Chapter 121:
A few days later, Yang Yi departed from the Ming Dynasty.
Ming Dynasty—Fengtian Temple
Zhu Biao looked puzzled. “Father, are you really going to implement Yang Yi’s strategies?”
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Zhu Yuanzhang put down the memorial he was reading and replied calmly,
“Why not? Don’t you think his strategies are useful?”
Zhu Biao hesitated before smiling wryly.
“They are indeed useful, but he is an outsider... It’s hard to tell if there are hidden motives in these strategies.”
Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Biao.
“Then have you found any problems with his strategies?”
Zhu Biao scratched his head awkwardly. “No...”
In truth, he had studied Yang Yi’s strategies thoroughly over the past few days. Despite his suspicions, he couldn’t find any flaws.
The strategies seemed deceptively straightforward—focused on fending off the Northern Yuan invasions—but there had to be more. Yet, no matter how he analyzed them, he found nothing amiss.
Yang Yi’s strategies were undeniably perfect. Apart from granting significant power to the local princes, there were no apparent drawbacks.
Zhu Yuanzhang glared at Zhu Biao in mild annoyance.
“Exactly. Do you think your father is foolish enough to trust just anyone’s words?
“I have consulted with Song Lian, Li Shanchang, and others. They’ve been analyzing Yang Yi’s strategies these past few days. Their conclusion? No issues.”
He leaned forward slightly, his tone sharpening.
“Even if the local princes gain considerable power, as long as future emperors rule diligently, these princes will serve to protect the dynasty, not threaten it. The three lines of defense, at the very least, ensure the stability of the Ming Dynasty for hundreds of years.
“As long as these princes are not all incompetent, the Yuan people in the north will have no chance to invade. That is why I am willing to use his strategies.”
Zhu Yuanzhang paused before continuing, his gaze steady.
“Biao’er, remember this: do not hire someone you distrust, and do not distrust someone you hire. No matter how cunning Yang Yi is, he is only one man.
“We gathered all the ministers of the Ming Dynasty, yet none of them could find any flaws in his strategies. Do you think he is smarter than your father and all the ministers of the Ming Dynasty combined?”
Zhu Biao straightened his back, smiling wryly. “Father, you are right. Perhaps I am being too cautious.”
Zhu Yuanzhang snorted lightly. “Your concerns are valid. However, I believe his strategies are sound.People claim none of Yang Yi’s strategies come without poison, but this man’s wisdom far surpasses that of ordinary individuals.
“He is both farsighted and unparalleled. Truly, a pillar of the state. It is a pity he is not a minister of our Ming Dynasty.”
Zhu Biao nodded. Despite his reservations, he couldn’t deny Yang Yi’s extraordinary talents. Geniuses like him were rare even among the most powerful nations.
Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression turned cunning. “Biao’er, once your second brother marries and takes over his fiefdom, we should fully implement this system of title distribution. Announce to the world that this strategy was proposed by Yang Yi of the Zhou Dynasty. What do you think?”
Zhu Biao blinked in confusion. “Father, this move is...”
Zhu Yuanzhang glared at him briefly before smirking. “Think about it. What will the people of the world think if they believe the Prime Minister of the Zhou Dynasty offered a strategy to ensure the eternal prosperity of our Ming Dynasty?
“How will the Zhou people view him? How will their ministers react? And what will the Empress herself think?”
Realization dawned on Zhu Biao. His eyes widened in shock.
“Father, are you trying to make it seem like Yang Yi is colluding with our Ming Dynasty to sow discord between him and the Zhou Empress?”
Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled heartily, stroking his beard, his eyes gleaming.
“Exactly. One of her trusted ministers aiding a neighboring country with brilliant strategies? Even if she argues that it helps fend off the Northern Yuan, suspicion will inevitably arise.
“Public opinion will twist the narrative. The Empress will not remain indifferent to such rumors. And if we plant this seed of doubt... over time, it may very well lead to the downfall of her unity with Yang Yi.”
Zhu Biao gasped. His father’s move was truly treacherous.
Even if the Empress maintained her composure, such rumors would be like swallowing a fly—an irritation that could fester over time.
He looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with newfound respect.
“Father, this move is brilliant. But... isn’t it a bit ruthless? After all, he offered us this strategy.”
Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze deepened. “Ruthless? My son, there is no such thing as ruthlessness or benevolence in matters of state. Only what benefits the Ming Dynasty.”
He paused, stroking his beard. “A genius like Yang Yi cannot remain loyal to the Zhou Dynasty forever. If he falls out of favor with the Empress one day, our Ming Dynasty will have an opportunity to recruit him.”
He sighed wistfully. “I truly wish he were one of our ministers.”
…
Three days later, Zhu Yuanzhang swiftly implemented the strategy of enfeoffing the princes and issued an imperial decree. He first granted fiefs to Prince Qin Zhu Shuang, Prince Yan Zhu Di, and others, establishing a system of title inheritance under the guise of ancestral rules.
Notably, he announced to the court that these strategies were proposed by Yang Yi.
News of Yang Yi offering strategies to the Ming Dynasty spread like wildfire across the nations.
…
Great Qin
Ying Zheng frowned deeply. “After causing trouble for my daughter, he now aids the Ming Dynasty?”
He examined the fiefdom system meticulously, searching for flaws but finding none.
“Has Yang Yi truly changed? Could he genuinely mean no harm to the Ming Dynasty?”
…
Great Tang
“This system is remarkably well-suited to the Ming Dynasty’s conditions,” Li Shimin remarked, studying the map with a mix of astonishment and admiration.
“The three lines of defense resemble impregnable walls. Yang Yi’s military talent is extraordinary.”
Changsun Wuji exchanged glances with the ministers. “I don’t understand. Why would he offer such a strategy to the Ming? Does he plan to leave the Zhou Dynasty and align with them instead?”
Fang Xuanling stroked his beard thoughtfully. “Your Majesty, Yang Yi undoubtedly has an ulterior motive, but his strategy remains sound. At least, for now, it benefits the Ming Dynasty.”
Li Shimin nodded, still perplexed. “What is Yang Yi truly planning?”
..
Great Zhou—Yang Residence
“Prime Minister, you’ve returned.”
Wei Zifu, dressed in a maid’s outfit, brought Yang Yi tea with a warm smile.
Before he could respond, a maid entered and bowed.
“Prime Minister, Her Majesty requests your presence.”