The stupid son of Chongba

Chapter 164: We will all be vassal kings in the future, why are you fighting for your life? !

Li Shanchang and Song Lian walked out of the Huagai Palace without speaking to each other, each with their own thoughts.

At this moment, a figure came towards them.

"Master Li, Master Song."

Zhu Biao bowed to the two of them and said with a smile,
"Have you reported the imperial examination to your father?"

When the two men saw that it was Zhu Biao, they hurriedly bowed to return the greeting.

"See His Highness the Crown Prince."

"I have met His Highness the Crown Prince."

Zhu Biao smiled and lifted up the two men's hands.

"I haven't had time to ask yet, how is the imperial examination going?"

he asked.

Li Shanchang glanced at Song Lian and said:

"Reporting to Your Highness, in this imperial examination, there are 24 people on the southern list and 17 people on the northern list. Both the southern and northern lists have not been filled."

"However, His Majesty has just given instructions that it is better to have a lack than to have unqualified people, so the remaining vacancies will not be filled. This time, only 41 people will be admitted to the imperial examination."

Zhu Biao was slightly surprised when he heard this.

"That's it..."

He murmured,

"It seems that the questions asked by Little Orange really stumped quite a few people!"

"Alright, alright, just as my father said, it's better to have nothing than to have something less than perfect!"

After a short pause, Zhu Biao smiled and said:
"It's good that you've been accepted. This imperial examination has gone through many twists and turns, and it's hard work for both masters."

"Oh, by the way, does your Majesty have any top-ranking papers? Or do we have to wait until the palace examination?"

When he thought about the last time his father used rice to select the top scholar, he wanted to laugh.

I hope that this time, something like this won’t happen again, otherwise... this group of scholars may fail again.

"Uh... Your Highness, His Majesty is not planning to hold a palace examination."

Song Lian bowed and said,
"Your Majesty has just issued an order for His Royal Highness the Prince of Wu to review the examination papers and select the top three, and list the top three Jinshi."

"Lord Li and I are about to go to the Imperial College to collect the examination papers. Your Highness, the King of Wu, will make the final decision then."

As he spoke, he carefully observed Zhu Biao's expression.

If any prince in history encountered such a thing, he would probably think too much!

After all, this was to delegate the emperor's power to a prince! And this power was still very important and sacred!
However, when Zhu Biao heard these words, his expression remained calm and he even laughed.

"Haha, I think my little brother is going to swear again because I always assign him work to do."

He waved his hand and said,
"Okay, the two masters, go and get busy. I have something to report to my father, so I won't chat with you any more."

"Farewell."

After saying that, Zhu Biao walked straight into the Huagai Hall, leaving Li Shanchang and Song Lian looking at each other in bewilderment.

"Farewell to Your Highness."

Li Shanchang stood up slowly, his expression a little complicated.

"The Crown Prince and the King of Wu are truly... brothers in love and respect!"

Song Lian nodded in agreement.

From the very natural expression displayed by the prince, it can be seen that there is not even a single rift between him and the King of Wu!
This is indeed rare!
Could it be that in the royal family there is really such a thing as 'a loving father and a filial son' and 'brothers are friendly and respectful to each other'?
…It’s hard to say.

……

Inside the Huagai Palace.

"Dad, one good news and one bad news."

Zhu Biao walked up to Zhu Yuanzhang and said seriously,
"Which one do you want to hear first?"

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but frown when he heard this.

"I told you to go find Lao Niubizi, why are you talking about good news and bad news?"

He spat.
"Have you learned to keep us in suspense? Let me hear the bad news first!"

Old Zhu is a person who always likes to experience bitterness first and then sweetness.

Zhu Biao nodded and said:

"Don't get angry after hearing this. The bad news is... Taoist Master Peng Xuan is missing."

"There is no one in the post house where he is. I heard from the postmaster that Taoist Master Peng Xuan has never left the house. We don't know how he left."

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, his brows immediately raised.

"He ran away?"

He said unhappily,

"What's the point of eating for those who care about his food and drink! How can such a big living person run away without making any noise?"

"You are derelict in your duty and you deserve to be killed!"

