The strongest eldest son of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 64 Hu Weiyong: Why should I, Hu Weiyong, be the last one?

After the officials entered the mansion and took their seats, they immediately began a series of flattering remarks.

One of the six ministers, bowing respectfully, said with a smile, "Prime Minister Hu has recently implemented the Single Whip Law, eliminating old abuses and benefiting the people and the country. His measures are comprehensive and his results are remarkable. Looking throughout the court, no one can surpass the Prime Minister's talent in governing the country!"

An imperial censor followed closely behind, his face full of flattery: "His Majesty has left the capital several times, yet he has always entrusted the entire vast court to the Prime Minister. This is enough to show His Majesty's great trust and reliance on the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is a rare and virtuous prime minister throughout history!"

A senior official chimed in, "The Ming Dynasty is now peaceful and prosperous, with efficient governance and officials fulfilling their duties. This is all thanks to the Prime Minister's tireless efforts in coordinating affairs! The stability of the Ming Dynasty owes its greatest credit to Prime Minister Hu!"

A chorus of praises flooded his ears, completely clouding Hu Weiyong's judgment and making him feel elated.

His previous efforts to keep a low profile and conceal his brilliance vanished completely, and the last vestiges of humility and reverence in his heart disappeared as well.

He chuckled inwardly, disdainfully speculating:

Yup!

I am the current Prime Minister of the Ming Dynasty!

Zhu Yao is just a young man with little experience. His so-called warning is nothing more than alarmist talk and exaggeration from a young person.

Since the Qin and Han dynasties established the position of prime minister, every dynasty has had a prime minister assisting in governance. This tradition has lasted for thousands of years and remains unchanged. Every dynasty has had a prime minister, so why should I, Hu Weiyong, be the last one?

This is utterly absurd!

After some self-reflection.

This allowed him to revert to his former arrogant and self-satisfied demeanor as a powerful minister, his eyes and brows filled with arrogance and self-satisfaction.

After a series of social interactions, all the visiting officials left, thoroughly satisfied, and the once bustling Prime Minister's residence finally returned to its usual tranquility.

Hu Weiyong sat alone in the main seat, slowly sipping his tea, completely absorbed in the pleasure of holding great power and being fawned over by all the officials, feeling utterly smug.

Just then, a trusted subordinate rushed in, looking hurried and flustered. He bowed and reported in a deep voice, "Master, Lord Li Shanchang, the Duke of Han, has personally come to visit and is waiting outside the mansion!"

Hu Weiyong's heart suddenly tightened, and he was instantly jolted out of his complacent state. All his arrogance and pride vanished, and he dared not be negligent in the slightest.

As a founding hero and the head of Huaixi, Li Shanchang held a prestigious position and had deep roots. Moreover, he was also a fellow townsman and senior, so I dared not be disrespectful. I immediately got up and walked out of the mansion to personally bow and greet him.

Looking up, one could see Li Shanchang standing calmly in front of the mansion, dressed in ordinary clothes, followed closely by Li Cunyi, Imperial Censor Chen Ning, Imperial Censor Tu Jie, and a group of his core confidants, exuding a composed and solemn aura.

Hu Weiyong hurriedly stepped forward, bowed, and greeted them with utmost respect and enthusiasm, saying humbly, "Teacher, your presence is an honor to welcome me. I am deeply sorry for not greeting you sooner!"

Having said that, he quickly stepped aside to lead the way, respectfully welcoming everyone into the mansion. Turning around, he immediately instructed the servants: "Quickly prepare a sumptuous feast, and serve the finest songs, dances, and musicians. Today, I wish to have a thorough and enjoyable conversation with my teacher and all the esteemed officials!"

In a short while, the banquet was ready. The hall was filled with singing and dancing, fine wine and delicacies, and a warm and harmonious atmosphere. Hu Weiyong bowed and smiled throughout the banquet, serving the guests attentively and with perfect manners.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the atmosphere at the table became increasingly lively. Li Cunyi was the first to put down his wine glass and began to joke with a smile.

