In the small house near the lake, Zhu Zhanchen picked up his wine glass, and his words clearly meant something.
Faced with his instigation, Zhu Yongding did not respond. He just sat quietly across from him, with the wine in front of him untouched at all.
King Xiang has his own purpose. Zhu Yongding has been here with King Xiang for so long, naturally it is just to inquire about the situation in the capital.
Now, he finally heard something interesting...
"Suppress the clan?"
Zhu Yongbing's tone was somewhat thoughtful, he raised his head and asked.
"When Yu Qian left the capital, he naturally had to deal with Yi Fan's affairs, but where did he start talking about suppressing the clan?"
Upon hearing this question, Zhu Zhanzhen was a little surprised at first.
He did not expect that King Yi, who had always been domineering and arrogant, was not first concerned about his vassal, but the so-called suppression of the clan.
You know, according to the other person's character, he should be a person who only cares about himself and has nothing to do with the life and death of others.
However, it was just an accident.
After all, he had never had a close relationship with King Yi before. His judgment about him was all based on documents and rumors. Rumors were not accurate enough after all. Therefore, it is normal for his judgment to need to be revised after meeting the real person.
.
Even for Zhu Zhanzhen, this is actually a good thing.
He was in the capital, responsible for religious affairs, and spent the most time dealing with the Ministry of Rites. Therefore, he could clearly feel that the imperial court had noticed many problems existing in the clan, such as excessive titles, excessive marriages, domineering and harming the people, etc.
wait.
Although he didn't do anything on the surface, it was actually very obvious when he formulated the assessment standards for religious studies with the Ministry of Rites.
As soon as he thought about this, Zhu Zhanzhen couldn't help but scold those Zongxue bastards in his heart.
This group of people always felt that they had strict academic requirements for them in order to gain face in front of the court, but how could they know that the Ministry of Rites had bad intentions from the beginning.
If he doesn't catch them more strictly, in the end, none of these people will be able to graduate as scheduled, let alone attack them.
Frankly speaking, with the development at this stage, everyone in the imperial court is paying attention to the matter. How to deal with Yi Fan's problem is not something Zhu Zhanzhen can control.
Of course, it would not be something that King Min could control.
Therefore, if the person facing him today is the rumored selfish and domineering King Yi, Zhu Zhanzhen is only 30% sure of convincing him.
But if the King Yi opposite him is also a "good king" who cares about the status of the clan, then he is at least 50% sure.
Yes, in Zhu Zhanzhen's mind, no matter how personal morality is, it is only a trivial matter. Those who can protect the interests of the clan and maintain the order of etiquette and law are the "good kings" who can truly rule the country.
So, with a heavy sigh, Zhu Zhanzhen opened his mouth and said.
"Uncle Wang has been in the fiefdom for a long time, so he probably doesn't know anything about the situation in the capital."
"In fact, many ministers in the court have already been dissatisfied with the clan. Among other things, the establishment of the clan school seems to be to cultivate the clan's children, but in fact it only increases the shackles on the clan's head."
"Originally, when there was no religious school, the children of each family could apply to the court for a title when they reached an age. But now, they need to graduate from the religious school before they can be canonized normally."
"The Ministry of Rites has been working on the assessment standards for religious studies in recent days. My nephew is not talented. He has contacted the Ministry of Rites before about this matter, so he knows a little bit about the inside story. This assessment standard seems fair, but in fact, if it is implemented
, there must be many clan members who need to postpone their graduation."
"The imperial court's intention to take this opportunity to suppress the clan is evident."
Originally, Zhu Zhanzhen thought that after hearing these words, Zhu Yongding would be shocked and angry. At least, he should be surprised.
But the reality is that Zhu Yongding's reaction was much calmer than he imagined.
Playing with the wine glass in his hand, Prince Yi asked thoughtfully.
"You're talking about the Ministry of Rites, who came up with the idea? Hu Hu? What's the reason why he did this? Could it be that he just doesn't like the clan?"
This reaction was so bland that it made Zhu Zhanzhen feel a little uneasy in his heart.
Because he found that the clan uncle sitting opposite him was becoming more and more elusive to him. At least, being able to ask this question showed that the other party was definitely not ignorant of the situation in the capital.
.
After calming down, Zhu Zhanchen quietly cheered up and spoke.
"The affairs of the Ministry of Rites cannot be circumvented by Hu Hui, the eldest uncle of the clan. As for why he did this, it is hard to ask."
"However, my nephew has been dealing with the Ministry of Rites for a long time after all. It's okay to make some guesses. As for whether it's accurate or not, it's up to Uncle Wang to make his own judgment."
