Chapter Seven, The Second Merit of the Jingnan Campaign

Therefore, Zhu Zhanhe got up early to wash up, and after having a simple meal to fill his stomach, he went to the Ministry of War

As Zhu Zhanhe stated, it was precisely at the time when Zhu Di decided to lead the expedition himself that he, as the Minister of War, became quite busy

Upon seeing the appearance of Zhu Zhanhe, Jin Zhong also realized he had misspoken and quickly bowed in greeting

Regarding Zhu Zhanhe, the son of the Han Wang, Jin Zhong harbored no particular fondness, but neither did he have any aversion

There is only one point of difference, which is that Jin Zhong is so diligent and dedicated to his duties, to some extent motivated by a sense of gratitude, as he began his rise to prominence from serving in the military at the Yan Wang residence.

Of course, this is on the condition that the prince does not assist his father in seizing the position of the crown prince; otherwise, the Ming Dynasty would likely descend into greater chaos

The reason he undertook this matter was to make his father see the truth, at the very least to avoid following in the footsteps of the historical figure known as the "Clay Pot Chicken." Although there was also a sentiment of compassion for the common people involved, the latter was not as significant as the former.

My father lacks political acumen and is slow to react; he is not foolish, and given enough time, he will come to understand.

After spending a peaceful night in the village outside the city, Zhu Zhanhe decided to take advantage of the fact that his father had not yet reacted and quickly run away, as for what would happen next...

"The benevolence of the Crown Prince is indeed a blessing for the people!" Upon hearing Zhu Zhanhe's words, Jin Zhong felt a deep respect.

How could this be! ? '' Jin Zhongxian clearly disagreed with Zhu Zhanhe's humble words and instead corrected him with a serious demeanor

However, few are aware that the current Minister of War, Jin Zhong, played a role in the Jingnan incident that is no less significant than that of Yao Guangxiao

Of course, there are indeed many who genuinely support Zhu Gaochi, but most of them are civil officials left over from the Jianwen era. In matters concerning the establishment of a successor, the old man would certainly first consult his loyal ministers who have always accompanied him.

Upon his arrival at the Ministry of War, Zhu Zhanhe was greeted by the Minister of War, Jin Zhong, who was already waiting there and immediately knelt to pay his respects.

The position of a godfather is inherently difficult for people to accept, especially considering that his father, Zhu Gaoxu, is a person of extremely high ambition

He is not pretending to be aloof with insincere feelings; rather, he genuinely feels embarrassed

In summary, he, Jin Zhong, has a clear conscience

It is important to note that after the old lord ascended to the throne and discussed the selection of the heir, the majority of people initially favored Han Wang due to his achievements in the Jingnan campaign and his numerous contributions to the *Tushu*. However, in the end, it was still the legitimate eldest son Zhu Gaochi who occupied that position

The Minister of War is indeed the Minister of Military Affairs, and it just so happens that my grandfather has decided to lead the expedition himself, which must certainly keep him very busy, so I shall not disturb him

Secondly, Jin Zhong was also a person who distinguished clearly between public and private matters. Throughout his life, he only engaged in one private matter, which he had reported to Zhu Di. Aside from this, there were no actions taken to exploit his power for personal gain.

Because this Jin Zhong is not simple

At the very least, it has passed for the time being

The soldiers charge into battle for our great Ming dynasty. Although I am young and lack abilities, I will still do my utmost...

It is one thing to have high aspirations, but it is quite another when one's abilities do not match up

Considering this, Zhu Zhanhe clearly had a lot to say, but he still held it back.

However, this also reveals how important Jin Zhong is to the old master; how many guts does Zhu Zhanhe have to act arrogantly in front of him

Zhu Zhanhe fell silent

Now that Han Wang has such a sensible heir, the Ming Dynasty can be considered stable to a certain extent

... ...

"Minister Jin's words are too heavy, they cannot be accepted, they cannot be accepted..." Zhu Zhanhe repeatedly waved his hand

"I trouble you, Minister Jin." Zhu Zhanhe said with a smile as he took the token handed over by Jin Zhong and began to explain.

