Regarding the incident at Yingtian Primary School, when the generals defeated Chen Han and returned to Yingtian, many people noticed that something was wrong.
Either Yingtian Primary School was controlled by this group of literati after that, or Zhu Yuanzhang offended the literati again, and the little bit of favorability among the literati that he had gained with great difficulty because of his kindness to the people was wiped out.
The other party used an open strategy.
Zhu Yuanzhang's subordinates went home to warn their families and told them not to get involved. The generals who had already accidentally gotten involved could only prepare generous gifts and wait for Zhu Yuanzhang to respond to the heaven, and then apologize to Chen Biao through Zhu Yuanzhang.
They all knew that Chen Biao was just a chess piece in the game. Chen Biao's ideas were not important. The key was what Zhu Yuanzhang did.
Who would have thought that before Zhu Yuanzhang made a move, the chess piece they thought was Chen Jiabiao directly killed everyone and almost smashed the chessboard.
When Zhu Yuanzhang's subordinates got the intelligence from Yingtian City, they were so shocked that they were speechless for a long time.
"Is this really Chen Biao's own idea? Is there no expert behind the scenes giving him advice?" Zhu Liangzu was so scared that his lips were trembling and he could hardly speak coherently.
He remembered that on the way to beat Chen Han, he had muttered a lot of bad things about Chen Biao.
No, no, no, he is not saying anything bad, he is just raising reasonable questions!
But would Chen Biao, as a little kid, be narrow-minded and hold a grudge against him?
Yu Tonghai glanced at Zhu Liangzu and didn't want to speak.
He and Zhu Liangzu were both from Luzhou. After Zhu Liangzu submitted to Zhu Yuanzhang, he recognized Zhu Yuanzhang as a fellow villager and established a relationship with him.
Zhu Liangzu was very good at fighting, otherwise Zhu Yuanzhang would not have captured and released Zhu Liangzu twice, and even appointed him as a general after Zhu Liangzu rebelled once.
More fellow villagers mean more paths, so Yu Tonghai naturally recognized this fellow villager.
But Yu Tonghai now feels a little regretful.
Although Zhu Liangzu is very smart in fighting, he is really stupid in dealing with people.
Yu Tonghai's father Yu Tingyu and Liao Yongzhong's brother Liao Yongan were both leaders of the Chaohu navy and defected to Zhu Yuanzhang together.
Yu Tingyu died in battle, Liao Yongan was defeated and captured, and Zhu Yuanzhang's naval marshals became Yu Tonghai and Liao Yongzhong.
The Chaohu Navy was not only Zhu Yuanzhang's first naval force, but also his current permanent naval force. Yu Tonghai had been with Zhu Yuanzhang for eight years, naturally rising to a position of near-confidant. With his position firmly established, the clueless Zhu Liangzu felt somewhat held back.
But they'd known each other for years, and it was impossible for them to fall out . Yu Tonghai could only offer Zhu Liangzu a subtle reminder: "Is Chen Biao truly formidable? The commander of Hongdu Prefecture practically worships him as a god. Don't you understand? Zhao Desheng is your fellow townsman and a veteran. Deng Yu was the first to lead his troops to join you in your most difficult times. Xue Xian is a ruthless desperado... Each of these people is so arrogant. They all claim their achievements are far inferior to Chen Biao's. How could they be false?"
Zhu Liangzu hung his head and said nothing.
Yu Tonghai continued, "Let's talk about the mysterious Chen Guorui. Although I've never met him, aren't you familiar with the Chen family's reputation? Everything our army eats, wears, and uses is managed by the Chen family. The bounty on the head of the Chen family patriarch is much higher than that of our own Marshal Xu Da. And then there's the city's taxation, business regulations... anything involving money—is there anything that doesn't have the Chen family's hand in it?"
Zhu Liangzu stammered, "Is that so? That's quite impressive."
Yu Tonghai held his forehead with his hand. "It's not just a little bit impressive, it's very impressive! Uniquely impressive! You and I are considered impressive generals, but there are countless people who can replace us! Even if the lord's naval commanders are extremely short, I still have my brother and Liao Yongzhong after I die. Chen Guorui is dead, and the Chen family is broken up. Think about it, who can replace the Chen family?"
Only then did Zhu Liangzu think carefully about what the Chen family had done under Zhu Yuanzhang.
When these things weren't considered, few people paid much attention. But after careful consideration, the Chen family's actions seemed to have been insinuated into Zhu Yuanzhang's territory, like a vast net enveloping all of his power, making him an uncrowned king.
Zhu Liangzu broke out in a cold sweat: "My lord, my lord, do you trust the Chen family so much? Or... or..."
Zhu Liangzu's eyes wandered for a moment, and he lowered his voice and asked, "Isn't the Chen family a little too arrogant?"
