Gou was a member of the imperial family in the late Ming Dynasty

Chapter 1036: Capture
Zhu Youjian didn't say it, but in his heart he had already acknowledged the fact that Zhu Shencui was stronger than himself. Although he was under house arrest in Changchun Palace, Zhu Youjian was not completely ignorant of the situation in the outside world, because Zhu Shencui would sometimes send some news about the situation in the Ming Dynasty to Zhu Youjian to let him know the changes in the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Shenzhui did this on purpose. He wanted to make Zhu Youjian understand the difference between his time as emperor and his time as emperor. He also wanted to change Zhu Youjian's mind subtly. Zhu Shenzhui never intended to kill him. In fact, with Zhu Shenzhui's current status and position, if he really wanted Zhu Youjian to die quietly, it would not be difficult for him, his queen, concubine, princes, and princesses to disappear from this world. It would only take one order. But once he did this, it would set a very bad precedent. Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty by Taizu, except for the disappearance of Emperor Jianwen after Zhu Di's Jingnan, there has been no such thing in the Ming Dynasty. Even when Emperor Yingzong was placed under house arrest after returning to the capital from Mongolia, Emperor Jingtai did not kill him.

Zhu Shenzhui was not Emperor Jingtai, and Zhu Youjian was not Emperor Yingzong, so the benefits of not killing Zhu Youjian were far better than killing him. Keeping Zhu Youjian and his princes alive would not only appease the world and ensure the legitimacy of his own reign, but also prove Zhu Shenzhui's magnanimity. Why would he do such a despicable thing?
Zhu Youjian didn't understand at first, but after a few years he gradually figured out Zhu Shenzhui's ideas, and his worries gradually dissipated. And the facts also proved that Zhu Youjian was unqualified as an emperor. Zhu Shenzhui did much better than him after he became emperor. Under Zhu Shenzhui's leadership, the Ming Dynasty not only quelled the civil strife, but also stabilized the situation in Liaodong, gradually restored production, and made the dynasty rejuvenated again. These were all things that Zhu Youjian had failed to do in more than ten years, but Zhu Shenzhui accomplished them in just a few years, and he was ashamed of himself for this alone.

Following Zhu Shenzhu's explanation of the military academy, not only Zhu Youjian showed emotion, but also his four princes.

Looking at Crown Prince Zhu Minlan, who was only a few years older than them, wearing a military uniform and had a heroic look on his face, they felt extremely envious.

Especially the eldest son Zhu Cilang, who was once the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty. Although he still has the status of a prince, he is actually a prisoner.

Although they had enough food and clothing and could study in Changchun Palace, they had no freedom. Changchun Palace was a small world, and they could only live in it for the rest of their lives. Perhaps decades later, when they grew old and no one remembered them anymore, they would quietly leave this world, and eventually their tombstones would have the name "Zhu Cilang, the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty" written on them, and their lives would be over.

Compared with the current crown prince Zhu Minlan, Zhu Cilang's mood is more complicated. He envies the other's life, and even more envies his military uniform and heroic spirit. However, Zhu Cilang himself knows that he will never have such an opportunity again. Even if Zhu Youjian is in power, he, as the crown prince, can never be the same as Zhu Minlan. Maybe this is his fate.

After a brief conversation, Zhu Youjian, as the "host", invited Zhu Shenzhui to sit down and talk. Zhu Shenzhui did not refuse and sat down on Zhu Youjian's left and right.

Moreover, their sons, Crown Prince Zhu Minlan stood behind Zhu Shenzhui, while Zhu Youjian's four princes stood behind each other. The two sides stood opposite each other with clear distinction. Compared with the majestic and graceful Crown Prince Zhu Minlan, Zhu Youjian's four princes stood there feeling a little uncomfortable. They lowered their heads slightly and only dared to secretly look at Zhu Minlan not far away.

"Your Majesty, your visit to Changchun Palace today is probably not just to see me, right?" Zhu Youjian asked after sitting down.

It was not a festival, but Zhu Shenzhu suddenly came to Changchun Palace, and brought the crown prince with him. Zhu Youjian was not a fool, so how could he not notice something was wrong? Since the person had already come, it was inevitable, so Zhu Youjian did not beat around the bush and asked directly.

"You look much better than the last time I saw you. Are you having any inconvenience in Changchun Palace? Are you short of daily necessities? Are the expenses in the palace okay?" Zhu Shenzhui did not answer the other party's question, but asked with a smile.

Zhu Youjian smiled faintly: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I have a good time here and everything is fine."

"That's good." Zhu Shenzhui nodded with a smile, and looked at the four princes behind him: "Your Majesty's four princes are getting older. When I first came here, I heard that Your Majesty was giving lessons to the princes? How are the princes' studies going?"

"It's OK. Although the conditions in Changchun Palace are not bad, the teaching is only average. As a father, I can only do my best. The children are also attentive, which makes me feel a little relieved."

"It is only natural for a parent to love his children. If you need anything, please let me know. I will do my best to help you."

"Forget it. The purpose of studying is nothing more than to understand the truth. Besides, the children of the royal family do not need to take the imperial examinations. How much they can learn depends on their luck. I will not trouble Your Majesty." Zhu Youjian said lightly.

Zhu Shenzhui nodded slightly and said nothing. At this time, Wang Chengen brought two cups of tea, one for Zhu Shenzhui and the other for Zhu Youjian.

Zhu Shenzui's eyes swept across the teacup beside him and looked at Wang Chengen. After not seeing him for many days, this former chief eunuch of the Imperial Household Department and the close companion of Emperor Chongzhen looked much older than before. His originally black hair had turned gray and his straight back had slightly bent.

"Prince!"

