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

Chapter 94 Even Zhu Yuanzhang couldn’t get past Ma Xiuying!

He felt that he had to beat his sons to make him feel better. After all, the three little ones, Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di, still deserved to be beaten.

But think about it, the Chinese New Year is only four days away. Even if Zhu Yuanzhang is unhappy, he has to wait until after the Chinese New Year to beat the child. It doesn't seem right to beat a child before the Chinese New Year.

Forget it, just bear with it for a while.

If Zhu Biao knew that Zhu Yuanzhang wanted Zhu Kai to become emperor, he would definitely stop it.

If Zhu Kai were to become emperor, wouldn't he smash the Confucius Temple in Qufu to pieces?
……

New Year's Eve.

There are still three days until the Chinese New Year.

Zhu Biao, Zhu Kai, Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di all began to visit various ministers.

They went there before the Chinese New Year, and after the Chinese New Year, Zhu Yuanzhang called these ministers who had followed him to conquer the world to have a meal together. Ma Xiuying also had a meal with the families of those ministers, and the year was basically considered settled.

Zhu Yuanzhang is the emperor now. He can't visit every household like he did before, right?

The emperor and the empress came together and invited them to dinner, which was already a great honor for them.

Zhu Biao took the Crown Princess, Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang to the Duke of Zheng's Mansion. After all, this was the Crown Princess's family's home and also Zhu Biao's most powerful pillar of strength in the army. Although Zhu Biao had quite unpleasant things with them, he did not offend them to death, so he still had to meet them.

Zhu Kaize took Zhu Di to the Duke of Wei's Mansion. He had quite a few father-in-laws to visit, so he decided to go to Xu Da's house first today and then to Feng Sheng's house tomorrow... That's it, perfect!
As a veteran general in the army, the closer it got to the New Year, the busier Xu Da became. He had to reward the soldiers in the army. In addition, the battle had just ended, and the soldiers were brave and domineering at the time. Xu Da needed to suppress their arrogance.

As for Zhu Kai... Xu Da didn't take Zhu Kai lightly, but Zhu Kai often came to his house for dinner, and his visits during the New Year were no different from his visits at other times. So Xu Da told Xu Huizu to help take care of Zhu Kai, and he would go home for dinner at noon.

We came to the Duke of Wei's Mansion, but Xu Da was not there... Who would still play with Xu Huizu and the others?

After paying a visit to Xu Da's wife, Zhu Kai sent Zhu Di away and asked him to go out and play with Xu Huizu, Xu Yingxu and Xu Zengshou, while he took Xu Miaoyun to her boudoir.

Zhu Di was somewhat puzzled by Zhu Kai's behavior.

What's the fun of being in a room together? It's not fun at all!

Zhu Di said that he did not understand Zhu Kai's thoughts, but since he had friends around him, he didn't care about it. Let Zhu Kai do whatever he wants, since he had friends around him and would not be lonely.

……

"Oh, you just bully me!"

Xu Miaoyun blushed and looked at Zhu Kai uncomfortably. The lipstick she had carefully applied in the morning was a little wet. She looked at Zhu Kai with tears in her eyes: "You always take advantage of me. What if you don't want me anymore in the future?"

"In your heart, I am the kind of person who will abandon you after having sex with you?" Zhu Kai would never use assurances to reassure Xu Miaoyun. The more he said so, the more likely a woman would take advantage of him, thinking that she had him in her arms. "Don't you know me yet? Your man is a pure man. Although he likes a lot of things, I will treat you equally, right?"

"what?"

Xu Miaoyun didn't expect Zhu Kai to be so shameless as to say directly that he wanted to hug women left and right: "You, you already have me and sister Yuting, and you are still not satisfied. You actually, actually..."

"It's just like when I lead troops into battle, the more the better!"

Zhu Kai said with a smile, then hugged Xu Miaoyun in his arms and said very confidently: "It's not that I'm fickle, but you don't understand me. You and Yu Ting's wife together may not be as strong as me!"

"what?"

Xu Miaoyun didn't understand what Zhu Kai was talking about. She felt that Zhu Kai was a man and looked like a bear, so of course he was fierce. That went without saying.

But why do I have a feeling that the fierceness Zhu Kai described and the fierceness I thought I had... don't seem to be the same thing?

Zhu Kai whispered in Xu Miaoyun's ear with a wicked smile, making Xu Miaoyun blush.

