Chapter 143: The King Wants His Servant to Die and His Servant Has to Die
Zhu Di mused, continuing to measure Zhu Gaoxu, “What you said just now, is it true?”
Wang Ning’s face was miserable as he listened.
Zhu Gaoxu said, “Where does my son dare to hide, my son has been presumptuous all these years, and the people around me, such as Wang Ning, which one of them is not bragging about me? Until today, the child minister knows their true colors, they are just trying to get benefits from the child minister.”
Wang Ning said, “Your Majesty, he is talking nonsense, it is his own ……”
But at this time, Wang Ning abruptly realized that he might have made an extremely terrible mistake.
Because parents all over the world seem to have the idea that their children have problems and must have been brought up wrong.
Zhu Di did not show any emotion, but looked at Zhu Gaoxu and said, “So it seems that you have repented?”
Zhu Gaoxu said with a sincere expression, “My son has committed such a great disaster, and at this time, my brother is still pleading for me, and Zhang Anshi is still trying his best to save my life, so if I am even more stupid, don’t I still know what’s at stake?”
“On the contrary, those who once touted me are now alienating me one by one, and some people are even falling down the well …… Zhang Anshi …… No, big brother, he is too good to me, and he beat me several times in order to make me repent, and I have been beaten, and I have also finally Woke up, now think about it, I have today, is because no one is willing to beat me ……”
Zhang Anshi: “……”
Zhang Anshi’s heart was capitalized with an embarrassment, he even suspected that Zhu Gaoxu was taking revenge on him, how could he say anything.
But Zhu Gaoxu tears, slightly agitated, said: “Today I do this son, committed such a heinous crime, I do not seek forgiveness from my parents, and even more so, I feel that I have no face to see their older brother, so to kill or kill, as you wish, I will never frown.”
Zhu was more and more surprised in his heart.
Even Empress Xu, who was on the side, the depression in her heart at this time was swept away, but looked at Zhu Gaoxu incredulously.
They all knew clearly that Zhu Gaoxu was a person who could not hide anything in his heart, otherwise, how could he be so absurd as to go around telling people that he wanted to be Li Shi Min?
Knowing her son like a mother, Empress Xu somewhat believed his words.
Zhu Di then furiously said: “you now repent, has also been late, you this bastard thing, how can I still tolerate you?”
Zhu Di was obviously testing, he always felt that it was too unbelievable, so he angrily rebuked at the moment.
Zhu Gaoxu was a man with a rather quick temper and was never the type of person who was good at reasoning with people.
Then cried out, “Well said, Your Majesty.”
Said, actually did not hesitate, directly scurried to the side of the pillar, then take the head to hit the pillar, mouth said: “I have made a mistake, then die then die, lest shame, more have no face to see their own brother, my heart shameful panic.”
Knock Knock ……
He hit his head hard against the pillar a few times, and suddenly his head was bleeding, and he was starting to get a little dizzy, his head bobbing all over the place.
It was a moment that really took everyone by surprise.
Zhang Anshi sighed with admiration in his heart, worthy of being the King of Han, it is true that as in history, when the rebellion failed, the emperor Zhu Zhanji went to see him, and he was still able to go directly to mix Zhu Zhanji’s feet, so that Zhu Zhanji would fall a fall.
This man can handle it. He’s got the guts to do something.
Zhu Di and Empress Xu, on the other hand, were both alarmed, and a few guards rushed to stop Zhu Gaoxu.
However, he saw that Zhu Gaoxu’s forehead was already swollen and blood was flowing down his face.
Empress Xu’s tears fell down, went forward, ruthlessly twisted Zhu Gaoxu’s arm and said: “How did I give birth to you such a bastard ah, you know the wrong, why do you have to be so.”
Unable to bear to look at Zhu Gaoxu’s bloody wounds, he turned his face away.
Zhu Gaoxu sadly said, “I have said that I am ashamed of my heart to the extreme, what is the pain of this area of flesh and skin, now I should simply tie me up and kill me, there is no point for me to stay in this world. Mother love me, will be able to protect my wife and children, I have no regrets.”
Speaking here, Zhu Gaoxu looked at Zhang Anshi and said, “Big brother, I will never harm you in my next life.”
