Chapter 128: Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang Learns of the Shen Family

The Hall of Literary Profundity!

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang wore a splendid golden dragon robe; though his hair was white, his aura of authority carried immense suppressed pressure.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne, his expression filled with emotion, and softly said, "So soon, he's already married?"

Then.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang slowly raised his head, gazing at Zhu Biao before him, whose demeanor was refined and scholarly, and a faint smile appeared on his face as he called out, "Biao'er."

"It seems your wish to take him as a son-in-law will not come to pass."

Upon hearing this!

Zhu Biao furrowed his brow slightly, a barely perceptible hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes; he shook his head gently and said with a touch of bitterness, "The Liaodong campaign ended less than a month ago, yet Zhu Ying has already married."

"This is indeed too swift. Could the three letters and six rites really be completed so quickly?"

As for Zhu Ying.

Zhu Biao had unquestionably held him in high regard; back then, he had eagerly anticipated betrothing his daughter to this promising general, fully intending to bind him firmly as a pillar of the imperial clan—but now, all such hopes had turned to dust.

After his marriage, Zhu Ying, in accordance with custom, reported the matter to the Danning Prefectural Office and solemnly elevated Shen Shen Yuer to the position of "wife."

In this era, though society commonly tolerated three wives and four concubines, the law strictly permitted only one legal wife; all others were concubines.

Unless Zhu Ying chose to divorce her, the position of legal wife was fixed and irrevocable.

Zhu Biao's daughter, of exalted imperial blood, could never possibly serve as a concubine.

Thus, this once highly anticipated marriage alliance could only be sadly declared dead.

"Enough, enough."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand lightly, a broad, resigned smile appearing on his aged face, his expression serene.

"It was simply fate's will," Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly.

In his heart, Zhu Ying was undoubtedly a gifted military talent—but still, merely a subject of the Great Ming. There were many ways to win over subjects; marriage alliance was never indispensable.

He was still alive, and Zhu Biao was exceptionally capable—how could he lack means?

"Father."

Zhu Biao also smiled, relieved and respectful, saying, "Since Zhu Ying has married, this is a joyous occasion. Our imperial clan should send a generous wedding gift, to demonstrate the emperor's magnanimity."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes revealing approval of his son, and said casually, "See to it yourself."

Zhu Biao bowed slightly, wearing a humble smile, and replied, "Your son understands."

"Also, the reorganization edict has been issued."

His tone shifted.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's expression instantly turned serious, his voice deep and firm: "Once the surrendered troops are fully reorganized, recall Feng Sheng and the others. The main army shall remain stationed in Liaodong."

Zhu Biao responded promptly, his tone sharp and efficient: "I have already instructed Tang Duo. As soon as the reorganization is complete, the Duke of Song and the Marquis of Marquis Yongchang can return immediately to the capital to report."

"The reconquest of Liaodong has been accomplished."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with sharp brilliance: "The lands once belonging to our Huaxia Han people have finally returned to the Great Ming's map."

"Next, we deal with the Northern Yuan."

"In one year, once Liaodong is fully stabilized, it will be time for the Great Ming to mobilize again."

At the mention of the Northern Yuan, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze instantly turned icy. The Northern Yuan was a thorn deeply embedded in his heart, the gravest threat to the Great Ming's northern frontier.

Unless the Northern Yuan was utterly crushed, they would forever covet the south, dreaming of destroying the Great Ming and re-enslaving Han lands—there would be no peace on the northern border.

Having achieved this Jieduanxing victory in reclaiming Liaodong, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang naturally intended to press the advantage and expand the gains further.

"Father."

Zhu Biao's expression was serious, his gaze fixed intently on Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, his eyes filled with concern for military deployment; he asked gravely, "Who will lead the next campaign?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, upon hearing this, looked at Zhu Biao's earnest, solemn face, and smiled faintly—fully understanding and trusting his son.

He smiled and asked, "Biao'er, you've already chosen someone in your mind, haven't you?"

In front of Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao revealed no concealment; he immediately spoke candidly: "Father, I believe Marquis of Marquis Yongchang Lan Yu should be the main commander."

At these words.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's expression remained calm, showing no surprise whatsoever—he had clearly anticipated Zhu Biao's suggestion.

He raised his hand slightly, gesturing for Zhu Biao to continue.

"Since following Father, Marquis of Marquis Yongchang has fought campaigns from south to north, endured countless battlefields, and amassed extraordinary military achievements."

"Though he has committed some errors, overall, his merits far outweigh his faults."

"Had it not been for those past missteps, he would surely have already been granted the title of Duke."

Zhu Biao spoke with solemn gravity, clearly placing great trust and esteem in Lan Yu.

"Publicly, Marquis of Marquis Yongchang is one of our Great Ming's most capable generals. Privately, he is also my maternal uncle."

