Chapter Eighteen: The Surrender Faction Meets No Good End

Liu Bowen was still reeling from the shock of the Emperor’s sudden transformation. His Majesty had become profound, insightful, and visionary, yet he lacked the impatient, short-sighted desperation he had previously displayed.

Caught off guard when the Emperor shifted the conversation to the subject of Luo Guanzhong, Liu Bowen was momentarily stunned. He could not fathom how the Emperor had managed to pivot so abruptly from the grand ideals of the Great Ming to a mere writer.

"We have had some correspondence in the past, but we are not close. I have not heard from him in several years," Liu Bowen replied cautiously.

His caution was well-founded. First, Luo Guanzhong had previously served as a staffer for Zhang Shicheng, the Emperor’s old rival. Furthermore, Luo held the manuscript of *Water Margin*, written by his mentor, Shi Nai’an. When a small portion of it had been printed, the Emperor had personally singled it out and banned it. Given this history, Liu had to be careful.

"Mr. Liu, write to him and tell him to come to Yingtian to see me. Tell him that once he meets me, I will permit the publication and distribution of his *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*. His late teacher’s *Water Margin* may be published and distributed as well."

Zhu Yuanzhang ignored Liu’s claim of not being close to Luo and proceeded to issue his orders. He knew perfectly well how close they were.

Liu Bowen was taken aback yet again. He had lost count of how many times the Emperor had surprised him today. The Emperor was not seeking Luo to punish or execute him, but to authorize the printing of novels? And he was even willing to publish the *Water Margin*? It was truly astonishing.

"Your Majesty, *Water Margin* is a story about rebellion—about officials forcing the people into revolt. If we print this now, wouldn't it be… somewhat inappropriate?" Liu coughed, hesitating as he asked.

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head. "It matters not. If the world is in chaos, the government is corrupt, and the people cannot survive, then rebellion is inevitable. Did I not rebel myself only because I could no longer survive? If the world is well-governed and the people can thrive, anyone who incites them to revolt will be seized by the people themselves. A single local headman could round up those who dare to declare themselves emperor! Whether people rebel or not is not determined by a novel; it is determined by whether they have enough to eat. Just print it; the sky will not fall. Once it is printed, we can use it to compare the darkness of the Song Dynasty—where the people could not survive—with the prosperity of our Great Ming.

"Once they understand the darkness and humiliation of the Song, they will appreciate the virtues of the Ming even more. Besides, *Water Margin* is not without its lessons. The concept of 'accepting the imperial amnesty' is quite useful. It clearly shows the world that those who surrender meet no good end."

Having lived in the modern era for fifteen years, how could he not have heard of the Four Great Classical Novels? He had not only heard of them but had read them all thoroughly. They were indeed brilliant. In his previous life, he had disliked such works and forbidden their publication, but seeing them regarded as classics in the future proved that his suppression had been a failure. The fear that they would incite rebellion had been proven baseless; there had been plenty of rebellions even before the books were written.

Since he could not stop them, he might as well put them to use. With such refined literary works at his disposal, the help they would provide for his future plans was immense. Moreover, bringing Luo Guanzhong here meant that not only would he gain *Water Margin*, but he would also get *Three Kingdoms* as a bonus. Perhaps he could even have Luo write other masterpieces. He could suggest the idea for *Investiture of the Gods* and have him write it early. He had read the original, and while it was good, it fell far short of *Water Margin* or *Three Kingdoms* in terms of prose, characterization, and plot. For instance, Luo had masterfully depicted Zhuge Liang’s wisdom, while *Investiture* merely claimed Jiang Ziya was wise without showing it in his actions. Such a good concept had been wasted; it would be better if Luo wrote it.

"This… Your Majesty, if you truly wish to print *Water Margin*, some of the content will require minor adjustments…" Liu Bowen prepared to offer a warning, hoping to avoid future displeasure for the Emperor and disaster for Luo.

"Mr. Liu is referring to the characters 'Divine Strategist' Zhu Wu, 'Jumping Tiger' Chen Da, and 'White Snake' Yang Chun? You think they are thinly veiled satires of me, the Great General, and Old Chang?"

Liu Bowen’s heart skipped a beat. The Emperor knew?

"Your Majesty is discerning. Shi Nai’an was indeed inconsiderate in that regard."

Seeing Liu’s reaction, Zhu Yuanzhang felt a flicker of pride. He had managed to impress Mr. Liu once more. How could he not see through Shi Nai’an’s petty schemes? Did he think he was like his fourth son, who would be happy to adopt the era name used by the rebel Fang La?

"No need for changes. Print it as it is. I cannot be bothered to haggle with him over such things." Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

Liu Bowen was thoroughly stunned. When had the Emperor become so magnanimous? He didn't even care that he was being mocked in a book?

Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled to himself. It wasn't that he didn't care; it was that he had seen too much of it in the modern world. *The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber*, the legends of the Prince of Yan, and even ridiculous stories about him burning down the Hall of Merit—novels and storytelling performances had openly slandered him by name. And those portraits of him that looked like a diseased kidney, covered in pockmarks… or worse, the garbage about his private life! If he had known who was spreading those rumors back then, he would have hunted them down personally.

Compared to the barrage of absurdity he had endured in the future, Shi Nai’an’s subtle jabs were barely a drizzle.

"Very well. I shall find a way to contact Luo Guanzhong. If he learns of this, he will wake up laughing in his dreams. He will surely come as fast as he can, cough, cough…" Having received the Emperor's word, Liu Bowen dropped his pretense of not being close to Luo and agreed immediately.

"Mr. Liu, take care of your health! Rest well, and I will have the imperial physician check on you again. The Ming is established, but there is much work to be done. I still need you to continue shining bright for us!"

After the business was concluded, Zhu Yuanzhang held Liu’s hand, speaking with profound sincerity.

"I thank Your Majesty for your concern. Having heard of the Great Ming's shared ideals from you, and having accepted this task, I shall ensure it is completed, even if it is the last thing I do!"

The typically serene scholar now possessed a rare, resolute, and unwavering spirit, even in his illness.

Liu Bowen left the Wuying Hall leaning on his cane. Compared to when he arrived, his back was much straighter, and his illness seemed to have eased.

After Liu left, Zhu Yuanzhang sat in contemplation, weighing the gains and losses. Confident that there were no errors or omissions, he straightened his posture, his expression turning cold.

"Order the Imperial Guard to assemble! And send the Right Commander, Cao Xiu, to see me at once!"

With the matters of Liao Yongzhong and Liu Bowen settled, it was time to deal with the affairs of the Imperial Guard.