Seeing his father getting angry, Zhu Biao hurriedly said:

"Dad, don't be angry. Taoist Peng Xuan is really capable. He left without anyone noticing. Even the postmaster couldn't find out!"

"This is not the fault of the people below."

Hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang snorted coldly.

"What do you mean by ignoring everything? You are just playing tricks on me."

He said with disdain,
"He simply relied on his martial arts skills to escape through the window at night when no one was paying attention! What else could he do? Or else he must have dug a tunnel and escaped."

"Don't imagine how powerful he is. He is a mortal, not a god! He is not that powerful!"

Zhu Biao was startled.

Listening to his father's description, he imagined in his mind the scene of Taoist Master Peng Xuan wearing night clothes and sneaking out of the window.

That scene... well, it feels very stolen!
"Okay, let's just run away...what's the good news?"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

He was too lazy to talk about this and was not in the mood to play hide-and-seek with Peng Xuan.

"The good news is that Taoist Master Peng Xuan left a note for you."

Zhu Biao laughed and said,

"I have seen it, you see--"

As he said this, he took out the note from his sleeve and handed it to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Swish.

Old Zhu looked up.

"The sect has something going on, so I am leaving without saying goodbye. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

He muttered,

"Your Majesty, I know what you are worried about. I will go to my disciple Zhu Ju to seek help. He has his own solution..."

"Ok?"

"Ask Zhu Ju to solve it? This kid can actually pray for rain? Then how did he shirk responsibility last time?"

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned.

It would be fine if Peng Xuan was just playing tricks, but he also left such a confusing note. What does that mean?
If Zhu Ju is asked to pray for rain, will God give him the face he deserves?
How can this brat have such a big face?
"Dad, since Taoist Peng left such a note, there must be a reason for it. Maybe the solution lies with Xiaojuzi?"

Zhu Biao said,
"Should we go and discuss countermeasures with him? It's not a good idea to keep Yingtian in drought, don't you think? The people are suffering. If this season's harvest fails, they will have a hard time getting through the winter."

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and read the small note in his hand again and again.

After a long while, he nodded.

"All right!"

"Why is everything on him? The imperial examinations also revolve around him, and now we have to rely on him for rain! It's as if he is the son of destiny, and I am like a fake emperor!"

"Let's go! Let's go to King Wu's residence!"

Old Zhu couldn't help but complain.

In the current situation, it seems that the Ming Dynasty will not be able to progress without Zhu Ju?

"If that's the case, it's a good thing."

Zhu Biao was quite open-minded and said with a smile,
"There is someone who can solve the problem, and this person is your good son. Isn't this a good thing? There is no need to worry about anything else."

"I'm afraid that if I run into a difficult problem, no one can solve it. The longer I put it off, the worse it gets. Don't you agree?"

After hearing these words, Zhu Yuanzhang snorted.

"You are so generous. Now he can solve the problem. You have the bearing of a monarch. Let's see... we can both retire and become the emperor! Let's give this position to you two!"

"Humph!"

Although he was harsh in his words, he was in a quite cheerful mood.

These two brothers complement each other.

"Let's go to King Wu's residence!"

……

Inside the residence of the King of Wu.

Wow!
Wow!
Zhu Ju punched vigorously, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

I have been so busy lately that I can't even take a break, so I have fallen behind in my studies. Now that I have some free time, I naturally want to catch up on the missed lessons.

He now truly felt Zhu Biao's tiredness... If his elder brother had not fallen ill, all these tasks would have been done by his elder brother!

Who can stand staying up all night and spending energy to look at the answer sheets?
He is so young and it’s a bit too much for him!
Therefore, the body is the capital of revolution, and this Taoist life skill is to build up a thick capital!

"call--"

After a while, Zhu Ju exhaled a breath of foul air.

Although boxing is tiring, it is the best way to adjust your body condition. After a set of boxing, you will feel refreshed.

"Jianqi, go pour me a cup of saffron tea."

Zhu Ju ordered.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Jianqi responded and walked towards the courtyard.

Zhu Ju stood there breathing in and out, but when he had almost adjusted his breathing, Jian Qi still didn't come.

