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

Chapter 98: How can a dignified emperor bow down to Zhu Kai?

Zhu Kai rested for two days. The wounds on his body were almost healed and his mind became more active.

The next day, he went to Kunning Palace with a spear.

Instead of going to find Ma Xiuying, he went directly to see Zhang Cheng.

"Zhang Cheng! You old fellow have no moral principles and are trying to sneak attack me! Let's fight again!"

Zhu Kai used a gun to perform a trick, pointing the tip of the gun directly at Zhang Cheng: "Don't accuse me of bullying you. My wounds haven't healed yet. We are equally matched. Let's compete now!"

"..."

Looking at Zhu Kai's bear-like body and his eight-foot-long spear, he suddenly felt powerless.

This damn young man, who is as fierce as a bear, is picking up weapons to fight with an old man like me. Can he blame me, an old man, for being unethical and launching a sneak attack?
What about the face?

"..."

Do not hit!

Zhang Cheng said he didn't see Zhu Kai and turned away.

Not even a response.

"Hahaha... Lao Zhang, aren't you the best fighter in the palace? Where are your skills? Where is your courage?"

Zhu Kai was not going to let Zhang Cheng go, and chased after him, shouting, "That's it? You turn around and run away when you see the enemy. Is this your attitude towards the enemy? Ha... that's all!"

"In my opinion, the title of the world's number one expert should be replaced by someone else."

Zhu Kai: Yes, it is me.

Zhang Cheng still did not give any response to Zhu Kai. Hmm... you are right, everything that belongs to you is yours. You are the best master in the palace, and what you say is what it is.

Zhu Kai has no moral principles at all. He is a shameless guy.

Seeing Zhang Cheng leave without saying a word, Zhu Kai was very satisfied and threw the gun to the guard next to him: "Everyone has seen it, this prince defeated the enemy without fighting, just my master's aura alone scared him to flee... mother!"

Before Zhu Kai finished bragging, he saw Ma Xiuying standing at the palace gate looking at him. Zhu Kai ran towards Ma Xiuying without hesitation.

Nothing could make him happier than seeing Ma Xiuying!

Ma Xiuying looked at Zhu Kai, whose body had returned to normal, and couldn't help but clench his wrist.

This child is getting tougher as he grows older. It's really tiring to beat him.

"You are such a shameless kid! Zhang Cheng is already an adult, and you are still fooling around with him."

Ma Xiuying was clear about Zhang Cheng's true strength, that is, Zhang Cheng was willing to mess around with Zhu Kai, and if they really fought, Zhu Kai might not be his opponent.

Of course, Ma Xiuying would not tell Zhu Kai the truth. Some things were better for Zhu Kai to discover on his own.

While eating, Zhu Kai did not mention anything about going to Japan.

He didn't even mention going to Qilu. The more Zhu Kai said this, the more worried Ma Xiuying felt.

Zhu Kai’s reaction... is so unusual.

Ma Xiuying asked worriedly, "Kai'er, do you still want to go to Qilu?"

"Yes I do."

Zhu Kai did not hide his feelings and said to Ma Xiuying: "I want to go, but you won't let me. I have to find a way. Don't worry, mother. I will definitely find a way to make you agree to let me go."

"Humph!"

Ma Xiuying was very unhappy facing Zhu Kai who spoke so bluntly. She really couldn't understand why Zhu Kai, who was so obedient to her, seemed to have become a different person in an instant.

How dare you confront me so directly?

Ma Xiuying decided to stay the same in the face of all changes. She looked at Zhu Kai and said, "This year, don't even think about going out. Stay at home honestly, get married and live with your wife at home. If you want to live outside, Zhang Cheng has already found a house for you. If you want to move out, move out. You've grown up, and I can't control you... Alas, I'm old..."

Zhu Kai curled his lips in disdain. He would use this method to threaten himself.

In history, Ma Xiuying did die young due to illness, but... now because of the appearance of Zhu Kai, Ma Xiuying safely survived the crisis of illness. In addition, Zhu Kai was filial, Zhu Yuanzhang loved him, his sons were all very competitive, the country was peaceful and the Ming Dynasty was thriving. Ma Xiuying had no pressure at all in such a good life. There were imperial doctors around to help her check her body. Even if she didn't say "Long live the Ming Dynasty", she would never die as early as in history.

