Zhu Di's mood at this time was very complicated.
The brother he hadn't seen for a long time was right in front of him.
The brother in front of him still brought some kind of family comfort to Zhu Di as always.
A lonely man means that people like Zhu Di bear the responsibility of the world and hold the power of the world. Therefore, they have to govern the world in an inhumane manner.
But it doesn't mean that Zhu Di doesn't have humanity. He definitely has some humanity, but not much.
But Zhu Di obviously also knew that this brother's arrival had caused some kind of rift between them.
This kind of rift cannot even be explained clearly.
Everyone praises his brother as a wise king, who can stop the people in the world from talking?
Praising the King of Shu was actually used to contrast Zhu Di. To put it bluntly, it was just because he did not dare to scold the emperor, so he promoted the King of Shu.
This made Zhu Di have to be vigilant.
What's more... the current Governor Zuo... is actually the most difficult thing for Zhu Di.
If Zhu Chun, the king of Shu, accepts it, then...Zhu Chun will become the mainstay of the resistance to the New Deal. Brothers will inevitably become enemies and will turn against each other sooner or later.
But if he doesn't accept it, I'm afraid... it will also bring countless criticisms, thinking that Zhu Di hates his brother's talents and what tricks he used behind the scenes.
It can be said that...the most cruel thing in the world is not the sword, but the mouth. Killing people with your mouth will alienate brothers and put you in a dilemma.
And what about the King of Shu...
Can the King of Shu avoid it?
At this time, King Zhu Chun of Shu pondered for a moment and then said: "Your Majesty, I never thought that the ministers would recommend me. I am frightened. After hearing this news, I feel like walking on thin ice. I am extremely frightened."
When Zhu Di and Zhu Chun were playing duel, the eunuchs and academicians on the side all held their breath. Therefore, when Zhu Chun's words fell, the sound of needles dropping could be heard in the palace.
Zhu Di said: "You don't have to be frightened and doubtful. What the ministers did...is indeed beyond my expectation. However, in all dynasties, there are precedents for clan members to be virtuous ministers."
"I am so stupid, I am afraid that I will betray your majesty's great trust."
Zhu Di smiled slightly, stared at Shu King Zhu Chun and said: "The position of Zuo Governor is indeed of great importance. I look around the temple and it is indeed difficult to find a suitable candidate."
He did not continue with this sentence.
Instead, he suddenly said: "I heard that you were in Shu... Do the local soldiers and civilians have much love for you?"
Zhu Chun couldn't deny it.
Because if you deny it, you are cheating!
What's more, although Shu is far away from Nanjing, how could what happened there escape the eyes and ears of his imperial brother?
But he couldn't admit it. After thinking about it, Zhu Chun said: "My brother is not talented. He has kept in mind the teachings of Emperor Taizu Gao and loved the people. However, he has little talent and little knowledge. The praise from the soldiers and people of Shu is really ridiculous."
Zhu Di stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, walked back and forth for a few steps, and then said: "It seems... you are really a wise king."
Zhu Chun immediately said: "I don't dare."
"There's no need to be shy. You are highly respected both inside and outside the court."
Zhu Chun didn't look embarrassed, so he said lightly: "I don't dare."
Zhu Di said: "If you were the governor of the left, what would you do?"
"This...brother Chen..."
Zhu Di waved his hand and said: "That's all, I just want to ask you, if I make you the governor of the left, are you willing to accept it?"
Zhu Chun did not hesitate: "My brother, I wish that my liver and brain would be wiped out and I would die."
As soon as this statement came out...
The three of them, Yang Rong, had calmed down and exchanged glances with each other.
They originally thought that if the King of Shu wanted to protect Mingzhe, he would definitely choose to die and not accept it.
After all...he is a vassal king who is so carefree and carefree. He is just a left governor and is really not worth mentioning.
Moreover, staying in the capital as an official was really dangerous for a clan member.
Not to mention, the situation in the capital city is treacherous and undercurrents are surging. If you are not careful, you may be shattered to pieces.
Zhu Di was also stunned. He looked at Zhu Chun in disbelief.
Zhu Di had already made many plans. For example, Zhu Chun had to resign repeatedly, and he, the emperor, also made a certain guarantee before Zhu Chun would reluctantly agree, or... Zhu Chun would not accept it until he died.
