Chapter 151 The Fifth Major Case of Hongwu, the Case of the Little Ming King
Until the evening, Zhu Gang sent the drunk Chang Yuchun and Xu Da back to their residences respectively, and then strolled in Yingtian Prefecture with Chang Mao.

Although it was curfew at this time, no matter whether it was the soldiers guarding the city or the soldiers on patrol, who would dare to stop these two gentlemen?

The Prince of Jin who holds sway over the government.

The future Duke of E.

No matter who it is, they cannot afford to offend.

"Uncle Xu wants to marry Sister Miaoyun to you?"

Looking at the hazy night, Chang Mao looked at Zhu Gang beside him and asked softly.

"Ah."

Zhu Gang nodded slightly.

"You kid, you really have the best of both worlds."

"Sister Xie is already a top-notch lady from a noble family. Although she is not as talented as Sister Miaoyun, she is in no way inferior in terms of appearance."

"Now these two women are both devoted to you."

"Tsk tsk, won't those animals in Yingtian Prefecture be envious and jealous to death?"

Chang Mao spoke again with some playfulness.

"If Uncle Xu's eldest daughter and Uncle Xie's eldest daughter were mixed together, not to mention me, I'm afraid even my old man would have to think carefully."

"After all, this is no joke. If anything goes wrong, both families will be unhappy and a rift will surely arise, which is not conducive to the stability of the country."

Zhu Gang smiled bitterly and shook his head.

"Your life is so tiring. You have to consider the country in everything. Can't you consider yourself?"

"A man born in this world can have three wives and four concubines, and stand tall and proud. What's wrong with that?"

"If you always care about gains and losses, you will inevitably gain and lose."

"It would be better to just be quick and marry the girls from both families."

"This will also consolidate your power in the court."

"Don't forget what's behind Duke Wei."

Chang Mao put his arm around Zhu Gang's shoulders and spoke as they walked.

Behind Xu Da, Duke of Wei, lies the power to command the troops in the north.

Therefore, by marrying Xu Da's eldest daughter, he could easily regain the power to command the troops in the north.

Coupled with Zhu Gang's own ability and prestige, the North will inevitably be headed by the King of Jin in the future, and this will be inherited from generation to generation.

This is equivalent to having a layer of protection, no matter where you are or where you are?
As long as they have the support of the north, the lineage of King Jin will have the confidence to speak, and even the confidence to compete with the imperial court.

"You are the brother-in-law of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. It's not a bad idea to put yourself in my shoes like this, right?"

Zhu Gang turned his head and glanced at Chang Mao before speaking.

"Sister and His Royal Highness are childhood sweethearts. They are inseparable and their marriage is naturally a happy one."

"But there is also politics involved. Because of our different identities, even if the political content is not much, it cannot be brushed aside."

"Don't forget, my old man's prestige in the army is precisely because of this, His Majesty handed Huaixi over to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince from the very beginning."

"After all, this is your Majesty's foundation, and it should also be the foundation of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

"But the Chang family can be rich in this generation, and the next generation can also be rich, but what about the next generation?"

"As dynasties change, the favor slowly fades. Even if they are blood relatives, they are still outsiders. Moreover, after sitting on that throne and being taught by several generations, they will definitely live up to the purity of today."

"So whether it's the Chang family or the Xu family, they have to make preparations early. To be honest, the current glory is earned by the old men themselves."

"But the glory in the future is still earned by the old man himself. If his descendants are unfilial, this glory will come to an end."

Chang Mao sighed softly, then turned his head to look at Zhu Gang and said, "Then is there anything wrong with me considering you?"

"Nothing wrong."

“This is also for my own benefit.”

Zhu Gang chuckled and nodded. He naturally understood what Chang Mao meant.

"Also, we grew up together and know each other very well. It's not an exaggeration to say that we are brothers in life and death."

"Especially in the second year of Hongwu, my father fell ill on his way home, and you rode out of the capital and rescued my father from the King of Hell. I have always remembered this kindness in my heart."

"So, the Chang family will follow His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, but I won't. I will always stay by your side to repay this favor and the friendship between you and me."

Chang Mao stretched out his hand to catch a snowflake, a smile appearing on the corner of his mouth.

In the second year of Hongwu, Chang Yuchun fell seriously ill on his way home and there was no cure.

At that time, King Jin Zhu Gang rode out of the capital on horseback and did not sleep for several days. He finally caught up with Chang Yuchun and brought Chang Yuchun back from the gates of hell.

This caused a shock to the court and the public, and Zhu Yuanzhang even said "good" three times during the morning court session.

But in fact, the one who was most worried at that time was only Chang Mao.

If Chang Yuchun passed away, the burden of the Chang family would inevitably fall on Chang Mao.

