Chapter 866 Rumors are like a tiger! Urgent report from Hengzhou!
Zhu Biao felt warm in his heart and said with a smile: "Uncle Emperor, don't worry, I have my own sense of proportion. But you, you have been working hard for days and days, so you need to take more care of yourself."
Zhu Han heard the words and smiled slightly. Although he felt warm in his heart, he also knew that he had a heavy responsibility. He said no more, turned and hurriedly left the East Palace and went straight to the Household Department. Inside the Household Department, the officials had already received the news and were waiting anxiously.
The arrival of Zhu Han.
"Master Han, you are finally here!" The Minister of the Ministry of Revenue saw Zhu Han and hurriedly came up to him. "The list of materials needed for foundation reinforcement has been prepared, but the inventory is tight and it may be difficult to meet all the needs."
Zhu Han took the list and browsed it quickly, frowning. "Immediately make urgent arrangements from various places. At the same time, notify wealthy businessmen that those who are willing to donate materials will be greatly thanked by the court in the future." His tone was firm and left no room for doubt.
Hearing this, the Minister of Household Affairs felt great pressure, but he also understood that this moment was unusual, so he quickly agreed and quickly arranged manpower to handle it.
At the same time, Zhu Han ordered people to rush to Jinyiwei, asking them to strengthen patrols around Xindu, ensure the safety of material transportation, and be ready to respond to emergencies at any time.
On the other side, under the leadership of Li Shangshu from the Ministry of Industry, craftsmen worked day and night to reinforce the foundation. Although the rain continued continuously, the enthusiasm and determination of the craftsmen did not diminish at all.
A few days later, through the joint efforts of everyone, the foundation of the northern city wall of Xindu was finally effectively reinforced. When Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stood on the city wall again, looking at the foundation that was as solid as ever, their faces showed
A happy smile.
"Uncle Emperor, thanks to your careful arrangements and everyone's joint efforts, Xindu was able to avert danger." Zhu Biao said with emotion.
Zhu Han shook his head and said, "Your Highness is overly complimentary. This is everyone's credit. However, we still need to remain vigilant to ensure the smooth progress of the capital relocation project."
While the two were conversing, an attendant hurried over to report: "Your Highness, Lord Han, Your Majesty has sent a decree to summon you to the palace immediately for an audience."
Zhu Biao and Zhu Han looked at each other. Although they had doubts in their hearts, they also understood that this was an important moment related to the important matter of moving the capital. They did not dare to delay, so they immediately tidied up their clothes and followed their attendants into the palace to meet the emperor.
In the imperial study, His Majesty sat on the dragon chair, looking at Zhu Biao and Zhu Han solemnly. "I have heard about the foundation of the new capital. I am very pleased that the two beloved ministers have handled it properly."
Zhu Biao and Zhu Han quickly knelt down to express their gratitude.
His Majesty continued: "The matter of moving the capital is related to the prosperity and decline of the country, and there is no room for slack. I order the two of you to continue to go all out to ensure the successful completion of the capital relocation project. At the same time, I will definitely judge the merits of the officials who have contributed in this incident.
reward."
After Zhu Biao and Zhu Han received the order to thank them, they stood up and stood in the imperial study. Their expressions showed both relief after completing the task and determination for future challenges.
His Majesty looked deeply and spoke slowly: "Although the foundation reinforcement of the new capital has been completed, the relocation of the capital is far from over. Biao'er, Han'er, you two need to work more closely to ensure that every step is foolproof."
Zhu Biao bowed his hands and said firmly: "I obey the decree and will do my best to live up to my father's high expectations."
Zhu Han also bowed and saluted, and responded calmly: "Your Majesty, don't worry, Han will do his best to assist His Highness the Crown Prince and ensure that the great cause of moving the capital is successfully completed."
His Majesty nodded slightly, with a hint of approval in his eyes: "Okay, I know that you two are the pillars of the country. However, when moving the capital, you need to pay attention to the people's will. Don't be eager for quick success and ignore the suffering of the people."
When Zhu Biao heard this, his heart moved, and he immediately said: "My father's teachings are very true. I am planning to personally visit the people in the near future to understand the people's true views and needs on moving the capital, and to ensure that the interests of the people are properly accommodated during the process of moving the capital."
Zhu Han added: "What His Highness said is absolutely true. I also suggested setting up a special agency to receive and handle people's feedback and complaints about moving the capital, so as to ensure that public opinion is heard by heaven."
After hearing this, His Majesty showed a gratified smile on his face: "This is very good. The people's sentiments are the foundation of the country and cannot be ignored. I am very pleased that you two can be so considerate of the people's sentiments."
