If you know history, you will know that many princes have seized power in history, such as the "Xuanwumen Incident" and "Nine Sons Seizing the Heir". Princes did not hesitate to kill each other in order to compete for the throne.
But this did not happen to Zhu Yuanzhang 's sons. The most important reason is that the prince Zhu Biao is very capable. Not only can he suppress the princes, he also has high prestige in the court. Zhu Biao's succession to the throne was expected by everyone.
Zhu Biao was born in the first year of Longfeng (1355). His mother was Zhu Yuanzhang's first wife Queen Ma , and she was also Zhu Yuanzhang's favorite wife. This prince has been the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty since he was 13 years old. Until his death due to illness, no one could shake his position as crown prince.
It is generally believed that a prince who is most afraid of being framed in time after being established as a prince will have a reputation for seizing power, especially if the emperor is relatively long-lived and has been in power for a long time. However, Zhu Biao is an exception. Even Zhu Yuanzhang heard that Zhu Biao Biao was about to rebel, so Zhu Yuanzhang quickly pushed out his imperial guards, and then sent the military talisman to Zhu Biao, so that Zhu Biao's temporary return could be unimpeded.
Why did Zhu Biao win such special "favor" from Zhu Yuanzhang, and has his status as prince always been as stable as a mountain?
No. 1 Zhu Yuanzhang loves the house and the crow
Zhu Yuanzhang's love for Zhu Biao has reached the level of doting, which is related to Zhu Yuanzhang's origin and Zhu Biao's biological mother. Zhu Yuanzhang was born in a commoner family and could be called the emperor with the lowest background in Chinese history. Therefore, the feudal concept of "passing on the family line" was very deep in his heart.
Zhu Yuanzhang was once imprisoned for violating military discipline. He didn't eat for several days in the prison and was almost unconscious from hunger. Empress Ma knew that she risked her life to deliver food to Zhu Yuanzhang alone. After Zhu Yuanzhang escaped by chance, he sent Empress Ma to him. Treat him as someone worthy of entrusting him with his life.
After he ascended the throne, Zhu Yuanzhang handed over all the power of the harem to Queen Ma, and granted official positions to all Queen Ma's natal family. Queen Ma did not let Zhu Yuanzhang down, and kept the harem in order. When the national treasury was empty, she also actively donated money. His own savings helped Zhu Yuanzhang tide over the difficulties. Zhu Biao is Queen Ma's first child, so he is the most qualified person to inherit the throne. Zhu Yuanzhang invited many capable people to be Zhu Biao's teachers. It can be said that the cost Zhu Yuanzhang invested in training Zhu Biao was several times that of other princes.
The second Zhu Biao's luxurious support group
Zhu Yuanzhang had high hopes for the prince and began to "pave the way" for him very early. According to " Ming Dynasty Records" records: After Zhu Biao was canonized as the prince, Zhu Yuanzhang formed the East Palace The most "luxurious" team in history, including the left Prime Minister Li Shanchang who is also the Prince's Young Master, the right Prime Minister Xu Da who is also the Prince's Young Master, and Zhongshu Pingzhang Lu, who records important military and state affairs, Chang Yuchun is also the Prince's Young Master...
Take a look What is the lineup: Li Shanchang is Zhu Yuanzhang's top adviser, known as "Xiao He in the early Ming Dynasty". When Zhu Yuanzhang discussed merit and rewards, he was named the first-class duke, ranking first among the officials; Xu Da is Ming Dynasty The first hero of the founding of the People's Republic of China, ranked first among the "Six Kings" of the founding of the People's Republic of China; Chang Yuchun is also a famous general of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Call it Chang Shi Wan!
Let us use an analogy. If someone wants to remove Zhu Biao from the position of prince, perhaps some civil servants will come out and drown him with spittle before Zhu Yuanzhang takes action. If the civil servants cannot deal with him, then the military generals will also step forward. One person guarding a pass will definitely defeat those who want to rebel, unable to fight back.
The third Zhu Biao's own ability and charm
Zhu Biao was personally taught by Zhu Yuanzhang. Zhu Biao did not disappoint his father's expectations. He showed outstanding leadership skills when he was young. Once, when there was a crisis in the border defense, Zhu Biao asked to take charge of it personally. Zhu Yuanzhang also wanted to test his son's abilities, so he agreed.
On the battlefield, Zhu Biao led his soldiers to defend the enemy's fierce attacks one after another, with the style of a general. Although he seemed a little inexperienced, his performance was unanimously recognized by the ministers.
Although Zhu Biao is so deeply loved that it should arouse the jealousy of his brothers, Zhu Biao is very good at being a person. He knows how to win the hearts of other brothers. At that time, almost all the princes, including Zhu Di, had gotten into trouble. Every time, Zhu Biao came forward to persuade Zhu Yuanzhang and asked Zhu Yuanzhang to be lenient with them. Especially in Zhu Di's heart, Zhu Biao was the only safe haven he could rely on in the palace.
Let’s assume that if it was not Zhu Yunwen who cut down the vassal but Zhu Biao, it is estimated that Zhu Di would be the first vassal king to agree with both hands and take the initiative to hand over military power. Zhu Di would even support Zhu Biao in terms of military strength to cut down the vassal and then hand over the military power himself. .
If Zhu Biao succeeded in inheriting the throne, the Ming Dynasty was likely to create a prosperous age again under his leadership. However, it was a pity that Zhu Biao died young and did not live to the day he ascended the throne.
But God is not in favor. Zhu Biao could not wait until the day he became emperor. Hongwu Twenty-five years later, Zhu Biao died of illness at the age of 37.
After Zhu Biao's death, Zhu Yuanzhang was heartbroken and fainted several times. Zhu Biao's death was a huge blow to Zhu Yuanzhang. The founding emperor, who had both scheming and strength, has since become an old man who is in his declining years and jealous of murderers. It can be said that Zhu Biao's death was also a murder by Zhu Yuanzhang in his later years. Only one of two reasons! (Another one is the death of Queen Ma. No one can persuade Zhu Yuanzhang anymore).
In the competition to inherit the throne, Zhu Biao has almost a monopoly advantage. No matter in terms of moral character, personal ability, or even status, he is impeccable. The only disadvantage may be his life.
