Chapter 948 Sacrifice Ceremony, Zhu Di offers advice
Zhu Biao bowed to express his gratitude, but he still felt a heavy responsibility in his heart: "I dare not take credit. This is the result of the joint efforts of the imperial court and all officials. I just fulfilled my duty."
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, and then changed the topic: "Biao'er, although the disaster relief is over, the affairs in the court cannot be ignored. You need to continue to assist Handi, jointly govern the country, and ensure the stability of the Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Biao said seriously: "My son, I will obey the decree and will do my best to live up to my father's high expectations."
After Zhu Biao exited the imperial study, he felt both relieved and a heavy responsibility.
Returning to the East Palace, Zhu Biao immediately summoned his close aides to discuss the next strategy for the DPRK. In the study, candlelight flickered, reflecting the solemn faces of everyone.
"Everyone, although the disaster relief in Jiangnan has been successful, the affairs in the DPRK are far from settled. My father has high hopes for me, and we need to act more cautiously." Zhu Biao's voice was calm and powerful, revealing unquestionable majesty.
An older aide bowed and said: "What His Highness said is absolutely true. The forces in the DPRK and China are intertwined. If His Highness the Crown Prince wants to stabilize his position, he needs more help."
Zhu Biao nodded slightly and turned to another staff member: "Mr. Li, you have a good understanding of the situation in North Korea and China. How do you think we should respond at the moment?"
Mr. Li pondered for a moment and said slowly: "Your Highness, in my humble opinion, the first priority at the moment is to unite all the forces that can be united, especially those courtiers who are neutral or supportive of His Highness the Crown Prince. At the same time, we need to guard against those who are hostile to His Majesty the Crown Prince.
The forces that pose a threat to His Royal Highness, especially King Zhu Di of Yan, are extremely ambitious and must be guarded against."
Hearing this, Zhu Biao frowned slightly, obviously wary of Zhu Di's ambition. "Zhu Di is indeed an opponent that cannot be underestimated. He is both civil and military, and has a high prestige in the military. If he has other ideas, it will be a serious problem."
At this time, a young staff member interjected: "Your Highness, Wei Chen believes that instead of being passive and defensive, it is better to take the initiative and look for opportunities to show the prince's benevolence and wisdom and win the support of more courtiers and people."
Zhu Biao's eyes lit up and he praised: "This makes sense. We really need more opportunities to take the initiative. Mr. Li, do you have any good ideas?"
Mr. Li smiled slightly, with the light of wisdom shining in his eyes: "Your Highness, why not take this opportunity to propose holding a grand sacrificial event to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country and the people, and invite important ministers and local officials to participate. Taking this opportunity, His Highness the Crown Prince will not only
It can show his benevolence, and also enhance communication with various forces and understand their true thoughts."
When Zhu Biao heard this, he felt that this was indeed a good way to kill two birds with one stone. "This is a very clever plan. It can not only show the benevolence of the father and the prince, but also strengthen the connection between the courtiers. Mr. Li, I will leave this matter to you."
I am fully responsible for the preparations and must ensure the event is a complete success.”
Mr. Li bowed to accept the order and was about to retreat when Zhu Biao stopped him again: "There is one more thing that needs attention. This event requires a special invitation to King Yan Zhu Di. I want to see what his plans are."
Mr. Li nodded in agreement, thinking secretly in his heart, knowing that this would be a war without smoke.
A few days later, a grand sacrificial event was held in the capital. Zhu Biao and Zhu Han stood side by side on the altar, looking at the dark crowd below, feeling both proud and heavy in their hearts.
King Yan Zhu Di was dressed in gorgeous armor and rode a tall horse into the venue slowly, scanning the surroundings with sharp eyes. He, Zhu Biao, and Zhu Han nodded, but there was some imperceptible provocation in their eyes.
After the sacrificial ceremony, Zhu Biao specially invited the ministers to the East Palace for a banquet. During the banquet, there was a warm atmosphere. Zhu Biao chatted and laughed with the courtiers, and asked about local governance from time to time, showing his people-friendly and pragmatic side.
Zhu Di sat aside, watching with cold eyes, thinking secretly in his heart. Zhu Biao's move was intended to win people's hearts, and he could never sit idly by and ignore it.
After drinking for three rounds, Zhu Di suddenly stood up and raised his glass to propose a toast to Zhu Biao: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is benevolent and virtuous, and this disaster relief act has won the hearts of the people. I would like to drink a glass to Your Highness, and may the Ming Dynasty be eternal and your Highness prosper forever."
Bandai!”
Zhu Biao smiled slightly and raised his glass in reply: "Fourth brother, you are serious. This is our responsibility. Come on, cheers!"
The two of them finished the drink in one gulp, but the atmosphere quietly changed. Zhu Di put down his wine glass and changed the topic: "Your Highness, I recently got an idea in the army, which may strengthen border defense to resist foreign invasion. I wonder if Your Highness is interested.