"I hope Father will grant him this opportunity—to once again demonstrate his talent on the battlefield, to prove himself."

"And to earn the title of Duke, to advance further."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, a pleased smile appearing, his eyes filled with admiration for his son's discernment: "Biao'er, you and I thought the same thing."

"Over the years, many of our old comrades have passed away, others retired to their hometowns."

"In court, aside from those who inherited their titles, there are now very few dukes still usable."

"Lan Yu, though somewhat arrogant in character, truly possesses extraordinary military talent. The Great Ming now desperately needs such men."

"With the old dukes stepping down, it is time for Lan Yu to step forward and shoulder greater responsibility."

Zhu Biao listened, deeply convinced; he clasped his fists and bowed respectfully, his tone brimming with admiration: "Your Majesty is wise! Your son bows in reverence!"

"However."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's expression darkened slightly, a trace of concern showing in his gaze: "Lan Yu is a Huaixi general, closely tied to the Huaixi faction, and now stands as its leader."

"This campaign is of immense significance, concerning the fate of our Great Ming—it cannot rely on a single general."

"He must not go alone."

The Huaixi faction's factionalism had long been a deep wound in Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's heart.

When Hu Hai served as chancellor, the Huaixi clique reached its zenith, nearly monopolizing the court.

But after Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang decisively dealt with Hu Hai, the Huaixi faction was effectively suppressed and controlled—all under his command.

Even if some military officers remained arrogant, without the backing of court ministers, the Huaixi faction, though holding military power, could not mobilize troops at will—this fully demonstrated Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's absolute control over the army.

But for the Huaixi faction, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang could use them—and suppress them.

The implication here was clear: no single man, no single faction, must be favored.

"Biao'er, do you understand what I mean?" Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang fixed his gaze on Zhu Biao, his eyes filled with expectation.

"I understand Father's meaning."

"Huaixi are subjects. Lan Yu is a subject."

"We must use them—and restrain them."

"In the future, our Great Ming's military must flourish with many talents—not just Huaixi."

"Everything must be controlled by me," Zhu Biao replied immediately, his eyes filled with clarity.

Upon hearing this,

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang laughed: "Ha! Good—you understand."

"A ruler governs his ministers, using them as his own instruments."

"Remember this well. When you ascend this throne, you may have personal feelings, but public duty must always come first."

Zhu Biao replied solemnly: "Your son humbly accepts your teaching."

Having been father and son for many years, their hearts were in perfect accord; they instantly grasped each other's deeper meaning.

Regaining his composure, Zhu Biao said, "Lan Yu cannot lead alone—so will this campaign deploy the Danning frontier troops? Or the reorganized Liaodong Three Guards?"

"A year is a long time."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze was firm, as if he could already foresee the development and reorganization results of the Liaodong Three Guards over the coming year.

"After a year of meticulous training, these three guards will surely form formidable combat power."

"And they will be fully brought under the Great Ming's direct control."

"If we are to attack the Northern Yuan, we must concentrate overwhelming force, strike decisively, and crush them utterly—so they can never again threaten the south."

"This campaign must mirror the Liaodong campaign: we need a general of immense prestige and authority to command the field and balance the other commanders."

"That man can only be Guo Ying."

"Lan Yu will serve as deputy."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang spoke with unwavering confidence.

Though the attack on the Northern Yuan was still a year away, he had long rehearsed every detail in his mind.

"Will we retain the same military structure as in the Liaodong campaign?" Zhu Biao asked next, his tone cautious and thoughtful: "Under the Grand General, we set two main commanders. Lan Yu can be one—does Father already have a candidate for the second?"

"Tell me more," Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang smiled at Zhu Biao, his eyes brimming with expectation and encouragement, eager to hear Zhu Biao's insights.

He could use this to guide Zhu Biao, to help him grow.

In civil affairs, Zhu Biao was already flawless—future he would be a benevolent ruler.

But in military affairs,

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang still wanted Zhu Biao to master the art of selecting and employing generals.

That would be enough.

"I recommend my fourth brother."

Zhu Biao smiled without hesitation, voicing his thought aloud, his eyes filled with trust and hope for Zhu Quan.

"Let my fourth brother serve as a main commander, accompanying the army on the campaign against the Northern Yuan."

However, as the commanding general, his primary role is to advise and strategize; he must not directly command troops. At that time, a capable deputy general will need to be assigned to assist him.

After all, although the fourth son has long guarded Beiping, he still requires much more training.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang immediately smiled with satisfaction, his eyes filled with admiration and pride: "Biao, you are truly my good son, possessing the aura of an emperor."

Indeed, your brothers have all received the finest education and have attained some proficiency in civil administration and military arts, but they all need constant refinement through actual combat.

The fourth son guards Beiping Prefecture—that is a vital northern frontier of our Great Ming, and in the future, it will serve as a crucial barrier defending the empire's Jiangshan.