Therefore, Ma Xiuying said these words just to make Zhu Kai feel uncomfortable and make him embarrassed to extract Qi Lu again.

But... can Zhu Kai be convinced so easily about his decision?

Besides, Zhu Kai didn’t say that we would sail to the island country right now, so there’s still some time to wait, right?
Zhu Kai still explained his point of view to Ma Xiuying, so that Ma Xiuying would not deny it when he brought up the matter again in the future: "Mom, you think too much. I went to Qilu only to eliminate the Japanese pirates in Qilu, and I would not easily sail out to sea. Besides, your son is a fish in the sea, and I have more say in the affairs of the sea. If I go to Japan, it must be calm!"

"What you say is better than what you sing."

Ma Xiuying didn't buy it and still held the same view as before: "This year, just think about getting married, don't think about anything else, do you hear me?"

"Oh, I see. I see."

Zhu Kai echoed her. He didn't know why Ma Xiuying liked to make him make decisions that went against his personal wishes.

What’s the use of knowing it now?

Who in the world doesn’t know that Zhu Kai is a disobedient child?
Moreover, Ma Xiuying also knew that Zhu Kai’s so-called oath was meaningless. Was she saying it now just to seek a little psychological comfort?
Alas, parents all over the world are so pitiful. Having a naughty child like Zhu Kai makes parents really worried.

After dinner, Zhu Kai left Kunning Palace and saw Zhang Cheng outside, holding something in his hand and seemed to be throwing something.

However, Zhu Kai discovered that Zhang Cheng had nothing in his hand. What was he throwing?
When he looked closer, Zhu Kai saw that what Zhang Cheng was holding in his hand were needles as long as his little finger, very thin... and silver-white all over. If you didn't look closely, you really couldn't tell that Zhang Cheng was holding needles.

"Oh my god, Zhang Cheng, are you a sissy? You're actually playing with needles?"

Zhu Kai never expected that the character Dongfang Bubai who played with needles, whom he portrayed based on Zhang Cheng, was actually playing with needles in real life.

"Haha, Kai, you're joking. I'm a knife player, but I also have some acupuncture skills. As I get older, I have to practice more to avoid getting rusty."

Zhang Cheng glanced at Zhu Kai, looked him up and down, and then reminded him: "Your Highness the Second Prince should also be careful. It is easy to dodge an open attack but difficult to guard against an arrow from the dark. The Second Prince is too ruthless, so it is inevitable that there will be villains around him."

He watched Zhu Kai grow up, so he naturally wouldn't secretly prick Zhu Kai with a needle just because Zhu Kai said "unsportsmanlike". He must know something that Ma Xiuying didn't know but Zhu Kai knew.

If what Zhu Kai did violated the interests of some people, they would regard Zhu Kai as a thorn in their eyes and a thorn in their flesh.

If what Zhu Kai did had not crossed their bottom line, these people might still take Zhu Kai's status as a prince into consideration and not dare to go too far with him.

However, if Zhu Kai does something beyond their bottom line, it will be hard to say what will happen. That group of people will do anything for their own interests.

Ever since Zhu Yuanzhang conquered Yingtian, Zhang Cheng, as Ma Xiuying's bodyguard, has never left Yingtian Prefecture. After the founding of the Ming Dynasty, all the eunuchs in the palace, big and small, were his disciples. It can be said that he had eyes and ears everywhere in the palace, and there was nothing in the palace that he didn't know.

You see, why did the eunuchs in the Ming Dynasty have such great power?
The reasons are very simple. They follow the emperor and know first-hand information. If the eunuchs are flexible and worldly-wise, they can use the information they get to get the money and power they want.

Zhang Cheng didn't need these. He didn't have any ambitions. He just thought it was nice to be with Ma Xiuying and was willing to follow her.

Zhu Kai naturally understood that since those guys even dared to kill the emperor, there was nothing in the world that they dared not do.

However, Zhu Kai was not afraid of this. Instead, he hugged Zhang Cheng's neck and said with a smile: "Old Zhang, you think too highly of the enemy and too lowly of me. Not to mention a killer, even if I face thousands of troops alone, I still have ways to save my life."

Isn't it just hiding on a super ocean-going freighter?

With the things Zhu Kai carries in there, it will be no problem for him to live on the ship for three to five hundred years. Besides... there are secret weapons on Zhu Kai's super ocean-going freighter.

"Besides, if the enemy hits me, won't I resist?"

