Ming Dynasty: Zhu Biao's younger brother, the most rebellious son in history

Chapter 90 The Foolish Brothers Dare Not Go Home
"Oh I got it!"

Zhu Di got the promise from Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao, and a big stone in his heart was put down immediately: "I have a pig brain, why didn't I think of this? It's the New Year, when I go home, I will be scolded by my mother, and this matter will be over."

"Even if my mother hits me a few times, what's the big deal?"

Zhu Gang was also relieved and said, "Mother loves me and won't hit me hard. If I say something nice, this matter will be over."

It sounds like it's true.

Zhu Chong was also relieved and remembered one thing: you have to consider everything comprehensively when considering things. Look at my second brother... he has gained experience in fighting with Zhu Yuanzhang and knows when he will be beaten hard.

"Fourth brother, fifth brother, we can't act too relaxed, or Dad will get suspicious."

After considering everything, Zhu Chong reminded Zhu Gang and Zhu Di: "If Dad sees us so happy, who knows what he will think in his heart. If he is too happy, it will be bad if he turns to sorrow."

"Yes, yes, that's what we have to do."

Zhu Di immediately returned to his previous state, looked at Zhu Kai and asked: "Second brother, do you think I look like a scared person when I pretend to be scared?"

Zhu Kai answered very decisively: "Yes! It is exactly the same as the real thing."

Zhu Biao sat in his seat with his hands on his knees.

Looking at Zhu Chong and the other two who had regained their vitality, he closed his eyes helplessly.

Alas... my stupid brother!

……

Traveling was undoubtedly very boring. Zhu Kai couldn't sit still after staying in the carriage for a long time. He directly asked for a carriage for himself and did not allow anyone to approach.

Although Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di wanted to get together with Zhu Kai, Zhu Kai refused to be disturbed when he was alone. Although he was reluctant, he still stayed with Zhu Biao.

It’s not that they can’t stay with Zhu Biao, but relatively speaking, Zhu Biao is too dull and serious in his daily life, which makes Zhu Chong and the other two feel overwhelmed when facing Zhu Biao.

Sure enough, after Zhu Kai left, Zhu Biao took out three books and gave them to Zhu Chong and the other two, asking them to read the books in the carriage and ask questions before lunch.

If anyone can't recite it well, just wait to be spanked.

The faces of Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di instantly turned into bitter ones. This was definitely not the result they wanted to see, but it was something they could not change.

At this moment, how much they wished Zhu Kai was still here.

If Zhu Kai was here, how could there be such problems? Zhu Biao would not let them study at all.

Not even a mention.

But now... the three stupid brothers can only study obediently in the carriage.

As for Zhu Kai... he was bored in the carriage, so he simply got into an empty carriage, and then ran to the super ocean freighter to open the blind box.

During this period of time, we were busy fighting the war and I don’t know if there were any weapons in the remaining containers.

The last time, Zhu Kai opened a blind box and found munitions. There were more than 300 containers filled with munitions, ranging from guns and bullets to grenade launchers and Stinger missiles.

What’s even more bizarre is that there is actually a tank in a container!
The 120mm howitzer barrel stood there, making Zhu Kai feel itchy.

Not to mention armored vehicles and mountain off-road vehicles, there are still more than ten of them.

If Zhu Kai wasn't worried about the limited diesel, he would have driven the armored vehicle around the deck twice.

But Zhu Kai can't do that now because there is no oil.

Anyway, it's boring to travel, so driving a container to liven up the mood is a good choice.

The weapons in Zhu Kai's hands are enough for him to overthrow the Ming Dynasty, but he is not very interested in it. These weapons will not be damaged if they are placed on the super ocean-going freighter, so he can just put them on it and take them out whenever he needs them.

perfect!

Of course, Zhu Kai couldn't stay on the super ocean freighter for too long while on the road, but he had to find something to do if he was idle.

Two more containers were opened, which contained several off-road motorcycles and some grenade launchers.

The motorcycle looked somewhat interesting to Zhu Kai, but the grenade launcher was not. Zhu Kai had already opened more than ten containers, all of which were filled with grenade launchers and a considerable number of grenades. Zhu Kai found it boring when he saw it.

