Chapter 126: Sun, Moon, Mountains and Rivers, and the Ming Dynasty’s Round Dragon Flag.

"Is the current flag of the Ming Dynasty not good enough?"

Zhu Biao frowned and said.

"It is possible, but every dynasty has remained the same. Instead, they are like leaves in the wind, withering away at the slightest puff."

"A hundred years of rise and fall, a hundred years of life and death, no matter how vast, it is gone in a flash."

"So continuing to use the old system is tantamount to going down the old path. It would be better for the Ming Dynasty to start by redefining the flag, and the whole country should take this flag as the first priority."

"In this case, will the people of our Ming Dynasty think that the court of today is different from the court of yesterday?"

"The tax rate and various national policies are all for the benefit of the people and the country. With the addition of my Ming Wang flag, the people of the world will have a stronger sense of belonging."

"In the future, the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty will surpass all previous dynasties and achieve an unprecedented and unparalleled prosperity."

Zhu Gang nodded first, then waved his hand.

The most difficult problem throughout the Chinese dynasties has not been innovation.

Because this land is blessed with talented people, there is always no shortage of people who are emerging.

But over the past few thousand years, there have been only a handful of people who have truly achieved success.

why?
This is about one issue, and that is the old system.

That is, the battle between conservatives and reformists.

However, successful reforms and changes in the world often bring about a huge storm of turmoil.

The verbal criticism of scholars, the incomprehension of the world, and the so-called unpredictable nature of life are also vividly displayed.

But at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, people all over the world were weeping blood, rites and music collapsed, and morality was lost.

So this is a great time to change the old one.

Just one sentence, the Ming Dynasty wants to ensure that the people of the world have enough food and clothing, and with the support of the former Yuan Dynasty, is enough to win the hearts of all the people in the world.

In particular, if the people can feel the benefits brought about by the Ming Dynasty's reforms, then with the support of the people all over the world, the Ming Dynasty's reforms will be relatively easier.

After all, no matter whether you are a scholar, farmer, merchant or artisan, they all cannot escape one word, and that is "people".

As long as there are people, the world's civilization will revive and rise.

This is the flame of human heritage, and it is also a brand engraved in our bones.

Then how can this world not be strong?

"Do you have any opinion?"

Zhu Biao thought about it and nodded in agreement.

Gathering the hearts and minds of the people across the world and re-establishing the flag of the Ming Dynasty may seem to be of no use, but it actually brings many benefits.

Take the past dynasties as an example. The Ming Dynasty was determined to reform, to change the system, and not to restore the old system. This national flag had to be raised.

"Zhu means red, and it also belongs to the virtue of fire."

“Reform and innovation, as well as legislative changes, all begin with bloodshed.”

"The background color of the flag should be mainly red. This way it can not only symbolize the fire virtue of our Ming Dynasty, but also represent the prosperity of our Zhu royal family and even the world."

"At the same time, red symbolizes the light of the rising sun, which strengthens our determination to reform legislation in the Ming Dynasty."

"As for the pattern, the center of the flag is dominated by a rising dragon, with its head pointing upwards, a pearl in its mouth, its body agile, winding and soaring, and its claws tightly grasping flames, showing the majesty and power of our Ming Dynasty."

“The dragon’s body is golden, symbolizing the dignity and splendor of imperial power, which contrasts sharply with the red background, further highlighting the dragon’s might and dominance.”

"There is also an edge outline. The four sides of the flag are outlined with a thin golden border, and the inner side of the edge is surrounded by twelve golden rays of light, symbolizing the twelve hours of a day and the twelve months of a year."

"It means that the glory of our Ming Empire always shines throughout the world and will last forever."

After thinking for a moment, Zhu Gang took out a memorial and wrote as he spoke.

"it is good."

Zhu Biao's eyes suddenly lit up and he nodded in agreement.

Regarding this pattern, not only Zhu Biao, but also Zhu Chong beside him, and generals such as Mu Ying, nodded in agreement.

"This national flag must be painted before going to war."

Zhu Chong looked at Zhu Gang and said, "In this way, going to the U-Tsang, well, can not only demonstrate the prestige of our Ming Dynasty, but also improve the morale of our Ming soldiers."

"It's natural."

Zhu Gang smiled softly and said, "Let's start with U-Tsang and let the world know our Ming Dynasty again."

"Send what the King of Jin wrote to the Ministry of Rites and have them work day and night to embroider the first national flag of our country as soon as possible."

Zhu Biao closed the memorial in front of him and handed it to the eunuch beside him.

"According to the order."

The young eunuch took the memorial respectfully and left the imperial study.

"Brothers, in front of others, we are the king and his subjects, representing the country."

"After the death of the emperor, we are not only the king and his subjects, but also brothers who grew up together. Therefore, I feel that the friendship between us is no weaker than that between our fathers."