One listen?”
Zhu Biao felt a shiver in his heart, knowing that Zhu Di wanted to take the opportunity to show off his talents and ambitions. He smiled slightly, pretending to be curious and said: "Oh? The fourth brother has any good ideas, but it doesn't matter."
Zhu Di looked around and saw that everyone was listening attentively, so he said slowly: "My brother believes that although our border defense is strong, we must not slack off at all. My brother suggests that we can add outposts on the border, strengthen patrols, and select elite personnel.
Establish a quick reaction force to respond to emergencies."
As soon as this statement came out, all the ministers nodded in praise, thinking that this strategy was very good. Although Zhu Biao felt unwilling to do so, he had to admit that Zhu Di's strategy was indeed feasible. He smiled slightly and praised: "This is the strategy of my fourth brother."
It is indeed a brilliant idea, and I will definitely adopt it when I report it to Father Ming."
When Zhu Di heard this, an imperceptible smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, knowing that his goal had been achieved. He raised his glass to indicate to Zhu Biao, and the two drank it down again, but the battle in each other's hearts was far from over.
After the banquet, Zhu Biao sat alone in the study room with mixed feelings in his heart.
In the early morning of the next day, Zhu Biao got up early and prepared to go to the Imperial Study Room to report the sacrificial activities and Zhu Di's border defense strategy to his father, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang.
Entering the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the dragon chair with a solemn expression. Seeing Zhu Biao's arrival, he nodded slightly, signaling for him to come forward and report.
After Zhu Biao bowed and saluted, he explained the grand occasion of the sacrificial activities and Zhu Di's border defense strategy one by one. After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, with a trace of deep thought flashing in his eyes.
"Biao'er, what do you think of Di'er's policy?" Zhu Yuanzhang finally asked.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and replied cautiously: "Father, I believe that the fourth brother's strategy is indeed feasible. Strengthening border defense is the foundation of long-term peace and stability in our dynasty. But the specifics are
You still need to be careful when implementing it to ensure nothing goes wrong.”
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, with a deep look in his eyes: "What you said makes sense. Although Di'er is ambitious, his talent cannot be ignored. You need to work harder to stabilize your position as crown prince."
After Zhu Biao left the Imperial Study Room, he felt a great responsibility and was full of determination for the future.
Returning to the East Palace, Zhu Biao immediately summoned his close aides to discuss how to deal with Zhu Di's challenge and strengthen the prince's influence in the court. In the study, candlelight flickered, reflecting the dignified faces of everyone.
"Everyone, everyone has seen what happened today. King Yan Zhu Di is very ambitious, and we must guard against it." Zhu Biao's voice was steady and powerful, and his eyes swept over everyone present.
An older staff member cupped his hands and said: "What your Highness said is absolutely true. His Highness King Yan has a very high prestige in the army. If he really has other intentions, it will cause serious trouble. But there is no need for your Highness to worry too much. We can take advantage of this disaster relief effort."
, to further consolidate the prince’s position in the court.”
Zhu Biao nodded slightly and turned to another staff member: "Mr. Li, what do you have in mind?"
Mr. Li pondered for a moment and then said slowly: "Your Highness, I believe that in order to consolidate the crown prince's status, in addition to relying on military merit and popular support, we also need to build good relationships with the court and win the support of more courtiers. Especially those who are neutral or on the sidelines.
We need to try to win over the important ministers who have a bad attitude towards the prince."
When Zhu Biao heard this, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes: "What Mr. Li said is absolutely true. So, what should we do to win the support of these important ministers?"
Mr. Li smiled slightly, with the light of wisdom shining in his eyes: "Your Highness can hold more literary gatherings and poetry banquets, and invite important officials in the court to participate. Take this opportunity to show the prince's literary talent and demeanor, and at the same time listen to their opinions and suggestions, so that they can
I feel the prince’s concern and attention to the government.”
When Zhu Biao heard this, his eyes lit up: "This is a wonderful plan! We not only want to show the prince's talents, but also let them see the prince's determination and ability to govern the country."
He then turned to another staff member: "Mr. Zhang, you are responsible for preparing these cultural gatherings and poetry banquets. You must ensure that the activities are elegant yet solemn, so that all participants can feel the sincerity and elegance of the prince."
Mr. Zhang bowed and obeyed the order: "I obey, Your Highness. I will do my best to live up to Your Highness's high expectations."
After the discussion was settled, everyone dispersed and prepared for the upcoming activities. Zhu Biao stayed alone in the study, thinking about every next move.
A few days later, a grand cultural gathering was held in the East Palace, to which many important officials from the court were invited. At the cultural gathering, Zhu Biao not only composed poems and essays himself, but also invited guests to enjoy the masterpieces and comment on current events. His literary talent and grace won him a lot of praise.
received the admiration and admiration of everyone present.