People keep thinking about something when they can't get it, and start to get bored after they get it. Zhu Kai is like this. He thinks it's boring to keep opening blind boxes of arms and wants to do something else.

Coming to a new pile of containers again, Zhu Kai looked at the containers here and found that they were a little different from the other containers.

I touched it with my hand and felt some slight vibration inside.

Oh… refrigerated storage containers.

There are two types of containers on cargo ships. One is an ordinary container, which can hold everything. However, there are some things that are not so easy to transport and can only be transported under specific conditions.

As a result, cold chain containers came into being, and the goods transported in them are more expensive.

As for the password on the outside of the cold chain container, Zhu Kai didn't know it. Only the buyer and the seller knew it, but this didn't pose a problem for Zhu Kai.

Anyway, the entire super ocean-going freighter belongs to Zhu Kai, so the containers inside are no problem.

Violent door removal!

Anyway, it's just a cold chain container, not a confidential filing cabinet that will explode if it is violently demolished.

does not exist at all.

Zhu Kai took a fire axe and smashed the door of the cold chain container open with force. After opening it, he felt a cool breath.

After opening the door and walking in, Zhu Kai wanted to see what was inside.

The cold chain containers are relatively high-end, and there isn’t much that can be stored inside them. There are just two fixed shelves with small drawers on them, all of which are locked.

Zhu Kai pried one open, saw the items stored inside, and read out the names on them:

Cephalexin!

Damn, isn’t this an antibiotic?

Zhu Kai thought it was no big deal.

Cephalosporin is an antibiotic...more advanced than penicillin. In later generations, most penicillins have been excluded from medicines.

However, there was no penicillin in ancient times, let alone antibiotics. Even in the era of war with hot weapons in later generations, penicillin was more valuable than gold.

For example, penicillin.

In later times when medical conditions have developed rapidly, penicillin has been banned and various more effective antibiotics have emerged.

For example...cephalosporin.

This medicine seems to be able to cure all diseases. Who doesn't have a few boxes of cephalexin at home?
In the future China, cephalexin will be available everywhere, and in some other countries, this medicine is also a common stockpile in households.

However, in some places, especially in some parts of Africa, this drug is still extremely expensive.

Selling medicines can make huge profits.

This kind of medicine is a panacea in the Ming Dynasty!
A whole container is filled with cephalosporins!

Beautiful!
Finally, it’s not all arms anymore.

Zhu Kai then went to the next container. He was not worried that the medicines would be damaged after opening the container, because the medicines in the space on the super ocean freighter were stationary.

As long as you don't take it out, nothing will be damaged.

This is perfect!
Insulin, medicine for treating colds, medicine for treating diarrhea, malaria, antibiotics...there are many kinds of medicines.

There are also many medicines and medical equipment.

Then, Zhu Kai saw another medicine that he had never expected.

Liquid vaccinia vaccine, freeze-dried vaccinia vaccine.

These two medicines, in the Ming Dynasty...are absolutely powerful weapons.

These two vaccines are the most effective vaccines to prevent smallpox!

After getting the vaccine, you don't have to worry about contracting smallpox for the rest of your life.

What is smallpox?
Smallpox is a terminal illness. As long as one person is infected with smallpox, everyone in the city will be in danger, and the disease may even spread to surrounding cities.

Smallpox has been rampant for thousands of years, and countless people have died from it. But even before Zhu Kai traveled through time, there was no effective way to treat smallpox. The only way was to prevent it and vaccinate the baby when it was born.

Of course, vaccination against cowpox or human smallpox is also a good treatment method, but this treatment method is still a folk remedy and is not really scientific.

Still, it's better than nothing.

When his children were born, he would give them the vaccine first. Zhu Kai did not take the liquid cowpox vaccine and freeze-dried cowpox vaccine seriously, thinking that it was just a very common medicine.

He opened another box, which also contained some very common cold medicines. Zhu Kai did not continue reading it, but returned to the carriage.

It’s time to eat.

When Zhu Kai got off the carriage, he saw Zhu Biao hitting Zhu Di's hands with a branch, and scolding them while hitting them, saying that they were not studying seriously.

Zhu Kai was watching from the side and laughing. Zhu Biao glanced at him, then turned his head back and continued to scold Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di.

