Rule the Ming Dynasty Alone

Leaving Nanjing, the imperial ship re-entered the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal from the Yangtze River, and then continued south to Suzhou.

It was already late autumn. Affected by the cold air from the north moving south, the water temperature of the canal suddenly dropped, and an urgent report came from the front.

The commander of the Jinwu Guard is often responsible for eliminating all potential dangers ahead, and he knows that nothing can go wrong during this trip: "What's going on?"

"We found two floating corpses on the edge of the embankment in front!" Xu Pingchuan, the Jinyi Guardsman in charge of demining ahead, reported with a solemn face.

Chang Chang frowned slightly and said disapprovingly: "We only need to protect the emperor, and leave all investigation matters to the local officials!"

Although the two floating corpses by the river were a matter of life and death, when the emperor was traveling, they would naturally be thrown aside, and the case would naturally be investigated by local officials.

"Sir, this is not an unusual case. We found that there was a large diving bell placed under the floating corpse!" Xu Pingchuan, the chief minister of Jinyiwei, added bitterly.

Chang Chang's mouth opened slightly, looking scared as he said: "They placed a diving bell on the edge of the embankment. What exactly do they want to do?"

"Our Jinyiwei people are investigating!" Xu Pingchuan, the official of Jinyiwei, said bitterly.

Bai Ang, the Governor of Water Transport, was also on the escort and brought people over to explain the latest situation: "We people from the Water Transport Yamen were on the top of the diving bell, and we also found a large amount of gunpowder! Once the imperial ship passed there, if the diving bell detonated and opened the river, If the embankment is blocked, the imperial ship is likely to capsize!"

When things got to this point, this was undoubtedly an assassination attempt against the emperor.

The diving bell allowed two men to stay submerged in the water for longer periods of time, and if it was detonated at the right moment and blew open the moat, the canal's flow would be redirected.

This assassination plan was not ingenious. If the imperial ship capsized due to the diversion of the river, the emperor might be injured or even drowned.

If there was any miscalculation, it should be that they ignored the importance of water temperature. No matter how good the water quality is, it is impossible to completely resist the body's hypothermia, and ultimately lose to this sudden change in water temperature.

Chang often realized that the problem was far more serious than he imagined, so he said with a stern face: "Check! We must thoroughly investigate who did it!"

Since the imperial ship had just been stopped due to this accident, the matter was reported here as soon as possible.

Zhu Youtang had always known that this southern tour could not be uneventful, but now he found out that the opponent's ultimate move was to use a diving bell and gunpowder, which made him feel quite uncomfortable.

The diving bell was designed based on the experience of later generations in order to prevent too many drownings among pearl divers in Tokyo Bay. Unexpectedly, it would become a weapon to assassinate oneself today.

In fact, checking the underwater situation has always been the focus of defense, but it is based on previous experience and does not consider a killer weapon like the diving bell.

Fortunately, the sudden cooling of the weather caused the people hiding in the diving bell to freeze to death, thus exposing their regicide plot.

Zhu Youtang knew that even if the assassin did not die, it would be difficult to find out the real culprit behind the scenes: "Check the river carefully! Concubine Jing has been feeling unwell recently, don't scare Concubine Jing!"

"Yes!" Bai Ang and Chang Chang said respectfully.

Due to the unexpected discovery of an assassination operation, someone actually wanted to set up a mine using a diving bell, gunpowder and a moat, and the subsequent journey became more cautious.

It was normal for people to launch fishing nets and people into the water, and they soon made a harvest. A diving bell and gunpowder were found two kilometers away from the incident.

Because the conspiracy was exposed, the thieves chose to detonate the gunpowder this time. The explosion caused the small boats during the encirclement and suppression to capsize, and a lot of dead fish floated up.

It's just that the power of the bomb placed on the diving bell was not as terrifying as imagined, and the embankment did not collapse or even move at all.

One of the two thieves inside was killed directly by the explosion, and the other was rounded up as soon as he surfaced. As a result, he chose to bite his tongue and commit suicide. Before he died, he shouted loudly: "My mother has no life, my hometown is empty."

It's just that his tongue has been bitten off. If he shouts so loudly, he really can't hear what he is shouting.

In response to this act of assassination, Governor Bai Ang and the local government quickly launched an investigation. In particular, the diving bell project was not a small project, and there must be traces.

Naturally, the imperial ship would not stop here to wait for the investigation results, but would go to Suzhou City as planned.

It's November, and late autumn is ushering in Jiangnan.

Suzhou City seemed very lively. All the officials had been in front of the pier early to welcome the arrival of Emperor Hongzhi. They had made full preparations for this.

It was already the penultimate stop of the emperor's southern tour to Suzhou City. If they had not arranged things properly, this would not only be a dereliction of duty, but also an act of disloyalty.

