Chapter 43: Enfeoffed as Hereditary County Nan, Lu Family Takes a Concubine!

"Indeed."

"Draft the edict."

"Zhu Ying risked his life, slew ten thousand enemies, held off the enemy army, and rendered great service to the nation."

"In addition to promoting him to the position of garrison commander of Jin and granting him one hundred taels of gold, I hereby bestow upon him the hereditary title of County Viscount and an additional one hundred taels of gold," Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang declared immediately.

"Your Majesty is wise."

The ministers cried out in unison.

The court session ended.

Inside the Fengtian Hall.

Only Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and his son Zhu Biao remained.

"Elder son."

"What do you think of this Zhu Ying?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile.

"Young, talented, bold and courageous, and possesses exceptional command ability."

"Indeed, he is a remarkable talent," Zhu Biao replied with a smile.

"Hah!"

"It seems you’ve already taken notice of this Zhu Ying," Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled.

"Father."

"The moment I first heard Zhu Ying’s name, I ordered the Ministry of War to retrieve his service records."

"At only sixteen, he truly qualifies as a young prodigy."

"He is usable."

"Our Ming army is strong, but aside from Mu Ying, who guards Yunnan, the rest are predominantly from Huaixi. While these Huaixi generals are fierce and brave, they are also overly arrogant and unruly."

"You have always wanted to rein them in, to temper their arrogance, yet it has ultimately proven futile."

"Yet we cannot do without them."

"I understand your intentions, Father," Zhu Biao said solemnly.

Hearing this,

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled: "It’s good that you understand, Biao'er."

"However,"

"Though the Huaixi generals are arrogant, they are still a sharp blade for the Ming—and for you, Biao. If wielded properly, they will become your most powerful weapon."

"Of course,"

"You have not disappointed me. Though these Huaixi generals are overbearing, they still dare not act presumptuously before you."

"You have already cultivated the aura of a sovereign, the imperial presence sufficient to subdue them."

"These Huaixi generals will become your blades in the future."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, gazing at his son with pride and deep satisfaction.

If Zhu Ying could witness this moment,

he too would surely feel moved.

Historically, when Zhu Biao did not die of illness, the Huaixi generals still survived, for they had been fully subdued by him; though arrogant, they dared not defy Zhu Biao, and he could still effectively use them.

As the most securely positioned crown prince in history, Zhu Biao’s stability was not merely due to fortune—he possessed exceptional personal ability as well.

But after Zhu Biao’s death, the Huaixi faction was utterly destroyed, for he foresaw that Zhu Yunwen could not control them, so he eliminated them preemptively to clear the path for future rulers and prevent chaos.

"Father, rest assured."

"I will never let you down."

"You founded the Ming and restored the dignity of our Han Chinese civilization."

"Your son will surely create an even greater glory for the Ming," Zhu Biao declared with solemn determination, his imperial ambition laid bare.

Looking at Zhu Biao, his son,

Zhu Yuanzhang’s face softened with paternal tenderness—no trace of imperial authority remained, only the pride of a father beholding his most outstanding son.

"I believe in you," Zhu Yuanzhang affirmed.

……

The Lü household!

The main hall.

"Father."

"The Shen family has sent the wedding gifts."

"No wonder they’re rumored to be the richest in our Ming—they truly have immense wealth."

"Merely for a concubine’s entry, they sent ten thousand taels in gold, over a hundred chests of treasure and jewels, and a hundred servants as attendants."

Lü Hao, Lü Ben’s eldest son, rushed forward, holding a gift ledger, excitedly.

"Since the dowry is generous, choose a suitable time to bring the Shen girl into the household," Lü Ben said calmly.

As Minister of Rites and father of the Crown Prince’s concubine,

Lü Ben’s status at court was undeniably high.

"Father,"

"Shouldn’t we invite some dignitaries to a banquet?" Lü Hao asked.

"It’s merely taking a concubine."

"No need for grand ceremony."

"The Shen family, though wealthy, is still merely merchants."

"For their daughter to enter our Lü household is already an honor they have surpassed themselves to achieve," Lü Ben replied calmly.

In this era,

merchants were the lowest class.

Even with immense wealth, they were despised by officials—indeed, their status was even lower than that of artisans and farmers.

Merchants pursued profit without scruple.

The current Hongwu Emperor held deep disdain for merchants, and thus the entire court shared this sentiment.

Had it not been for the Shen family’s vast fortune, Lü Ben would never have agreed to let his eldest son take a Shen girl as a concubine.

"Father speaks wisely."

"After all, they’re just merchants."

"Yet since they sent such a generous dowry, we should still grant them some face."

"I won’t ask you to invite court officials—let me invite some personal friends to a banquet, as a proper response to the Shens," Lü Hao said with a smile.

"Hmm."

Lü Ben nodded and said: "You’ve grown well."

"In your official career, always proceed with caution."

"Your sister now manages the Eastern Palace’s internal affairs, and Yunwen has won the Crown Prince’s favor. Our Lü family must fully support your sister."

"Whether our Lü family can become the true foremost clan of the Ming, true imperial kin, depends entirely on your sister," Lü Ben said with solemn gravity.

As he spoke these words, Lü Ben’s ambition was unmistakable.

"Rest assured, Father."

"I understand," Lü Hao replied immediately.

"Also,"

"Keep your two younger brothers in check—they lack your sense. This is a critical moment for your sister; I won’t tolerate any trouble from them," Lü Ben added sternly.

"I understand," Lü Hao nodded.

"Father,"

"Who exactly is this Zhu Ying? Why does the Emperor and Crown Prince hold him in such high regard?"

"He was granted a hereditary title of County Viscount outright!"

"Even you, Father, have never received a noble title!" Lü Hao said with resentment.

Lü Ben frowned and glared at Lü Hao: "The Crown Prince’s decision, the Emperor’s grace—how dare you speak so rashly?"

Lü Hao’s face turned pale; he nodded frantically, slapped himself twice, and hurriedly said: "I spoke out of turn!"

"You’re right not to understand the Emperor’s intentions."

"But for our Lü family, this is good news," Lü Ben stroked his beard, a shrewd smile on his face.

"Father,"

"Does this imply some hidden meaning?" Lü Hao immediately asked.

"Who are our Ming’s most formidable generals?" Lü Ben countered.

"The Huaixi generals, of course," Lü Hao replied instantly.

"The Huaixi generals are skilled in command and hold immense prestige in the military."

"Yet their conduct is excessively arrogant and reckless."

"Over the years, their actions have deeply displeased the Emperor."

"Had it not been for the Crown Prince’s restraint, the Huaixi faction would have been purged long ago."

……

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(End of Chapter)