The book Zhu Kai used was not in the book collection, but the three younger brothers in front of him obviously did not have Zhu Kai's ability. Zhu Biao could only use this tough method to let his three stupid brothers know the role of reading.

Unfortunately, the three stupid brothers did not understand what Zhu Biao was thinking. They even thought that Zhu Biao was favoring Zhu Kai.

Why are we allowed to read but Zhu Kai is not allowed to read?

Of course, they could only think about such things in their hearts but could not say them out loud. If Zhu Kai heard them, they would be even more unlucky.

……

"Finally coming back!"

As the Chinese New Year was getting closer, the five oldest children had already started their journey back home. Zhu Yuanzhang basically asked them to report three times a day, making sure to know the whereabouts of these five people in the shortest possible time.

Now that the children are back, he can go back to Kunning Palace to sleep.

Zhu Yuanzhang secretly swore in his heart that when he went to Kunning Palace, he would take down the bed in Wuying Hall.

This thing... isn't an eyesore enough if it's left alone.

Zhu Yuanzhang walked towards Kunning Palace as usual, but when he arrived there, he found the door closed.

"what happened?"

When Zhu Yuanzhang approached, he asked Zhang Cheng who was guarding the door, "Why are you closing the door in broad daylight?"

Zhang Cheng glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang and said calmly, "The Queen has caught a cold and won't see anyone."

"Feeling cold?"

Zhu Yuanzhang thought that Ma Xiuying caught a cold because she missed Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao, but Zhu Yuanzhang was still very anxious:

"Have you summoned the imperial physician? Hurry and summon the imperial physician!"

"The kids will be back soon, why do you need to worry so much, sister?"

As he said this, Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to go to Kunning Palace: "I'm going to see my sister."

"No!"

Zhang Cheng stood in front of Zhu Yuanzhang and said to him:

"The Queen Mother said that she will not see anyone, Your Majesty, please go back!"

Zhang Cheng's words were very strong.

He was so tough that Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't tell whether he was the master of this palace or not. How dare he stop the head of his family?
"what happened?"

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to realize that the situation was not as simple as Zhang Cheng said.

It's just a simple cold, why do we need to isolate others?

Besides, wasn’t I the one who stayed by Ma Xiuying’s side whenever she had a cold?

Something is not right today!
Zhu Yuanzhang immediately felt something was wrong. He looked at Zhang Cheng and asked word by word, "What's going on?"

How could Zhang Cheng not see Zhu Yuanzhang's concern for Ma Xiuying?

However, this was not enough to make Zhang Cheng tell the truth.

He was Ma Xiuying's retainer, not Zhu Yuanzhang's. Facing Zhu Yuanzhang's questioning, Zhang Cheng's answer was exactly the same as before: "I just caught a cold!"

"fart!"

Zhu Yuanzhang pushed Zhang Cheng and said, "It's just a cold. Let us go in and take a look!"

"No!"

"Then it's not!"

Zhu Yuanzhang continued to walk inside, "Zhang Cheng, you can't stop me!"

Even though Zhang Cheng was the best expert in the palace, Zhu Yuanzhang still had enough confidence to bypass Zhang Cheng and enter the Kunning Palace.

Zhang Cheng also knew that he could not stop Zhu Yuanzhang.

But the order he received from Ma Xiuying was to stop Zhu Yuanzhang from entering.

Just as the two were at a stalemate, Ma Xiuying's voice rang out from Kunning Palace: "Zhongba! Go back. I'm not feeling well now and it's inconvenient for anyone to come in."

Ma Xiuying's words gradually calmed down the excited Zhu Yuanzhang, but he dared to guarantee that this was not the result he wanted.

"Sister, no matter what, let us go in and take a look."

Zhu Yuanzhang stood at the door and shouted softly into the house, "Sister, we are together, what storms and waves have we not seen? We are not afraid, so why should you worry? Let us in, there is nothing in the world that we can't overcome!"

"..."

Ma Xiuying in the room was silent. She didn't know how to respond to Zhu Yuanzhang's words.

Seeing Ma Xiuying in Kunning Palace not saying anything, Zhu Yuanzhang was anxious and jumped up and down: "Sister, if you don't come out, we will break in, sister! Just consider it as a plea from us, okay? Can you open the door?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was a man of his words. If he said he would break in, he would definitely break in.