This guy is so bold. He isn't even married yet, but he's acting like a hooligan in front of me!
"You, you are shameless!"

Xu Miaoyun's face was red as if water was about to drip out, and she glared at Zhu Kai tenderly: "If my father knew about this, he would definitely not forgive you!"

"That won't happen!"

Zhu Kai looked at Xu Miaoyun and felt hot in his heart.

Call ~
Let’s wait a little longer. We’re getting married after the New Year. We’ll talk about it then.

Zhu Kai was not an impatient person. He also knew how important a woman's innocence was. Moreover, the protective measures these days were not good. If a woman got pregnant before marriage, it would be a disgrace to the entire Weiguo Mansion.

Living in the Ming Dynasty, one naturally has to follow the rules of the Ming Dynasty in some matters, so... one still has to endure what should be endured.

After chatting for a while, Zhu Kai lay on the bed, shook his head left and right to look around Xu Miaoyun's boudoir, and then stretched out his hands quite comfortably... Then Zhu Kai discovered that Xu Miaoyun's bed was a little small, and if he stretched out his hands, both arms would be exposed.

“The bed is so small!”

Zhu Kai was a little dissatisfied and said to Xu Miaoyun: "When we get married, I want a big bed first!"

Then he thought about it and felt that it was meaningless to stay in Fengxian Palace. Zhu Kai had another bold idea: "Wife, what do you say about me moving out of the palace next year? Fengxian Palace is such a small place, it's not interesting at all. I want to open a residence outside! I want to have my own house!"

For Zhu Kai, he wanted a house so that he could have some private space. Being in the palace all the time, surrounded by eunuchs and palace maids, Zhu Kai felt a little unfree.

"You haven't even been crowned a king, how can you possibly establish a government?"

When speaking, Xu Miaoyun said to Zhu Kai with great concern: "Don't tell me about this. You have only come to my house once, and you want to move out. His Majesty and the Queen will definitely think too much and think that I am bewitching you."

Zhu Kai lived well in the palace before, why did he clamor to move out as soon as he arrived at Duke Wei's mansion?

There must be a reason for this!
Zhu Kai's thoughts are of course his own, but he can't help but let other people think too much. Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying don't know what they will think. This daughter-in-law who hasn't even married yet is starting to persuade her son to move out?

Hearing Xu Miaoyun's words, Zhu Kai couldn't help but smacking his lips... As expected of Empress Xu, her thoughts themselves were politically colored.

But what does that matter?

"Okay, I won't tell you now. I'll tell you after the New Year."

Zhu Kai agreed with Xu Miaoyun's words, and did not say anything more. Instead, he changed the subject and said with emotion: "We're getting married next year... I'm looking forward to it."

"me too!"

Xu Miaoyun blushed and spoke in a low voice.

……

When Zhu Kai took Xu Miaoyun's hand and walked out of her boudoir, Xu Da had already returned.

When Xu Da saw Zhu Kai, his face showed dislike, but he couldn't say he hated him.

Who let this bear take away his most beloved daughter?

Like Zhu Kai, Xu Miaoyun was born into a self-taught family and had a strong personality, no less than Xu Huizu. She was the woman in charge of the family.

The growth of such a young lady really made Xu Da feel incredible, and he liked her more and more.

But such a precious jewel in the palm of one's hand is about to be snatched away by that little bastard Zhu Kai... and now they haven't even gotten married yet, and he is allowed to run to the boudoir, is this okay?
Not to mention him as a father, even his younger brothers Xu Huizu, Xu Yingxu and Xu Zengshou were not allowed to get close to Xu Miaoyun's boudoir, but now Zhu Kai has the chance.

Xu Da was extremely dissatisfied, so he didn't look happy when facing Zhu Kai.

How could Xu Miaoyun not know what Xu Da's expression meant? She could not help but glance at Zhu Kai with resentment.

It’s all this bear’s fault. If he hadn’t insisted on staying in the room, how could he have been caught by Xu Da?

Blame him!

I will never take him there again!
Thinking of what Zhu Kai did to her in the room, the virgin Xu Miaoyun wished she could find a hole in the ground to crawl into.

Looking at Zhu Kai again, he had a simple smile on his face, sitting in a chair and chatting with Xu Da: "Father-in-law, I brought two roast geese today, both made by my mother, I promise you will enjoy the meal... Ahem, well, after you eat the roast goose, you have to listen to me. You can't eat these big fish and meat during the New Year."

