Chapter 112 Peaceful Redemption, Relying on the Mountain and the Sea

Yuezhou Prefecture, Yueyang Palace.

Ever since he was implicated in a major treason case that assassinated the imperial envoy, the palace had been plunged into a gloomy mood.

A whole hundred households took turns to keep an eye on the palace day and night.

The royal family members in the palace were even more worried all day long, fearing that they would be implicated.

Especially those royal family members who don't even have a title. They don't enjoy any benefits on a daily basis, their salaries are in arrears, and they have no guarantee of food and clothing. Now they are involved in such a thing and are implicated. The feeling in their hearts is hard to describe.

Today, the Chief of the Imperial Clan Wu Jinghe came to deal with the Yueyang Palace.

After summoning the officials of the royal palace and the direct relatives of the clan to the clan hall, they talked for two hours, and no one knew what the result would be.

The collateral relatives felt extremely tormented.

Then they saw their direct descendants, who usually showed off their power, crying and struggling as they were dragged into the prison van. Those who were waiting in agony were even more terrified.

"Prince Consort Wu! You only know how to bully the weak like us! If you have the guts, go and cause trouble for those princes and dukes!"

"I don't accept it! I want to see His Majesty!"

Another member of the royal family was dragged out of the clan hall, his face full of fear and he kept shouting, it was obvious that the result was not very good for him.

Zhu Yunhua looked out from the crowd and pinched the torn corner of his clothes with some uneasiness.

Of course he knew that person. He was an uncle with a title, who often showed off his power.

Although he couldn't help but feel secretly happy, the atmosphere was so bad that the entire palace might not be able to escape the disaster, and he wasn't in the mood to gloat over other people's misfortunes.

Just as he was thinking about it, he saw Fengsi coming out of the ancestral hall, nodding at a few people, and said, "The angel lets you in."

Zhu Yunhua was the person being pointed out.

He was slightly startled, and when he saw several gazes falling on him, he quickly suppressed his uneasiness, lowered his head and followed.

When I walked into the ancestral hall, I saw Wu Jinghe sitting in the main seat, with eunuch-looking men standing on his left and right.

Because a group of people had already been dealt with, only a few lieutenants and county lords were left in the clan hall.

But to his surprise, these people did not look uneasy at all. Instead, they looked as if they had been pardoned.

Is this, surviving a disaster?

Zhu Yunhua was delighted. If this was true, then there was no reason to pursue the matter for them, who were not members of the royal family.

As he was thinking, he saw the eunuch beside Wu Jinghe step forward and say, "Zhu Yingyan raised bandits, attacked the county government, killed the imperial envoy, and plotted treason. His crimes are unforgivable!"

"The Imperial Envoy has the Emperor's order, so he should have acted according to the law and implicated everyone in the palace!"

Sun Long scolded everyone in a stern voice. All the lieutenants, county ladies, members of the royal family who had not been given titles, and officials knelt down and confessed their crimes.

Zhu Yunhua also followed the crowd and knelt down.

He looked frightened, but he was relieved in his heart.

Now that things have come to this, it’s time to take a turn.

As expected, Sun Long changed the subject and continued, "But we are here to serve your majesty, to bask in his virtues and to observe his good deeds."

"If I understand your majesty's loyalty and forgiveness, I will not dare to punish anyone."

"Now, the Yueyang Palace is guilty of treason. Only the ringleader will be executed, and the rest will be spared!"

As soon as the words fell, everyone bowed down: "Your Majesty is kind and virtuous, and the angels are high-minded!"

Sun Long nodded with satisfaction.

He glanced at Wu Jinghe implicitly, raised his head again, and said condescendingly: "Of course, the death penalty can be avoided, but the living crime cannot be escaped."

"All the royal family titles in the Yueyang Palace will be stripped!"

"The farms, tea gardens, and shops were all taken over by the inner court."

After saying this, he retreated back to Wu Jinghe, obviously having finished what he was saying.

The royal family members in the hall dared not say anything except to express their gratitude.

Zhu Yunhua lowered his head, stared at his tattered clothes, and then looked around secretly.

He lowered his voice very low and asked boldly, "Angel, are you going to stop paying the salary?"

It's not that he doesn't want to live, he just wants to show off at this time.

But it is the salary and silver that really matters to life!

There are thousands of rules for the royal family, such as being forbidden from engaging in the four occupations, being forbidden from leaving the city, etc.