Use this opportunity to attack the Northern Yuan to thoroughly train your fourth brother; in time, he will surely hold this northern frontier firmly for you.

The reason I have enfeoffed your brothers across the Great Ming is to secure the empire's eternal prosperity—and to ensure the permanence of your reign!

To these brothers of yours, I have granted great honors, but their very existence is ultimately meant to assist you.

You must make wise use of them.

Zhu Biao immediately nodded solemnly: "Father, rest assured—I understand."

"Hah!"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang burst into a loud, hearty laugh, the sound echoing through the Wenyuan Pavilion, brimming with satisfaction.

Seeing you perform so excellently, I am truly at ease.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang knew his son had fully matured—his abilities in statecraft and his insight in selecting and judging men had already taken on the stature of a true sovereign.

He had no doubt about Zhu Biao's future governance; he firmly believed that under Zhu Biao's rule, the Great Ming would flourish even more, ushering in a greater and more glorious golden age.

At that moment, a steady, rhythmic footstep sounded outside the Wenyuan Pavilion hall.

Immediately, a loud, respectful voice rang out: "Minister Jiang Jiang Huan requests an audience with His Majesty."

"Enter."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang replied casually, his smile fading, replaced by the solemn authority of an emperor—his voice alone carried the weight of imperial power.

His warmth and kindness were reserved only for Zhu Biao.

Before his ministers, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang remained the cold, imposing Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang.

At once!

A figure clad in a flying-fish robe strode into the hall.

The flying-fish robe fitted tightly, radiating an aura of deadly severity. The man wore the insignia of a Battalion Commander, his expression icy—this was Jiang Jiang Huan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, whose name struck terror into the hearts of every court official and provincial administrator in the Great Ming.

Seeing him arrive,

Zhu Biao's earlier smile vanished instantly, replaced by sternness and coldness.

Looking at this man,

Zhu Biao's eyes revealed his disdain and revulsion toward the Embroidered Uniform Guard—he had always firmly opposed its existence.

He believed that while the Guard could supervise officials and administrators, its power must not swell unchecked, or it would become a blade cutting into the very foundation of the court.

Yet the Embroidered Uniform Guard answered directly to Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang; since its founding after the Great Ming's establishment, countless lives had been lost to its power of execution without prior approval.

Zhu Biao detested it deeply, yet could do nothing about it.

Many times,

Zhu Biao had directly petitioned to abolish the Guard's right of execution without prior approval, to strip it of its elevated status, and to forbid it from infiltrating the homes of court ministers like spies.

But each time, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang had rejected him.

"Your Majesty,"

Jiang Jiang Huan bowed respectfully, his upper body straight, fists clasped, his gaze toward Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang filled with reverence.

"The marriage of Garrison Commander Zhu Ying has been fully investigated."

"Please Your Majesty, review this."

As he spoke, Jiang Jiang Huan raised the Embroidered Uniform Guard's meticulously compiled dossier high above his head.

Although the Beining Prefectural Office had already reported Zhu Ying's wedding, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, with its vast and keen intelligence network, had learned of the matter in advance and swiftly submitted a report.

Upon hearing the news, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang immediately ordered the Embroidered Uniform Guard to secretly investigate Shen Shen Yuer's background—he had always been cautious about his ministers' marriages, especially those involving key generals, and insisted on absolute certainty.

"Cut to the point."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's expression was calm, his tone carrying undeniable authority; he showed no interest in personally flipping through the dossier—he preferred to extract key information directly from his subordinates' reports.

Jiang Jiang Huan immediately bowed low, slightly lowering his head, and spoke slowly: "Your Majesty, the wife of Garrison Commander Zhu Ying is from Beiping City, Beiping Prefecture."

"She is the daughter of Shen Wansan of the Shen family, born into a merchant household."

"Yet, though nominally Shen Wansan's daughter, she has held no status within the Shen household and has always served as a servant."

"After Zhu Ying settled in Beiping Prefecture with his grandmother, he met her and has maintained contact ever since."

Jiang Jiang Huan's voice was steady and clear, each word carefully chosen, not a single error allowed.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's face showed a flicker of surprise. He furrowed his brow, a hint of doubt in his eyes, and asked: "Is Shen Shen Yuer the daughter of a concubine?"

"Your Majesty, Shen Shen Yuer's mother cannot be found."

"Moreover, she seems to have appeared suddenly in the Shen household—the Embroidered Uniform Guard assigned to monitor the Shen family could not determine her mother's identity."

Jiang Jiang Huan replied respectfully, his voice tinged with unease: "However, there is a rumor within the Shen household that Shen Shen Yuer is not Shen Wansan's biological child, but an adopted outsider—thus, she has never held the title of Shen family's young lady."

"An outsider adopted in?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's brow tightened, his face darkening instantly with displeasure and anger, his gaze fixed on Jiang Jiang Huan.