All in all, he didn't expect Zhu Chun to agree so simply and neatly.
This made Zhu Di frown.
Zhu Chun was too impatient. Could it be that the mighty vassal king still covets the position of a mere left governor?
But what a crucial position the Governor of the Left holds...
Zhu Di spoke from the bottom of his heart and said, "I actually thought you would be humble."
Zhu Chun said calmly: "Emperor Taizu Gao loves the people like his sons... I am a son of a human being, so I should..."
"Okay!" Zhu Di interrupted him, with a look of displeasure on his face.
The first time he mentioned Emperor Taizu Gao, it was understandable, but now he mentioned Emperor Taizu Gao again, which made Zhu Di very unhappy.
I am the emperor now. You brother, do you want to use Emperor Taizu Gao to oppress me?
This made Zhu Di vaguely feel that his brother was not that simple. His heart... was very big.
Zhu Di said calmly: "In that case...then I will grant it."
Zhu Di glanced at Yang Rong and others and said: "I have decreed that King Zhu Chun of Shu will be the governor of the left, and he will control Yingtian, Zhenjiang, Suzhou, and Songjiang prefectures..."
Yang Rongdao: "I obey the order."
Zhu Di said again: "Please step back, please."
Zhu Chun and others resigned.
Yi Shiha was too embarrassed to express his anger.
Because he knew that before Zhu Chun entered the palace, Zhu Di had already ordered people to prepare a grand banquet in the palace.
After all, this is a meeting between brothers. After talking about serious matters, the family closes the door to avoid talking about brotherhood.
But just now, Zhu Didi didn't mention it and directly asked Zhu Chun to resign.
It is obvious that Zhu Di is quite disgusted with Zhu Chun now. Not only that, he has even become wary.
The most important thing is that His Majesty must be in a very bad mood at this time.
Therefore, Yishiha lowered his head, looked at his toes, did not dare to express his anger, and tried hard to pretend that he did not exist.
However, Zhu Di did not stay here for long and left quickly.
…………
Yang Rong and the others resigned.
Returning to the check-in room, Hu Guang frowned and said: "Mr. Yang, you said...this King of Shu..."
Yang Rong sighed and said, "Don't ask, I can't understand it either."
Hu Guang asked in surprise: "Is there anything else you can't understand?"
Yang Rong glanced at him speechlessly and then said: "How can you see everything in this world clearly? Your Highness, King of Shu, is by no means a fool, but he made the worst choice, which makes people feel strange."
Hu Guangdao: "Maybe he really cares about the world and cares about the rise and fall of the world, so... he risked the world's disapproval and wanted to take on such an important responsibility."
Yang Rong opened his mouth and was about to say something, but suddenly paused and then said: "Maybe."
Hu Guang said: "Then tell me, can His Highness the King of Shu cure the Zuo Dudu Mansion?"
Yang Rong smiled and said: "You want to say, he or Zhang Anshi... who loses and who wins?"
Hu Guangdao: "Exactly."
Yang Rongdao: "People's abilities have different levels."
"What about King Shu?"
"His Royal Highness the King of Shu is a wise king. He has indeed done a lot of good things in Shu. What's more... he is very talented and full of knowledge. I have also read the books he has compiled, and there are indeed some that are eye-catching.
This place shows that he is no ordinary person."
Hu Guang's eyes lit up: "In this way, His Highness, King of Shu, does not have no chance of winning."
Hu Guang was a little excited.
"No." Yang Rong said directly: "The chances of winning are slim."
Hu Guang frowned and said, "Is it possible that the King of Shu is not as good as Zhang Anshi?"
Yang Rongdao: "Success or failure is not determined by the wisdom of just one person. What determines him is him and the people around him. If the people around him are just for their own selfishness, they are not shaken every day for their own privileges.
They claim to be righteous, but in fact they are just like a dog and a dog, so how can they succeed?"
Hu Guangdao: "Who are these arrogant people you are talking about?"
"What do you think?" Yang Rong smiled.
Hu Guang: "..."
Yang Rong continued: "Let's take another look. Now is actually not the time to make a conclusion."
Hu Guang could only nod his head and sigh.