"And today's court is the time for you to show your talents and the beginning of your dominance over the world."

"So I hope that you can all come back alive and create a great and prosperous world with me."

"Today, the imperial study is discussing politics, and there is no wine, so I will serve tea instead of wine, and congratulate you all in advance on your triumphant return and your victory."

After saying this, Zhu Biao picked up the teacup on the table and drank it all in one gulp.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

The generals also picked up their teacups and drank them all.

Afterwards, everyone chatted for a long time before leaving the imperial study.

After all, war is no joke, and all matters must be prepared before going out.

Otherwise, if the food and grass supplies are insufficient, no matter how strong the army is, it will be of no use.

Especially this time, the court made an exception and promoted young generals, so they must not embarrass themselves or their fathers.

"Brother, this is all the evidence I have collected recently."

"These include many gentry and powerful people, ministers in the court, and the Jiangnan gentry that have been exterminated and those that have not been exterminated."

"Especially after the tax was distributed among officials and gentry, their correspondence with the grassland became more frequent."

"This is nothing short of an attempt to overthrow the Ming Empire, so we must not be lenient."

"Killing one person as a warning to the rest will serve as a warning to others. This kind of mistake must never be made."

"So what I mean is to kill all three clans of his family. All the guilty ones will be punished together and no one will be forgiven."

After everything was settled, Zhu Chong took out three memorials from his sleeve, placed them on Zhu Biao's desk, and spoke.

All three memorials were densely packed with names, and the fact of treason was summarized in just one sentence: collaborating with the enemy and plotting treason, and intending to rebel.

"So brave."

Zhu Biao looked at the three memorials filled with names in front of him, and suddenly a hint of coldness broke out in his eyes and asked: "Have you admitted your guilt?"

"The facts have been established, and the Imperial Prison is stepping up the interrogation. Except for a few who are still stubborn, the rest have confessed their crimes and accepted punishment."

Zhu Chong said without even thinking about it.

"Collaborating with the enemy and plotting rebellion. What else is there to try?"

"As long as the evidence is irrefutable, what does it matter whether he admits it or not?"

Zhu Biao shook his head coldly.

"did you mean?"

Zhu Chong frowned slightly.

"His crimes are so monstrous that the law cannot forbid his punishment."

Zhu Biao said coldly again.

The meaning is very clear, that is to kill, no one can be spared.

"Let's go, it's a good opportunity to go to mom's place."

Zhu Gang stood up, put his arm around Zhu Chong's shoulders and said.

"Ah."

Seeing this, Zhu Biao and Zhu Chong nodded and walked out of the imperial study together.

"There is just one thing I am very curious about. The Jinyiwei are everywhere in the government and the country, like a pair of sharp eyes. They are corrupt and have nowhere to hide."

"So how did they get in touch with the grassland and exchange letters?" On the way to Kunning Palace, Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Chong thoughtfully.

"Forehead"

Hearing this, a hint of hesitation appeared in Zhu Chong's eyes, but he shook his head.

The Jinyiwei dared to investigate everywhere, but there were only four places where they did not dare to investigate.

One of them is Queen Ma’s Kunning Palace.

Because even if there was news of a rebellion in this place, it was Zhu Yuanzhang who was rebelling, so there was no need to investigate at all.

The second is the Eastern Palace of Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

How could there be any treacherous people in the place where the crown prince is, unless Zhu Yuanzhang issued an order.

But Zhu Yuanzhang was eager to let Zhu Biao take over his throne, so how could he allow the Embroidered Uniform Guard to monitor Zhu Biao's Prince's Palace?

The third is Zhu Gang’s Prince of Jin’s Palace.

This place cannot be investigated either, because the Jinyiwei has no way of infiltrating it.

And as one of the two most powerful people in Jinyiwei, isn't it tantamount to seeking death to monitor his own boss?

The fourth is Zhu Chong’s Qin Palace.

Zhu Chong, one of the two powerful persons, was nominally the head of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so it was naturally impossible for him to place Embroidered Uniform Guards in his own home.

Therefore, among the court, there were only four places where news could be passed on to the grassland.

And the most likely place is the Prince Qin's Palace.

After all, it is well known that Qin Wang's wife Wang Yuemin is a princess of the grassland and the sister of Kuyuk Temur.

"It was my princess who spread the news."

After walking for a long time, Zhu Chong finally looked at Zhu Biao with determination.

"Then why didn't you say it earlier?"

Zhu Biao was not surprised, but asked calmly as always.

After all, Zhu Biao had known about it a long time ago, and he also believed in his own brother, so he would not lie to him even if he wanted to save Wang Yuemin.

"My princess is colluding with the enemy and intending to rebel. How can I tell you about this?"

Zhu Chong said with a bitter look on his face.

"Then why are you willing to talk about it now?"

