Chapter 73 Old Times
This time, it was Princess Shunde who personally introduced the farm tools, and the princes Zhu Zhanji and Liu Yongcheng were standing next to her. Who would dare to be lazy and slack off openly? Naturally, they listened obediently.
Although they were curious about these farm tools, since the people above them didn't care, why should they care too much? However, now that even Liu Yongcheng was here, they couldn't leave even if they wanted to.
Zhu Yuhuan didn't care. Being able to meet Yu Qian and Liu Yongcheng again today was already a gain for her.
As Zhu Zhanji said, we cannot be impatient.
After Zhu Yuhuan finished speaking, everyone was able to disperse. In the end, only Zhu Yuhuan, his master and apprentice Liu Yongcheng, and Zhu Zhanji were left.
Zhu Zhanji had just seen the master and disciple greeting each other, and naturally understood that they had a very good relationship. As an "outsider", it was naturally not appropriate for him to stay for long, so Zhu Zhanji simply greeted Zhu Yuhuan and left.
With Zhu Zhanji away, the master and disciple finally didn't have to feel too restrained. Because Zhu Yuhuan often visited, the greenhouse was well-equipped and even had a small kitchen. So soon after the master and disciple sat down, palace servants served them tea.
The palace servants knew that the princess had not seen General Liu for a long time and must have a lot to say, so after serving tea, they quickly left, leaving only Huai En to serve in the room.
Although they hadn't seen each other for a long time, Zhu Yuhuan was not shy at all. He said with a smile, "Since Master is away, I have learned a lot."
"I've been visiting His Majesty in the palace these past few days, and I've occasionally run into Commander Saihazhi. Naturally, I've learned that the princess is now proficient in both civil and military matters." Liu Yongcheng couldn't help but sigh softly as he spoke. "If the late emperor were still alive, he would surely be pleased to know that the princess is so knowledgeable and talented."
Zhu Yuhuan lowered his eyes, then asked again, "Master, will you stay in Beijing this time?"
Liu Yongcheng nodded slightly and said, "Your Majesty summoned me these past few days and told me to reorganize the border troops that were previously summoned to the capital."
Zhu Yuhuan blinked. It seemed that although Zhu Gaochi was confident that his two younger brothers would not cause any trouble, he had not completely relaxed his vigilance. At least when it came to guarding the capital, Zhu Gaochi was still very cautious.
However, if we move back to Nanjing in the future, it is hard to say what the north will become.
"Master, why are you telling me this..."
Liu Yongcheng smiled and said, "In the past, there was the Empress Renxiao, who was both civil and military. Now the Empress is also quite knowledgeable about political affairs. Why wouldn't it be wrong for the Princess to understand this as well?"
Zhu Yuhuan and his master looked at each other and felt inexplicably relieved.
Having been directly or indirectly rejected too many times, Zhu Yuhuan, despite being determined to have her own ideas, always felt depressed. However, Liu Yongcheng's words today helped to dispel many of the dark clouds that had been hanging over her head.
"I have already investigated the letter that the princess asked Huai En to give me. The remaining two members of the Wu family are indeed in Le'an Prefecture. Wu Miaosu's father died of illness at a young age, and her mother, Shen, now serves as a female official in the service of the Princess of Han. Their remaining brother, Wu An, is naturally frail and often requires treatment from renowned doctors." Liu Yongcheng said with a stern expression, "These two are indeed in the Prince of Han's mansion, but their registered residence is still outside. I'm afraid the Prince of Han is worried that someone will find out, so he has deliberately not dealt with them. Rest assured, princess, I will handle this matter properly according to what you said in the letter."
Zhu Yuhuan understood the implication of Liu Yongcheng's words. She breathed a sigh of relief and said, "I have to thank the King of Han."
"This isn't just my own achievement; Commander Saihazhi also made significant contributions." Liu Yongcheng said with a serious face, "Saihazhi is a loyal and righteous man, and he has a mentor-disciple relationship with the princess. Entrusting this matter to him will ensure no mistakes are made."
