Chapter 122 Hu Weiyong was conferred the title of Earl of Zhengde, but why does it feel a bit ironic?
"My Lords, I have already made up my mind about the candidates for this expedition, so there is no need for you to argue any more."

Zhu Gang also rushed to the imperial study at this time, and as soon as he stepped into the door, he looked at the chattering dukes and ministers and spoke loudly.

"Then I wonder who your highness wants to lead the troops?"

Chang Yuchun still looked at Zhu Gang impatiently.

After saying this, all the dukes looked at Zhu Gang with fighting spirit in their eyes.

They all hoped that they could lead troops to the southwest and pacify Tubo.

"U-Tsang is a remote place, and the barbarians are not worthy of you Dukes to lead the troops."

"So this time, I want your descendants to make the journey for you."

"Mu Ying will lead the troops to conquer Tibet and demonstrate the prestige of the Ming Dynasty."

"My Lords, what do you think?"

Zhu Gang sat next to Li Wenzhong and spoke softly.

"They are still inexperienced and lack the military skills. How can they lead troops out of the border? How can they take on such an important task?"

Xu Da simply shook his head.

It’s not that they don’t want their descendants to go out to fight. After all, they are trying to build achievements for the Ming Dynasty, and the future will still depend on their children and grandchildren.

But now they have never been on the battlefield, and Mu Ying has never served as a commander-in-chief, so how can they take on such an important task?

"Old Xu is right. Why not let them train for another two years?"

"Or maybe we can lead the troops and take these brats with us, so that they can learn more and avoid bringing down the prestige of our Ming Dynasty."

Duke of Wei, Deng Yu, also said with a thoughtful look on his face.

"Don't worry, it's time for our children to grow up."

"If they keep hanging around, how can they stand on their own and become the commander-in-chief of the army?"

"After all, under your protection, even an eagle that is about to soar into the sky will have its wings broken."

"That's why we don't want you to interfere."

“And how can we grow without experiencing setbacks?”

"Let them do it, we believe they will win."

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head before speaking.

As soon as these words were spoken, a hint of hesitation flashed across the eyes of many dukes.

Now that things have come to this, it is certain that their claim to be leading the troops is a lie.

"According to the order."

In response to this, even these unruly dukes bowed.

"Ah."

"Wang Jinghong, go and invite Mu Ying, He Wenhui, Xu Yungong, Deng Zhen, Tang Ding, and Chang Sheng to the imperial study."

Seeing this, Zhu Gang looked at Wang Jinghong beside him and gave an order.

"As ordered."

Wang Jinghong first glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang, and saw Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, then bowed and left the imperial study.

"In that case, let's not get involved. The rest of the matter will be decided by you and the prince."

Then, Zhu Yuanzhang stood up and said with satisfaction.

As for the fact that Zhu Gang was in charge of the guards in Beijing, Zhu Yuanzhang did not mention it, as if he was unaware of it.

But in this Ming Dynasty capital, is there anything that can really be hidden from Zhu Yuanzhang?

It's nothing more than peace of mind.

Even Zhu Yuanzhang felt an indescribable urgency.

But after looking at the red mark on it, Zhu Yuanzhang sighed in his heart.

Other princes were eager to become emperor immediately, but their eldest son, Zhu Biao, had never had such an idea.

Can't you take the position earlier?

Can't you give us a break?
While thinking, Zhu Yuanzhang left the imperial study with a face full of resentment.

But before leaving, he glared at Zhu Biao again.

Zhu Biao immediately revealed an innocent expression, but at the same time he was filled with great doubts.

What's wrong with this old man today?

"My dear uncles, my father has prepared a banquet in Kunning Palace. Please take your seats."

Zhu Gang looked at Zhu Yuanzhang who had already walked to the door, and spoke softly again.

"Ah? When are we going to treat them to a meal?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was slightly stunned, and blurted out without thinking.

"I forgot, your sister-in-law does have something to discuss with you."

But then, Zhu Yuanzhang patted his head and said, "The third son's marriage has been settled, but the fourth son has not yet been settled. Your sister-in-law is worried."

But as soon as these words were spoken, everyone present shook their heads vigorously.

It is an indisputable fact that Prince of Yan Zhu Di had a bad character since childhood.

Who would marry their precious daughter to a pervert like Prince of Yan, Zhu Di?

Even Zhu Yuanzhang's reputation back then was a hundred or a thousand times better than that of this little Zhu Di.

It is conceivable how much of a jerk Zhu Di was when he was a child.

"What? You don't even give face to your sister-in-law?"

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his eyebrows slightly.

"Don't dare."

The dukes hurriedly shook their heads again, but a bitter smile appeared on their faces.

It seems that I can't avoid it today, so let's go to Kunning Palace.

