The Ming Dynasty: Reshaping the Land

Chapter 2 Old Zhu, Suspicion

After catching up with Zhu Biao at the Eastern Palace, Li Jinglong accompanied Zhu Biao to the Jinshen Hall, where Zhu Yuanzhang was staying, to prepare to pay his respects to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Along the way, Li Jinglong followed behind Zhu Biao, his mind constantly flashing back to fragments of memories about Zhu Yuanzhang.

Throughout history, no one has ascended to the throne more legitimately than Zhu Yuanzhang!

From a humble cowherd to ending foreign rule and establishing the last unified Han dynasty, his historical achievements can be described as a rebirth of China.

Of course, in addition to his achievements, there were also negative reviews of his massacre of meritorious officials and his large-scale imprisonment!

Inside the Hall of Diligent Conduct.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat behind his desk, put down the memorial in his hand, stretched his body, and looked at the eunuch beside him:

"Where are the Crown Prince and the others?"

"Your Majesty, a eunuch just reported that the Crown Prince and Young Master Cao are on their way!"

"Alright! Go down!" Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

After a brief pause, images of Li Zhen and Li Wenzhong from the past unconsciously surfaced in Zhu Yuanzhang's mind. He glanced at the memorials on his desk, his gaze gradually hardening, and muttered to himself, "I must make arrangements as soon as possible!"

At this time, Li Jinglong and Zhu Biao also arrived outside the Jinshen Hall. After announcing their arrival, the two entered the hall.

"Your subject, Li Jinglong, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

"No need for formalities!" Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand casually and said to Zhu Biao, "Elder, please take a look at this memorial first!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao immediately went to the imperial desk, took the memorial, and began to read it, his expression gradually becoming serious.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat behind his desk, his gaze sweeping over Li Jinglong repeatedly.

Li Jinglong, who was below the steps, was also glancing at Zhu Yuanzhang out of the corner of his eye.

His face was like a full moon, with a round and full jaw, a straight nose and long lips. His graying hair was imbued with the scent of time, and his eyes were incredibly sharp on his wrinkled face.

Thinking of the portraits of Zhu Yuanzhang that have been passed down through the ages, Li Jinglong couldn't help but curse in his heart: The Manchu Qing Dynasty is utterly shameless!

After looking you over, Zhu Yuanzhang stood up and asked, "Second Girl, do you know why we've summoned you here today?"

Although Li Jinglong knew it was most likely about the succession of the title, he still replied, "Your subject is not entirely clear on this!"

"Then I'll tell you, we intend to let you inherit the title! However," Zhu Yuanzhang's lips curled slightly, then he paused, "do you know what the Duke of Cao represents?"

Li Jinglong nodded: "Your subject understands!"

"Then tell us!" Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile, looking at Li Jinglong.

"It represents imperial favor and honor!"

After Li Jinglong finished speaking, Old Zhu added, "And family ties!"

"Yes, and family ties too!" Li Jinglong bowed.

"You've never experienced hunger, so naturally you don't understand the value of food!" Zhu Yuanzhang paused, his expression somewhat sorrowful. "Back then, your grandfather would rather go hungry himself than give up his own grain to help our family. That wasn't just grain; it was a chance to survive!"

"Tell me, if this isn't family affection, what is it?"

"Yes!" Li Jinglong nodded and replied, "My grandfather is kind, but His Majesty has also shown great kindness to the Li family. Without His Majesty, the Li family would probably cease to exist today!"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and dismissed the question, then walked up to Li Jinglong with his hands behind his back, looking him directly in the eye: "Then tell me, why did we let you inherit the title ahead of schedule?"

"This..." Li Jinglong looked up, then lowered his head again, "Because of family!"

Old Zhu chuckled and gave a soft snort: "You're a slippery kid!"

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Li Jinglong: "It's alright to tell you. We've already decided to launch a military campaign against Liaodong next year. You're a military officer, so you should start preparing early!"

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your concern. I will certainly live up to your expectations!" Li Jinglong said solemnly.

Old Zhu nodded, a look of satisfaction on his face: "Jiujiang, you have been well-versed in military strategy since childhood and have also gained experience by following Bao'er."

"Among the second generation of nobles, I have the highest hopes for you and Yun Gong. After you inherit your titles in a few days, first take up a temporary post in the Governor's Office, and then go to Shandong to train troops, understand?"

"Your subject understands!" Li Jinglong nodded.