Zhu Kai boasted to Zhang Cheng, "You have seen my 300-man personal guard battalion, right? The weapons and equipment they have can take a person's head from a thousand steps away... It is definitely the strongest army in the world. Just think about it, hidden weapons can only shoot fifty steps away, but the weapons our personal guard battalion is equipped with can shoot within a mile. The Mongols can't move forward in front of my formation, so what are those clowns?"

"Well, I saw the stuff, it's really amazing."

Zhang Cheng also had to admit that the weapon Zhu Kai took out was very good, something he had never seen or heard of before: "Before, I thought that the fire gun was already an excellent weapon, but I didn't expect that you could actually take out that kind of weapon. The gun... is simply a magical weapon!"

There were not only guns, but also grenades. Zhang Cheng was very jealous when he saw these, but Zhang Hao valued those weapons more than his life and would not even let Zhang Cheng touch them. Zhang Cheng had no choice. He couldn't just snatch them from his own son, right?

So, Zhang Cheng just took a look at it and felt that this weapon was a masterpiece of ingenuity.

"You're jealous of my weapon, aren't you? No problem. I'll give you one when the time comes. I'll also bring you some bullets. You can use them to practice well."

Zhu Kai didn't think Zhang Cheng needed the gun, but he could see that he liked it very much, so Zhu Kai would definitely not be stingy and would give it to him. Zhang Cheng was not an outsider, and in some ways, Zhang Cheng was more trustworthy than Zhang Hao.

……

Just like Zhang Cheng liked the secret weapon that Zhu Kai took out, Zhu Yuanzhang was also very jealous of the weapon that Zhu Kai took out.

But after he got the weapon from Zhu Kai, he played with it in his hand for a while, and then sent the weapon to the army. He summoned all the skilled craftsmen in the army, disassembled the weapon sent by Zhu Kai, and then copied it one-to-one.

However, after studying for half a month, they still had no idea how to disassemble the AK47, and had no choice but to report to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"What? You don't even know how to dismantle it?"

Zhu Yuanzhang looked unhappy and shouted at the newcomer, "What a waste! The gun was like a toy in Kai'er's hand. It broke into pieces in the blink of an eye and was put together again in the blink of an eye. It's a simple thing, why can't you do it? First like this, then like that, and finally like this... Isn't the gun disassembled?"

First this, then that, and finally this...

Listening to your words is better than talking to you, what’s the use?

Even you, Zhu Yuanzhang, don’t know how to take a gun apart, so how can we know?

Zhu Yuanzhang drove the craftsmen away with a depressed look on his face and sat alone sulking.

Zhu Yuanzhang was naturally unwilling to accept that such a good weapon could not be developed. A weapon that could take people's heads from a mile away and was more convenient to carry than cannons, how could Zhu Yuanzhang not like such a weapon?
If this kind of weapon is equipped, sweeping across the desert will not be a problem at all... Zhu Yuanzhang also wanted to be an emperor of all ages with both civil and military virtues, and he wanted to be as good as anyone in both civil and military affairs.

As the emperor with the most legitimate claim to the throne in history, Zhu Yuanzhang has greater ambitions than anyone else. If the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty in northern Mobei can be resolved as soon as possible, Zhu Yuanzhang can free up more energy to deal with more things.

But the key point now is that it cannot be made and all the craftsmen are helpless.

"I just don't believe it. We can't even make a gun!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was extremely dissatisfied. If Zhu Kai could have it, how could he not even be able to make it?
After working for a few more days, there was still no result. Although Zhu Yuanzhang was very angry at the incompetence of the craftsmen, he also knew that the craftsmen themselves had researched the gun and would definitely not lie. After all, the lives and property of these craftsmen were in Zhu Yuanzhang's hands.

After all, no one would joke about their own life.

"Do we really have to beg that little bastard?"

Thinking in his mind, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but think of Zhu Kai, and then he shuddered all over: "No, I can't go!"

Now, Zhu Kai is looking for a way to go to Qi and Lu. Not only Zhu Biao has to help Zhu Kai find a solution, but Zhu Yuanzhang also has to help find a solution.

But... letting Zhu Kai go to Qilu, isn't this clearly going against Ma Xiuying?

Zhu Yuanzhang would not do anything that would not benefit himself at all.