"Humph!"

Xu Da was very unhappy. You kid can't even say a few nice words. Are you just telling me all this?
You're taking advantage of my daughter and you're going to get away with it?
Xu Da hummed in unhappiness, but ultimately couldn't resist the temptation of the roast goose.

Forget it, for the sake of the Queen's roast goose, I will forgive you temporarily.

Xu Da no longer complained about Zhu Kai, and even looked forward to Zhu Kai's arrival. As soon as Zhu Kai came, he could eat roast goose, which he could not do at home. Xu Miaoyun stared at him like a thief and did not let him eat a single bite of roast goose. As the first meritorious minister of the founding of the Ming Dynasty, how could he have suffered such injustice?

On Zhu Kai's side, both the host and the guests had a great time. Under Zhu Kai's sweet talk, Xu Da even drank half a jug of wine. Xu Da was so happy that his face was flushed, and he was happier than during the Chinese New Year.

On the other hand, Xu Miaoyun next to him became worried. For the next period of time, she would have to keep an eye on Xu Da and make sure not to let him eat too much meat.

When Zhu Kai came home, Xu Da would definitely eat meat, and roast goose. Last time, Zhu Kai said that Xu Da's back carbuncle was not caused by eating roast goose, but eating oily food would make it worse. Xu Miaoyun no longer opposed Xu Da eating roast goose, but controlled his diet.

However, Xu Da was used to eating big amounts of meat and fish, and he would feel uncomfortable if he ate less. Especially in this situation where he was tied up, he would feel even more uncomfortable not eating meat.

……

Zhu Kai's side is a family reunion.

But Zhu Biao on the other side was not so happy.

Lan Yu usually lives in the mansion of Duke Zheng. He doesn't have any special feelings towards Zhu Biao, nor does he think that what Zhu Biao did to him was excessive. He originally wanted to train Zhu Biao to be a king who was good at using both hard and soft means, and was ruthless. He was framed by Zhu Biao, but this was not enough to make Lan Yu have any prejudice against Zhu Biao. On the contrary, he thought that Zhu Biao was right to do so, and was even happy to see Zhu Biao's changes.

Chang Mao, on the other hand, didn't understand all this. He thought that Zhu Biao's harming his own people was immoral. If you have nothing to do, don't harm your own people. If you have the guts, go harm other people. What's the point of taking your anger out on your own people?
Chang Mao was still too young, and his tone when he spoke was neither male nor female, but full of strangeness, which made Zhu Biao very disgusted.

After a quick lunch, Zhu Biao left Zhengguo Mansion with Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang, who looked unhappy.

After leaving Duke Zheng's mansion, Zhu Gang immediately vented his dissatisfaction to his two brothers: "Chang Mao is too arrogant! He is still a relative... If he is like this, there must be many other nobles in the court who are also arrogant. Dad has given them too many benefits, and these people have forgotten their roots!"

Zhu Biao glanced at Zhu Gang. He didn't expect that this seemingly unreliable and silly brother seemed to have grown up after going out.

He was very happy to see his brother's growth, and was willing to talk to him a few more words: "So, you, the kings of the frontier, must grow up quickly and become the existence that the generals and nobles are afraid of. As long as we brothers are united, these generals and nobles are nothing but small fry, they are not as good as us."

"It is not a good idea to let the vassal kings become too powerful, as they may become too big to be controlled."

Zhu Chong said to Zhu Biao very frankly, looking at Zhu Biao and asking: "So, if that day really comes, what will you do, brother?"

"It is none of my business."

Zhu Biao said that this had nothing to do with him, which made Zhu Chong stunned... You are the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty, how could it have nothing to do with you?

Then, Zhu Chong heard Zhu Biao say: "Brother Kai is the head of our family. What happens between brothers has nothing to do with the court."

To put it bluntly, Zhu Biao trusts Zhu Kai more. He believes that Zhu Kai will not do anything to harm him.

When Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang heard Zhu Biao talking about Zhu Kai, they both fell silent... Second brother, okay.

We can't afford to offend!
Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang said they couldn't afford to offend him and didn't say anything else.

……

Tang He was put in charge of establishing the Jinyiwei. Combined with the arrangements that had already been made for the Jinyiwei, the intelligence network had already begun to show results in Yingtian Prefecture. The brothers Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao went out to interact with military generals and nobles, and Zhu Yuanzhang knew everything about their meetings.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang ignored it and pretended he knew nothing. After finishing his government affairs, he took Ma Xiuying for a walk in the Imperial Garden.

