Chapter 107: A critical strike from the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, I pray to God!

Led by Duke Hanguo Li Shanchang, various expressions flashed across the eyes of the ministers.

It seems that Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao were well prepared today.

Otherwise, how could Li Shanchang come to the morning court today?

It happened that at the time when the laws of the Ming Dynasty were being revised, this highly respected old Duke personally came out to compete between Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao.

This is obviously a sign of standing in line.

After all, in the hearts of students all over the world, he is a pillar of the Ming Dynasty and a role model for students all over the world.

Therefore, once this person opens his mouth, the matter will be implemented.

"The veteran seconded the proposal."

Hu Weiyong thought about it, took a step forward, then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and bowed.

"I second the proposal."

Seeing Hu Weiyong step out, the ministers understood that the revision of the law was imperative and an inevitable trend, so they all bowed and said.

"In that case, the King of Jin will be in charge of the revision of the law."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Hu Weiyong again before smiling with satisfaction.

"I will not disappoint His Majesty."

Zhu Gang also bowed.

"Come up with the charter as soon as possible and implement some of the laws first."

Zhu Yuanzhang gave another reminder.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured."

Zhu Gang nodded.

"That's it."

Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to adjourn the court.

But Hu Weiyong bowed again and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report."

"Your Majesty, the director of the Construction Department of the Ministry of Works, Ma Nanshan, nicknamed Ma Sandao, is in charge of building the Imperial Academy's School of Confucian Classics."

"But it was found that Ma Nanshan allowed his subordinates to cut corners and pass off inferior materials as superior ones, and embezzled money for his own benefit."

“About one-fifth of the wood and stone materials fell into the hands of Mananshan.”

Hu Weiyong slowly took out the memorial from his sleeve and presented it.

As soon as these words were spoken, a burst of sighs was heard in the court.

What a great Manan Mountain.

Especially the meritorious officials of Huaixi, they were very familiar with Ma Nanshan.

Nicknamed Ma Sandao, also known as Ma Crazy, his ferocious fighting style on the battlefield, risking his life, is still fresh in their memory.

Chang Yuchun, in particular, had the deepest memory of Ma Nanshan, who was almost as brave as him.

But how could this guy be so obsessed with money that he even dared to embezzle the national treasury?
That is the Institute of Confucian Classics, which is related to the lifeblood of the Ming Dynasty.

If it is found to be a shoddy and low-quality place, that would be disastrous!
"Oh my God, this is appalling!"

"How could he do this!"

For a moment, all the ministers were outraged and started cursing.

But it is also divided into two columns.

Yi Lie, who truly cared about the Ming Dynasty, felt that Ma Nanshan was eroding the lifeblood of the Ming Dynasty.

One of them understood that Ma Nanshan was an old general in Huaixi and an old subordinate of Zhu Yuanzhang, so.
While he was thinking, several cold eyes rose up and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with a gloomy face.

He had just killed Shen Liben, with a stick.

The next thing was that Ma Nanshan was accused of corruption and bribery, but he was a former general of yours who helped you conquer the world and made great military achievements.

So how should you punish Ma Nanshan?
Killing chilled the hearts of the heroes of Huaixi.

If you don't kill, you will chill the hearts of all your subjects.

Such a difficult decision was actually rewarded with something in return, which is very satisfying.

"Your Majesty, this is the confession of Manager Liu from the South City Material Yard. He paid for most of the timber for the Confucian Academy."

"This is the account of Jinxiu Pavilion. In the past two years, Ma Nanshan has owed more than 800 taels of silver to the restaurant."

"This is the confession of the other officials. The total amount of embezzlement was 3,300 taels. These officials shared 800 taels, and Ma Nanshan took 2,500 taels alone."

In response, Hu Weiyong still ignored it and continued to report to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Your Majesty, such a corrupt person cannot be forgiven easily. Please punish him."

As soon as Hu Weiyong finished speaking, the Minister of Revenue, Qie Si, also took a step forward and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Your Majesty, the Imperial Academy of Confucian Classics is related to the lifeblood of the country. It also includes the talents of Confucian classics from all over the world, all of whom are the pillars of the country."

"But what would they think if they found out that the place where they studied was a low-quality place?"

"A fourth-rank official in charge of the Construction Department actually dared to do such a thing. If this gets out, it will cause another turmoil!"

Another minister of the third rank came out.

Afterwards, without waiting for Zhu Yuanzhang to speak, several officials came out and wrote a letter to Zhu Yuanzhang to express their direct remonstrance.

Suddenly, a noisy sound arose in the Fengtian Hall, making Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes even gloomier and his heart even colder.

If he was truly devoted to the country, Zhu Yuanzhang would really be pleased.

But Zhu Yuanzhang could see clearly whether most of these ministers wanted to make fun of him or were loyal to the country.

After all, the reason why they were not touched at this time was not because of their hard work and great contributions, but because excessive killing would cause instability to the country, so they kept it secret.

But one day, Zhu Yuanzhang will settle accounts with everyone.