"Ok?"

He opened his eyes, a little confused.

This girl is usually very quick and energetic, but why is she so slow today?

"Jianqi, Jianqi?"

"What are you doing?"

He called out a few times before he saw Jianqi's shadow slowly emerging in the yard.

She was seen frowning, supporting her leg with one hand and holding a teacup with the other, looking a little unsteady.

Seeing this, Zhu Ju quickly walked over and took the teacup from her hand.

"What's wrong with you? Your leg hurts?"

he asked.

"Well... Your Highness, this is an old problem of mine. Sometimes it happens, and sometimes it doesn't."

Jianqi held her legs and nodded, whispering,
"It's strange. I haven't had it for several months, but it started to hurt again in the past two days. And the pain is still as severe and lasting as before..."

"I am useless and have failed to serve Your Highness well..."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ju couldn't help but roll his eyes.

"What? This is not a good service."

He said,

"Now that you mention it, I remember that you said before that you had a leg disease. It should be rheumatism, bone pain, and cold legs, right?"

When Jianqi heard this, he was immediately touched.

"I'm ashamed that Your Highness still remembers this little flaw of mine..."

There was mist in her eyes, and she said with a trembling voice,

"My slave, thank you, Your Highness!"

With a plop, she knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Zhu Ju!
Zhu Ju: “…”

I just showed some concern for you, there's no need to be so grateful to me, right?
No wonder when those big shots on TV give verbal praise, the little guys below get so excited that they are willing to go through fire and water for their masters...

He now realizes...

"Hey, get up, get up. Why are you kneeling when your legs and feet are not good? Do you have to make yourself suffer? If you are not feeling well, just have a good rest. You are also my big girl, and you are in charge of so many people! Can't you just find someone to serve me?"

Zhu Ju helped Jian Qi up and said,
"Hurry up and sit down and take a rest. If you feel uncomfortable, don't force yourself to do anything. I've noticed that you all like to force yourself to do anything. If you do something wrong, it won't be cured."

As a master, he actually helped a servant sit on the chair.

If outsiders saw this, they would definitely be shocked!

But for Zhu Ju, this was nothing. The concept of hierarchy was not that important in his mind. Although he liked to order people to serve him, he definitely did not treat slaves as non-human beings.

When it comes to showing concern, he is always clear and unambiguous!

"Thank you, Your Highness... Jianqi wants to serve Your Highness forever. I am worried about changing someone else."

Jianqi sat on the chair somewhat flattered and said softly.

Of course she was worried!

There are two reasons. First, serving His Highness is her duty. How can she slack off because of a minor illness?
Secondly, if someone else came to serve, and His Highness got used to her, wouldn't her position be in jeopardy? She was said to be in charge of the entire Wu Wang Residence, but who would be in charge was just a matter of a word from His Highness the King of Wu.
Therefore, she would rather endure the pain and serve tea and water to Zhu Ju. She was fulfilling her duty as a servant, but she also had some of her own little thoughts in it.

"Okay, if the imperial physician in the palace is reliable, I will call one for you."

Zhu Ju sat aside and laughed.
"None of those guys are reliable. You just had a little pain in your leg, but after they took a look at you, you were forced to take some weird medicine. You might even have to have your whole leg amputated!"

"Just bear with it, it will be fine after this period of time."

Jianqi couldn't help but burst out laughing when she heard this.

The two were talking and laughing when they heard a voice:
"Your Majesty is here!"

All the servants in the house were already accustomed to this voice. After all... His Majesty has been coming to the King of Wu's house every few days recently!

Of course, even though it may not be surprising, we still need to show proper etiquette.

Jianqi hurriedly stood up and wanted to kneel down, but was stopped by Zhu Ju.

"It's okay. You have difficulty walking. Sit down."

Jianqi's eyes widened.

"How can that be possible? Your Majesty has arrived, how can this servant ..."

"I said sit down, so sit down!"

Zhu Ju's tone at this moment had a bit of the demeanor of a domineering president, so Jian Qi had no way to refute. He could only sit in the chair obediently and tremblingly.

In a moment, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao walked in.