Empress Xu’s emotions could no longer be controlled and she directly crouched over him and cried out.
Zhu Gaoxu, as a person, is very complicated, he has the side of being hopelessly stupid, but at the same time, there are so many people in the army who are willing to speak up for such a stupid person and love him, also because of his righteous side.
It’s just that these days, being betrayed by many of the people he used to consider his ‘good brothers’ has long been painful.
But finally, he had a new brother, and the man identified as a brother, just really pulled out all the stops.
Zhu Di see the situation, this iron heart of stone, I am afraid that has also been transformed, mouth but also scolded: “you this rebellious son, you this rebellious son, you see you like what appearance, I how to give birth to that you such a stupid, into your mother’s, no wonder you day to day to be fooled.”
This statement came out, but it startled Wang Ning.
Because in this sentence, it seems to be heartless, but in fact, it has pointed out a judgment …… that makes Wang Ning scared out of his wits No wonder he has been fooled all day long.
Who is the man who fools Zhu Gaoxu all day long?
Zhu Di gritted his teeth, but went up to seriously look at Zhu Gaoxu’s injuries, seems to think that people should not die, and then hate to want to kick Zhu Gaoxu hard, but it seems to be afraid of the Empress Xu, then Zhang Anshi toward: “This kid …… he changed?”
Zhang Anshi for this family, silently sighed, this imperial family is also human ah, also has its own sincere feelings side.
In the face of Zhu Di s question, Zhang Anshi honestly said, “Your Majesty …… weekdays …… the people around him spoil him too much, but Zhu Xiandi …… ah No …… Zhu Gao Xu his heart is still good.”
When Zhu Di heard this, he suddenly felt a big stone fall to the ground in his heart.
He had to dispose of Zhu Gaoxu because it was clear that with such a son in place, sooner or later this guy would do something again, this person was already incorrigible, if he kept him, sooner or later he would have to kill each other as brothers.
Such a tragedy, is Zhu Di never want to see, in that case, then had to be waved in tears to chop Ma Su.
But now …… if you can really brother and sister, it will solve a piece of his heart, but also he as a father most hope.
At that moment, Zhu Di sighs, seems to be infected by the Queen Xu’s whimpering, eyes also red: “Hey …… this is the reason I indulged him ah, this rebellious son of …… if it is true to know the wrong can change, I can rest in peace even if I die. ”
Zhang Anshi comforted, “Your Majesty cannot say such things.”
“Men, treat this rebellious son’s wounds.”
Zhu Gaoxu said, “A superficial wound, isn’t it still alive? No one should treat my wounds, and anyone who does so is having trouble with me.”
Zhu Di again resisted the urge to want to beat this asshole son, for a moment did not know what to say, can only endure his violent temper.
Zhu Gaoxu was a little dizzy at this time, and said wearily, “Mother …… my greatest hatred in my life is that I don’t know the heart of a good man, my imperial brother and Zhang Anshi treat me so well, but I am against them in every way, I …… me ……”
Saying this, he and Empress Xu hugged their heads and cried.
Although Zhu Di still wanted to curse, but at this time, looking at this pair of embracing and crying mother and son, but suddenly refreshed.
Even as the emperor, he cares, or family harmony ah, after all, the family should be neat and tidy.
With that, he paced, glanced at Zhang Anshi, and couldn’t help but say, “It’s thanks to Zhang Anshi, rebellious son, if it wasn’t for Zhang Anshi, I would have had to cut you to pieces.”
Zhang Anshi smiled.
Zhu Di, on the other hand, patted Zhang Anshi’s shoulder.
Empress Xu helped Zhu Gaoxu up, and Empress Xu said softly, “Is it still tight?”
Zhu Gaoxu said, “It doesn’t matter.”
Empress Xu looked at her son who had a face full of blood, and couldn’t help but curse with anger and heartache, “You rebellious son, if there is a next time, I’ll really think that I don’t have you as a son anymore.”
Zhu Gaoxu didn’t say anything, he was actually used to being scolded.
Zhu Di, however, remembered something at that moment and turned back, but his gaze fell on Wang Ning.
Wang Ning had long been trembling with fear.
That Princess Huaiqing was also frightened, and hurriedly said, “Imperial brother ……”
Zhu Di said indifferently, “This is a matter between me and Wang Ning, so don’t talk too much.”