There is nothing to worry about. Zhu Biao is the future emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and Zhu Kai is the future general of the world's army. These two are a perfect match and a two-sword team. As for the military generals and nobles outside, plus the grown-up Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di, these five brothers can ensure that the Ming Dynasty can rest easy.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt particularly relaxed when walking in the Imperial Garden with Ma Xiuying.

The chilly wind was biting. Zhu Yuanzhang helped Ma Xiuying tidy up her clothes so that she would not catch a cold. He took Ma Xiuying's hand and walked comfortably in the garden. He said comfortably, "Sister, I feel like an emperor these two days. I don't have so many things to do every day. I don't have to read memorials every day. If there is anything in the future, I will let Biaoer do it and let Biaoer take care of the court. I... will have a good rest and accompany you... We have been in Yingtian for so many years, and we haven't gone out to see the world. When the weather is good next year, we will go out for a walk!"

"Come on you."

Although Ma Xiuying was looking forward to Zhu Yuanzhang's wish, she was not a woman who knew nothing. Zhu Yuanzhang was a workaholic. He might think about the future when he was free, but once he was busy, he would never care about what he said today: "You should be busy with your own things. It's better for me to take Kai'er out than to expect you to go out."

"..."

It’s that rebellious son again!

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help feeling uncomfortable when he thought about his family's status. "We should keep our promise! I used to be busy trying to help Biao'er remove the thorns of the Ming Dynasty. Now, seeing how fast they grow, it is far beyond our imagination. In addition, Kai'er is there to assist them. The third, fourth and fifth are all capable boys. The other boys haven't grown up yet, but they are not bad either. Look at the sixth son, Zhu Su. He wants to be a doctor and is determined to cure diseases and save lives. Hahahaha...

Our sons are all talented, so they have some free time now... Don't worry, if they are told to go out for a walk, they can go out for a walk. It's just traveling around the world, no problem! Going to different places to check out the situation, no problem!"

It can be seen that Zhu Yuanzhang's life is very comfortable now.

He was delighted to see his sons grow up, and he also felt that he could be freed from the heavy labor.

This is what Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to see, and it was also what made him very happy.

Ma Xiuying trusted Zhu Yuanzhang's words, but still couldn't help shaking her head: "Don't tour the country. The impact will be too great, and the cost is not small. The Ming Dynasty is not rich enough yet. Let's feed the people first."

After all, the first thing everyone thinks of is the people.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not take Ma Xiuying's worries to heart. Instead, he waved his hand generously and said, "Sister, money is not a problem. Kai'er, that little bastard, may not be good at anything else, but he is good at business. I made a lot of money last year with that bastard, so I don't have to dig into the treasury when I go out. Besides... we still have Kai'er, he has money, if we don't have money, we can ask him for it!"

"..."

Hearing that Zhu Yuanzhang took out Zhu Kai's money as easily as taking out his own wallet, he couldn't help but laugh: "You...really, why don't you forget to cheat Kai'er? It's not easy to take advantage of that kid."

Zhu Yuanzhang was not afraid at all: "Why should I be afraid? I am his father. What can he do to me? If he irritates me, I will show you how I will deal with him!"

He looked as if he was the best in the world, which made Ma Xiuying extremely happy.

Zhu Yuanzhang could only make a few big statements at this time.

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying were discussing how they were going to deal with Zhu Kai, a loud voice came from far away: "Mother, your son is back!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's face suddenly changed. He looked up and saw a bear running towards him.

It was none other than Zhu Kai, whom he had just been talking about.

This rebellious son...why is he so stubborn?

When Ma Xiuying saw Zhu Kai, she immediately put Zhu Yuanzhang aside and walked towards Zhu Kai: "Are you back? How was your stay at your father-in-law's house? Look at you...you don't put your clothes in order. Aren't you afraid of freezing in such a cold day!"

Zhu Kai grinned and said nothing, letting Ma Xiuying help him tidy up his clothes.

New Year!
On the night of New Year's Eve, Zhu Kai put on a new coat and walked in the palace with the gait of a dragon and a tiger.

In the evening, everyone would get together and everyone in the palace would come.