Including today.

They seem to be wholeheartedly serving the country, but if you look closely, in past court meetings, whenever there was an impeachment, how could this group of people not be present?
clique!

But this time they were indeed in the right, because it was true that Ma Nanshan was corrupt.

Although the third child in their family has already given an idea.

But Zhu Yuanzhang didn't know whether he could turn the situation around.

After all, Shen Liben had just been beaten to death by Old Zhu.

So today Zhu Yuanzhang didn't want to discuss Ma Nanshan anymore.

However, Hu Weiyong suddenly jumped out and made the matter public, which put Zhu Yuanzhang in a dilemma.

"Hu Weiyong."

Zhu Gang on the side glanced at Hu Weiyong, who was still calm, and a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"This bastard!"

There was also a chill in Zhu Biao's eyes.

Want to turn the tables?

You, Hu Weiyong, I’m afraid you haven’t woken up yet!
Or maybe, he wanted to use this opportunity to tell Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao that he, Hu Weiyong, was not so easy to be controlled?

Ha ha!

It is ridiculous for an ant to try to shake a tree!

However, after this battle, the little kindness Zhu Biao had towards Hu Weiyong was probably completely gone.

After all, a dog that is bent on competing with its master is never a good dog.

No matter how smart or capable this dog is, his master cannot tolerate him!

Moreover, considering all the evil things Hu Weiyong had done, it would not be excessive to kill him!
"Your Majesty, I beg you to punish me severely!"

Then, Zhu Gang raised his hand again, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said coldly: "Even if you are a meritorious official of the country, you dare to break the law and embezzle more than 2,000 taels. If you don't punish him severely, how can you explain to the people of the world?"

"Your Highness, what is the severe punishment you are talking about?"

The Minister of Personnel Zhao Haode came out, looked at Zhu Gang and bowed slightly.

"kill!"

Facing the Minister of Personnel, Zhu Gang's tone was slightly softer, and he just said.

Zhao Haode.

His courtesy name was Bingyi and he was from Ruyang.

He was promoted from the prefect of Anqing to the assistant minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

Promoted to Shangshu, changed to the Ministry of Personnel.

The emperor praised his fair selection and once summoned him and four assistant officials to the inner palace to discuss governance. He ordered the painting of the history to be placed in the palace. He eventually became a councilor in Shaanxi.

In the 28th year of Hongwu, he died of illness while in office at the age of 62. The officials escorted his body back to Ru and checked his belongings. In the box, there were only 11 imperial edicts and dozens of books, nothing else. Everyone in the world revered him.

This person definitely deserves to be a clear stream.

Moreover, he never pursued fame or fortune, and never formed cliques for personal gain. He served under Zhu Yuanzhang in his early years, so his talents were worthy of being used.

That's why Zhu Gang's tone softened. After all, he absolutely cared about his country and the court.

"I feel it is inappropriate."

Zhao Haode shook his head slightly.

"Why not?"

Zhu Gang looked at Zhao Haode and asked.

"Your Highness, I have no personal relationship with Ma Nanshan, but if you ask yourself, Ma Nanshan followed Your Majesty to conquer the world, fearless of life and death, and has made great contributions to the country."

"For this, two of my sons died. It's not an exaggeration to say that I'm alone now."

"But the court's laws have their own human feelings. Don't talk about your highness in this regard."

Zhao Haode paused, then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, who was holding his hands, and bowed slightly, saying, "Your Majesty, will you kill him?"

In response to this, Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a long time and then shook his head.

From beginning to end, Zhu Yuanzhang really didn't want to kill Ma Nanshan.

A loyal and brave general sacrificed his two sons for the Ming Dynasty.

Even if he had a heart of stone, Zhu Yuanzhang really couldn't do it.

"Your Majesty, merits are merits, and faults are faults."

"Although Ma Nanshan has made contributions to the court, he has embezzled and accepted bribes amounting to as much as 2,500 taels."

"If we don't kill them, how can we appease the anger of the students?"

"Moreover, in front of the national law, even if you are a meritorious official, you should put the national law first and uphold the importance of the national law!"

Imperial Censor Chen Ning took a step forward and bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"That's right. I second the motion!"

Chief Censor Tu Jie also walked out of the queue, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and bowed.

"I second the proposal!"

The ministers from before all stood up, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and spoke loudly.

It seemed as if their resentment from the past few days, and even today, had been greatly relieved.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to ask for the iron scroll of pardon to save Ma Nanshan from death."

Facing the pressure from the ministers, Zhu Yuanzhang's face became more and more gloomy. Xu Da, Duke of Wei, stepped forward, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, bowed and said, "To uphold the majesty of the state law!"

"I, your Majesty, would also like to ask for the iron scroll of pardon and pardon Ma Nanshan's death sentence!"

Duke of E, Chang Yuchun, also looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, but unlike Xu Da, Chang Yuchun kowtowed directly and said, "Ma Nanshan once served under me, and the friendship between us cannot be severed. I beg Your Majesty to forgive Ma Nanshan's death sentence. I thank Your Majesty!"