"Oh, by the way, father, I am going with the army to conquer the southwest. I will return victorious tomorrow. Please grant me the marriage decree and marry the eldest daughter of the Duke of Wei to me as a concubine."

Zhu Chong, who had been standing at the door, looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with some trepidation and clasped his fists.

"Your Majesty, I am willing to do so."

Duke of Weiguo Deng Yu stood up and clasped his fists without any hesitation.

"Ah."

Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a moment, then looked at Zhu Chong and said unhappily, "You're lucky, you little brat."

"Thank you, Father."

A look of joy appeared in Zhu Chong's eyes, and he kowtowed quickly.

"Don't let our Zhu family down. Make your father proud and win this battle beautifully."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Chong in front of him, the smile on his lips almost couldn't be suppressed, but he still spoke in a deep voice.

"The Ming Dynasty will win!"

Zhu Chong said firmly.

Afterwards, Zhu Yuanzhang took a group of dukes to Kunning Palace, and the imperial study finally became quiet.

"Prime Minister Hu, how is the implementation of the tax-sharing system, where all gentry pay taxes on a parcel of land?"

After the door of the imperial study closed again, Zhu Biao looked at Hu Weiyong in front of him and asked softly.

"Reporting to His Royal Highness, the tax system has been implemented in Jiangnan, and now it has been implemented in eastern Zhejiang. It is estimated that in another half a year, it will be implemented in the coastal areas of eastern Zhejiang."

Hu Weiyong did not hide anything but told the truth.

"What obstacles did you encounter?"

Zhu Gang spoke up.

"So far, the tax system has not encountered any major obstacles in the process of allocating taxes to each acre of land and requiring all gentry to pay taxes together."

"It is just that the implementation of the new policy will inevitably cause resentment. Although it is difficult, I, an old minister, can overcome the difficulties and solve the problems for the two princes."

Hu Weiyong still spoke truthfully.

"resentment?"

Zhu Biao frowned slightly and asked, "What resentment?"

"It's nothing more than those scholars complaining, but the imperial examination has not yet begun, so even if they have complaints, they dare not act excessively."

Hu Weiyong's expression remained the same.

Whether it was the tax distribution based on the amount of land or the unified taxation of officials and gentry, it would affect the interests of the gentry and even the scholars. So it was normal for them to feel resentful and oppose it.

But at this time, the imperial examination of the Ming Dynasty had not yet been opened and was still in a closed state, so even if one was unwilling, what could one do?

After all, a new emperor appoints new ministers, so it is inevitable that the government will have some reforms.

However, if this resentment is not properly resolved, when the imperial examination is reopened in the future, this group of scholars will inevitably cause trouble.

"Second brother, notify the Royal Guards that anyone who dares to hinder the implementation of the new policy, whether they are gentry, powerful people, or scholars, will be strictly investigated."

"And if anyone has any meritorious service, all of it will be stripped away."

Zhu Gang decisively turned his head and looked at Zhu Chong who was standing beside him.

"Your Highness can't!"

"Scholars are the foundation of the world. How can we let this discourage the scholars of the world?"

"If this creates a rift between the court and the scholars, it will be a real loss for the court. Don't lose the big picture for the small."

Without waiting for Zhu Chong to reply, Hu Weiyong spoke immediately.

"You mean, this world belongs to scholars?"

Zhu Biao looked at Hu Weiyong coldly.

"That's not what I meant."

Hu Weiyong quickly stood up and kowtowed in front of Zhu Biao.

"Then what do you mean?"

Zhu Biao still spoke in a cold voice.

"Governing the world is not about pacifying it. If there is a rift with scholars, how can the court of the future still have the heart to support the officials of our Ming Dynasty?"

"So I think that they must be punished, but not severely. Suppression is enough. We need to make them understand their status and not bring disgrace upon the court."

Hu Weiyong continued to kowtow.

"What you, Prime Minister Hu, mean is that if we offend these scholars, the Ming Dynasty will be overthrown?"

Zhu Gang also looked at Hu Weiyong coldly.

"I have spoken inappropriately, Your Majesty, please forgive me."

Hu Weiyong was shocked all over and stopped explaining, but instead apologized.

Now even a fool can see that Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao are just like Xiang Zhuang dancing with a sword, aiming at the Duke of Pei.

It was completely targeting him, Hu Weiyong, or perhaps it was an attempt to suppress him, Hu Weiyong.

"Prime Minister Hu, when a scholar dies, another scholar can be replaced."

"There will never be a shortage of scholars in this world. If there is a shortage, the court can also promote people from the military."

"As long as we send them to study at the Imperial Academy, they may become talented people in the future. All it takes is a little time."

"Da Ming can wait."

"But if we put these scholars in high positions, in the court, and they only care about their own gains and losses, then is it good or bad for the people of this world?"

