved. Although Chang Mao lacked ability and couldn't always shoulder heavy responsibilities, he never held anyone back. This was something Zhu Yunying could be proud of. It would have been difficult for Zhu Yunying if Chang Mao had caused trouble.
To say that Chang Mao's abilities are too outstanding would put Zhu Yunying in a difficult position. After all, the Chang clan does indeed wield considerable power in the military, and Zhu Yunying's decision to prevent Chang family members from leading troops in recent years has, to some extent, weakened the Chang clan.
As for the Xu family, who have greater influence in the military, there's really nothing to worry about. Xu Huizu's abilities are outstanding, and the lineage of the Prince of Zhongshan seems to have a worthy successor. However, don't forget Xu Huizu's age; he's not young. He's also a junior official, more than ten years older than Zhu Yunying.
Xu Huizu's son, Xu Qin, was actually a bit of a playboy, and the Xu family didn't seem particularly outstanding, nor would they always produce exceptional individuals. Therefore, it's likely that Xu Huizu was already dead when the young Zhu ascended the throne.
Moreover, Zhu Yunying will undoubtedly begin to gradually weaken the Xu faction's influence in the military when necessary. However, there's no need to rush now, as Xu Huizu will still be of great use in the coming period.
Chang Mao left the Wuying Hall, knowing what he had to do. He would remain cautious in his words and actions; this would be his stance for the foreseeable future.
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