"Prime Minister Hu, I've heard lately that you've been deliberately distancing yourself from our fellow townsmen and old subordinates from Huaixi, and acting alone. I thought that now that you hold a high position as prime minister, you're going to abandon your old brothers and go it alone!"

Upon hearing this, Hu Weiyong quickly waved his hand in denial, explaining with a smile, "Brother Cunyi, you're joking! It's purely a misunderstanding!"

"Recently, I have been preoccupied with official duties at court and the implementation of the Single Whip Law, leaving me with no time for gatherings. I have absolutely no intention of distancing myself from you fellow townsmen and dear friends!"

After a few words of laughter and pleasantries, the relaxed atmosphere at the table gradually faded. Li Shanchang slowly put down his wine glass, his smile vanished, and his expression became solemn and serious.

He looked intently at Hu Weiyong, cutting straight to the point, and asked in a deep voice, "Zizhong, I ask you, what exactly happened and what did you see while you were on official business as ordered to go out on this trip?"

"Why did you ultimately return to the capital with His Majesty? After returning to the capital, you remained silent about this matter, deliberately concealing it. Why was that?"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone at the table fell silent, turning to look at Hu Weiyong and waiting for his reply.

Hu Weiyong was slightly taken aback. After a brief moment of contemplation and weighing the pros and cons, he had already made up his mind.

He slowly began to speak, recounting in detail his journey to Chenzhou to investigate the prefect, his chance encounter with Zhu Yuanzhang who was traveling incognito from the palace, his acquaintance with Zhu Yao, and all the strange things he had witnessed.

From the modern urban management system in Chenzhou that regulates the city's appearance and the newly paved cement roads that benefit the people, to the high-yield sweet potatoes with amazing yields and excellent taste, and Zhu Yao's unique "One Whip Method" that benefits the country and the people, every detail is meticulously explained.

"Zhu Yao is young, but he is meticulous and has extraordinary vision. His actions and methods are all groundbreaking strategies that overturn old rules and benefit all people. He is far superior to ordinary street urchins."

Hu Weiyong concluded solemnly with this addition.

After hearing this incredible and bizarre story, everyone present was astonished to learn that there was such a gifted and extraordinary genius as Zhu Yao. Their faces were filled with disbelief and shock.

Chen Ning spoke first, his face full of surprise: "There really is such an extraordinary person in the world? At such a young age, to be able to create so many new policies that benefit the country and its people is truly unbelievable!"

Tu Jie exclaimed repeatedly, "Cement roads, high-yield sweet potatoes, and new city regulations—each one is an unprecedented innovation. If this young man were employed by the imperial court, it would be a great blessing for the Ming Dynasty!"

"If this is not done... it will surely be a great... calamity for the Ming Dynasty!!"

Even Li Shanchang, who was usually calm, reserved, and never showed his emotions, frowned deeply, his eyes filled with surprise and solemnity, and remained silent for a long time.

.....

As night slowly faded, the first rays of dawn fell upon the earth, and the morning light spread across Chenzhou.

Zhu Yuanzhang and his entourage rode at breakneck speed, traveling day and night, and finally entered the territory of Chenzhou.

A wide, straight cement road runs across the plain. The road surface is smooth as a mirror, hard and dense. It remains intact even after being trodden by vehicles and horses, without any of the mud and potholes of an ordinary dirt road. Even in the early morning when the dew is heavy, there is not a speck of dust or water. Looking out, the straight road stretches to the sky, which is extremely spectacular.

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his hand to rein in his horse, slowing its pace. He turned his head to look at Empress Ma beside him, his eyes filled with undisguised pride, and his tone tinged with smugness.

"Girl, take a good look. This is the cement road that Yao'er built! You've probably never seen such a useful road in your entire life in the palace."

He pointed to the long stretch of road in the distance and continued, "It doesn't flood when it rains, it doesn't generate dust when the wind blows, and even thousands of troops can gallop safely on it. It's a hundred times better than the bluestone official roads of all dynasties. It truly is a marvel unseen throughout history!"