Yu Tonghai said, "I originally thought the Chen family was too arrogant. Although they have made great contributions, they also carry great risks. Who could tolerate their power being completely controlled by another person? But now it seems that the lord and the Chen family truly trust each other. Do you know Chen Guorui?"
Zhu Liangzu was puzzled: "What nonsense are you talking about?"
Yu Tonghai looked choked.
It is really very uncomfortable to talk to people with low IQ!
He had no choice but to stop playing cryptic games and speak frankly, "Except for a few of the lord's closest confidants, almost no one has ever seen Chen Guorui. Chen Guorui's official position is not prominent, and his achievements have never been made public. It's almost as if he's working for nothing. Chen Biao, on the other hand, is unusually high-profile. Not only has he become the mentor of the descendants of the lord's generals, but the title of Chen Biao's junior military advisor was obviously promoted by the lord."
Zhu Liangzu seemed to be thinking about something, but he couldn't figure out what was good or bad, and continued to look at Yu Tonghai with a confused look.
Yu Tonghai held his forehead again and said, "I guess the Chen family and the lord have reached a tacit understanding. The Chen family's contributions may not be revealed until the lord becomes emperor. The Chen family's current connections will be directly handed over to the lord in the future and become his civil servants. It's even possible that the de facto head of the Chen family is now the lord himself."
"The Lord will compensate Chen Biao for all the sacrifices and concessions made by the Chen family. The Lord hid his legitimate son very well, but announced Chen Biao as his study companion early on, binding the future Crown Prince to Chen Biao. This is a promise to the Chen family of a hundred years of prosperity."
As Yu Tonghai analyzed more and more, he became more and more impressed with the Chen family.
The Chen family's breadth of mind and vision are truly admirable as they were able to give up their current wealth and glory to fight for Zhu Yuanzhang's future promise.
The Chen family trusts Zhu Yuanzhang so much. Can Zhu Yuanzhang live up to the Chen family's trust?
Yu Tonghai put himself in Chen Biao's shoes and thought that as long as Chen Biao did not rebel in the future, even if the crown prince was replaced, Zhu Yuanzhang would probably let Chen Biao become the new crown prince's assistant.
This heavy trust will move anyone, right?
Zhu Liangzu was feeling rather frustrated. He said anxiously, "I, I... you, you mean, because of my momentary impoliteness, I might have offended the lord's future trusted minister?"
Yu Tonghai rolled his eyes at Zhu Liangzu. "Look at the contributions Chen Biao made in Hongdu, and how he easily dismissed those difficult-to-handle scholars in Yingtian. And you say he's the lord's future trusted advisor? Age doesn't matter when it comes to talent!"
Zhu Liangzu slumped dejectedly in his chair, unable to speak for a long time.
Seeing that Zhu Liangzu finally realized the seriousness of the problem, Yu Tonghai patted Zhu Liangzu on the shoulder and said, "But you just said a few rude words. Considering the Chen family's generosity to give up even the wealth in front of them, it's likely that they didn't take you seriously. The lord just gave you a small punishment and a warning."
Zhu Liangzu was bewildered: "Ah? My Lord, did you scold me? When?"
Yu Tonghai: “…”
Yu Tonghai's brows knitted together. "Congliang, are you kidding me? The Lord has done it so obviously, and you didn't notice it at all?"
Zhu Liangzu was even more confused.
Yu Tonghai suddenly didn't know whether he felt sympathy for his lord who was flirting with the blind man, or for Zhu Liangzu, who was completely stupid.
Zhu Liangzu couldn't even understand his master's obvious warning. Isn't he headed straight for disaster in the future, destined for the extermination of his family and the annihilation of his estate?!
Yu Tonghai explained, "Congliang, didn't the Lord initially intend for you to lead the troops to attack Chen Youding? But then Marshal Xu took the lead himself?"
Zhu Liangzu said, "Yes. Originally, if Marshal Xu didn't go, I would go. But if Marshal Xu went, would it still be my turn?"
Isn't this normal? Isn't this normal?
Yu Tonghai asked in return, "Congliang, have you ever considered that the Lord's temporary decision to have Marshal Xu replace you might be because he's displeased with you and wants you to reflect on your actions?"
Zhu Liangzu: “…”
Reflection? No reflection at all.
Zhu Liangzu was completely unaware that there was any problem!
Originally, history had it that the Chen Han regime would not be completely destroyed until the following year. After the destruction of the Chen Han regime, Zhu Liangzu led his army to attack Chen Youding. Although his arrogance and underestimation of the enemy led to the hapless Hu Shen's defeat, he also succeeded in pacifying Fujian and Guangdong, earning him a title of nobility for his meritorious service.
Zhu Yuanzhang trusted Zhu Liangzu and appointed him to rule Guangdong and Guangxi. However, Zhu Liangzu was arrogant and complacent, and colluded with the nobles of Guangdong and Guangxi to commit crimes. He falsely accused Daotong, the magistrate of Panyu, and led to Daotong's unjust death.
