Chapter 4: The Wrathful Emperor Hongwu

Zhu Yuanzhang was almost driven mad; had it not been for a trip to a mysterious realm, he would never have dreamed that his highly regarded son Zhu Biao and grandson Zhu Xiong Ying would die young.

Zhu Xiong Ying is indeed the eldest grandson of the Ming Dynasty. He and Empress Ma unanimously recognize him as the heir of the three generations of the Ming Dynasty. Everything he consumes and uses undergoes the most rigorous inspection. How could there be any early mishaps? There must be treachery at play!

In the Kun Ning Palace, Empress Zhang was chatting and laughing with a young woman when suddenly a palace maid approached and whispered a report.

On one side are brothers, and on the other side is a son. It is often said that the royal family lacks familial affection, yet since they are human, how can they truly be devoid of kinship and emotion

Looking at his obedient and adorable little grandson in his arms, even a heart as steadfast as Zhu Yuanzhang's could not help but shed tears. If it were not for hearing from the future ruler Zhu Houzhao, he truly would not dare to believe that his precious grandson would depart so early

The reason he calmed down was not because his anger had subsided, but because Empress Ma, along with his good son Zhu Biao and his good grandson Zhu Xiong Ying, had arrived

Zhu Houzhao gave a slight bow to Empress Zhang, and his demeanor was hardly respectful; one could even say it was extremely unfamiliar and cold.

Yes

Good grandson, good grandson

Empress Dowager Zhang pleaded tearfully

Is even the mother unwilling to be called?

Empress Ma held the still merely three-year-old Zhu Xiong Ying in her arms, gazing at the scattered fragments of various decorative vases on the ground, feeling an immense heartache, for all of this costs money

With a cold glance at the young maiden beside Empress Zhang, Zhu Houzhao sneered inwardly, suddenly realizing that Empress Zhang's request to release the Zhang brothers was likely connected to him

I still have state affairs to attend to, so I will take my leave first

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang, who was inherently suspicious, had begun to doubt several individuals. He resolved that from now on, he would keep Zhu Xiong Ying by his side at all times, denying anyone the opportunity to harm his precious grandson

scoundrel, scoundrel

As a loyal subject, I am occupied with state affairs; if the Empress Dowager has any matters to discuss, please feel free to speak directly

With a faint remark, Zhu Houzhao directly left with Liu Jin.

"Zhong Ba, what are you doing?"

Faced with Zhu Houzhao's fury, Liu Jin did not dare to utter a single word, hastily responding: "This servant obeys your command"

Whoever dares to reach out will annihilate their entire clan

His gaze swept over the palace outside the imperial study like that of a hawk. Now, apart from Empress Ma and Zhu Biao, he found everyone else displeasing, feeling that there were always those who wished to harm his precious grandson

Carrying the sword that had followed him through countless battles, drinking the blood of innumerable heroes and warriors, he rampaged through the imperial study, smashing and destroying books and documents, venting the anger within him, only calming down after a long while

He did not think much of it and turned to go to the Imperial Academy to find Zhu Di. It was a major issue, but a beating would suffice; Zhu Yuanzhang would not truly harm Zhu Di.

Her brother had committed numerous heinous acts, accumulating a reputation for evil, and even sent someone to assassinate her son. Yet, she still insisted on protecting him at all costs. Zhu Houzhao naturally did not indulge her; if she wanted to throw a tantrum, she was free to do so. He was the emperor and had never bowed to anyone.

Zhu Houzhao still maintained his usual indifferent attitude, and Empress Dowager Zhang was well aware that her son still harbored resentment towards her for past events. Aside from sighing inwardly, there was nothing she could do.

She received news that the Zhang brothers were receiving "special treatment" from Zhu Houzhao in Liaodong. If they continued to stay there, it was uncertain when their lives might be in danger

hum

Empress Zhang rose and saw Zhu Houzhao approaching with Liu Jin, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, wearing a winged crown, and carrying a dragon-patterned embroidered spring knife at his waist, exuding a heroic demeanor and an imposing presence

The prince has arrived

Furthermore, investigate the background of the woman beside the Empress Dowager. Since when has the imperial palace become a place where idle people can enter freely? Do those useless fools from the Western Depot no longer wish to work?

The Era of the Great Emperor Hongwu Zhu Yuanzhang - Images - Literary World

Under heaven, only these three individuals could engage with the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang in a pleasant manner

One would never have imagined that the second-generation emperor of the Ming Dynasty would be such a cowardly and ineffectual figure as Zhu Yunwen. Nor would one have expected that his fourth son would engage in the "Feng Tian Jing Nan" campaign. Zhu Yuanzhang, who considered himself a hero throughout his life, could not fathom how he could have such a disappointing and infuriating heir.

