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

Chapter 278 Zhu Biao: The fourth child is more suitable to be the prince than me
In the city of Beiping, in the palace of Prince Yan.

Fourth Master Zhu was teasing Zhu Gaochi who had just learned to walk with great interest. He waved and said with a bit of joking: "Little fat man, stand firm. If you dare to move in the next quarter of an hour, great grandfather will I’m going to spank you.”

When Zhu Gaochi heard this, he had to stand still obediently, with reluctance written all over his young face. He knew that this great grandfather would really spank him. In desperation, he had no choice but to look at his mother, Xu Miaoyun, for help. However, Xu Miaoyun just shrugged helplessly, saying that there was nothing she could do: "Your great-grandfather trained me like this at the beginning, and I couldn't help him."

After saying that, she turned back to the house, took out a plate of fresh fruit, put it gently on the table in front of Fourth Master Zhu, and asked casually: "Grandpa, Zhu Di has been on the war for a long time, and he hasn't received a letter for so long. Has he got any?" To you=Have you written a letter?”

"I have received a lot of military reports." Fourth Master Zhu sighed, "but not a single private message. This guy must be crazy. He has won battles one after another, and now he has led an army deep into the Western Regions."

"When he comes back, you must teach him a lesson." Xu Miaoyun said bitterly, clenching her fists.

"After some time, I plan to go to the Western Regions." Fourth Master Zhu said thoughtfully, "Write a letter and I will bring it to him."

After hearing this, Xu Miaoyun immediately turned around and went back to the house to write a letter. Fourth Master Zhu walked up to Zhu Gaochi and said seriously: "Come on, practice the boxing skills I taught you."

"Yeah!" Zhu Gaochi nodded solemnly.

He stepped forward with his short legs and began to punch seriously. Although the movements are still a little immature and unsteady, they are already in shape. Fourth Master Zhu looked at his performance and nodded with satisfaction. This little fat guy does have some talent. As long as he is properly cultivated, the Zhu family will have another talent.

Capital, Fengtian Palace.

"Your Majesty, since ancient times, holy kings have convinced people with their virtue. The Western Region is too far away from the Central Plains, and most of it is desert. It is useless for us to ask for it. The army can return to the court in triumph."

"I also agree. This time we have severely defeated the Timurid Empire. They are unable to advance eastwards. We only need to leave some of the army behind to guard Yumen Pass. Sunshine is enough."

After Lu Ben came out of the Wenhua Palace, he came to the East Palace to pay homage to the prince. He was also the teacher of the East Palace and taught Zhu Xiongying how to read. Queen Ma was ready to go on a trip, so she sent Zhu Xiongying back to the East Palace.

He was so angry that he cursed, and the people in Luben scolded him for being vulgar. However, Han Yike is extremely powerful in combat and can defeat them all by one person. Other ministers watched the fun.

……

The imperial court once again received good news from King Yan of the Western Regions, saying that he had led his army into the Western Regions, and the Timur Empire's army was retreating steadily. However, some ministers had different opinions regarding this great victory.

Zhu Yuanzhang's lips curved into a sneer.

……

Lu Ben, the Minister of Civil Affairs, made the final concluding speech. He always advocated favor from the imperial court. Those who share his views are basically his subordinates.

After a while, Xu Miaoyun came out with the written letter and handed it to Master Zhu: "Grandpa, do you need to bring him anything else?"

Zhu Biao smiled slightly, showing his princely demeanor: "There are no outsiders here, but it doesn't matter."

"Your Highness, there is something that I don't know whether to talk about or not." Lu Ben looked troubled.

"Yes, Your Majesty, there are hundreds of thousands of troops outside, and this supply is a bottomless pit."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zheng Shiyuan, a scholar of Wenhua Palace, stood up and objected: "Everyone, do you know about the Timur Empire? Do you know that they conquered the Eastern Chagatai Khanate, various small countries in the Western Regions, Khwarezm, and even defeated The cripple Timur wants to revive the Mongol Empire. Do you think he will give up his eastward march?"

Everyone knows that Zheng Shiyuan and Han Yike are from the academy party. Now their strength is getting stronger and stronger, because in several consecutive imperial examinations, the academy has occupied the majority of the list. Those people who enter the court as officials naturally bear the brand of the academy.

The ministers are divided into several factions, which is what he, the emperor, wants to see, and he is also supporting these poor disciples in the academy.

"Don't let him risk his own life, think more about me and the child." Xu Miaoyun pursed her lips.

"No need." Fourth Master Zhu shook his head and said, "He is traveling around on the march and fighting, so he doesn't need to bring anything with him."

Han Yike, who was already the imperial censor, snorted coldly: "Don't you all know what the Ottoman Empire is? How dare you make such nonsense in this court? How dare you convince others and your uncle with virtue! Go back and read more books and military newspapers!”

East Palace.

"The army of King Yan is fighting abroad and has made many military exploits. However, the great achievements have shocked the Lord. His Highness should be on guard." Lu Ben said sincerely, "I don't have any doubts about King Yan, but the story of the former Song Taizu wearing a yellow robe is still Lessons from the past.”

Zhu Biao frowned slightly when he heard this, and then waved his hand with a firm voice: "Gu has no doubts about Lao Si. I understand your concerns, but there is no need to mention this matter again in the future."

