Chapter 267 The Kings Enter the Capital
Following His Majesty the Emperor’s order,
The imperial court sent a large number of special envoys to various royal palaces.
According to court rules, all the sons of Emperor Ming, except the prince, were given the title of prince and were hereditary, without descending. The prince's son will be granted the title of prince, and the other sons will be granted the title of county prince. When the prince reaches adulthood, if he cannot become the prince, he will be granted the title of king and then go to the fiefdom to become a vassal, which is called "zhiguo", that is, he will live in his own fiefdom.
The treatment enjoyed by the prince is second to that of the emperor. His palace is large in scale, majestic and resplendent. It is also surrounded by tall city walls and four city gates. The city tower is covered with blue glazed tiles, and the gate is decorated with red lacquer and gold-coated copper nails. It is the epitome of the Forbidden City in Yingtianfu, Nanjing. It is not an exaggeration to say it is a royal palace.
The County Prince's Mansion is a lower level than the Prince's Mansion, and the scale of the building is much smaller. There are a total of 46 custom-made rooms in the mansion, and no excess is allowed. Even so, it is an out-and-out wealthy local family.
Qin Palace, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province.
During the Hongwu period, Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang sent his second son Zhu Fang to Xi'an and granted him the title of King of Qin, known as "the first vassal in the world".
As the head of the vassal kings entrusted to the northern frontier in the early Ming Dynasty, King Qin not only had a high political status, but was also "the richest in the world, with tens of millions of followers". This laid a solid foundation for his palace to be the largest among the vassal princes, and it was known as "The palace city is ten miles away, the city wall is high and thick, and the city river is deep and wide."
Even Admiral Gu Dayong of the West Factory could not help but be secretly frightened when he saw it.
These vassal kings seem to be tigers in cages, but just one palace is enough to rival the Forbidden City.
If His Majesty the Emperor is really prepared to bring the power of the clan into the dynasty and give these clan kings a chance to regain power as rumored, I really don't know whether it is right or wrong.
However, His Majesty the Emperor had given the order, so Gu Dayong did not dare to think too much and could only straighten his back and walked into the Qin Palace.
The first generation King of Qin and the second son of Taizu, Zhu Ping, was famous for his many evil deeds. He built large-scale construction projects in the fiefdom, plundered people's wealth, enslaved soldiers and civilians, and took human life seriously... It can be said that he did so many bad things that he was reprimanded by Emperor Taizu Gao. He is "ignorant of human affairs and as stupid as an animal."
Even after Zhu Xi's death, Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, who still had lingering resentment, ordered that the scale of his funeral be reduced and he was given the posthumous title "Min".
When the country is in trouble, it is called Min (encountering soldiers and bandits); when the people are injured, it is called Min (the harsh government and thieves harm it); when the country is constantly worried, it is called Min (there is still much mourning); when disaster is caused, it is called Min (the country has no government and is prone to chaos). ), there is no doubt that King Min of Qin Zhu Xi can be regarded as a real beast.
However, his descendants have restrained themselves a lot since then, especially the eleventh generation Qin King Zhu Weizhuo, who is a famous young talent.
Zhu Weizhuo was the eldest son of Qin Zhao Wang Zhu Bingcui. His father Qin Zhao Wang Zhu Bingcui passed away in the 14th year of Hongzhi. Since Zhu Weizhuo was only two years old at that time and could not ascend the throne, he was temporarily raised by Liao, the concubine of Qin Jian Wang Zhu Chengyong, and then in the fourth year of Zhengde. Inherited the title.
This eleventh-generation King of Qin had a simple and honest character, was not flashy, and was frugal in his clothing and meals.
In the morning and evening, the province must be respectful and cautious, no matter how big or small, Zhu Weizhuo asks for orders before proceeding, and banquets with the Jin gentry on the first day of the festival. Zhu Weizhuo behaves leisurely and elegantly, does not talk lightly, and all the officials and Jin gentry respect him.
At this moment, Princess Liao, together with Zhu Weizhuo and all the members of the Qin Fan clan, knelt on the ground behind the incense burner, waiting for Gu Dayong to read out the emperor's decree.
Gu Dayong didn't waste any time. He spread out the imperial edict and started chanting it loudly.
The content of the imperial edict is nothing more than His Majesty's feeling that the members of the clan are tired of going to school, but instead rely on their status to commit evil, tormenting the people, causing the imperial court to be immoral and disgraced, so he summoned all the princes to Beijing to hold a clan meeting.
After hearing these words, Zhu Weizhuo subconsciously looked at his nominal grandmother, Princess Liao, who nodded to him.
Zhu Weizhuo was only twelve years old at the moment. Although he was a young and mature man with a stable temperament, he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy when he suddenly encountered such a change.