Zhu Biao turned his head and looked at Zhu Chong.

"You two have been very smart since childhood, how could you not guess it?"

"Besides, even if the Third Brother didn't tell you about my big move, you should have guessed it in your mind."

Zhu Chong shook his head and said helplessly.

But it felt good to say it, like a sigh of relief.

When facing my brothers, I no longer feel guilty.

"I didn't say anything."

Zhu Gang waved his hands repeatedly.

"Come on."

Zhu Chong rolled his eyes at Zhu Gang and said, "How could I not know you?"

"hey-hey."

Zhu Gang smiled awkwardly for a moment, then reached out and scratched his head.

Although the shadow of Zhu Gang is present in it, wasn't it Zhu Biao's own guess?
So how can we blame Zhu Gang for this?
"Your big move has caused panic in Yingtian Prefecture, and the officials have filed impeachment petitions one after another."

"Then even if I don't want to know, I'm afraid I have to know it."

"And to clean up your mess, I let the third brother take control of all the guards in Beijing, and almost gave him the Grand Commandery."

"So next time something happens, discuss it with your brothers and minimize the impact. Do you think that as your brother, I have to slap you in the face?"

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Chong with some earnest words.

“It was a bit impulsive at the beginning.”

Zhu Chong saw that Zhu Biao seemed to be thinking about him, and his heart was warmed. He shook his head and said, "Brother, this is my fault."

"Don't make the mistake if you are my brother."

"None of the officials, gentry and powerful people who committed the crime will survive."

"But if they tell the whole story, in terms of justice and fairness, who can protect my sister-in-law in public?"

Zhu Biao waved his hand nonchalantly, and then asked again: "Have you ever thought about it?"

"So at first I wanted to execute them secretly, but who could have imagined that the number of people involved was beyond my control."

"Let alone the Imperial Prison, if I want to arrest all these people, even the entire Yingtian Prefecture prison wouldn't be enough."

Zhu Chong sighed softly.

I originally thought that if there were not many people involved, Wang Yuemin’s case could indeed be concealed.

However, there are too many people involved in this case, and when something like this happens, we must get to the bottom of it. Under strict investigation, it will inevitably lead to Qin Wang's wife Wang Yuemin.

So we have to take a long-term view, and if we want to protect Wang Yuemin, it will probably take some effort.

"It is normal that there were too many collaborators at the beginning of the country. After all, it is a political issue."

"It's a life-and-death struggle. There's no way to avoid it. We can only eliminate it from the root and deter all disobedient people."

"After all, gentle means are only suitable for the people, while tough means are suitable for politics."

"After all, there is no such thing as compromise in the politics of the upper class."

"Because once compromise is made, the dynasty will go downhill and eventually perish."

"I agree with you, Boss. Rebellion must not be tolerated."

"There is no point in trying to persuade him with emotion or reason, just kill him."

"As for pulling out the silk from the cocoon, the imperial court is investigating strictly, and the Jinyiwei is in your hands. Who can shake you?"

"As for how these officials, gentry and powerful people communicate with the grassland, it is more appropriate to go to the Qin Palace."

"It's just that they can avoid the main issue and put all the blame on the maidservant who came with my sister-in-law's dowry."

"After all, they are also people from the grassland. There are too many people who use false names to do this."

"Besides, I don't believe that this maid is not to blame for this."

"Even if the imperial court is as clear as a mirror, what can it do?"

"To put it bluntly, it's politics and a royal scandal. They didn't want it to be made public, so they found a scapegoat who should have died."

Zhu Gang stopped and looked at Zhu Biao and Zhu Chong and said, "But you promised me that you would only do it once for my sister-in-law. If you do it again, I will never forgive you."

"We are husband and wife, I just can't do it."

"Moreover, she exchanged letters with the grassland, causing heavy casualties in our Ming Dynasty. This is her sin."

"So I will let him watch helplessly, how exactly the grassland is destroyed?"

"That's why, when we need to use our troops on the grassland in the future, I want to lead the troops to go out to the frontier."

"By that time, the Northern Yuan Dynasty had perished, and the grassland had also perished. She should have understood that her so-called persistence was nothing more than a mantis trying to stop a chariot."

Zhu Chong slowly raised his head, looked at the vast sky above, and tightened his robe.

"Snowing."

Zhu Gang stretched out his hand, caught a few snowflakes, and then whispered.

"Let's go."

Zhu Biao also tightened his robe and spoke softly.

The snow fell slowly. The three of them walked side by side, with the white snow falling on their heads. They didn't care at all and still strode out.

And this battle involving the lives and deaths of tens of thousands of people slowly came to an end with just a few words.

This is power. A single move can change life and death, and a single word can determine the fate of the world.

It is no wonder that since ancient times, countless people have flocked to power.

But I have never thought about whether I can bear the weight of this power.
(End of this chapter)