Although Song Cheng, the governor of Yingtian, did not know how to adapt to many things, he seemed to be very serious about being loyal to the emperor, so he also cooperated in arranging reception arrangements.

"This old man really didn't expect that one day he would have the opportunity to see the Emperor!"

"The emperor's southern tour of Suzhou is really a blessing for millions of people in Suzhou!"

"The great emperor Hongzhi is so kind and caring for the people, why worry about the lack of prosperity in the world!"

…

Suzhou Prefecture is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the policy of opening up the sea. Now that they learned that the emperor was touring the south, many merchants and people gathered here and expressed their expectations.

Since Song Cheng took office as the governor of Yingtian, he especially redressed the grievances of the people in Suzhou, so he won the love of the people in Suzhou and increased the people's favor towards the emperor.

Now that the emperor is on tour to the south, the Jiangnan scholar-bureaucrats no longer dare to unscrupulously smear the emperor, and the people also realize that Zhu Youtang is a wise emperor.

Just like this, Emperor Hongzhi came to Suzhou. Even if the streets of Suzhou city were not empty, most of the people came to witness this grand scene.

The dragon flag hanging on the imperial ship rustled in the wind, and the golden dragon pattern shone dazzlingly in the sun, symbolizing the supreme imperial power and dignity.

Zhu Youtang was sitting on the imperial ship. Although he had not yet entered Suzhou City, he could already see through the window the shops on both sides of the streets outside Suzhou City, and a lot of goods stacked at the docks of the canal.

The moon is setting, crows are crying, and the sky is filled with frost. Jiang Feng, fishing fire, is facing melancholy.

At Hanshan Temple outside Gusu City, the bell rang for the passenger ship at midnight.

…

Zhu Youtang has a different feeling for the city of Suzhou. It is not only the city with the most prosperous handicraft industry, but also a city full of historical charm.

However, in order for the Ming Dynasty to become better and for China to embark on the road to real prosperity and strength, the group of traitors who colluded with the Japanese for personal gain must be purged here.

Under the gaze of everyone, Zhu Youtang slowly walked out of the dragon boat.

He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe, a golden crown on his head, a jade belt around his waist, and pink-soled boots. Every step he took looked so calm and powerful.

The people knelt down and worshiped on the ground one after another, and the mountains shouted "Long Live the Mountain" one after another, which was deafening.

It was the first time for many of them to see the true face of the emperor, and their excitement was palpable. Youjun and Mianjun are indeed two completely different emotions, and many people have strong feelings of loyalty to the emperor.

Some old people even shed tears of emotion. They felt that it was a great honor to see the emperor in person during their lifetime.

At this time, the dock turned into a sea of ​​joy. Drums sounded, colorful flags flew, and the atmosphere reached a climax amidst bursts of cheers.

Zhu Youtang also noticed the expressions of the people. Although he also felt that he had done something practical for them, he felt a sense of guilt when he saw their excited expressions.

If he were other powerful time travelers, he might have been a railway steam engine, but after all, he was a strong man when he was a primary school student, but he could only promote the development of the Ming Dynasty step by step.

"Your Majesty, please get in the car!" Liu Jin said cautiously as the golden chariot was already on the pier.

Zhu Youtang saw that a thoroughfare had been cleared between the pier and the Suzhou city gate, and people were waiting on both sides to greet him. He also got on his golden chariot and prepared to enter the city.

The royal motorcade on this southern tour slowly drove into the city gate, with the roar of cars and the roar of horses, showing the emperor's grandeur in traveling.

The city of Suzhou can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period. King Wu ordered minister Wu Zixu to expand the city on the basis of the city built by Zhufan. Its circumference was 47 miles, 210 paces and 2 feet. This was the earliest ancient city of Suzhou. It is called Helu City.

In the subsequent history, the ancient city of Suzhou has experienced the rise and fall of many dynasties and war damage, but it has been rebuilt and repaired after each destruction.

In the early years of the Ming Dynasty, after Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang eliminated Zhang Shicheng's forces in Suzhou, he began large-scale construction of Suzhou City. The main contents of the construction included the reinforcement and expansion of the city walls and the addition of city gates.

Zhu Youtang's eyes looked deeply at this ancient and prosperous city. There were a dazzling array of shops on both sides of the streets, selling all kinds of goods.

The officials and the people were very enthusiastic about Zhu Youtang's arrival. Many theatrical performances were arranged on both sides, mainly piano playing and dancing.

Zhu Youtang was not disgusted with this kind of greeting. Instead, he felt that this kind of talent reflected the charm of the city, and he also enjoyed the intermittent performances.