However, the higher-ups often turned a blind eye to it, but when it came to these lower-level royal family members without titles, it was strictly enforced.

Selective law enforcement is best reflected in them.

In other words, Zhu Yunhua had no other income except the salary that was always in arrears.

If Lu Yin stops...what's the difference between that and letting him die?
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's eyes turned to him.

That Zongzheng also paid attention to it.

There was silence for a while.

Wu Jinghe finally said, "The salary will also stop being paid."

Zhu Yunhua's heart sank to the bottom.

If this is the case, isn't the emperor just waiting for death?
What kind of benevolence are you talking about?

It’s a pity that it is too far from the north - these days, there are many lower-class royal family members who can’t afford to eat and join the Tatars.

Zhu Yunhua was thinking, but heard the Zongzheng's tone suddenly rise: "But..."

"Your Majesty is kind and virtuous, but he has other plans."

Wu Jinghe glanced at the untitled clan members of all generations who had just been called in, and slowly said, "You can do business and make a living on your own."

The words fell.

There was an uproar in the clan hall!
The clan members looked at each other, seeming to want to say something but stopping themselves.

They all looked at Wu Jinghe, trying to tell whether he was joking or not.

Lieutenant Fengguo, who had just pretended to be dead and dared not speak, said in astonishment: "Your Majesty is going to lift the ban on royal family business!?"

Zhu Yunhua was also confused and speechless.

No wonder they were so surprised.

The prohibition of royal family members from engaging in the occupations of the four classes of people is more stringent than other prohibitions such as prohibition from leaving the city and prohibition from killing civilians!
Our dynasty is not like the previous dynasties. The royal family members of the former Tang Dynasty who were appointed as prime ministers and sent to govern a region can only be seen in dreams!

Scholars, farmers, workers, and businessmen, none of them should be contaminated.

Although business is not as strictly controlled as the first three, few royal family members dare to touch it.

Previously, some members of the royal family were so poor that they wanted to set up stalls to sell shoes, but they were not allowed. The emperor expressed sympathy while ordering local authorities to keep a strict watch on them.

The ill-intentioned officials of the Ministry of Rites would also say something sinister, saying that they wanted to emulate Liu Bei. Did they think that the Ming Dynasty was about to collapse?

Even county and township nobles who learned women's work and wanted to sell their weaving and embroidery could only do so secretly by pretending to be servants in the government office.

The various feudal lords petitioned the Ministry of Rites several times, but their appeals were never accepted. The saying "the laws of our ancestors cannot be changed" was well known to even three-year-old children.

Under such circumstances, the emperor said he wanted to lift the ban on business! ?

The Zhu family has such a good sage king! ?
Zhu Yunhua couldn't believe it.

Wu Jinghe took in everyone's performance and nodded slowly, confirming what he had just said.

However, he added: "But... I can only engage in business!"

The relatives of Yueyang Palace looked at each other in bewilderment.

Zhu Yunhua was impatient and asked immediately: "Zongzheng, what is industry?"

Wu Jinghe recalled the emperor's instructions and patiently explained: "Cotton cloth processing, silk weaving, ready-made clothes, rice milling, oil pressing, paper, printing, straw weaving, bricks, tiles, lime, etc., all of which have physical output are considered industries."

"As for pawnshops, banks, salt trade, and grain transport, you are not allowed to get involved in any of them."

"Specifically, Eunuch Sun will give you a detailed list."

Many people showed joy.

They didn't care about the impact of this matter, or who opposed it or impeached it. Anyway, they could finally weave and sell shoes!
Some people also looked sad.

After all, not everyone has a skill.

Zhu Yunhua, on the other hand, saw things a little further ahead and couldn't help but ask, "Zongzheng, can we just do it on our own, or can we set up a workshop and work together?"

Wu Jinghe looked at the young man in surprise and found that he had quite good talent.

He almost thought that he was being asked so many questions.

He finally smiled: "Of course it's all right."

"Besides that……"

Wu Jinghe looked around at everyone, then looked at Sun Long and nodded for him to speak.

Sun Long stepped out of the line and took over the conversation: "As the Prince Consort said, you still have two choices." "The farms and estates of the palace will be taken back by the inner court, but it is not to be sold or left to waste."

"After the inner court takes over, it will also take money from the palace and use it for the palace - set up a palace business and start some industries."

"You can either be employed by a business, receive some errands, and receive a salary."

"Or, the government can support you in the early stage and let you go out and fight on your own. You will bear all the losses and give you one-third of the profits."