Hearing him speak for Saihazhi, Zhu Yuhuan was slightly stunned, then laughed dumbly and said, "I'm really bothering you two with my affairs. If others knew about this, they would definitely tear a layer of skin off my body."
She hadn't spoken to Saihazhi about this, naturally because Saihazhi was the commander of the Imperial Guard. Although they were already master and disciple, the Imperial Guard was always loyal to only one person, the emperor, so Zhu Yuhuan didn't feel comfortable bringing this up with him. But according to Liu Yongcheng, Saihazhi seemed trustworthy.
Zhu Yuhuan trusted Liu Yongcheng so much because he, Empress Zhang, and Zhu Yuhuan shared a secret that would be disastrous for everyone. Furthermore, Liu Yongcheng was a man who was not afraid of backstabbing Zhu Di. He was loyal to Zhu Di and a true loyal minister. Zhu Yuhuan didn't need to worry about him stabbing him in the back. Furthermore, with the support of Huai En, Zhu Yuhuan felt more at ease.
However, Saihazhi was a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and after all, he was the emperor's man, so Zhu Yuhuan couldn't completely trust him... Seeing that Liu Yongcheng trusted her so much, she couldn't say anything, but was just wondering in her heart whether she could really ask Saihazhi to help her with something in the future.
"The commander is a loyal and honest man. Not only does he know what's important, but he also has a master-disciple relationship with the princess. Furthermore, with me here, the princess can rest assured." Liu Yongcheng seemed to remember something and said, "Before the late emperor passed away, he was always thinking of the princess. He said she must still be waiting for him in Shuntian, so he asked me to pass on the news to the princess. Unexpectedly, the late emperor passed away before my men even set out, so I concealed the news from the princess. Don't worry, princess. No one else knows about this except you, me, and the empress."
The thing that scared him and even cost many lives was just a misunderstanding. Zhu Yuhuan lowered his head slightly and just curled the corners of his mouth to show that he understood.
After Liu Yongcheng explained, he continued, "If the princess needs anything else, please let me know."
Zhu Yuhuan was slightly stunned. For a moment, he was at a loss as to what Liu Yongcheng meant. After a long while, he tentatively asked, "Is this also what Grandpa Zeng meant?"
It’s not that she was being sentimental, but the atmosphere had become so tense that Zhu Yuhuan couldn’t help but ask this question.
Liu Yongcheng's answer was a little vague: "Your Majesty ordered me to protect the princess."
This answer was reasonable, so Zhu Yuhuan was not very surprised. He just felt that although Zhu Di was no longer around, he was still protecting him as he did in the past.
"As for the rest, it is my choice."
This time, Zhu Yuhuan was really stunned. She was stunned and said after a long time: "Master Liu..."
She thought she was a little clever, but she wouldn't let Liu Yongcheng stand behind her. After all, she was a princess, and choosing Zhu Yuhuan for political investment was not a wise choice.
According to the "Imperial Ming Ancestor's Instructions" and Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Yuhuan's chance of turning the tables was almost the same as what Zhu Qizhen thought before he set out on the Northern Expedition.
"I have witnessed everything the princess has done, and I know this is unfinished business for Your Majesty. Your Majesty has led five northern expeditions, and there have always been voices of opposition from both the court and the people. The reason is that the foundation of the country is not stable enough, with insufficient food and fodder, and insufficient military pay. How can a country that can't even get enough to eat fight a war?" Liu Yongcheng's eyes reddened as he spoke. "Your Majesty is well aware of this, but in his heart he still hopes to defeat the Mongols, bring about eternal peace, and then start anew with the people, bringing prosperity to them. Only when the people are prosperous can the Ming Dynasty have a chance to completely crush the Mongols and enjoy a thousand years of praise."
Zhu Yuhuan then understood what Liu Yongcheng meant. It turned out that Liu Yongcheng thought Zhu Yuhuan was inheriting Zhu Di's will, so he stood on Zhu Yuhuan's side.