No matter who this person is!
Nothing could change his decision.

How could Ma Xiuying not know?
Normally, Zhu Yuanzhang would always give in to her, but at critical moments, Zhu Yuanzhang would go all the way to the end.

If he didn't let Zhu Yuanzhang see him, he would really dare to send troops to break into the Kunning Palace.

Ma Xiuying knew that she had to speak up, but she really couldn't let Zhu Yuanzhang in.

How to do?
After thinking for a while, Ma Xiuying said, "Zhongba, you step back first, step back!"

See you!
But don't come near!
Ma Xiuying's words made Zhu Yuanzhang even more worried and anxious.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang still stepped back as Ma Xiuying wished. He wanted to see clearly what had happened to Ma Xiuying that made her so afraid to get close to him.

Zhu Yuanzhang took ten steps back, but for Ma Xiuying, it was not enough!

"Keep backing up!"

Zhu Yuanzhang followed Ma Xiuying's instructions and continued to retreat, but his eyes were fixed on the door. He wanted to see Ma Xiuying as soon as possible and find out what had happened to her.

As Zhu Yuanzhang retreated to a distance of nearly fifteen meters, the tightly closed door of Kunning Palace slowly opened.

Ma Xiuying stood at the door with a pale face, looking at Zhu Yuanzhang with tears in her eyes.

The moment Zhu Yuanzhang saw Ma Xiuying, his heart seemed to be torn into pieces by a knife, as if a huge pendulum was hitting Zhu Yuanzhang's heart again and again with great force.

It’s only been a few days since we last met?

Ma Xiuying seemed like a different person, she had lost a lot of weight.

It seemed as if there was not a single bit of energy in his body, just like a walking corpse.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes suddenly turned red. He looked at Ma Xiuying and said, "Sister? What's wrong with you? Our Kai'er and Biao'er are coming back soon!"

What if they come back?
When Ma Xiuying heard the news that Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao had returned, she was not as excited as before. She even hoped that Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao had not returned yet.

"Come back if you want. They can't see me."

Ma Xiuying's tone was filled with endless loneliness as she looked at Zhu Yuanzhang: "Chongba, take good care of Kaier and Biaoer in the future. They are still young, don't put so much pressure on them, especially Kaier. He is just your son, not your subject!"

Why does this sound so much like an explanation of one's final wishes?
Zhu Yuanzhang had no idea what had happened to Ma Xiuying. He couldn't tell whether Ma Xiuying was acting so that he wouldn't embarrass Kaier in the future... or whether Ma Xiuying was really suffering from illness as her pale face showed.

"Sister, I promise you that Kai'er will always be our good son. He can do whatever he wants."

Zhu Yuanzhang said that he would support Zhu Kai in whatever he wanted to do...but many of the things Zhu Kai wanted to do were things that Ma Xiuying didn't want to see.

Then, Zhu Yuanzhang continued, "Sister, now it's you, you you you! What's wrong with you? Can you tell me the truth? If you don't say anything, won't you make me anxious?"

Zhu Yuanzhang really cared about Ma Xiuying. If Ma Xiuying was fine and was just pretending to scare him, Zhu Yuanzhang would have accepted it.

The key point is whether Ma Xiuying was pretending. Zhu Yuanzhang was unsure. He felt that Ma Xiuying was not pretending, she was really sick.

If she wanted to pretend, she would have done it long ago. With Zhu Kai's personality, how could he not come back?

But Ma Xiuying happened to fall ill when Zhu Kai was about to go home. This is very telling. It is very likely that Ma Xiuying was not pretending, she was really sick.

Moreover, this disease is not a minor illness, but a very serious disease.

The reason why I don't let myself get close is to protect myself.

The more he thought about it, the more anxious and flustered Zhu Yuanzhang became. He even wanted to rush over, hug Ma Xiuying and ask her what had happened.

"Don't come over here!" His eyes were red and tears welled up under his eyelids: "Zhongba, I'm sick, a very serious disease, this disease is called... smallpox!"

Sky, smallpox?
When Zhu Yuanzhang heard Ma Xiuying's words, it was like a bolt of lightning hitting his head.

This is not what he wants to hear!

"How, how is it possible?"

Zhu Yuanzhang said he didn't believe it. "How can someone get sick when they are staying in the palace? How can this disease exist?"

