The Stories of Mine in the Ming Dynasty of China in 1368

"It's impossible to escape." Zhu Yuanzhang said out of nowhere.

Li Qing was startled. Could it be that his secret plans were too obvious and had been overheard by him?

Then Zhu Yuanzhang continued, "Actually, escaping itself isn't difficult. The hard part is that you need to get news from the government in advance, and that's not easy. Even if you manage to escape, with a wanted notice out, it's hard to ensure you won't be caught again. Even if you know how to disguise yourself and can evade the wanted order, what then?

To escape the government's pursuit, you have to run far away, preferably across several provinces. Otherwise, it's easy to be caught. But do you have the pass documents?

Suppose you do and pass through the checkpoints smoothly, but do you know the local accent?

It's almost impossible for an outsider to blend into the local area unnoticed."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him intently. "Taking a step back, even if you're extremely smart and learn the local dialect before arousing suspicion, it still won't be much better.

Because once you run away, you'll lose your household registration. Even if you have money, you can't build a house or buy land, let alone settle down.

Moreover, displaced people aren't protected by the laws of the Ming Dynasty. Bandits love displaced people the most because no one will care if they kill and rob them.

It's also almost impossible for you to bribe the local government to get a household registration. It's not a crime for local officials to oppress displaced people. It doesn't matter if they take money without doing anything, but if they do something, they'll violate the laws of the Ming Dynasty...

Based on this, there are mostly only two consequences of escaping. One is to become a bandit, but that's equivalent to opposing the court, and the chances of survival are slim. The other is to find a desolate mountain to hide in and never come down the mountain for the rest of your life, becoming a wild person!

Even if you snatch a wife, your sons and grandsons will be like you, only able to be displaced people or wild people!"

Zhu Yuanzhang let out a sigh of relief and asked with a smile, "So... still want to escape?"

"No... ah, no. Your humble subject has never thought of escaping."

Li Qing forced a smile. He finally understood why his master, despite having great abilities, didn't go down the mountain easily and also didn't allow him to go down casually.

But even so, they were still tracked down by the Jinyiwei (Brocade Guards). Clearly, escaping was truly the worst option.

He also understood why Empress Ma had told him to find a deep mountain forest to hide in and not go out easily.

It turned out that not having a household registration in ancient times was even more serious than in later generations. In later generations, a person without a household registration could at least survive. In this era, without a household registration, one didn't even have human rights.

Alas... It seemed that his previous thoughts were too naive. He had to plan carefully.

Although the life - saving token given by Empress Ma was useful, it was ultimately limited. Although he had always lived in the deep mountains before, at least he could talk to his unreliable master. If he really had to hide alone in the mountains, he would surely go crazy.

He couldn't cure Empress Ma's illness. Even if his master came, it would be impossible. If he wanted to survive, he had to find other ways.

For example: political views!

He learned from Empress Ma that although Zhu Yuanzhang was somewhat brutal in his methods, he was indeed a good emperor, which was also roughly in line with the evaluation of him in historical records. As long as he performed outstandingly enough, he should be able to survive.

"What are you spacing out about again?"

Li Qing regained his focus and forced a smile, saying, "Your humble subject is a bit confused. Why does Your Majesty want to promote me to be your personal bodyguard?"

"Because you have a clean background and have no connections with court officials." Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Is this reason sufficient?"

"Uh... Your Majesty, I'm also a displaced person."

Zhu Yuanzhang turned his head to look at the scenery outside and said, "You won't be from now on. And there's no need to call yourself 'your humble subject'. Call yourself 'your servant'! Also, although I've killed a lot of people, they were all those who deserved to die. You don't need to be afraid. As long as you're loyal, you'll be safe."

"Yes, your... servant obeys."

Li Qing secretly sighed. This time, he was really involved. It would probably be very difficult to withdraw unscathed.

...

This time, Zhu Yuanzhang really kept his promise and took him around the capital for half a day. During this period, he also bought a lot of toys for children, murmuring about who to give this to and who to give that to.

Li Qing didn't know who these people were. However, Zhu Yuanzhang in this state really surprised him. He even suspected that Zhu had schizophrenia.

When they returned to the palace, Zhu Biao was still reviewing memorials in the Imperial Study. His eyes were dull and his face was haggard.

"Father, you've been having fun for half a day. You can take over the rest." Zhu Biao rubbed his temples. "Your son is a bit tired."

"I'm tired too." Zhu Yuanzhang glared. "Take the memorials back and read them slowly."

"...Your son obeys."

Zhu Biao had no choice but to pack up the remaining memorials and take his leave.