"So I would rather bear the infamy of all eternity than allow this group of scholars to become officials."

"And if these scholars remain like this, there is no need to reopen the imperial examination."

Zhu Gang looked at Hu Weiyong deeply and spoke slowly.

"Old Third is right. If scholars only care about their own gains and losses, then our Ming Dynasty will no longer hold imperial examinations to recruit scholars."

"deliver an imperial order."

"From now on, anyone who obstructs the implementation of the new policies of the Ming Dynasty will be investigated thoroughly, regardless of their identity, and will not be tolerated."

"I just want to tell the gentry, the powerful, and the scholars in this world that even without them, the Ming Dynasty will still be the Ming Dynasty."

"If one cannot serve the country and the people wholeheartedly, then being an official will only make one a corrupt or incompetent official. What is the point of having one?"

Zhu Biao nodded heavily, then looked at Li Heng beside him and said, "This decree should not only be announced to the whole country, but also be engraved outside the Meridian Gate, so that all civil and military officials can be alert every day."

"According to the order."

Li Heng bowed quickly.

"Your Highness, Holy Ming."

A hint of bitterness flashed through Hu Weiyong's heart, but he still forced a smile and spoke respectfully.

With such decisiveness in killing, even if a turmoil is organized in the future, the Ming Dynasty will be able to quell it in an instant.

This confrontation, which was originally planned, did not even begin and was aborted, which made Hu Weiyong feel regretful.

"I don't need your compliments, just do what you should do."

"Don't let me lose my patience with you."

Zhu Biao's words were still cold.

"I understand, Your Highness, please rest assured."

Hu Weiyong's heart trembled again, and he kowtowed.

"Today is the time to fulfill my promise to you."

"After all, I always keep my promises."

As he spoke, Zhu Biao waved his hand again.

"Hu Weiyong received the order."

Li Heng immediately understood, and asked for the imperial edict, speaking loudly.

"The minister is here."

Hu Weiyong was slightly stunned, then he kowtowed quickly.

"The Emperor, in compliance with the Will of Heaven, proclaims: Hu Weiyong, the Right Prime Minister of the Secretariat, is a man of talent and ability to govern the country, with virtue that matches heaven and earth, who has served in office for many years, is loyal and dedicated, and has fulfilled his duties to the best of his ability."

"I am grateful for his hard work and great achievements, and today I confer upon him the title of Earl of Zhengde to honor his virtue and commend his meritorious service."

"Appreciate this."

After Li Heng finished speaking, Hu Weiyong's eyes widened with horror.

Although he was not granted the title of marquis, he was granted the title of earl, and from today on, Hu Weiyong had a title.

If you can be granted the title of Earl today, you can be granted the title of Marquis or Duke tomorrow.

"I thank your Majesty for your kindness."

Hu Weiyong quickly accepted the order and kowtowed repeatedly.

"It's not easy to be conferred a title of Marquis in the Ming Dynasty, but considering your contribution to the implementation of the new policy, I will confer you the title of Earl first. If you make new contributions in the future, you can also be conferred the title of Marquis or Duke."

Zhu Biao's voice sounded again.

"I thank His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for his great kindness. I will devote myself to the great Ming Dynasty until my death."

Hu Weiyong looked at Zhu Biao again and kowtowed deeply.

At the same time, he also took the big pie that Zhu Biao had drawn, no matter how resentful he was.

That is impossible. After all, whether it is a marquis or an earl, the weight is very heavy.

But in addition to his joy, Hu Weiyong's eyes froze for a moment.

He was granted the title of Earl of Zhengde, but he had no hereditary certificate and could not live and die with the country. It was just a title, which would last until his death, and could not benefit future generations at all.

And why does Hu Weiyong feel that this Marquis Zhengde is a bit ironic?
After all, those who are virtuous will correct their hearts and cultivate themselves, and their virtue will benefit all directions.

But secretly, Hu Weiyong really deserves the title of Earl Zhengde.

"I know what you are thinking. If you want to obtain the hereditary succession, your achievements are not high enough."

Zhu Gang lowered his head, looked at Hu Weiyong and said slowly: "So do your job well and ask for a hereditary succession for your descendants."

The idea was simple. If the tax burden was distributed among all the acreage and officials and gentry were required to pay taxes together throughout the country, Hu Weiyong would be able to obtain the hereditary title.

But if you can't, let alone hereditary succession, whether your nine clans can be protected depends on the mood of the royal family.

"I understand."

Hu Weiyong certainly understood Zhu Gang's meaning, and at the same time, his doubts were dispelled.

This is nothing more than a means, a political means.

Give a little sweetness first, then do the job well, and you will get what you deserve.

If not, that’s another matter.

But today, Hu Weiyong is destined to be half happy and half sad.

(End of this chapter)