Chapter 65: Does engaging in commerce bring disgrace to the royal family?

“What?!”

The same shock, the same expression, appeared in different locations.

The Grand Secretariat, the Five Army Commandery, the Six Ministries, the Hanlin Academy, the Censorate, and the mansions of various ministers, everyone was shocked by the current news.

“King of Yan, Zhu Di, has personally bound himself and pleaded guilty. He has now arrived at the Yangzhou Prefecture!”

Yu Xin, holding the report, looked at Zhang Dan and Xie Jin with anger in his tone: “Such a significant matter, Zhang Bing, as Beiping administration commissioner, didn’t even send a single memorial report. If it weren’t for the report from Yangzhou Prefecture, wouldn’t we have to wait until King of Yan arrives in the capital to be informed?!”

Xie Jin’s face gradually returned to normal, and he said, “We shouldn’t blame Zhang Bing. I believe Ping An and Sheng Yong also did not send this matter as a report to the Five Army Commandery.”

“It must be deliberate concealment by the Emperor!” Zhang Dan said solemnly.

Yu Xin frowned.

In this world, only the Emperor of Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yunwen, could make a vassal king disappear from Beiping without a trace and suddenly appear in Yangzhou.

This level of secrecy resembles the approach of a security bureau.

Xie Jin relaxed and said, “It is a good thing that the King of Yan is coming to the capital. Based on the recent memorial reports, it is evident that Ping An has gained complete control over Beiping. Zhu Gaochi and others have also abandoned their last resistance. They not only relinquished command of the King of Yan’s Three Guards but also disbanded the King of Yan’s Household Guards, retaining only a force of just over 800 men.”

“With the voluntary submission of the King of Yan, other vassal kings will not dare to take any action. In another year or two, when the Ministry of Revenue is abundant, we can implement the new army policies throughout the entire military. By then, the concerns of the powerful vassal kings will be resolved effortlessly. No need to exhaust the people, no need for military operations, and no damage to the bonds of the royal family. It will be a cause for celebration.”

Yu Xin and Zhang Dan nodded in agreement.

Although the Emperor managed to deceive everyone, there is still some understanding for his actions.

Zhu Di as the leader of the vassal kings and the commander in the north, with his vast military experience. Once the news of his self-binding in the capital is leaked, what might the people of Beiping Prefecture think?

They may not necessarily believe that Zhu Di bound himself to plead guilty. If someone takes advantage of the situation and stirs up trouble, spreading rumors that the court has captured Zhu Di and intends to forcefully reduce his power, won’t Beiping Prefecture fall into chaos?

Although Zhu Di has lost the Three Guards and his personal guards, he has been deeply rooted in Beiping for nearly twenty years, showing kindness to countless soldiers and civilians. Once those people hear about Zhu Di being captured, although they may not take up weapons to rebel, it will be difficult for them to accept. They will likely harbor resentment towards the court, and it may be unavoidable.

Temporarily blocking the news and taking control of public opinion will be more advantageous for the stability and unity of Beiping Prefecture.

“With the arrival of the King of Yan in the capital, it seems we are in for an interesting show,” Zhang Dan said with a faint smile, holding a memorial impeaching the King of Liao and King of Min.

Xie Jin shook his head with a hint of helplessness. Many people are currently impeaching the two kings, and now that Zhu Di has arrived, they may turn their focus on him, accusing him of “deceiving the sovereign and acting with malicious intent,” and the discourse of reducing the fiefdom may resurface once again.

King of Liao’s Mansion.

Zhu Zhi and Zhu Geng lay in their rattan chairs, basking in the warm spring sun. A stick of Ambergris incense burned nearby, enveloping them in its intoxicating fragrance as they blissfully indulged in the moment.

“I heard that Fourth Brother bound himself and came to the capital. It seems Zhu Neng and Zhang Yu also followed suit,” said Zhu Geng, his eyes closed but continuously moving beneath his eyelids.

Zhu Zhi took a deep breath, inhaling the fragrant scent, and contentedly said, “Bound himself? Hehe, let me tell you, Fourth Brother would only tie himself up with a rope once he reached the outskirts of the capital. His Majesty will handle this matter appropriately.”

Zhu Geng opened his eyes, sat up, and asked Zhu Zhi with seriousness, “Fifteenth Brother, are you prepared for that matter?”

Zhu Zhi rested his hands under his head, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds, and softly replied, “The Emperor requires us to perform a play, so let’s cooperate. Actually, it’s not a bad thing. At least we can enjoy some ease and comfort.”

Zhu Geng looked somewhat dejectedly at the incense burner beside him and sighed, “Ambergris is indeed a precious treasure, but it’s quite expensive.”

Zhu Zhi’s lips curled up slightly as he said, “Compared to what we are about to acquire, those things are insignificant.”

News of the imminent return of the King of Yan to the capital had reached the people of the capital.

