sovbooks Chapter 46 Dad, who told you Old Zhu wasn't a man who killed indiscriminately?!
Chapter 46 Dad, who told you Old Zhu wasn't a man who killed indiscriminately?!
As Hu Weiyong spoke, he secretly observed Zhu Yuanzhang's expression.
He felt a little uneasy about praising himself so lavishly.
Upon hearing this, Liu Bowen put down his teacup and slowly said, "Prime Minister Hu is indeed capable and handles government affairs in a clear and organized manner. However... he is quite ambitious, acts ostentatiously, and is overly biased towards his Huaixi faction, excluding dissidents. If this continues, it may be detrimental to the court."
Zhu Yuanzhang offered no comment, but instead turned his gaze to Zhu Yao, smiling as he asked, "Yao'er, what do you think of this Hu Weiyong? What kind of person is he?"
Zhu Yao put down the roasted sweet potato in his hand, wiped his hands, and said with a smile, "To be honest, this Prime Minister Hu is indeed capable. He has managed to gain a foothold in the court and handle government affairs in an orderly manner. He can be considered a capable person."
Hu Weiyong was secretly pleased with himself when Zhu Yao changed the subject and continued in a calm tone: "However, he used all his abilities to fight for power and profit. He was too ambitious and greedy. On the surface, he was loyal, but in secret he formed cliques, eliminated dissidents, and even dared to secretly install his cronies to control local officials."
"Moreover, he is too arrogant, thinking that with Lao Zhu's trust, he can do whatever he wants. Little does he know that Lao Zhu hates those who form cliques, engage in corruption and bribery the law the most. His arrogance today is nothing but courting death."
"In my opinion, it won't be long before he suffers the fate of having his entire family executed and his reputation ruined due to forming cliques for personal gain and plotting treason. At that time, not only will his own life be in danger, but he will also implicate the entire Huaixi Party and become a sinner of the Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Yao's words were clear and sharp.
Hu Weiyong sat to the side, his face turning deathly pale, completely dumbfounded.
Zhu Yuanzhang sat to the side, a faint smile still on his face, his gaze fixed on Hu Weiyong. He didn't speak, but simply watched his flustered and bewildered appearance.
After a brief moment of panic, Hu Weiyong forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart.
As expected of someone in a high-ranking position, Hu Weiyong's mind worked extremely quickly. He knew perfectly well that Zhu Yuanzhang was right in front of him, and if he could not prove his innocence today, and if His Majesty believed Zhu Yao's words, he would surely die.
He abruptly stood up, bowed deeply in the direction of Zhu Yuanzhang, and retorted loudly with a tone that was both earnest and urgent: "Young master, you are mistaken! This is not mere speculation, but utter nonsense!"
"As far as I know... since Prime Minister Hu took office, he has always been diligent and conscientious, dedicated to managing the affairs of the court and assisting His Majesty. He has never had the slightest thought of forming cliques for personal gain or vying for power, nor has he ever secretly placed his cronies or manipulated local officials!"
"As for favoritism towards the Huaixi faction and the exclusion of dissidents, these are completely unfounded. Prime Minister Hu has always treated all officials in the court equally, promoting only those with talent. He has never shown favoritism to anyone because of personal relationships, nor has he ever excluded any loyal and virtuous person!"
"Young master is still young, and perhaps he has heard some unfounded rumors, which has led to his misunderstanding of Prime Minister Hu. Prime Minister Hu is loyal and devoted to His Majesty, as clear as day and night. How could he possibly plot against His Majesty and seek his own death?"
He abruptly changed the subject, his tone becoming increasingly respectful. He glanced subtly at Zhu Yuanzhang and said in a deep voice, "Moreover, His Majesty the current emperor is wise and powerful, insightful and discerning, and adept at recognizing and utilizing talent. He has long seen through the thoughts of the court officials and is not easily swayed, much less prone to unfounded suspicion of loyal ministers!"
"If your words, young master, were to get out, they might be misunderstood as slander against the current prime minister and attempts to sow discord between the emperor and his ministers!"
Hu Weiyong tried his best to defend himself and secretly praised Zhu Yuanzhang in an attempt to salvage the situation and dispel any doubts Zhu Yuanzhang might have.
After listening, Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, nodded, and turned to look at Zhu Yao, his tone reproachful: "Yao'er, don't be reckless. Prime Minister Hu is an important minister in the court, diligent and loyal. You can't just make wild guesses and slander the Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty. What kind of reputation would that be?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yao rolled his eyes, his tone a mix of helplessness and teasing: "Dad, I see now. You're Old Zhu's die-hard fan. You think he's the best, and you think your men are just as loyal as you are."
"Look at you, the head manager! I was just casually mentioning Hu Weiyong's problems, and he rushed to refute me, pleading for Hu Weiyong at every turn and defending him in every word. It's obvious that he's not on your side at all. His heart has never been with you or Old Zhu, but with himself!"
Zhu Yuanzhang's lips twitched slightly, speechless at Zhu Yao's words, a hint of embarrassment flashing across his face. Hu Weiyong, standing to the side, was both shocked and furious after hearing Zhu Yao's words. He was shocked that Zhu Yao had so bluntly exposed his thoughts, and furious that Zhu Yao had repeatedly slandered him, yet he was helpless and could only suppress his anger, daring not to lash out.
Zhu Yuanzhang coughed lightly and tried to smooth things over, saying, "Yao'er, you're exaggerating. Gu Yue is just straightforward and felt that you misunderstood Prime Minister Hu, which is why she spoke up to defend him. It doesn't mean she's not on your side."
He changed the subject, speaking casually and seemingly unintentionally: "Besides, even if Hu Weiyong does something wrong in the future, His Majesty the Emperor is merciful and considers him a founding hero who has made great contributions. How could he possibly punish him with the death by a thousand cuts? At most, he would be dismissed from his post and given a lighter punishment."
Upon hearing this, Hu Weiyong breathed a sigh of relief and felt more confident. He quickly stepped forward, bowed, and echoed, "Your Excellency is right! His Majesty is wise and benevolent, and remembering the merits of his subjects, he will never easily punish those who have rendered meritorious service. I firmly believe that Prime Minister Hu will be even more loyal in the future and will never do anything to betray His Majesty or the court!"
Seeing the two of them acting in unison, Zhu Yao burst out laughing, his tone laced with sarcasm: "Dad, you're really too naive. Old Zhu isn't a man who kills indiscriminately? Haha, you actually believe that?"
He suppressed his smile and said in a calm tone, "Just because Old Zhu doesn't have this thought now means he won't in the future?"
"Once he gradually learns about Hu Weiyong's true colors, the shady dealings he's been up to, and the threat Hu Weiyong's ambition poses to the imperial power, he might not think that way anymore."
Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head again and said firmly, "No, Hu Weiyong is quite capable. He manages the court very well and has relieved the court of a lot of burdens. Your Majesty is good at recognizing and using people and can distinguish right from wrong. You would never kill innocent people indiscriminately, and you would never kill a meritorious official because of unfounded suspicion."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yao laughed again, waved his hand, and said with a hint of helplessness, "Forget it, there's no use talking to you about this. It hasn't happened yet, why should I argue with you? If you want to believe it, then believe it."