Chapter 21: Fourth Uncle, I need a favor from you.

The next morning, Li Jinglong, Li Zengzhi, Xu Zengshou, and others gathered at the training ground, mustering a force of three thousand soldiers.

Zhu Yunwen, along with several kings and ministers, personally bid them farewell, delivering a passionate speech titled “Protecting Our Mountains and Seas in Eternal Tranquility,” which ignited the fiery enthusiasm of Zhu Di, the King of Ning, Xu Huizu, and others.

Everyone initially thought that Li Jinglong would be dispirited and passive in his resistance, considering they were heading to Guangzhou. Not only was the journey long and arduous, but the place itself was also backward and far from being as prosperous as the capital. Going there to fight was not much different from being exiled.

However, no one expected Li Jinglong to be in high spirits, displaying a resolute and heroic demeanor, without a hint of complaint or despair. He made a solemn vow to “eliminate the pirates and never return until justice is served,” and advised the emperor to “eat well, sleep well, and enjoy life” while awaiting his triumphant news. With a big laugh, he led his troops and charged out of Zhengyang Gate.

Xu Huizu, puzzled by this turn of events, glanced at Zhu Yunwen and then averted his gaze.

Regarding Xu Zengshou’s inclusion in the expeditionary force, Zhu Yunwen’s explanation was that Xu Zengshou would serve as his representative to supervise Li Jinglong. In the event of any misconduct by Li Jinglong, Xu Zengshou would secretly report it.

Xu Huizu did not fully accept this explanation. It was clear to him that the emperor was intentionally transferring influential figures associated with the King of Yan away from the capital to weaken his power.

Since the emperor did not explicitly state his intentions, Xu Huizu did not dare to inquire further.

After all, he was Xu Zengshou’s elder brother. If the emperor regarded Xu Zengshou as Zhu Di’s loyalist, how would he view Xu Huizu?

In the following days, Zhu Yunwen focused his attention on the New Military policy, personally participating in their training and the implementation of related policies. Xu Huizu, Tie Xuan, Xie Jin, and others constantly engaged in these efforts, refining the policies and training methods of the New Military.

On August 4th, Zhu Yunwen promoted Song Cheng, the Deputy Commander of the Central Army Commandery, to the position of Right Commander of the Central Army Commandery, acknowledging his meritorious service in defending the region of Xiliang. He was granted the title General of Pacifying Qiang and instructed to participate in the training of the new army.

On the 5th, Liaodong’s Commander in Chief, Yang Wen was granted the title of Marquis of Dong Yuan, defending Liaodong.

On the 6th, Transfer Deputy Commander of the Qiyang Guard, Xu Zhong, to Guizhou, assuming control over the local chieftain.

On the 7th, Transfer Deputy Commander of North Zhili, Chen Heng, to Fujian, stationed along the coastal areas.

Over the course of several consecutive days, Zhu Yunwen either appointed or transferred a group of military commanders. Upon closer observation of the map, one would notice that these individuals were either heading toward Zhu Di or were a consequence of Zhu Di’s actions.

Taking advantage of Zhu Di’s presence in the capital, Zhu Yunwen laid out a large-scale plan. From Liaodong to Datong, from the southern border to Shandong, and from Beiping Prefecture to Shanhai Pass, Kaiping, a total of four hundred thousand troops were deployed, effectively sealing off Beiping.

Zhu Di, of course, was well aware of Zhu Yunwen’s series of movements. However, he was powerless to do anything and could only watch as Zhu Yunwen repeatedly made strategic maneuvers, placing formidable individuals within his area.

Zhu Di understood that Zhu Yunwen was not taking action; he was waiting for Zhu Di to fully submit himself. However, Zhu Di was not willing to give up so easily.

The period of mourning had finally come to an end.

Zhu Yunwen focused on two key areas: reforming the New Army and improving the livelihood of the people. He rectified the wrongful imprisonments during the Hongwu era, provided compensation to those who deserved it, recalled officials who were wrongly dismissed, and reduced taxes in regions such as Guangxi and Guizhou.

These measures not only won the support of the people but also alleviated tensions within the empire, maintaining a relatively stable situation.

To the surprise of the court, Zhu Yunwen never showed any intention of abolishing the feudal fiefs. He didn’t even mention it. Instead, he occasionally invited some kings into the palace for casual conversations, establishing a rather intimate relationship.

On the other hand, Zhu Di remained mostly within the King of Yan’s Mansion and rarely ventured outside.

On this particular day, Zhu Di was engrossed in studying military strategy when he suddenly heard Qiu Fu’s loud voice shouting outside, “I Greet Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!”

Zhu Di was startled. Zhu Yunwen had personally come to the King of Yan’s mansion?

“Rise.”

Zhu Yunwen, dressed in his regular attire, was accompanied by Shuangxi, Liu Changge, and Xu Huizu.

Zhu Di hurriedly opened the door and saw Zhu Yunwen’s warm and amicable expression. He wanted to perform a grand gesture of respect but was lifted up by Zhu Yunwen, who said, “Fourth Uncle, today I come as a family member, not as an emperor.”

“Good, good, good.”

Zhu Di repeated “good” three times and gestured for Zhu Yunwen to take a seat, saying, “Please take a seat, Your Majesty. Qiu Fu, serve the tea.”

Zhu Yunwen stepped into the study, walked to the desk, and picked up “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. He read softly, “Those skilled in warfare can shape the momentum of their forces, much like rolling a round stone down from a thousand-foot mountain. It is all about the momentum. I have heard that Fourth Uncle excels in the application of military momentum.”