Zhu Yongding looked at Zhu Zhanzhen, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, he picked up the wine glass at hand and drank it down, and said lightly.
"It's just what you say. We are our own family. If it comes out of your mouth and into my ears, no one else will know."
Hearing this, Zhu Zhanchen narrowed his eyes, but did not delay any further and continued to speak.
"Since Uncle Wang is so candid, my nephew will also tell you."
"It should be said that there are indeed some problems in the clan today. In many vassals, unauthorized marriages, excessive seals, confusion of blood lines, and misconduct all occur from time to time. Therefore, the imperial court must not be dissatisfied with clan affairs.
It’s been two days since the religious school was opened, presumably for this reason.”
"As the Minister of Rites, Hu Hui suppressed the clan on this matter. If it is just because he dislikes the clan, I'm afraid that is not the case. However, if it is said that his duty lies in thinking about the country, I'm afraid it is not entirely true."
"This Hu Shangshu has always been well-known in Beijing for being a wise man who protects himself. He will never get involved in many matters if he can. Otherwise, with his qualifications, he would not let Yu Qian and the others have the power to call the shots in the court.
.”
"So, for him to do this, at least he has support behind him. Otherwise, given his character, it would be impossible for him to take the initiative to wade into this muddy water..."
After saying these words, Zhu Zhanzhen finally saw that the face of Zhu Yongyi opposite him changed.
Even if Zhu Yongyi didn't know Hu Hui, he should at least know it roughly. He was an old minister of Taizong who served in five dynasties, and his qualifications and prestige in the court were all top-notch.
If, as Zhu Zhanzhen said, he has a lazy personality and will not take the initiative to get involved in these things, then naturally there can only be one person who can let him go through this muddy water...
"What you mean is that the Ministry of Rites suppressed the clan with His Majesty's instructions behind it?"
When the emperor was involved, Zhu Yongding's tone finally became serious, his brows furrowed, and his expression became a little complicated.
Seeing this situation, Zhu Zhanchen felt a little relieved, but hesitantly spoke on his face.
"Heaven's heart is unpredictable, and my nephew dare not talk nonsense about this matter, but indeed, according to Hu Hu's character, it is indeed a bit unrealistic for him to take the initiative to suppress the clan. If it is said that it is because of His Majesty's advice, it is not
impossible."
"After all, it was His Majesty who personally promoted the Zongxue issue..."
These words were originally intended to confirm Zhu Yongyi's 'guess', but what Zhu Zhanyi didn't expect was that after he finished speaking, the other party's expression became a little strange.
After a while, Zhu Yongding was heard asking.
"So, do you think that your Majesty's influence is also involved in the Yi Fan incident this time? Or that His Majesty intends to use the Yi Fan incident to rectify the clan affairs again?"
This is a very sensitive question to ask.
Although this was exactly the answer that King Xiang wanted the other party to get, it would still seem a bit too obvious if he admitted it directly.
Therefore, after hesitating for a moment, Zhu Zhanzhen still said hesitantly.
"It's possible. After all, Uncle Wang needs to know that Yu Qian is the Minister of the Ministry of War and one of the few important ministers in the court now. His Majesty summoned Uncle Wang to the capital and sent Yu Qian out of the capital. Moreover, when he was outside the city, Yu Qian was
Such an attitude.”
"If the Ministry of Rites is doing things according to the rules, then through Yu Qian's attitude, we can actually see His Majesty's intentions."
"I see……"
This was not said directly, but it was almost as straightforward as saying it. Zhu Yongbing nodded thoughtfully. After a moment, he suddenly looked up at Zhu Zhanxi and asked.
"Since Prince Xiang is aware of this, why don't you advise His Majesty? You must know that you are His Majesty's uncle, and we have such a close relationship. Could it be that His Majesty does not believe you, but will listen to the words of outsiders?"
Zhu Zhanzhen did not expect that the other party would ask such a question. He was stunned for a moment, then he smiled bitterly and said.
"Uncle Wang, to be honest, although your Majesty and I are uncles and nephews, looking at my current situation, don't you understand who your Majesty trusts?"
"You want to say King Min?"
Zhu Yongyi's expression was a little strange, and there was an inexplicable meaning in his tone.
Zhu Zhanchen felt a little strange, but he didn't take it to heart.
Now that everything has been said, there is nothing to hide.
He nodded and said.
"Uncle Wang, we are our own family. I don't want to criticize Uncle Wang Min, but the degree of trust he enjoys in the capital is indeed much more important than that of me, Prince Xiang."