Zhu Kai set out from Fengxian Hall. Before he reached his destination, Zhu Di, Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang, Zhu Lu and other brothers saw Zhu Kai, called him "Second Brother", and then walked behind Zhu Kai.

He looked like a real big boss.

When Zhu Biao saw the appearance of Zhu Kai and the group of younger brothers behind him, he could not help but frowning. He looked too much like a playboy. If Zhu Yuanzhang saw him, who knows how he would deal with him.

He couldn't help but remind Zhu Kai: "Brother Kai, please hold back. I don't want you to get beaten during the New Year." Seeing Zhu Kai's arrogant look now, Zhu Yuanzhang could beat him half to death.

"It's okay, it's a small matter."

Zhu Kai smiled and didn't take it seriously. He left the brothers behind him and pulled Zhu Biao inside. "My stupid brothers only dare to play around because they see me playing. Haha... How can I let Dad only remember me on such a festive day as the New Year? Don't my brothers get to see it?"

"..."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Kai who betrayed his brother without blinking an eye, and cursed helplessly: "You bastard!"

Just like Zhu Yuanzhang always wanted to trick Zhu Kai, Zhu Kai also always wanted to drag his younger brothers down with him. Zhu Kai is such a bad guy.

"If Dad ignores us on New Year's Eve, won't he beat us on New Year's Day?"

Zhu Kai showed a very confident expression and said to Zhu Biao: "Just wait, before the fifth day, Dad will find a way to make trouble for me!"

"..."

You are so damn right!

Zhu Biao thought so too.

"Okay, just have fun tonight, and we can talk about anything later."

Zhu Biao pulled Zhu Kai inside.

In the main hall, Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying sat in the main seats, and the concubines sat in order according to their ranks.

Of course, apart from Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying, the most important people were Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai. Both of them had separate seats. Zhu Biao sat in his own seat, but Zhu Kai sat next to Ma Xiuying.

When Zhu Yuanzhang saw this, he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

This guy, he’s so grown up, but he still doesn’t follow the rules?
"Shuzi!"

Zhu Yuanzhang shouted at Zhu Kai through Ma Xiuying, "Sit in your seat and follow the rules!"

Without Zhu Kai saying anything, Ma Xiuying helped him to say something back: "What rules do we need to follow when we have a meal together as a family? It's Chinese New Year, Kai'er can do whatever he wants, right?"

Hearing Ma Xiuying's words, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but sigh: "What a loving mother is, she spoils her son!"

You are an adult, but you still don't follow the rules.

And...why is he only close to girls and ignores me?

Watching Ma Xiuying carefully helping Zhu Kai pick the meat from the bones, scolding Zhu Kai to pay attention to his clothes, and taking off the sleeves that Zhu Kai had placed on the table, she took care of Zhu Kai like a child.

Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry... Didn’t I say that we don’t need to treat Zhu Kai as a child?

But why do you still treat Zhu Kai as a child?
I have already said that Zhu Kai has grown up and can stand on his own, but why do you still treat him like a child? Can't Zhu Kai take care of himself?
He is so old, but he still clings to his mother and cannot take care of himself... Zhu Yuanzhang felt that Zhu Kai's usual unbridled behavior was caused by Ma Xiuying, who spoiled him.

Zhu Yuanzhang could only keep his dissatisfaction with Zhu Kai to himself. He would never dare to say it out loud. If Ma Xiuying knew about it, he would be in big trouble.

Zhu Kai was the treasure in Ma Xiuying's hands. In addition, Ma Xiuying was cured by Zhu Kai when she got smallpox, and he also found a way for people all over the world to no longer fear smallpox. Based on these two things alone, Zhu Yuanzhang could not say anything bad about Zhu Kai in front of Ma Xiuying.

I have to say that Zhu Yuanzhang was definitely the one who was wrong. What could be wrong with Zhu Kai, such a good boy?
Zhu Yuanzhang was very dissatisfied when he saw Zhu Kai sitting and eating with Ma Xiuying. He was jealous.

snort!
You are not my only son!
Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head, ready to call his sons up to have dinner with him, but when he looked around... Zhu Biao's eyes were wandering, not even looking in his direction, obviously having guessed what was going on in Zhu Yuanzhang's mind.

Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang, and Zhu Di were eating and playing around, looking like naughty monkeys. Zhu Yuanzhang got angry when he saw them - they were exactly the same as Zhu Kai when he was a child, asking for a beating.