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't believe that such a disease existed at all. No one in the palace or even in the entire imperial city had smallpox. Ma Xiuying stayed in the palace all year round and never went out. How could she get this disease?
Soon, a bold idea popped up in Zhu Yuanzhang's mind: "Is it the palace maid beside you?"

When asking questions, Zhu Yuanzhang already had murderous intent in his eyes.

Zhu Yuanzhang was also a very protective person. The people he cared about the most were Ma Xiuying, Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao. Anyone who intentionally or unintentionally harmed these three people would be unforgivable to Zhu Yuanzhang!

After this thought popped into his mind, Zhu Yuanzhang was sure that his guess was correct.

Ma Xiuying was a person who took good care of the people around her. If she got smallpox, she would definitely drive the palace maids around her out of Kunning Palace, even if it was just for the purpose of protecting them. Ma Xiuying would do so.

But now, the palace maid did not appear and there was no news.

There is no doubt that he was imprisoned in Kunning Palace together with Ma Xiuying.

When Ma Xiuying heard Zhu Yuanzhang mention the palace maid, she couldn't help but sigh in her heart. She knew that once she told Zhu Yuanzhang about the matter, she would definitely be caught by him.

Zhu Yuanzhang would not let go of anyone who hurt him.

"Zhongba, Xiao Cui is also a child from a poor family. Don't make things difficult for her or her family. Good people will be rewarded. Don't kill people just to vent your anger." Ma Xiuying is still thinking about others.

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard what Ma Xiuying said, he nodded vigorously: "Hey, sister, I'll listen to you~ But can you let me pass?"

As he said this, Zhu Yuanzhang was about to move forward.

"do not come!"

Ma Xiuying seemed to have expected Zhu Yuanzhang to come over. A dagger appeared in her hand and she pressed it against her neck: "Zhongba, you are not allowed to come over!"

If you come over here, I will die in front of you!

After hearing Ma Xiuying's words, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly stopped moving forward. This was not what he wanted to see. He hoped that Ma Xiuying would live well.

"Sister, why are you throwing a tantrum? It's unnecessary."

Zhu Yuanzhang endured the pain in his heart and comforted Ma Xiuying with kind words: "It's just smallpox. I am the emperor, the supreme ruler. Shouldn't I avoid smallpox? Besides, I have had smallpox before, so I will never get smallpox again!"

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Don't worry, I'm coming over here, you won't be infected with smallpox."

But how could Ma Xiuying believe this?
There were many people who had smallpox, and Ma Xiuying herself had seen it. She was lucky enough not to be infected, but if she had been infected, she would have died. Even if she survived, she would have been sick.

Ma Xiuying knew that people who had had smallpox would not get it again as long as they survived the disease, and Zhu Yuanzhang had had smallpox.

However, concern can lead to confusion, and Ma Xiuying didn't want Zhu Yuanzhang to encounter any uncontrollable things because of her.

If the disease spreads again this time, it will be a huge disaster for the Ming Dynasty.

This is the kind of disaster that Ma Xiuying doesn't want to see.

"Zhongba, you are the emperor now, the emperor of Ming Dynasty."

Ma Xiuying looked at the anxious Zhu Yuanzhang and said to him seriously, "You can't just think about me. You still have Kai'er and Biao'er, and you have so many children! They still need your care!"

"You are the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, you are the common ruler of the people of the world, you not only have a family, you are also the backbone of the people of the world!"

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang was still walking towards Kunning Palace, Ma Xiuying didn't bother to persuade him anymore and pressed the knife against his neck: "If you come any closer, I will die in front of you!"

"..."

Zhu Yuanzhang stopped in his tracks and looked at Ma Xiuying holding a dagger against his neck, which was already bleeding. Zhu Yuanzhang's heart also started to bleed.

He didn't want to see Ma Xiuying hurting herself again, so he quickly said, "Okay, okay, we won't go over there! We won't go over there!"

"Sister, can we send you some doctors?"

"No, there's a doctor here."

Ma Xiuying looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, "Zhongba, do your best! You are the best emperor in the world! Chongba, take good care of Kaier and Biaoer. Kaier is quite stubborn. You must persuade him not to come to see me."