Regarding the matter of the old gentleman raising troops for the Jingnan campaign, most people only know that the black-clad Prime Minister Yao Guangxiao was the most important supporter of the old gentleman in this endeavor. Whether it was the determination to raise troops for Jingnan or the subsequent four years of conflict, Yao Guangxiao played an indispensable role.

In fact, Jin Zhong was also overwhelmed by momentary emotions, as in these past two years, the Crown Prince and the Han King... No, perhaps it should be said that the Han King has been somewhat too aggressive; anyone can see his intentions.

Your Highness, the order has been prepared. Are you ready to set off now?

Zhu Zhanhe's words are somewhat pretentious and affected, yet they at least convey a measure of genuine emotion.

I, your humble servant, have acted rashly; I beseech His Highness the Young Master to grant me forgiveness

I pay my respects to His Highness, the Young Master

This godfather has always been a difficult issue. The long-standing Central Plains culture has this one drawback; there is always some prejudice in this regard. Elders always feel that being lectured by their juniors is quite embarrassing.

If the harvest is not collected in time, what they will lose is this year's food supply. It is uncertain how many elderly and children will not survive this year

"No problem, no problem..." mhetushu.com. Zhu Zhanhe turned around somewhat numbly

First, the young and strong were conscripted to the battlefield, then they were harassed by Japanese pirates, and when it was time for the harvest, they were unable to take advantage of good weather

The old gentleman allocated 20,000 people to him, although it is not enough, it is certainly better than having none at all

Shaking his head, Jin Zhong dismissed the unrealistic thoughts from his mind and turned to enter the Ministry of War

At the very least, we cannot allow them to bleed and weep...

Jin Zhong is a person who truly embodies the essence of an official; he has never allowed any personal feelings to influence him, always considering issues solely from the perspective of the Ming Dynasty

Although he is the son of the Han Wang, Zhu Zhanhe rarely puts on airs. Even if he were a spoiled young master who flaunts his status everywhere, he would still behave honestly in front of Jin Zhong

I may not be in a hurry, but the people in the Zhejiang region cannot afford to be unhurried

Being able to protect oneself is already all of his "delusions"

It cannot be said that his contributions surpass those of Yao Guangxiao, but they are certainly not far behind.

The Crown Prince is wholeheartedly devoted to the people, and he may not think much of it. However, if all the princes of the Ming Dynasty share this sentiment, how can we worry about the prosperity of our great Ming?

"Minister Jin, please do not stand on ceremony." Zhu Zhanhe hurriedly reached out and personally helped Jin Zhong to his feet

Although initially there was no further contact with Han Wang due to the matter of establishing reserves, Jin Zhong did not believe he was in the wrong. Indeed, after the Jingnan incident, it was necessary for the legitimate eldest son to ascend to the throne in order to stabilize the situation

What is going on with Jin Zhong? How could such foolish words come from his mouth?

Whether his own father has been awakened by himself, Zhu Zhanhe is not very clear, but he knows that this hurdle has been passed.

A delay means nothing to me; after I return, I will just receive a beating and be grounded for two days, and that will be the end of it. After that, I will still be the heir of the Han Wang, and I can still enjoy the finest food and drink. However, they are not the same.

At that time, the only person who strongly supported Zhu Gaochi and had a clear attitude was Jin Zhong, which means that Jin Zhong can be said to have changed the old man's mind by his own efforts

The thought is quite selfish, yet Zhu Zhanhe does not feel ashamed of it, for he currently possesses the title of the Crown Prince of Han, which in reality does not change anything.

In Zhu Zhanhe's view, Jin Zhong is actually the same as Yu Qian; what he loves is not the Ming Dynasty, but the world.

I respectfully bid farewell to His Highness the Crown Prince. Jin Zhong bowed and escorted Zhu Zhanhe away

The world is well aware of the prosperous Yongle era, yet few know what transpired before the arrival of this flourishing age