Ming Dynasty: The ghost betrays the Confucian sage, my son Zhu Yuanzhang

Chapter 163 Zhu Biao: My father is in tragedy, the Fourth Master’s son is named Zhu Chongjiu

"Excuse me, is this Zhu Yong's house?" came a gentle voice.

Fourth Master Zhu looked around and saw an elegant middle-aged man holding a folding fan walking towards the gate. Wearing a flawless white robe, he has a clear temperament, a calm and detached manner, and his whole body exudes an indescribable pride and confidence.

Fourth Master Zhu smiled slightly and stepped forward: "Who is your Excellency?"

The middle-aged man gave a gentle salute and said in a calm and powerful voice: "My surname is Guan, and I came here specifically to look for Zhu Yong. Are you Zhu Yong's fellow villagers?"

Uncle Liu looked the uninvited guest up and down and asked with some vigilance: "I am the uncle of his village, who are you?"

The middle-aged man smiled calmly, spread his hands and said, "I am his father's sworn brother. I came here to look for him this time, hoping to take him away."

Uncle Liu's expression changed when he heard this, he picked up a stick and rushed towards the middle-aged man: "Nonsense! Zhu Yong's father has passed away a long time ago. Who are you? Are you a lackey of the Tang family in the county? Are you here again? Zhu Yong’s trouble? Get out of here!”

The middle-aged man's eyes suddenly turned cold, and he raised his hand and slapped Uncle Liu. Upon seeing this, Fourth Master Zhu immediately stood in front of Uncle Liu and greeted him with a fist.

boom!
The moment their fists collided, both of them felt a huge surge of power, and they took several steps back to stabilize their bodies.

He had no choice but to return to the palace in Fengyang City.

The middle-aged man looked shocked, obviously he didn't expect to meet such a master in this remote place. He took a deep breath, cupped his fists and said, "I didn't expect there to be such a master in the Central Plains. I'd like to ask you for some advice!"

Mr. Guan didn't know whether to laugh or cry: "Fourth Master, if my eldest brother had a father as strong as you, he wouldn't have rebelled because he couldn't eat."

"Fourth Master, you can call me Mr. Xiaguan." The middle-aged man jumped back and jumped out of the yard, "I have written down today's matter. I will be rewarded generously in the future. Farewell!"

Fourth Master Zhu and Uncle Liu chatted for another half an hour, and he asked Zhu Yong in detail about his appearance and so on.

"Hey, let's look for the tomb of my sworn brother Zhu Chongjiu's father." Mr. Guan smiled helplessly, "But where can we find this overgrown one?"

Uncle Liu finally came to his senses and said with a confused face: "Oh, Fourth Master, you don't know something. Zhu Yong and a young master from Tang Shengzong's family had a conflict and had a fight while they were studying. Later, the Tang family The servants came to trouble Zhu Yong, but this man...he is not like the servants who came before. "

Then he went up the mountain. According to the location indicated by Uncle Liu, he went to the place where Zhu Chongjiu buried his father. Not long after, he arrived and couldn't find the tomb at all. It was covered with weeds and trees.

Fourth Master Zhu frowned.

As soon as he finished speaking, he moved as fast as lightning and swung his palm to attack Fourth Master Zhu. Fourth Master Zhu sneered, and if a trace of golden light flashed on his fist, he stepped forward to greet him.

Fourth Master Zhu looked at his retreating back and was filled with doubts. He turned to the stunned Uncle Liu and asked, "Old Liu, you said he is from the Tang family in the county? What is going on?"

The two figures intertwined and fought another move.

"That's it." Fourth Master Zhu raised his finger and pointed at himself, "I am Zhu Chongjiu's father, so take me with you to enjoy the blessing."

boom!
This time the impact was even louder, and the middle-aged man was sent flying directly, hitting a big tree heavily in the yard. The tree instantly broke and fell, raising a cloud of dust.

Fourth Master Zhu was not annoyed and asked with a smile: "Tell me, where is this unfilial son Zhu Chongjiu now?"

Could it be that my identity was exposed all the way here? impossible.

Fourth Master Zhu was secretly shocked.

"Oh? Is Mr. Guan here looking for something too?" Fourth Master Zhu asked with a half-smile, but his heart was full of vigilance.

……

Fourth Master Zhu flew to chase him. Unexpectedly, Mr. Guan's movements were extremely fast and he disappeared into the old forest not long after.

He looked at Fourth Master Zhu secretly, wondering in his heart.

"You can call me Fourth Master Zhu!" Fourth Master Zhu clenched his fists again and said coldly.

Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure from behind. Wasn't that Mr. Guan just now? He also seemed to be looking for something.

"Farewell, Fourth Master." Mr. Guan stepped back.

The middle-aged man struggled to stand up, his eyes full of shock. He cupped his fists and smiled: "It's Guan who has offended the master because he didn't recognize Taishan. Dare I ask the master's name?"