Zhu Yuanzhang knew very well that he had promised to help Zhu Kai find a way to go to Qi and Lu, but he just kept delaying and could not meet Zhu Kai on weekdays. Zhu Yuanzhang also hoped to delay it for as long as possible, until Hu Weiyong solved the problem of the Japanese pirates and suppressed the Kong family.

In this way, Zhu Kai has no reason to go to Qilu, right?

At the very least, we should wait until Zhu Kai gets married, right?

Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to delay, and Zhu Kai also knew that Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to delay, but Zhu Kai was sitting on the Diaoyutai, not worried at all that Zhu Yuanzhang would cheat and go back on his word, nor was he in a hurry to find Zhu Yuanzhang to make a fuss, as if he had never asked Zhu Yuanzhang to do anything for him.

After thinking about it, Zhu Yuanzhang felt that there was something wrong: "Could this rebellious son have been determined from the beginning that we would go and beg him?"

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly woke up, and then thought about it carefully...it is really possible!

It's not just about the 'gun' issue, there are other things as well. Zhu Kai is like a lucky charm. No matter what kind of problem he throws at you, he can always find a way to deal with it.

Even if it was not because they had no idea how to imitate the "gun", there were other things. For example, when Hu Weiyong went to Qi and Lu, although it was Zhu Biao who made the decision, the idea was given by Zhu Kai. When Hu Weiyong arrived in Qi and Lu, he would definitely have a lot of things to deal with. When he encountered trouble, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao could not find a better solution, so they would definitely turn to Zhu Kai for help.

If you want to avoid Zhu Kai at that time, there will be no way at all.

Could someone like Zhu Kai be easily avoided?

"Damn it, that rebellious son is not only making trouble now, but after going to the North, he even knows how to use military tactics!"

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to have imagined the scene of himself being controlled by Zhu Kai.

Zhu Yuanzhang was furious when he thought that he, as a father, was actually being held under the control of his own son.

"The traitor! The traitor!"

I am such a failure as a father!

Uncomfortable!

……

Although he really didn't want to look for Zhu Kai, Zhu Yuanzhang had to go look for Zhu Kai for the sake of his long-term dream of becoming the greatest emperor of all time.

Isn't it just groveling? It's not like I haven't grovelled before, what's there to be afraid of!

Zhu Yuanzhang went to find Zhu Kai with his head held high. When he entered Fengxian Hall, his demeanor changed: "Kai'er, I came to see you. How are you...how are you staying at home? You haven't been out to cause trouble these days, and I'm still a little uncomfortable."

"What's there to make a fuss about? There are only a few people here and there. It's meaningless."

Zhu Kai looked sick, as if nothing could interest him: "Dad, I want to teach. Can you get me a teaching position in Wenhua Hall? My stupid brother is not talented, and I, as his elder brother, can't stand it."

"Good, that's good!"

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard Zhu Kai's suggestions, he immediately became happy.

I thought Zhu Kai would make some excessive demands, just this?

Being a teacher... just go. Anyway, there are so many teachers in Wenhua Hall, and Zhu Kai doesn't have many classes in a month, so let him, as an older brother, take his younger brother out to play: "Go, you must go. Even if you don't mention it, I have this idea, but I'm afraid you're too busy to go, hehe... so I didn't bother you."

Old Zhu himself didn't believe what he said was true.

Zhu Kai didn't believe it either. Zhu Yuanzhang was even prepared to be ridiculed by his son, but... Zhu Kai didn't object: "What can I do for you? Dad, just arrange anything. I will do my best to help you."

"..."

This boy, when did he become so sensible?
Facing such a well-behaved Zhu Kai, Zhu Yuanzhang felt uncomfortable: "Son, have you encountered any problems? Tell me if you have any problems. I will do everything I can to help you. Just like you said, I will do my best!"

"Nothing. I just want to be a teacher. Everything else is fine."

After Zhu Kai finished speaking, he asked Zhu Yuanzhang, "Dad, what do you want to see me about?"

Zhu Yuanzhang would never go to the Sanbao Temple without a reason, and would never get up early without a benefit. So how could he come to the Fengxian Temple for no reason?
Moreover, Zhu Yuanzhang has not yet done what he promised Zhu Kai. He can't even hide from Zhu Kai, so how could he easily pop up? "It's a little thing."

Zhu Yuanzhang said, asking Yuan Qi to take the AK47 and handing it to Zhu Kai: "Kai'er, to be honest, the weapons you provided are really great. I really want to copy a batch, but the craftsmen we found don't even know how to disassemble this gun. I have no choice but to come to you, hehe... Son, just consider it as helping your father, okay?"