Afterwards, Zhu Liangzu and his son, who had committed evil, were recalled by Zhu Yuanzhang and executed.
But Zhu Liangzu was not clairvoyant, so how could he know that the merits that earned him the title of marquis came from Fujian and Guangdong? If Xu Da replaced him, he probably wouldn't have enough merits to be a marquis at the founding of the country, let alone become a local emperor in Guangdong and Guangxi.
He didn't know, so he didn't reflect on it. He was still wandering around Yingtian Prefecture with a birdcage, and going to the theater every day to watch new plays. He lived a carefree and comfortable life.
Yu Tonghai looked at his brainless fellow villager with a slightly sad look in his eyes.
Zhu Liangzu still looked at his fellow villager who had some brains with a confused look in his eyes.
Yu Tonghai's defense was broken.
He waved his hands repeatedly to tell Zhu Liangzu to get out. If he looked at Zhu Liangzu's idiotic face again, he would probably be so angry that his heart would ache!
Zhu Liangzu squeezed out tears and held onto Yu Tonghai's waving hand, refusing to let go. "Don't do this! Save me! Fellow villager! We're from the same village! What should I do next? Should I stay home and eat vegetarian food and reflect on my actions?"
Yu Tonghai scolded, "Why do you have to be a vegetarian to reflect on yourself? Reflection means seriously thinking about where you went wrong! Be more careful with your words and actions in the future!"
Zhu Liangzu: "..." His pair of eyes as big as copper bells clearly wrote two words, "I don't understand."
Yu Tonghai drove Zhu Liangzu away.
If Zhu Liangzu doesn't leave, he's going to beat someone up.
Zhu Liangzu left in disgrace, but he did not hold a grudge against Yu Tonghai.
He also knew that his stupid appearance was a bit irritating, but there was nothing he could do. He just couldn't figure it out.
If Zhu Liangzu was a smart man, he would not have defected after being captured and treated well by Zhu Yuanzhang for the first time.
Zhu Liangzu touched his head and went to find another fellow villager, Liao Yongzhong.
Liao Yongzhong was from Chao County, Wuwei Prefecture. Wuwei Prefecture was under the jurisdiction of Luzhou Prefecture, so we were all from the same hometown and could all be relied upon!
After hearing Zhu Liangzu's purpose, Liao Yongzhong was at a loss whether to laugh or cry.
He and Yu Tonghai had long been sworn brothers, always looking out for each other. Zhu Liangzu was truly remarkable for being able to drive his incredibly patient brother so mad that he chased him away.
Liao Yongzhong said, "My wife hopes to enroll our son in school early. It's time for your son to start school too. Why don't you come with me, prepare gifts, and visit Chen Biao at Yingtian Primary School? The Lord forbids us from contacting the Chen family, but if we have a legitimate reason, going to Yingtian Primary School to look for Chen Biao should be no problem."
Zhu Liangzu's eyes lit up: "Yes! Once my son becomes Chen Biao's student, I can go to the Chen family openly!"
Liao Yongzhong didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "I'm afraid not. The elders of the students in Yingtian Primary School are not allowed to go to the Chen family."
Zhu Liangzu's eyes dimmed. "Well, that's fine. At least we can give more gifts to show that I'm just being rude and have no ill intentions. I just don't know what Chen Biao likes. If he doesn't like the gifts we give him, will he think we're looking down on him? Chen Biao is a scholar, and I wouldn't choose gifts for a scholar."
Zhu Liangzu was a rough man who loved gold, silver and treasures, but Chen Biao, the son of a wealthy merchant, was probably tired of gold, silver and treasures.
Liao Yongzhong said, "Making friends is like marching into battle. Knowing yourself and your enemy will ensure victory in every battle. I plan to send someone to observe Chen Biao for a while to find out his preferences."
Without a second thought, Zhu Liangzu thought he should follow the smart people, so he immediately said, "I'll join in too!"
One of them was not very smart and the other was very smart so they sent their servants to secretly follow and find out Chen Biao's preferences.
They sent people to follow Chen Biao for only one day, and that night Zhu Yuanzhang received the news that his beloved son was being followed.
Zhu Yuanzhang was furious, thinking that someone was trying to harm Chen Biao.
After a thorough investigation, Zhu Yuanzhang took off Chen Guorui's vest, came to the Marshal's Mansion in a rage, and asked Zhu Liangzu and Liao Yongzhong to come over for questioning.
Zhu Liangzu and Liao Yongzhong were both very confused and didn't understand why Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry.
When Zhu Yuanzhang threw the people who were following Chen Biao in front of them, although the two were panicked, they did not think they were wrong and honestly told them their plans.
We just wanted to give him a gift, so we figured out Chen Biao's preferences in advance! We didn't intend to harm him! My Lord, please investigate thoroughly!
Zhu Yuanzhang's advisers were all sent to the generals, and even Song Lian, who was not very good at fighting, was sent to the local area to build schools.