Fortunately, his grandmother, Princess Liao, gave her a comforting look, so Zhu Weizhuo secretly breathed a sigh of relief and immediately accepted the order to express his gratitude.
After the decree was read out, everyone was very happy.
Zhu Weizhuo immediately held a banquet to thank the court officials who came to announce the decree.
The banquet was full of people drinking and drinking, changing cups and cups, and it was very lively.
While Gu Dayong was eating and drinking, he was also secretly observing Zhu Weizhuo. He found that the King of Qin was indeed as rumored, as humble and courteous as a gentle and jade-like gentleman, which made people feel good about him.
After the banquet was over, everyone dispersed.
However, Zhu Weizhuo tried his best to keep Gu Dayong, the official envoy, and took him to the study.
In the study room, only Princess Liao was waiting, and there was no one else.
Seeing this situation, Gu Dayong roughly guessed what was going on.
Princess Liao didn't waste any time and opened the five brocade boxes on the desk. They were all filled with priceless jade stones, each of which could easily be sold for tens of thousands of taels of silver.
This eunuch is famous for being greedy for money. Because they are physically handicapped, they do not have the ability to be lustful. They can only focus on collecting money to avoid having nothing to rely on when they grow old and leave the palace.
"Gu Dajuan, it is not easy for me to inherit the throne of Prince Qin. Zhuo'er has been cautious for so long and has never done anything that violates the laws."
Princess Liao stood up tremblingly, and then bowed down to the eunuch Gu Dayong.
"Please also ask Gu Dajun to help us out of consideration for our orphans and widowed mothers!"
As soon as she bowed, Zhu Weizhuo immediately fell to his knees on the ground, but it was towards Princess Liao, so it was not considered a humiliation.
But the big move of the grandfather and grandson scared Gu Dayong.
He was just a governor of the Western Factory, an eunuch who was highly valued by His Majesty the Emperor. How could he dare to humiliate the royal family and the princes? If it was publicized, not to mention how others would react, His Majesty the Emperor would definitely skin him alive!
So Gu Dayong immediately stepped forward to help Princess Liao up first, and then helped Zhu Weizhuo up.
"Your Highness, old princess, why is it so?"
"I am just a eunuch, I am not worthy of such a great gift from you two!"
Princess Liao and Zhu Weizhuo looked at each other unwillingly when they heard this, and prepared to do it again.
Gu Dayong felt his scalp tingling when he saw this, and he quickly supported Princess Liao, and then whispered: "Your Majesty is going to bring the royal family into the court to fight against the civil officials and gentry!"
As soon as the voice fell, Gu Dayong quickly retreated, pretending that nothing had happened, and then said goodbye and left.
Princess Liao was stunned and stood there, her eyes were red.
She subconsciously raised her hand, and Zhu Weizhuo immediately stepped forward to support her.
"Grandmother, this... is this true?"
Although Gu Dayong spoke softly just now, Zhu Weizhuo also heard it, or it can be said that Gu Dayong originally said it for Zhu Weizhuo to hear.
Princess Liao slowly sat back on the chair with the support of Zhu Weizhuo, and then suddenly chuckled.
"Hehe, drive away the wolf and swallow the tiger!"
"Our emperor is really wise!"
"Compared to the late emperor, this emperor is full of courage!"
It is true that Princess Liao is just a woman, but she has been in charge of the power of the Qin Palace for so long, and has experienced many storms and waves, and has seen countless tricks. Naturally, she saw through the intention of Emperor Zhu Houzhao at a glance.
What clan children are too tired to go to school and do evil, these are all excuses.
What the emperor really wanted to do was to convene a clan meeting, and then bring clan forces into the court through the exchange of interests to fight against the civil officials and gentry!
"Grandmother, does your majesty really dare to let us take power?"
Zhu Weizhuo was so excited that his face turned red, and even his voice trembled.
He couldn't help but be excited, and there was no reason not to be excited!
The princes can regain power, that is the real royal family!
Instead of being like this now, he is the dignified Qin Wang of the Ming Dynasty, the seventh-generation grandson of Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, and he has to be humble and kneel in front of Gu Dayong, a eunuch, and he has to befriend the officials in the fiefdom!
What kind of royal family is this?
It's just a pig in a pen!
Zhu Weizhuo is still very young, he is only twelve years old now, and his life has just begun!
No one wants to live a desperate life that can be seen at a glance, let alone him, the seventh-generation grandson of Taizu, His Royal Highness the Qin Wang?
Princess Liao looked at Zhu Weizhuo deeply and reminded him: "Zhuo'er, don't be happy too early."
"Drive away the wolf and devour the tiger. Those civil officials and gentry who control the government are wolves, and we, the princes of the royal family, are tigers!"