"We get it."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Ma Xiuying inside the door with red eyes.

But he could do nothing at this moment. He could only watch Ma Xiuying close the palace door and disappear into the last crack of the door.

Zhu Yuanzhang was so anxious outside that he was jumping up and down, but there was nothing he could do.

After a long while, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhang Cheng and said, "Take good care of my sister!"

"Yes!"

Zhang Cheng was never polite to Zhu Yuanzhang, but when it came to Zhu Yuanzhang's emotional issues, Zhang Cheng was extremely impressed. Until now, he only liked Ma Xiuying.

As for the rest, Zhang Cheng will not comment.

……

Zhu Yuanzhang did not stay in Kunning Palace for too long, but returned to Wuying Palace.

Zhu Yuanzhang was undoubtedly furious at this time. He called Yuan Qi over and said, "Yuan Qi, go and find out for us which of the maids around the queen has ever gone out... Especially the one named Xiao Cui, find out for us."

"Send someone outside to call her parents and all her relatives and friends together, and tell them that if anything happens to our queen, their entire family will be buried with her!"

At this time, Zhu Yuanzhang was really ruthless. He would never allow anyone who had hurt Ma Xiuying to have any relatives or friends alive in this world!

Even if I promised Ma Xiuying not to harm the families of the palace maids around her, so what?

If Ma Xiuying was fine, everyone would be happy, but if Ma Xiuying met with an accident, Zhu Yuanzhang would have to kill her in large numbers!
"No one can hurt our sister! No one!"

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the chair, clenching his fists tightly to express his current anger.

Yuan Qi undoubtedly understood Zhu Yuanzhang. After seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's performance, he responded calmly, then bowed and retreated.

Zhu Yuanzhang needs some quiet time now!
As the emperor of the Ming Dynasty and the master of the palace, it was very easy for Zhu Yuanzhang to investigate something.

Soon, the records of all the palace maids around Ma Xiuying fell into Zhu Yuanzhang's hands.

The girl named Xiao Cui did receive Ma Xiuying's handwritten letter and went outside the palace to see her parents. After she came back, she also contracted smallpox.

No matter how you look at it, it seems like Xiao Cui had smallpox and infected Ma Xiuying.

But Zhu Yuanzhang felt something was wrong.

Is it Xiao Cui?
not necessarily!
There are also records of other palace maids leaving the palace.

This was also because Ma Xiuying was kind-hearted. Otherwise, once a palace maid entered the palace, her life would have ended there. Unless she was no longer needed in the future and was driven away, she would have the opportunity to leave the palace. But Ma Xiuying was kind-hearted. She couldn't bear to see others always around her, so she gave her no freedom at all.

But it was also because of Ma Xiuying's kindness that led to today's disaster.

Zhu Yuanzhang picked out the maids who had gone out and handed them over to Yuan Qi, and ordered again: "Yuan Qi, go and investigate whether there are any sick people in the homes of these maids."

It might not be Xiao Cui. She just contracted smallpox together with Ma Xiuying, but she cannot be ruled out as a suspect.

We need to find out who it is.

Yuan Qi took the order and left. Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the chair, worried.

Ma Xiuying was taken care of by palace maids and imperial doctors, so there was very little Zhu Yuanzhang could do.

Man proposes, God disposes. Zhu Yuanzhang could only ask God for mercy and let Ma Xiuying go.

Next, Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao who returned to Beijing are the most important.

How could Zhu Yuanzhang not know the personalities of his two sons?

If they knew that Ma Xiuying had smallpox, they would definitely go to Kunning Palace at all costs.

Zhu Biao was relatively sensible. If Zhu Yuanzhang had given a death order, he might have obeyed. But for Zhu Kai... Zhu Yuanzhang felt that he could not persuade him.

He wanted to go to Kunning Palace, and even if he and Zhu Biao tried to persuade him together, it would not necessarily change Zhu Kai's mind.

Besides, not everyone can restrain Zhu Kai. With his bear-like body, if he wants to meet him, who can stop him?

Zhu Yuanzhang was reading the military report from the northern border. The bravest warrior of the Mongols was being beaten like a child in front of Zhu Kai. How could he really beat him?

How about...beating Zhu Kai up first? Making sure he can't get out of bed?