"This slave is here to meet Your Majesty."

"See His Highness the Crown Prince."

Jianqi sat on the chair and said in a panic.

"Uh-huh?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was about to nod, but when he saw Jianqi sitting on the chair, he couldn't help but raise his brows.

"You are such a high-handed servant, you are sitting down to greet us?"

He scolded.

Jian Qi: “!!!”

This sentence scared Jianqi so much that he almost jumped up from his chair!
"Dad, her legs hurt, I told her to sit down."

Zhu Ju waved his hand and said,

"Why are you here again? What's the matter?"

"I have already taken care of the imperial examination. I want to take a break recently. Please don't assign me any more work!"

After hearing Zhu Ju's words, Zhu Yuanzhang moved his gaze away from Jian Qi.

"What are you talking about? We can't come?"

"Even if there is work, we're giving it to you because we think highly of you! Why don't we give work to the third and fourth brothers? Don't take advantage of me and act like a good boy!"

As he spoke, he sat down carelessly, snatched the cup of saffron tea from Zhu Ju, and gulped down two gulps.

"This tastes weird, can it help me?"

Old Zhu glanced at the saffron in the teacup and said casually.

"Well, it has a certain effect of cleansing the body."

Zhu Ju said,
"The human body accumulates a lot of toxins every day."

"Drinking this stuff can help detoxify me, right? But don't drink too much, because medicine is poisonous!"

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly realized.

"Okay, get your brother a cup too, one for each of us."

he ordered.

Zhu Ju raised his hand towards Jian Qi. Jian Qi felt as if he had been pardoned. He ignored the pain in his legs and ran into the yard like a fly.

His Majesty's sense of oppression is so strong that she, a slave sitting there, really can't bear it!
"I came to you this time mainly because of the drought."

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't waste any words and got straight to the point.
"The drought is spreading. A month ago, several counties around Yingtian and Nanzhili reported drought conditions. I told you about this last time."

"We had hoped for rainfall this month, but your eldest brother tried all sorts of methods, but to no avail. Not to mention rain, there weren't even any dark clouds to be seen!"

"Until now, there has been no rain and the water sources have dried up, which has not only affected the harvest, but also made life difficult for the people. After all, people can go without food for three days, but they cannot go without water for three days."

"Think of a way to make God send down rain."

Zhu Ju was listening very seriously at first, but when he heard the words "you find a way to make it rain", he was stunned.

"what?"

"I?"

He said with a confused look on his face,
"Dad, are you sure? Let me pray for rain?"

"I...I can't!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes fixed.

"You can't? But some people say you can!"

Old Zhu snorted coldly, handed over the small note in his hand, and said,

"Your master Peng Xuan ran away and left behind this little note!"

"It's mentioned above that you can solve the problem! See for yourself!"

Zhu Ju: “???”

What?
Master ran away?

I solve the problem?
He has been so busy these past few days that he has no idea what is going on!
He took the note with a confused look on his face, read it with a confused look on his face, and then looked at Zhu Yuanzhang with a confused look on his face.

"This...I..."

He felt like he had turned into Benboerba, who was ordered by the Nine-headed Insect to kill Tang Seng and his disciples...

You don’t have the ability to know!

"Xiaojuzi, Taoist Peng Xuan has great magical powers. Since he left such a note, it means that you must be able to solve the drought problem."

Zhu Biao said in a gentle voice,
"Think carefully, did he teach you any method to pray for rain?"

"think carefully……"

Zhu Ju: “…”

Praying for rain is part of the thunder method! I can guarantee that I don't know how to do it at all!

If I knew how to do it, would I need you to tell me? I would have already gone to the stage to perform the ritual with great enthusiasm! He was still in a daze, and Jian Qi had already made two cups of tea and handed them to him.

"Your Highness, Prince Wu, please enjoy your meal."

As she spoke, she carefully took away Zhu Yuanzhang's almost finished cup of tea and planned to add water.

"Ah."

Zhu Biao nodded slightly and took a sip of tea.

Zhu Ju, who was in a daze, saw Jian Qi, and at this moment a flash of inspiration came to his mind.

