Chapter 71 Slowly Solving
King Yi had no real power to begin with, so Zhu Qiyu and Wang Ji had a legitimate reason to go to war, and with the "active cooperation" of the people of Luoyang, they completed the interrogation of King Yi in two or three days.
After all, King Yi was just talking nonsense, and there was really no sign of "rebellion".
But who could have stopped him from talking? Not to mention that he had become a target of public outcry in Luoyang. After learning about Zhu Yongqun's numerous crimes, Zhu Qiyu had no intention of letting him go. He secretly wrote a memorial to Zhu Yuhuan, hoping that he could severely punish Prince Yi Zhu Yongqun.
Unexpectedly, Zhu Yuhuan only asked Zhu Qiyu to escort Prince Yi and his family back to Beijing first, without mentioning how to deal with Prince Yi.
Although Zhu Qiyu had doubts in his heart, Zhu Yuhuan's handling of the matter never disappointed him. Zhu Qiyu followed her instructions and brought Prince Yi, his family members and even his branches back to the capital for further interrogation by the clan office.
Compared with dealing with Prince Yi, Zhu Yuhuan obviously paid more attention to Zhu Qiyu and Wang Ji.
Zhu Yuhuan first asked the Ministry of Clan Affairs to investigate Prince Yi, and then he arranged a banquet to entertain Wang Ji who had returned from Fujian to suppress the rebellion.
Wang Ji had previously learned of the defeat at Tumu and had written a letter to Zhu Yuhuan requesting him to return to Beijing to attack the Oirat Mongols. However, the capital was far away from Fujian. When Wang Ji's letter was submitted, Zhu Yuhuan had ascended the throne and announced it to the world. Later, news came that Zhu Qizhen's throne had been abolished. Wang Ji wished he could personally go and get back his letter requesting to return to Beijing.
He does have connections with Wang Zhen, and is currently leading troops to suppress the rebellion. If Zhu Yuhuan misunderstands this, it could lead to disaster.
Fortunately, the appearance of Zhu Qiyu eased Wang Ji's nervousness. In addition, Zhu Yuhuan summoned Wang Ji to the palace for a banquet alone, which showed his importance to Wang Ji.
At least there is definitely no hostility.
"Your Majesty," Wang Ji said after paying his respects. "The rebellion in Fujian has been largely quelled. Fortunately, Your Majesty has trusted me to escort Prince Yi back to the capital. I have finally fulfilled my mission."
"Stand up," Zhu Yuhuan signaled a palace attendant to help Wang Ji to his feet. Seeing Wang Ji's trembling appearance, he said, "Minister Wang has made great contributions in suppressing the rebellion this time. Why do you need such a grand ceremony?"
Wang Ji hurriedly said, "Your Majesty ascended the throne at a time of crisis and defeated the Oirat Mongols in Datong. However, I, leading my troops, was delayed for a long time in Fujian and was unable to return to the capital in time to provide assistance. How dare I take credit for this? I beg Your Majesty to forgive me..."
Zhu Yuhuan smiled faintly and said, "Minister Wang suppressed the rebellion for the country. What crime has he committed? If it weren't for Minister Wang stabilizing the rear, how could the capital dispatch officers and soldiers from the Southern Zhili to fight against the Oirat Mongols? In my opinion, Minister Wang has made great contributions."
Wang Ji was startled by her words and said hurriedly, "Your Majesty, you are too kind..."
Zhu Qizhen's credibility as an emperor was not very good, so naturally no one dared to easily trust Zhu Yuhuan, who was also the emperor now.
Zhu Yuhuan didn't care and just asked people to continue playing the banquet music.
Seeing that the emperor looked normal, Wang Ji felt relieved.
It seems that the emperor is not going to pursue anything.
"Minister Wang."
Wang Ji raised his spirits again and replied, "I am here."
Although he didn't show it on his face, Wang Ji began to wonder in his heart whether Zhu Yuhuan had other intentions in calling him at this moment.
Thinking of what Zhu Yuhuan had just said about his advanced age, Wang Ji couldn't help but wonder if Zhu Yuhuan wanted to take this opportunity to seize the real power in his hands.
Although the two had once conquered Luchuan together, Wang Ji was obviously regarded as a capable general and confidant by Zhu Qizhen, and was even responsible for monitoring Zhu Yuhuan's every move in Yunnan.
The power conflict between Zhu Yuhuan and Zhu Qizhen was obvious to the naked eye, so it was understandable that Zhu Yuhuan wanted to kick Wang Ji out.
Zhu Yuhuan smiled slightly and said, "I see you're distracted. I'm sure you're still thinking about your assignment at the Imperial College. I summoned the Duke of Ying and others a while ago and told them their considerations. I haven't heard your opinion yet."
Wang Ji had never thought that Zhu Yuhuan would bring up this matter. He was stunned for a moment, then immediately said, "I do have a few plans..."
