Ming Dynasty: What's wrong with being a leisurely crown prince?

Chapter 49 Zhu Di's Pressure Test

As Zhu Di listened to Xu Miaoyun's words, he was deep in thought.

In fact, he could guess that what Zhu Gaoxu said was a suggestion from Zhu Gaochi.

But he truly didn't believe that Zhu Gaochi could solve those problems.

Even the cabinet and the six ministries, and even he himself, couldn't come up with a good solution to this problem. How could Zhu Gaochi possibly have one?

Moreover, based on what Zhu Gaoxu said, Zhu Di subconsciously no longer approved of it.

If this was the only method Zhu Gaochi came up with, in his view, it wasn't a solution to the problem at all; it was clearly just creating more trouble for him.

Just then, Xu Miaoyun's voice came again.

Xu Miaoyun recounted everything that had just happened to Zhu Di.

"Stop scaring them like that. What kind of father are you? You're not acting like one at all!"

Xu Miaoyun didn't want to say it, but she couldn't help but mention Zhu Di again.

Zhu Di listened and nodded with a smile, seemingly understanding, but in reality, he was thinking about other things.

Zhu Gaochi was actually doing such a thing for Zhu Gaoxu, and even thought that he would definitely go on a northern expedition in the future, so he took the initiative to leave Zhu Gaoxu behind to help him. Zhu Di was somewhat moved.

Actually, there was another reason why he was always unhappy with Zhu Gaochi: Zhu Gaochi strongly opposed his use of military force.

Previously, Zhu Gaochi would only advise him to rest and recuperate, which he knew was correct. However, some things cannot be changed according to his will, which made him have an increasingly bad impression of Zhu Gaochi.

He truly hadn't expected Zhu Gaochi to have such an understanding.

His attitude towards Zhu Gaochi, in particular, was completely different from before.

After thinking for a while, Zhu Di gradually came up with an idea.

Looking at Xu Miaoyun, Zhu Di suddenly became somewhat angry.

"This brat is so well-behaved in front of you, but you have no idea how infuriating he is these days."

Zhu Di began to complain about all the things Zhu Gaochi had done to anger him. If it weren't for the fact that Zhu Gaochi was in poor health, he would have really wanted to give the man a good beating.

Xu Miaoyun knew that Zhu Di was changing the subject to stop her from thinking about those things and to make her happier.

In fact, since she had fewer things to worry about, her condition has indeed improved, which is a fact.

But it was all too late; nothing could be changed.

Xu Miaoyun smiled in agreement, and the two chatted for a while before Xu Miaoyun suddenly returned to the main topic.

"Fourth Brother, the eldest son is the legitimate heir, and that cannot be changed. Don't think about those things anymore."

The matter concerning the second child needs to be resolved as soon as possible, otherwise disputes will inevitably arise in the future.

As for the eldest son reading medical books, it's out of filial piety. No matter what happens in the future, you must never blame him. This is his greatest wish, and this is the last time I'm asking you, okay?

Regarding state affairs, she knew Zhu Di was confident, and there was nothing she could do to help him now. The only things she was worried about now were Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu.

Zhu Di looked at Xu Miaoyun and sighed, "Alright, I'll listen to you. Those things won't happen. With me here, I won't let them occur."

Zhu Di outwardly agreed, but his true intentions remained unchanged.

How can you know if something is true or false if you don't try it?

When Xu Miaoyun saw that Zhu Di agreed, she knew his temperament and didn't say anything more, but the worry in her heart did not disappear.

After calming herself down, Xu Miaoyun continued, "Si Lang, I believe in you. You must keep a close eye on them and make sure nothing goes wrong."

As for the construction of Beiping, I know what you're thinking. It's a good thing, but we must make proper preparations before we start.

You must not let this matter incite public resentment; you must take it seriously.

Xu Miaoyun continued speaking, and Zhu Di listened quietly.

Zhu Di didn't want to discuss these matters with Xu Miaoyun, but once the topic came up, he couldn't help but start discussing with her how to resolve the issue.