Lu Ben hesitated to speak, and finally he could only lower his head and promise: "Old minister, I obey."

Zhu Biao gave a few more instructions and ordered Lu Ben to go to the backyard to teach Zhu Xiongying. Lu Ben walked through the corridor and came to the backyard, where he saw that his daughter Lu was patiently teaching Zhu Yunwen how to walk. He approached slowly and bowed deeply.

Lu also bowed slightly to him, with a wry smile on her face: "Father, my daughter is no longer the crown prince and second concubine, so these etiquettes can be dispensed with." "The prince has not married again, which shows that you still have weight in his heart." Lu Ben comforted softly, "You have to calm down."

"My daughter understands." Mrs. Lu nodded, a trace of relief flashed in her eyes, "I feel a lot more relaxed since the Supreme Emperor deposed me as the Crown Prince and Second Concubine."

"Huh, Your Majesty..." A hint of coldness flashed in Lu Ben's eyes. He suspected that the Supreme Emperor was behind the trouble caused by those in the academy.

"Father, be careful that the walls have ears." Mrs. Lu pointed to the pavilion not far away, "Go quickly, the emperor's eldest grandson is waiting for you."

Lu Ben walked towards the pavilion. When Zhu Xiongying saw him coming in, he stood up and saluted: "Greetings, sir."

"His Royal Highness the Emperor's Grandson, today we will continue to study the Analects of Confucius." Lu Ben started teaching with a kind smile on his face. However, deep in his eyes, a coldness flashed through him. In his heart, the emperor's eldest grandson was always a major obstacle in his grandson's future.

……

Zhu Biao came to Wenhua Palace. Now he can help Zhu Yuanzhang handle most of the government affairs. After years of training, he has become more mature, and he is even more comfortable handling government affairs.

"Hahaha, Biao'er, you're here." Zhu Yuanzhang held up a memorial in his hand and laughed loudly, "These are the praises of the military generals for Lao Si. Even Xu Da praised him for being better than his masters. ah."

"Lao Si is indeed extraordinary. I think his future achievements will definitely surpass many famous generals in history." Zhu Biao sincerely praised him.

"Okay!" Zhu Yuanzhang was excited, "The Ming Dynasty is really lucky to have such a brave and capable vassal king."

"Father, the fourth child is not only brave on the battlefield, but also handles government affairs well." Zhu Biao added with a smile, "The chief envoys in Northern Xinjiang also spoke highly of him."

"The fourth child is indeed promising." Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction.

"My father and I even think that the fourth child is more suitable to be the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty than me." Zhu Biao said frankly.

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, he stood up suddenly and stared at Zhu Biao with burning eyes: "Nonsense! The crown prince of the Ming Dynasty can only be you, Biao'er. You must never say this again in the future. Your position as crown prince has long been determined. Reckless remarks will only Cause unnecessary ambition and strife.”

"My son, I understand." Zhu Biao responded with a smile, "We are the only two here, father and son, so I dare to say that."

"You are the prince, you must always pay attention to your words and deeds." Zhu Yuanzhang reminded sternly, "Otherwise, you will not only bring trouble to yourself, but also your brothers."

Zhu Biao nodded solemnly and changed the topic: "Father, my mother is going on a trip? Are you relieved?"

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly: "Your mother has worked hard for half her life, and it's time to enjoy herself. With the concubine Huner accompanying her, we feel relieved. It's okay to let her go out for a walk."

"I think they are going to Yumen Pass in the west. Is it dangerous?" Zhu Biao asked.

"Don't worry." Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and waved his hand, "Do you know the concubine's current strength? She has completed the "Devil God Art", and there are no more than five people in the world who can beat her."

Zhu Biao was shocked. He didn't expect the concubine to be so strong.

……

Three days later, the sun shines through the clouds on the ancient roads of the capital.

Two horses stepped out of the city gate lightly, and those on the horses were Queen Ma and Wan'er. They did not bring any entourage, just to enjoy the mountains and rivers and enjoy their freedom. When the horse's hooves raised dust and she was far away from the hustle and bustle of the palace, Queen Ma's face showed a long-lost relief: "Hey, for these decades, I have been like a bird imprisoned in a deep palace."

Wener smiled softly and responded: "The Zhu family is really lucky to have a queen like you to stabilize the overall situation. Otherwise, they would have to disperse sooner or later."

"You are exaggerating." Empress Ma seemed to have been relieved of a heavy burden, "I have devoted the first half of my life to the Zhu family. Now, it is time to live for myself."

"Haha, let's go, I will take you to explore the world and experience the free life." Weier laughed, and the two of them galloped south along the official road with their horses and whips raised.

In the Lu Mansion in the capital, Lu Ben hurriedly walked through the courtyard, found Wu Yu, and handed her a letter.

"My daughter gave this to you." He said briefly, then turned and returned to the study.

Wu Yu opened the envelope and quickly read the contents of the letter. A cold light flashed in her eyes: "It's interesting that Queen Ma has left the city for a trip. She is also a person with great luck. I have to inform Ao Gu about this and ask the Detective Ma Army to dispatch it. Queen Ma is in trouble. Haha, maybe there will be a big harvest?"

She pondered for a moment, and then disappeared into the courtyard.

(End of this chapter)