Chapter 108: To be in power is to have absolute control over power, not to be trapped in power

As soon as Zhu Yuanzhang knelt before the gods, all the officials rushed to his side, knelt down, and called him "Your Majesty."

However, unlike the shock of the other ministers, although Hu Weiyong walked at a fast pace, a hint of gloom flashed through his heart.

Li Shimin was a powerful general of the Tang Dynasty, kneeling down to beg God for mercy.

Others might not know, but how could ministers like Hu Weiyong, who were well-versed in history books, not know?

Although there is no historical evidence, Li Shimin pleaded for Dang Renhong and knelt down to beg God.

But history says that the law is what the ruler receives from heaven, and cannot be broken because of personal preference. Now I am private, and my party, Ren Hong, has violated the law. I want to pardon them, which would disrupt the law and betray heaven.

He also announced to Li Tang's ministers that he was going to live in a thatched house in the southern suburbs and eat vegetarian food once a day to apologize to God for three days.

In response, Prime Minister Fang Xuanling said: "Your Majesty holds the power of life and death. Why do you have to degrade yourself to such an extent for this?"

Li Shimin disagreed and insisted on going.

The ministers "knelt their heads in the court" and the court lasted from morning till noon. Only then did Li Shimin issue a "self-criticism edict" saying: "I have three sins. The first is that I do not know people well; the second is that I use my personal interests to confuse the law; the third is that I fail to reward the good and punish the evil."

Therefore, Dang Renhong was pardoned from death, demoted to a commoner, and exiled to Qinzhou.

Zhu Yuanzhang's approach was almost the same as that of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin.

Moreover, Zhu Yuanzhang went one step further and begged God on his knees for Ma Nanshan.

But the imperial power is granted by God, and Zhu Yuanzhang knelt down and begged God for the sake of his subjects. Once this matter was spread, it would inevitably cause a sensation.

In this way, not only can we uphold the importance of national laws, but we can also give an explanation for this brotherhood.

Zhu Yuanzhang could even use this to win the hearts of the people. After all, doesn't it mean that an emperor who would kneel down and beg God for his subjects has no mercy in his heart?
Furthermore, the many national policies established by Zhu Yuanzhang for the country and the people could accelerate the people's identification with the Ming Dynasty.

Is it really worth Zhu Yuanzhang doing this just for Ma Nanshan?

While thinking, Hu Weiyong was startled again.

imperial power.

God-given!
This demonstrates the respect for the imperial power.

It is also a means for rulers of all dynasties to maintain imperial power.

What we do is nothing more than weighing the pros and cons.

Zhu Yuanzhang definitely had a clear idea in his mind as to which side was more advantageous.

For this, we can only kneel down and pray to God. It is not a big loss at all, so why not?
As long as it can stabilize the rule and uphold the imperial power and national laws, it is worth it.

"Your Majesty, this world belongs to you, why do you have to do this!"

Just as Hu Weiyong was about to speak, the Minister of Revenue, Qie Si, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with tears in his eyes and shouted.

"It's all up to Your Majesty!"

Hu Weiyong glared at Qie Si fiercely, then leaned forward and kowtowed.

Fortunately, Hu Weiyong always liked to leave room for maneuver when doing things, otherwise his actions today would definitely cause Zhu Yuanzhang's displeasure.

However, mediation is still needed between Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao, otherwise it may not be so easy to pass.

But to be honest, Hu Weiyong was not afraid of being targeted by these two brothers.

After all, the tax distribution based on land area and the unified tax payment by officials and gentry all depended on Hu Weiyong alone. If the government really targeted Hu Weiyong, who could take over this mess?
So they still had to rely on Hu Weiyong to solve the mess.

This time, it was just a test of the prime minister's power against the imperial power. Even if he lost, it would not be a complete defeat.

Furthermore, if there could be a clash today, Hu Weiyong might have a chance to turn things around in the future.

If Hu Weiyong wanted to protect his own interests, he had to use some tricks.

For example, the tax collection by officials and gentry was not only affecting the interests of the gentry and the powerful, but also the interests of scholars.
"It's all up to Your Majesty!"

Then, all the ministers kowtowed in unison.

"Issue an order to remove Ma Nanshan from his official position, demote him to a commoner, and exile him to Taiyuan."

"At the same time, the Crown Prince will govern the country and the Prince of Jin will assist in the administration. We will return to Fengyang, farm and eat vegetarian food to apologize to the heavens and seek a glimmer of hope for Ma Nanshan's survival."

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice sounded.

The ministers were shocked again!
"Your Majesty, no!"

The ministers started to speak again, but before they could finish, Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted them with a wave of his hand, saying, "We have made up our minds. Let's leave the court."

After saying this, Zhu Yuanzhang rubbed his eyes, dusted off his dragon robe, and stepped out of the door.

In response, the ministers looked at each other in bewilderment. Even though they were helpless, they could only bow and say, "Farewell, Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!"

"Hu Xiangguo, you are very good."