"Okay."

Zhu Kai agreed very readily, "Dad wants to know how to disassemble the gun, not for himself, but for the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty, so that they can have more advanced weapons and have a greater chance of survival. This is a good thing that benefits the country and the people, why shouldn't I help?"

what?
Zhu Kai has always been a guy who never does anything without benefits. What happened today?

Is your brain broken?

With such a good opportunity, why doesn’t Zhu Kai put forward two conditions?
Is this still Zhu Kai?

Zhu Kai agreed so readily that Zhu Yuanzhang didn't know whether he should believe him or doubt him.

This bastard Zhu Kai, isn't he digging a bigger hole for me to fall into?
Zhu Yuanzhang was extremely alert, but he couldn't think of any possibility of breaking the impasse because he really needed Zhu Kai's help.

Zhu Kai didn't care what Zhu Yuanzhang was thinking, and said directly to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Dad, what are you waiting for here? Hurry up and ask your master carpenter to come to me, I will teach them how to disassemble the gun."

Uh...but, we came to you not only to ask you to teach us how to disassemble the gun, but also for other things. You also have to help me with how to make the parts of the gun, right?
It was still the same reason. Zhu Kai agreed so readily that Zhu Yuanzhang was embarrassed to ask him for help again.

It’s so damn... so uncomfortable.

Zhu Yuanzhang gritted his teeth...I would rather die than die. He couldn't let Zhu Kai control him in such a shady way, and then he wouldn't be able to do anything in the future.

"Uh, Kai'er..."

Before he could even open his mouth, Zhu Kai interrupted him: "Dad, what are you still doing here? Go and call for help. You may not understand that disassembling a gun is a technical job. If it is not done well, the gun may be destroyed. If one part is not good, the gun will be broken."

It sounded very serious... After hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang was so scared that he didn't dare to say anything and left quickly.

The gun is now a priceless treasure. Only Zhu Kai has this thing. It is no exaggeration to say that it is priceless. If you meet a powerful person, he can turn a city upside down with just one gun. Moreover, guns are very easy to hide, so it is difficult to catch the person.

Zhu Kai was the exclusive agent and had bargaining power and supply. Even if Zhu Yuanzhang was the emperor, he had to look at Zhu Kai's face if he wanted to use guns on a large scale in the army before opening up new channels.

"Okay, son, I'll call the person over right away. It's up to you how to teach him. I won't interfere."

After leaving these words, Zhu Yuanzhang disappeared in Fengxian Hall.

Zhu Kai watched Zhu Yuanzhang leave with a sneer on his face: That's it?

I haven't even used even one-third of my strength, and you can't do it anymore?
Real food!

Xiao Pacai is better than you!
Zhu Kai was very contemptuous of Zhu Yuanzhang's fighting ability, then he snorted and continued to lie down to rest.

Feeling bored, he called the four sisters Chunxiang, Xiaxiang, Qiuxiang and Dongxiang who were serving in Fengxian Hall to come and serve him.

It's good that he is getting married soon. He has maids around him. The maids in Fengxian Hall before were all old maids sent by Ma Xiuying to take care of him. Now that he is an adult, all the old maids have been removed and replaced by a group of very young women. Zhu Kai is very satisfied with four of the girls and named them Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. It is estimated that there will be more girls in the future.

Zhu Kai is not some rhodium-cesium embryo, he is just here for appreciation. If there is a beautiful woman next to you or an old woman next to you, anyone would know how to choose, right?

As for teaching the craftsmen sent by Zhu Yuanzhang to dismantle the guns...

Zhu Kai’s personal guard camp can do it by sending anyone, so there is no need to worry about it.

"Dad, big brother...you guys want to play the game of procrastination with me? Haha...I have plenty of time to play with you guys, let's see who can beat who!"

……

Zhu Yuanzhang returned to Wuying Palace and kept recalling the scene of meeting Zhu Kai today. Zhu Kai's reaction was wrong, very wrong, and it was totally not Zhu Kai's style... So, there must be a trick!

Zhu Kai must be digging a bigger hole!

Zhu Yuanzhang, who had always been cautious towards Zhu Kai, was very alert when Zhu Kai suddenly changed his attitude, but he could not figure it out. Zhu Yuanzhang had no choice but to invite Zhu Biao to tell him about Zhu Kai's reaction.

