Now, although he is enjoying a life of luxury, Li Shanchang is truly lacking in self-awareness. When building his mansion, he borrowed three hundred guards from Tang He. Now that the Hu Weiyong case has resurfaced, Li Shanchang, believing himself to be a figure of great influence, has repeatedly requested a pardon for his nephew Ding Bin and others.
This also made Zhu Yuanzhang consider killing Li Shanchang, because Li Shanchang truly didn't know when to advance or retreat, and Zhu Yuanzhang was even more dissatisfied with Li Shanchang's inability to control the nobles of Huaixi. Of course, Zhu Yuanzhang was also bringing up old grievances; he felt that Li Shanchang was a petty person and quite vengeful.
"You saw it yourself, Hu Weiyong plotted a rebellion, and Li Cunyi got involved. As for Li Shanchang, he knew about it, but he didn't tell us!" Old Zhu said excitedly, holding the confession. "Moreover, Lan Yu is your subordinate. He seized Hu Weiyong's secret communication with the desert envoy Feng Ji, but Li Shanchang concealed it and didn't report it!"
Old Zhu grew increasingly angry and roared, "He is a disgrace to the imperial family. He knew about the treasonous plot but did not expose or report it. Instead, he hesitated and watched, harboring two-faced intentions. This is utterly rebellious. How can we appease the people if he is not executed?"
At this moment, Da Zhu advised, "Father, the Duke of Han was the first of the six dukes you conferred when you founded the dynasty! He was granted an iron certificate that exempted him from two deaths, and his son from one death!"
Old Zhu was dissatisfied and bluntly stated, "What we're talking about—being spared death—doesn't count as treason."
In Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, the iron certificate of immunity from death was nothing but a sham. He had killed more than one or two meritorious officials who possessed such certificates.
At this moment, Zhu Xiong Ying stepped forward. He knew that a large part of the reason why Old Zhu wanted to kill Li Shanchang was to purge the Huaixi noble clique. This clique was simply too powerful, and it was necessary to eliminate Li Shanchang and weaken its influence.
If Old Zhu and Big Zhu are allowed to keep arguing, they will never reach a conclusion.
“Grandfather, since the Duke of Han is guilty, he should naturally be punished.” Zhu Xiong Ying took the initiative to speak, saying righteously, “There is no question about this. Since he is involved in the Hu Weiyong case, strip him of his title and order his death. Revoke his iron certificate of immunity from death, and let your grandson escort him to Beiping.”
Old Zhu and Da Zhu were stunned for a moment, and then Old Zhu asked with some worry, "Ying'er, do you know what we're thinking about killing Li Shanchang?"
“I know, the nobles of Huaixi are powerful and should be suppressed.” As the Crown Prince, Zhu Xiong Ying’s stance was naturally that of the royal family. “But this Li Shanchang is quite capable. I’ll take him to Beiping Prefecture. Yingtian Prefecture and our old home in Fengyang will be easier for Grandfather and Father to deal with.”
Old Zhu was silent for a moment, still somewhat worried, "We're quite adept at using Li Shanchang, but that other man is like our Xiao He. It's just that he's become too arrogant and complacent these past few years!"
"So, strip him of his title and make him a commoner," Zhu Xiong Ying replied with a smile. "If it's not handled well, perhaps my methods aren't enough. In that case, I suppose we'll still have to rely on Grandfather to deal with Li Shanchang."
At this moment, Da Zhu became a little worried and said, "Li Shanchang is over seventy years old now. If Ying'er accidentally kills him, it will tarnish her reputation."
Old Zhu said decisively, "He's just a criminal, so what if he dies? What does it have to do with Ying'er?! Ying'er, wait a while, we'll find some charges against him, and then send him to Beiping. Ying'er can use him as practice; if he learns something, great; if not, we'll kill him!"
These are his own grandfather and father; they're still willing to give Zhu Xiong Ying the best resources. Let's practice with his former top contributor!
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