Thinking about the beating he deserved, Zhu Yuanzhang's hands felt itchy, as if he hadn't beaten a child for a long time.

That's right, these three guys sneaked out, and when they came back, they happened to have Ma Xiuying contracted smallpox. By the time Ma Xiuying recovered, it was already New Year's Day, and they didn't have time to beat the child.

The more I think about it, the more I feel itchy.

Zhu Yuanzhang kept comforting himself in his heart, it’s okay... after New Year’s Eve, I won’t have to care so much.

If you deserve to be beaten, you must be beaten!
Especially these three little bastards, they have been following Zhu Kai and have become bad people. How can Zhu Yuanzhang tolerate this?

When Zhu Yuanzhang saw that Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di were showing signs of developing towards Zhu Kai, he suddenly felt that Zhu Kai was not so hateful.

After all... Zhu Kai has been like this since he was a child, and Zhu Yuanzhang is used to it. Maybe Zhu Kai is so honest that Zhu Yuanzhang is still not used to it.

You little bastards, you all follow Zhu Kai and don’t learn your lesson, right?
Row!
You all just wait for us, let you experience it carefully, even if you are a bad seed, you are not qualified!

……

People stay up all night on New Year’s Eve and don’t sleep.

Children like this day the most as they can play like crazy all night long. But for adults, this night is quite difficult to endure. In fact, they are also very curious as to why children can play all night long without feeling sleepy. Perhaps during the Chinese New Year, it will remind adults of their own Chinese New Year celebrations when they were children.

After midnight, a new day begins, and a new year begins with it.

Zhu Kai was the first to jump out and kneel in front of Ma Xiuying: "Mom, happy new year... I wish you good health and everything goes well!"

After hearing a lot of New Year greetings, Ma Xiuying listened happily. She liked listening to Zhu Kai say these New Year greetings the most, it made her feel particularly cordial.

Of course, Zhu Kai didn’t say so many blessings in vain.

After Zhu Kai finished blessing, he smiled and stretched out his hand to Ma Xiuying: "Mom, congratulations on your prosperity, give me the red envelope!"

Ma Xiuying took out a small red bag that she had prepared long ago. It was bulging with goodies, and stuffed it into Zhu Kai's hand: "Kai'er, have a happy new year! Don't be so naughty!"

Looking at the bulging purse, Zhu Kai's face was also full of joy. He just listened to Ma Xiuying's words without refutation: "Got it."

After wishing Ma Xiuying a happy new year, Zhu Kai came to Zhu Yuanzhang again.

Zhu Yuanzhang had been waiting for this moment.

Only when Zhu Kai wished him a happy new year did Zhu Yuanzhang feel like a father.

He leaned back tactically as usual, looking down at Zhu Kai who was kneeling in front of him to wish him a happy new year.

"Happy New Year, Dad!"

Then, Zhu Kai kowtowed, raised his head and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang.

"..."

Zhu Yuanzhang waited for a long time, but Zhu Kai didn't continue speaking.

This, this is it?

When you were talking to your mother, you said so much, but when you came to me, you just said "Happy New Year"?
I didn't say anything when you first wished your mother a happy new year, but now you are even being perfunctory when wishing your father a happy new year?
"Shuzi!"

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help wanting to curse, but as soon as he opened his mouth, he felt the cold dissatisfaction in Ma Xiuying's eyes next to him.

Cough cough... Zhu Yuanzhang coughed in a pretentious manner.

Forget it, today is New Year's Day, so don't worry about these things, everyone should be happy.

"Give!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's resentment value was full, and he casually threw out a red purse that was almost the same size as Ma Xiuying's: "Here, it's for you."

"okay!"

Zhu Kai held the purse in his hand and sat back.

He did not sit back next to Ma Xiuying, but sat back in the seat assigned to him. He was going to start receiving red envelopes, so it would not be appropriate for him to sit next to Ma Xiuying.

After Zhu Kai paid New Year's greetings to Ma Xiuying and Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao and his brothers began to pay New Year's greetings to Zhu Yuanzhang and Ma Xiuying one after another. Then each of them received a red money bag of medium size. There is no doubt that their red envelopes were not as big as Zhu Kai's.

From childhood to adulthood, they have become accustomed to Zhu Kai getting the big red envelopes, and they are also very aware that Zhu Yuanzhang gave Zhu Kai a lot, and they are also grateful that Zhu Kai has grown up and no longer snatches their red envelopes, so that the New Year's money can remain in his hands.