But facing the turbulent situation in the court, can Chang Mao really withstand it?
Chang Mao didn't sleep for a whole day and night, and finally shook his head, saying he couldn't bear it anymore.

Inheriting a title at a young age and inheriting one's father's achievements has always been a taboo in ancient times.

Because he was too young, he could not hold such supreme power.

Fortunately, Zhu Gang pulled Chang Yuchun back from the brink of death, otherwise, Chang Mao would be really worried about the future of the Chang family.

"He is not only your father, but also my master. We are also brothers, so this is not a favor, it is filial piety."

Zhu Gang waved his hand gently.

"No matter what you say, I, Chang Mao, will follow you for the rest of my life, and I will never regret it even if I die."

Chang Mao still held Zhu Gang's shoulders tightly with his arms and smiled.

"It will be very hard. I have to start all over again."

Zhu Gang hesitated to speak.

"Then let's start from the beginning. You eat the meat and I drink the soup. You drink the soup and I make a fire."

"You make a fire, and I'll go collect firewood. In this life, I will never die after you."

Chang Mao still smiled nonchalantly.

"Even if you betray me, I will not betray you."

"The sky is full of snow and moon. If Zhu Gang breaks this oath, he will be punished by heaven and earth."

Zhu Gang clenched his fist tightly, but raised four fingers, looked at Chang Mao and said softly: "I am not Sima Yi. This is an oath under the snow. If I can be with you in the future, we will be on equal footing in the world."

Sima Yi's oath at Luo River and the Sima family's regicide in the street set a bad precedent for history.

This led to the collapse of rites and music, a complete loss of trust and faith in the world, and oaths became a joke.

But there is never a shortage of loyal and righteous people in this world. They keep their promises and fulfill their promises. This is what a real man of our generation should be.

Therefore, Zhu Gang felt ashamed of Sima Yi since he was young and never made promises lightly, but this promise was worth a thousand gold.

"Chang Mao will never let you down."

Chang Mao also raised four fingers and said softly.

Although the voice is light, it is heavier than Mount Tai.

In the future, Master Chang, who is the leader of the eight founding kings of Jinming, who is rampant in the world, finally reveals his heart today and walks with you.

"Hahaha."

The hearty laughter pierced through the wind and snow and echoed throughout Yingtian Prefecture.

"Actually, I'm just not as smart as you, but when it comes to fighting strength, I'm the son of Chang Yuchun."

While chatting and laughing, Chang Mao clenched his fist again.

"What's wrong with your brain?"

Zhu Gang reached out his hand, punched Chang Mao's chest, and said with a sneer, "You can see the situation clearly, isn't that useful?"

In the meantime, Zhu Gang and Chang Mao came to a simple mansion with a sign on it: The Mansion of the Marquis of Chengyi.

"Why are you here at the house of Marquis Chengyi?"

Chang Mao looked at the Chengyi Marquis' Mansion in front of him, then turned around and asked with some confusion.

"It's late at night and no one will notice it. It's a good time to inquire about a case."

Zhu Gang was able to bring Chang Mao to the Chengyi Marquis's residence, so he naturally did not want to hide it, so he spoke softly. "Liu Lian?"

Chang Mao frowned and said.

Although there are some grudges between Huaixi and Zhejiang east.

But Liu Bowen was always a founding hero, and he always took integrity as his duty, so it was naturally impossible for him to commit a crime.

Besides, the person was already dead, so there was no need to drag him out and whip his corpse. The only person involved was Liu Bowen's son.

But as a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Chang Mao had naturally investigated Liu Lian. Liu Lian served as the Supervisor of Examinations and the Censor of Examinations.

He was just a minor official of the seventh rank, and he had not yet inherited Liu Bowen's title of Earl of Chengyi. What crime could he have committed?

"咚咚-"

While Chang Mao was thinking, Zhu Gang walked up and knocked on the door.

"Who?"

Soon, an elderly inquiring voice was heard in the house of Marquis Chengyi.

"Prince Jin."

"The prince of Eguo."

Zhu Gang replied softly.

As soon as he finished speaking, the door in front of him opened directly, and an old man walked out. He looked at Zhu Gang and kowtowed, saying, "I pay my respects to His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin. May His Royal Highness live a thousand years."

"Uncle, no need to be so polite."

"It's already very presumptuous of you to visit me so late at night. Please ask for a cup of hot tea."

Zhu Gang stretched out his hand to help the old man up, then chuckled softly.

"Your Highness, please."

The old man was flattered and quickly got up, stretched out his hand and invited.

"Young Lord, you too, please."

The old man paused, then looked at Chang Mao and stretched out his hand.

"Your Highness, my young master is getting dressed, please."