"I'm here!" Wang Chengen, who was about to leave, stopped and bowed to Zhu Shenzhu when he heard Zhu Shenzhu calling him.

"How many years has Eunuch Wang been accompanying the Emperor?" Zhu Shenzhui asked. "I entered the Prince Xin's mansion in the third year of Tianqi, and have been following the Emperor since then."

"That's a long time." Zhu Shenzhui nodded and said, "It's been more than 20 years since the third year of Tianqi. It's not easy for Eunuch Wang to accompany the Emperor for so many years."

"I dare not give such praise. I am the servant of the Supreme Emperor, so I naturally do my duty." Wang Chengen replied with his head down.

"What a good thing to do!" Zhu Shenzhui said with a smile: "Eunuch Wang has been accompanying the Emperor for so many years and has gained His Majesty's trust. Is this because of his duty?"

"Your servant... Your servant..." Wang Cheng'en didn't know how to answer for a moment. Zhu Shenzhui's words were full of meaning. At this moment, Zhu Shenzhui stopped looking at him and said to Zhu Youjian: "Wang Cheng'en has been with you for so many years. What do you think of him?"

"He is a good servant." Zhu Youjian did not understand the meaning of the question, but he still answered the question. And his answer was also from his heart. Wang Chengen had been with him for more than 20 years. It was a fact that he was loyal to him. Moreover, Wang Chengen did not abandon him when he was in the most difficult time. He always stayed by his side. After arriving at Changchun Palace, Wang Chengen was still respectful to him, the queen, the concubine, the princes, and the princesses. He worked hard and never complained. People are not plants and trees, who can be heartless? Although Zhu Youjian was harsh to others, he had a different feeling for Wang Chengen. In his heart, Wang Chengen was not only a servant, but also the person closest to him.

"Yes, a good servant." Zhu Shenzhui nodded and said with emotion: "It was the same with Wei Zhongxian back then. Compared with Wei Zhongxian, Wang Chengen is more loyal. It's a pity that Wang Chengen is not Wei Zhongxian and cannot be Wei Zhongxian. If he had Wei Zhongxian's ability, the emperor would not have fallen to this point today, and the Ming Dynasty would not have been on the verge of extinction."

"What do you mean by that?" Zhu Youjian couldn't help but frown. Why did he mention Wei Zhongxian for no reason? And how could Wang Chengen be Wei Zhongxian? Although Zhu Youjian once regretted killing Wei Zhongxian, he never thought of letting Wang Chengen become another Wei Zhongxian.

"Since you are a servant, you must consider your master. Apart from other things, Eunuch Wang has done a good job in this regard alone." Zhu Shenzhui did not answer Zhu Youjian's words, but said lightly.

Just when Zhu Youjian was puzzled by Zhu Shenzhu's words, he heard a thud. Turning his head, he saw Wang Chengen sitting on the ground with a pale face and his body trembling slightly.

"Wang Banban, you...?" Zhu Youjian was stunned and asked subconsciously.

"Don't worry about him, he's just scared." Zhu Shenzhui said with a smile.

"Scared?" Zhu Youjian didn't understand for a moment. Just when he was about to ask, Wang Chengen took a deep breath, and his trembling body gradually returned to normal. He didn't get up, but kowtowed three times to Zhu Youjian with his hands on the ground. He kowtowed his head to the ground with great force, and when he raised his head, he saw a blood red forehead. Then he looked at Zhu Shenzhui with a calm look.

"Although he's a worthless bastard, he's still a man." Zhu Shenzhu smiled and waved his hand. The crown prince Zhu Minlan stepped forward and kicked Wang Chengen, who was kneeling on the ground, and then shouted. Several Mongolian guards who had been prepared outside rushed in fiercely. They cooperated skillfully and tied Wang Chengen up in no time, and then dragged him out of the house.

"Zhu Shenzhui! You! You!" It all happened extremely quickly, within just a few breaths. Zhu Youjian finally reacted after Wang Chengen was dragged out like a dead dog.

He subconsciously stood up and pointed his finger at Zhu Shenzhui, his face full of anger.

"Your Majesty, there is no need to be angry. Wang Chengen did some things without telling you, and you are not aware of it. Since he has the courage to do these things, he must bear the consequences. Today I am punishing Wang Chengen for your own good." Zhu Shenzhui said calmly to Zhu Youjian.

"What exactly did Wang Banban do? He is unable to leave the Changchun Palace, so what can he do? You are just finding excuses to accuse him!" Zhu Youjian asked angrily. At this time, the princes behind him were already frightened. Originally, they were extremely surprised that Zhu Shenzhu brought the prince with him, but now, Wang Chengen was suddenly arrested without a few words, and in such a decisive way. Could it be that the emperor wanted to take action against them father and son today?

When they thought of this, several princes were terrified and even more uneasy. You know, Zhu Youjian had lost the throne a long time ago. Although he was the emperor, he was actually a prisoner. As Zhu Youjian's princes, their status was even lower than that of ordinary royal family members. Their life and death were in the hands of others. Once Zhu Shenzhu decided to attack them, they would have no power to resist.

"Dad, Your Majesty must have his reasons for doing this. Don't worry. Wang Daban must have done something he shouldn't have done without telling you, otherwise Your Majesty would not have punished him like this. Your Majesty, Wang Chengen has been with my father for many years. My father is a sentimental person. I offended Your Majesty in a hurry. Please forgive me." Zhu Cilang is the oldest. He has also been a prince. Compared with his three younger brothers, he is much calmer. Seeing that his father not only called the emperor's name but also shouted at him, he became anxious and hurried forward to stop him. At the same time, he apologized to the emperor for his father.

(End of this chapter)