Hu Guang's mood is still very complicated. In many cases, it is more difficult for people to break away from their own origin and status and look at something objectively.
As soon as the decree was announced, there was an uproar in the capital.
Immediately afterwards, Yingtian Fuyin, Suzhou Prefect, Zhenjiang Prefect... entered Beijing one after another.
Zuo Dudu's Mansion was chosen to be located in a small government office. This place was originally an abandoned City God's Temple, but now, after repairs, a sign has been put up.
All of a sudden, all the officials who came here praised him.
His Royal Highness the King of Shu is so honest and frugal, which is really hard to see.
Unlike the Right Dudu's Mansion, which is so grand and has a watchtower, it's really nothing!
However, when everyone arrived at Zuo Dudu's Mansion, they were greeted by a Confucian scholar named Liu Desheng.
Liu Desheng greeted everyone and then smiled and said: "Your Highness is not in the Yamen."
"Oh?" Yingtian Mansion Yin Deng Wenda said in surprise: "But I don't know where it is?"
Liu Desheng said: "I have already gone down to investigate the public sentiment."
After everyone heard this, they couldn't help but sigh: "Your Highness loves the people like a son. He is rich in gold, but he still needs to understand the people's sentiments, which is really admirable."
"It is said that... His Highness took the initiative to ask for help... Well... it seems... there are some things that His Highness can't stand anymore."
Everyone was talking.
Then he asked Liu Desheng when His Royal Highness the King of Shu would return to the government office.
Liu Desheng said: "I'm afraid it will take three days."
"Okay, in three days' time, isn't it time to take a rest during the winter solstice? Then... I'll come and pay my respects then."
Many people set off firecrackers throughout Yingtian Mansion, and it was extremely festive for a moment.
Zhenjiang Prefecture, Danyang County.
Someone came to Liu's house in Danyang out of breath.
Then, the Liu family was flattered. The leader was Liu Yang, who personally led his sons out to greet them.
"I never expected that His Highness, King of Shu, would be..."
Zhu Chun, King of Shu, stepped forward, supported him, and said in an easy-going manner: "No need to be polite, I just looked around."
After saying that, he looked back at his clerk and said: "The old gentleman is old and the weather is freezing, so he still goes inside to talk."
Liu Yang was so excited that he burst into tears. He hurriedly asked people to prepare wine and food, and first welcomed Zhu Chun into the house for tea.
Zhu Chun asked: "How is the harvest this year?"
"It's not a good thing to encounter a drought." Liu Yang said with a smile: "People like the common people depend on the weather for food. Alas... God is unkind, and the common people will be dissatisfied and suffer."
Zhu Chun nodded, looked at the clerk aside and said, "Write it down."
Zhu Chun added: "Sir, it's not easy to run such a family business. Are your sons all educated?"
Liu Yang said distressedly: "Hey... I'm really ashamed. All three sons were born in childhood. Only the second son may have some hope of becoming a scholar. The other two... are really incompetent."
Zhu Chun said: "Studying is not easy, and fame is even harder. You don't need to take it to heart. I have heard for a long time that you are a very kind person here, so I came here to see you."
Liu Yang's eyebrows were dancing and he said: "I feel ashamed to say that... the common people... have only gone to school... they have only helped a few people, it's nothing."
"Oh? Have you studied yet?"
Liu Yang said: "The Liu clan school was built by ordinary people for the children of the clan to study. It has already produced two talented people."
Zhu Chun nodded and said: "Studying is not easy, but it is rare that you can do this."
The banquet was ready, and Liu Yang hurriedly invited Zhu Chun to the banquet.
After the guests and hosts had enjoyed themselves, Zhu Chun left.
Liu Yang personally sent him seven or eight miles away, and at Zhu Chun's insistence, he happily returned home.
Zhu Chun's face was expressionless, but he glanced at the clerk beside him: "Who is the next family?"
The literary official said: "Not far away is the Zhou family in Danyang. There is a Jinshi in the Zhou family, and his reputation is not small in Danyang County."
Zhu Chun smiled and said: "It must be very hard for you to follow me..."
"I don't dare." The civil servant said indifferently.
Zhu Chun smiled and said: "I feel it is hard for me. I have to travel all the way. Not to mention that you have to take care of me at all times to eat and drink and plan my itinerary. Where are you from?"