When Zhu Gang walked past Hu Weiyong, he paused slightly, then patted Hu Weiyong on the shoulder and said.

His tone was calm, the same as usual, but Hu Weiyong was a little trembling.

It seems that his guess was correct. After this incident, Zhu Gang must be dissatisfied with him.

"Prime Minister Hu, do your job well."

Zhu Biao also stepped past Hu Weiyong.

"I understand."

Hu Weiyong bowed quickly.

"Humph!"

As for the Huaixi nobles, they snorted coldly and walked out of the Fengtian Hall.

Only the court followers headed by Hu Weiyong were left, looking silent, not knowing what to say.

"Minister Hu, I'll take my leave first."

Yongjia Hou Zhu Liangzu sighed softly and bowed.

"Marquis Yongjia, slow down."

Hu Weiyong nodded slightly and returned the greeting.

"Ah."

Afterwards, only Hu Weiyong and his followers were left in the Fengtian Hall.

"Xiangguo."

Chief Censor Tu Jie spoke first but hesitated. After all, this was still the Fengtian Palace and it was not easy to make too much noise.

"Favor."

Hu Weiyong glared at Tu Jie, then looked at Li Shanchang who was still standing at the door, and bowed slightly.

"Hu Xiang."

Hearing this, Li Shanchang slowly turned around, looked at Hu Weiyong, shook his head and said with a smile: "How can I, a retired old man, deserve the title of 'grace' from Prime Minister Hu?"

"Eun-sang, always Eun-sang."

Hu Weiyong still spoke respectfully.

"I'm old, and I'm not as good as I used to be."

In response, Li Shanchang waved his hand, looked at Hu Weiyong, and said, "Prime Minister Hu, His Majesty is still waiting for me, so I will go ahead."

"Eun-sang, please."

Hu Weiyong slightly turned sideways, stretched out his hand again, and asked respectfully.

Seeing this, Li Shanchang looked at Hu Weiyong deeply again, and then left the Fengtian Hall on his own.

As for Hu Weiyong, looking at Li Shanchang's back, a hint of bitterness flashed through his heart, but more of it was coldness.

From today on, Li Shanchang cut off all ties with Hu Weiyong.

After all, Ma Nanshan's job was recommended by Li Shanchang, and Hu Weiyong's impeachment today is bound to offend Li Shanchang.

The deeper meaning of that phrase is that people are forgotten when they are gone, and he recommended Hu Weiyong, this wolf cub, as the right prime minister of the Secretariat.

Could it be possible that the Right Prime Minister of the Secretariat did not know that Ma Nanshan was recommended by him, Li Shanchang?

Didn’t they know to communicate in advance?
But when he thought about it carefully, it was so terrifying that Hu Weiyong's pupils shrank again.

Is this a coincidence or a conspiracy?
Hu Weiyong was actually a little confused for a moment.

So, was Li Shanchang coming to Fengtian Hall to attend the court meeting today for the new laws of the Ming Dynasty, or was he waiting here?

Who is playing chess?
Who is the chess piece?

Who is the chess player?

"Do you think Hu Weiyong can guess it?"

On the way back to the imperial study, Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Gang beside him and asked softly.

"You can guess it."

Zhu Gang said without even thinking, "Why are you putting on such a show?"

Zhu Biao frowned slightly.

"But he wasn't sure."

Zhu Gang shook his head again and smiled.

"What do you mean?"

Zhu Biao frowned even deeper.

"Whose intention is it?"

Zhu Gang said with a smile on his face.

"Is it the old man, or you, or me."

After a pause, Zhu Gang continued, "It's still a coincidence. Hu Weiyong can't be sure."

"And the chessboard, the chess players, and the chess pieces are all here."

"But even though he knew it was a chess game, he couldn't recognize his opponent, which made Hu Weiyong hesitate to act rashly."

"Then I think we need to think carefully about whether he is a chess player or a chess piece on the chessboard."

After saying this, Zhu Gang turned around and looked at Zhu Di and Zhu Chong who were in confusion.

"So, is Hu Weiyong a chess player or a chess piece?"

Unlike the two brothers who didn't understand, Zhu Biao nodded as if he understood something and then asked.

"He can be a chess player or a chess piece."

"Because we are never the ones gambling."

Zhu Gang waved his hand casually.

"But the game is under our control."

Zhu Biao nodded thoughtfully.

"What he thought was a game was just a game played by those in power."

“And when you become a chess piece, you want to become a chess player, so you can control the overall situation.”

"Little do people know that the chess game itself is a contest for the essence of power."

Zhu Gang put his arm around Zhu Biao's shoulders and continued smiling.

"He thought his opponent was us. After all, he wanted to escape from our control."

"So he felt that he was a chess piece, and if he wanted to become a chess player, he had to do something, so Hu Weiyong wanted to use the Ma Nanshan case to turn things around."

"Or perhaps, this is a test of the power of the prime minister against the power of the emperor."