However, the version among the people in the capital differs from the official court version regarding the self-binding and plea of guilt by the King of Yan. According to the civilian version:

Upon hearing that the King of Yan was unwell, the Emperor sent the Expositor in waiting, Yao Guangxiao, personally to Beiping Prefecture to visit him. Yao Guangxiao noticed the symptoms of the King of Yan and believed that only the imperial physicians in the capital could treat him. He then reported to the court, requesting permission to accompany the King of Yan to the capital.

Emperor Jianwen, concerned for the King of Yan’s well-being, ordered Yao Guangxiao to swiftly bring the King of Yan to the capital.

Some foolish individuals jumped to conclusions and claimed that the King of Yan had previously pretended to be insane to deceive the court and actually had ulterior motives. They speculated that now that he had been brought to the capital, he would likely face execution.

However, they were met with a barrage of criticism and scolding from a group of commoners and fled in embarrassment.

The King of Yan was truly ill. How could he have deceived the court or had ulterior motives?

There must be someone spreading false rumors.

In the Fengtian Hall, the fierce debate among officials showed no signs of stopping. Left Censor in chief of the Censorate, Jing Qing, passionately delivered his speech. However, he abruptly shifted his focus and turned his accusations toward the King of Liao and the King of Min, impeaching them for their lack of moral conduct, disrespect for ancestral traditions, involvement in commercial activities, and dishonoring the royal family.

Spittle flew as he emphasized one point: strict orders should be given to the two kings to present the methods for manufacturing medical gauze and alcohol. At same time they should be sent to the Imperial Clan Court and strictly monitored.

Hearing this, Xie Jin rolled his eyes.

The Imperial Clan Court is currently an empty shell. Those who can handle matters are all outside. Who will manage it?

Moreover, how can we, self-proclaimed upright gentlemen, engage in acts of forceful acquisition of others’ belongings? Isn’t it disgraceful?

He doesn’t even know how to conduct an impeachment. How on earth did Jing Qing become the Left Censor in chief of the Censorate?

After hearing this, Zhu Yunwen issued an order summoning the King of Liao and King of Min to the palace to explain clearly what exactly had happened.

As soon as the imperial order was issued, the King of Liao, Zhu Zhi, and the King of Min, Zhu Geng, dressed in their king’s attire, one carrying a basket and the other carrying a wooden box, entered the grand hall.

This made Jing Qing and others feel uneasy. It seemed like they had come prepared.

“We pay our respects to Your Majesty, long live Your Majesty!” Zhu Zhi and Zhu Geng set down their belongings and paid their respects.

Zhu Yunwen raised his hand and said, “Rise. I have heard that both uncles, as kings, have shown disrespect for ancestral traditions and engaged in commercial activities. Is there any truth to this?”

Zhu Zhi and Zhu Geng exchanged a glance and quickly exclaimed, “Your Majesty, we have been wronged!”

“How have you been wronged! You have been selling medical gauze and alcohol as merchants, openly charging one tael of silver per wooden box. Isn’t this the behavior of merchants, contradicting ancestral traditions?” Left Assistant Censor in chief of the Censorate, Zhou De, spoke up.

Zhu Zhi looked at Zhou De, gave a cold smile, and said, “May I ask, esteemed Censor, which eye of yours see me selling this medical gauze and alcohol?”

“The documents from the Ministry of War state it clearly, and Minister Ru has personally testified to it,” Zhou De shouted.

Ru Chang, furious with Zhou De, wished to strangle him. What does this have to do with me? It’s your petty squabble. Why involve me?

But since his name was mentioned, Ru Chang had no choice but to come forward and loudly say, “Your Majesty, I have no knowledge of whether the kings engage in commerce.”

Jing Qing widened his eyes, pointed at Ru Chang, and shouted, “Liar!”

Ru Chang snorted and said to Zhu Yunwen, “I heard that medical gauze and alcohol are beneficial for wound healing, so I visited the King’s Residence to request some. Unexpectedly, someone overheard and turned it into a story of the kings engaging in commerce.”

“Oh, is that so?” Zhu Yunwen’s lips curled into a smile as he scrutinized Ru Chang.

This fellow actually caught on and provided cover for the kings.

Ru Chang solemnly declared, “Every word is true.”

Zhu Yunwen nodded slightly and looked at Jing Qing, Zhou De, and others, saying, “If the Ministry of War visits for supplies, can it be considered engaging in commerce?”

“Well…” Jing Qing couldn’t believe it. Ru Chang was not standing on his side.

Without waiting for Jing Qing’s response, Zhu Yunwen stood up and solemnly said, “Even if the two kings engage in commerce and sell medical gauze and alcohol, how does it dishonor the royal family? What’s wrong with being a merchant? Are they inferior? Let me tell you, merchants are also citizens of Ming! They are also my citizens!”

“Is it possible that you official Jing Qing didn’t purchase wine, candles, and banquet provisions from merchants for your recent additional marriage? Hehe, all of you only care about your own pleasure. With plenty of land and wealth, you pretend to be righteous and have the audacity to accuse the two kings, who work day and night for the country and the people. I see that you have grown old!”

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