"I granted the Embroidered Uniform Guard the greatest authority—the power of execution without prior approval."

"And yet you tell me you cannot even determine Shen Shen Yuer's true origins? Is this the investigation result you give me?" Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly.

The moment he finished speaking,

Jiang Jiang Huan's face turned ashen. He dropped to his knees, trembling, and pleaded: "Your Majesty, please calm yourself! Grant me more time—I will spare no effort to uncover Shen Shen Yuer's true lineage and origins!"

For Jiang Jiang Huan, he knew well the peril and difficulty of his position. Though wielding great power, he walked on thin ice, unable to sleep or eat in peace.

This role was destined to make him a solitary minister—every official in court hated him, longing to tear him limb from limb.

All his power came from imperial authority; since learning of his predecessor's tragic fate, Jiang Jiang Huan had lived in constant dread, terrified that a single misstep would lead him to the same end.

Yet now, he had no choice but to cling to this identity to survive—if he lost it, his entire clan would be annihilated.

Moreover, he knew clearly that the Crown Prince despised him; his future seemed already sealed, with no good outcome in sight.

But he had no alternative but to obey imperial authority.

"Enough. Continue. What is the true connection between Zhu Ying and the Shen family?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's expression softened slightly, but his gaze remained sharp, fixed on Jiang Jiang Huan as if trying to pierce through him.

"Since Zhu Ying's native place is Beiping Prefecture, why did he enlist in the Beining frontier troops? You must tell me everything, exactly as it happened." Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang had seized the key point.

Jiang Jiang Huan dared not slacken. Kneeling on the ground, he trembled as he replied: "Your Majesty, the Shen family once had a marriage pact with Zhu Ying."

"According to Embroidered Uniform Guard investigations, the Shen family refused to honor the pact, so they arranged for Zhu Ying to be sent to Beining."

"They intended for him to die on Beining's battlefield, so the marriage pact could be naturally dissolved—with no one able to blame the Shen family."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao's faces instantly turned icy.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes burned with fury and murderous intent; Zhu Biao's gaze revealed disappointment and helplessness.

Both understood that such conduct violated moral law and openly trampled upon the court's legal code.

"How did the Shen family manipulate conscription? How did they get Zhu Ying assigned to Beining?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang asked coldly. Though he already suspected the answer, he could not help asking.

His voice now carried frost, chilling all who heard it.

He knew this was the vile result of collusion between officials and merchants—a practice he could not tolerate.

"Your Majesty," Jiang Jiang Huan replied hastily, his voice trembling with tension: "The Shen family bribed the conscription officer in Beiping, ensuring that Zhu Ying, who should have served in Beiping, was instead assigned to Beining."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's face grew even darker.

Born from the lower classes, he had endured the darkness and cruelty of war-torn times, and despised corrupt officials with all his heart.

Official-merchant collusion, abuse of power for personal gain, oppression of the people—these acts were, in his eyes, unforgivable crimes, deserving of clan-wide extermination.

"Scoundrel!"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's face turned livid with rage. He roared, his voice echoing through the Wenyuan Pavilion hall, making ears ache.

"I hate corrupt officials most of all. I detest most of all those who abuse power for profit and oppress the people."

"What a conscription officer! For personal gain, for money, he has treated our Great Ming's conscription laws as worthless, manipulating them at will!"

"He deserves to die a thousand deaths—he truly deserves to die!"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang had imposed strict controls on officials, yet corrupt ones continued to emerge endlessly, corrupt officials who harmed the people persisting despite repeated bans—this filled him with fury and despair.

"Your Majesty," Jiang Jiang Huan said quickly, his voice urgent, trying to soothe Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's anger: "That corrupt official has already been dealt with. It was Prince Yan himself who investigated and punished him, and he has already submitted the case to the Ministry of Justice."

Upon hearing "Prince Yan," Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's expression eased slightly. He furrowed his brow, a flicker of surprise in his eyes, then asked: "What does the fourth son have to do with this?"

"Your Majesty," Jiang Jiang Huan replied respectfully, his tone filled with reverence for Prince Yan: "Prince Yan learned from his subordinate, Beiping Garrison Commander Zhang Yu, that Zhu Ying's native place was Beiping. He found it strange that Zhu Ying had enlisted in Beining, so he dispatched men to investigate and ultimately identified this conscription officer and the Shen family."

"After uncovering the truth, Prince Yan, in accordance with Great Ming law, executed the corrupt official and sentenced his entire clan to enslavement."

"And the Shen family?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang asked coldly. At this moment, he had already decided on their death.

He had always looked down on merchants; now, with this incident, he despised their greed, their disregard for righteousness, their selfishness even more.

His eyes revealed icy murderous intent—as if he wished to erase the Shen family from this world entirely.

…

(End of Chapter)