Chapter Two Hundred and Eighty-Four: Retreat to Advance
Unlike King Yi and King Zheng who acted recklessly and had a lot of criminal records, King Zhou was not only senior, he could indeed be called a role model for other kings, and he had no dark history to speak of.
Therefore, although his words were respectful and polite, they were also very firm.
Obviously, to convince the King of Zhou, the method just mentioned will not work.
But it doesn't matter, Zhu Qiyu has other methods. Since he wants to promote Zongxue, he is naturally prepared.
Zhu Qiyu nodded and said.
"What Zhou Wang's uncle said is true. I didn't consider it carefully. Most of the clan members are still cautious and polite, able to abide by the principles of filial piety and brotherhood, and understand the distinction between monarch and minister. In this case, the matter of clan education will be put aside for the time being."
After the words fell, the kings below immediately breathed a sigh of relief, with a trace of amusement on their faces.
The emperor's performance just now really made their hearts tense.
They are members of their own family who know their own affairs. Today's clan is no longer the true prince who was in control of the military and government in the early days of the dynasty.
After several generations of emperors such as Taizong, Renzong and Xuanzong reduced their power, they had no power to resist the imperial court.
Now in front of the emperor, what they can rely on is their status as elders and the shackles of the so-called kinship.
But having said that, the emperor is the emperor after all.
If the emperor really wants to become ruthless and insist on acting recklessly, they can't actually do anything. After all, the military power in the hands of the kings has long been completely taken away.
Of course, if you can't be too forceful, you can still resist passively.
If you really make them anxious and get into trouble, the policy of the imperial court is the policy of the imperial court. When they return to the feudal country, they will not send people to the imperial court. If they are sick today and fall tomorrow, the emperor can still send people to force them.
Can't grab it?
In fact, most princes have this idea.
However, doing so will always end up being talked about. It is better not to make trouble come to this point.
Seeing that the emperor finally relented, King Zhou was also very satisfied and said.
"Your Majesty is wise, please rest assured. In the future, all the kings of my clan will refrain from self-restraint and propriety, be self-disciplined and independent, abide by the righteousness of filial piety and brotherhood, be loyal to the emperor, protect the vassal screen, and protect the long-lasting foundation of our Ming Dynasty. They will definitely live up to your majesty.
expect."
Other kings also stood up and praised: "Your Majesty is wise!"
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the palace suddenly became relaxed, and there was a scene where the king and his ministers were in harmony with each other, and they were all praising the saints.
However, in the eyes of the ministers nearby, such scenes became increasingly uneasy.
If we say that before, these elders just sat around watching the show, hoping that the emperor would severely reprimand these princes.
So now they are really restless.
It's not that these ministers have to watch the clan's jokes, and their long experience of fighting against the emperor tells them.
Now, if the emperor really wants to do something, he must do it. If he says that the emperor has only prepared ways to deal with the domineering clan members of King Yi, the elders will definitely not believe it.
History has proven that whenever the emperor gives in like this, it often means that he has other backup plans waiting for him.
However, historical experience tells them that when this kind of backhand appears, it will shake the entire government.
Whenever something like this happens, the political situation that has just stabilized will inevitably become unstable again.
Therefore, the more good things are for you and me, the more ominous the bosses feel.
Facts have proved that the elders’ struggle experience is very accurate.
The kings had just sat down again, and before the Jiaofangsi's singing and dancing had time to start again, several servants hurried in from outside the palace.
The leader was none other than Shu Liang, the eunuch in charge of Dongchang.
Logically speaking, if the chamberlain has something to report, he can enter through the side door, go to the imperial steps, and convey the matter to the eunuch, the chief ceremonial officer, and then submit it to the emperor.
But Shu Liang did not do this. He hurriedly came to the palace with a group of internal servants. In front of all the ministers and kings, he fell to the ground and said in an urgent tone.
"Your Majesty, no good, something happened outside!"
Seeing the panic below, Zhu Qiyu's face darkened and he said coldly.
"How outrageous. I am having a banquet for the clan today, and you came up in such a panic. How can you be like this? After it is over, go to the inner court to receive your punishment."
After that, he glanced at Shu Liang and others and saw that their clothes were all wrinkled. Zhu Qiyu frowned and said displeased.