Zhu Biao has just returned. He has been traveling around various villages in Fengyang recently. Following his father's instructions, he went deep into the people and visited the elders in the countryside, hoping to gain a more realistic understanding of the people of the Ming Dynasty.

A sneer appeared at the corner of Fourth Master Zhu's lips: "Are you still going to show off your strength?"

Dusk gradually falls, and the afterglow on the horizon reflects the tranquility of Fengyang.

He looked around, but still couldn't remember anything in his mind.

Isn’t Zhu Chongjiu dead? Why did a sworn brother appear to pick up his son and then come to visit his tomb?

"Who said that? My eldest brother is very kind. He sent me to pick up his son to enjoy his life." Mr. Guan shrugged.

"Isn't Zhu Chongjiu dead?" Fourth Master Zhu asked coldly.

Mr. Guan was stunned for a moment, then laughed: "Hahaha, Fourth Master, don't you do this? I have seen people pretending to be sons, but I have never seen people pretending to be fathers."

How could this Mr. Guan be a servant regardless of his bearing or skill? So what is his background? Could it be that...he is really Zhu Yong's father's sworn brother? Then can we get news about Zhu Chongjiu from him?

"I am really his father!" Fourth Master Zhu was also speechless.

……

This Fourth Master Zhu is definitely not an ordinary person. Is he one of the Thirteen Wings of Mengwu? Are you chasing me all the way here?

Why, aren't you looking for my tomb?

After saying that, he jumped away.

"Fourth Master? Such a coincidence?" Mr. Guan also saw him.

"Fourth Master, let's have dinner together." Zhu Biao warmly invited Zhu Fourth Master. He waved the palace maid and the eunuch to leave, and sat across from Fourth Master Zhu, enjoying a simple meal and chatting.

Perhaps because he was tired for a day, Zhu Biao had a good appetite and ate two bowls of rice before he slowed down and sighed: "I have been to several villages recently. I thought that this year's harvest would be good and the people would have a good life. Who knew , they harvested the rice, paid the official grain and returned the grain of the big families, and the rest will not survive the beginning of summer next year."

Fourth Master Zhu took a sip of wine and said, "It seems that His Highness has gained something."

Zhu Biao frowned deeply, his eyes full of sorrow and helplessness. He smiled bitterly and said:

"Farming difficulties, people's suffering, just these eight words, even if I look at the discounts in the Wenhua Hall for a year, it would be better to come out here."

"This is still Fengyang, the place where my Zhu family prospered, but there are still nobles who are lawless and harm the people. You can imagine what it will be like in other places."

Fourth Master Zhu felt Zhu Biao's sincerity. He would definitely be a good emperor in the future. He smiled and said, "A harsh government is stronger than a tiger. Your Highness, government is a big deal."

Zhu Biao nodded slowly, thoughtfully.

Fourth Master Zhu changed the subject: "By the way, I should have found my son today." Pfft!
Zhu Biao couldn't hold back a sip of tea and spit it out. He looked at Mr. Zhu in shock and said, "You...your son?"

He thought to himself, isn't your son my father?
"Yes." Fourth Master Zhu sighed softly with a bitter smile on his face, "It's a pity that I came late and now my son's life or death is uncertain."

"What?" Zhu Biao was confused.

Fourth Master Zhu told Zhu Biao exactly what happened today, including meeting Uncle Liu, hearing Zhu Chongjiu's story, and meeting Mr. Guan, etc.

After listening to Fourth Master Zhu's narration, Zhu Biao was completely stunned. He felt that his brain was no longer sufficient.

The process of how his father buried his grandfather was exactly the same as Zhu Chongjiu's.

But Fourth Master Zhu must be my grandfather, because Uncle Zhu Liujiu saw with his own eyes a man in black robe throwing a grave, and it seemed like a golden needle was stuck in his grandfather’s head. Now the golden needle in Master Zhu’s head can prove that he is my grandfather. .

"Fourth Master, is this purely a coincidence?" Zhu Biao asked.

"It's also possible. Hey, I can only go back to Beijing and look for Zhu Yong." Fourth Master Zhu spread his hands.

"This is easy to handle. If Zhu Yong wants to take part in the imperial examination, he will definitely be found." Zhu Biao said.

Fourth Master Zhu nodded slowly. He was still thinking about Mr. Guan today. His cultivation level was so high that he was not an ordinary person at first glance. If Zhu Chongjiu was his sworn brother, then Zhu Chongjiu might not be dead after all.

That Mr. Guan is behaving strangely, and I don’t know what his origin is.

"Fourth Master, let's go back to Beijing. Anyway, we are done with things here." Zhu Biao said.

Fourth Master Zhu nodded.

He also wanted to return to Beijing quickly to find Zhu Yong, who might be his grandson.

……

Ten days later, the prince drove back to Beijing in a grand manner.

Zhu Biao didn't stop for a moment and went straight to Wenhua Hall to pay homage to his father Zhu Yuanzhang. When Zhu Yuanzhang saw this, he couldn't help but asked doubtfully: "Biao'er, didn't I ask you to wait for us to come? Why are you back so soon?"