Eh!
Rheumatic bone pain, cold legs?
He looked up suddenly and saw that the sun was shining brightly in the sky. There was not even a cloud in the sky, let alone rain!

In this kind of weather, how could it rain?

But people’s physical illnesses will not lie. Once rheumatism strikes, wind and rain are bound to come, because this disease is the best air humidity detector!

"hiss……"

Zhu Ju's expression straightened and he fell into deep thought.

Seeing him like this, Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao looked at each other, both with stern expressions.

This kid, does he really have a solution? !
Both of them slowed down their movements, not daring to disturb Zhu Ju's thoughts.

After a while.

"Dad, if we can pray for rain, wouldn't it be of great benefit to us?"

Zhu Ju looked up and said.

Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment, then nodded.

"Of course! If the rain-praying operation succeeds, it will definitely raise the prestige of the royal family to a higher level!"

Zhu Biao said with a firm look on his face,
"Both the common people and the officials are extremely worried by this drought. At the beginning of the year, the situation was good. Everyone thought this year would be a good year. The weather was good and the crops were good. Who could have thought that a drought would suddenly strike?"

"Everyone is longing for rain now. If this rain can fall, I wonder how many people will celebrate! Rain after a long drought is definitely a great joy!"

"And if this rain is prayed for by our royal family, whether it is Dad or you, as long as it can be prayed for, it means that God is satisfied with our Zhu family, because God will agree if he is satisfied!"

"Throughout the dynasties, whenever an emperor personally prayed for rain and succeeded, it was recorded by historians as a sign of virtuous governance, and the common people would definitely sing praises to the merits of the wise monarch!"

"If we succeed, and with a little publicity, the imperial power will become even more sacred! Father will also be worshipped by the world! If you asked for it, you will also be worshipped by the world!"

"Understand?"

After listening to this, Zhu Ju nodded in agreement.

"Brat, do you really have a solution?"

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at Zhu Ju and said seriously,

"If you have any ideas, just tell me, don't hesitate!"

"No matter what the cost, we will fully support you! As long as you can pray for rain, we will agree to any conditions you have!"

The Chongba brand pancake is painted again.

However, this time Zhu Ju shook his head.

"I am somewhat confident that I can make the rain fall, but I'd better give this opportunity to be worshipped by the world to you, Dad. I don't need it. I like to keep a low profile and not show off."

He said,

"When the time comes, we need to make a bigger show of ourselves, bring along all the civil and military officials in the court, as well as my mother, some concubines and princes from the harem, and everyone we can!"

"If you pray for the rain, you can be canonized right here!"

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard this, his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Brat, do you really have a solution?"

He even said,
"Why didn't you tell me earlier that you had a solution? Really!"

Zhu Ju smiled.

"At that time, the time was not right..."

"Now the time has come, so I can... I hadn't thought of it at first, but it suddenly occurred to me just now."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Biao also laughed.

"It seems that Taoist Master Peng is indeed very powerful. Your idea was just a flash of inspiration, but he was able to predict it."

"There are indeed masters between heaven and earth. We must be in awe of them!"

For a moment, Peng Xuan's status in his heart was elevated a lot.

Being able to foresee things to this extent, even if Zhuge Liang were still alive, he wouldn't be so amazing, right?

"We can get the whole family out together, and call on all the civil and military officials in the court, as well as officials in the capital and surrounding areas, to make the event as grand as possible. It's not difficult."

Zhu Yuanzhang stared at Zhu Ju and said in a deep voice,

"But the question is, are you really sure that your prayer for rain will succeed?"

"I've told you before that you can pray for rain, but it has to succeed! If you fail, we won't be able to save our reputation! Our prestige will also be greatly reduced!"

If this fails, I will die!
It's either a face-saving or a shameful choice, there is no compromise! Otherwise, with Lao Zhu's diligent character, he would have gone to pray for rain long ago, why would he hesitate until now?
Upon hearing this, Zhu Ju grinned.

"I can't say I'm 100% sure, but I'm 99% sure."

He said,

"If you believe me, then go and ask for it! And quickly! It would be best if you could ask for it today or tomorrow!"