"What happened?"
Shu Liang then raised his head slightly, and said in a heavy tone, still unable to conceal his eagerness.
"Your Majesty, please report that there were several county princes outside just now. They suddenly started arguing for some unknown reason. The chamberlains who were serving were unable to stop them. By the time the chamberlains arrived, they were already fighting so hard that even the table was overturned."
"Such a major event involves the clan, and the ministers dare not take charge of it, so they rashly came to the palace to report it. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
After hearing this, a look of curiosity appeared on the faces of the kings who had just sat down in the palace. They also wanted to know who had the courage to make such a fuss at the emperor's palace banquet.
As for the elders at the back, you looked at me and I looked at you, all showing a wry smile.
Zhu Qiyu ignored them, frowned, and continued to ask: "Who dares to be so bold and disturb the palace banquet?"
Shu Liang replied: "The ministers were in a hurry and did not have time to conduct a detailed investigation. However, it is said that it was King Guangtong and King Yangzong who provoked King Zhennan first, and their words were full of disrespect."
"The King of Zhennan scolded them, but the two kings of Guangtong refused to accept it, so they took action. King Jiangchuan and the Crown Prince of Zhennan went to stop them, but they were punched a few times."
"Now, several county princes have been pulled away by people outside, waiting for His Majesty to deal with them. King Guangtong and others are still clamoring to see Your Majesty."
Today in the Ming Dynasty, there are no less than a hundred princes with various titles.
Therefore, the titles mentioned by Shu Liang are indeed a bit unfamiliar to many princes.
But knowing who these people were, they all unanimously set their sights on the old King Min who was at the front of the imperial steps.
The old Min King, who was wearing a navy blue python robe and white hair, had already turned black.
Throwing his sleeves, Old Min King stood up and prostrated himself in the tunnel.
"Your Majesty, it was my fault in discipline that caused these traitors to disrupt your Majesty's palace banquet. Your Majesty, please don't be angry. I will personally expel these bastards from the palace and let them go back home to think about their mistakes behind closed doors!"
Zhu Qiyu's eyes flashed, looking at the angry King Min below with a thoughtful expression.
This old prince responded very quickly.
It looks like he is very angry, but in fact he is trying to make a big deal out of a trivial matter.
However, how could such a big drama end like this when it had just reached its climax?
Zhu Qiyu raised his hand slightly and said.
"Uncle King Min, please get up. Please sit down and don't get angry. We have to figure out what the situation is. We can't unjustly accuse the princes."
King Min's face became more and more ugly. Just as he was about to speak, King Zhou on the side seemed to realize something and stood up and said.
"Your Majesty, having said that, today is a big banquet after all. No matter what the reason is, they are fooling around at the palace banquet and must be punished."
"In my opinion, since King Guangtong and others are all members of Prince Min's Palace, it is important for Uncle Min Prince to take them back and punish them, so as not to ruin the elegance of today's palace banquet."
Then, King Xiang also reacted, stood up and said.
"Your Majesty, what Uncle Zhou Wang said is true. Today's clan banquet is a matter of family harmony. Why should some trivial matters disturb everyone's enjoyment? Let's let Uncle Min Wang take him back and reprimand him!"
Several princes came forward one after another, not even asking for mercy, but just wanted to drive these people out.
This immediately made the other kings present feel strange. Some of the smart ones had roughly understood the reason, and their expressions couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
As for the emperor, who was above him, he seemed to be a little moved by being blocked in this way. After pondering for a moment, the emperor spoke.
"Since several uncles and uncles have this attitude, then..."
"His Majesty!"
Seeing that the emperor was about to agree, someone finally couldn't sit still.
Everyone looked up and saw that the person who spoke was wearing a marquis robe. It was none other than Guo Sheng, the Marquis of Cheng'an who was currently in charge of the Central Military Governor's Mansion.
Amid the surprised looks of many courtiers and the dissatisfied looks of several princes, Marquis Guo stepped forward bravely.
"Your Majesty, several princes had a dispute at the palace banquet and it got to such an extent that they must have done something extraordinary and trivial. Therefore, I think it would be better to summon them into the palace and ask them the reason."