Zhu Di was secretly alarmed upon hearing this but quickly responded, “Not at all, I am merely executing the strategies of the Great Ancestor.”

Zhu Yunwen shook his head slightly and said, “In the twenty-third year of the Hongwu reign, Fourth Uncle led his troops out of the Great Wall at Gubeikou^[1]Gubeikou Town (simplified Chinese: 古北口镇; traditional Chinese: 古北口鎮; pinyin: Gǔběikǒu Zhèn) is a town of Miyun District in … Continue reading and learned that Nayir Bukha and others were stationed in Yidu. Coincidentally, heavy snowfall occurred. Fourth Uncle, without hesitation, took advantage of the snow and launched a surprise attack on their camp, catching them off guard, just like that round stone rolling down from a thousand-foot mountain.”

“However, Fourth Uncle did not launch a sudden attack to kill Nai Er Bu Hua. Instead, employ tactics to force surrender, utilizing strategies that compelled Nayir Bukha to submit. Without expending much manpower or resources, Fourth Uncle successfully captured tens of thousands of their troops and hundreds of thousands of livestock. It was a great triumph.”

“I have thought more than once that if the day comes when we, uncle and nephew, face each other, Will I be more than just a one-time general in front of you?”

Zhu Di was startled, his soul almost ready to flee.

The Emperor could say such words, isn’t it like directly saying he wants to rebel? Let’s meet each other on the battlefield one day?

“I would rather die a thousand deaths than be an enemy of Your Majesty!”

Zhu Di had no choice but to bow his head and declare hastily, “I was granted the title of King of Yan, defending Beiping prefecture, by the will of Taizu, solely to safeguard the northern borders. I have no personal motives, and I dare not be your enemy. If Your Majesty does not retract these words, I will take my own life here today!”

Zhu Yunwen looked at the trembling Zhu Di, then he paused and burst into laughter, saying, “Uncle, I was merely making metaphorical speculation, just a flight of imagination. It does not imply any doubt about your loyalty, so there is no need to panic like this.”

Zhu Di’s forehead was covered in a cold sweat.

Damn it, you said it out loud, and yet you expect me not to panic?

Who speaks so directly like you?

My poor heart!

“Very well, I take back what I said.”

Seeing that Zhu Di was truly fearful, Zhu Yunwen spoke up.

Just as Zhu Di breathed a sigh of relief, Zhu Yunwen suddenly became serious and asked, “Do you truly have sincere intentions towards me, Fourth Uncle?”

“As clear as the heavens and the earth!” Zhu Di quickly responded.

Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly and said to Zhu Di, “Then, may I ask Fourth Uncle for a favor? I wonder if it would be possible?”

Zhu Di narrowed his eyes slightly, feeling uneasy, and asked, “May I know what kind of favor Your Majesty is seeking?”

Zhu Yunwen smiled lightly and said, “The Empress Dowager is deeply devoted to Buddhism, and I have heard of a monk named Dao Yan in the Qing Shou Monastery who is well-versed in Buddhist teachings. I would like to invite him to the capital. Fourth Uncle, would you be willing to grant this request?”

Zhu Di looked at Zhu Yunwen in astonishment.

Dao Yan is his trusted adviser and plays a crucial role in many important decisions. If Zhu Yunwen takes Dao Yan away, Zhu Di will be left unable to make any progress. In the future, he won’t have anyone suitable to discuss important matters with!

This move is cutting off the roots!

It’s too ruthless!

But what troubles Zhu Di the most is the hidden meaning behind Zhu Yunwen’s words!

At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang believed that Buddhism had a negative influence on governance, so he established the “Charity Temple (善世院)” to oversee the management of monks and nuns throughout the country.

In the fifteenth year of the Hongwu reign, Zhu Yuanzhang abolished the Charity Temple and established the Central Buddhist registry (僧录司) and Central Daoist registry (道录司). The Central Buddshit Registry became the highest institution responsible for the management of Buddhist monks under a central authority.

At the level of the prefecture(府), there was the Bureau of Monastic Affairs.

At the level of the departments(州)^[2]TL’s note: I used department to differentiate 府 and 州 because both have the same translation), there was the Bureau of Monastic Supervision. At the county(县)level, there was the Bureau of … Continue reading!”

“Zheng He?” Zhu Di was stunned.

In his memory, there is no such name. 

But judging from the Emperor’s expectant gaze, it doesn’t seem like a joke. 

“Your Majesty, I’m sorry, but I truly can’t recall who Zheng He is.” 

Zhu Di looked at Zhu Yunwen with bewilderment. 

Zhu Yunwen was taken aback. Could it be that he remember it wrong?

It shouldn’t be like this. During Zhu Di’s reign, Zheng He made seven voyages to the West, initially with the mission of searching for the escaped Emperor Jianwen overseas, but later evolving into trade, diplomacy, and political activities. 

Zheng He was Zhu Di’s man.”

“You really don’t know?” Zhu Yunwen looked at Zhu Di uncertainly.

Zhu Di shook his head repeatedly and called over Qiu Fu, asking, “In the King of Yan Mansion, is there anyone named Zheng He?”

Qiu Fu thought carefully and shook his head, saying, “My lord, not only in the King of Yan Mansion but even in the army, I haven’t heard of anyone named Zheng He.”

Zhu Di dismissed Qiu Fu and then looked at Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen was somewhat anxious. Without Zheng He, where could he find highly skilled maritime talents? Without talented individuals, how could they explore special products in South America?

To eat beef stew with potatoes, we can only rely on this Eunuch Sanbao.

Eunuch?

Yes!

Zheng He was a eunuch!

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