Now Zhu Yuanzhang only has Zhu Sheng and Ji Renshou who just defected to him.
Zhu Sheng and Ji Renshou stood behind Zhu Yuanzhang, one on the left and one on the right, looking at these two self-righteous people with eyes that looked like they were fools.
Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a while and then gave the two of them a seat.
He said to Liao Yongzhong, "Even Zhu Liangzu, a fool, couldn't come up with this idea. Was it you who came up with it?"
Liao Yongzhong said awkwardly, "Yes, it's me."
Zhu Yuanzhang sighed and said, "I've noticed a long time ago that you often send people to inquire about your colleagues' news, as well as my news. You understand everyone's preferences so that you can get along well with them. You meant well, so I didn't remind you. But... alas."
Zhu Yuanzhang said to Zhu Liangzu, "Congliang, come over and drink with me. Mr. Zhu, Mr. Ji, please have a good chat with Liao Yongzhong."
Zhu Liangzu was confused and was taken to the side by Zhu Yuanzhang, who forced him to drink.
Liao Yongzhong looked at the two old gentlemen with stern faces, and his burly body involuntarily shrank.
People at that time respected scholars. As a warrior, I always felt inferior to the learned masters.
After Zhu Yuanzhang left, Zhu Sheng and Ji Renshou sat down directly.
The servants served tea, and the three of them drank tea and chatted.
It was mainly Zhu Sheng and Ji Renshou who taught Liao Yongzhong earnestly.
They saw that the Lord was very tolerant of Liao Yongzhong and had high hopes for him. Liao Yongzhong seemed very loyal to the Lord and was very intelligent.
But the people who are most likely to die are not fools, but those who are smart enough.
Liao Yongzhong was adept at dealing with people, adept at guessing others' thoughts, and often acted on his own. If the lord became emperor in the future, this would be considered spying on the emperor and privately guessing his intentions, a highly taboo act.
After Zhu Sheng and Ji Renshou’s earnest teaching, Liao Yongzhong finally realized what he had done wrong.
Zhu Yuanzhang had repeatedly ordered that no one be allowed to approach the Chen family, and it was obvious that the Chen family had a big secret. He sent people to follow Chen Biao to spy on the secret that Zhu Yuanzhang did not allow others to know.
Zhu Sheng said, "Now you should stop treating your lord as the commander-in-chief and instead treat him as the future emperor. Think about what you've done: following the emperor's trusted ministers and trying to figure out their preferences in order to curry their favor. This would be something the emperor would dislike in any dynasty."
Ji Renshou said, "I heard that you even befriended the clerks in the Marshal's Office and asked about the lord's life. In your opinion, you care about the lord, but if the lord is the emperor... well, think about it yourself."
Liao Yongzhong broke out in a cold sweat and bowed repeatedly to Zhu Sheng and Ji Renshou: "I understand, I understand, sir, thank you, I, I was confused..."
Seeing Liao Yongzhong truly reflecting on his actions, Ji Renshou smiled and said, "I'm glad you understand. The Lord deliberately avoided us so we could have a proper conversation. He's not angry with you right now, but he's just worried about what's going to happen in the future. I'm glad you understand."
Zhu Sheng continued with a stern expression. "I know you are loyal to the Lord. But loyalty should always put the Lord first and report to the Lord, not act in the name of doing good for the Lord. You contacted Biao'er this time, not just for the sake of your child's admission, right?"
Ji Renshou didn't understand Liao Yongzhong. He glanced at Zhu Sheng, then at Liao Yongzhong, who was constantly wiping his sweat, and fell silent for a moment.
Liao Yongzhong wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, "I... I just..."
Zhu Sheng opened his half-closed eyes and shouted angrily, "It's already this late, and you still haven't come forward!"
Liao Yongzhong's heart was filled with excitement, and the words hidden in his heart blurted out: "I just want Biao'er to help me calculate whether I can save my brother!"
After he finished speaking, his body suddenly became hunched, as if his spine had been pulled out and his whole body collapsed.
Ji Renshou was puzzled: "Brother?"
Zhu Sheng's angry eyes half-closed again, and he turned back into a gentle old scholar: "His brother was captured by Zhang Shicheng six years ago and is now in Zhang Shicheng's prison."
Ji Renshou was even more puzzled: "Why didn't he ask the lord about this matter, but went to Biao'er?"
Zhu Sheng said, "That's why he's stupid. He presumably guessed the Lord's intentions, probably thinking the Lord had already given up on Liao Yongan."
Zhu Sheng sighed deeply and told Ji Renshou what happened that year.
Shortly after Liao Yongan was captured by Zhang Shicheng, Zhu Yuanzhang captured Zhang Shicheng's younger brother Zhang Shide, and Zhang Shicheng wanted to exchange Zhang Shide for Liao Yongan.