Zhu Yuanzhang felt that the only way to stop Zhu Kai was to prevent Zhu Kai from getting out of bed.

However, although Zhu Yuanzhang was usually very cruel when he beat his children, he punished Zhu Kai for no reason. If Zhu Kai knew about this in the future, would he not hate him?
That was Zhu Kai's most respected mother.

Zhu Yuanzhang knew that Ma Xiuying held an incomparable position in Zhu Kai's heart. Zhu Yuanzhang also complained to Ma Xiuying from time to time. He would be satisfied if Zhu Kai could be twice as good to him as he was to Ma Xiuying.

"Sister, Biao'er is fine~ Kai'er... I really can't persuade him!"

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed helplessly, frowning: "You have given us a big problem!"

It was really a huge problem, so difficult that even Zhu Yuanzhang didn’t know how to solve it.

After thinking it over for a long time and failing to come up with a good solution, Zhu Yuanzhang could only tell the truth and then let Zhu Kai make his own choice.

……

In the past few days, Yingtian Prefecture was shrouded in dark clouds, and the imperial city was filled with an even more solemn and grim scene.

Ma Xiuying contracted smallpox.

After hearing the news, all the court officials became cautious. Everyone who worked in the court knew how Zhu Yuanzhang felt about Ma Xiuying.

It is no exaggeration to say that their love is stronger than gold.

Now, Ma Xiuying has contracted smallpox and her life or death is unknown. How could Zhu Yuanzhang not be angry?
Don't offend Zhu Yuanzhang at this time, otherwise you will die a miserable death.

When court officials attended court, they were trembling with fear as if they were walking on thin ice. They even had to breathe carefully, for fear that they would do something wrong and cause Zhu Yuanzhang's dissatisfaction.

As for the orders given by Zhu Yuanzhang, they carried them out unconditionally without even a word of objection.

Zhu Yuanzhang took the opportunity to propose increasing commercial taxes. Instead of levying 3% tax on a 15% basis, he imposed a certain amount of tax based on the merchants' trading transactions.

If this order had been issued at any other time, the court officials would have certainly strongly opposed it, but now they did not dare to do so. They did not dare to provoke the furious Zhu Yuanzhang.

Go and collect it, as long as you, Zhu Yuanzhang, are happy.

The same was true for the people of Yingtian Prefecture. They were not afraid or terrified, but they felt sorry for Ma Xiuying.

The former Yingtian was called Jiqing.

After Zhu Yuanzhang occupied Jiqing, Ma Xiuying had been in Jiqing helping Zhu Yuanzhang stabilize the rear. Almost all the people in the city had seen Ma Xiuying. They knew that Ma Xiuying was a kind-hearted living Bodhisattva and they were more grateful to her.

Many people believed that it was a blessing for Zhu Yuanzhang to marry Ma Xiuying! It was a blessing for the entire Ming Dynasty that Ma Xiuying could become the empress of the Ming Dynasty.

But now, this blessed person, she got smallpox.

That's smallpox!

If it can't be cured, it could be fatal.

How could a living Bodhisattva like Ma Xiuying get smallpox? God, you are too unkind to good people!

The people were all mourning for Ma Xiuying.

……

On the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, when the army was on its way back from the northern expedition, a messenger from Yingtian Prefecture came with Zhu Yuanzhang's order.

Please ask Zhu Kai, Zhu Biao, Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di to return to Beijing as soon as possible!
Just tell them to go back, but don't say what it was about.

His serious tone made Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di's hearts beat wildly.

My dad was so anxious to call us back, could it be because he was dissatisfied with them for walking too slowly?

Is he so anxious to beat us up?
Zhu Chong and the other three people who sneaked away were terrified... At this time, they really didn't want to respond to Tian.

"Dad is looking for us, something big must have happened."

Zhu Biao didn't think the same as Zhu Chong and the other two. "Let's go back quickly and find out what's going on."

"Brother, my legs are numb, can we go later?"

Zhu Di looked at Zhu Biao with a sad face and said, "I will go with the army."

Zhu Kai said from the side: "What kind of bullshit are you talking about? Dad asked the messenger to pass on the message, that is the military order, you are in the army now, dare you disobey the military order? Do you really think that our Uncle Xu doesn't exist?"

Those who disobey military orders will be subject to military law!