Wang Ning said warily, “Your Majesty, minister …… minister ……”
Zhu Di coldly said, “On weekdays, why do you provoke the Crown Prince and Zhu Gaoxu?”
Wang Ning knew in his heart that His Majesty no longer believed him, and that any sophistry at this point was meaningless and would only give His Majesty the impression that he was full of lies.
He lowered his head and said, “I …… am friends with Zhu Gaoxu ……”
“Are you befriending him?” Zhu laughed coldly as he gave Wang Ning a contemptuous look, “I’m only afraid that you want to utilize him.”
Wang Ning said, “I was confused for a moment.”
“I see you can not be confused at all.” Zhu Di laughed even colder: “You are too smart, only that you are still not satisfied with the identity of the moment, hoping to have a credit from the dragon, you are now the Marquis of Yongchun, and in the future …… could it be that you still want to register a duke, is that right?”
This sentence really put Wang Ning’s mind into perspective.
Wang Ning this side horse harnessed by the side of a team, his marquis is by following Zhu Di Jing difficult to come, just his other itself is not, difficult to establish military achievements, but this military achievements and then powerful, can have from the dragon’s achievements powerful?
Therefore, he looked favorably on Zhu Gaoqi and hoped to satisfy himself by supporting him.
At this time, facing Zhu Di s rebuke, Wang Ning soulfully said, “Your Majesty ……”
Zhu Di ignored him and said directly: “You are already a great sin by separating the two crown prince brothers. Zhu Gaoxu lost power, you fall into the well, is also a great sin. I really did not think that you are malicious to such a point, you say yourself, you commit such a great crime, is it because you are my sister’s husband, you can save yourself?”
Wang Ning was terrified and said, “Minister …… minister ……”
Zhu Di coldly said, “I am thinking of the face of the princess, let you think about what to do, give me back.”
Wang Ning winced, fear written in his eyes, he seemed to have seen his end.
Zhu Di also to the side of the also lost ha said, “The princess is not feeling well, these days, received in the palace to live a few days.”
When Princess Huaiqing heard this, she burst into tears and looked at Zhu Di with a pleading face and said, “Imperial brother ……”
Zhu Di faintly said, “This is the best result, I hope that my sister can sympathize with my bitterness.”
The good words have been said.
How could Princess Huaiqing not understand Zhu Di’s meaning? But already sobbed uncontrollably, was also lost ha assisted out.
As soon as this Princess Huaiqing and Wang Ning leave.
Only then did Zhu Di take his seat, looked at the tealight on the table, and said, “Who drank this?”
Zhu Yong immediately scurried out, “The tea I poured was for Zhu Gaoxu.”
“This rebellious son is also worthy of tea.” Zhu Di cursed, then picked up the tea, sipped a mouthful, then said, “He can repent, also count his luck. This time, I will spare his life …… Zhang Anshi, you say it yourself, he is so harmful to you, both the death penalty can be waived, but what about the living crime?”
Zhang Anshi began to scowl at Zhu Di, “Your Majesty, can I borrow a step to speak.”
Zhu Di glanced at Zhang Anshi suspiciously, then looked at Empress Xu and Zhu Gaoxu.
Then he stood up lightly and said, “Go, go sit in the next compartment.”
So the two of them, in full view of the public, went out of the small hall in an orderly manner.
To the next room, to be Zhang Anshi closed the door, Zhu Di said with emotion: “I always find it unbelievable, you say this rebellious son, he really changed?”
Zhang Anshi nodded and said, “Zhu Gaoxu is a man of righteousness, and when he recognizes a brother, he will never do anything unrighteous.”
Zhu Di thought carefully, seems to think that Zhu Gaoxu is indeed so, if not, there will not be so many friends hanging around him.
When Zhu Di recovered his mind, he said, “You say, what should I do with it.”
Zhang Anshi smiled and said, “I …… have a charter here, and I ask Your Majesty to look at it.”
Said the man, and, as if by magic, fetched a sangha out.
Zhu Di received with interest, opened it, but saw that here is actually a deed.
The next moment, Zhu Di actually directly closed: “I look at this kind of thing, then I feel a headache, you speak directly with me.”
