Zhu Yuanzhang naturally did not believe that Ma Yu could solve the problems he was facing. What kind of wisdom could a thirteen- or fourteen-year-old child who still smelled of mother’s milk have, even if he had been reading since he was in the womb?
However, Empress Ma’s suggestion to "treat a dead horse as if it were still alive" successfully swayed him. Besides, he had nothing better to do, so he might as well go see for himself. Even if he gained no advice on governing the country, learning more about the Yin-Shang ritual vessels would at least make the trip worthwhile. Moreover, his son was still in prison; he might as well fetch him out while he was at it. Staying there day after day—did the imperial family not need to save face?
Thus, he decided to make a trip to the prison.
Chapter 20