Xu Da felt helpless when he heard what Zhu Kai said.

You educate others with a lot of things, saying things like "obey military orders". How dare you criticize others when you yourself have never obeyed military orders!
However, Zhu Kai is the only exception.

Everyone else in the military must obey military orders.

"Admit your mistakes, and stand at attention when you are beaten!"

Zhu Kai knocked on Zhu Di's forehead and said, "Some things cannot be avoided. You have to face them when you have to. Don't be a coward!"

After hearing Zhu Kai's lecture, Zhu Di couldn't help but lower his head: "Okay, I'm not afraid! I'll face it... But brother, I'm really scared."

What the hell am I afraid of!

It's just a beating, what's the big deal?
Zhu Kai didn't say any more nonsense with Zhu Di, and rode forward with Zhu Biao. Although the three people who had escaped were reluctant, they still had to go back now. If they didn't go back, they would be beaten.

There was no choice but for the three little ones to go back with them.

Seeing Zhu Kai and his five brothers leave, Xu Da's expression also became serious: "Order the army to advance at full speed."

Feng Sheng was a little confused: "Duke Wei, His Majesty just ordered the Second Prince and his men to return quickly, why are we in such a hurry? What if they return too early and the welcoming ceremony isn't ready yet? Wouldn't it be embarrassing if we go there?"

"It's already this hour, and you still haven't forgotten to show off?"

Xu Da was quite helpless and said to Feng Sheng: "Your Majesty must have encountered something. We must hurry back and return to Your Majesty as soon as possible to serve Your Majesty!"

In terms of how to be a good person, Xu Da did a better job than Feng Sheng.

……

Zhu Kai and others didn't know why Zhu Yuanzhang was so anxious to call them back, and they didn't ask. After all, they would know everything once they returned.

When we arrived at Hongwu Gate in Yingtian Prefecture, two carriages were already waiting.

Yuan Qi was standing beside the carriage. When he saw Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao, he bowed and said, "Second Prince, Your Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty asked me to wait for you two. If you come back, please go to Wuying Palace to see His Majesty immediately."

Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao nodded to show that they understood. Yuan Qi then looked at Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di and said, "My three princes, please get on another carriage. Someone will take you to your respective palaces."

"what???"

Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di never imagined that after their thighs were rubbed raw, they would have nothing to worry about after returning.

Didn’t you agree to be beaten?
Why didn't Zhu Yuanzhang fight after he arrived?

Instead, they drove us back to our respective palaces. Does that mean they are not going to deal with us anymore?

The three brothers were very nervous along the way and never expected to encounter such a good thing.

Tell me earlier!
However, the three brothers knew that Zhu Yuanzhang called them back because he really had something to arrange.

Then there is nothing for us to do!

The three of them didn't even ask any more questions. Zhu Di and Zhu Kai said hello, "Second brother, we're going back first. You and eldest brother are busy first. We're going back."

The three stupid brothers haven't seen their mother for a long time, and Zhu Kai also understands their feelings.

After all, I miss Ma Xiuying too.

If Zhu Yuanzhang hadn't called them to Wuying Palace for something.

The first thing Zhu Kai did when he came back was to look for Ma Xiuying.

After all, all the injuries on his body have healed. If he has a good talk with Ma Xiuying, everything will be fine.

Zhu Kai felt that there was no problem in coaxing Ma Xiuying.

As soon as they got on the carriage, Zhu Kai began to urge: "Yuan Qi, drive quickly. After seeing Old Zhu, I have to go see my mother. I can't wait any longer."

Zhu Biao didn't say anything, but his thought was the same as Zhu Kai's.

Yuan Qi responded to Zhu Kai and then drove towards Wuying Palace.

Zhu Biao sat in the carriage and asked, "Eunuch Yuan, is everything okay at home while we brothers are away?"

"..."

Yuan Qi didn't know whether to say it or not, so he could only say in a muffled voice: "Your Highness will know everything when he sees His Majesty."

Ask whatever you want.

If I say one more word, I lose.

Yuan Qi didn't dare to say more. He was worried that he might say something wrong and not please anyone, which would be a big trouble.

Moreover, why did Zhu Yuanzhang call them back so anxiously?
Isn’t it because of Ma Xiuying’s illness?
(End of this chapter)