Chapter 83: Let’s drink from the golden cup together, but we won’t spare you the sword.

As soon as these words were spoken, many nobles trembled again.

After all, no matter how stupid they were, they could understand that although Zhu Biao's words were gentle and mellow at this moment, they could also see the coldness in his eyes!

So Zhu Biao in front of him was really angry!
But can you, Zhu Biao, tell me directly what big mistake they have made?
Am I still trying to guess what you’re thinking?
The thoughts of you two little foxes are almost catching up with your father. How can anyone guess that?

Aren't you making things difficult for these rough guys?

As I was thinking, I was filled with resentment.

"My uncles, how does the court treat you?"

After he finished speaking, Zhu Gang stood up slowly, holding the wine glass in his hand, and walked to the side of Guo Xing, Marquis of Gongchang. He then placed his other hand gently on Guo Xing's shoulder and spoke softly.

"Has the court ever neglected the founding heroes for a moment, or forgotten your contributions?"

Zhu Biao followed closely behind, still asking in a gentle tone.

What the hell!

When these words were heard, the nobles of Huaixi could not help but feel a chill in their hearts, and beads of sweat oozed out of their foreheads.

The blade hidden beneath these gentle words was so sharp that even a three-year-old child could smell the biting chill in them, not to mention these old ministers who had seen many storms.

The implication of this statement was clearly that they were accusing the Huaixi nobles of being arrogant due to their merits, being dissatisfied with the court's rewards, and even questioning Zhu Yuanzhang's authority as an emperor.

Once such a accusation is made, the Huaixi nobles will have no way to defend themselves and will be blamed for their crimes even if they die!

"Your Highness, Crown Prince, Your Highness, Prince of Jin, we are grateful to the court and are loyal to Your Majesty. We would never dare to overstep our authority in the slightest!"

Upon hearing this, all the nobles stood up, their faces showing panic, and they hurriedly expressed their loyalty, their tone full of urgency.

As for Gongchang Hou Guo Xing, who was being held down by Zhu Gang on the shoulders, he felt his shoulders sink and was unable to get up. He immediately looked up at Zhu Gang, whose expression remained the same, with horror in his heart.

Is this Chang Yuchun’s disciple, the King of Jin Zhu Gang who roamed the grassland?
And at such a young age, he has already developed such terrifying strength that Guo Xing had no power to resist. It's really terrifying.

"Serious words."

In response, Zhu Biao still waved his hand gently.

"Marquis Gongchang, I want to ask you something. How much land did you get when His Majesty awarded you land in the past? How much is it now? How much is it recorded in the account books of the Ministry of Revenue?"

Different from Zhu Biao's gentleness, Zhu Gang gently placed the wine cup in front of Guo Xing and looked at him playfully.

At this moment, the truth is revealed!

The pupils of the Huaixi nobles suddenly contracted as they suddenly realized!
Gongchang Hou Guo Xing's face was even paler!
And they finally understood why Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao held the Hongmen Banquet.

It’s because they secretly withheld the amount of land in the early years of Hongwu, and now the truth can no longer be hidden!

"Your Highness, Prince Jin, I am guilty!"

Upon hearing this, the Huaixi nobles almost bowed down at the same time and unanimously admitted their mistakes. Only Guo Xing was still firmly held down by Zhu Gang's gesture and could not move.

At this moment, any amount of excuses are in vain. Only by admitting guilt can there be hope for recovery.

After all, no matter how stupid they were, they understood that Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao held a banquet in Jinxiu Pavilion, which meant that they did not report the matter to the higher-ups, but instead saved face for them, their uncles.

Otherwise, the thunder, lightning, rain and dew in Fengtian Palace today are all the grace of the emperor!
Furthermore, the Huaixi nobles' private occupation of civilian land had already angered Zhu Yuanzhang, who was even more dissatisfied with their actions. Therefore, if this matter were presented directly to the emperor, the consequences would be even more disastrous.

"In the early years of Hongwu, the crime you committed was to seize the land of the common people, even though the servants were breaking the law."

"The emperor appreciates your contributions in the past and does not delve into the past."

"However, today you have openly defied the imperial order and secretly tampered with the number of acres of land. I really don't understand. Isn't the reward given to you by the court enough?"

Zhu Biao said in a deep voice, each word clearly: "How dare you come here and change the land inspection results without authorization?"

Having said this, Zhu Biao's face was as solemn as iron, and his eyes were as sharp as torches. He glanced coldly at the Huaixi nobles present, and his gaze revealed a chilling chill.

Upon hearing this, all the Huaixi nobles present felt an indescribable chill.

"Everyone, this kindness will be fulfilled."

Just as the Huaixi nobles were trembling, Zhu Gang's faint voice sounded again.