During the banquet, an old minister raised a glass to toast Zhu Biao and said with emotion: "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is talented and capable and manages the country well. It is our great fortune in the Ming Dynasty. The veteran minister is willing to swear allegiance to His Highness and work together for the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Biao quickly stood up and responded with gratitude and determination in his eyes: "My lord, you are so complimentary. Biao'er is just doing his best to share the worries of his father and be loyal to the Ming Dynasty. Biao'er will keep your support and trust in his heart.
.”
In the dead of night, Zhu Biao sat alone in his study, looking at the moonlight outside the window, his heart full of emotion.
In the early morning of the next day, Zhu Biao got up early and prepared to go to the Ministry of Household Affairs to inspect government affairs.
In the lobby of the Ministry of Revenue, Zhu Biao sat in the main seat and listened carefully to the reports of the officials of the Ministry of Revenue. Sometimes he frowned, sometimes he nodded in approval, and he put forward his own unique insights and suggestions on every government matter.
"What His Highness said is absolutely true." Mr. Zhang, the Secretary of the Ministry of Household Affairs, bowed and said, "We must follow His Highness's instructions and carefully handle every government affairs to ensure that the country's finances are stable and orderly."
Zhu Biao smiled slightly, his eyes revealing his trust and expectation for Mr. Zhang: "Sir Zhang is the pillar of the Ministry of Household Affairs, and I have full confidence in you. I hope that you will continue to fulfill your duties and contribute to the Ming Dynasty."
After inspecting the Ministry of Household Affairs, Zhu Biao went non-stop to the Ministry of Industry, the Ministry of Justice and other yamen to inspect government affairs. Everywhere he went, he listened carefully to the reports and suggestions of officials, showing the diligence and wisdom that a prince should have.
As night fell, Zhu Biao finally finished his day's inspection work. He dragged his tired body back to the East Palace, but his heart was full of satisfaction and pride.
At the same time, Zhu Han was also discussing the situation and future strategies in the palace with several close aides. The flickering candlelight in the study reflected his resolute face and deep eyes.
"How did His Majesty, His Majesty the Crown Prince, behave in court today?" an aide asked, bowing.
Zhu Han nodded slightly and said solemnly: "Biao'er's performance in the court today is remarkable. Not only did he successfully hold a cultural meeting and win the support and trust of the courtiers, he also personally inspected the government affairs of various ministries and demonstrated the responsibilities of a prince.
Diligence and wisdom.”
When another aide heard this, a trace of worry flashed in his eyes: "However, King Zhu Di of Yan is not an ordinary person. He is very ambitious and has a high prestige in the military. If he really has different intentions, it will be a big problem."
When Zhu Han heard this, he frowned and thought for a moment, then said: "The fourth brother is indeed talented and ambitious, but the country and the country of the Ming Dynasty are important and we cannot abandon the public affairs for personal reasons. We need to always be wary of his movements and at the same time strengthen the prince's status and position in the court.
Influence.”
He then turned to several close aides: "You need to continue to pay close attention to the situation and trends in the DPRK, especially those forces that pose a threat to the prince. At the same time, strengthen the prince's influence in the DPRK and strive for the support and trust of more courtiers."
The aides nodded in response and expressed that they would do their best to assist the prince in consolidating his position. Seeing this, Zhu Han felt a little relieved, knowing that with them assisting the prince, he would be able to cope with future challenges and difficulties.
Zhu Han meditated for a moment in the study, then stood up slowly and said to the staff: "Everyone, although Prince Biao'er has shown extraordinary ability and wisdom, the situation in the DPRK is complicated and we still need to be more cautious. Next, we need to
We will take various measures to further consolidate the crown prince’s status.”
An older staff member bowed and said: "What His Highness said is absolutely true. I believe that in addition to strengthening the Crown Prince's influence in the court, we also need to start from among the people to enhance the Crown Prince's prestige in the hearts of the people."
Zhu Han nodded slightly, his eyes flashing with approval: "This is a great plan. Public opinion is crucial to the stability of the prince's status. You can make arrangements for the prince to participate in more people-friendly activities, such as inspecting farmland, condolences to the victims, etc.
Let the people see with their own eyes the prince’s benevolence and diligence.”
Another staff member added: "Your Highness, I also suggest strengthening the prince's cultural education and improving his knowledge and cultivation. This will not only enhance the prince's prestige among the courtiers, but also lay a solid foundation for his future governance."
When Zhu Han heard this, a flash of deep thought flashed in his eyes: "This statement makes sense. You can select a few highly respected scholars as the prince's teachers to give regular lessons to the prince and teach him how to govern the country."
After the discussion was settled, Zhu Han looked around the staff again and said firmly: "Everyone, we are at the core of the power of the Ming Dynasty. We need to act cautiously every step. But as long as we work together, we will definitely help the prince stabilize his position and contribute to the long-term peace and stability of the Ming Dynasty.