Chapter 25

Daily information bombardment.

"Great-Grandfather, Your son/subject has already issued an edict summoning the entire Tianxia Sect clan to the capital for homage."

"Great-Grandfather, Your son/subject's troops have lost another battle."

"..."

Old Zhu, who appeared merely as a Son of Heaven for a single day.

Now, in reality, he had to handle the administration of two dynasties every day.

These matters seemed to be much the same.

But even if one split the sky wide open.

They were still affairs of two different spacetimes.

Some policies.

Could be implemented in the Hongwu reign, as they were combined with the actual conditions of the Hongwu era.

But Old Zhu had absolutely no idea what the situation was over in Chongzhen's time!

How could he offer advice!

Taizu Gao Emperor:

"You brat, stop talking so much to us here."

"No matter what, we cannot continue to help you govern the world forever!"

"It seems this chat group has a call function; when court convenes tomorrow, we will personally teach you how to rule the courtiers!"

"When you hold court on your side tomorrow, you must learn from our example and properly deal with that group of courtiers!"

24, Old Zhu: You little rascal, did you hear? Learn well!

At dawn the next day.

Chongzhen was awakened early by Wang Chongen, then immediately changed into a dragon robe patched with patches, while Zhu Yuanzhang initiated a video call to Chongzhen.

Immediately, the two clearly saw the scene each could currently see.

Dragon carriages that were almost identical.

Identical ceremonial guards, identical palace halls.

Even so, Zhu Yuanzhang could still see the mottled Zhu Qi on the palace buildings over in Chongzhen's realm.

On the jade steps outside the hall, quite a few weeds had sprouted.

Every single one of these scenes spoke of how this Great Ming dynasty, founded by Old Zhu's own hands, had in another spacetime reached the end of its life.

All the way to court, Zhu Yuanzhang's expression shifted between gloom and agitation.

Chongzhen dared not make a sound.

The same hundred officials paying homage.

But Zhu Yuanzhang clearly sensed the perfunctory attitude of the hundred officials in Chongzhen's court.

They completely failed to take Chongzhen seriously!

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression gradually became solemn.

Meanwhile, in the Hongwu court, civil and military officials looked at one another in silence.

No one knew exactly who had provoked Old Zhu again, but every time they saw Old Zhu wearing this expression.

Then it was highly probable that someone was about to suffer misfortune...

"You brat, watch carefully, learn well!"

Having spoken, Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head, glanced around at the courtiers, and spoke loudly:

"Since the Hu case concluded last year, there has been no trouble in court. You ministers, what do you consider the top priority for our Great Ming world today?"

As soon as these words were spoken.

Zhu Yunwen immediately sensed an opportunity to flatter Old Zhu.

He then stepped forward, looked at Old Zhu, and smiled:

"Grandfather Emperor rules the world with skill; the four seas have all submitted. Our Great Ming has, up to this year, achieved peace in the seas and clarity in the rivers. Grandfather Emperor is truly a model for future monarchs!"

Zhu Yunwen's words seemed to set the tone for the courtiers behind him.

In an instant, the courtiers crowded behind Zhu Yuanzhang and began to flatter him.

"Your Majesty's governance surpasses the Tang and Song dynasties; that our Great Ming has reached this day is all thanks to Your Majesty's heroic talent!"

"The Hongwu Golden Age far exceeds the Han and Tang; within the four seas, ten thousand states come to court, truly a clear and peaceful golden age!"

"..."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the courtiers flattering him, and his face immediately grew stern.

"Boy, watch closely; such nonsense and empty talk, you must..."

Before Zhu Yuanzhang could finish speaking to Chongzhen.

A burst of loud laughter suddenly erupted beneath the Fengtian Sect.

In an instant, the entire hall was horrified; everyone's faces immediately changed drastically, and finally, all gazes were forced to focus on the "source" of the laughter.

At this moment, Su Qiao was looking at the courtiers behind him with an expression of utter disdain.

"There are only six dukes in total; in the Hu Wei case, Your Majesty was forced to execute two of them!"

"Of the twenty-four generals from Huaixi, Your Majesty was forced to execute seven!"

"Of the six ministry heads, Your Majesty was forced to execute five."

"Can such a thing be called a golden age?!"

As soon as these words were spoken.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who had originally been ready to erupt in anger, was suddenly silenced on the spot.

How did this kid steal our lines?!

Having spoken, Su Qiao's gaze suddenly turned toward the crowd of officials before the Fengtian Gate.

"My lords, though each stands on dry land with a lofty appearance, are my lords truly so clean?!"

"Do my lords not have those more deserving of death than the Hu faction?!"

"Since childhood I grew up amidst chaotic armies; before Chen Youliang was destroyed, I secretly believed Great Ming's greatest enemy was that Chen Youliang!"

"After Your Majesty destroyed Chen Youliang, I again secretly believed Great Ming's greatest enemy was Zhang Shicheng!"

"Afterwards, when our Great Ming eliminated the various righteous armies and Jiangnan returned to unity, the former Yuan in the north once again became Great Ming's heartache!"

"Grand General Xu Da led the northern expedition to recover Heshan; the Yuan people withdrew from the Central Plains, and Great Ming's heartache once again became the northern grasslands!"

"Since entering the court, this humble official has seen more and more clearly."

"Great Ming's heartache lies not outside, but within the court! Right here in the Fengtian Hall!"

"Right here among Your Majesty's in-laws, kin, and the dukes and ministers!"

"If this place beneath the Fengtian Gate rots a little, Great Ming's realm will rot a patch!"

"If this place beneath the Fengtian Gate rots completely, Great Ming's common people will rise up!"

Su Qiao's voice resonated across the vast square; Zhu Yuanzhang stared fixedly at the chat group before him.

He spoke excitedly in a low voice:

"Did you hear what Su Qiao said?"

"Later, you will recite this entire passage word for word to the full court on your side!"

Then Zhu Yuanzhang, disregarding Chongzhen, rose abruptly from the dragon throne and shouted loudly, "Excellent!"

"Su Qiao's words have struck right into our heart!"

"If you rot a little, Great Ming's Jiangshan will rot a patch!"

On the other end, Chongzhen was also completely stunned in place by Su Qiao's speech.

And at this moment, only resentment remained in Su Qiao's eyes.

I just wanted to find a death.

Didn't you all stop Old Zhu, telling Old Zhu not to kill me?

Then let us all go together!

At this time, Ru Taisu and Zhan Hui, standing aside, were already numb.

Completely numb.

They offended the Emperor.

Civil officials simply do not fear.