As soon as these words were spoken, the Huaixi nobles' brows frowned again, and they lowered their heads in shame.

"After all, there is no favor that can never be repaid in this world."

"Think about it again. You have served His Majesty well and you also love us. So it is not too much to say that we should protect each other."

"But how many times can I save my uncles for this meritorious service to pay off?"

"When will you think about His Majesty? When will you think about the people of Ming Dynasty?"

"Or do you want to keep putting us in a dilemma, Your Majesty?"

Immediately afterwards, Zhu Biao's leisurely sighing voice was heard again.

In response to this, the Huaixi nobles lowered their heads again, with mixed feelings in their hearts.

In particular, the words of Zhu Biao and Zhu Gang were like heavy hammers, hitting their hearts again and again, leaving them with nothing but fear and shame.

After all, although Zhu Yuanzhang was known for his strictness towards his court officials, his salary system also tended to be tight to prevent corruption from eroding the country's foundation.

But to the meritorious officials of Huaixi, he was extremely generous. He gave them wealth, honor, high positions and high salaries. How could he ever treat the meritorious officials of Huaixi unfairly?

This is not an exaggeration. The Huaixi nobles hold several positions and their annual salaries are the highest in the Ming Dynasty except for the royal family!
Not to mention that they could only have enough to eat three meals a day, the nobles of Huaixi could have as much luxury as possible, which was enough to make them rich for the rest of their lives.

"I remember that none of my uncles were born into a wealthy family, right?"

At this moment, Zhu Gang's voice sounded again.

Upon hearing this, the Huaixi nobles remained silent, but that did not mean they did not understand Zhu Gang's meaning.

"I started from humble beginnings, and came from humble origins. If I couldn't survive, who would have the heart to rebel?"

"Let's talk about your Majesty, for example. If your Majesty could have had enough to eat during the chaotic times, how could there be the Hongwu Emperor today?"

"And all of you uncles followed Your Majesty and experienced the hardships of the battlefield to gain the power and wealth you have today. Why can't you think about it?"

"What is the difference between you today and the gentry at the end of the Yuan Dynasty who oppressed you in the past?"

But even though the Huaixi nobles remained silent, Zhu Gang did not want to let them go. He continued to ask, "Could it be that you uncles still want to train a group of ministers who will establish the country and follow the emperor?"

As soon as these words came out, it was like a thunderclap, piercing through the silent air and shaking the hearts of every Huaixi noble. They looked at each other, their hearts surging.

At this moment, the precarious battlefield experiences, the life and death experiences among their comrades, and Zhu Yuanzhang’s grace in promoting them in the past seemed to be replaying themselves in real time, making them clench their fists even more.

As Zhu Gang said, why did they rebel?

It's because of the heavy taxes and levies that they have no way to make a living, so they are risking their lives to rebel!

Just like the saying, "The sky is high and the emperor is far away, the people are few and the officials are many, if you are beaten three times a day, how can you not fight back!" But what is the difference between today's Huaixi nobles and the lawless gentry of the past?

Thinking of this, all the nobles present sighed.

"My uncles, do you still remember that when you and His Majesty shared hardships in the past, what you were indignant about were those high-ranking officials and nobles who ignored the suffering of the people and abused their power."

"Now that the foundation of our Ming Dynasty has been established, if we do not consider the people's livelihood and go back to the old ways, wouldn't that chill the hearts of the people and betray the original intention of the uprising?"

"But what I said today is not to ask you uncles to be hard on yourselves, but to hope that you can remember your roots and never forget your original intentions. As the pillars of the country, you should think about how to stabilize the country and benefit the people, rather than just indulge in personal glory."

"After all, you uncles, you are already in high positions. You should be more cautious in what you say and do, set an example, and let the people of the world see that the Ming Dynasty is different from the previous dynasties. This is a dynasty where people can live and work in peace and where heroes can be used."

"So don't let greed blind your eyes and forget how you have come to where you are today from humble beginnings. You must also know that the people's hearts are the foundation of a country. Those who lose the people's hearts will eventually lose the country."

Zhu Biao gathered his thoughts in silence, took a deep breath, and finally calmed down his inner turmoil. He then slowly stood up and said.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince and Your Highness the Prince of Jin have taught us today. We will remember your teachings today and swear to put state affairs first and live up to the emperor's grace and Your Highness' high expectations!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Huaixi nobles responded in unison, but the stone in their hearts finally fell to the ground.

The implication is that one must restrain one's moral behavior in the future to avoid getting into trouble.

What I say today is a small punishment but a big warning, and it can serve as a warning to avoid making mistakes.

"My uncles, I won't say nice things a second time."

"Your Majesty's kindness to you is His Majesty's kindness to you."