Watching Zhu Di operate so directly, Zhang Anshi couldn’t help but think in his heart: the reason for Zhu Gaoxu’s lack of heart has been found, and dare I say it’s hereditary.
Zhang Anshi said, “The shares of the merchant bank have to be readjusted, on His Majesty’s side, I am afraid that he has to take out half a percent of the shares, which is considered to be a reward for Zhu Gaoxu, and my ministers and a few of my brothers, also take out half a percent in proportion, in which case, Zhu Gaoxu will have a percent of the shares in his hand.”
Zhu Di frowned: “He committed such a great crime, but also want me to pay out shares to him?”
Zhang Anshi laughed: “a family, His Majesty, the world are given to the Prince, is not his own son, even half of the shares are not willing to give? This can’t be said, although I am an outsider, I feel that I can’t see past it.”
Zhu pursed his lips and said nothing.
Zhang Anshi then went on to say, “Of course, this share is not taken for nothing, he is a technology shareholding.”
“Technology?” Zhu was skeptical.
“Didn’t I say that I would have his four guards and men stationed to go to the area of Mubang.”
Zhu nodded, “Go on.”
“What if these four guards and men were placed under a merchant bank?”
Zhu Di froze, “Isn’t this a travesty?”
Zhang Anshi smiled and said, ”Under this sky, there are exceptions to everything. What is my Great Ming? It is a heavenly kingdom! As a heavenly kingdom, naturally, we can’t make any sudden moves. But if, I mean if, if the merchant bank and foreign countries have disputes, to the point of fighting? What if this merchant bank has also taken land and harbors and many minerals? This is not at all detrimental to the benevolence of our Great Ming.”
It’s really a hat trick, any fool can see it’s just a different name.
Zhu thoughtfully, then asked, “Is all this what-if land, what-if harbor, what-if minerals, worth anything?”
“Why isn’t it worth anything? On top of the land, merchant houses can levy taxes, minerals can be sold, and ports can pump oil! Your Majesty, I have a whole set of profitable programs, as long as Zhu Gaoxu’s side can fight, there will be no worry of no profit, no, there will be no worry of no profiteering!”
Zhu Di looked at Zhang Anshi fixedly, while obviously his mind continued to ponder something.
Zhang Anshi added: “What’s more, …… the merchant bank got the land, while His Majesty and Zhu Gaoxu accounted for the vast majority of the shares, this land, to put it bluntly, is not still His Majesty’s? This is a thousand years of foundation, is the thing that shakes the ancient world, only afraid of Tang Taizong again, can not be compared.”
Zhu Di was still somewhat moved, “Go on.”
“The most important thing is that the merchant bank does not go through the state treasury. Zhu Gaoxu’s four guards of men and horses, the supplies needed, are provided by the merchant bank, the merchant bank is profitable, of course, also willing to smash the silver, with sufficient supplies, with fine weapons, and Zhu Gaoxu this brave commander-in-chief, this outside the domain, who can match?”
Zhu nodded, “After the land was plundered, it was also managed by the merchant bank?”
“This is where the problem lies, I heard, the extra-territorial countries, many places although for the country, but in fact, but by the country’s soil division and vassal entrenchment, if the court sent troops to conquest, will inevitably be included in the counties, sent officials to manage, and those soil division and vassal, will certainly fight to the death resistance, this time a long time on the country’s wear and tear is really too big. ”
“And the minister of this merchant bank program, but only to take their country, and then in the name of the merchant bank, with the size of their princes and lords around the cooperation, to ensure their power, but asked them to give the king’s taxes in previous years, to the merchant bank. In fact, for them, who is the king, there is no difference, as long as they are willing to cooperate, in their interests and no damage, I am afraid that they are not willing to do this, it.”
“On one side is the imperial court sending troops, paying countless munitions that are constantly being depleted. On the other side is the merchant bank operation, which carries out limited management but ensures a stable income, your majesty, which is more important?”
Zhu nodded and said, “If it can be profitable, it is certainly good.”
Zhang Anshi said with a chesty face, “There are so many ways to make a profit that I can’t even count them, and I can vouch for them with my goodwill.”
Zhu Di, on the other hand, said, “Then Zhu Gaoxu, this kid, is specialized in attacking cities and pulling out fortresses?”