Wang Ji originally thought that Zhu Yuhuan sent him to the Imperial College to find him an unemployed job. After all, he, Zhang Fu and Jiang Gui were all old, and they might not be able to win on the battlefield in the future. Instead, they might end up like Song Ying and Zhu Yong. Not to mention that now is the time for the old to become the new, and people like them whose positions are not clear should be kicked out of the center of power.
Zhu Yuhuan, mindful of Hu Yi's advanced age and uncertain future, and his past service to Zhu Di, refrained from exploiting Wang Zhen's influence to punish him. However, the emperor immediately promoted Yu Ying and others to vice ministers, clearly intending to gradually divert Hu Yi's power as Minister of Rites.
After expressing his ideas one by one, Wang Ji carefully glanced at the emperor's face on the throne. He saw that she looked calm and it was impossible to tell whether she was happy or angry.
"Minister Wang has truly put his heart into it. His ideas are not much different from those submitted by Duke Ying and the others." Zhu Yuhuan said earnestly, "This martial art is not only for the balance between civil and military affairs, but I also hope that the nobles in the capital can all raise their spirits and not lose the reputation of their ancestors who followed the royal family and made great achievements."
Wang Ji was slightly stunned, but soon understood what Zhu Yuhuan meant.
She strongly supported the martial arts of the Imperial College not only to have people available, but also hoped to cultivate more talents who could inherit the style of the "famous generals" of the past.
Zhu Di certainly had his own reasons for leading the army in person, but it cannot be ignored that he could not find a general in the court who could replace the title of "Prince of Yan", so he had to go into battle himself.
"For matters like this, the royal family must set an example. Your Majesty's father and two younger brothers have already enrolled at the Imperial Academy. Tomorrow, I'll have Duke Ying take you there for a thorough inspection."
Wang Ji responded and then sat down again.
But I couldn't enjoy this banquet at all.
Zhu Yuhuan still had many matters to deal with, so it was naturally impossible for her to accompany Wang Ji here for meals. What's more, the food at the Guanglu Temple was not delicious, and anything she ate was better than a buffet.
As soon as Wang Ji left the palace, another eunuch came after him, followed by a few junior eunuchs, carrying several packaged gift boxes.
"Minister Wang, this is a reward specially prepared by the Saint. You must take it home yourself."
Wang Ji hurriedly thanked him, saying, "Please convey this message to Your Majesty. I deeply appreciate your kindness." However, he was still confused and couldn't help asking, "I wonder what your majesty's reward is..."
When Zhu Yuhuan allowed him to study in his residence yesterday, Zhu Yuhuan had already sent all the rewards to Wang Ji's residence. Why is he suddenly giving him rewards now?
The eunuch smiled flatteringly and said, "This side contains porcelain from the time when Master Xuanmiao was first kiln-opened. It's a set of red-glazed bowls and plates and ivory silver chopsticks. This side contains rice and sorghum sent from Changping. The emperor tasted it and said it was delicious. He asked Minister Wang to taste it as well." As if he was afraid that Wang Ji would worry, he continued, "This reward is for all the adults. Minister Wang, don't worry."
Wang Ji immediately understood the implication of Zhu Yuhuan's words.
Isn't this just like the saying, "Lian Po is old, can he still eat?" It seems that Your Majesty is worried that he may be worried and unable to give his all, so he deliberately made such an incident.
Wang Ji was suddenly at a loss whether to laugh or cry.
It seems that His Majesty read his worries from his trembling attitude, so he gave this "reward" and specially gave the same thing to the other four people, probably to reassure Wang Ji.
It can be seen that the emperor's position has different effects when different people sit on it.
Someone started to take care of the affairs of the Imperial College, and Zhu Yuhuan began to take care of Prince Yi.
Zhu Qiyu had almost sorted out the crimes. Zhu Yuhuan was too lazy to meet Zhu Yongqun, so he asked Han Guilan to draft an article and asked Huai'en to lead people to hold King Yi accountable. He read out the laws that King Yi had violated from beginning to end, and scolded Zhu Yongqun in the name of Emperor Zhu Yuhuan, which was also a face-saving measure for King Yi.
As for the content of the oral order, it was nothing more than a rebuke to Zhu Yongqun for bringing shame to the ancestors. As a member of the royal family, he had made no progress in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy and painting over the years, but had repeatedly violated the laws of the country. Such behavior was simply not worthy of being a member of the Zhu family.
Zhu Yuhuan issued an imperial decree to reprimand Prince Yi Zhu Yongqun, completely disregarding the fact that Zhu Yongqun was nominally her elder, and each word of reprimand became more harsh than the last.
Zhu Yuhuan had no intention of hiding this matter, and people outside naturally heard the hidden meaning in Zhu Yuhuan's words.
The emperor was using King Yi as an example to serve as a warning to the royal family and princes everywhere that anyone who dared to break the law again would suffer the same fate as King Yi.
The fate of King Yi was obviously a tribute to someone who was outside the pass and didn't know whether to live or die.
First, the throne was abolished, and then King Yi was dealt with according to the law. King Yi's descendants were first imprisoned in the Western Garden, and then escorted to the high walls of Fengyang. They were required to write self-reflection articles regularly every year and submit them to the capital.