Zhu Biao glanced at the disheveled imperial study and, puzzled, asked what could possibly have caused the Emperor to be so enraged.

Calmly tidying her emotions, she displayed the dignity and demeanor befitting the Empress Dowager of the Ming Dynasty: "Since my son has arrived, please take a seat"

The son of the minister pays his respects to the Empress Dowager

Your Highness, your two uncles have been in Liaodong for some years now. For the sake of Her Majesty, could you not allow them to return? No matter what, they should not be left to die in Liaodong!

Just after exiting the Kun Ning Palace, Zhu Houzhao could not wait to give Liu Jin the order: "Secretly send a message to the General of Liaodong, Chen Wu, informing him that I do not wish to see the Zhang brothers return to the capital alive"

Never doubt the determination and ruthlessness of the Hongwu Emperor. If someone truly falls into his hands, the death of their entire family would be a light punishment. There is a high probability that it would trigger another incident akin to the Lan Yu case, using traps to eliminate countless individuals with impure intentions, eradicating the roots and ensuring no future troubles.

It is naturally impossible to release it at https://m.hetushu.com.com. Before the imperial decree for the release of the Zhang brothers is issued, the Zhang brothers may die of exhaustion on the land of Liaodong

He generally does not kill, but that does not mean he would not kill

Zhu Houzhao's expression instantly turned cold. Release the Zhang brothers? Let them come back to annoy him, to hire assassins to kill him?

"Your Majesty, the Emperor has arrived!"

Silently sighing, if it had not been for her excessive insistence back then, Zhu Houzhao would not have been put in such a difficult position, and the mother-son relationship would not have become so strained.

The General of Liaodong, Chen Wu, is a trusted subordinate whom he personally promoted, and he comes from the Imperial Guard, so he has complete confidence in his ability to handle affairs

Not long after the founding of the Ming Dynasty, there was a pressing need for money everywhere, and a shortage of funds was felt in all quarters. Even though Empress Ma held the esteemed position of the mother of the nation, she lived frugally and did not favor extravagance.

Looking at his beloved wife, son, and grandson, the suffocating aura of murderous intent emanating from Zhu Yuanzhang instantly receded. He took Zhu Xiong Ying from Empress Ma's arms, playfully engaging with his cherished grandson, while gritting his teeth and instructing Zhu Biao: "Biao'er, go and bring our fourth son here!"

Turning his head to glance at the Kun Ning Palace, Zhu Houzhao's anger intensified. The fact that he had spared the Zhang brothers' lives after the assassination attempt was already an act of leniency beyond the law. Unexpectedly, they were ungrateful and even dared to fantasize about returning to the court. Since that was the case, he could not be blamed for being ruthless!

In those years, Empress Zhang had a tumultuous relationship with her two brothers, Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling, and Zhu Houzhao. Afterward, Zhang Heling and Zhang Yanling even dared to send assassins to kill Zhu Houzhao. Although the attempt was ultimately unsuccessful, Zhu Houzhao still remembers this grudge to this day, harboring considerable resentment towards Empress Zhang, who always supported the Zhang brothers, and his attitude remains extremely cold.

Zhu Biao was slightly taken aback, secretly wondering if perhaps the Fourth Brother had caused some trouble outside, which would explain why Father Emperor was so furious

Watching Zhu Houzhao's departing figure, Empress Zhang let out a deep sigh, knowing that the rift between her and Zhu Houzhao had grown even deeper

Sigh

In the bitter cold of Liaodong, deaths occur daily. It is only natural for the Zhang brothers, with their frail bodies and kidney deficiency, to succumb to sudden death due to carelessness.

Father, what is this

I subconsciously touched my right shoulder, and to this day, I still feel a sharp pain, all thanks to the Zhang brothers. That time, he truly hovered on the brink of death.

The palm involuntarily clenched the embroidered spring knife, and with a sullen expression, he said: "The Empress Dowager said to let go, then let it go!"

Zhu Houzhao's anger did not subside. After he ascended to the throne, the power structure of the Jinyiwei and the two Eastern and Western Censuses was reorganized. The Jinyiwei was responsible for gathering intelligence, the Eastern Censorship monitored the officials, while the Western Censorship served as the palace guards. However, to his surprise, the Western Censorship dared to allow non-royal individuals into the palace and even facilitated their connection with the Empress Dowager