Then, His Majesty changed the topic and mentioned the situation between North Korea and China: "In addition, when moving the capital, North Korea and China also need to be stable. Di'er has been making frequent moves recently, so you two need to pay more attention and not let the power struggle affect the plan to move the capital. "
Zhu Han's eyes narrowed slightly and he said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, please rest assured that I have stepped up surveillance on the fourth prince and tried to weaken his influence in the court to ensure that there will be no interference in the process of moving the capital."
Zhu Biao also agreed: "My sons and ministers will also pay close attention to the developments in the DPRK and join hands with the emperor to jointly maintain the stability of the DPRK."
His Majesty nodded, with a flash of complicated emotions in his eyes: "I feel very happy that you two can work together like this. Remember, moving the capital is not only a civil work, but also the key to the rise and fall of the country. You two need to focus on the overall situation. , Don’t abolish public service for private reasons.”
Zhu Biao and Zhu Han bowed and saluted again, and responded in unison: "My sons and ministers (I) would like to obey the teachings of your Majesty your father."
After leaving the imperial study, Zhu Biao and Zhu Han walked side by side on the way back to the East Palace. The atmosphere was both serious and full of tacit understanding.
Zhu Biao sighed softly: "Uncle Emperor, although the road to moving the capital is difficult, with your help, Biao'er will have confidence in his heart."
Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes gentle but firm: "Your Highness has made a serious statement. As a minister, Han should do his best to assist His Highness in achieving great achievements."
The matter of moving the capital came to an end for the time being, but the undercurrents in the DPRK never really subsided.
"Han Feng." Zhu Di called softly. Although his voice was low, it revealed unquestionable majesty.
Han Feng quickly walked into the study and bowed: "What are your orders, Your Highness?"
Zhu Di turned around and looked at Han Feng sharply: "Although the capital relocation project seems to be going smoothly, I know that the prince and Zhu Han will never let down their vigilance easily. We need to have a deeper understanding of their movements, especially when the prince is... The reputation among the people is increasing day by day, which is extremely detrimental to us."
Han Feng nodded and expressed his understanding: "Your Highness, don't worry, I have sent additional manpower to continue to monitor the prince and Zhu Han's every move. At the same time, I am also spreading some unfavorable remarks about the prince among the people in an attempt to weaken his reputation."
Zhu Di nodded slightly, but there was still a trace of dissatisfaction in his eyes: "These are not enough, we need more direct and effective means. The prince personally visits the people. This is his cleverness, but it is also our opportunity."
When Han Feng heard this, a trace of doubt flashed in his eyes: "What does your highness mean?"
Zhu Di sneered and said slowly: "The prince is considerate of the people. This is his advantage, but it is also his weakness. We can use this to create some 'public opinion' and put the prince into a dilemma."
Han Feng immediately understood Zhu Di's intention, and a fierce look flashed in his eyes: "Your Highness is wise, I will make arrangements immediately."
A few days later, some "public opinion" about moving the capital began to spread inside and outside the capital. There were rumors that the planning of the new capital was unreasonable and that people's lives would be seriously affected. There were also rumors that the capital relocation project was a waste of money and people, and that the prince only cared about his own political achievements and did not care about the lives of the people.
.These remarks quickly spread among the people and caused an uproar.
When Prince Zhu Biao learned of this, he was greatly shocked. He immediately summoned Zhu Han and several close advisers to discuss countermeasures.
"Uncle Emperor, these rumors are obviously deliberately done by someone to sabotage the plan to move the capital and weaken my reputation." Zhu Biao clenched his fists, his eyes full of anger and unwillingness.
Zhu Han pondered for a moment and calmly analyzed: "Your Highness, don't worry. Although these rumors are as fierce as tigers, as long as we act openly and aboveboard, we will naturally win the hearts and minds of the people. I suggest that Your Highness can increase the intensity of visiting people and personally solve the practical problems of the people."
, respond to these rumors with practical actions."
Zhu Biao nodded in agreement: "What the emperor said is absolutely true. I immediately arranged my trip and went to Xindu and surrounding areas in person to understand the real needs of the people."
At the same time, Zhu Di had a sneer on his lips after learning about the prince's reaction in the mansion.
"Han Feng, continue to increase your efforts. I will make the prince so exhausted that he will have no time to care." Zhu Di's voice was low and powerful, revealing unquestionable determination.
For a time, rumors that were unfavorable to the prince spread across the city like wildfire. There was a lot of discussion in the streets, alleys, teahouses and restaurants. These rumors were carefully woven, and each one pointed directly at the weakness of the prince Zhu Biao, trying to create a gap between him and the people.
Build an insurmountable gap.
"Have you heard? In order to move the capital, the prince, regardless of the life and death of the people, forced the people to make a living." An old man in simple clothes shook his head and sighed in the corner of the teahouse. Although his voice was soft, it was enough to arouse the attention of the people around him.
