Chapter 35: The Examination! My Grandson Truly Is a Prodigy!

Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes bulged with rage, the muscles in his face twitching slightly from fury. He suddenly reached out and grabbed Zhu Gaochi by the ear, tugging with such force that it seemed he intended to lift the disobedient boy right off his feet.

"You blasted little rascal!" his roar echoed within the imperial carriage, making the very air seem to tremble.

Zhu Gaochi winced in agony, his features contorting as he wailed, "Ouch, ouch! You’re killing me!" Yet, even in pain, he refused to beg for mercy. Instead, he stiffened his neck and retorted, "Are you out of your mind, you old coot? What does the fate of the empire have to do with me?"

"Don't tell me you're actually planning to hand the throne to me? That’s Brother Ying’s business!"

Hearing this, Old Zhu froze, his aggressive posture locking in mid-air. He narrowed his eyes, a complex expression flashing across his gaze. Though the brat’s words were grating and harsh, it seemed to be the truth. The succession of the Ming Dynasty had been clear from the very beginning: it belonged to Zhu Biao and his legitimate heirs. As for the other descendants, they were never part of Old Zhu’s considerations; Zhu Biao had been his sole heir from start to finish. This was common knowledge to the world and understood by every official in the court.

Even so, Old Zhu felt as if a heavy stone were lodged in his chest. He was deeply annoyed. Even if the throne wasn't meant for you, you shouldn't be so dismissive of it! This was the ancestral foundation he had carved out through countless hardships and bloody struggles!

"Look, Brother Ying is still over there laughing, looking so carefree. Could he shoulder such a great responsibility in the future?" Zhu Gaochi’s eyes darted around as he successfully shifted the heat onto Zhu Xiongying.

Upon hearing this, Old Zhu glared, his eyes seemingly spitting fire as he swung his hand and delivered a sharp smack. Instantly, the smile vanished from Zhu Xiongying’s face, replaced by a look of shock and grievance. *What an old coot, hitting people at the slightest provocation!*

The two little ones huddled together, whispering about Old Zhu. Though their voices were soft, they were clearly audible in the quiet carriage. Hearing their muttering, Old Zhu’s mouth twitched, and his anger flared up as if doused in oil. He wore a dark expression and gave a heavy, deliberate cough, a sound so authoritative that it seemed to make the air vibrate.

"The army is currently marching on Yunnan. With the strategies you proposed earlier, success is all but guaranteed. But once Yunnan is pacified, how should it be governed? I’d like to hear your opinions!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Zhu Xiongying eagerly prepared to speak. This was a matter of statecraft; being invited to offer advice was, to him, a distinct honor. However, just as he opened his mouth, a small, chubby hand shot out and clamped over it.

Zhu Gaochi looked at Old Zhu with a face full of helplessness and said with a wry smile, "Imperial Grandfather, if you want to beat us, just do it. Why act like that old fossil Li Xiyan and insist on finding a pretext?"

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, the flesh on his face quivered. He grinned hideously and said, "That's right, I do want to beat you! If you can't come up with a sensible answer, I’ll beat you both to death!" His smile was laced with both mockery and menace.

The two boys froze, their expressions going stiff before they slumped like frostbitten eggplants. After a moment of silence, Zhu Xiongying took a deep breath and volunteered, "Imperial Grandfather stated in the proclamation that the purpose of this expedition to Yunnan is to expel the barbarians, restore the Middle Kingdom, establish order, and rescue the people." His voice was steady and clear, carrying a trace of youthful determination. "Therefore, after the army pacifies Yunnan, the court should treat everyone equally, implement benevolent governance, and provide education. By treating the people of Yunnan well, we will ensure they integrate with our Great Ming as quickly as possible, ensuring that the southwestern frontier never falls into chaos again!"

Old Zhu’s eyes flashed with gratification. This eldest grandson was truly remarkable; to have such insight at such a young age was rare indeed. Beside him, Zhu Gaochi cast a look of surprise and admiration at Zhu Xiongying. *As expected of the Imperial Grandson of Ming! To be able to speak like this on the spot proves he has real substance.* After all, being the eldest son of Zhu Biao, his perspective and knowledge were far beyond those of ordinary children.

