Ming Dynasty: I risked my life to teach the prince, the emperor begged me not to die

Chapter 578: The Prosperous Ming Dynasty

It is the seventeenth year of Hongzhi, mid-August, and tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Tonight, Shuntianfu Street is already crowded with people, and various lanterns illuminate several main roads in Peking, such as Chengqingfang Street and Zhengyang Street, as bright as day.

The crowds were bustling, various craftsmen were performing tricks on the streets, and tourists were constantly cheering.

The most lively ones are Baoen Temple and Wanggong Temple, which are crowded with people and popular incense.

Three or two horse-drawn carriages sped along the streets of Peking and soon stopped after arriving at Chen Ce's residence.

Chen Ce had known that Emperor Hongzhi, Empress Zhang and Zhu Houzhao would come today, and he had arranged the house early. When Emperor Hongzhi arrived at the mansion, Chen Ce was already sitting in a wheelchair, bringing Madam Wu, the school belle and other family members to greet Emperor Hongzhi.

Chen Ce had a vague idea of ​​the purpose of Emperor Hongzhi's visit. With such a big fuss, he was probably trying to tell Zhu Houzhao the truth.

It was already mid-August, and Emperor Hongzhi had fewer days to live.

Isn’t it the same for Chen Ce?
Now neither of them is sure who will go first.

Emperor Hongzhi got off the carriage with the help of Huai'en, followed by Empress Zhang. Empress Zhang quickly caught up with Emperor Hongzhi and personally supported him.

Immediately afterwards, Liu Jin accompanied Zhu Houzhao to the presence of Emperor Hongzhi, laughing and joking.

Just as Chen Ce was about to salute, he saw the Zhang brothers riding horses not far away. The two brothers smiled and said, "Is it such a coincidence?"

"I see you, Your Majesty."

Empress Zhang glared at them fiercely. What a coincidence! These two evil creatures, are they still thinking of spying on the emperor?
Emperor Hongzhi looked at them helplessly, with a face that didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Naturally, he would not bother with these two guys from the Zhang family.

These two guys brought a lot of joy to Emperor Hongzhi, but also a lot of troubles. Anyway, as he was about to die, Emperor Hongzhi was too lazy to bother with the Zhang brothers.

Only then did Chen Ce bring his family to pay respects to Emperor Hongzhi and Empress Zhang.

Soon, a group of people entered the yard together.

Chen Ce arranged the dinner in the courtyard. Many lights were lit in the courtyard, making it unusually bright.

The long table was filled with fine wine and delicious food. Emperor Hongzhi said to Zhu Houzhao, "My son, you have grown up. Drink some wine and accompany me."

"Pure Jane?"

Chen Ce held up the wine glass with a smile and said, "I will also drink with the emperor."

Madam Wu was a little worried. Chen Ce never drank and his health was not good. She didn't dare to let Chen Ce drink, but she didn't dare to say anything either.

Fortunately, Zhu Houzhao spoke up and said to Chen Ce: "Little brother, don't try to show off your strength. If you can't drink, don't drink."

Chen Ce smiled and said, "It's okay, you should drink more too."

Zhu Houzhao: “?”

what's going on?
In the past, my younger brother and father would never let me drink easily, so why did they change their temper today?

Empress Zhang also took a sip of wine, which was a rare occurrence. She glanced at Zhu Houzhao, then at Emperor Hongzhi, and never said anything else.

The Zhang brothers looked indifferent and ate with relish. It’s no wonder that the food at Chen Ce’s house was really delicious.

"Excuse me for asking." The Zhang brothers took a sip of wine and said, "Chen Chunjian, who is your family's chef? Can you sell him to us?"

Chen Ce: “?”

He said with a stunned face: "The dishes were all cooked by my wife, so what?" Emperor Hongzhi and Zhu Houzhao cast murderous eyes at the Zhang brothers. The Zhang brothers quickly changed their words and said: "Haha, well, actually we wanted to send someone to learn cooking skills."

"Yes, today's dishes are really delicious. Let's eat."

After three rounds of drinking, Chen Ce was a little tipsy.

The maid had already prepared tea on the square table nearby. Chen Ce, Emperor Hongzhi, Empress Zhang, and Zhu Houzhao sat down at the table and drank tea.

The Zhang brothers continued to eat the rice and fatty meat with their mouths full of oil, enjoying the meal very much.

Chen Ce took a sip of tea and said to Zhu Houzhao, "Your Highness, you have grown up. You handled Ma Qi's group of civil servants very well this time."

"If you encounter something like this again in the future, don't panic or be afraid. By then, you will be the emperor of the Ming Dynasty. You will hold supreme power in your hands, and no one can shake your position."

"Don't worry about something like this anymore. I believe you can handle it well."

Zhu Houzhao: "Why are you talking about this? If it weren't for my little brother and father, how could I handle it?"

Chen Ce shook his head and said, "No, you can handle it well by yourself. The emperor and I only gave you the direction, but did not help you in the specific process. You have to handle it by yourself."

"Don't underestimate yourself, you are very good, already very good!"

"You are already a qualified crown prince, and you will be a qualified emperor in the future."

"In the years since I met Your Highness, the Crown Prince and I have discussed many ways to govern a country and officials. I believe that the Crown Prince has also gained a lot of insights."

Zhu Houzhao lowered his head, not feeling very happy, but he still admitted: "Little brother, I was stubborn before, but it wasn't a discussion, it was you who was teaching me, I know it all."

"It's just that I don't want to admit it... No, why are you suddenly saying this today?"

Chen Ce smiled and said, "It's nothing, it's just that my health is getting worse and worse. I'm afraid I can't help the prince do anything in the future."

Zhu Houzhao said: "Nonsense!"

Emperor Hongzhi also took a sip of tea and said, "Chun Jian has paved a smooth road for you. The Ming Dynasty can be what it is today because of you."

Zhu Houzhao shook his head and said, "Father, you are wrong. It was my younger brother who helped me."

Emperor Hongzhi said: "If it weren't for your kindness six years ago, saving Chunjian's life, would the Ming Dynasty be what it is today?"

Chen Ce also nodded and said, "Yes, fate has always been so wonderful."

"The Ming Dynasty can be prosperous today because of the strong support of the emperor. If I hadn't met a wise ruler and the crown prince, the Ming Dynasty would not be here today, and many policies would not be implemented."

"There is always a time to say goodbye, don't be sad, Prince. At least we have struggled together and had fun together. Those beautiful memories will remain in your heart."

"I also hope that after I leave, the prince can live on bravely, like a real man, and control the Ming Dynasty!"

"I will also be watching over the prince from heaven in the future. Promise me that you will lead the Ming Dynasty to greater glory in the future, okay?"

Zhu Houzhao was a little depressed, and murmured: "Without you... I can't do it!"

As he spoke, his eyes turned red and his face was filled with sadness and reluctance.

Chen Ce was just trying to start a conversation with Emperor Hongzhi. He looked at Zhu Houzhao and smiled, "A man should not cry. No matter how sad you are, you should keep it in your heart. You should face everything calmly. This is what a mature man should be like."

(End of this chapter)