Zhang Anshi nodded his head: ”Yes, people have to be put in the right position to shine. He is good at doing this, and the generals are also convinced by him. He is both a shareholder and our general, but on the other hand, he is also the shopkeeper in charge of military affairs in the merchant bank.”
“Your Majesty …… Zhu Gaoxu, although he is the second son of Your Majesty, but after all, it is also a bloodline ah, Your Majesty must always find a way out for him.”
Zhu understood by and large.
He couldn’t fathom that something as sacred as conquest could be turned into a sale.
But these things, when you think about it, are probably pretty solid.
The important thing was that Zhang Anshi said it was reliable, and he still had a few moments of faith.
Zhu looked up, “Four guards and men, is that enough?”
“For the time being it is enough, soldiers are more valuable than more, I can even allocate the model battalion as well, in fact, what the merchant bank wants to establish is an order, not to establish bottom-up rule, if there are more, instead, they may have to lose money.”
Zhu Di boldly said, “Into …… his mother, this can also do business, this matter …… I allowed, I still think it is unthinkable, but after all, I still believe you.”
Zhang Anshi at the beginning of the confidence can persuade Zhu Di, but now got the letter of approval, or is very giddy, at this time had cheerfully said, “Your Majesty, you wait to give the Forbidden City more empty out some temple to it.”
Zhu was puzzled, “Why?”
Zhang Anshi smiled and said, “Load silver ah, I’m afraid that the inner treasury can not be loaded.”
This time, Zhu Di direct dragon face, but still hard mouth: “Look at you, always thinking about silver.”
Immediately, Zhu Di had someone call Zhu Gaoxu.
Zhu Gaoxu had washed the blood off his face by now, and he was in good shape and didn’t seem to be in any serious trouble.
Soon, several deeds were placed directly in front of Zhu Gaoxuan.
Zhu Di looked disgusted, “Draw a pledge, draw a pledge for me.”
Zhu Gaoxu was a bit suspicious and glanced at Zhang Anshi, who nodded at him.
Only then did Zhu Gaoxu come forward one by one to sign and sign.
Zhu Di then looked at Zhu Gaoxu: “Zhang Anshi instead of blaming you, but instead persuaded me to forgive your crimes, to find you a way out, I have taken away your Prince title, you also do not have any official position now, just the shopkeeper of the merchant house.”
When Zhu Gaoxu heard this, he was shocked: “I don’t know how to do business.”
Zhu Di faintly said, “Fighting palmist, I order you to take the four guards of the merchant bank to Mubang, and the rest of the matter, you can see for yourself.”
Zhu Gaoxu immediately understood that the big pie Zhang Anshi had previously drawn for him had already been half realized.
After experiencing such a haunting, he was completely disillusioned with the throne.
But think of this life, at least can do something they like to do, the heart is also happy, head bowed to say: “Father don’t worry about it, other things, the children’s court is not sure, these things, for the children’s court, the hand to pinch.”
Zhu was relieved in his heart, but he said, “Hungry?”
Zhu Gaoxu shook his head, “Not hungry.”
Zhu Di felt that this son, even if he had changed his ways, was still the same stupid son with no eyesight.
He glared at Zhu Gaoxu and said, “I’m hungry.”
Zhang Anshi busily said, “I will go prepare some food.”
“No need.” Zhu Di said, “Just find a place to eat, this place, I am also familiar with.”
Zhu Di is a rough man, not so many rules, said, then led a line of people to leave, looking for a place to eat some, and then took Empress Xu hit the road back to the house.
Along the way, Empress Xu’s mind was much better, and her brows, which had always been gathered with sadness in recent days, also visibly stretched out.
When she returned to the palace, Empress Xu said with a big smile, “Your Majesty, this time it was really thanks to Zhang Anshi.”
Zhu Di nodded: “The most gratifying to me is the crown prince and Zhang Anshi, the crown prince’s leniency, I sometimes don’t like it, but he is so to his brother, it is really impressive. As for Zhang Anshi, Zhang Anshi, this kid, is a supremely intelligent person, thinking about me and the Crown Prince in every way, the Crown Prince didn’t hurt him for nothing.”
Empress Xu said in a gentle and elegant manner, “If their brothers can be in harmony, my concubine will be able to put down a hundred hearts, as a parent, seeing brothers fighting each other in person is really like a pain in the heart.”
