Chapter 43: Conferred the Title of [Hereditary County Baron], the Ly Family Takes a Concubine!

"So be it."

"Draft the decree."

"Zhu Ying risked his life to slay ten thousand enemies, holding back the foe and performing great service to the state."

"In addition to being appointed as the Guard of Jin and being granted one hundred gold pieces, he is hereby elevated to the hereditary title of County Baron, with an additional grant of one hundred gold pieces," Zhu Yuanzhang announced immediately.

"The Emperor is wise!"

The assembled officials cried out in unison.

The court session adjourned.

Inside the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Only Zhu Yuanzhang and his son, Zhu Biao, remained.

"Eldest,"

"This Zhu Ying—what is your assessment of him?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile.

"He is young and promising, fierce and courageous, and possesses the talent to command troops."

"He is indeed a fine talent," Zhu Biao replied with a smile.

"Haha."

"It seems you have already been paying attention to this Zhu Ying," Zhu Yuanzhang laughed.

"Father,"

"The moment I first heard Zhu Ying's name, I instructed the Ministry of War to retrieve his records."

"The boy is sixteen; he truly can be called a young prodigy."

"He is capable."

"Our Great Ming military is powerful, but for the sake of the nation, aside from Brother Mu Ying who guards Yunnan, the rest are predominantly from Huixi. The Huixi generals are incomparably fierce, but they are far too arrogant."

"I have always wanted to suppress them and force them to temper their temperaments, but in the end, it has been to no avail."

"Yet, our Great Ming has no choice but to use them."

"I understand what is in your heart, Father," Zhu Biao said with a serious expression.

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled. "It is well that you understand, Biao'er."

"However,"

"Though the Huixi are arrogant, for the sake of Great Ming—and for you, Biao'er—they are indeed good blades. If used well, they will become the sharpest weapons in your hands."

"Of course,"

"You have not disappointed me. Although the Huixi generals are overbearing, they do not dare to act insolently before you."

"You already possess the majesty of a sovereign and the aura of an emperor; you are more than capable of subduing them."

"These Huixi generals will be the blades in your hands in the future."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, looking at his son with profound gratification and pride.

Had Zhu Ying seen this moment in history, he would surely have been moved.

In history, had Zhu Biao not died of illness, the Huixi generals would have remained in power because they had been completely subdued by him. They would not have dared to act against him; though they were overbearing, Zhu Biao was fully capable of utilizing them.

As the most stable Crown Prince in history, Zhu Biao's position was not merely due to divine favor, but his own personal capability was the key.

But with Zhu Biao's passing, the Huixi faction was doomed to its end, because the subsequent ruler, Zhu Yunwen, could not subdue them and thus resorted to killing them to smooth the path for future monarchs and avoid chaos.

"Father, rest assured."

"Your son will never disappoint you."

"You founded the Great Ming and restored the dignity of our Huaxia Han people."

"Your son will surely create even greater glory for the Great Ming," Zhu Biao said with a solemn face, his imperial heart completely undisguised.

Looking at Zhu Biao, at his son, Zhu Yuanzhang's face was filled with kindness. There was none of the majesty of an emperor, only the recognition and gratification of a loving father looking upon his most outstanding son.

"Father believes in you," Zhu Yuanzhang said with certainty.

***

The Lyu Family!

The Main Hall.

"Father,"

"The Shen family has sent the dowry."

"As expected of the rumored richest family in our Great Ming; their wealth is indeed immense."

"For the entry of a mere concubine, they actually sent ten thousand gold pieces, over a hundred chests of wealth and jewels, and a dowry of a hundred servants."

Lyu Hao, the eldest son of Lyu Ben, approached his father excitedly, holding a gift ledger.

"Since the dowry is generous, find a time to let this daughter of the Shen family enter the household," Lyu Ben said calmly.

As the Minister of Rites and the father of the current Crown Prince's side consort, Lyu Ben's status in the imperial court was undoubtedly very high.

"Father,"

"Should we not invite some guests to the manor for a banquet?" Lyu Hao asked.

"It is merely the taking of a concubine."

"There is no need for such grand ceremony."

"The Shen family may be immensely wealthy, but in the end, they are merely merchants."

"Allowing the Shen daughter to enter our Lyu household is already an act of social climbing for them," Lyu Ben said composedly.

In this era, merchants were the lowest class.

Even if they possessed immense wealth, they were ultimately looked down upon by officials; in fact, the status of merchants was even lower than that of artisans and farmers.

Merchants prioritized profit, and profit often led to unscrupulous means.

The current Hongwu Emperor was also quite dissatisfied with the merchant class, and naturally, the entire court shared this sentiment.

Had it not been for the Shen family's vast wealth, Lyu Ben would never have agreed to let his eldest son take a daughter of the Shen family as a concubine.

"Father is absolutely right."

"They are merely merchants."

"However, since the Shen family has sent such a lavish dowry, we should grant them a certain amount of face."

"There is no need for Father to invite high officials from the court. I will find some friends and relatives to host a banquet at the manor myself. This will serve as an answer to the Shen family," Lyu Hao said with a smile.

"Mhm."

Lyu Ben nodded, then added, "You are doing well; you have grown."

"In the future, you should act in the officialdom in the same manner—caution above all else."

"Now that your sister has taken charge of the Eastern Palace's internal affairs, and Yunwen is deeply favored by the Crown Prince, what our Lyu family must do is support your sister with all our might."

"Whether our Lyu family can become the true number one family of Great Ming, true imperial relatives, depends on your sister," Lyu Ben said earnestly.

As he spoke these words, the ambition in Lyu Ben's eyes was completely undisguised.

"Please rest assured, Father."

"Your son understands," Lyu Hao replied immediately.

"Furthermore,"

"Keep your two younger brothers in check. They are not as sensible as you. This is a critical moment for your sister; I do not wish for them to cause any more trouble," Lyu Ben added sternly.

"I understand," Lyu Hao nodded.

"Father,"

"In the court today, who exactly is this Zhu Ying? To be so highly regarded by both the Emperor and the Crown Prince?"

"To be directly granted a hereditary title of County Baron."

"Even Father does not hold a peerage," Lyu Hao said with a hint of resentment.

Lyu Ben frowned and glared at Lyu Hao. "The decisions of the Crown Prince and the grace of the Emperor—how dare you be so insolent?"

Lyu Hao's expression changed instantly. He nodded repeatedly and even slapped himself twice, hurriedly saying, "Your son spoke out of turn."

"It is correct that you do not see the Emperor's intention clearly."

"However, for our Lyu family, this is a good thing," Lyu Ben said, stroking his beard with a calculating look on his face.

"Father,"

"Is there some hidden truth behind this?" Lyu Hao pressed immediately.

"What are the most battle-hardened generals in our Great Ming?" Lyu Ben asked back.

"The Huixi, naturally," Lyu Hao answered instantly.

"The Huixi generals are skilled in command and combat, and they hold immense prestige in the military."

"Furthermore, the Huixi act too arrogantly and lawlessly."

"Over the years, their actions have repeatedly dissatisfied the Emperor."

"If the Crown Prince had not suppressed them, the Huixi might have been purged by the Emperor long ago."