In fact, Zhu Yuhuan was just unintentionally contributing to the success. She really didn't understand Zhu Di's thoughts to that extent, but she was very clear about one thing, that is, Zhu Di wanted to be a good emperor more than anyone else.
Only when the Ming Dynasty prospers will Zhu Di be regarded as a good emperor by future generations.
In a sense, Zhu Yuhuan was indeed carrying out Zhu Di's cause.
Liu Yongcheng is indeed different from others. Others care about gender, identity, etc., but Liu Yongcheng only recognizes one person, and that person is Zhu Di.
The saying "A gentleman will die for his friend" has nothing to do with status, but is about emotion.
Zhu Yuhuan felt a little complicated, but he nodded seriously and said, "Master Liu, I understand."
She couldn't help but envy Zhu Di a little. It was admirable that a person could have such personal charm.
Although the purpose of gathering officials from six ministries to introduce new agricultural tools was not fully achieved, Zhu Yuhuan got to see Yu Qian with his own eyes, so it was not a complete failure.
Huai En looked at Zhu Yuhuan sitting at the desk with his chin propped up and grinning foolishly, and couldn't help but feel a little surprised. Not to mention Huai En, even the other palace people found it a little strange to see Zhu Yuhuan like this.
Although my princess is usually cheerful and loves to laugh, she has never smiled so foolishly like today.
Huai En brought the tea to Zhu Yuhuan. Seeing that she seemed to be lost in thought, he said, "The princess really admires that servant Yu."
Zhu Yuhuan came back to his senses, and upon hearing Huai En's reassurance, he chuckled and said, "Did you figure it out?"
To be honest, when Zhu Yuhuan first arrived in this world, he did have a heavy filter for the "historical figures" around him, such as the halo of wise rulers and brave generals. However, after getting along with them for a long time, Zhu Yuhuan understood that the people around him were just ordinary people with their own joys and sorrows.
Rather than worshipping their historical halo, it is better to understand what kind of people they are.
...But this is Yu Qian! A patriotic hero! A little admiration from her wouldn't be too much, right?
Seeing her like this, Huai En unconsciously smiled and said, "The princess' eyes were bright when she admired Yu Siwu, and Huai En could see it at a glance."
Zhu Yuhuan exhaled and said, "It's important for a person to have ideas, but it's even more important to be able to work hard to implement them. As the saying goes, 'Empty talk ruins the country.' Only down-to-earth work is the right way."
Talking is easy, but it's action that truly changes the world.
Naturally, those who dare to practice and take responsibility for the consequences should be respected.
Seeing her like this, Huai En said, "It's just that Yu Siwu seems to have his own plans."
Zhu Yuhuan also understood this, and she was clearly extending an olive branch to Yu Qian. Although it was not meant to recruit him, it was still a way of currying favor. However, Yu Qian himself did not seem to appreciate it.
Zhu Yuhuan stretched himself and said, "A journey of a thousand miles tests a horse's strength; a long time reveals a person's true character. You will know after a long time."
"yes."
Zhu Zhanji did a pretty good job. Based on the principle that one must speak out about what one has done, Zhu Zhanji took Zhu Yuhuan to the Palace of Heavenly Purity to report to Zhu Gaochi so that his niece could say something good about him.
If I praise myself for doing well, I will inevitably be suspected of bragging, so naturally I need my eldest niece to be a witness!
Under normal circumstances, Zhu Yuhuan would definitely not want to go, as it would be a pure waste of time. However, he could not resist Zhu Zhanji's constant nagging, and as an important time node in history was about to arrive, Zhu Yuhuan naturally had to go and verify the authenticity.
Although she didn't think she had flapped the wings of a butterfly, she had to be careful about the one in ten thousand probability. If there was really a problem with Zhu Gaochi's health, she had to discuss it with her grandmother quickly and must not let anything happen to her only child, Zhu Zhanji.