"To be honest, this Uncle Min King is very scheming. In order to gain His Majesty's trust, he even asked the old Min King to drag his illness to the palace to propose marriage to His Majesty and marry a noble man. With this method, I
It’s beyond reach.”
"I know that he just met with Uncle Wang, but I would like to remind Uncle Wang that this person's words cannot be trusted. This is not my instigation, but the fact. Please be careful, Uncle Wang."
At this point, Zhu Zhanyi himself knew that King Yi in front of him was not a simple idiot. Especially when he remembered that he had repeatedly avoided the topic of King Min, it made Zhu Zhanyi feel uneasy. Therefore, he simply
Make the words clear.
Anyway, his relationship with Prince Min's Mansion has been at loggerheads for a long time. Everyone in the capital, including the clan and vassal kings, know this matter clearly.
No matter how hypocritically you say good things about King Min, it will only make people feel hypocritical.
As expected, after hearing these words, Zhu Yongding looked at him thoughtfully, but in the end, he did not say much, but skipped the topic and said.
"For the time being, as you said, it is His Majesty's wish to straighten out the affairs of the clan. So in your opinion, what should you and I do?"
Although, the topic will eventually end here.
However, when King Yi asked this question again, Zhu Zhanchen always felt that something was wrong.
It was as if the rhythm of the conversation should have been under his control, but instead it was as if he was following King Yi's words.
This feeling is very bad.
However, no matter what, the rhythm is always right.
Therefore, after sorting out his emotions a little, Zhu Zhanzhen regained his composure and spoke.
"Uncle Wang Mingjian, Emperor Taizu divided the clans into vassals and protected the world. The clans and vassal kings are the foundation of the country. No matter what the reason is, His Majesty has decided to rectify the clan affairs. The ministers in the court, and...
… Not only did he not stop it, but he continued to confuse His Majesty in his ears. If things go on like this, it will inevitably make the country unrest. As descendants of the Zhu family, how can we just sit back and ignore it?"
"What do you mean?"
King Yi's face was a little cold, not because he was sensitive, but because King Xiang's words were indeed a bit dangerous.
Soon, Zhu Zhanchen himself realized something was wrong, smiled bitterly and said.
"Uncle Wang, please don't misunderstand me. What I mean is that your Majesty is just being deceived by others, so he is thinking of suppressing the clan. However, after all, the clan and vassal kings are of the same clan as your Majesty, and are connected by blood. There is no way that your Majesty will do anything.
disregard."
"There are such signs in the court, just because the clan members are easy to bully. I believe that as long as we let His Majesty see the attitude of the clan members, Your Majesty will naturally take into account the affection of relatives and restrain these court ministers."
"To put it bluntly, we, the Zhu family, are the ones who have the final say in the Ming Dynasty. There is no point in fighting the ministers below. Only by convincing His Majesty can justice be done."
"Convince Your Majesty?"
Zhu Yongyi smiled and shook his head and said.
"On you? Or on me?"
"We are now banned from the Ten Princes' Mansion and cannot go anywhere. Although I don't know anything about the capital, but if what you say is true, then I am afraid that His Majesty will not listen to you. As for me, if His Majesty is willing to see me
I, now, I will not sit here and talk to you, Prince Xiang."
"So, according to your logic, you should go to King Min. After all, he is the vassal king who is truly 'trusted' by His Majesty, right?"
These words were so direct that it could even be said that there was a hint of distrust towards Prince Xiang.
This made Zhu Zhanyi on the opposite side curse inwardly.
Sure enough, he still underestimated King Yi, because for this reason, in fact, what King Yi wanted had basically been obtained.
Through the conversation he just had, he should have had his own rough judgment in his mind about the situation in the capital, as well as about the emperor, King Xiang, and King Min.
That's why he dared to change his gentle tone before, and his attitude suddenly became cold.
Zhu Zhanchen understood this, but he had no choice.
He needed King Yi's cooperation in this matter, so it was basically impossible to convince him at once.
However, despite this, King Yi's sudden change of expression still made him feel uncomfortable.
"Uncle Wang was joking. I believe Uncle Wang is aware of the dispute between Prince Min and I, but this matter involves the entire clan, so I think that even if what you and I can do is limited, if we can allow His Majesty to see all the places
The attitude of the clan lord may change for the better, so I think..."
Forcing a smile, King Xiang wanted to finish his words, but King Yi obviously had no intention of listening to him anymore. He directly pushed the wine glass in front of him, stood up and said.
"Okay, I am tired. If you have any questions, let's talk about it later! Farewell!"
After that, he nodded, turned and left, leaving King Xiang sitting there, holding the wine glass tightly in his hand, his face ashen...
This chapter has been completed!