Zhu Kai had a very high status in the hearts of Ma Xiuying and Zhu Yuanzhang, so in order to love his wife and his family, Zhu Yuanzhang's concubines gave Zhu Kai the largest red envelopes, even exceeding the money they gave to their own children.

Although giving New Year's money is just a matter of etiquette, these concubines all want to perform well in front of Zhu Yuanzhang. After all, Zhu Kai is Zhu Yuanzhang's most beloved son. If Zhu Yuanzhang hears a few words of praise from Zhu Kai, it will also help to improve their status in the harem.

What can I do if Ma Xiuying is above me?

As long as it is better than now, it is progress!
Soon, Zhu Kai's desk was filled with red envelopes, all of which were bulging money bags.

Zhu Kai asked Lai Fu to move his purse away, then stood up and took his brothers outside to set off firecrackers and fireworks. Zhu Yuanzhang, Ma Xiuying and a group of concubines also came out of the palace to watch the children set off fireworks.

……

As usual, after staying up all night, after the early morning, Zhu Yuanzhang, Ma Xiuying and a group of concubines distributed the red envelopes they had prepared to the children, and then they went to rest.

The purpose of staying up all night to celebrate the New Year is for children to play together. If the adults are here, the children will feel more restrained. It is better to let the children play freely.

Besides, isn’t the purpose of celebrating the New Year to have fun?

The Chinese New Year is indeed for happiness, and Zhu Kai was also very happy. The money in his purse increased a lot. This New Year's money was not just change, but gold!

Zhu Kai knew without hesitation that the only bag of silver was definitely a gift from Zhu Yuanzhang, while Ma Xiuying directly gave him a bag of gold.

However, Zhu Kai did not complain about Zhu Yuanzhang. Given Zhu Yuanzhang's stingy personality, it was already very good that he did not give him a lot of copper coins.

Zhu Yuanzhang's other concubines also gave him gold, jade, pearls, agate and other things as gifts, but Zhu Kai was not interested in these fancy things. Ma Xiuying knew him better and knew that what he liked most was gold.

The feeling of these New Year's money is completely different from the money I earn myself. This feeling... seems to be more refreshing.

After playing with the gold, silver, jade and jewelry for a while, Zhu Kai felt that they were boring, so he pushed them aside and asked Lai Fu to put them away.

There is nothing to do on the first day of the New Year, but Zhu Yuanzhang has a habit he developed since childhood: worshiping his ancestors!

Just like in later generations, on the first day of the Lunar New Year, the whole family gets up early in the morning and goes to the ancestral temple to pay respects to their ancestors, this was also a habit Zhu Yuanzhang developed when he was a child. When there was war and he had no food to eat, although he was not at his hometown, he would still silently think of his ancestors in his heart and perform a set of etiquette.

In previous years, when Zhu Yuanzhang offered sacrifices to his ancestors on New Year's Day, he only brought Zhu Biao and had nothing to do with Zhu Kai. But this year, Zhu Yuanzhang insisted on bringing Zhu Kai.

As for the reason...it's also very simple.

Zhu Kai has grown up, and he is also the head of the Zhu family and the head of the royal clan. After Zhu Yuanzhang is gone, Zhu Kai will still be the person to preside over the ancestor worship activities.

After knowing this, Zhu Kai was very unhappy. At that time, he felt that Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao had bad intentions in making him the head of the royal clan. Now it seems... it was indeed so, they had bad intentions.

But what can we do about it?

Zhu Kai wanted to refuse, but he had no chance to refuse.

No one, including his old mother, allowed Zhu Kai to refuse.

Zhu Kai wanted to refuse, but after thinking about it, he decided not to.

I am an adult now, and it would not be good if I were beaten by Zhu Yuanzhang again. Besides, on New Year's Eve, I had diverted Zhu Yuanzhang's attention to my three stupid brothers. It would not be worthwhile to draw Zhu Yuanzhang's attention back because of such a small matter.

"Forget it. It only happens once a year. Let's go."

Zhu Kai put on gorgeous clothes and, under the guidance of Yuan Qi, went to the ancestral worship hall.

Zhu Biao and Zhu Yuanzhang were already waiting at the door.

It was just a bit boring waiting for Zhu Kai to come, so Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao started chatting together.