"If he wins, Hu Weiyong can use this opportunity to impact the imperial power and gain a third of the voice."

"Even if we lose, it's not a test. After all, Ma Nanshan broke the law, and that's a fact."

"But I never thought that he was not only a chess piece, but also a chess player, and the opponent."

Zhu Biao thought for a moment, then a gleam of light flashed in his eyes as he said, "Power."

“Well, it’s like the good guys and the bad guys.”

"In traditional concepts, people often use whether a person is a good person or not based on whether he or she is fond of eating, drinking, whoring and gambling."

"Just like the eldest brother, according to this standard, the eldest brother is definitely a bad guy."

"But people often overlook the fact that there are still useful bad people and useless good people in this world."

"And according to what my eldest brother has done, he is indeed an out-and-out bad guy, but there is no doubt that he is a useful person."

"But does the old man care whether he is good or bad?"

Zhu Gang turned to Zhu Biao and asked.

"Not that I care."

Zhu Biao shook his head.

"Weighing the pros and cons, the result that is most beneficial to the dynasty is the best choice."

"This is what people in power should do."

"After all, being in power means having absolute control over power, rather than being trapped in power and becoming a part of it."

"But it is clear that Hu Weiyong never figured this out."

Zhu Gang still nodded and smiled.

"Fourth brother, listen to my advice. Don't mess with the eldest and third brother in the future, or you will die miserably."

While the two Zhu Gang brothers were talking, Zhu Chong looked at Zhu Di and whispered.

"Second brother, I understand."

Zhu Di also nodded vigorously, agreeing very much.

After all, with their brains, they can understand some things clearly.

But it’s too profound, so it’s a bit of a glitch!
For example, right now, what these two brothers are talking about is so hard to understand that I can’t even hear them.

But Zhu Chong and Zhu Di both understood that in terms of political strategy, Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao had reached the pinnacle and were not inferior to their old man at all.

It can even surpass that!
The two brothers made up their minds that no matter who they offended in the future, they must not offend Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao.

Otherwise, I would have to work for these two brothers until I die, and my death would be unclear.

"What are you two whispering about?"

Zhu Biao turned his head and looked at the two Zhu Di brothers who were whispering, and asked with a frown.

"Nothing."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Chong and Zhu Di both looked up and shook their heads.

"These two brats."

Zhu Biao rolled his eyes at Zhu Chong and Zhu Di and said nothing more. At this time, he had already arrived at the imperial study.

As soon as he stepped into the imperial study, he saw Zhu Yuanzhang, whose face was beaming. Empress Ma, who seldom came to the imperial study, was also sitting inside.

"Master, isn't this a bit inappropriate?"

"Just now in front of all the ministers, I wanted to shed tears, but now I am so happy. If this gets out, it will be a lot of fun."

Unlike Zhu Biao, Zhu Gang looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, whose face was flushed, and curled his lips as soon as he stepped into the imperial study.

"Bah! Do we have to feel sad for Ma Nanshan all day? That's enough."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared and waved his hand.

"That's up to you."

Zhu Gang felt a little helpless, but didn't say much.

After all, if Zhu Yuanzhang was really sad for a whole day because of this matter, he would not be Zhu Yuanzhang, but the Crying Emperor Li Shimin.

"Tian'er, this is the list of betrothal gifts that your mother and I prepared for you."

However, Zhu Yuanzhang's mind was not on the court meeting at all. Instead, he picked up a memorial from the side and handed it to Zhu Gang, still asking with great interest: "How about you take a look?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gang took the memorial, but just one look at it made not only Zhu Gang, but also Zhu Biao, Zhu Chong, and Zhu Di all gasp.

Not to mention the imperial marriage certificate, golden book and golden seal.

Isn’t it a bit too rich for the other rare treasures on this list?

It definitely exceeds the prince's specifications!

Even when Qin Wang Zhu Chong got married, he did not receive such a large dowry, which could even be compared with that of Zhu Biao.

Sure enough, one can tell at a glance whether this is biased or not.

And just as Zhu Gang expected, after reading the list, Zhu Gang looked at Zhu Yuanzhang sourly and said, "As expected, the third child is your favorite. How about taking another look? What? Do you think it's not enough and you want to add some for the third child?"

"Cough cough."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face suddenly became a little embarrassed.

After all, the standard of the Prince of Jin's marriage far exceeded that of the Prince of Qin, so it felt a bit disrespectful to the Prince of Qin.

Is it just Zhu Chong who cares?
I don't care. It's normal for my parents to be a little partial to my younger brother when he gets married.

Moreover, Zhu Chong also prepared an extremely generous gift for Zhu Gang.

"Stinky boy, what your father gave you openly is indeed not as good as the third brother's, but what your mother gave you privately is no less than this list."

Compared to Zhu Yuanzhang's embarrassment, Empress Ma glared at Zhu Chong.

As soon as these words came out, not only Zhu Gang, but also Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Chong.
My dear, you are a little bit disrespectful.
(End of this chapter)