Zhu Yuanzhang's words showed that he had already considered Zhu Gui as an accomplice of the "Yuyuan Garden Coup". As for whether he would really be convicted, it still depends on Zhu Gui's statement.
Xu Miaoqing on the side heard Zhu Yuanzhang's words and couldn't help but muttered: "It's really unreasonable."
Although her voice was small, it was particularly clear because the Fengtian Temple was very empty at this time.
Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes moved to Xu Miaoqing: "You are Xu Zuyin's little daughter, right? What did you just say?"
Xu Miaoqing was still very afraid of the emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, but now, she could only bite the bullet and try to explain.
But before he could speak, Zhu Gui grabbed her and stopped her with his eyes. At the same time, he said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Please forgive me for my wife's gaffe."
Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed with something strange. He never expected that Zhu Gui would speak up for Xu Miaoqing. This was something that would never happen to Zhu Gui in his mind.
"Hmph, you haven't explained your own affairs clearly yet. Come on, tell me. I have to go back and rest."
Although Zhu Yuanzhang used an impatient tone, he did not dwell on the matter just now, which made Zhu Gui breathe a sigh of relief.
Zhu Gui took a deep breath, temporarily put aside the pressure in his heart, and then raised his head and said: "Father, I think that whether it is firearms or other instruments, they themselves are not good or evil, and their additions
The stance simply depends on the person using them."
"The reason why Erchen invented firearms was to use them against the Mongols. Erchen never thought that a small firearm could cause such a catastrophe, but now that it has happened, Erchen feels that he should be held accountable.
The evil intention of the Jin King is not the firearm."
After Zhu Gui finished speaking, Xu Miaoqing on the side pulled the corner of his clothes and then quietly gave him a thumbs up. This was something she learned from Zhu Gui.
It seems that Xu Miaoqing's words just now made sense.
Even the eunuch in charge looked at the young prince in front of him in surprise, not expecting that he could say such a thing.
Zhu Yuanzhang was also quite surprised. If it weren't for the fact that in addition to the father and son, there were only the little girl of the Xu family and the chief eunuch in the palace at this time, he would have doubted whether someone had taught Zhu Gui this rhetoric.
Zhu Gui's "Utensil Theory" can be said to be a new approach, which gave Zhu Yuanzhang a refreshing feeling. The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
Just like that, Fengtian Hall suddenly fell into silence.
After a while, just when Zhu Gui thought Zhu Yuanzhang had fallen asleep, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said: "Did someone teach you to say this? Did anyone guess what I would ask you?"
After thinking about it, Zhu Yuanzhang still felt that these words could not come from Zhu Gui's mouth.
If Prince Zhu Biao or King Zhu Di of Yan could say these words, he would definitely be full of praise, but if it were Zhu Gui, it would only make Zhu Yuanzhang suspicious.
Zhu Gui couldn't help but smile bitterly: "Father, my son and I have been in Yunzhou for more than half a year. They have been able to understand the sufferings of the people, and they have also fully understood the responsibilities of the royal family. This understanding is also gained from experience."
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Gui thoughtfully, as if he wanted to see through his heart.
After a while, Zhu Yuanzhang finally said: "Your answer makes some sense, but after all, it was the thing you came out earlier that caused this tragedy. I still have to punish you."
Zhu Gui suddenly wanted to cry but had no tears. What kind of truth is this?
But he didn't dare to refute or plead, he just hoped to keep his position as feudal king.
"But how should I punish you? By the way, this kind of firearm should not be made again in the future. This is an imperial edict to prevent more descendants of the Zhu family from losing their lives to this thing in the future. Do you understand?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said seriously.
"yes."
Zhu Gui breathed a sigh of relief. Although this ban made him want to complain, he finally held it back.
After all, Zhu Yuanzhang's deadline is not long, so this ban will naturally restrict him for a long time. However, he still has to keep a low profile before the Battle of Jingnan.
"I heard that you know how to make salt? And you also have a monopoly on the entire salt channel in Shanxi?"
Zhu Yuanzhang picked up a memorial, took a look at it, and asked calmly.
"This, yes, it is indeed true. I got the method of making salt from an ancient book, and I am constantly trying it. So far, I have only gained a little bit."
Zhu Gui said.
He was really worried that Zhu Yuanzhang would ask him to announce and promote the method of making salt.
Those were all redeemed by him in the system store, there was no way he could have done it by fake hands.
"Being able to make money is considered a skill, but the Zhu family must also be able to go to the battlefield and kill the enemy. Well, disasters have continued in the Ming Dynasty this year, and the national treasury is somewhat empty due to disaster relief. Since you can make money, help the court solve problems."
Zhu Yuanzhang said.
"yes."
Zhu Gui naturally did not dare to refute, as long as money could solve it, it would be a small problem for him.
"The memorial says that you can turn over 3 million taels of salt tax tomorrow autumn, right? So, if you can pay 10 million taels next year, you can continue to be your acting king in Yunzhou. If you can't, you can
Come back as soon as possible."
Zhu Yuanzhang thought for a while and said.
"Ah? Ten million taels?"
Zhu Gui was shocked. This was more than tripled, and it was only the salt tax.
Although he could barely come up with so much money, he was still very reluctant to give it all to the state treasury for no reason.
This money was enough for him to build official channels from Datong Prefecture to Nanjing.
"What? Can't do it? That's okay. You don't have to go back to Yunzhou after tomorrow. I will appoint other vassal kings."
Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.
Zhu Gui knelt down with a plop and said, "My son is willing to give it a try."
"Okay, these are the descendants of the Zhu family. As long as you can do this, I can let go of your past affairs and release all your rights as the vassal king."
"Okay, let's go down, I'm tired."
After Zhu Yuanzhang finished speaking, he waved his hand, and then walked into the screen behind the dragon chair with the support of the chief eunuch.
Zhu Gui sighed and pulled Xu Miaoqing out of Fengtian Hall.
"Zhu Gui, can you really do it? Why not go to my father and find a way."
Xu Miaoqing said softly.
"Don't worry, this matter is not a problem for me. However, I am not sure whether the emperor will abide by what he said today."
Zhu Gui said with a wry smile.
"Ah? Will the Emperor also go back on his word?"
After Xu Miaoqing finished speaking, she immediately covered her mouth, and then looked around. This was still a palace. If anyone heard her, it would be a serious crime.