After hearing what Zhu Yuanzhang said, Zhu Biao pondered for a long time, and then said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Dad, there are too many government affairs these days. I am dealing with government affairs every day. I have never been to Brother Kai, so I can't answer your question. As for Brother Kai's changes, I am indeed suspicious. How about I wait until I am done with these two days and then go to Fengxian Hall to see Brother Kai?"

Hearing Zhu Biao's words, Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but pick up the book at hand and threw it at Zhu Biao: "Little bastard, you want to play the dragging knife trick with me, right?"

"..."

Zhu Biao said that he didn't want to play a delaying tactic, but the key point was that Zhu Biao was already having a headache dealing with government affairs every day, so how could he have the time to figure out the tactical communication between Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Kai?
The culprit behind all this is Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang said that his son had grown up and was capable, so he devoted a lot of energy to handling complicated government affairs. If he could put his energy back into handling government affairs, Zhu Biao would not be so busy.

As for who would win or lose in the confrontation between Zhu Kai and Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao never worried about it.

Is there any need to ask? Zhu Kai must have won. When did Zhu Yuanzhang ever win?
Even if Zhu Yuanzhang felt relieved for a moment and beat Zhu Kai severely to satisfy his urge to do something, when the story came to an end, Zhu Yuanzhang would find that he had suffered a great loss.

For example, in the current situation, it seems that Zhu Yuanzhang has gained an advantage, but what about the reality? It is far from over and Zhu Kai has not made any moves yet.

Therefore, Zhu Biao will not wade into this muddy water...

If Zhu Yuanzhang was defeated miserably and had no face to show himself by then, he would have to put the blame on himself in order to shirk his responsibilities. It would be strange that Zhu Biao would be willing to get involved in such a thankless task!
However, Zhu Yuanzhang did not intend to let Zhu Biao go: "I don't care, you have to help me figure out Zhu Kai's little abacus, otherwise, where will I put my face as a father?"

Zhu Yuanzhang acted as if he would not let Zhu Biao leave unless he spoke. Zhu Biao felt helpless after seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's attitude... How could there be such an unreasonable person?
After thinking for a while, Zhu Biao said to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Dad, the only way now is for you to give up the idea of ​​making a gun. The fire gun can be improved, but it is basically impossible to make a gun exactly like the gun in Kaidi's hand. In addition, Kaidi will seize your eagerness to get a gun and control you everywhere. Then your situation will become even more difficult."

First they let you see hope, and then they hang you up little by little. When all the hope is gone, they can make demands. Zhu Yuanzhang will feel even more uncomfortable.

"No, if such a good weapon cannot be used on soldiers, the Ming soldiers will suffer a lot. Since there is a chance to avoid these losses, why don't we seize it?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was unwilling to give up his possession of guns.

Because... the weapon in Zhu Kai's hand can enable him to realize his dream of becoming the greatest emperor of all time.

"Isn't there still Brother Kai?"

Zhu Biao said, "Brother Kai is here to fight in the north, why not let him go? Brother Kai is extremely brave, and with his weapons, the remnant Yuan cannot be his opponent at all!"

Just trust Zhu Kai and everything will be fine!
Zhu Biao continued, "Although Brother Kai bullies this and that every day, no one can deny that Brother Kai has a kind heart. He cares about the lives of soldiers more than we do. So with Brother Kai around, there is no problem he cannot solve."

In a nutshell, just one sentence: trust Zhu Kai.

After Zhu Biao finished speaking, he added: "Dad, like you, I don't want Brother Kai to participate in the war and have anything to do with the war, but... Dad, you have to know that Brother Kai is not someone who can be controlled by others. We can't stop him from doing what he wants to do, so we might as well support him."

However, Zhu Yuanzhang only responded with two words: No!

There is only one reason why he rejected it so cleanly and neatly: Zhu Yuanzhang was a man with a strong desire for control. He believed in Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao, but no matter how much he believed in them, Zhu Yuanzhang would rather keep things in his own hands.

Only what you hold in your hands is real.

This desire for control has nothing to do with trust. He just wants to hold things that are beyond his control in his own hands, that's all.

"You believe in Kai'er, and so do I, but we can't live without him."

Zhu Yuanzhang clenched his fist and said to Zhu Biao, "Instead of being controlled by others later, it is better to set up a battle array and negotiate now. What excessive conditions can that rebellious son ask? Doesn't he just want to go to Qi and Lu? Just find a way for him!"