As for the women of Prince Yi's Mansion, Zhu Qiyu had already sent the women who were forcibly abducted into the mansion back home according to Zhu Yuhuan's wishes, and distributed the land that originally belonged to Prince Yi's Mansion to them, with each person receiving fifteen acres, which was very generous.
If these women remarry, the land will still belong to them and land tax will be levied on them like ordinary families. If they do not want to remarry, local officials in Luoyang will verify regularly and if confirmed, land tax will be levied on them according to the female household and reported to the government together with other female households for review by officials in the capital.
The identities of the rest of Prince Yi's female relatives were further verified, and their crimes were jointly examined and verified by the Palace Administration, the Imperial Household Department and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The guilty ones were dealt with according to law, and the innocent ones were all sent to the imperial farm to work.
During this period, Xue Huan was better informed than anyone else and knew exactly what would happen to King Yi, which made him even more terrified.
The emperor didn't even spare his own family members, so how could he spare him, the second son of the Xue family?
Anyway, the title will be inherited by his elder brother, and as long as the Xue family is not implicated, no one will stand up to speak for him.
Moreover, if the emperor really wanted to punish him, he didn't have to do it himself. Naturally, many people would stand up to help the emperor torture Xue Huan. By then, it would be too late for Xue Huan to escape.
At this point, life is more important than face. Xue Huan gritted his teeth and asked someone to write a memorial and a petition, which he sent to Zhu Yuhuan respectively.
There is only one main purpose, and that is to admit defeat.
It was Xue Huan's fault to verbally offend the princess. Xue Huan did not have the strength or courage to go against the royal family, so he could only "surrender" honestly.
Zhu Yuhuan flipped through the memorial in his hand, sneered, and said, "He is very sensible. Why didn't he understand the situation when he offended the princess with his words in the princess's mansion?"
Han Guilan said, "Ever since Grandfather Taizu, he hasn't paid much attention to the princess's life after marriage. Xue Huan couldn't help but look down on her, thinking it was just a small quarrel... Plus, Princess Changde's brother is that person. Who knows if he didn't mean to quarrel with the princess, or if he was deliberately provoking and humiliating her..."
Zhu Yuhuan shook his head helplessly and said, "The petition has been sent to me. Since the parties involved have no objections, I will do as I say and we will divorce amicably."
"yes."
Zhu Yuhuan stood up and stretched himself, then walked to the window, gazing at the spring scenery outside the palace. He asked, "When will my aunt's carriage arrive in the capital?"
Han Guilan began, "Officials from the three offices of the Shandong Provincial Government have come to Beijing to report on their work. Consort Hu is accompanying them, along with the Hu family's children and grandchildren—three sons and five daughters—as well as the Empress Dowager's two brothers, Hu An and Hu Xuan. This way, they can look after each other along the way."
"Very good. The Zhou family is still a bit too lonely with just the Imperial Concubine's two younger brothers. With a few more of the same age from the Hu family, it will be more lively." Zhu Yuhuan thought for a moment and said, "I remember there are quite a few children in the imperial farm. In a few years, I'll summon some of them to the palace to accompany Shen'er and Yuan'er in their studies."
Compared with others, Zhu Yuhuan knew the tenants of the imperial farm inside and out, not to mention that these people were down-to-earth ordinary people. If the royal heirs had more contact with ordinary people and understood their lives, they would not be easily fooled.
Confucian legal theory is certainly important, but if you want to govern a country, it is far from enough to just understand the general principles. Things like people's livelihood are not within the scope of teaching, but this is the foundation for keeping this country running.
Han Guilan said with some concern, "Your Majesty, water power is becoming increasingly convenient these days. Given the current scale of the textile factory, I'm afraid that relying solely on Yunnan's production line to sell to foreign countries won't be enough to cover the production..."
Cloth is not a consumable item, and Zhu Yuhuan had already considered this matter.
Previously, Zhu Yuhuan entrusted the Shen family to sell cloth to the southwest. A lot of cloth was also supplied for trade with various Tatar tribes, but the amount that could be shared was limited. If Zhu Yuhuan wanted to continue, he had to solve the market problem.
Zhu Yuhuan smiled at her and said, "It's only natural for the new emperor to come and pay tribute, isn't it?"
Zhu Yuhuan ascended the throne in a hurry. Apart from the coronation ceremony, the rest of the celebrations were simplified a lot because it was wartime.
It was "reasonable" for Zhu Yuhuan to request a grander congratulations.
It is not appropriate to leave such a large overseas market alone. It is a good opportunity to go south and open up new markets.
Moreover, there are still many new things in the southeast region that can be introduced into the country, which can be of great use.
Han Guilan naturally understood the importance of developing markets and exporting products, but she still felt a sense of worry. "It's been over ten years since the voyages to the West were stopped at the end of the Xuande reign. I'm afraid this won't be easy."
Zhu Yuhuan smiled and said, "When it comes to endurance, I have never lost to anyone else."
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