My father is Chongzhen? Then I have no choice but to rebel.

When Zhu Cilang arrived at the Imperial Horse Stables, the scene before him was a sight to behold.

In a spacious open space, there were two huge iron cages, made of thick iron bars, which gleamed coldly in the sunlight.

In one of the cages lay a huge male tiger, dozing off out of boredom.

In the other cage was a slightly smaller tigress, and beside her lay two tiny cubs.

The two tiger cubs were covered in fluffy fur, like two little balls of fluff. Their eyes were not yet open, and their little paws were curled up weakly as they lay on their mother tiger's belly, greedily drinking milk.

As for the tigress, she remained motionless, as if she were dead.

Zhu Cilang asked with some curiosity:

"What's wrong with that tigress? Is she dead?"

A nearby animal trainer quickly reported:
"Your Highness, this tiger has just given birth to cubs and is very weak. Therefore, we added some medicinal powder to its food, firstly to help it recover, and secondly to let it rest properly."

Zhu Cilang nodded, feeling satisfied with the meticulous care the animal trainers had given him.

Then he suddenly asked:

"May I touch those two little tigers?"

His eyes were full of anticipation as he said this.

There's no way around it, everyone needs a hobby, and the young master's hobby is petting tigers!

But I don't dare to touch the big ones, so I can only touch the small ones!

Upon hearing this, the animal trainer immediately said:
"Of course, Your Highness, please wait a moment."

After saying this, he walked over and ordered the burly general beside him to open the cage.

Upon receiving the order, the general took out the key and opened the iron cage. Immediately afterwards, the animal trainer went inside and took out the two tiger cubs.

The entire process proceeded without the slightest hesitation, as if it were the simplest of tasks.

However, there was actually no danger involved, because they had drugged the tigress with a fairly strong dose, and she wouldn't wake up in a short time.

Zhu Cilang was also surprised to see this scene, feeling that the animal trainer's actions were a bit too bold, actually opening the cage and walking to the mother tiger to take away the two tiger cubs.

He originally thought he would have to use some other method.

However, he soon stopped caring so much, because the two tiger cubs had already been brought to him.

The newborn tiger cubs are incredibly cute, with droopy ears like little puppies, and their fur is fluffy all over, the soft fur shimmering with golden light in the sunlight, making them absolutely adorable.

Zhu Cilang carefully took a tiger cub and gently stroked its fur. The touch was soft and warm, and he couldn't help but love it.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly:

This thing feels so good to touch!

Then, he touched another tiger cub, his eyes full of affection.

A moment later, Zhu Cilang handed the tiger cub over to the animal trainer and asked him to put it back.

The trainer then carefully placed the tiger cub back next to its mother.

After all this was finished, Zhu Cilang turned to the beast tamers and said:
"You have done well. I am very satisfied. Each of you will be rewarded with one thousand taels of silver."

Upon hearing this, the two animal trainers immediately knelt down in excitement, shouting:

"Thank you, Your Highness, for the reward!"

This is a thousand taels of silver! They might not earn that much in ten years!
Of course, this reward money isn't so easy to get!

Zhu Cilang then asked:

"By the way, how long do tiger cubs grow before they can stop drinking milk and start eating meat?"

One of the animal trainers thought for a moment and then said:
"Your Highness, the tiger can be gradually weaned after a month and then eaten meat."

Zhu Cilang nodded first, then said:

"In that case, I will take these two tiger cubs to Sichuan a month from now. You two will come along and help take care of them along the way."

"As for these two big tigers, before you leave, instruct the others to take good care of them."

This was Zhu Cilang's real purpose in giving them a thousand taels of silver as a reward!
The two animal trainers were stunned when they heard this. They looked at each other, finding it unbelievable.

After all, Sichuan is thousands of miles away from Beijing. What does it mean to bring these two tiger cubs with you?
And it won't be easy to take care of them on the road!
If something goes wrong, how can they bear the responsibility?

This reward of one thousand taels of silver is really not easy to obtain!

But since it was Zhu Cilang's order, they dared not say anything and could only respectfully agree.

"Your Highness, rest assured, we will take good care of these two little tigers."

After glancing once more at the two tiger cubs drinking their milk, Zhu Cilang turned and left.

