Chapter 66: Maxims
Zhu Yuhuan couldn't help but sneer at their changing expressions, then said, "Your Majesty may be young, but with the guidance of the Grand Empress Dowager and the late Emperor, how could he be dull? Since you prioritize Wang Zhen, it must be because Wang Zhen obeys Your Majesty's orders. You can't do that, so it's inevitable that Your Majesty will be wary."
Yang Shiqi and Yang Pu were both a little surprised to hear her speak so frankly.
Princess Shunde is so outspoken, does that mean she has no intention of opposing it?
Yang Shiqi couldn't help but ask, "Wang Zhen's actions are against etiquette. If Your Majesty really did so, wouldn't Your Highness give him some advice?" He felt somewhat helpless, but he still brought up Empress Dowager Zhang, saying, "When Empress Chengxiao left the imperial decree ordering Empress Dowager Cihui and Princess Shunde to assist in government, she knew that the Princess was knowledgeable and would definitely not sit idly by and watch Your Majesty's absurd behavior..."
Seeing Zhu Yuhuan's expression unchanged, Yang Pu immediately sensed something was wrong and reached out to grab Yang Shiqi's sleeve, but Yang Shiqi had already spoken: "Now that corrupt eunuchs are in power, Your Highness is so submissive. How can you be worthy of Empress Renxiao and the people of the Ming Dynasty?"
The reason why Empress Renxiao issued such an order was not only because of her trust in the Empress Dowager and the eldest princess, but also to protect Prince Xiang. Prince Xiang had not yet used Empress Renxiao to threaten Zhu Yuhuan, but these ministers used this to force Princess Shunde to stand up, which was really inappropriate.
Yang Shiqi knew this very well, but the situation was not good now and he was the chief minister of the cabinet, so he had to say something.
If even he dares not, cannot, or is unwilling to say it, then who else will say it?
Zhu Yuhuan did not get angry as Yang Pu had imagined. She just looked at Yang Shiqi calmly and said, "Who is the emperor, Your Majesty or me?"
When these words were suddenly spoken, Yang Shiqi and Yang Pu were stunned and then turned pale with shock.
Zhu Yuhuan paid no attention to their reactions, simply continuing, "The Emperor is the Ruler of the Universe, the Sovereign of the Ten Thousand Chariots. All his subjects obey him. As long as Your Majesty persists in issuing decrees and speaking with unwavering resolve, could anyone dare to openly oppose them?" Seeing that neither of them spoke, she continued, "Although Your Majesty and I are both sons of Emperor Xuanzong Zhang, there is a distinction between the ruler and his subjects. Given this, how can you expect me alone to turn the tide? Rather than dissuading him, it's better to go with the flow and avoid Your Majesty's emotional overtures."
How could Yang Shiqi not understand Zhu Yuhuan's meaning? Zhu Yuhuan himself was also a minister, just a minister with a blood relationship with the emperor. Naturally, he had no right to change the emperor's decision.
Even if Empress Dowager Zhang were alive, she might not be able to change Zhu Qizhen's mind, let alone Princess Shunde?
Yang Shiqi couldn't help feeling sad and remained silent for a while.
Yang Pu was silent for a long time, then took the initiative to ask, "I'm afraid I won't be able to return to the capital for a while after going to Luchuan. What are your plans, Your Highness?"
"With Jiang Gui and Wang Ji's abilities, they should have no problem quelling this kind of conflict. I have considerable confidence in them. Since we're heading to Yunnan, I have another person I'd like to recommend: Sai Hazhi, the former commander of the Imperial Guard. He returned to Yunnan after resigning during the Xuande era. He has a good understanding of Yunnan and the surrounding areas, so he shouldn't make any mistakes in stabilizing the rear."
"Your Highness, what do you mean...?"
Zhu Yuhuan said seriously, "After the Luchuan campaign is over, I will ask His Majesty for permission to temporarily stay in Yunnan and Guangxi and try to educate the local people. This will allow me to farm and defend the country at the same time."
Yang Pu and Yang Shiqi were slightly stunned, but soon understood what Zhu Yuhuan meant.
Yang Pu couldn't help but wonder, "Yunnan and Guangxi are wild and desolate places. Not only are there many local officials, but the local people are also extremely fierce and sturdy..."
Zhu Yuhuan sighed and said, "Compared to Liaodong, Yunnan and Guangxi at least have a certain number of people who can be educated. Moreover, such uncivilized areas actually have more resources. Otherwise, why would Luchuan go to such great lengths to fight for a piece of 'wasteland'?"
Yang Shiqi understood Zhu Yuhuan's implication and asked, "Your Highness wants us to propose this to Your Majesty..."
Zhu Yuhuan nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty will soon be of marriageable age. Why would you need me to continue assisting in the administration then? It would be better for you to do something in Yunnan, which would be considered as living up to your grandmother's trust." When she said this, she looked at Yang Shiqi, obviously "fighting back" at what he had just said.
Apart from this, Zhu Yuhuan also hoped that his resignation as regent would appear more graceful. After all, Wang Zhen was not a fool. Without Zhu Yuhuan around, it would be too easy for him to provoke Zhu Qizhen, who was as petty as his own father. When Zhu Yuhuan returned from Luchuan, who knew what Zhu Qizhen would be thinking at that time.
Yang Shiqi fell silent and said nothing.
As ministers, they were still thinking about getting away safely, let alone Princess Shunde.
Seeing Yang Shiqi's dejected expression, Yang Pu looked at Zhu Yuhuan and said, "Your Highness's assistance in government was originally ordered by Empress Chengxiao. Your Majesty is too young. Even after the wedding, I'm afraid you will need the assistance of the Princess."
His words could be considered "overstepping the mark". Even Yang Shiqi came back to his senses immediately after hearing this and looked at Yang Pu in surprise, as if he had never expected Yang Pu to suddenly speak like this.
But thanks to the fact that this was on the territory of Princess Shunde, they didn't have to worry about such outrageous remarks being heard by others.
Yang Pu pretended not to see anything and stared at Zhu Yuhuan intently.
Zhu Yuhuan looked at him for a long time, then asked with a half-smile, "That depends on your Majesty's ability."
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