But Liao Yongan was just an ordinary general under Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhang Shide was not only Zhang Shicheng's confidant, but also the second-in-command of Zhang Shicheng's army at that time. He was deeply loved by Zhang Shicheng's generals and soldiers, and was completely different from Zhang Shicheng's other useless brother Zhang Shixin.
Zhang Shide's position in Zhang Shicheng's forces was equivalent to Xu Da plus Shao Rong who did not betray him, and there was also Zhu Wenzhen - Zhu Yuanzhang's only nephew Zhu Wenzhen, not the current "Chen Wenzhen".
This kind of deal is impossible to do no matter how you think about it.
However, Zhu Yuanzhang really wanted to get Liao Yongan back, so he negotiated terms with Zhang Shicheng.
The negotiation was based on asking for a high price and then paying it back. Zhu Yuanzhang asked for Zhang Shicheng's surrender, and when he was waiting for Zhang Shicheng to bargain, Zhang Shicheng received a letter from Zhang Shide asking him to surrender to the Yuan Dynasty. Zhang Shide even "starved to death."
So Zhang Shicheng surrendered to the Yuan Dynasty, and the matter of Liao Yongan was left unresolved.
Ji Renshou frowned. "With your lordship's caution, how could Zhang Shide have the opportunity to deliver a message to Zhang Shicheng? Besides, as for starving to death...if your lordship didn't want Zhang Shide to starve to death, Zhang Shide wouldn't die so easily, right?"
Zhu Sheng glanced at Liao Yongzhong and said, "So some people speculate that Zhang Shide was killed by the lord."
Ji Renshou shook his head: "Impossible. Zhang Shide is much more valuable alive than dead."
Zhu Sheng said, "Who knows? The bottom line is that Zhang Shide died, and Zhang Shicheng surrendered to the Yuan Dynasty after receiving Zhang Shide's letter."
At that time, Zhang Shicheng accused Zhu Yuanzhang of forcing his brother to death, and Zhu Yuanzhang accused Zhang Shicheng of directing and acting in the incident himself... This unsolved case will probably never be solved and will be buried in the dust of history, leaving people to speculate.
And the hope of Liao Yongan being released is slim.
After hearing this story, Ji Renshou finally understood the meaning of Zhu Sheng's words.
Liao Yongzhong thought that Zhu Yuanzhang had given up on rescuing Liao Yongan, and even thought that Zhang Shide might have been killed by Zhu Yuanzhang. That was why he wanted to secretly contact Chen Biao, borrowing Chen Biao's intelligence and the power of the Chen family to see if he could do something privately.
Liao Yongzhong's move was not a betrayal of Zhu Yuanzhang. Instead, he was being clever. He thought that by not exposing the matter and acting privately, he could preserve Zhu Yuanzhang's face and character - giving up on rescuing the captured generals was not a good reputation.
But regardless of whether Liao Yongzhong's move succeeded or failed, wouldn't it confirm Zhu Yuanzhang's mistake when others found out about it?
Ji Renshou was very helpless: "How could you... Alas, especially when it comes to matters concerning the lord's reputation, don't be so smart in the future!"
Liao Yongzhong hung his head: "Yes."
Zhu Sheng said, "As far as I know, the lord writes to Zhang Shicheng every year, hoping that Zhang Shicheng will release Liao Yongan. However, they have a bad relationship because of the incident with Zhang Shide, and Zhang Shicheng never replies. When Yang Xian was sent as an envoy to Zhang Shicheng, he also bribed Zhang Shicheng's officials to treat Liao Yongan well. As long as Zhang Shicheng does not claim to be a king and still nominally governs the Yuan Dynasty, Liao Yongan will be safe. We still have time."
Liao Yongzhong clasped his fists and choked up: "Yes!"
Seeing Liao Yongzhong choking up, Zhu Sheng felt a little sorry. He sighed and said, "If you have any troubles in the future, it's better to bother the lord than Biao'er."
Liao Yongzhong clasped his fists again and agreed.
Zhu Sheng didn't know if Liao Yongzhong understood his implication. This was all he could say.
After three rounds of drinks between Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Liangzu, Zhu Liangzu cried so hard that his face was covered with tears and snot, and was driven away by Zhu Yuanzhang in disgust.
He unbuttoned his shirt, fanned the alcohol away with his sleeve, and said, "Have you agreed with him?"
Zhu Sheng said, "It's settled."
Zhu Yuanzhang asked Liao Yongzhong, "Do you understand?"
Liao Yongzhong wiped his tears and said, "I understand."
Zhu Yuanzhang frowned. "If you understand, get out of here. I'll talk to Biao'er about your son. If it works, it works. If not, we'll wait. First, find a teacher to teach your son how to read!"
Liao Yongzhong quickly left.
After Liao Yongzhong left, Zhu Yuanzhang was silent for a moment, then asked, "Is his purpose in looking for Biao'er more than just about admission?"
Zhu Sheng said, "Maybe."