After inviting you into the main hall, the old man first brought you hot tea, and then hesitantly spoke.

After all, the Prince of Jin condescended to come to the residence of the Marquis of Chengyi, and Liu Lian had not yet finished cleaning up, which was somewhat impolite.

If Zhu Gang blamed Liu Lian, he could punish him for the crime of disrespect.

"Tell him to slow down, don't rush."

Zhu Gang picked up the hot tea, took a sip, and then smiled.

As soon as these words fell, Liu Lian hurried over to pay his respects, with a hint of anxiety in his eyes.

"Brother Liu, no need to be so polite."

Zhu Gang waved his hand gently to exempt Liu Lian from the salute.

"sit down."

Chang Mao also raised his head and said.

It seems that this is not the residence of the Marquis of Chengyi, but the residence of the Duke of E, Chang Mao.

But a higher-ranking official can crush a person to death, not to mention that Chang Mao in front of him was the eldest son of the Duke of E and a member of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, a fourth-rank official, and was not someone Liu Lian could afford to offend.

"Let's all go back."

After Liu Lian sat down, Zhu Gang looked at the servants who were still standing in the main hall and spoke softly.

"As ordered."

These servants quickly retreated.

After all, they are also elders in the Marquis Chengyi's mansion, and they still understand these rules.

"Your house of sincerity is really shabby."

After all the servants had left, Zhu Gang looked at Liu Lian and said.

"Your Highness, my father has always advocated simplicity. As long as we can live here, it's fine."

Liu Lian bowed without being humble or arrogant.

It is also true that Liu Bowen was frugal throughout his life and considered himself a clean person.

But they were really poor. After all, after Liu Bowen's death, Liu Lian could only barely make ends meet with his salary.

Fortunately, Liu Bowen left some favors for us during his lifetime, otherwise these days would have been even more difficult.

"Master Liu has lived a life of integrity and high moral character. I understand that."

"I just feel a little sad. Things have changed and people have changed. Master Liu died of illness not long after the founding of the country. It is really a pity."

Zhu Gang said with some emotion again.

But in fact, Zhu Gang and Liu Bowen did not have much in common, and everyone present understood that this was just polite talk.

But no one would bring it up, including Liu Lian.

"Serve the country with loyalty."

An inexplicable look flashed in Liu Lian's eyes, and he shook his head.

"Master Liu is indeed a loyal and capable minister of the country."

"Even Brother Liu is a talent for the country. If you are relegated to a small seventh-rank official, it would be a bit of a waste of your talent."

Zhu Gang said with a smile on his face.

"It's just a minor talent."

"Your Highness is so complimentary."

Liu Lian still shook his head.

"You mean I was wrong."

Zhu Gang narrowed his eyes and said.

"I dare not, but Liu Lian knows his own weight."

Liu Lian was unsure of Zhu Gang's intention, so he said.

"Alright, let's stop talking nonsense. I'm not very good at socializing, especially dealing with corrupt scholars like you. I don't like to guess, so I'll just say it directly."

"In the early years of the Ming Dynasty, when Your Majesty ascended the throne, you wanted to welcome the Little Ming King to respond to the Heavenly Palace. However, the Little Ming King met with an accident and unfortunately passed away, which was a great sorrow to the country."

"But I originally thought that Liao Yongzhong had misinterpreted your majesty's meaning. It's just that the more I investigate the death of the Little Ming King, the more shocking it becomes."

"The conspiracy behind this makes me feel a little scared."

"Whether it was the civil officials in Jiangnan or the officials in East Zhejiang, or even some of the nobles in Huaixi, they all participated in it."

"So I just want to ask you whether Master Liu, the Earl of Chengyi, was involved in the death of the young King Ming."

"You can tell the truth or not, but you have to understand that Zhejiang East is headed by Liu and his son."

"So even if Master Liu was not involved, if he didn't know about it, I don't believe it, and the court won't believe it either."

"The Qingming Festival of this life will be ruined in an instant."

"After all, whether it is officials from eastern Zhejiang or officials from Jiangnan, they have all served in the Yuan Dynasty, including your father Liu Bowen."

Zhu Gang leaned lazily on the back of the chair and spoke softly.

But as soon as these words were spoken, Liu Lian, who had been sitting steadily on the chair, suddenly trembled all over, but his expression remained the same.

It seems that Liu Bowen really made preparations for both situations, and Liu Lian also knew the conspiracy behind the death of the young Ming King.

"Your Highness, my father was not involved, but he knew about it."

Liu Lian opened his mouth and kowtowed.

"Is this your loyalty to the country, or is this Liu Bowen's order?"

Zhu Gang nodded slightly and asked.

"My father's last words."

Liu Lian did not hide anything and just said it.

(End of this chapter)