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

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his designated heir, a hint of helplessness on his face.

This son was kind - hearted, wise, and excellent at handling government affairs. However, he was too soft - hearted and not decisive and ruthless enough in doing things, which was what worried Zhu Yuanzhang.

For an emperor, every word, every action had a huge impact on the national economy and the people's livelihood. How could one be too kind - hearted?

Forget it. I'll be the villain. Let him be a benevolent emperor... Zhu Yuanzhang didn't continue on this topic and asked instead:

"Biao'er, what do you think of that Li Qing?"

Zhu Biao thought for a moment. "This man is young, but he is steady in handling affairs and has an excellent character. He can be neither servile nor overbearing in the face of Your Majesty, the Empress, and me."

"Anything else?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

"Um... He is also very intelligent." Zhu Biao added. "From his advice just now, it's not hard to see that he doesn't agree with Your Majesty's approach in his heart. However, the way he presented his advice was very tactful, which shows that this man knows how to adapt."

His face showed appreciation. "He has a sense of justice and is not impulsive or reckless. His character and temperament are top - notch. I just don't know how well he writes. If he can pass the imperial examinations and be properly guided in the future, even if he can't become a pillar of the country, he can still bring benefits to a place."

Zhu Yuanzhang snorted. "By saying he has a sense of justice, does he mean I'm wrong?"

"..." Zhu Biao was silent for a moment, then said seriously, "Father Emperor, forgive me for my rudeness. I think you were indeed inappropriate in this matter."

"You also think I'm cruel, right?" Zhu Yuanzhang was angry at his son's failure to understand. "I've killed a lot of officials, but if they hadn't violated the laws of the Ming Dynasty, would I have killed them?"

Zhu Biao retorted, "If an emperor were like Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang, how could there be so many law - breaking officials?"

"Ridiculous!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious. He raised his hand to slap, but stopped just before it reached Zhu Biao's cheek. He calmed down a bit and snorted:

"I've killed so many officials, but the people's lives are getting better and better, which shows that I haven't killed the wrong people."

Zhu Biao was left speechless. The disagreement in their ideas between father and son had been there for a long time. He couldn't persuade his father, nor did he agree with him.

The hall fell into silence, and the atmosphere was dull.

Seeing his father's face getting darker and darker, Zhu Biao sighed silently, stood up and bowed, "I'm unfilial, Father Emperor."

"Forget it, get up!" Zhu Yuanzhang smiled helplessly. His son's lack of understanding made him feel sad.

After pondering for a moment, he said, "The Tang Dynasty shared the world with the scholar - officials, the Song Dynasty shared the world with the officials, and the Yuan Dynasty was autocratic, treating the common people like cattle and sheep. In the end, they all perished.

As for our Ming Dynasty, we share the world with the common people. The imperial examination system has existed since the Sui and Tang dynasties. But how many candidates did they enroll each year?

Among these few candidates, how many were from poor families?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "It was I who completely made the imperial examinations accessible to the common people, giving poor scholars a chance to rise to the top. No matter what their background, scholars are exempt from kneeling when they meet county magistrates...

I've supported them like this, hoping that these people from humble backgrounds, after becoming officials, can help more people out of poverty. But what about them?"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked extremely grieved and indignant. "Instead of being grateful, they embezzled, took bribes, and oppressed the common people... None of them are any good!""Father Emperor, please calm your anger." Zhu Biao quickly stepped forward and gently stroked his chest. "I know I was wrong."

"I'm glad you understand." Zhu Yuanzhang pushed his hand away. "Biao'er, remember this. Civil officials have always looked down on each other since ancient times. You must never be influenced by them!"

Zhu Biao thought for a moment and nodded seriously. "I understand, Father Emperor."

Zhu Yuanzhang's expression softened. "Just now I asked you to evaluate Li Qing. Your points were good, but you didn't hit the nail on the head. What I value most about him isn't those things."

"Then what is it?"

"Sincerity and courage!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "He's not a censorial official, not even an official yet, but he dared to offer advice. He didn't do it to gain a reputation for being upright, but to save people. That's truly commendable."

"Father Emperor is perceptive. I admire you."

"Come on, since when did you learn to flatter?" Zhu Yuanzhang said unhappily.

Zhu Biao grinned. "I'm telling the truth."

Zhu Yuanzhang gave him a sidelong glance, a hint of a smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. "Xiaoguizi, go and bring over all those small gadgets I bought."

Then, he said to Zhu Biao, "Yesterday I bought a lot of toys for children. Later, you can take them and distribute them to Yunwen, Yuntong, and... well, your younger brothers and sisters."

"Yes, Father Emperor." Zhu Biao nodded with a smile.

