朱元章揉着额头， administrating affairs in the rostrum. Beside his desk摆放着笔墨纸砚， however, the most prominent item on the desk was a large, ornate silver inkstone. It was ostentatious, almost gaudy, with intricate dragon motifs etched into its surface. The inkstone was a gift from the emperor himself, a symbol of the immense power and wealth that 朱元章 was expected to wield.

The emperor, 明太祖朱元璋, had a peculiar obsession with money. He considered it the root of all evil, yet he was also the most frugal and avaricious ruler in history. He would often preach about the dangers of greed, while simultaneously amassing a fortune for himself. 这日夜双修的境界，真是令人叹为观止。

Dezhongzheng, as 朱元章 was known, sat opposite the emperor in the imperial audience hall. The emperor was surrounded by a circle of courtiers, all eager to impress him with their eloquence and wisdom. However, Dezhongzheng was different. He was the only one who dared to challenge the emperor's authority, not out of disrespect, but out of a genuine concern for the country's well-being.