"That's right! I am also willing to ask for the iron scroll of immunity from death to seek a way out for Ma Nanshan!"

"Your Majesty, Mananshan."

"His Majesty!"

All of a sudden, all the Huaixi officials in the court stood up and pleaded for Ma Nanshan.

He even took out the iron scroll of immunity from death to save Ma Nanshan's life!
After all, they are truly loyal!

They supported each other all the way through the turbulent times. Even though Ma Nanshan had never been granted a title, in their hearts, he was still an old brother who could be trusted by the younger generations.

How could they just watch Ma Nanshan die?
But given Zhu Yuanzhang's temperament and the pressure from his ministers, he would probably have to kill him even if he really didn't want to.

Otherwise, the world will think that Zhu Yuanzhang is unfair!
He was harsh and strict towards his ministers, but he was lenient towards the meritorious officials from Huaixi.

If this were to get out, it would be a huge blow to the rule of the Ming Dynasty!

"Prime Minister Hu, what do you mean?"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the ministers and the Huaixi nobles in the hall, then glanced at Hu Weiyong.

"It's all up to His Majesty."

Hu Weiyong bowed slightly.

The meaning is very clear. Your Majesty, it is time for you to make a decision. Hu Weiyong does not want to get involved.

After all, no matter what the outcome is, it has no impact on Hu Weiyong.

But if you, Zhu Yuanzhang, want to win the hearts of the people of the world, you have to kill Ma Nanshan.

And if we try to preserve this brotherhood, the people's hearts that we have worked so hard to gather will probably disperse by half.

Whether you are willing to give it up or not depends entirely on your thought, Zhu Yuanzhang.

"it is good."

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and slowly stood up.

"Everyone, get up."

Zhu Yuanzhang slowly walked down the stairs and waved his hand gently again.

In this regard, the ministers had no idea what Zhu Yuanzhang was up to, but they all stood up anyway.

"In the 23rd year of Zhizheng, we fought a decisive battle with Chen Youliang at Poyang Lake."

"Ma Nanshan led his two sons and led the troops to fight bravely."

"Before leaving, tell Ma Nanshan that he doesn't need to have both sons go with him. Leave one behind. At least one can carry on his bloodline so that he won't be childless."

Zhu Yuanzhang lifted his clothes, sat on the steps under the Fengtian Hall, and then spoke.

But the ministers who were closer to Zhu Yuanzhang were all shocked.

Including Hu Weiyong.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes were actually slightly red.

"All the generals and ministers present have experienced the Battle of Poyang Lake and understand how brutal that battle was."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head again and looked at the ministers in the hall.

"Since I followed Your Majesty to pacify the world, the battle at Poyang Lake was the most brutal."

All the nobles nodded, a heavy look flashed in their eyes, and they spoke in unison.

Even today, even though they had the last laugh, who can forget the domineering nature of that hero in troubled times!
An army of six hundred thousand troops came out in full force!

Chen Youliang even said: This time, our army will attack with an empty country, with the intention of leaving no way out and burning our boats!
In this battle, there is no retreat and no life!
We will wipe out the traitor Zhu in just one battle, and the whole world will belong to the Han Dynasty!
Once these words were spoken, the whole world was shocked!

And if it weren't for that person, it would be hard to tell who would win this great battle that would decide the fate of the world.

“Although he knew it was a life-or-death situation, Ma Nanshan still took his sons with him and went without hesitation.”

"Then, Mananshan followed Tiande and attacked first and fiercely."

"After this battle, Mananshan survived, but his two sons were left with only two pieces of cloth."

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang's voice became a little hoarse again.

"Two sons."

"Two sons."

"I died for our Ming Dynasty."

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang raised two fingers, stood up again, and slowly walked towards the ministers.

No, it should be Fengtian Hall. Let’s go to Fengtian Hall.

"Now, for the sake of Ming's laws, my father will also die."

"I, Zhu Yuanzhang, have killed countless people on the battlefield, leading the way, but facing Ma Nanshan, I really can't bear it."

A hoarse and dull voice sounded, and Zhu Yuanzhang spread out his hands again and looked at the civil and military officials in the hall.

"I have never begged anyone in my life, but today, I beg you, I beg you!"

"Please spare Mananshan!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's somewhat sad voice sounded. No matter whether it was the ministers who wanted to laugh at the joke or the ministers who were devoted to the country, they all remained silent, but were greatly shaken in their hearts.

Is this still the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang who was decisive and ruthless in the past?

"I am the Son of Heaven, I never ask for favors from others. I cannot be the emperor or his subjects!"

"But I can always kneel down and beg the heavens!"

"God, please give Ma Nanshan a chance to live!"

Seeing that his ministers remained unmoved, Zhu Yuanzhang walked to the door somewhat desolately, looked up at the sky, his knees softened, and he spoke.

"His Majesty!"

　There is one more update, thank you!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)