After hearing what Zhu Yuanzhang said, Zhu Biao immediately shut up.

Now that things have come to this, there is basically no possibility of changing them. Zhu Yuanzhang has made up his mind, and that cannot be changed by anyone else.

Zhu Yuanzhang was determined not to let Zhu Biao go: "You, help me think of a way, how can we make your mother not angry and agree to Kai'er going to Qi and Lu?

Remember, your mother cannot be angry with us!"

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang felt very depressed.

That little bastard did something bad, but we are the ones who took the blame! Why should we be blamed?

"..."

Zhu Biao: Dad, you are so kind. No matter what happens, you never forget me.

"Yes, I'll find a way when I get back!"

"Tell us when you have a solution, and then you go and convince your mother!"

Zhu Biao: I really would thank you!

……

Try to think of a solution, but what a shitty solution you can come up with.

When Zhu Biao returned to the Government Affairs Hall, he was furious to see Hu Weiyong leisurely drinking tea. He hadn't done anything yet and he was already so angry. Where could he go to seek justice?

It's not just me who did it. Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Kai were also involved... Why should I be the only one to bear the blame?
Looking at Hu Weiyong drinking tea, Zhu Biao was furious: "Hu Weiyong, have you dealt with the matters at hand? If you have, hurry up and take up your post. Why are you wasting time here?"

I can't vent my anger on Zhu Kai and Zhu Yuanzhang, but I can't deal with you, Hu Weiyong?
All the ministers in the Government Affairs Hall, including Wang Guangyang and others, stopped what they were doing, pricked up their ears to listen, or quietly turned their heads to the side to watch when they saw Zhu Biao was so angry about Hu Weiyong.

They rarely saw Zhu Biao angry, especially in the Government Affairs Hall. This was basically something that would never happen. However, this was something that would never happen, but it happened, and the target of it was Hu Weiyong.

Think about how Zhu Biao suddenly targeted Hu Weiyong and drove him out of the court, and today he reprimanded Hu Weiyong for no reason in the Government Affairs Hall... What does this indicate?
This shows that Zhu Biao finally could no longer tolerate Zhu Yuanzhang's preference for Zhu Kai and began to target Zhu Kai!

Great news!
What a happy event!
Among the officials in the Government Affairs Hall, except Hu Weiyong who was a staunch lackey of Zhu Kai and Wang Guangyang who was only loyal to Zhu Yuanzhang, every other official was a member of the prince's party.
Now, Zhu Biao is finally going to take action against Zhu Kai's henchmen. How can the officials of the Prince's Party not be happy?
If this wasn't the government hall, they would have jumped up and danced to music.

Happy!
As for Hu Weiyong, he did not care about Zhu Biao's scolding. As a person involved in the Zhu family's plan, he naturally regarded Zhu Biao's scolding as an act.

Isn't it just to let those ordinary people relax their vigilance? It's a small matter... I'm familiar with this!
"Your Highness, you are being too broad-minded."

Hu Weiyong acted like he was just the Second Prince's lackey and didn't take you, the Crown Prince, seriously. "My position was appointed by Your Majesty. Whether I was in the court or serving in Qi and Lu, it was all Your Majesty's order. Your Highness, are you going to act on Your Majesty's behalf?"

Just like he had bullied officials in the past, Hu Weiyong would always accuse people of "rebellion".

When the officials of the prince's party heard Hu Weiyong's words, they could no longer hold back and jumped up to accuse Hu Weiyong:
"Prime Minister Hu, do you want to sow discord between the Emperor and the Crown Prince?"

"Prime Minister Hu's words are a disaster for the country and the people!"

"I will immediately write a memorial to Your Majesty, asking him to execute this official!"

The princes' party stood firmly with Zhu Biao and accused Hu Weiyong of treasonous remarks, but Hu Weiyong didn't care at all and didn't even take out the "Record of Traitors".

There is no need to do so. Except for Zhu Biao, who among those present is not listed in the "Record of Traitors"?

Sooner or later they will have to make a list!

There is no need to remember these meaningless things now.

Zhu Biao didn't expect that Hu Weiyong would dare to contradict him in person, and he was very angry.