Ji Renshou frowned. "You just lectured Liao Yongzhong so clearly that he couldn't keep secrets from the Lord. Why are you now guessing riddles with the Lord? Is there something the Lord doesn't know?"
Zhu Sheng's face darkened and he felt like punching Ji Renshou.
Zhu Yuanzhang laughed: "Are you really hiding something from me?"
Ji Renshou said, "Even if we don't tell him, the Lord will know. Liao Yongzhong wants Biao'er to give him some advice to rescue his brother."
Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment, then said calmly, "I see. He actually wants to ask Biao'er for help. He must be desperate and trying anything he can get."
…
Zhu Yuanzhang did not intend to tell Chen Biao that Liao Yongzhong wanted to ask Chen Biao for advice on how to rescue Liao Yongan.
Zhu Yuanzhang gathered all his generals and advisers but could not come up with a solution to this troublesome problem. Zhu Yuanzhang did not think Chen Biao had a solution.
But what he didn't expect was that when he was "interrogating" Liao Yongzhong and Zhu Liangzu at the Marshal's Office, Chen Biao was also talking about Liao Yongan.
Zhu Yuanzhang had a confidant named Yang Xian.
Not only was Yang Xian often sent by Zhu Yuanzhang on diplomatic missions to Zhang Shicheng and Fang Guozhen, he was often detained but always found a chance to escape. He was an excellent envoy and also Zhu Yuanzhang's "inspector" chief.
The Jianxiu after the Yuan Dynasty was just an ordinary low-level official in charge of documents, but Yang Xian, the "Jianxiu", did the work of the Jianxiu in the Tang Dynasty, that is, the head of intelligence and inspection.
In the middle and late Ming Dynasty, Yang Xian's official position was equivalent to the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
Both diplomatic missions and intelligence required a lot of money. Zhu Yuanzhang was lazy and directly let Chen Biao and Yang Xian connect with each other, so Yang Xian also played the role of Chen family's "merchant" and opened up trade routes in various places with other members of the Chen family.
As the chief inspector, Yang Xian naturally knew Chen Biao's true identity. Because Zhu Yuanzhang asked him to report everything to Chen Biao and to act directly according to Chen Biao's orders, Chen Biao seemed to be the de facto leader of the inspectors.
This time, Yang Xian was sent as an envoy to Zhang Shicheng. As per custom, he was detained by Zhang Shicheng, but he escaped with gold and silver and brought back an urgent message.
Zhu Yuanzhang was still in the Marshal's Mansion, so Yang Xian informed Chen Biao of the news first.
Chen Biao handed Yang Xian a cup of honey smoothie to soothe his throat and cool off the lingering heat of autumn. "Is Zhang Shicheng going to claim the throne again ? What's wrong with his brain?"
Yang Xian took a sip of the honey smoothie, shuddering at the coolness. He smiled and said, "His advisors also thought he was mentally ill and tried to dissuade him. But Zhang Shicheng seemed determined."
Chen Biao shook his head: "I don't understand."
Zhang Shicheng surrendered to the Yuan Dynasty and sent food to the Yuan Dynasty when he could still maintain his independence; now that his territory has shrunk and Zhu Yuanzhang has become increasingly powerful after destroying Chen Han, it is time for him to hide, but he wants to become king again.
Isn’t this sick?
Yang Xian sighed and said, "Zhang Shicheng's self-destruction is a good thing for us. But... alas, poor General Liao, I'm afraid he is in great danger."
Chen Biao knew about Liao Yongan.
Chen Biao was already old enough to remember Liao Yongan when he was captured. Later, Chen Biao approved the money Yang Xian used to buy Liao Yongan's benefits. Chen Biao knew much more about Liao Yongan than his brother Liao Yongzhong imagined.
Chen Biao even talked to Liao Yongan through Yang Xian, instructing Liao Yongan on how to highlight his heroism in front of Zhang Shicheng, gain Zhang Shicheng's respect, and get better treatment.
Thanks to Chen Biao's efforts, although Liao Yongan was imprisoned, his treatment was like that of a person under house arrest and his life was not bad.
"Not necessarily." Chen Biao said, "Maybe this is an opportunity to bring General Liao Yongan back."
Yang Xian asked excitedly, "Master, do you have any ideas?"
Chen Biao said, "It's not a particularly good idea. But at this point, we have to try everything. Zhang Shicheng wants to betray the Yuan Dynasty and establish himself as king again. His previous justification for rebelling against the Yuan Dynasty's brutality no longer holds water. He now has a reputation as a traitor. We can give him a reason to legitimately claim the throne, and even retain his disappointed staff."
Yang Xian held the smoothie in both hands and took another sip to ease his nervousness: "Young Master, what do you mean..."
