The Ming Dynasty: Reshaping the Land

Chapter 5 Chang Sheng's Invitation

Li Jinglong was overjoyed. Judging from Zhu Biao's anxious appearance, he was probably also troubled by the busy government affairs!

Zhu Yuanzhang's ability to rise from a cowherd to the Hongwu Emperor was remarkable, not to mention his intelligence and tactics, his sheer energy alone was beyond the reach of most.

Li Jinglong read a record that historian Wu Han once calculated that Zhu Yuanzhang processed 1660 official documents in eight days during the seventeenth year of Hongwu, involving 3391 national affairs. On average, he reviewed more than 200 documents and handled more than 400 political affairs every day.

That's not all. In addition to his heavy political duties, Zhu Yuanzhang also fathered 26 sons and 16 daughters. Even if you remove the children born before his ascension to the throne, such as Zhu Biao, there were still twenty or thirty of them.

In the seventeenth year of Hongwu's reign, Zhu Yuanzhang was already 57 years old. Just look at his energy; who could compare to him?

In later generations, he would be the king of kings; just to put it another way, how many people, as they get older, even have trouble paying their taxes?

Looking at Zhu Biao, it's clear he doesn't have the same energy as Old Zhu, otherwise he wouldn't be so overwhelmed by these political affairs.

"Your Highness!" Li Jinglong said, cupping his hands. "It is not known that one cannot do everything. It is better for each person to use their abilities to support each other. A single tree cannot support a collapsing building, and a lone person cannot lift a heavy object. It is easier for a group of people to move forward together."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao sighed deeply: "I know this, but titles and positions cannot be entrusted to others; these are the responsibilities of the ruler. If the government falls, the country will follow suit. How can I do such a thing?"

"Your Highness, while the decision-making power cannot be delegated to others, as a subject, I also have a responsibility to share the burdens of my sovereign!" Li Jinglong advised.

"Your Highness, how much government affairs can you handle in a day? You are exhausted both physically and mentally afterward. How can your body sustain this in the long run?"

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment, then asked, "So what do you think should be done?"

Seeing that Zhu Biao's attitude had softened, Li Jinglong said, "I was thinking that when Your Highness is handling government affairs, you could find a few officials from the Six Ministries or Hanlin scholars to assist you in making a list of the matters mentioned in the memorials and come up with a solution before Your Highness approves it."

If Your Highness is unsure about something, the group can discuss it on the spot, pool their wisdom, and form a final decision, which Your Highness can then present to His Majesty.

In this way, Your Highness only needs to consider whether the suggestion is reasonable, reducing the deliberation process and making things much easier!

Li Jinglong proposed the cabinet system established by Zhu Di. Although the cabinet later became too powerful and began to suppress imperial power, it was not without its merits.

Every system has its limitations and drawbacks; it all depends on how it's used. At the very least, the cabinet system can serve as a safety net. Even though the Wanli Emperor didn't hold court for thirty years, the country could still function normally.

Zhu Biao frowned slightly after hearing Li Jinglong's words and hesitated, saying, "Aren't these the Imperial Academy scholars of Father Emperor? But if we let them review memorials, wouldn't that be neglecting state affairs?"

Li Jinglong was speechless: Biaozi, can't you relax a little? Do you really have to work yourself to death young?

Li Jinglong pressed his advantage: "Your Highness, now that you're free from mundane affairs, you have more energy to think about national policies. I would call it focusing on the big picture and letting go of the small details!"

Zhu Biao asked doubtfully, "Effective?"

"Your Highness, you'll know once you try!" Li Jinglong replied confidently.

Zhu Biao flicked his sleeve, making up his mind: "I'll listen to you. Come directly to the Eastern Palace tomorrow, and we'll give it a try!"

"This..." Li Jinglong hesitated, "Your Highness, I know absolutely nothing about politics!"

Zhu Biao waved his hand and said with a smile, "Jiujiang, don't be modest. Firstly, this method was proposed by you, and secondly, you are a military officer, so you can also offer some suggestions on military matters."