The Eastern Palace.

After Zhu Gaochi returned, he went to his study and continued searching for medical books to read.

He also needed to speed up the process for Xu Miaoyun's health.

Thinking about this, Zhu Gaochi was filled with helplessness.

Actually, there were many ways to get Xu Miaoyun to eat that candy, but he cared about the reputation of curing Xu Miaoyun, and he couldn't let anyone suspect anything else, so he could only cover it up by saying he was reading a medical book.

Thinking about all this, Zhu Gaochi felt like he was reaping what he sowed.

Just as I was about to stop thinking about it and continue reading, there was a sudden knock on the door.

"Your Highness, your subject Yang Pu has something to discuss with you."

"Come in."

Amidst Zhu Gaochi's puzzled expression, Yang Pu pushed open the door and entered, then closed it again.

Seeing Yang Pu's cautious and serious demeanor, Zhu Gaochi put down his medical book and his expression also became serious.

"What happened?"

"Your Highness, Xie Jin has been punished by the Emperor."

"Hmm?" Zhu Gaochi was still somewhat surprised, even though he already knew.

It seems that Xie Jin's punishment was brought forward.

If he remembered correctly, Xie Jin was demoted by Zhu Di for opposing the expedition to Annam, along with other reasons. He was demoted to Guangxi or somewhere else, and it took him several years to die.

He opposed moving the capital, which only alienated him from Zhu Di, but he was not punished yet. Now he has actually been punished.

History seems to have taken a subtle turn.

"Tell me in detail what happened."

Although Zhu Gaochi was serious, he showed no signs of anxiety or panic. He was only being punished; it was still a long way off.

As Yang Pu explained the situation, Zhu Gaochi gradually understood.

After thinking for a moment, he looked at Yang Pu.

"What do you think should be done about this?"

Zhu Gaochi didn't say anything; he wanted to know what Yang Pu and the others were thinking.

This matter was obviously told to Yang Pu by Yang Shiqi and others, who then had Yang Pu tell him.

So, these people must have already discussed it.

As a leader, it is unwise to express your own thoughts before you have a clear understanding of what your subordinates are thinking.

Sometimes it can be used as a smokescreen, but other times it's more important to have subordinates express their opinions first, so that we can know what their attitude is.

Dictators are unpopular, and even a slight mistake can plunge them into the abyss.

He must be a good leader who listens to all sides and makes sense; when problems arise, he must let his subordinates use their wisdom and ingenuity.

Otherwise, how could he distinguish these people?

Upon hearing this, Yang Pu said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, regarding Xie Jin's matter, I'm afraid Your Highness will need to plead with the Emperor on his behalf."

When Your Highness was chosen as heir apparent, Xie Jin publicly and strongly supported him. Regardless of Xie Jin's character, Your Highness needs to show some appreciation for this friendship now that Xie Jin is in trouble.

However, His Majesty is exceptionally firm in his stance on this matter. Your Highness may try to persuade him, but if His Majesty does not agree, then let the matter rest.

"As long as Your Highness pleads for Xie Jin, you will win over the hearts of the people, and you will also win over Xie Jin's heart."

Zhu Gaochi nodded in agreement; what Yang Pu said was indeed a good method.

Historically, Zhu Gaochi did exactly that; after Xie Jin was demoted, he pleaded with Zhu Di for leniency.

Unfortunately, Zhu Gaochi's attempt to put on a show underestimated Zhu Di's attitude, which only increased Zhu Di's dissatisfaction.

After a moment's thought, Zhu Gaochi slowly spoke.

What do you think of Xie Jin's character? What kind of person was he?

Yang Pu was taken aback, clearly not expecting Zhu Gaochi to ask these questions.

According to their discussion, Zhu Gaochi should be discussing with him how to plead for Xie Jin at this moment.

Yang Pu recovered quickly. He had met Zhu Gaochi and knew that Zhu Gaochi was different now than before, so he was mentally prepared.

Even so, Yang Pu was still wondering what Zhu Gaochi's intention was in asking this question.