Just as the uncle and nephew were saluting, they heard Zhu Gaochi cough. Zhu Zhanji hurriedly said with concern, "The weather is getting hotter and the climate is changing. It's easy to get a headache or a fever. Dad, please pay attention to your health."
Zhu Yuhuan thought that his family members were talking faster than each other. Before Zhu Gaochi could say anything, Zhu Zhanji had already thought of excuses for him.
This was naturally said to prevent the news of Zhu Gaochi's illness from spreading outside and causing unnecessary trouble. After all, there were more than one or two people watching outside. If something really happened, there was no guarantee how many people were secretly waiting.
Zhu Gaochi hummed, then asked, "How is it? What do the people from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works say?"
Zhu Zhanji said confidently, "Of course I'm very satisfied. I've never seen anything this new, let alone them."
Zhu Gaochi chuckled upon hearing this and said, "You are different from your elder brother. When he was little, he followed your grandfather to fight in battles and has seen much more than you. You have only been out of the palace a few times, and you think you are knowledgeable?"
Zhu Zhanji was exposed for often leaving the palace to play. He looked embarrassed and could only smile awkwardly, saying, "Dad, you're joking. I was just saying it casually..."
Seeing this, Zhu Yuhuan smiled and said, "Fifth uncle has put in a lot of effort this time. Don't worry, Grandpa Emperor. The officials of the six ministries are listening carefully." After she said that, she raised her eyes slightly and looked in the direction of Zhu Gaochi. Seeing that his face seemed to be worse, she was certain in her heart that her Grandpa Emperor was indeed not in good health.
Although she knew this, Zhu Yuhuan had no medical knowledge and there was really no way she could help. Moreover, even if she could really help, it would depend on the moods of her own grandmother and father... She had heard of the unofficial rumors that Zhu Zhanji murdered her father, but who knew whether history was true or not? Zhu Yuhuan naturally stood on the side of her own father first.
When Zhu Zhanji heard his niece say this, he immediately became proud and said, "Dad, did you hear that? Your son definitely did his best to do his job!"
Zhu Gaochi sighed and said, "The Ministry of Revenue did send me a memorial, but it was full of ramblings and I didn't see them state any specific rules."
Seeing that he couldn't make a final decision, Zhu Yuhuan knew that he didn't want to deal with these matters for the time being. He said sympathetically, "Now that Dad has been ordered to go south to prepare for the return migration, it's urgent time. We should focus on this matter. Anyway, the spring plowing is over, and busying ourselves at this time is just a waste of manpower."
Zhu Zhanji couldn't help but be surprised at the speed of his eldest niece's understanding. She changed the subject so quickly and spoke differently to different people.
Zhu Gaochi finally smiled, nodded with satisfaction, and said, "Huanhuan finally understands my intentions."
Zhu Yuhuan, looking at his bloated figure, could understand his grandfather's desire to return to Shuntian. After all, the weather and environment there were indeed better than in the north, which was indeed ideal for someone like Zhu Gaochi who was in poor health and needed to recuperate. However, Shuntian's geographical location was indeed crucial, especially at a time when famous generals were constantly being replaced. The emperor's personal presence at the northern military center would also benefit the security of the entire northern border.
After all, if the emperor is gone, everyone’s interests will be gone, and no one can tolerate such a thing happening.
But this could not be said in front of Zhu Gaochi. Zhu Yuhuan just smiled and said, "I don't know when Daddy will send a letter home. I haven't seen him for so long. I miss him."
Zhu Gaochi seemed to be having some difficulty speaking, as if his trachea was blocked by phlegm, but he still said, "Your father has just settled down in Yingtian. I believe he has sent a letter back. You will receive it in some time."
Zhu Yuhuan nodded obediently, but what he was thinking about was how to send a message to his own father.
It would be best to arrive early enough so that the King of Han doesn't have time to react, so that it will be good for you, me, and everyone involved.
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