"During these two years of mourning, you've cultivated your character and behaved much better than many others, which makes us very satisfied!" Old Zhu smiled. "If all the second-generation nobles were like you and Yun Gong, we would be at ease!"

"I understand!"

Li Jinglong was both amused and exasperated. He just wanted to keep a low profile and be invisible, but unexpectedly, he became the role model that Lao Zhu was talking about!

"Eldest brother?" Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao put down the memorial and pondered for a moment before saying, "Father, in my opinion, let Jiujiang first go to the Left Army Commandery as an advisor. After he has rendered meritorious service in the Liaodong campaign, he can then be promoted to Vice Commander!"

Upon hearing this, Li Jinglong couldn't help but click his tongue in amazement. Zhu Biao had just offered a fourth-rank official position. Could this be how the original owner of this body was cultivated?

Biaozi, you're so generous, I'm afraid I won't be able to keep up!

Just as Li Jinglong was about to decline, Old Zhu's voice rang out: "Hmm, the boss's arrangement is appropriate! It's settled then!"

Li Jinglong: "..."

"Second daughter, you go back first! Remember, study and observe more!" Zhu Yuanzhang reminded her.

"Your subject will remember this!"

Li Jinglong bowed and then left the Jinshen Hall.

After Li Jinglong left, Zhu Biao held the memorial, his expression turning grave: "Father, what's wrong?"

"I've intercepted the memorials!" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered. "Some of my old brothers have been enjoying the good life for too long. Little do they know, they're putting us in a difficult position!"

"Father, the Guo case is not yet closed, and it has implicated many people. It is not advisable to take action against those of noble birth now!" Zhu Biao advised. "How about we wait two years..."

If Li Jinglong were present, he would definitely be shocked by Zhu Biao's decisiveness and ruthlessness.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, his tone icy: "I know, that's why we need to cultivate Er Yatou and Yun Gong. Why are they so unscrupulous? Isn't it because they think we men need them to fight for us?"

"Father, it has been more than two years since my cousin passed away. I'm afraid that Jiujiang will be in danger in the near future..." Zhu Biao didn't continue. The growth of a military general requires the tempering of battle.

"It's alright. With our support, what's there to worry about not being able to hone her skills in Jiujiang?" Zhu Yuanzhang said nonchalantly. "By the way, later you should ask the Crown Princess to look into finding a marriage for Er Yatou among the Wu Xun!"

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Father, I understand!"

After leaving the Jinshen Hall, Li Jinglong headed straight for the Donghua Gate. Just as he reached the vicinity of the palace gate, he was spotted by Guo Zhen, the eldest son of Marquis Wuding Guo Ying, who then pulled him into the duty room.

"Hey guys, the main character's here. Where are we going tonight?" Deng Zhen, who had already inherited the title, sat lazily in the prison cell. When he saw Li Jinglong enter the room, he smiled and looked at the people around him.

"Drunken Moon Pavilion?"

"Get out of here. He went to Zuiyue Tower on the first day of mourning in Jiujiang. Do you think His Majesty will forgive him?" Qiu Zheng had just finished speaking when Chang Sheng refuted him.

"Brothers, Zuiyue Tower is really not suitable. How about we go to Xiangheshun instead?" Li Jinglong said, bowing.

"How about we go to the Qinhuai River and find a pleasure boat? Something secluded will do!" Qiu Zheng suggested.

"Let's go with what Jiujiang said, Xiangheshun!" Guo Zhen hesitated for a moment, but still chose Xiangheshun.

"Brother Fu, shall we go together?" Li Jinglong looked at Fu Zhong, who was inside but hadn't spoken, only to be met with a cold shoulder.

Fu Zhong snorted coldly, turned his gaze elsewhere, and completely ignored Li Jinglong.

Li Jinglong smiled awkwardly. There was nothing he could do; if he didn't take responsibility for the sins committed by his predecessor, who else could?

They went there in high spirits and returned home thoroughly satisfied.

Back at the Duke of Cao's mansion, Li Jinglong, slightly drunk, sat in his study, recalling the details of the drinking party.

Everyone says that Li Jinglong is ambitious but incompetent, and jealous of the talented, but tonight when we were drinking, more than a dozen second-generation nobles came, which shows that Li Jinglong is well-liked. Moreover, everyone at the dinner table treated Li Jinglong with great respect.

This also made Li Jinglong somewhat doubtful. Could this be the kind of popularity someone who is jealous of talent and ability should have?

"Damn it, could these historians be former officials of the Jianwen Emperor?" Li Jinglong became increasingly suspicious.