Chen Biao shrugged his shoulders and spread his hands with an air of superiority. "Back then, regarding the Zhang Shide incident, the lord said that Zhang Shicheng had his brother murdered in order to surrender to the Yuan Dynasty. Zhang Shicheng said that the lord was afraid of Zhang Shide, so he killed him. Why couldn't the Yuan Dynasty have assassinated Zhang Shide in order to provoke a conflict between Zhang Shicheng and the lord, who were both rebels, and then used Zhang Shicheng's name to make Zhang Shicheng surrender to the Yuan Dynasty?"
Yang Xian frowned: "This...someone has said this before, but Zhang Shicheng didn't believe it."
Chen Biao said, "He didn't believe it then because the Battle of Gaoyou was so brutal that he no longer wanted to be surrounded by a large army. So he was inclined to surrender to the Yuan Dynasty and live in peace in a corner. Now that he wants to rebel against the Yuan Dynasty and establish himself as king, he should believe it."
Yang Xian pondered for a moment and nodded heavily: "Young Master, what you said makes sense!"
Chen Biao continued, "Besides, doesn't he want his brother to be a hero? The Battle of Gaoyou was so brutal that almost all of his generals and the people who followed him died. The Yuan Dynasty and Zhang Shicheng have a deep blood feud. Zhang Shide participated in this battle and should have a deep blood feud with the Yuan Dynasty as well. Zhang Shide refused to surrender to Zhu Yuanzhang for his own selfish reasons and instigated Zhang Shicheng to surrender to the Yuan Dynasty. What do those veteran generals who followed Zhang Shicheng all the way think?"
Yang Xian's mouth drooped as he asked, "Who knows if Zhang Shicheng let Zhang Shide bear this stigma for him?"
Chen Biao's expression was slightly indifferent. He said, "It doesn't matter whether it is true or not. What matters is what Zhang Shicheng chooses. Since he wants to be the King of Wu again, but doesn't want to be called a traitor, this is a good excuse."
Yang Xian sighed, "Indeed, as long as Zhang Shide was killed by the Yuan people and Zhang Shide's letter was forged by the Yuan people, then Zhang Shicheng is now betraying the Yuan Dynasty and re-establishing himself as king to avenge his brother."
Chen Biao said, "At the same time, the stain of his brother instigating him to betray the brothers who died in the uprising with him and accept the Yuan Dynasty's offer of amnesty can also be cleared. To raise this banner of morality, all we need is a little cooperation from our lord."
As long as Zhu Yuanzhang also announced that "evidence of the Yuan Dynasty's assassination of Zhang Shide had been found", Zhang Shicheng could naturally declare himself king.
If the "brother-killing revenge" between Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhang Shicheng was resolved, wouldn't it be reasonable for Zhang Shicheng to return Zhu Yuanzhang's captured generals as a sign of sincerity?
At the same time, Zhu Yuanzhang captured many of Zhang Shicheng's men during his fierce battle with Lü Zhen in Zhuquan Prefecture. Zhu Yuanzhang returned these prisoners to Zhang Shicheng, which was considered a "prisoner exchange" in name only to save Zhang Shicheng's face.
Based on Chen Biao's understanding of Zhu Yuanzhang's current style of doing things, Zhu Yuanzhang would agree.
Yang Xian said excitedly, "This has great potential! I'll set off tomorrow!"
Chen Biao shook his head. "Wait a minute. I'll ask Mr. Song to write a letter to his junior apprentice. I believe that Mr. Song's junior apprentice, Chen Jiding, is as talented as Mr. Song. He must know how important reputation is to Zhang Shicheng and will help us persuade him."
Chen Biao thought about it, frowned and said, "I'll ask Mr. Ji again. I wonder if Mr. Ji can write a letter to his brothers and nephews."
Shi Naian and his apprentice seemed to have a high status under Zhang Shicheng.
Yang Xian said, "Then I will wait for good news from the young master."
Chen Biao once again said in a very condescending manner: "Go back and have a good Mid-Autumn Festival, and then go on your mission again after the Mid-Autumn Festival."
Yang Xian smiled and said, "Okay."
After Yang Xian told Chen Biao all the information, he left without waiting for Zhu Yuanzhang to come back.
He knew that he only needed to tell Chen Biao the information, and there was no need to repeat it. Chen Biao would pass on everything to his master.
After Zhu Yuanzhang returned with a heavy heart, Chen Biao handed Yang Xian's document to Zhu Yuanzhang and told him how to try to rescue Liao Yongan.
Chen Biao sighed, "Zhang Shicheng's claim to the throne is both General Liao Yongan's doom and his only chance of survival."
Zhu Yuanzhang was in a trance.
After a while, Zhu Yuanzhang picked up Chen Biao, tears welling in his eyes: "Son..."
Chen Biao's face was full of disgust: "What are you doing? Why do you suddenly have such an expression?"
"Nothing?" Zhu Yuanzhang suppressed the complicated emotions in his heart, hugged Chen Biao in his arms and rubbed his hair hard.
Chen Biao roared, "What are you doing?! Are you looking for trouble?! Let go! Stop rubbing my head! You've rubbed all my hair off!"