"If you don't believe me, just stay in the palace. I estimate that even if you don't pray for it, it will rain soon. But if you do, your prestige will be reduced."

I won’t say it’s 100%, that’s Zhu Ju’s strictness.

What if there is some force majeure?... Don't be too sure.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked up at the sky.

"It's a sunny day, but it's so hot that it's making me sick."

Old Zhu frowned and said,
"Could this be weather that's going to rain soon?"

"I'm not well educated, so don't try to deceive me!"

Zhuju shrugged and took a sip of saffron tea.

Zhu Yuanzhang was in a dilemma.

"Dad, it seems like I've never made a mistake in what I say or do."

Zhu Biao suddenly opened his mouth to remind,

"Since he said so, he should be sure of success."

"I think we should trust him!"

After going through so many things, Zhu Biao has developed a different kind of trust in Zhu Ju.

No matter how outrageous things are, as long as Zhu Ju says it can be done, then there will definitely be no problem!

"Hehe, big brother is still a wise man."

Zhu Ju smiled and raised his eyebrows at Zhu Biao.

The two brothers looked at each other and understood each other very well.

"……Fine!"

Zhu Yuanzhang considered it again and again, and finally made up his mind. He stood up and said,

"You have never let me down, this time for the sake of the people and ourselves, let's give it a try!"

"Give us a number. How many days will it take for the rain to fall? Then we can have a rough idea in our hearts!"

Zhu Ju touched his chin.

"At most... seven days?"

He said tentatively.

When old rheumatoid arthritis strikes, how many days will it rain?... He really doesn't know!

The fast one may be downloaded right away, but the slow one... who knows?
"Seven days?!"

Zhu Yuanzhang glared and said,

"You know, if we go to pray for rain, we have to stop the court! The whole court has to go on strike, and everyone has to eat vegetarian food, basking in the sun, and waiting for rain."

"You let me stand there in the sun for seven days and seven nights, and it didn't rain, so I fainted first! Your mother is so weak, she will definitely faint first!"

"Seven days won't work, that's too long!"

Zhu Ju smiled awkwardly.

"Then... three days?"

He said somewhat uncertainly,

"Three days should be about right."

Zhu Yuanzhang; "..."

Originally, Old Zhu had great confidence in Zhu Ju, but after seeing the boy's current appearance, he became annoyed.

"No, can you do it, kid?"

"If you can't do it, get out! Don't make your father suffer and be embarrassed!"

Zhu Ju's expression was stern!
"Just three days! It will definitely rain within three days!"

He said with a firm look on his face,
"Hurry up and get ready. It'd be best if you can be there tomorrow morning!"

"It's too late, I'm afraid I'll miss it!"

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up with a suspicious look on his face, and paced back and forth in the yard with his hands behind his back.

"Tomorrow morning? Just now you said seven days, but now you're rushing it so fast..."

"Okay, let's go talk to your mother. If we're in such a hurry, we have to arrange our schedule tonight... Why not just go to Purple Mountain to pray for rain! It was also there that we offered sacrifices to the heavens and ascended the throne! At least we'll have some face in front of God."

……

The next day.

It was just daybreak when a large crowd of people had already gathered at the foot of Zijin Mountain outside Yingtian.

The officials were extremely sleepy, but under the emperor's mandatory order, they had to take their seats, and each of them was yawning.

"Ha! Why are you praying for rain when the weather is so fine? Do you think you can pray for rain in this weather?"

"Yeah... I don't know what your majesty is thinking. If you really want rain, you should find a cooler day. It's only early morning and I already feel a little hot. Today will definitely be sunny again!"

"I guess your Majesty has run out of options. The drought is getting worse and worse, so you have to take some measures, right? According to the theory of the interaction between heaven and man, the drought seems to be caused by the emperor's lack of virtue. Am I right?"

"Be careful with your words! Now that you're here, just stay here quietly and stop talking nonsense or complaining!"

"..."

The officials had nothing to do, so they gathered in groups, whispering to each other. When the voices faded away on this side, they started again over there.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was standing at the front, didn't care about the noise behind him. At this moment, he was holding a petition for rain in his hand and was reading it carefully.

