Chapter 472: Re‑Impeachment

The Imperial Edict to confer the Prince of the Nation title arrived, and the court erupted.

The Civil and Military Officials standing in Fengtian Hall wore varied expressions.

The military generals were fine; the veteran commanders who had fought alongside Zhu Yong each puffed out their chests and smiled.

Although Chang Yuchun was in America, Chang Mao stood in the line, grinning like a flower.

Xu Huizu, of the Xu Da family, also nodded, feeling this was a deserved reward.

The civil officials, however, were different.

A few Imperial Censors of the Censorate wore iron‑blue faces, their lips pursed white, clutching tablets, knuckles white with veins.

A handful of scholars from the Hanlin Academy whispered to each other in low tones, yet the dissatisfaction in their eyes could not be hidden.

The officials from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Justice wore calm faces.

They bore no grudge against Zhu Yong and saw no great issue in granting a princely title, since they would not have to pay for it.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the throne, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall, committing each expression to memory.

"All ministers, do any of you have objections?"

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Left Censor-in-Chief Zhou Qing stepped forward, knelt, and bowed his head, saying, "His Majesty, I have a memorial."

"Speak…"

"His Majesty, Prince Wu's meritorious achievements are outstanding; I have no objection to conferring the Prince of the Nation title, but Prince Wu already commands the capital's Longxiang Army and also leads the European forces, concentrating too much power, which may not be a blessing for the realm."

Zhou Qing's voice echoed in the hall, each word spoken with solemn gravity.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly grew tense.

Chang Mao's expression darkened, his hand resting on his sword hilt, and he was seized by the nearby Xu Huizu.

Zhu Biao stood at the front of the civil officials' line, his face calm, revealing no emotion.

Zhu Yong stood at the front of the generals' ranks, clad in a brand‑new Prince of the Nation python robe of dark base, gold thread embroidered with a five‑clawed cloud python, a jade sash at his waist, and a Gold Crown on his head.

His expression was also tranquil, as if he had not heard.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhou Qing and said lightly, "Minister Zhou, you think Prince Wu's power is excessive; then tell me, how should it be dealt with?"

Zhou Qing bowed and said, "I believe Prince Wu may retain the Prince of the Nation title, the capital's Longxiang Army could be placed under a commander appointed by the court, and the European forces could be divided among Prince Yan and others."

"Thus his achievements are honored while the realm's peace is secured."

The hall fell silent again.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not answer immediately, his gaze landing on Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao stepped forward, turned to Zhou Qing, and said warmly, "Censor Zhou, I have a few questions for you."

Zhou Qing lowered his head, "Please speak, Your Highness."

"How many men are in the European forces, do you know?"

"Minister… I am not very clear."

"There are fifty thousand Longxiang troops, plus auxiliary soldiers recruited from various regions, totaling one hundred twenty thousand."

Zhu Biao's voice was steady as he said, "These 120,000 men come from Portugal, Castile, France, Germany, Poland, Moscow, Sweden, Norway, Denmark… over a dozen countries, each with different languages, customs, and beliefs."

"Who, besides the Second Brother, could pacify them?"

Zhou Qing opened his mouth but said nothing.

Zhu Biao continued, "Prince Yan is in Constantinople, Mu Ying is in Italy, Prince Jin is in France; each holds a region, yet the soldiers recognize only the Second Brother."

"This is not the Second Brother's intention; it is forged by battle. The troops followed the Second Brother into the fray, and he saved their lives, so they obey him."

He paused, turned to the hall, and asked, "If we send someone else, will those proud soldiers and fierce generals submit?"

No one spoke.

Zhu Biao turned, looking at Zhou Qing, "Censor Zhou, you said the capital's Longxiang Army could be placed under a court‑appointed commander; then tell me, who should be sent?"

Zhou Qing's forehead began to sweat.

"General Chang is in America, General Feng is in Europe, General Xu is elderly, and General Lan is also in America; whom do you propose to send?" Zhu Biao looked at him, his gaze calm, but the pressure in his tone prevented Zhou Qing from raising his head.

"Minister… Minister…"

"I am not questioning you; I am asking whether there is a suitable candidate," Zhu Biao said gently.

Zhou Qing knelt, his lips trembling, unable to utter a name.

Zhu Biao turned and walked back to his place.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhou Qing, remained silent for a moment, then said, "Minister Zhou, we have noted your memorial; you may step down."

Zhou Qing bowed and staggered back into the line.

The hall returned to quiet.

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze swept the hall, "Is there anyone else with objections?"

No one spoke.

The few Imperial Censors with iron‑blue faces clenched their tablets white‑knuckled, yet no one dared to step forward.

The Hanlin scholars lowered their heads, pretending to examine the tablets in their hands.

Zhu Yuanzhang rose and said, "Dismiss the court."

The court session dissolved.

The officials streamed out of Fengtian Hall, grouping in small clusters to whisper.

"The Prince of the Nation title has never existed before."

"Indeed, they also command the capital's Longxiang Army and the European forces; the power is boundless."

"Even Crown Prince says nothing; why should we worry?"

"Indeed…"

The murmurs of discussion gradually faded.

Zhu Yong and Zhu Biao walked side by side out of Fengtian Hall, the sunlight warm on the palace path.

"Second brother, don't take Zhou Qing's words to heart," Zhu Biao said.

Zhu Yong shook his head: "Elder brother, I didn't take it to heart. He does have a point— the capital camp's Longxiang Army has fifty thousand men, plus another one hundred twenty thousand over in Europe, so the power is indeed considerable."

Zhu Biao glanced at him: "Do you want to hand over the Military Authority?"

"No," Zhu Yong said calmly. "If I hand it over, it can't be kept in check."

Zhu Biao laughed: "Then why did you say he was right?"

"Reason is reason, reality is reality. The troops over in Europe—except for me—no one can keep them in check. Not only Europe, the troops over in America, General Chang can keep them, but if someone else goes, it'll be a hassle."

Zhu Biao nodded: "So Imperial Father didn't listen to Zhou Qing. Rest assured— as long as Imperial Father and elder brother are alive for a day, no one can move against you."

Zhu Yong looked at his elder brother, was silent for a moment, then laughed: "Elder brother, when you say that, it sounds as if you're afraid I'll rebel."

Zhu Biao also laughed: "How about elder brother gives you some troops, you storm back tonight, and then pull our father from his position."

The two brothers walked side by side along the palace path, the sunlight stretching their shadows long.

Returning to Wu Wang Fu, it was already Shi Jing.

Zhu Yong entered the main courtyard and saw Zhu Qiong Jiong lifting a Stone Lock in the yard.

The fifteen‑year‑old boy, shirtless, hoisted a one‑hundred‑eighty‑jin Stone Lock, repeatedly, without his face flushing or his breath wavering.

Next to him lay the sixty‑jin Wolf Fang Club, its head polished to a bright shine.

"Father! I heard someone impeached you at the early court this morning?" Seeing Zhu Yong come in, Zhu Qiong Jiong dropped the Stone Lock and ran over.

"The news is indeed swift; who told you?" Zhu Yong sat on the corridor, taking the tea handed over by Zhu Huanhuan.

"Brother Xiong Ying sent someone to say it, Father. Who is that person! Want me to deal with him?" Zhu Qiong Jiong clenched his fists.

Zhu Yong glanced at him: "Deal with what? Matters of the court aren't something you can solve with fists."

Zhu Qiong Jiong pursed his lips and said nothing more.