The reason he took the two tiger cubs to Sichuan was simply because the journey was too boring.

After all, the distance between Beijing and Sichuan is just too far. Plus, there are no cell phones or anything like that in this day and age. If you don't bring something for entertainment, how boring would that be?

Bringing these two little tigers along is a good way to pass the time and also to build a bond between them.

Otherwise, if Zhu Cilang were to be away from the capital for more than half a year, these two little tigers probably wouldn't recognize him when they grew up, which would be such a pity!

Time flies, and before we knew it, it was evening.

As night falls, the sky is dotted with stars, like jewels set in the black canvas of the heavens.

After having dinner, Zhu Cilang went straight to the palace to discuss his trip to Sichuan with Emperor Chongzhen.

Of course, calling it a discussion was just to give Chongzhen face; in reality, it was simply a formality to inform him.

After all, whether Chongzhen agreed or not, this matter was already destined.

Meanwhile, candlelight flickered inside the Kunning Palace, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Emperor Chongzhen was chatting with Empress Zhou, and their figures appeared particularly intimate in the candlelight.

At this time, Empress Zhou was already more than five months pregnant and her pregnancy was quite noticeable.

That round belly seemed like a tiny life nurturing hope.

The couple sat on the edge of the bed, chatting about everyday things just like any ordinary couple.

Empress Zhou's face was full of joy, her smile as bright and beautiful as a blooming flower.

Although from the perspective of later generations, Empress Zhou was only in her early thirties this year, which is not considered very old.

However, in ancient times, Empress Zhou was already considered to be middle-aged.

Therefore, she never expected to become pregnant with another child at this time, which was undoubtedly a gift from God!
As for Emperor Chongzhen, he was naturally very happy, since it's always good for an emperor to have more offspring.

Just as the couple were lost in their tender moments, their eyes filled with affection and longing, their moment was suddenly broken by a series of hurried footsteps. The next second, Wang Chengen's voice could be heard coming from outside.

"Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince requests an audience, saying he has important matters to discuss."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongzhen's smiling lips instantly drooped.

After all, the couple was enjoying a tender moment together, and being suddenly interrupted naturally made them unhappy!

However, Chongzhen knew that Zhu Cilang must have something important to discuss with him at this time, so he suppressed his displeasure, slowly stood up, and gently said to Empress Zhou beside him:

"You should rest early. I will come to keep you company in a little while."

The voice was as gentle as a spring breeze, as if afraid of disturbing the tranquil atmosphere.

Empress Zhou nodded slightly upon hearing this.

But at that moment, Wang Chengen suddenly spoke again:
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince also said that the Empress should also go there in person."

what?
This surprised even the usually dignified and composed Empress Zhou.

Her eyes widened slightly, a look of disbelief on her face. After all, under normal circumstances, Zhu Cilang only discussed state affairs with Chongzhen, and there was no need for her, the Empress, to be present.

Emperor Chongzhen was somewhat surprised, but he quickly recovered and looked at Empress Zhou, saying:
"In that case, let's go see Lang'er together."

Empress Zhou didn't know what else to say, so she just nodded slightly and then stood up and, supported by a group of palace maids, walked towards the front hall of Kunning Palace.

Soon, they arrived at the front hall of Kunning Palace.

Meanwhile, Zhu Cilang had been waiting there for quite some time.

Upon seeing Empress Zhou and Emperor Chongzhen arrive, Zhu Cilang hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully bowed.
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty and Your Majesty."

Emperor Chongzhen nodded slightly, first carefully helping Empress Zhou to sit down, then he himself sat down, his gaze fixed intently on Zhu Cilang, and said:

"Tell me, what earth-shattering event has occurred this time that summoned me and your mother in the middle of the night?"

The tone carried a hint of reproach, yet also subtly revealed curiosity and concern about the matter.

Zhu Cilang did not speak first, but instead turned his gaze to Empress Zhou, his eyes filled with worry as he said:

"Mother, what I am about to say may surprise you. I hope you are prepared and will not disturb the pregnancy."

Empress Zhou felt a pang of anxiety upon hearing this, but she maintained her composure.

She first gently stroked her belly, then smiled and said:

"Don't worry, Mother is prepared. No matter what happens, Mother can handle it."