"Grandson, what you say is good, but it is all rather general. Do you have any practical strategies?" Old Zhu narrowed his eyes, full of anticipation. He didn't want hollow platitudes; he wanted actionable methods.

After a moment of reflection, Zhu Xiongying presented his strategy step by step.

"First, the people of Yunnan—be they scholars, farmers, artisans, or merchants, and regardless of their origin—must be allowed to settle into their respective occupations. This will help them recover production and live in peace." This first point was like a spring breeze blowing into Old Zhu’s heart, making his eyes light up with approval.

"Second, the prefectures, sub-prefectures, and counties in Yunnan should increase efforts to establish schools. Local governments can select and recommend Confucian scholars from the populace who are capable of teaching and serving as role models, appointing them as academic officials to educate the children of the region, so they may learn rituals and refine local customs..." This second point was also a matter of experience; promoting Confucian education was the hallmark of benevolent governance throughout the ages.

"Third, for the elderly without spouses or children, and the young without fathers—those unable to survive on their own—the local governments must establish relief institutions to take them in and provide monthly rations to ensure their survival..." This was another great act of benevolence, which would help the court win the hearts of the Yunnan people.

"Fourth, for any officials or scholars living in exile in Yunnan, or any locals who possess talent, ambition, or exceptional skills, the local government should treat them with respect and provide safe passage to the capital, where the court can evaluate and appoint them based on their merit."

Compared to the previous three, this point left Old Zhu beaming with joy; he was satisfied with Zhu Xiongying to the extreme. That he understood the importance of talent at such a young age and intended to use it to win hearts—the child was truly brilliant.

Zhu Xiongying listed several more points, and Old Zhu nodded repeatedly, overjoyed. Every point had hit the mark. What truly made Zhu Yuanzhang happy was that his eldest grandson—the future Emperor of Ming, in whom he placed such high hopes—was already so outstanding at such a tender age. When he eventually ascended the throne, he would surely be capable of shouldering the responsibilities of the Son of Heaven and ushering in a golden age! *This child is truly the unicorn of our Zhu family!*

"Imperial Grandfather, that is all I can think of for now," Zhu Xiongying replied with a hint of anxiety, fearing his answer wasn't perfect.

Old Zhu immediately patted his head and said with a smile, "My good, sage grandson, you answered very well! To have such insight, you have already done remarkably well."

Zhu Xiongying beamed at the praise and approval. Just as the grandfather and grandson were sharing a tender moment, a burst of snoring shattered the warm atmosphere, leaving them both stunned.

They turned to see the chubby Zhu Gaochi sprawled across the soft couch, limbs splayed, snoring away as if he were completely alone. A bit of drool hung from the corner of his mouth; he was sleeping quite soundly. Seeing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry he laughed, and he delivered a sharp smack to Zhu Gaochi’s forehead.

Zhu Gaochi woke up, his eyes bleary, and glared at Old Zhu in frustration. "Old coot, what are you doing?"

"You scoundrel! I’m testing your knowledge, and not only do you refuse to listen, but you dare to fall asleep?!" Old Zhu was so incensed his mustache bristled, and his voice rose by several decibels.

Zhu Gaochi chuckled and blurted out, "Is that all? Governing Yunnan is simple. All these current 'loose rein' policies are useless; they only allow the local chieftains to grow powerful, becoming 'tails that are too heavy to wag'—local emperors!"

"So, while the court has just swept through Yunnan, the best approach is to replace the hereditary chieftain system with centrally appointed officials..."

Before he could finish, Zhu Gaochi realized his mistake and instinctively clapped a hand over his mouth. Old Zhu had already stepped forward, his majestic face inches away, his sharp, piercing gaze fixed firmly upon him.

"What did you just say?"

"Replace the hereditary system with centrally appointed officials?!"