Zhu Di sighed and said, “Yes, I have already planned to order Zhu Gaoxu to guard Mubang, this kid is not willing to be lonely, so let him toss and turn.”
Empress Xu couldn’t help but say, “Will it be dangerous to be out there all year round? My concubine heard that the miasma is heavy there ……”
Zhu Di laughed: ”Who in our Zhu family has not been in danger? Not to mention Emperor Taizu Gao, let’s just say that I, and that rebellious son, didn’t they die nine deaths in the first place when they were trying to pacify the country? This is nothing.”
Said, Zhu Di seat seems to think of what, lamented: “I do not worry about the children and grandchildren guilty of suspicion, but is worried …… about those children and grandchildren, forgetting what we Zhu family started by, really think they are how the gold and precious. Born in the palace, long in the hands of women, counting on, rely on those so-called four books and five classics, to rule the world. Jianwen is not the biggest lesson? What use are these people?”
When Empress Xu heard this, she seemed to realize that it made sense and nodded her head with deep conviction.
…………
Wang Ning, who was disoriented, also hit the road.
At this point …… the word is out.
The two sons, one Wang Su and one Wang Jin, both had miserable faces as they welcomed their father to the main hall.
Wang Ning’s father, Taigong Wang, was already in old tears.
At this time, only to see the hall has prepared a large table of food and wine, but no one has the heart to move chopsticks.
The two sons kneeled down and just cried.
Wang Ning sat in his seat with a disoriented look.
“Father, these are all weekdays, your favorite dishes …… and this wine ……” the eldest son Wang Su cried and cried.
Wang Ning looked at his two sons, then at his old father on the side.
He had no intention of moving his chopsticks, “Your mother, who is still in the palace …… she won’t give up on me, will definitely find a way ……”
Neither Wang Taigong nor his two sons picked up on it.
Just at this moment, the steward s like a mourning mother came in and said, “The marquis, the marquis …… coffin has been delivered.”
With a sobbing voice, Mrs. Wang said, “Is it good material?”
“It …… was said to be ordered, well the other day, someone ordered and then suddenly did not want, left a good coffin, this is not a coincidence?”
Wang Taigong patted Wang Ning’s shoulder, “Son, you eat and drink well.”
Wang Ning hit a cold shiver: “Fangcai palace has come? Said anything no, father, son think …… things are not bad to that point ……”
Wang Taigong smiled bitterly: “Son ah, you are my own son, I know that you are not willing, but …… things have come to this point, his majesty is lenient, finally did not implicate our Wang family, you still have what is not as good as it is. Quickly eat, eat, finish eating so that you can go on the road.”
Wang Ning was greatly saddened and looked to his two sons.
The two sons also sobbed uncontrollably, kneeling on the ground, Wang Su said, “Father, do not delay, if the palace changed its mind, and then there is a decree to come, knowing that the father is not dead, then it may have to woe the entire Wang family ah, father …… you have to think for our Wang family.”
When Wang Ning heard it, he was even more greatly saddened and let out a cry, “I am the side horse harnessed by the side of a team …….”
Seeing that this is not the way to go on, Wang Taigong stood up and said sternly: “What is the use of talking about this now, for such a great crime, His Majesty has already been extraordinarily gracious, and you are still not dead by now, and are hesitant here, and when the report is sent up, and His Majesty’s dragon face is furious, do you still want to teach your two grandchildren to be buried with you as well? Come men, quickly feed him, let him drink a little more wine, and send him on his way early.”
Said Wang Taigong again cried: “son ah, you see these two grandchildren how filial, you can not just focus on themselves ah, to die quickly, do not nagging.”
The two sons see the situation, also afraid of the night long dream, then all together to go forward, to Wang Ning pouring wine, and hastily fed a mouth to eat, and so Wang Ning drunk out of the hall, then see this hall has been set up outside the coffin, the whole family has been wearing mourning, everyone kneels in the outside.
There were also a couple of Taoist priests who had just gotten up to overtake, and were ringing their bells and waiting quietly at that moment.
………………
Thank you Sanyo Flute for being the fifteenth ally, it’s much appreciated, and I’m begging for monthly votes.