"It's written sincerely."

He commented and sighed softly,
"I hope this petition can move God and bring down a sweet rain."

"Otherwise, the lives of ordinary people will be really difficult..."

As he spoke, Zhu Yuanzhang wiped the sweat from his forehead.

As someone who came from a peasant family, he knew how important changing circumstances were to ordinary people!
If we can't pray for rain, not only will our year's work be in vain, but it will also affect the survival of the whole family!
"Chongba, drink some water."

Ma Xiuying handed over the water bag and said,
"You've been busy since early this morning. Your mouth is chapped."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

"No, I'm not thirsty, leave it there."

He said seriously,

"Even if you are really thirsty, you cannot drink. We have to express our sincerity to God. If you drink when you are thirsty and eat when you are hungry, what is the difference between that and enjoyment?"

"We have to show our perseverance! Only then will we have a chance to impress God!"

Ma Xiuying nodded.

"Okay, if you don't drink, then I won't drink either."

"You are the emperor and I am the queen. We must take the lead and set an example so that God can see our sincerity!"

Her gaze was also firm.

Either don’t do it, or if you do it, you must have the right attitude!

Otherwise, instead of blessing you, God will bring you disaster!

"His Majesty."

An official in a green official uniform came up and said respectfully:
"The auspicious time has arrived, and the direction for praying for rain today has also been determined. It is due north, which is the direction of Purple Gold Mountain."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded.

He followed the official's instructions and walked to the front of Purple Mountain.

Directly in front of us, there is a large tripod with fireworks burning inside.

He was seen holding the rain-praying petition upright in his hand. This one action alone made the whole audience quiet down.

Behind him, Zhu Ju held a straw in his mouth and leaned on Xu Miaoyun's shoulder with one hand.

His wedding to Xu Miaoyun was already known to everyone, so the two of them were now in the status of prospective husband and wife, so naturally they would not be shy about anything and could just be together openly without having to be sneaky like before.

However, such actions are still somewhat "indecent".

"Hey, don't stick to me."

Xu Miaoyun blushed and said,

"Your Majesty has already started reading the prayer for rain. Please be serious. Everyone is serious."

As the daughter of Xu Da and the future Princess Consort of Wu, she was naturally among the people praying for rain.

It can be said that those who can come to pray for rain today are all core circle figures of the Ming Dynasty.

"Well, it's just a formality. It's not like praying for rain."

Zhu Ju raised his head and said,
"The real prayer for rain must be done by a high-level mage who practices thunder magic. He uses his own inner water and fire to mobilize the water and fire of heaven and earth. Only when water and fire are in harmony can there be rain. Then, he uses secret methods to summon the generals of the Thunder Department to help with wind and thunder!"

"Only in this way can the prayer for rain be successful."

"Dad, this time he's praying for rain, and he's relying on me for technical support, so it's not authentic."

Xu Miaoyun raised her eyebrows slightly when she heard this.

“You provide technical support?”

She asked curiously,

"What technique? You... use thunder magic?"

"I know Lei Zu, Jiu Tian Ying Yuan Lei Sheng Pu Hua Tian Zun! Cross Heaven Scripture! Am I right?"

Xu Miaoyun knew that Zhu Ju practiced Taoism all day long, and out of love for him, she naturally learned some Taoist knowledge as well.

"Hahaha, you recite the Holy Name of Thunder Ancestor very well."

Zhu Ju laughed and said,
"But I don't know how to use thunder magic."

"Master, I don't know that kind of advanced method. How can a rookie like me know it?"

"However, the holy name of Thunder Ancestor is indeed very good. You should recite it more often when you have nothing to do. Last time, Master told me that the value of the Cross Heaven Scripture is even higher than that of the Jade Pivot Treasure Scripture. The great way is simple."

Xu Miaoyun said "oh" and nodded obediently.

She did whatever Zhu Ju asked her to do and would recite the scriptures as soon as she turned around.

“What on earth is technical support?”

she asked again.

Zhu Ju smiled but said nothing.

Technical support - an old cold leg.

Can you say that? No!

Wow!