"But this world changes with the times, so you must understand that neither His Royal Highness the Crown Prince nor I, the King, are merciful or soft-hearted."

After saying this, Zhu Gang patted Guo Xing's shoulder gently again, with a meaningful smile on his face.

Behind this seemingly intimate action, there is actually an invisible oppression and coldness.

"I hope you uncles will remember today's talk, and don't let today's teachings become tomorrow's regrets."

Zhu Biao spoke again, but it was also a final warning to the Huaixi nobles.

After these words, the atmosphere on the second floor of Jinxiu Pavilion became extremely solemn.

The Huaixi nobles looked at each other in bewilderment, and everyone's face was filled with complex emotions: astonishment, uneasiness, fear and shame.

Cold sweat quietly slid down their foreheads and dripped onto the floor tiles, making a subtle but clear sound, as if it was the echo of the trembling deep in their hearts.

After all, facing such a heavy shock, who would not be afraid? Everyone couldn't help but tremble again, and an invisible pressure made their knees become unusually heavy.

"dong dong dong"

"We, your Highness, will follow your instructions and change our ways to show our loyalty!"

Afterwards, a continuous kowtow sounded, and the heads of the Huaixi nobles touched the ground, making a dull sound, which was a fear of the imperial power.

As for Zhu Biao and Zhu Gang, they were still standing quietly, examining the group of uncles and aunts below with sharp eyes, and a barely perceptible glimmer of satisfaction flashed in their eyes.

In the past, although Zhu Yuanzhang had cracked down on the Huaixi nobles many times, his efforts were obviously insufficient, causing the Huaixi nobles to remain arrogant and domineering.

However, after today, these Huaixi nobles should be more restrained.

After all, Zhu Gang and Zhu Biao have already made it clear that Zhu Yuanzhang can indulge you, but they two brothers will not.

So either you have to keep your tail between your legs or wait for the butcher knives of these two brothers.

As for Crown Prince Zhu Biao, Huaixi could still hold out hope, but who would dare to hold out hope when facing Prince of Jin Zhu Gang?
"Tomorrow morning, I hope to see your memorial of apology."

Then, Zhu Biao took another slow step forward and spoke.

"I obey!"

Hearing this, they were shocked again, but they had no room for rebuttal, so they kowtowed heavily again.

"You will drink from a golden cup together, but you will not forgive me with a white blade."

"My uncles, I hope this is the last time."

Zhu Gang slowly picked up the wine cup and drank it all in one gulp.

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

The Huaixi nobles of course understood what Zhu Gang meant, so they stood up in a hurry, picked up the wine cup in front of them, and drank it all in one gulp.

"The money for the wine and food has already been paid. I hope you uncles will drink slowly and enjoy the food and take care of yourselves." Zhu Biao's tone was calm and indifferent.

After he finished speaking, Zhu Biao gently picked up the wine cup in front of him, tilted his head back, and poured all the wine in the cup into his throat. His movements were quick and decisive, without any hesitation.

Afterwards, Zhu Biao put down the wine cup, a sharp look flashed in his black eyes, and without stopping for too long, he strode out of Jinxiu Pavilion.

"After eating."

Zhu Gang stretched out his fingers and tapped lightly on the table twice. The crisp sound echoed in the quiet hall, as if it was a final warning.

After saying this, Zhu Gang did not stay for too long. He turned around, followed Zhu Biao with big strides, and left Jinxiu Pavilion.

Only a group of nobles were left in the room, with mixed feelings in their hearts, pondering the meaning of the words and the echoes, unable to calm down for a long time.

“This is not a meal.”

Guo Xing, the Marquis of Gongchang, picked up the chopsticks in front of him and picked up the delicacy with a bitter expression, but it was not as crispy as before. The taste left in his mouth was bitter and bitter.

"Be prepared to plead guilty."

Ji'an Marquis Lu Zhongheng also picked up his chopsticks and sighed softly.

"This really offends the superiors. Brothers, let's eat."

Tang Shengzong, Marquis of Yan'an, looked at the delicious food in front of him and shook his head again, saying, "I hope this is not the last meal."

"If you stay within your means, it won't be your last meal."

Mei Sizu, Marquis of Runan, also said with a complicated look.

"After this round of beating, I hope they can really behave themselves."

Zhu Biao sat back in the carriage, looked at Zhu Gang who got on the carriage from behind, and sighed again.

"Just because they don't want to think doesn't mean they're not smart."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gang waved his hand and smiled, "Besides, the meaning is already very simple, so it will always make them restrain their moral behavior."

"Those who understand live, those who are confused die."

Zhu Biao gently lifted the curtain of the carriage and murmured softly, "But the people of this world can't stand their torment."

The words spread, and the murderous intent was endless!
(End of this chapter)