As soon as the words fell, all the untitled members of the royal family kowtowed again: "Your Majesty is holy and virtuous! Your Majesty is holy and virtuous!"

We are all members of the Zhu family. Who doesn’t want to be born a superior person?

At worst, being a playboy would be satisfying.

Now I am poorly clothed and hungry. Last winter I was still complaining that the fox fur was not warm enough and the brocade quilt was thin. Summer just came a few days ago, and now it’s raining again.

In this situation, being able to have the hope of having something to eat and wait for death is a great blessing from heaven.

What’s more, it comes at a critical juncture when a major case of treason is involved!

It turned out that he took over the royal property and punished the direct descendants of the royal family, and finally the grace fell on them!

Zhu Yingyan died a good death!
In the past, it was these direct descendants who showed off their power and monopolized all the benefits of the palace, without giving away a single ounce of soup.

Now that it has been taken back by the emperor, he can at least smell it.

At least we are treated equally.

Several members of the royal family with titles were a little slower and also quickly bowed.

I don’t know what I feel.

Zhu Yunhua was lost in thought. Wouldn't this royal palace become a royal business?

But... no wonder these imperial envoys want to cause trouble for the major royal palaces.

Otherwise, how could he justifiably confiscate the royal property and bribe these lower-class royal family members?
Only when those direct descendants are brought under control can the major royal palaces be transformed into royal trading companies!
What a holy king!

Zhu Yunhua thought silently, if this is the case, if he goes out on his own, would he also be considered a shopkeeper?
He should be able to make a lot of money... He hasn't had new clothes for a long time.

……

If someone plays the good guy, someone else will have to play the bad guy.

Whether it is to take over the royal palace and property as the property of the emperor, or to show favor to the lower-level royal family members, the princes and dukes above must be obedient.

Unfortunately, King Dong'an is not an obedient person.

After all, Zhu Xianzhen was a prince, so when he was taken to the governor's office, no one deliberately made things difficult for him. They just took him to a clean and bright side hall.

He had mastered the art of cultivating his Qi, and he just sat calmly on the chair, enduring all the looks from everyone.

It was not until Hai Rui walked in with the file that Zhu Xianzhen slowly opened his eyes.

The latter remained calm and said, "The angel called me personally, and I followed the censor Hai to the governor's office without saying a word, but I haven't asked the angel what I have done wrong yet."

If he did his job cleanly, these imperial envoys would at most make groundless accusations.

There's no rush.

Furthermore……

Once something happened in the Prince of Jing's Mansion, he didn't believe that these imperial envoys would dare to humiliate them, the princes, so unscrupulously.

Aren’t you afraid of causing shock to the world?

Hai Rui sat opposite Zhu Xianzhen, opened the file, turned it over, and placed it in front of Zhu Xianzhen.

He spoke to himself, "We have previously investigated the smuggling of weapons and armor to the barbarians. The Chu vassal state was also involved. Does the King of Dong'an know about this?"

The interrogation naturally starts from where there is evidence, and then slowly deals with the other party.

Zhu Xianzhen was stunned. He thought he would have to confront his nephew immediately, but he didn't expect him to talk about this matter.

He paused for a moment before shaking his head: "There are more than ten royal palaces and thousands of royal families in the Chu clan. I don't know them all."

Hai Rui considerately turned to a page in the file and pointed, "The Dong'an Palace is also involved."

"Zhu Yingsui, the illegitimate son of the Prince of Dong'an, personally handled this matter."

Zhu Xianzhen suddenly laughed and said, "Then the Imperial Censor Hai should have asked Zhu Yingsui to come. Why did you call me here?"

Hai Rui nodded and said, "He has just been summoned to the governor's office. I am coming here from his place."

Zhu Xianzhen paused.

He turned his head away in silence.

Hai Rui skipped over his previous words and spoke again, "Last year, there was a flood in Huguang and the imperial court provided disaster relief. The Prince of Yueyang Palace approached the then Governor Sun Yizheng and asked him to exchange the silver for copper coins."

As he spoke, he took out a copper coin from his sleeve.

In terms of shape, it looks like a private casting.

Hai Rui pushed it aside: "After I came to Huguang, I inquired about this matter. These privately minted copper coins, the farms under the name of the King of Dong'an, are all circulating this kind of copper coins with the people. They are exactly the same as the ones Sun Yizheng exchanged for silver coins."