One of them was the emperor and the other was the prince, so naturally they talked about national affairs, but today the situation was special. While they were talking about national affairs, they also talked about things related to their families.

"Before the Chinese New Year, Wang Guangyang came to me and asked when you and Kai'er's coming-of-age ceremony would be held, but I rejected his request."

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke frankly to Zhu Biao and asked him, "Do you know why I disagree?"

"Because... I haven't reached the level you want yet, and Brother Kai... is more suitable than me."

Zhu Biao knew where he was wrong, and also knew what Zhu Yuanzhang was most dissatisfied with him for, so he also said bluntly: "As a monarch, my thoughts should not be known to others, and I should have my own firm will and let my ministers do things according to my will, but... Dad, not everything needs to be handled with a tough approach. That is the bottom line, but it cannot be used directly."

Zhu Biao still insisted on his point of view. Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head after hearing it: "The military power belongs to us, not to the ministers. Since this is the most effective weapon, why can't we use it?"

"Biao'er, don't be too merciful as an emperor. You can judge a person by his appearance but not by his heart. The ministers want everything. They have changed and have become selfish. The Ming Dynasty relies on the people, not these scholars and nobles!"

Zhu Yuanzhang is indeed the most underrated emperor. Even though he did not have the wisdom of Zhu Kai who was hundreds of years ahead, he had the foresight and foresight that went beyond his time when looking at this era.

Unfortunately, Zhu Biao is still young.

The reason why Zhu Yuanzhang dared to put down some of his work to accompany Ma Xiuying was entirely because of Zhu Kai's strength. He found that Zhu Kai was more powerful and more comprehensive than he had imagined. In addition, Zhu Kai had no desire for power, so he fully believed that Zhu Kai could assist Zhu Biao.

However, there can only be one emperor in the world. Zhu Biao is the emperor, and Zhu Kai has to be a subject.

How can a minister exceed the authority of the emperor?
Zhu Yuanzhang could trust Zhu Kai unconditionally, and Zhu Biao seemed to be able to do the same, but could this trust last forever?

Zhu Yuanzhang was not sure. He did not dare to believe that people's hearts would not change.

Zhu Biao was tough enough, but he was not ruthless or decisive enough. Hesitation would lead to defeat. With Zhu Biao's character, he would inevitably be influenced.

"Dad, what do you think... Can we have two emperors in the Ming Dynasty, a sage inside and a king outside?"

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said what he wanted to say most: "I will govern the Ming Dynasty from behind, and Brother Kai will be the external king, expanding the territory for the Ming Dynasty and conquering the world..."

After saying this, Zhu Biao saw that Zhu Yuanzhang was about to get angry, and immediately explained: "Dad, I have this idea because my brother Kai told me that the Ming Dynasty is only a corner of the world, and the outside world is still very big. He is fighting outside the world, and I supply him with food and grass. Isn't this good?"

"..."

Originally, when Zhu Yuanzhang heard Zhu Biao's words, he thought that Zhu Biao wanted to drive Zhu Kai away, so he naturally got angry.

He helped Zhu Biao find the most suitable prime minister, and the two brothers worked together to control the court.

However, Zhu Biao actually wanted to drive him away!

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't stand it, but after hearing Zhu Biao's explanation, Zhu Yuanzhang stopped talking. Zhu Biao knew Zhu Kai better than he did, and what Zhu Biao said was the truth. He suddenly remembered that Zhu Kai had longed for the outside world more than once, and he wanted to expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty...

Before talking with Zhu Biao, Zhu Yuanzhang's ears heard Zhu Kai's words like children's talk, about expanding territory... If you don't even want to be the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, how could you be willing to conquer a bigger territory?
However, after hearing what Zhu Biao said, Zhu Yuanzhang finally truly understood what Zhu Kai said. It turned out that what Zhu Kai said was not just some playful talk, but Zhu Kai's real dream.

Zhu Kai really wants to go out to fight.

Thinking of war, Zhu Yuanzhang frowned. If you ask Zhu Kai to go out and play, that's fine, but if you ask Zhu Kai to go out to fight... Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't even get past Ma Xiuying.

Zhu Kai was lucky this time. When he came back, Ma Xiuying was sick, and Zhu Biao happened to save her. By chance, Ma Xiuying did not pursue Zhu Kai's recklessness.

However, not pursuing the matter does not mean that Zhu Kai can do it!
(End of this chapter)