...

"Smack, smack..."

"Ah... Ouch..."

The板子 (bamboo canes) landed on the buttocks one after another. Li Qing grimaced and let out heart - rending screams, which left Mao Xiang speechless.

He had already sent a secret signal to go easy. The canes were landing very gently. How could it be so unbearably painful?

Before long, the twenty strokes were over. Li Qing seemed completely deflated, as if he had lost half his life.

Mao Xiang was furious. If he took Li Qing in this state to report back, the emperor would surely punish him.

"Stop faking it. Pull yourself together."

"..." Li Qing said with a bitter face, "Sir, I'm not faking it. It really hurts."

"You..." Mao Xiang was extremely angry. If it were an ordinary subordinate, he would have slapped him already. But Li Qing was different. He was the main doctor treating the Empress. How could he dare to hit him?

But with Li Qing in this state, he couldn't report back. He could only say helplessly, "The emperor didn't mean to punish you severely. There's no need to act so pitiful. If you're really hurt, who will treat the Empress?"

Li Qing thought it made sense and immediately became much more energetic.

Mao Xiang glared at him. "Let's go."

"Alright, coming." Li Qing rubbed his buttocks. With the protection of his true qi, those strokes were more like tickles. But he still had to pretend. If he didn't let the emperor vent his anger, he wouldn't have an easy time either.

So he pretended to be three - parts in pain and seven - parts afraid, following behind Mao Xiang.

In the Imperial Study.

After getting permission, the two entered the hall and bowed to pay their respects.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked up at Li Qing. "Do you know why you were beaten?"

Li Qing probed, "Presuming to discuss state affairs?"

"Good that you know!" Zhu Yuanzhang put down the memorial in his hand. "After treating the Empress tomorrow, report to the Zhenfu Division yamen and do what a Jinyiwei should do.

Take this tooth - shaped plaque. It's a permit to enter and exit the imperial palace."

"Yes, Your Majesty. I obey."

Li Qing stepped forward, took it with both hands, bowed, and then left the hall with difficulty.

...

The next day.

Li Qing came to the Palace of Heavenly Purity as usual to play the qin. These past two days, he had used his true qi frequently, almost exhausting it each time. Although he was very tired, his true qi had become much more solid.

Empress Ma's complexion had improved. She could sit up by herself without the help of palace maids.

Half an hour later, with the last note fading, the room fell silent again.

"Li Qing." Empress Ma spoke. "Are your parents still alive?"

"My parents died in the chaotic times. I've been displaced since childhood and only found peace after meeting my master." Li Qing didn't even bat an eyelid. He had come up with these excuses long ago.

"Then where is your hometown?"

"Under the harsh rule of the previous dynasty, my family couldn't pay the taxes. Since my grandfather's generation, we became refugees. I don't remember exactly where my hometown is." Li Qing's answers were flawless.

"You're a poor soul." Empress Ma sighed. "Do you want to escape this whirlpool before I pass away?"

"Ah? This..." Li Qing looked around. Seeing no one around, he said cautiously, "How can I escape?"

"When a princess of the Ming Dynasty chooses a husband, as long as the man has good conduct and a clean family background, scholars, farmers, or craftsmen can all participate in the selection of the consort. The Sixth Princess has reached the age of marriage. The consort - selection will start next month. If you're chosen, you'll be safe!"

Empress Ma said with a smile, "I think you're a nice person. Do you want to participate?"

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I'm deeply honored and terrified!"

Are you kidding? Isn't it great to have three wives and four concubines? Only a fool would want to marry a 'princess - like ancestor' home.

Besides, time leaves no marks on him. If he gets married and has children, wouldn't he have to watch his relatives pass away?

Hmm... Starting a family is out of the question. Listening to music in the brothel when free, isn't that delightful!

"What? My daughter is that unappealing to you?" Zhu Yuanzhang walked in, looking displeased.

"Your humble servant wouldn't dare." Li Qing quickly bowed and explained, "Your humble servant is lacking in talent and knowledge. I know I'm not worthy of the princess. Even if I participate in the consort - selection, I'm afraid I'll fail miserably. Hehe..."

Zhu Yuanzhang was annoyed by his fawning look. "Get out!"

Li Qing: "..."

When he needed me, he called me Mr. Li. Now that he's done with me, he tells me to get out?

Oh right, listening to music in the brothel requires money!

Thinking of this, Li Qing said with a cheeky face, "Your Majesty, my previous clothes are torn. It's sweltering in summer, and I don't have any clothes to change into. I'm afraid I'll stink and offend the Empress... Hehe..."

Zhu Yuanzhang was completely stunned. He never expected that someone would have the audacity to ask him for money so blatantly.