Zhu Biao looked solemn and waved to signal the eunuchs and maids to leave. Wang Jinghong, the chief eunuch, then led everyone in the hall to respectfully exit the hall.

When Zhu Yuanzhang saw Zhu Biao being so serious, his heart tightened. He put down the pen in his hand and asked, "Biao'er, what happened?"

"Father, I have something to report about Fourth Master Zhu." Zhu Biao bowed.

He told Fourth Master Zhu's situation in Fengyang in detail.

After Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he was dumbfounded: "The fourth master found his son, and he called him Zhu Chongjiu? What do we think? What the hell is this? Not only did he not remember it, but he also asked him to find a fake son."

Zhu Biao also held his forehead and said comfortingly: "Father, you don't have to worry too much. It will be clear when Fourth Master finds Zhu Yong."

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head quickly: "What if Zhu Yong doesn't know anything? The fourth master was so excited that he recognized him as his grandson."

He frowned.

This thing feels weird, what a coincidence, right? Zhu Chongjiu's burial of his father was exactly the same as ours. Both were swept with reeds, and then the corpse disappeared.

Even the places are not far apart, twenty miles apart.

"Fourth Master said that Mr. Guan has a high level of martial arts?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

"Yes, the fourth master can't catch up. Why don't he arrest Mr. Guan and question him clearly," Zhu Biao said.

"There's something wrong with this." Zhu Yuanzhang held his forehead.

"My son also feels something is wrong. Zhu Chongjiu sounds like your brother, father." Zhu Biao said.

"We don't have a younger brother!" Zhu Yuanzhang rubbed his eyebrows.

……

Autumn is already here, and the moonlight is as cold as water, quietly falling on Lu Mansion. Under the moonlight, the tiles shimmered with a cold and mysterious luster, and occasionally a few cats meowed, echoing in the silent autumn night, adding a bit of loneliness and loneliness in late autumn. The moonlight shines mottledly through the delicate window lattice into the house, and the young girl Lu is already immersed in a sweet dream.

At this moment, there was a slight creaking sound, and Wu Yu quietly walked out from the next room. Ever since she became the female teacher of the Lu family, she has been living temporarily in the Lu family's residence. She flew gently and landed in the quiet courtyard, standing under a blooming osmanthus tree. The breeze blows, and the petals of the sweet-scented osmanthus fall one after another, bringing with them bursts of refreshing fragrance.

Suddenly, a black shadow appeared in front of her like a ghost, it was Ao Gu wearing a black robe. She bowed slightly, saluted Wu Yu and said, "Queen Wu, the prince's car has returned to the capital, and Fourth Master Zhu and His Royal Highness the eldest princess have also returned together."

A cold glint flashed in Wu Yu's eyes, but then he chuckled, with a hint of helplessness and self-deprecation in his tone: "I can't afford to offend them now. I failed to seize the opportunity to cast a spell on the prince when I was in Fengyang, so when I returned to the capital It will be even harder to get a chance later.”

Ao Gu looked puzzled and couldn't help but ask: "Then you are in Lu Mansion... to hide?"

Wu Yu raised the corner of his mouth slightly, his dark hair swayed slightly in the wind, and his mature, charming and beautiful face showed a hint of pride: "I am playing a big game of chess, you don't need to ask any questions, just follow my instructions. "

Ao Gu nodded in agreement. Although there were still many unanswered questions in her heart, she knew that the character of the Witch Queen had always been so mysterious. She said respectfully: "If the Witch Queen needs any assistance from the Inspector of the Horse, please feel free to ask."

"Please make arrangements. I want to meet with the eldest princess." Wu Yu said solemnly.

"Yes." Ao Gu nodded.

The two chatted for a few more words before Ao Gu flew away.

……

On the mountain behind the academy, the moonlight is shining quietly. On this cold autumn night, the mountain scenery is painted more deeply by the moonlight, and the air is filled with the faint fragrance of grass and trees, with a hint of coolness.

The night wind blew gently and the leaves rustled.

"Master, please keep your voice down." Zhu Di walked softly down the corridor of the attic. "When my wife and junior sisters are woken up later, we will be finished."

Fourth Master Zhu, who was walking behind him, had a dark look on his face: "Aren't we just getting up for midnight snacks? Do we need to act like thieves?"

Zhu Di didn't understand what late-night snacks meant, so he leaned forward and said, "You don't know this, do you? Women, we have to keep them in shape. Hey, the junior sisters have all gained weight recently... oh... shit..."

A flying sword stabbed out from the inner room, making Zhu Di roll on the spot in fright.

Xu Miaoyun flew out with a long sword in hand, pointed at Zhu Di and angrily shouted: "Who are you saying is fat?"

Zhu Di opened his mouth and said: "Of course I am talking about the master's wife."

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Zhao Xuanzhen in a white dress coming down the stairs. She winked at Xu Miaoyun: "Hit him."

Zhu Di ran away, shouting: "Master, help!"

(End of this chapter)