The strongest eldest son of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 43 Hu Weiyong personally went to Chenzhou!

A few days later, at the Jinling Imperial Palace.

Inside the Fengtian Hall, Zhu Yuanzhang was reviewing memorials submitted from various regions when a eunuch presented him with a petition from the people, bowing deeply: "Your Majesty, a citizen of Chenzhou has come to the capital to file a petition, accusing the newly appointed prefect of Chenzhou of corruption, abuse of power, and abusing his authority, and has attached detailed evidence."

Zhu Yuanzhang put down his vermilion pen, took the complaint, and carefully read through it word by word. The more he read, the darker his expression became, and the heavier his aura became. When he came across the details of the prefect soliciting bribes, framing innocent people, and leading troops to storm the prefectural government, he slammed the complaint on the table and shouted angrily, "What an audacious and corrupt official!"

"Upon arriving in Chenzhou, they acted like tyrants, oppressing the people; they were utterly lawless!"

He was trembling with rage, his eyes filled with murderous intent!

Meanwhile, inside the Prime Minister's residence, Hu Weiyong sat in his study, holding a letter delivered by the prefect of Chenzhou. After carefully reading it, he learned that his spies in Chenzhou had not only been publicly reprimanded by Liu Bowen but also forced to kneel and apologize to Zhu Yao. He was instantly enraged, slamming his fist on the table and shouting venomously, "Liu Bowen! So you really did hide in Chenzhou!"

"How dare you! You actually dare to touch my people, Hu Weiyong's people! You're simply not taking me seriously!"

Seeing this, the subordinate beside him quickly bowed and asked, "Prime Minister, this matter is of utmost importance. Liu Bowen is a founding hero with deep roots. Should we first report to Prime Minister Li and hear his opinion?"

Upon hearing this, Hu Weiyong frowned, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. He waved his hand and said, "No need! I, Hu Weiyong, am now the true prime minister of the Ming Dynasty, holding the reins of power. If I were to consult my teacher on everything, wouldn't that make me a laughingstock? And wouldn't that betray His Majesty's trust in me!"

A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes, and a cold smile curled at the corner of his lips: "Perfect. Liu Bowen has been living in seclusion for the past few years, yet he still enjoys considerable prestige in the court. I've been worried about not having an opportunity to establish my own authority. Today, he's delivered himself to my doorstep. I can use his head to intimidate the court and let everyone know that I'm the one who calls the shots in the court today!"

Liu Bowen can be considered the public enemy of the entire Huaixi Party. If Hu Weiyong can get rid of Liu Bowen, his prestige as prime minister will surely rise!

Having made up his mind, Hu Weiyong straightened his robes and instructed his men, "Prepare a sedan chair and come with me to the palace. I want to personally petition His Majesty to go to Chenzhou to handle this matter and capture Liu Bowen and that audacious Zhu Yao!"

Before long, Hu Weiyong arrived at the palace and was led into the Fengtian Hall by a eunuch. Zhu Yuanzhang was still looking gloomy and angry at the petition from Chenzhou. When he saw Hu Weiyong enter, he raised his eyes and asked in a cold tone, "What brings you here?"

Hu Weiyong bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, I have heard that the prefect of Chenzhou has acted improperly, has been petitioned by the people, and has even clashed with Lord Liu Bowen. This matter concerns the face of the court and the suffering of the people. I humbly request permission to personally go to Chenzhou to thoroughly investigate this matter, severely punish the wicked, and restore justice to the people!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's heart stirred. His eyes darted around quickly, and the gloom on his face gradually faded, revealing a hint of fatigue. He rubbed his temples and said lazily, "I've been dealing with government affairs too much lately, so I'm planning to go out for a walk to relax. I'll leave all the matters of the court to you."

"You can handle this matter yourself. You don't need to report to us again. Just make sure you can resolve it properly, appease the people, and severely punish corrupt officials."

Upon hearing this, Hu Weiyong was overjoyed, but maintained a respectful demeanor, quickly bowing to express his gratitude: "Your Majesty, I obey! I will certainly not betray Your Majesty's trust, and will handle the Chenzhou matter properly, without any leniency towards any evildoer!"

He never expected that Zhu Yuanzhang would trust him so much and entrust him with the entire matter. This was undoubtedly a great recognition of his power as prime minister. His ambition grew even more, and he secretly planned that he would not only take down Liu Bowen this time, but also take the opportunity to expand his own power.

A few days later, Zhu Yuanzhang, as planned, left the capital with a group of guards to relax. Hu Weiyong personally led civil and military officials to see him off outside the city.

Throughout the journey, he stayed by Zhu Yuanzhang's side, speaking with utmost respect, yet his eyes betrayed his pride.

After seeing Zhu Yuanzhang off, Hu Weiyong turned and returned to the court. Standing before the civil and military officials, he stood tall, his expression arrogant, his tone carrying a hint of authority: "Before His Majesty left the capital, he entrusted all affairs of the court, large and small, to me. From now on, the affairs of the court will be decided by me. All of you officials must perform your duties and await my orders, without the slightest negligence!"

Upon hearing this, all the officials bowed and replied, "We will obey Prime Minister Hu's orders!"

Looking at the respectful expressions of the crowd, Hu Weiyong felt increasingly smug. A smug smile appeared on his face as he loudly proclaimed, "I recently learned that there is a treacherous merchant in Chenzhou who dares to openly assault an official of the imperial court, showing utter disregard for the law."

"I have decided to personally travel to Chenzhou to thoroughly investigate this case, bring these wicked villains to justice, and bring peace to the people!"

His tone was firm and righteous, as if he were truly acting for the people and the court, without revealing any selfish motive of wanting to take the opportunity to eliminate Liu Bowen and establish his authority. Seeing this, the officials around him could only echo him, and no one dared to say a word.

That afternoon, Hu Weiyong gathered a group of trusted confidants, prepared carriages, and set off in a grand procession towards Chenzhou. Sitting in the sedan chair, his eyes were filled with ambition and ruthlessness as he secretly plotted:

Liu Bowen and Zhu Yao, your days are numbered!

.....

A few days later, outside Chenzhou City, amidst the deafening sounds of gongs and drums and the obscuring presence of banners, Hu Weiyong's grand procession arrived in a magnificent spectacle. Hundreds of guards surrounded him, and countless maids accompanied him. The lavish carriages and procession were so extravagant that they shook the entire city of Chenzhou.

Prefect Zhao Wude had already led officials of all levels in Chenzhou to line up ten miles outside the city to wait. Dressed in brand-new official robes, they looked respectful, followed by a large number of people holding incense and candles. They seemed to be welcoming him, but in reality, they were filled with fear.

Hu Weiyong's carriage stopped, and he stepped out of the sedan chair slowly, dressed in the official robes of a prime minister. His face was cold and stern, and his gaze swept over the crowd. He exuded the pressure of a powerful minister, which frightened the officials into bowing and not daring to breathe.

"We, your humble servants, warmly welcome Your Excellency to Chenzhou. You have had a long journey!"

The officials shouted in unison, their voices loud and clear, yet they could not hide their nervousness.

Zhao Wude strode forward, bowed, and handed over a thick gift box, his tone obsequious: "Your Excellency has come from afar and must be tired from your journey. I have prepared some small gifts for you, but please accept them with a smile, as they are a token of my sincerity."

When the gift box was opened, it was filled with dazzling white gold, specially prepared for Hu Weiyong!