Notice.
"Isn't that true? I heard that the planning of Xindu is in a mess. How will our lives be lived in the future?" A woman next to him took over, her eyes full of worries about the future.
These remarks soon spread among the people, causing a lot of panic and dissatisfaction. The image of Prince Zhu Biao as a people-friendly person seemed to have become blurred under the impact of these rumors.
The rumors intensified and swept through the capital like a huge storm, causing an unprecedented impact on the reputation of Prince Zhu Biao. In the streets and alleys, people talked a lot, and accusations and doubts about the prince came one after another.
"How can His Royal Highness be so careless about the lives of the people? The capital relocation project costs a lot of money, but our taxes are getting heavier and heavier!" An old man in ragged clothes waved his crutch angrily in a corner of the market, with a hint of emotion in his voice.
Endless outrage.
"Yes, I heard that the planning of the new capital is also a mess. When we move there, we may be displaced." A young woman next to him agreed, her eyes full of uneasiness and fear for the future.
These rumors not only spread among the people, but even penetrated into the court. Some officials who were originally neutral towards the prince also began to question the prince's decision-making, and the atmosphere in the court became subtle and tense.
Faced with this series of blows, Zhu Biao's heart was as heavy as lead. There must be someone behind these rumors, but what is more important right now is how to calm public anger and revive public sentiment.
"Uncle Emperor, what should we do?" Zhu Biao paced anxiously in the study, seeking solutions from Zhu Han.
Zhu Han frowned, pondered for a moment and then slowly spoke: "Your Highness, rumors stop only with wise men, and even more with the truth. We must take the initiative and use practical actions to prove the necessity and rationality of moving the capital."
"What should we do specifically?" Zhu Biao asked eagerly.
Just when Zhu Biao was in a panic, a servant hurriedly walked into the study, with a bit of joy in his expression, and reported loudly: "Your Highness, there is good news! The people who you personally rescued before learned that Your Highness was killed.
Trapped by the rumors, they have spontaneously organized themselves to clear His Highness’s name!”
When Zhu Biao heard this, a glimmer of light flashed in his eyes, and he quickly asked: "Tell me, what exactly is going on?"
The servant reported in detail: "Those common people said that His Highness had paid many private visits incognito and personally solved their difficulties, from reducing taxes to solving spring plowing problems. They remembered everything in their hearts. They were grateful for His Highness's kindness and were unwilling to do so.
Seeing His Highness being accused without reason. Now, they have gathered together and are preparing to clarify the facts for His Highness in markets, teahouses and other public places and expose the hypocrisy of those rumors."
After Zhu Biao heard this, a warm current surged in his heart, and his frown relaxed a little. He turned to look at Zhu Han, his eyes full of gratitude and determination: "Uncle, it seems that the people's hearts have not really left me.
With the support of these people, I am more confident to get through this difficult time."
Zhu Han smiled slightly, his eyes full of approval: "Your Highness's kindness can inspire the hearts of the people. These actions of the people are the best proof that His Highness is considerate of the people's sentiments, diligent and caring for the people. Next, we can take advantage of this opportunity.
, to further guide public opinion and make the truth known to the world."
A white-haired old man, leaning on a cane, walked tremblingly in front of Zhu Biao. His voice was trembling but firm: "Your Highness, I still remember that spring famine. It was you who personally brought food and seeds to our village.
, saved the lives of our whole family. How dare we forget such kindness? Now if someone dares to slander you, I will be the first to refuse!"
A middle-aged woman next to her took over the conversation, her eyes slightly red: "Yes, Your Highness, my few acres of thin farmland are plagued by pests and diseases every year, with almost no harvest. It was you who sent someone to bring new medicines and agricultural technicians.
, taught us step by step how to prevent and treat it, and this gave us a way to survive. How could such a good prince not care about the lives of the people?"
There was a sound of agreement in the crowd. Some people recalled the prince's charity in reducing taxes, while others were grateful for the new home the prince planned for them during the process of moving the capital. A young scholar-like man, holding a folding fan, was gentle and elegant.
The ground stood up and said: "Your Highness, although our scholars are not engaged in farming, we also know that Your Highness cares about the common people and everything he does is for the sake of the country. Rumors stop only the wise. We are willing to use our pen as a sword to rectify Your Highness's name and bring justice to the world.
Everyone knows His Highness’ benevolence.”
Zhu Biao's eyes couldn't help but moisten as he listened to these sincere words. He bowed deeply to the people, his voice choked with sobs: "Fellow folks, your support and trust are my greatest motivation. I, Zhu Biao, am here.
I swear, no matter how difficult the road ahead is, I will not forget my original intention, continue to seek the welfare of the people, and create eternal peace for the Ming Dynasty!"