The literary official said: "He is from Liuhe County."
Zhu Chun asked: "How many years have you been an official?"
"eleven years."
Zhu Chun said: "I see that you are experienced and an official."
The clerk just smiled.
With that said, Zhu Chun led the people and continued to run to the next house.
…………
One report after another was delivered to Zhang Anshi.
There is too much news about Zhu Chun, King of Shu, and the information is too dense.
This guy not only showed up on his own initiative, but also became the Governor of the Left.
In order to prevent him from getting lost again, and because this person's identity was sensitive, Zhang Anshi naturally asked Jin Yiwei to keep an eye on him at all times.
Of course, you have to keep an eye on it, but you don’t need to keep an eye on it too closely to avoid being noticed.
At this time, Zhang Anshi pressed his temples with a tired look on his face and said: "The King of Shu visited more than a dozen gentry families... What on earth is this guy thinking? As the left governor, he is a bit unprofessional."
Chen Li smiled slightly and said: "Captain, who cares..."
"We can't ignore it." Zhang Anshi said: "This King of Shu is no better than the others. His status is too different. What's more, he is now in the spotlight. Every move of his right commander puts me in a passive position."
Chen Li said: "I heard that His Majesty is also very unhappy about this."
Zhang Anshi frowned and said: "Those scholars are really vicious, hey... no matter what, continue to stare at them, of course... be careful not to give others any leverage."
Chen Li responded and spoke down.
Zhang Anshi watched Chen Li away. At this time, three people broke in. One of them shouted: "What governor, this is my eldest brother! When I see my eldest brother, I want to inform you, are you crazy or am I crazy?"
?Even if my eldest brother is the emperor, I still..."
As soon as I heard this voice...
Zhang Anshi was so frightened that his liver and gallbladder burst. With a swish, he rushed to the door with all his strength. Sure enough, he saw Zhu Yong lecturing a civil servant.
He would continue to say: "I am also like this..."
Zhang Anshi's face turned pale, and he covered Zhu Yong's mouth: "Okay, okay, stop talking, stop talking."
After pulling hard, Zhu Yong was finally dragged in, and then he couldn't help but yelled: "Are you trying to kill me?"
Zhu Yong said: "Brother, I'm just making an analogy with them. I'm afraid they are too stupid and don't understand the brotherhood between us."
Zhang Anshi said with a cold face: "Don't say these words again in the future!"
Zhu Yong said confusedly: "What are you talking about?"
Zhang Anshi said angrily: "That's what I just said."
Zhu Yong tilted his head and thought for a while, then said: "I want to see my eldest brother, but I also need to inform him?"
Zhang Anshi said: "The last sentence."
Zhu Yong thought about it seriously again, and then suddenly realized: "Oh, look at me, when I get angry... I dare to say anything."
Zhang Anshi glared at Zhu Yong and the others angrily, and finally said: "I'm on duty today, what are you doing here?"
Zhu Yong seemed to suddenly remember something, and said quickly: "Yes! Yes! I came to see my elder brother because I have something to say. In our workshop, they said that they had made a good thing, and the craftsmen all came to report the good news. They
They all say...thanks to those people sent by Big Brother...if it weren't for them..."
"Those people who were sent? Who were they sent to?" Zhang Anshi was a little confused, and then said: "When were they sent? Who were they?"
Zhu Yong opened his eyes wide and was speechless for a long time.
Finally he said: "I don't know either, they just said this... Brother... are those people lying to us?"
Zhang Anshi frowned and tried hard to think, but he still couldn't think of it.
He looked speechless: "These craftsmen are not civil servants after all. They are better civil servants. Although they are a bit rigid, at least the reports are clear and detailed, and there will be no mistakes."
"Giving it away? I, Zhang Anshi, do have a son, but I didn't give it away. That's all. Let's go and take a look at him in a few days."
After all, they are still brothers, and they have been quite busy these days. Now that they finally get together, they can't help chatting with each other happily.
Two days later.
A memorial was delivered to Zhu Di.
Yi Shiha looked at Zhu Di's face and said timidly: "Today is the winter solstice, and the minister Mu Xiu..."
"Well..." Zhu Di only nodded slightly.