Zhu Yuanzhang choked up and said, "Rub it for a while longer, just rub it for a while."
Chen Biao struggled hard: "I told you to stop!"
Zhu Yuanzhang held Chen Biao firmly and said: "Just rub it for a while, Biao'er's head is really easy to rub."
Chen Biao was so angry that the hair on his head was about to explode: "Are you petting cats and dogs? We have dogs and cats at home, go pet them!"
Zhu Yuanzhang immediately showed a look of disgust: "No."
Chen Gou'er and Chen Mao'er were young children who liked to poop and pee everywhere. Their clothes smelled of poop and urine even after they were washed every day, which Zhu Yuanzhang hated very much.
Zhu Yuanzhang squeezed Chen Biao for a long time, and only let him go after he was almost dead: "Biao'er, when Liao Yongan is rescued, let him live in our house for a while, and let him return to the Liao family after he recovers, okay?"
Chen Biao said weakly: "I don't care, you have the final say."
Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "He's a naval commander. After being imprisoned for so long, I'm afraid he's no longer in a position to lead troops into battle. But don't you want to go to sea? He should be able to help you train a group of seagoing guards."
Chen Biao frowned. "Ah? Asking the Lord's naval commander to train me seagoing guards? You're so imaginative. Would the Lord agree to such a boast?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "My lord will certainly agree. My lord is very interested in going to sea."
Chen Biao said, "Then you can talk to the lord. You can also tell the lord how to rescue Liao Yongan. I am only responsible for giving advice, not for execution."
Chen Biao waved his little paws.
Back in Yingtian, he was only responsible for giving orders. It was his father Chen Guorui's job to do the work!
It’s so nice to be home, Biaoer is lying down.
Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Of course."
Chen Biao said, "Oh right, Uncle Yang is always away on business, and there's no elder to look after him at home, only his younger brother is the housekeeper. I think his younger brother is completely uneducated, so why not come and do odd jobs at Yingtian Primary School? I can help Uncle Yang keep an eye on him."
Since Yang Xian worked for Chen Biao, Chen Biao considered Yang Xian to be half of his own circle and naturally took care of Yang Xian's private affairs.
Zhu Yuanzhang said, "I'll talk to Yang Xian tomorrow. By the way, there are many generals in the city who want their children to go to school, but the school season has just passed and they can't wait until next year."
Chen Biao said unhappily, "Oh, okay. Then we'll have an open recruitment after the Mid-Autumn Festival. Humph, they were reluctant to send their children here before, but now that they've discovered how capable I am, they're rushing to send their children to school, unable to wait even half a year. I should make them anxious and wait a little longer!"
Zhu Yuanzhang scratched Chen Biao's nose and said, "Just this once. If they don't seize this opportunity, they won't give preferential treatment to anyone in the future."
Chen Biao stretched out his hand and scratched Zhu Yuanzhang's nose, returning the favor: "Oh, you don't keep your word. If the lord gives the order, can I still refuse?"
Zhu Yuanzhang joked: "I will argue with my lord, and if he disagrees, I will fight him!"
Chen Biao said disdainfully, "And then, like Uncle Xu said, let the Lord beg you not to get hurt so as not to delay the work?"
Zhu Yuanzhang said sullenly, "One day, I will kick him to death!"
Chen Biao said perfunctorily: "Hahaha, Dad works hard."
…
"A-choo!" Xu Da sneezed loudly, and then said, "It must be the lord scolding me!"
Liu Ji wrote the letter without looking up and said, "You deserve it."
Xu Da said, "What are you writing? Start writing on horseback. Be careful not to fall off."
Liu Ji said, "An old horse knows the way, haven't you heard of it?"
He quickly wrote the letter, blew away the ink, and handed it to Xu Da.
Xu Da was puzzled: "What did you write to show me?"
Liu Ji said, "Just watch if I tell you to."
Xu Da took the letter.
The letter consisted of only a few lines, full of sarcasm.
To summarize, Liu Ji said to Shi Er, "Your lord's reputation is ruined, and you're no good as a counselor. As your junior brother, I can't stand it any longer. I'll give you a plan that will allow your lord to betray the Yuan Dynasty with honor." Remember Zhang Shide by Xuanwu Lake?
Xu Da's eyelids twitched. "Your plan is really... That's all. As long as it can save Liao Yongan, it's a good plan."
Liu Ji raised his eyes lazily. "This strategy wasn't mine, but Biao'er's. When Biao'er learned that Zhang Shicheng was going to claim the throne, he immediately asked Yang Xian to seize this opportunity to rescue Liao Yong'an. Not only me, but my senior brother and Song Jinglian were also persuaded by Biao'er to write letters to Zhang Shicheng's advisors."
Xu Da immediately changed his tone: "Biao'er is truly a brilliant thinker! This plan is indescribable!"
Liu Ji: “Heh.”
The same character as my lord!