"Your subject obeys!" Li Jinglong bowed his head and agreed, inwardly sighing: He had really gotten himself involved!

Forget it! Let's just take it one step at a time! Hopefully, Zhu Biao can change his work style and live a few more years!

"Jiujiang!"

Li Jinglong took a look and realized it was Chang Sheng.

"Second Brother Chang!" Li Jinglong bowed.

"When did you enter the palace? I haven't seen you here." Chang Sheng asked in confusion, as he had been on duty at Donghua Gate all morning.

"Second Brother Chang, we'll enter the palace directly from the Five Armies Commandery!" Li Jinglong explained.

Chang Sheng nodded and casually said, "I haven't congratulated Jiu Jiang on inheriting the title and assuming office yet!"

"You're too kind, Brother Chang!" Li Jinglong replied with a smile.

At this moment, Chang Sheng looked around, approached Li Jinglong, and whispered, "Is Jiujiang a convenient place? I'll treat you to a drink later!"

"Is something wrong, Brother Chang?" Li Jinglong raised an eyebrow.

"It's a small matter, but I really need to trouble Jiujiang!" Chang Sheng chuckled.

Li Jinglong thought for a moment, and since there was nothing else going on at the Left Army Commandery, he nodded.

"Okay, wait for me, we're leaving now!" Chang Sheng said, then returned to his cell.

Li Jinglong watched Chang Sheng's retreating figure, his heart filled with suspicion.

As the best brothel in the entire capital, bar none, Chang Sheng spared no expense for this meal.

At this moment, Chang Sheng came out of the cell, waved, and the two rode their horses together toward the Qinhuai River.

Just after crossing Tongji Bridge, the scent of rouge in the air became more pronounced!

Speaking of which, Old Zhu also contributed to the prosperity of the brothels along the Qinhuai River!

In the early years of the Hongwu reign, Emperor Zhu ordered the construction of brothels and the establishment of official prostitutes along the Confucius Temple side of the Qinhuai River, directly turning the Qinhuai River into the center of Nanjing's pleasure quarters.

This was Li Jinglong's first time here, and he found it all very novel. Looking around, he saw two- or three-story waterfront pavilions with white walls and black tiles, paired with upturned eaves, exuding the charm of Jiangnan.

The sounds of string and wind instruments lingered in the air, and every now and then one could hear unrestrained laughter.

After walking for a few minutes, a four-story building came into view. Unlike other buildings, this building was located at the corner of the Qinhuai River, with its entrance facing the intersection.

Above the main gate hangs the three large characters "Zuiyuelou" in running script. A vermilion lantern hangs in front of the gate, and stone lions are placed on the side. An embroidered bird curtain covers the entrance.

Two pimps stood at the entrance, bowing slightly and smiling as they looked at passersby. On the second and third floors, several beautiful women, holding round fans and partially covering their faces, leaned against the vermilion railings.

"arrive!"

As Li Jinglong was examining the so-called number one brothel in the capital, Chang Sheng had already dismounted and tossed the reins to his personal servant.

Li Jinglong followed Chang Sheng in a daze. As soon as they entered the gate, a madam greeted them with fiery enthusiasm.

"Gentlemen, please come inside!"

"A superior room, a few side dishes, two jars of Shaoxing wine, and two girls over!"

Li Jinglong immediately recognized Chang Sheng as a seasoned pro, someone who knew everything!

A servant led Xu Yungong and Li Jinglong to a room on the third floor facing the street. Looking out the window, the Confucius Temple and the Qinhuai River were in full view.

At this moment, the madam led two girls in. Their slender figures could not be concealed by their black dresses and white gauze, and their pretty faces, lightly made up, were like solidified cream.

Li Jinglong sighed inwardly: No wonder it's the best place in the capital, the quality is excellent! No wonder Qiu Zheng keeps mentioning it.

"Greetings, gentlemen. My name is Tingxue, and I am skilled at playing the pipa."

"Greetings, gentlemen. My name is Qingfeng, and I am skilled at playing the xiao (vertical flute)."