Yi Shiha hesitated for a moment, and then said: "I heard that... this Yingtian Mansion is deserted, and many people... took advantage of it... took advantage of it..."
Zhu Di glanced at him and said, "What are you taking advantage of?"
Yishiha seemed to have made a lot of determination and said: "Take the opportunity to see His Majesty the King of Shu."
Zhu Di pursed his lips tightly. He couldn't say he was jealous, but he felt like... his authority had been offended.
This is definitely not because of a chicken's stomach, but because after the New Deal, Zhu Di clearly felt that many people... were desperately engaging in small tricks to alienate one's morality.
"It has been many days since the King of Shu took office... Why did he just go to see it today?"
When Zhu Di said this, his tone was very calm, but Yi Shiha, who had been with Zhu Di for many years, still felt His Majesty's unhappiness.
Yi Shiha had no choice but to say: "I heard that... after the King of Shu took office, he went to observe the people's sentiments. He went to Zhenjiang and the counties under Yingtian Prefecture, and visited many families. The families he visited all said that His Highness the King of Shu was a polite and virtuous person...
…”
"That's enough!" Zhu Di tried hard to keep calm, but finally cracked and said angrily: "I understand."
Yi Shiha hesitated and said: "Your Majesty, do you want Dongchang to drive people away..."
Zhu Di glared at Yi Shiha angrily: "Your mother, don't you think I'm not embarrassing enough?"
For things like this, we either have to kill all the people who caused the problem completely, or we can only tolerate it.
Driving people away like this... or other small actions will only make people laugh.
Yi Shiha also felt as if he had lost his head for a moment, so he hurriedly said: "I will die for you."
…………
At this time, outside the Governor's Mansion, it can be said to be a sea of people.
There are already many scholars in Yingtian Mansion, plus... the scientific examination is about to take place, and scholars from all over the country are gathering in the capital.
What's more, today is the day of rest, and many court officials have also changed into their regular clothes.
Li Shimian, wearing casual clothes, excitedly arrived outside the government office with several colleagues.
Seeing this scene, he couldn't help but be moved and said: "His Royal Highness the King of Shu's wisdom is really unimaginable."
One of the colleagues said: "Among the clan members, the King of Shu is the most virtuous. With him in charge of the Zuo Dudu Mansion, the people will be saved."
At this moment, a group of people came.
But it was Zhu Chun, the king of Shu, who rode a donkey and brought a group of officials with him. After entering the city, he came all the way to the governor's mansion.
Someone recognized him and hurriedly went to greet him. In a short time, Zhu Chun was surrounded by people.
Seeing this scene where thousands of people were watching, Zhu Chun couldn't help but feel deeply.
Now, get off the donkey and come to greet people.
Then, with the strong protection of many officers and civil servants, he reluctantly returned to the Governor's Mansion.
But the people outside still refused to leave.
Many people even entered the Governor's Mansion and watched from outside the lobby.
After Zhu Chun entered the hall, he ascended to the throne.
The governor's office and the prefects from all prefectures came to see him one after another.
It is not easy for Zhu Chun to drive out other irrelevant people.
But at this moment... I took a deep breath.
Deng Wenda, the governor of Yingtian Mansion, stepped forward with a smile and said: "Your Highness...this time you understand the sentiments of the people and pay so much attention to the people under your rule, it is really a blessing for the people."
Zhu Chun nodded and said: "When you serve as an official, you should make decisions for the people."
Everyone nodded, looking at Zhu Chun with even more admiration.
Deng Wenda added: "It is a great honor for me, the officials, to be able to serve His Highness. I just don't know... I just don't know what your Highness... has ordered?"
Zhu Chun said: "There are really some... just listen to my orders."
Deng Wenda and others hurriedly said: "Here."
Zhu Chun said: "Come... From now on, each prefecture will begin to clear out the land and acres, especially hidden fields and hidden households. This is the top priority. Civil servants in each prefecture and county must be careful and must not compete with hidden fields and hidden households."
The householder is working in a treacherous manner, and once he is discovered, he will not be leniently spared!"
As soon as this statement came out.
The smile on Deng Wenda's face... suddenly disappeared.
The smiles on the faces of all the people outside who were originally smiling... all hung stiffly on their faces.