Seeing this, Zhu Cilang slowly said:

"Your subject intends to personally go to Sichuan and fight Li Zicheng to the death!"

"what?"

"what?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Emperor Chongzhen and Empress Zhou were both in an uproar.

Emperor Chongzhen was so excited that he stood up abruptly, his eyes wide as copper bells, his face filled with disbelief.

The next second he couldn't help but scold:

"What nonsense are you spouting? Why do you insist on personally going to Sichuan to fight Li Zicheng? This is no child's play! I will not allow it!"

In Chongzhen's view, the Ming Dynasty was gradually getting back on track, and all of this was thanks to Zhu Cilang. Therefore, he did not want Zhu Cilang to leave the capital for Sichuan at this time.

Although the outcome of this war is basically a foregone conclusion, who can guarantee that nothing will go wrong?

Furthermore, he had already planned to retire behind the scenes, and the affairs of the state were still in Zhu Cilang's hands, so he would not agree to this matter!

As for Empress Zhou, perhaps due to excessive emotional distress that aggravated her pregnancy, her complexion turned somewhat unpleasant for a moment.

Her once rosy cheeks turned pale, and her lips trembled slightly.

Even Wang Chengen was dumbfounded. After all, he didn't expect that the Crown Prince would suddenly drop such a "trump card" in the middle of the night, catching him, as a servant, off guard.

Just then, Emperor Chongzhen suddenly realized what was happening, and bent down to look at Empress Zhou and asked:
"How are you? Are you alright? Summon Imperial Physician! Summon Imperial Physician!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Chengen, who was standing nearby, quickly ran out.

Zhu Cilang stood to the side, his face also showing worry.

Fortunately, Empress Zhou was unharmed. After taking a deep breath, she looked at Emperor Chongzhen and said softly:

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, I am fine. I was just too excited just now."

Then she turned her gaze to Zhu Cilang and said:

"Lang'er, why did you do this? Was it really necessary?"

Although Empress Zhou knew that Zhu Cilang's decision was not something she could easily change, she was truly reluctant to let her son go to Sichuan to fight a decisive battle against Li Zicheng.

After all, swords and spears are silent on the battlefield, how could she not worry?
Immediately afterwards, Chongzhen's gaze also fell on Zhu Cilang, his eyes filled with resentment.

"What nonsense are you spouting? Wasn't the decisive battle with Li Zicheng already arranged last year?"

"The court has been preparing for this for a long time, and all the troops have been deployed. There is no need for you, the crown prince, to go to the front line in person. Why do you insist on going to Sichuan yourself?"

Faced with the questioning from Emperor Chongzhen and Empress Zhou, Zhu Cilang remained calm and then briefly recounted the matters he had discussed with Prince Tang and Li Banghua.

"Father, Mother, I have a compelling reason for making this decision!"

"First of all, the imperial court is mobilizing far too many troops this time, and their composition is extremely complex."

"There were Zhu Family Army, Beijing Garrison, Sichuan Army, Qin Army, Tusi Private Army, and a large number of ethnic minority soldiers."

"Their personalities and combat habits are completely different. Under such circumstances, without a sufficiently influential person to coordinate them, it would be impossible for them to fight together."

"In that case, the decisive battle may be in chaos before it even begins, and any unexpected events are inevitable."

"Besides, although this is supposed to be a decisive battle, do we really have to kill all those ordinary peasant soldiers?"

"These people were only trying to survive, and were forced to rebel by Li Zicheng."

"Therefore, in my opinion, the main approach should still be to persuade them to surrender."

“Those ordinary peasant soldiers are one thing, but Li Zicheng’s core subordinates all participated in the previous massacre of the Ming imperial family and the desecration of my Zhu family’s ancestral tombs.”

"They must be afraid that the court will hold them accountable if they surrender, so they would rather fight to the death than surrender."

"Therefore, at this time, there must be someone of high enough status to promise that the court will not seek revenge later, and if this person is not the Emperor, then it can only be your son."

"Therefore, for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, I must go this time."

Zhu Cilang spoke clearly and logically, each reason being sufficient and compelling, leaving Chongzhen speechless for a moment. (End of Chapter)