Wei Guogong Xu Er and others followed behind Jin Ren. When they saw Suzhou City arranging such a program, they couldn't help but nod frequently, but gave Song Cheng a thumbs up.

"This arrangement is not my idea!" Yingtian Governor Song Cheng was still a serious man, but he said with an expressionless face.

At this time, the golden chariot suddenly stopped, and Wei Guogong Xu Yan and others who were following behind were stunned for a moment, and then they all looked towards the stage next to them.

But I saw a girl in a red dress walking to the center of the stage, as elegant as a fairy on the waves.

Her face is beautiful and refined, and there is an extraordinary temperament between her eyebrows. The black pipa she held in her arms looked exquisite, like a work of art.

She knelt elegantly in the center of the stage, and gently plucked the pipa strings with her jade hands, and the crisp and sweet sound immediately filled the air.

Her fingers jumped and danced on the strings, as nimble as an elf. The tune was high and low, fast and slow, sometimes like the tinkling of spring water, sometimes like the sound of a violent storm.

The performance of the girl in red dress is full of passion and vitality, as if every note is telling a moving story.

The officials and people present were deeply attracted by her performance. They seemed to see the beautiful scenery of mountains, flowing water, and blooming flowers, and seemed to hear the melodious singing of birds and the sound of gurgling streams.

Zhu Youtang has always been in Gujing Mubo's heart, but when he saw this girl in a red dress appearing, his thoughts seemed to be brought back many years ago.

His soul was touched by the pipa sound of the girl in red dress, as if he was in a dreamlike fairyland, and his eyes suddenly became dazzled.

The girl in red dress played more and more passionately, and the sound of the pipa was like a galloping army.

The emotions of Wei Guogong Xu Er and others were affected by her performance, and their hearts boiled with excitement, as if they wanted to dance with the sound of the pipa.

When the last note fell, there was a moment of silence.

"Let's go!"

Zhu Youtang had already withdrew his gaze and uttered two words lightly.

Wei Guogong Xu Er and others were still immersed in the wonderful music, but when they saw that the golden chariot in front had moved, they hurriedly followed.

"Who is this girl in red?"

"You don't even know her? She is Suzhou's oiran this year!"

"Ah? She is the courtesan Erxiang who is rare to see in a hundred years? She really deserves her reputation!"

…

Although Wei Guogong Xu Er and others followed the golden chariot, they couldn't help but feel the fire of gossip in their hearts. They were even more amazed when they learned that it was Erxiang, the courtesan.

"They say today's ladies are lustful, and it's true!"

"What should we do next?"

"Of course we have to proceed as planned!"

On the building in the distance, several people in white robes watched the movement here from a distance. After noticing Zhu Youtang's strong reaction, they finalized the next plan.

When the emperor traveled, he usually stayed at a post station, an official office, a temple or a local mansion. Now the place where Suzhou City arranges to stay is the residence of Governor Yingtian.

Suzhou City, Su Mansion.

Su Baibai looked particularly happy today. The Su Mansion had already been decorated with lanterns and decorations, and he was the first to welcome back their Su family's daughter, who was to be Concubine Jing.

Not long after the emperor moved into Yingtian Xunxingtai, a very impressive guard of honor also came here, and a stunning beauty in luxurious clothes got out of the car.

Su Yun'er returned to the Su Mansion as a noble concubine, but she had a different look and feel. Seeing familiar faces, she felt extremely happy.

As the daughter of the Su family, even though she showed extremely high business talent, she was still a daughter, so it was inevitable that she would be neglected and looked down upon.

But now, she is a noble concubine of the Ming Dynasty. Even if she stands doing nothing, even if she is a stupid woman, she has become the greatest glory of the Su family.

"Yooner is back!"

"How can I call you Yun'er instead of Concubine Jing?"

"Yes, yes, Yoona is our Concubine Jing!"

…

Since they learned that Concubine Jing Su Yun'er was coming back today, all the relatives in the Su family who had some connections had come here one after another, and they seemed very much looking forward to seeing Su Yun'er.

Naturally, Su Yun'er would not meet everyone. She would only meet some people who were close to her or those she wanted to meet. Naturally, other people could not get this honor.

Although she is married, she will still remember her family in her heart. Su Yun'er also asked seriously: "Dad, are everything okay?"

"Thanks to Concubine Jing, everything in our family is fine, very good!" Su Bonian was a person who knew how to measure things, and he emphasized that he knew how to advance and retreat.

Although several generations of the Su family have accumulated considerable wealth, they have been unable to cultivate scholar-bureaucrats, so they have always been inferior to others. Originally looking at Su Qubing as hopeless, I originally wanted to place my hope in the next generation, but I didn't expect that Su Yun'er would bring such a big surprise. (End of chapter)