"No matter who it is, it is His Majesty the Emperor who is using the emperor's mind to gather power, and you are just the soldiers who charge forward for His Majesty the Emperor. Don't you understand the danger?"
Hearing this, Zhu Weizhuo was immediately poured with a basin of cold water, but he was still unwilling.
"Grandmother, are we going to miss this opportunity?"
"Why should we miss it?" Princess Liao sneered: "For the past few decades, civil officials and gentry have controlled the government and have been trying every means to strengthen the restrictions, making the royal family's life more and more difficult!"
"Even if it is for personal revenge, we can't miss this opportunity, not to mention that this is in response to His Majesty's call. With His Majesty's support behind us, there is nothing to worry about. Just fight with these civil officials and gentry, and kill one at a time!"
Princess Liao, an elderly woman, also had a rare murderous intent in her eyes.
"But!"
"Zhuo'er, you must remember that no matter what the situation is, you must not be the first to stand out!"
"My Qin vassal lineage is the number one vassal in the world. No matter when it comes, it has great influence among the royal princes, so Zhuo'er, your attitude as the King of Qin is very important!"
"Don't make promises easily, and don't be easily used by others. No matter what you face, you must think about the problem from the perspective of the royal princes, instead of just focusing on the immediate interests!"
At this point, Princess Liao's eyes also turned red.
"Zhuo'er, grandma is old, and this time I can't accompany you to Beijing. You have to face this turbulent situation alone, and you must be careful in everything!"
Hearing this, Zhu Weizhuo couldn't help it anymore, and fell in front of Princess Liao and cried loudly.
After all, no matter how talented Zhu Weizhuo was in front of outsiders, he was still just a young man after all.
Zhu Weizhuo was raised by Princess Liao since he was young. There is nothing to say about the relationship between the two, which has already surpassed anyone.
Zhu Weizhuo is about to go to Beijing alone this time. Even if Princess Liao is reluctant to leave her grandson, she is not physically fit to endure the fatigue of the journey and may die on the way.
Princess Liao reached out and stroked Zhu Weizhuo's head, unable to hold back her tears.
"Our little Qin King has finally grown up!"
"Then take advantage of this strong wind and fly high!"
The next morning, Zhu Weizhuo bid farewell to Princess Liao again in tears and got on the carriage with uneasiness.
Princess Liao walked to Gu Dayong with a cane and bowed again tremblingly.
"Gu Dajuan, Zhuo'er is in Beijing, please Dajuan to take care of you!"
Gu Dayong immediately helped the old man up and made various guarantees.
There was no way, after he woke up this morning, there were ten more brocade boxes in the room.
As the saying goes, eating people with short mouths and taking advantage of others is short-handed. Gu Dayong thought about Zhu Weizhuo and tortured a half-year-old child. It was really distressing to go to Beijing alone, and it was reasonable to take more care of him.
Soon the team set off to the capital of the Ming Dynasty.
Princess Liao watched her grandson leave, unwilling to move for a long time.
"Zhuo'er, whether this time is a blessing or a curse, it all depends on your own luck."
At the same time, Nanchang, Jiangxi.
Dongchang Admiral Qiu Ju looked at Ning Palace in front of him, feeling a little uneasy in his heart.
This uneasiness stems from the grievances between the Ning Fan lineage and the imperial family.
After the great ancestor Zhu Yuanzhang established the Ming Dynasty, in order to consolidate the rule of the Zhu Ming Dynasty, he enfeoffed his children and divided the country into vassals.
According to the enfeoffment system of the Ming Dynasty, the prince was granted the title of prince and received a fortune of ten thousand stones per year.
The royal palace has officials and subordinates to handle various affairs, crowns and clothing, cars, flags and residences, second only to the emperor.
Although these vassal kings in the early Ming Dynasty "distributed confederations without paying homage to them, held noble titles without visiting the people, and lived with salaries but did not govern affairs," their status was extremely noble. "Rites", kings in their fiefdoms had no responsibility to govern the people, but they had the power to command the army.
Each royal palace is equipped with a bodyguard of 3,000 to nearly 20,000 people, and the mobilization of local garrison requires a prince's order.
These vassal kings in the early Ming Dynasty were actually representatives of the emperor's monitoring of local military power, and each kingdom became a military center.
For example, Zhu Quan, the first generation king of Ning, owned the vassal territory of Daning. Daning was located outside Xifengkou and belonged to the ancient Huizhou area. It was connected to Liaozuo in the east and Xuanfu in the west. It was a large town.
Zhu Quan had 80,000 armored soldiers and 6,000 chariots. The three Duoyan cavalrymen he belonged to were all brave and good at fighting. In addition, Zhu Quan also joined other kings to fight on many occasions. He was known for his good strategy and was called the most powerful vassal king in the early Ming Dynasty.
