Chapter 43: Conferred as a Hereditary Baron of the First Class, and the Lu Family Takes a Concubine!
“Agreed.”
“Approved.”
“Zhu Ying, risking his life without hesitation, has slain tens of thousands of enemies and held the enemy forces at bay, greatly serving the nation.”
“In addition to removing him from the position of garrison commander of Jin and awarding him one hundred gold taels, he will be granted the hereditary title of County Lord and an additional one hundred gold taels,” Zhu Yuanzhang declared immediately.
“The Emperor is wise,” the ministers exclaimed in unison.
The court session came to an end.
Inside the Hall of Heavenly Compliance, only Zhu Yuanzhang and his son, Zhu Biao, remained.
“Eldest son,” Zhu Yuanzhang smiled. “What do you think of this Zhu Ying?”
“Young and promising, brave and bold, and also capable of commanding troops,” Zhu Biao replied with a smile.
“Indeed, a remarkable talent,” Zhu Biao continued.
“Ha ha,” Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled. “It seems you have already taken notice of Zhu Ying.”
“Father,” Zhu Biao said earnestly, “after hearing Zhu Ying’s name for the first time, I immediately instructed the Ministry of War to review his records.”
“This young man is only sixteen but can be called a young prodigy.”
“He is useful.”
“Our Great Ming army is strong, but for the nation, apart from Elder Brother Mu Ying stationed in Yunnan, most forces are concentrated in the western Huai region. The generals there are brave, but too arrogant.”
“Father has always wanted to suppress them, to rein in their reckless temper, but to no avail.”
“Yet, our Great Ming has no choice but to rely on them.”
“I understand what is on your mind, Father,” Zhu Biao said solemnly.
Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled. “It’s good that you understand, my son.”
“However,” he continued, “though the Huaixi generals are arrogant, for Great Ming and for you, they are indeed a sharp blade. If wielded skillfully, they will become your strongest weapon.”
“Of course,” he added, “you have not disappointed me. Though the Huaixi generals are overbearing, they dare not act recklessly in your presence.”
“Zhu Biao, you already possess the majesty of a ruler, the aura of an emperor, enough to command respect.”
“These Huaixi generals will be the blades in your hands.”
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, looking at his son with deep satisfaction and pride.
If Zhu Ying were to witness this moment, he would surely be moved.
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In history, when Zhu Biao did not succumb to illness, the Huaixi generals remained influential because Zhu Biao had completely subdued them. Though arrogant, they dared not oppose him, and he was able to command them effectively.
As the most stable Crown Prince in history, Zhu Biao owed his position not only to favorable circumstances but also to his own abilities.
However, after Zhu Biao’s death, the Huaixi faction fell into decline. Seeing that Zhu Yunwen could not control the Huaixi generals, Zhu Biao had to take drastic measures to pacify the future ruler and prevent chaos.
“Father, rest assured,” Zhu Biao said firmly. “I will never disappoint you.”
“You founded the Great Ming and restored the dignity of the Han Chinese in our land.”
“Your son will surely create even greater glory for the Great Ming,” he declared with the unhidden ambition of an emperor.
Looking at Zhu Biao, his son, Zhu Yuanzhang’s face was gentle, lacking the sternness of an emperor, only the contentment of a father approving his most outstanding son.
“I trust you,” Zhu Yuanzhang said with conviction.
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The Lü Family.
In the main hall.
“Father,” Lü Hao, the eldest son of Lü Ben, said excitedly as he held a gift registry. “The Shen family has already sent the dowry.”
“As expected of the rumored wealthiest family in Great Ming; their fortune is indeed vast.”
“For just a concubine’s entrance, they sent ten thousand gold taels, more than a hundred boxes of jewelry and valuables, and a hundred accompanying servants.”
Lü Ben spoke calmly, “With such a generous dowry, find a suitable time to bring the Shen daughter into the household.”
As Minister of Rites and father of the Crown Prince’s consort, Lü Ben held a high position at court.
“Father,” Lü Hao asked, “should we invite some guests to hold a banquet for the occasion?”
“It’s merely taking a concubine.”
“No need for a grand affair.”
“Though the Shen family is rich, they are ultimately merchants, nothing more.”
“Having the Shen daughter enter our Lü household is already them reaching beyond their station,” Lü Ben said calmly.
In this era, merchants were considered the lowest class.
Despite their wealth, they were looked down upon by officials, their status even lower than artisans and farmers.
Merchants pursued profit relentlessly, often by unscrupulous means.
The reigning Hongwu Emperor harbored much disdain for merchants, and this sentiment permeated the court.
If not for the Shen family’s immense wealth, Lü Ben would never have agreed to his eldest son taking a Shen daughter as concubine.
“Your father speaks wisely,” Lü Hao replied.
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“Merchants, after all, are just merchants.”
“But since the Shen family sent such a lavish dowry, we must grant them some face.”
“There’s no need for Father to invite high officials; I will gather some relatives and friends for a simple feast to acknowledge them,” Lü Hao said with a smile.
“Good,” Lü Ben nodded, then said, “You’ve done well and grown.”
“In future dealings at court, always be cautious.”
“Your sister now manages the Crown Prince’s household affairs, and Yunwen is favored by the Crown Prince. Our Lü family must fully support your sister.”
“Whether our Lü family can become the foremost family of Great Ming, truly imperial relatives, depends on her,” Lü Ben said earnestly.
As he spoke, Lü Ben’s ambition was unmistakable in his eyes.
“Rest assured, Father,” Lü Hao said promptly. “I understand.”
“Also,” Lü Ben added sternly, “keep your two younger brothers in check; they are less sensible than you. This is a critical time for your sister, and I do not want any trouble from them.”
“I understand,” Lü Hao nodded.
“Father,” Lü Hao asked, “at court today, who exactly is this Zhu Ying that the Emperor and Crown Prince hold in such high regard?”
“He was even granted a hereditary title of County Lord outright.”
“Even I have no noble title,” Lü Hao said somewhat resentfully.
Lü Ben furrowed his brow and glared at Lü Hao. “The Crown Prince has made the decision, and the Emperor has granted his grace. How dare you be so disrespectful?”
Lü Hao changed his expression, hastily nodding and slapping his own face twice. “I spoke out of turn.”
“The Emperor’s intention is evident.”
“But this is good for our Lü family,” Lü Ben stroked his beard with a calculating smile.
“Father,” Lü Hao pressed, “is there some hidden reason behind this?”
“Who are the most formidable generals of Great Ming?” Lü Ben asked.
“Obviously the Huaixi generals,” Lü Hao replied immediately.
“The Huaixi generals command troops well and hold great prestige in the army.”
“But they are excessively arrogant and unruly.”
“Over the years, their actions have displeased the Emperor.”
“If not for the Crown Prince’s restraint, the Emperor might have already purged the Huaixi faction.”
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