At this moment, not far ahead, Zhu Yuanzhang had already finished reciting the prayer for rain, and with both hands, he threw it into the big cauldron!
Immediately, Zhu Yuanzhang knelt on the ground with his body straight.

When he knelt, Ma Xiuying, Zhu Biao and all the concubines and princes knelt down!
Like dominoes, the officials, nobles, and their families in the rear also knelt down one after another, just like Zhu Yuanzhang, with their bodies straight, looking pious and respectful.

As for the servants and maids who were accompanying them, they stepped back far away. It’s not that they didn’t have to kneel, but that they were not qualified!

……

Time passes minute by minute.

The sun slowly rises, and the sky and the earth are illuminated by its rays.

There was not a trace of wind at the foot of Zijin Mountain, so that the tender grass was quiet and stood upright in the wasteland.

However, grass can stand without wind, but people cannot stand without wind. More than two hours passed, and there was no movement between heaven and earth. Not even a bird flew across the sky.

The whole world is like a hot furnace.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was standing at the front, had his bright yellow dragon robe already soaked through. His forehead was covered with sweat, blurring his vision.

Even so, his back remained straight.

This is a show, yes. As an emperor, he always has to put on all kinds of shows, but there is actually a more accurate word to describe his behavior -

example!

When the officials and concubines behind him could not bear it anymore and leaned over, he, as the Son of Heaven, always set an example for everyone!

Also setting an example were his queen, Ma Xiuying, and his crown prince, Zhu Biao.

It is true that Ma Xiuying and Zhu Biao were much weaker than Zhu Yuanzhang, especially Zhu Biao, who had just recovered from a serious illness and could not withstand such long-term exposure to the sun.

But he inherited his father's strong will, just like that time when he knelt outside the Huagai Palace for five hours. Now he can still hold on with his own will!
Zhu Biao reminded himself all the time that there were countless pairs of eyes watching him from behind!

Even God is watching me!

Pay attention and don’t lose points!

The emperor, empress and prince formed a small triangle formation. No matter how the people behind them swayed, the three of them stood still, like clay sculptures.

"Third brother, I'm dying of thirst."

"Me too...hiss, my back is cramping too, it hurts so much..."

"Take a break, you should be fine... I have a small gourd here. I filled it with water when I came here this morning. Come, drink some to quench your thirst."

Zhu Chong and Zhu Gang were kneeling at the back, their backs and waists ached, and they were extremely hungry and thirsty. They could not help but complain.

This time, Zhu Chong was more clever. He filled a gourd with water and brought it with him, which could be used as a supply at the moment.

Boo!
The cork was opened, Zhu Chong gulped down several mouthfuls, and then passed it to Zhu Gang.

Zhu Gang relaxed completely, sat down on the wasteland, took the gourd and drank it all in one gulp. He finally felt a little more relaxed.

"How long do we have to kneel?"

"I don't know... I hope God will be moved and it will rain."

"Ah? What if it doesn't rain? Are we just going to kneel like this? For three or five days?"

Zhu Gang felt somewhat desperate.

He couldn't stand it for two hours. If it lasted two days, or even three days...

Then he will really faint!
"Stop complaining, look at Old Four..."

Zhu Chong pointed at Zhu Di standing beside him, and Zhu Gang looked over there.

Zhu Di said nothing, just looked at Zhu Yuanzhang's back, his body straight, and even though he was soaked, he did not slack off.

"Old Four, are you thirsty? Do you want some water?"

Zhu Gang shook the gourd in front of Zhu Di and whispered.

Zhu Di glanced at him, but shook his head expressionlessly and continued to kneel.

Tick, tick.

Beads of sweat the size of beans rolled down Zhu Di's face, dyeing the wasteland black.

Zhu Fan: "..."

"No, I say, Fourth Brother, we are just vassal kings, why are you risking your life?"

He said with some confusion.

Judging from Zhu Di's attitude, he wants to be like his father!

Just being a vassal king, is it necessary to set such high standards for yourself? It's fine if the eldest brother is supporting him, after all, he is the crown prince. Why do you, Zhu Di, want to emulate him? Do you also want to be the emperor in the future?
(End of this chapter)