Chapter 207: Duke Cao's Mansion recalls the glorious past, first meeting Liu Chen, King Jin is eager to seek talents
Zhu Biao said meaningfully: "Dad has vigorously developed the Jinyiwei and closely monitored all officials.

If anyone said anything, even in his own home, he would know it immediately the next day.

In the whole world, only you, the Third Brother, the Prince of Jin, would dare to make up stories about my father like this."

Zhu Gang knew very well that the atmosphere of terror and suspicion always shrouded the court of the Hongwu Dynasty.

It even spread inside and outside the palace. The cavalry commander Guo Decheng was Guo Ying's younger brother.

Because his sister served in the inner palace, she was allowed to enter and leave the palace.

Once Guo Decheng entered the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang gave him two ingots of gold.

This should be a good thing, but Lao Zhu, who doesn't follow the beaten path, added a very mysterious sentence, "Don't let others know."

So when Guo Decheng left the palace, he pretended to be drunk and took off his boots, revealing the gold.

Why do you do that?

Guo Decheng later explained, "The palace gates are heavily guarded. If I really took the gold out secretly, wouldn't that be the same as stealing?
If the people guarding the palace gate didn't notice it, then they would be in trouble.

More importantly, your majesty's intention in saying this may be to test whether the guards at the palace gate are qualified."

Zhu Yuanzhang's true intentions were not revealed later, perhaps because Guo Decheng's approach achieved the best of both worlds.

Perhaps Zhu Yuanzhang just said it casually, but it was enough to make a royal relative so cautious, which shows how depressing the atmosphere was in the ninth year of Hongwu.

“Since ancient times, it has been more difficult to guard against the people’s mouths than to guard against rivers.

Even if the civil and military officials and the common people do not speak out, history will pass these things down to future generations."

Zhu Gang clearly remembered that this incident concerning the Xiong family was recorded in "Events at the Beginning of the Country".

The author of this book is Liu Chen, who was recommended by Li Jinglong to compile "Taizu Shilu" at the beginning of Yongle period.

At the beginning of Zhu Yuanzhang's uprising, he was the King of Wu's secretary.

Later, he joined Li Wenzhong's court and was promoted to Censor during the Jianwen period.

Finally, during the Yongle period, Liu Chen was promoted to the position of Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice in Beijing. In a sense, he could be considered a veteran of three dynasties.

When Zhu Gang thought that such a talented person would remain in obscurity for many years, he couldn't help but want to go to Duke Cao's mansion immediately to ask for him.

After sharing this idea with Zhu Biao, the two of them quickly went to Duke Cao's mansion in the name of visiting Li Zhen.

"Old minister Li Zhen greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin."

Seeing that Li Zhen was even weaker than before, Zhu Biao hurried forward and helped her to a chair.

"You are my father's brother-in-law, and my uncle and that of Prince Jin, so there is no need to be so polite.

We came here to visit my uncle on behalf of our father, and to discuss some official business with Wen Zhong."

Li Zhen turned her head and looked at Zhu Gang who was standing not far away.

“I have a feeling that my body may not last another two years.

In the past, I grew up in the countryside, working diligently in farming and harvesting.

I only knew how to earn a living through my own labor, how could I have imagined that I would have such honor and glory today?
Now that I am over 70 years old, I have no regrets in my life. ”

Zhu Gang walked up to Li Zhen and said with emotion: "In the 25th year of Zhizheng, Zhang Shicheng sent his troops to invade Yanzhou and Zhuji from Wushi Mountain.

After two months of no relief, the people of Yanzhou were in a state of panic.

My uncle felt uneasy, so he took charge of military affairs and ordered Li Wenzhong to lead the troops to defeat them.

It was back in six days, and people depended on you to settle down.

In the 26th year of Zhizheng, my father sent a large army to pacify Liangzhe and ordered Li Wenzhong to lead his troops by land and sea to capture Hangzhou.

It was my uncle who took charge of military affairs again, and the army set out from Tonglu.

The soldiers guarding the checkpoint were captured and sent to Yanzhou.

However, when the captives arrived in Yanzhou, they saw that the elite soldiers in the city had set out, and they secretly had the idea of ​​treason. It was their uncle who noticed this and pretended to give them a banquet to reward them.

After these captives who attempted to rebel got drunk, you had them captured and sent to the capital with torture instruments.

Until now, my father still says, 'Li Wenzhong's army is invincible and there is no place they cannot conquer. Isn't this the result of your good teaching as a father?'

Zhu Biao also patted Li Zhen on the shoulder and said with emotion: "I remember that the situation was very critical at that time. Our army was trapped in the city for several months and our food and grass were almost exhausted.

Just when everyone was at a loss, Wen Zhong led an army to raid the enemy camp and defeated them.

That battle was extremely thrilling!"

Li Zhen nodded, a hint of pride flashing in her eyes.

He turned and looked into the distance, as if he could see the thrilling battle that year.

"Wen Zhong is not only brave and good at fighting, but also resourceful.

His decisions on the battlefield often play a crucial role."

Zhu Gang recalled: "Sometimes I really feel that he is not like my cousin, but more like a veteran who has been through many battles."

Li Zhen smiled and said, "It is all because of your majesty's good teaching that Wen Zhong can achieve such success."

Zhu Biao laughed and said, "Dad is just providing him with a platform to display his talents.

Wen Zhong’s talent and hard work are the key to victory.”

Li Zhen nodded in agreement, feeling proud of his son.

This young general, with his outstanding military talent and wisdom, has become a shining star in the Ming army.

Zhu Biao continued, “I still remember that the enemy surrounded the city and tried to trap us to death.

It was Wen Zhong who led the army to fight bravely and finally succeeded in breaking the siege.

His courage and determination amazed everyone.”

Zhu Gang echoed, “Yes, Wen Zhong can always display amazing fighting power at critical moments.

His presence makes the enemy tremble with fear."

Li Zhen smiled and added: "Wen Zhong's military exploits were outstanding. He not only made great contributions to the country, but also brought peace to the people.

His heroic deeds will be remembered forever.”

The three of them fell into a brief silence, recalling Li Wenzhong's past achievements.

They knew very well that it was because of generals like Li Wenzhong that the Ming Dynasty prospered.

Li Wenzhong, who rushed over after hearing the news, was a little overwhelmed when he heard that the Crown Prince and Prince of Jin actually praised him so much.

Fortunately, it didn't take long for Li Zhen to notice the existence of her son.

"The Crown Prince and His Royal Highness Prince Jin are both here, why don't you come over and pay your respects?"

Li Wenzhong reacted quickly and walked in with one of his staff members to pay his respects.

"Your Highness, Li Wenzhong, greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin."

"Student Liu Chen greets His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin."

Zhu Gang walked quickly to Liu Chen and said, "It's really like searching for something in vain, but now it's easy to find.

I have something for you to do, are you willing?"

Liu Chen didn't expect that he would be appreciated by King Jin the first time he met him.

But now that he is Li Wenzhong's aide, some things require his approval.

(End of this chapter)