Don't think that just because you are the number one lackey under Brother Kai's command, I dare not do anything to you. I, Zhu Biao, am the crown prince, the heir to the throne of the Ming Dynasty. He can dote on Zhu Kai unconditionally, but this does not mean that you, a subject, dare to contradict me.

"You are an official appointed by our father, so I can't do anything to you, right?"

Zhu Biao's face darkened, and he shouted directly: "Come here, Hu Weiyong has been a figurehead and has been disrespecting the crown prince. Drag him out and give him twenty strokes of the cane!"

Soon the palace guards came over, stood beside Hu Weiyong, and wanted to take him away.

"cut!"

Hu Weiyong was very disdainful, as if these twenty sticks were nothing.

You are so awesome, why don’t you kill me?
Still no use!

The palace guards tried to restrain Hu Weiyong, but Hu Weiyong broke free and said, "No need for you, I can walk on my own!"

After saying this, Hu Weiyong walked out by himself.

It's just cooperating in acting. He is familiar with this business... When he gets beaten later, if the opponent doesn't use enough force, he will take the initiative to add twenty more sticks.

When it comes to acting, you have to do the whole thing.

After Zhu Biao, the scapegoat, dealt with Hu Weiyong, he seemed a little bored and resentful in the Government Affairs Hall.

I am asked to handle government affairs and take the blame...

Just because I'm a prince, do I have to bear all these pressures that don't belong to me?
This is not fair!

You guys don't work anymore, right?
Row!
I don’t want to do it anymore!

Zhu Biao left angrily, leaving Wang Guangyang confused and other officials from the prince's party who were excited.

……

Zhu Biao and Hu Weiyong did not have any tacit understanding at all, but this did not affect their perfect cooperation at all.

Even others think...

The two brothers Zhu Kai and Zhu Biao are now at loggerheads with each other, and the two brothers are about to compete for the position of crown prince.

Everyone believed that Zhu Biao and Zhu Kai had already fallen out, and the war for the crown prince position was about to reach a fever pitch, with hand-to-hand combat about to break out.

This is something that no one else could have imagined, but it is also something that no one else could have predicted. The prince's party were all expecting Zhu Biao to completely defeat Zhu Kai in the battle for the crown prince. As for Zhu Kai's counterattack... apart from his two fathers-in-law and his running dog Hu Weiyong, what other power does he have?
So... Zhu Biao must win!
As for Zhu Biao, whom the ministers had been waiting for for a long time, he had been sold out by Zhu Yuanzhang without the knowledge of all the court officials.

"Sister, let me tell you something. I'm not sure about this, but from what Biaoer said, he seems to want to help Kaier go to Qilu."

When Zhu Yuanzhang was having dinner that night, he had already sold out Zhu Biao and completely gained a strategic advantage: "I chatted with Biaoer today, and from what he said, it seems that he is dissatisfied with our arrangement."

First, he put the blame on Zhu Biao, just like Zhu Kai did in the past. In order to make Ma Xiuying take sides, he took the initiative to report the itinerary first and told Ma Xiuying all the reactions of others, giving Ma Xiuying a preconceived impression.

Zhu Kai openly does not hide anything from his mother, so he naturally wins Ma Xiuying's trust.

Zhu Yuanzhang knew very well that Zhu Kai had a great time in the northern border, and he would definitely not stay at home obediently in the future. In order to avoid living alone again, Zhu Yuanzhang kept thinking about why Zhu Kai was so trusted by Ma Xiuying in his spare time, and then learned a trick of "the evildoer complains first".

It was not aimed at Zhu Kai, but just to make Zhu Biao take the blame.

In order to let his eldest son take the blame, Zhu Yuanzhang put in a lot of effort. He made solemn promises to make Ma Xiuying believe it naturally.

As expected, after hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Ma Xiuying frowned and asked in confusion: "Biao'er? Does he want Kai'er to go out? No way?"

"We also think that Biao'er would not do this. He would like to tie Zhu Kai to his belt."

Zhu Yuanzhang first affirmed Ma Xiuying's words, and then began to plant the seeds of doubt in Ma Xiuying's heart: "But sister, think about the eldest brother, how does he treat Kai'er? Kai'er is clinging to him, will Biao'er wrong his brother? This is his most beloved brother."

"Biao'er once told me that he is the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty and he will not have any other identity. He must follow the Ming laws. But I found that this is only true for other people. To Kai'er... Biao'er will always be the eldest brother."

It will only be the eldest brother.

(End of this chapter)