Seeing that it was getting late, Li Qing said, "Your Majesty, your servant will take his leave first."

"Wait a moment. Take your reward before leaving."

"Yes."

Li Qing nodded. His impression of Zhu Yuanzhang improved slightly.

Soon, Xiaoguizi entered with a tray. On it were clearly a flying - fish garment and an embroidery - spring saber.

So it's just the regular uniform of the Jinyiwei. I was expecting something more... Li Qing thanked for the grace and then left the Imperial Study.

——————————————

In the eunuch's duty room, a group of eunuchs came up to flatter him profusely, congratulating Li Qing on his promotion. Their obsequious manner gave him goosebumps.

The Jinyiwei might be imposing, but in terms of rank, they were at most bodyguards. Was it really necessary to be like this?

One of the eunuchs seemed to have seen through his thoughts and explained, "Sir, don't look down upon this flying - fish garment. It's not something just anyone can wear."

Li Qing asked curiously, "Don't all the Jinyiwei wear this?"

Seeing everyone looking at him strangely, Li Qing quickly added, "I heard it from others."

The eunuch replied obsequiously, "There are many Jinyiwei, but very few can wear the flying - fish garment. Besides those in charge of the emperor's仪仗, only the Commander, the Pacification Commissioner, the Deputy Commander, and the Assistant Commissioner can wear it."

Li Qing was taken aback. The Jinyiwei who had arrested him before were all in plain clothes. At that time, he thought they were trying to keep a low profile. So it turns out that the flying - fish garment isn't the standard uniform of the Jinyiwei!

He looked down at the flying - fish garment. The fabric was exquisite, and the patterns were elaborate. Although it was called a flying - fish, it resembled a python - dragon. Just this one set of clothes probably cost no less than ten taels of silver.

It seems that Zhu Yuanzhang intends to use me... Li Qing secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Since he intends to use me, he won't kill me easily.

My head has one more layer of protection!

Li Qing was in a good mood. Looking at the obsequious eunuchs, he showed a kind smile and said, "I'm new to the palace and don't know many of the palace rules. Could you gentlemen explain some of them to me?"

He knew that although these eunuchs were at the bottom of the hierarchy, they were very familiar with all the affairs in the palace and well - informed. Building a good relationship with them would bring many benefits and might even be of great use at critical moments.

These eunuchs were also eager to curry favor with him. Especially since Li Qing had never shown any disgust or contempt throughout. He treated them just like normal people, equally, which greatly comforted their remaining bit of self - esteem.

Immediately, they told him everything they knew without reservation.

After a long conversation, Li Qing had a pretty good understanding of this palace, and by the way, also had a general understanding of the Jinyiwei.

The highest commander of the Jinyiwei is the Commander, with two Deputy Commanders, two Assistant Commissioners, and two Pacification Commissioners under his command. Below them are the Thousand - household Commanders, Hundred - household Commanders...

——

The next day.

Li Qing took off his patched blue robe. The flying - fish garment made his figure seem even more slender and upright. Wearing a black hat, his face looked as fair as jade, making him look handsome and extraordinary.

Just as the sky was beginning to brighten, Li Qing went to the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

The princes and imperial grandchildren were paying their respects to Empress Ma. When they saw him coming, they were first stunned, and then, as if seeing a plague god, they looked terrified.

Empress Ma, feeling sorry for her descendants, waved her hand and said, "All of you can leave."

The princes and imperial grandchildren, as if granted amnesty, bowed and immediately left the bedroom.

After they left, Empress Ma also asked the waiting palace maids to leave, and then turned her gaze to Li Qing.

"You young man are quite good - looking."

"Your Highness, you flatter me." Li Qing felt a bit embarrassed.

Empress Ma sighed softly and said, "Once you put on this outfit, it will be difficult to take it off."

Li Qing was left speechless. After a moment of silence, he said softly, "Your Highness, can the treatment begin?"

"Um... start."

Li Qing took a deep breath and plucked the strings...

Half an hour later, after playing the last note, Li Qing got up wearily, ready to take his leave. Just then, Zhu Yuanzhang arrived.

"Your humble servant pays homage to Your Majesty."

"En, no need for formalities." Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand hastily and walked straight to the bedside. "Sister, how are you feeling?"

"Much better." Empress Ma smiled softly. "This Li Qing is very good at playing the qin."

Zhu Yuanzhang turned his head to glance at Li Qing, nodded, and said, "This outfit suits you quite well. Go back and rest for a while. Come to the Imperial Study in an hour. I have something for you to do."

"Your humble servant takes his leave."