However, during the Battle of Jingnan, Zhu Quan was coerced by Emperor Taizong Zhu Di and raised his troops. All his troops were defeated by the Yan army, and Daning became an empty city.
After Zhu Quan joined the Yan army, he often drafted appeals to Emperor Taizong. Emperor Taizong promised Zhu Quan that when the matter was accomplished, the world would be divided equally.
As a result, Emperor Taizong was naturally unable to fulfill his promise afterwards. Instead of dividing the world equally with Zhu Quan, he gave Zhu Quan's original fiefdom of Daning to Duoyan Sanwei because he moved the capital to Beijing, and moved King Ning to Nanchang, Jiangxi.
This is the first grudge between the imperial family Tianjia and Ning Fan.
Then during the reign of Tianshun, the reigning King Ning was implicated in a rebellion and was deprived of the right to maintain royal guards, and was never restored.
This is the second grudge.
The grievances between the Ning Fan family and the imperial family are nothing to talk about. After all, anyone with a discerning eye knows that these vassal kings of the Ming Dynasty have already become wastes waiting to die after Emperor Taizong Wen reduced their vassals.
However, the contemporary King of Ning, Zhu Chenhao, was not a peaceful master. He had been secretly colluding with the courtiers to raise dead soldiers. This was a plan for rebellion!
Moreover, when Liu Jin was in power not long ago, Zhu Chenhao sent an eunuch from his palace to the capital with a huge private gift for Liu Jin.
The eunuch tried his best to convey the gift and conveyed King Ning's wish to have a guard and maintain the income of the restored guard. Liu Jin, an eunuch, agreed. Despite the objections of the Ministry of War, King Ning's guard was restored.
So Qiu Ju is in a panic now. He is really afraid that an ambitious person like Zhu Chenhao will kill people directly!
Fortunately, Prince Ning Zhu Chenhao was still on the surface, kneeling on the ground behind the incense table to respectfully receive the order.
When the banquet was over, Zhu Chenhao immediately summoned his confidants in the secret room, and then couldn't stop laughing wildly.
"Hahaha……"
"God is really helping me!"
"The emperor actually wants to bring the clan into the dynasty and regain power!"
Zhu Chenhao naturally has reason to be happy, and he also has the right to be happy!
As long as the emperor lifts the ban on vassalage, Zhu Chenhao will have plenty of opportunities to cultivate party members until he completely overthrows the current Zhengde court!
His confidant Liu Yangzheng put forward a different opinion and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, this is indeed an opportunity to regain power, but once the Prince goes to the capital, there will be hidden dangers to our great cause."
That is the capital of the Ming Dynasty!
At the feet of the true emperor!
If Zhu Chenhao went to the capital, wouldn't it be equivalent to throwing himself into a trap?
Do you really think that those people from Jinyiwei and Dongchang and Xichang are just for a living?
They are plotting a rebellion in the capital, and the strength of the soldiers of the Beijing army is astonishing. Let alone their little protection, even if it doubles again, they will be bloody suppressed by the soldiers of the Beijing army!
The Marquis of Zhongshan in the Ming Dynasty was not a simple person!
Zhu Chenhao couldn't help but frown, this was a big trouble.
If he really went to the capital, what should he do with the Nanchang foundation?
Furthermore, the soldiers of the Beijing army commanded by Zhongshan Hou are an insurmountable obstacle!
Anyone who dares to cause trouble in the capital will only die!
Another confidant, Wang Lun, said: "Actually, we don't have to worry about this, because it is unlikely to happen."
"Your Majesty is just summoning all the kings to the capital to hold a clan meeting. Even if your Majesty really wants to bring the vassal king's clan into the court, there is a high probability that this candidate will not fall on the prince!"
"In addition, even if we take a step back and say that the prince is really chosen to stay in the court, it will be more beneficial than harmful. It can help us win over the court officials and cultivate party members. As for Nanchang, we can leave the prince to cooperate in the uprising!"
After a pause, Wang Lun put forward the most critical point.
"The key lies in the Beijing army led by the Marquis of Zhongshan!"
"If the prince can win over the Marquis of Zhongshan to our side, then... the great cause will be accomplished!"
When everyone heard this, their expressions were lifted!
If the Marquis of Zhongshan can join in, it will be a great joy!
Zhu Chenhao nodded, and was quite satisfied with the strategies of these counselors.
Then they discussed for a long time and finalized many details.
The next morning, Zhu Chenhao, with his trusted counselor Liu Yangzheng and dozens of carts of gold, silver and jewelry, officially set out on the road to Beijing!