Chapter 2, The Black-Clad Demon Monk

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After all, he also accompanied the Yongle Emperor on his northern inspection of Shuntian Prefecture. Even if the time spent previously is not counted, the experiences and observations along the way have been sufficient for him to learn a great deal.

This is the residence of the Left Good World of the Monastic Records Office and the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, also known to the world as the "Black-Clad Demon Monk" Yao Guangxiao

Those warriors who are solely focused on fighting in battles to gain military achievements cannot compare to the civil officials in these dirty matters

In other words, Qiu Fu's failure led him to doubt the military generals of the Ming Dynasty

If you handle governance well, then you will be able to manage officials effectively; managing officials well will enable you to manage and balance military generals. However, if you are unable to handle governance, you will only be played around by the civil officials.

Striking the wooden fish? For Zhu Di at present, it can only lead to an increasingly troubled heart.

It is evident that Zhu Di did not believe in Buddhism; otherwise, he would not have shown such disrespect

Meanwhile, the Hanwang Mansion

However, in reality, Zhu Di's mind had become so chaotic that it was beyond reconciliation. The only way to alleviate this state of mind was to achieve a resounding victory.

Heavenly Realm Temple

Even excluding Zhang Fu, who is currently in Annan to campaign against Chen Jikuang, can generals like Liu Sheng, Chen Mao, and Zhu Yong also be utilized?

What troubles Zhu Zhanhe is that many people can understand this matter, but his own father cannot comprehend it

"Your Majesty, evasion will not solve the problem." Yao Guangxiao has always been a person of few words, and this was particularly evident after Zhu Di successfully ascended to the throne

Secondly, Zhu Gaochi is far superior to Zhu Gaoxu in terms of cultural governance

In fact, he knows that Zhu Di is troubled, rather than being helpless as he claims

Your Majesty, Xie Jin and others have already learned of Your Majesty's return to the capital, and my father has sent someone to invite Your Majesty back to the palace

Zhu Di left the old monk behind and got up to take his eldest grandson away from the Heavenly Realm Temple

What should I do about myself

Do not be misled by the words the old gentleman once said to Han Wang, "The heir is often ill, you should encourage him," for in the old gentleman's heart, his eldest son Zhu Gaochi has always been the most suitable candidate to inherit his great rule

Ultimately, the selection of the Crown Prince is essentially a transaction, a transaction between the Yongle Emperor and the civil officials

I am taking advantage of the fact that the news has not yet spread to seek some peace here; once all the civil and military officials know of my return, there will be no peace to speak of.

Who can undertake this great responsibility

Your Majesty, the Emperor

In fact, it is not surprising; just look at the people around your own father. Apart from military generals, they are still military generals

Zhu Zhanhe felt that he could no longer continue in this manner. Originally, he had hoped to guide his father onto the right path, at least to avoid becoming a broken pot chicken as in history, but it now seemed impossible.

The problem lies in the fact that my own father is quite straightforward; although not foolish, his character can be described as extremely difficult due to his experiences from earlier years and his extensive time spent in military camps and battlefields.

At this moment, Your Majesty should be presiding over affairs in the palace, rather than striking the wooden fish here with this humble monk

As the highest temple of the Ming Dynasty, the Tianjie Temple, which is responsible for overseeing other temples of the Ming, is indeed large; however, it does not possess the bustling activity typically associated with such a revered place.

"After this battle, it is impossible not to retaliate. However, with my troops rising to quell the chaos, even the seasoned general Qiu Fu, who has never known defeat in his life, has been vanquished. Who else can I send?"

After invading Yingtian City, in addition to the two main culprits, Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng, who suggested that the Jianwen Emperor take action to reduce the power of the feudal lords, Zhu Di also executed many civil officials, among whom was the renowned Fang Xiaoru and others

Not acceptable

If one speaks to the heart of Lord Han, one will receive a reward of golden beans, but if one touches a sore spot...

My father still fails to recognize the situation and continues to strive tirelessly in the direction of the clay pot chicken.

At the outset, he strongly supported Zhu Di's uprising during the Jingnan campaign, although he did so merely for the ambitions he harbored in his heart, he did not wish to see Zhu Di in this manner

Zhu Zhanhe felt a bit of a headache, but soon his gaze shifted to the backyard

Firstly, the old gentleman is not the direct heir. Throughout history, emperors who were not direct heirs have often been extremely concerned about such matters

At this time, the Xuande Emperor, who was only ten years old, still appeared somewhat immature. However, as the saying goes, one can see the potential in a person by observing their achievements. At this moment, the Xuande Emperor already exhibited some signs of emerging vigor and charisma.

At that moment, a somewhat youthful voice broke the silence between Zhu Di and Yao Guangxiao

Do not be deceived by how he shrinks back like a quail in front of the old gentleman; in reality, very few dare to offer advice to this Han Wang.

Zhu Zhanhe was practicing in the courtyard, listening to the sounds coming from the backyard, feeling the satisfaction of his father. Zhu Zhanhe couldn't help but curl his lip.

Is it true that the Ming Dynasty has no one to send? Although the Ming Dynasty does not have as many renowned generals as during the Hongwu period, there are still capable commanders available.

Old monk, what do you think I should do

As for being an emperor, you may not be skilled in warfare, as such matters can be entrusted to military generals, but you absolutely cannot be inept in governance

I naturally know. Zhu Di sighed deeply, and within that sigh was filled with... ? ... helplessness ?

At present, it is insufficient to rely solely on one's own efforts; at the very least, one must make their own father aware of certain issues.

After a long while, Yao Guangxiao could only muster this one sentence, and Zhu Di, for a moment, found himself at a loss for words

Zhu Zhanhe felt somewhat bewildered; he was only 9 years old. Not to mention that he was not as valued as his cousin Zhu Zhanji, his age and status alone destined him to be overlooked.

Do not be misled by the initial success of the Jingnan campaign; when the old man took his seat, there was a strong call to establish Zhu Gaoxu as the crown prince. However, in reality, the position of crown prince rightfully belonged to his own uncle.

Your Majesty, please continue to knock.

It is unlikely to expect one's own father to awaken to the truth, so he must think of other ways

But... what should we do

Therefore, Zhu Di's issue cannot actually be considered a problem; the reason this issue arises is entirely due to Zhu Di's state of confusion.

"How could I not know..." Zhu Di was also troubled, kicking away the platform that held the wooden fish in front of him, and the prayer beads in his hand were also tossed aside

Cursing may be satisfying, but as the emperor, Zhu Di still needs to address the issues at hand

The Crown Prince is well-versed in Confucianism, and his style leans more towards that favored by the civil officials. In contrast, the Han King possesses ample bravery but lacks in wisdom and strategy. To stabilize the civil officials, Zhu Gaochi will naturally become the Crown Prince.

Even if one person is not enough, can't we make it work together?

Observing Zhu Di, who was fiddling with the prayer beads and striking the wooden fish, Yao Guangxiao was clearly not very pleased

Yao Guangxiao remained silent.

Yao Guangxiao is actually not wrong, because Zhu Di was in a state of turmoil. Although he did not believe in Buddhism, striking the wooden fish and reciting scriptures could help him calm down, which was beneficial for Zhu Di.

Think of a solution earlier, and it will be resolved sooner; evasion will not solve anything