Zhu Xianzhen frowned: "I didn't expect that the people under my rule were also deeply affected by private casting. I will investigate thoroughly when I return!"

Hai Rui looked at the Prince of Dong'an seriously, shook his head and said, "Someone testified that these copper coins came from the Prince of Dong'an's palace, and that the palace designated the people to exchange them for them."

Zhu Xianzhen was silent for a while again, then sighed: "The servants can't control it!"

Hai Rui suddenly interrupted him in a cold voice: "Then when Zhang Chucheng went to the mansion to reprimand Prince Dong'an, was it also the servant's business!?"

He leaned forward, looked at Zhu Xianzhen, and said word by word: "The Prince of Dong'an robbed mines, minted coins privately, melted weapons and armor, and colluded with foreigners."

"After being reprimanded by Zhang Chucheng, he was afraid that he would report to the emperor and ruin your position as the lord of the vassal state, so he ordered the Yueyang Palace to collude with the officials of the royal family who were offended by Zhang Chucheng this time, and killed the imperial envoy!"

"After the incident, the Prince of Dong'an was panic-stricken and murdered Zhu Yingyan, defying the law and resisting investigation!"

The words were spoken in a stern voice, as if he had seen them with his own eyes.

Zhu Xianzhen suddenly slammed the table!
Huo Ran stood up and said, "Hai Rui! I am only giving face to the imperial envoy and I am paying homage to His Majesty behind you! I am not letting you take advantage of the power of others here!"

"The imperial court is not some low-class gang. We must act with evidence and abide by the law!"

"I don't have time to listen to your stories! If there is nothing else, I will go back."

He was about to turn around and leave when the Jinyiwei at the door immediately stepped forward and stopped him.

Zhu Xianzhen turned around and looked at Hai Rui: "Why, are you going to put me in jail?"

Hai Rui also stood up and spoke in a slower tone, "That was just one of my speculations. If it's wrong, Prince Dong'an will correct it. Why are you so excited?"

Zhu Xianzhen also suddenly laughed, as if his previous unhappiness was all fake: "Imperial Censor Hai should have said it earlier. I thought I had already been convicted."

The two of them exchanged a few moves without revealing any details.

The two people behind the screen were watching in amazement.

Feng Shiyu looked at Li Zaiting beside him and asked curiously, "Even if this is the case, I'm afraid we can't keep the Prince of Dong'an, right?"

Li Zaiting stared at him intently and replied casually, "I don't expect to get rid of him now."

"However, whether it is to search for the mine thieves in Daye County or to isolate his influence in the Chu Clan, we have to invite him to stay here for a few days."

Feng Shiyu nodded.

Some people sighed: "This King of Dong'an is really fearless. I don't know where he gets his support from."

Logically speaking, if someone is caught by the imperial envoy, even if he didn't do it, he will inevitably panic.
Not to mention responding so calmly.

It was especially amazing to see the King of Dong'an sitting down leisurely.

The two people in the hall felt it out for a while and then sat down again.

The atmosphere was another matter.

Hai Rui looked at Zhu Xianzhen and pushed the file aside. "Just now, Prince Dong'an said that it was difficult to manage his servants. It seems that the busy affairs of the Chu vassal state have made Prince Dong'an tired."

Zhu Xianzhen nodded repeatedly, as if he had met a soulmate. "There's nothing I can do. The King of Chu died young at the age of 31. If I, as his uncle, don't support him, how will he look at me in his grave?"

Hai Rui hinted: "That being said, I'm afraid the Prince of Dong'an cannot escape the blame for this negligence."

Zhu Xianzhen said as a matter of course: "I will report to His Majesty and have him reduce my salary and fine me."

Hai Rui shook his head and said, "Your Majesty has granted me the authority to act at my own discretion, so I don't need to wait for two months."

"Since the Prince of Dong'an is not able to control the Chu vassal effectively, let's hand the Chu vassal affairs back to the Prince of Wugang."

Zhu Xianzhen paused, and finally put away his kind expression.

He said coldly with an ugly expression: "Angel, the first person to create clay figures, will he have no descendants?"

The person who first invented terracotta warriors for burial purposes probably didn't have a good ending.

Hai Rui did not answer, but stood up and ended the conversation.

When he left the room, he couldn't help but frowned.

The reaction of the King of Dong'an was very different from what he expected.

What exactly do you rely on?
　I won’t be this busy after the 24th. I’ve been very tired during this period. Thank you very much for your support.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)