Ming Dynasty: Pick up attributes from the battlefield to create the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 172 Zhu Biao's First Meeting with Zhu Xi! He was astonished!
After the palace maids filed out, the palace doors closed, and the palace fell into silence.

Madam Lü moved slowly and gently, helping Lü Ben to sit down in the main chair. She then stood to the side, her expression respectful, and asked softly, "Father, have you come here with important matters to instruct your daughter?"

Although Lady Lü is now a concubine in charge of the internal affairs of the Eastern Palace and holds considerable power in the inner palace, she shows no arrogance towards her father, only respect for Lü Ben.

After all, her ability to enter the Eastern Palace and become the Crown Prince's concubine, and to reach her current status step by step, was entirely due to the path meticulously paved by Lü Ben behind the scenes.

If it weren't for Lü Ben standing behind her, she might not have been able to compete with the other women in the Eastern Palace.

"You must already know the news from the court today, right?"

Lu Ben asked with a serious expression.

"Ah."

Lady Lü nodded slightly, then said, "I heard from Yunwen's teachers that Champion Earl Zhu Ying made great contributions again in the Northern Expedition."

"At today's court meeting, His Highness the Crown Prince personally proposed to promote the Earl of Champion to the Marquis of Champion, and to announce to the world that the Marquis of Champion's achievements should be widely praised."

Lu Ben's expression grew increasingly serious. He nodded slightly, his gaze fixed on Madam Lu, and pressed for an answer: "What are your thoughts on this?"

"Father."

After a moment's thought, Madam Lü said with a touch of emotion, "This Zhu Ying is truly outstanding in ability, and what's even more remarkable is his exceptional luck."

"I've only been in the army for three short years, and I'm not even twenty years old yet."

"He has already earned such a marquisate and is highly regarded by the Emperor and the Crown Prince. His future prospects are truly limitless."

Speaking of which.

Lady Lü paused slightly, a thoughtful look in her eyes, and continued, "With him, there is a great chance that he will become an asset to Yunwen."

"But for the nobles of Huaixi, and for Zhu Yunwen, this is undoubtedly bad news."

"Back then, the Huaixi faction held considerable sway in the imperial court, with its military forces deeply entrenched and intertwined. Huaixi was the leader, and together they formed a force that could not be underestimated."

"Because the Ming Dynasty was constantly at war, the emperor had no choice but to rely on them. Over time, the nobles of Huaixi became arrogant and their behavior became increasingly overbearing."

Lady Lü sighed softly, a cold glint flashing in her eyes: "Now, the situation where Huaixi holds absolute power in the court is about to change."

"This Zhu Ying, not to mention the current Hongwu Dynasty, just considering the future succession of the crown prince, he will surely become a new generation of outstanding military generals, holding great power."

Hearing what Lu Shi said, Lu Ben nodded in satisfaction.

He was afraid that Lady Lü might misjudge the situation and offend Zhu Ying, which would not be a good thing.

"Therefore, we should only befriend him and never offend him easily," Lu Ben said in a deep voice, with a sense of admonition.

"Father, don't worry."

With a firm expression, Madam Lü said earnestly, "Such an outstanding person is a natural asset to Yunwen. How could I be so foolish as to offend him?"

"This time, Zhu Ying's wife has been granted the title of a third-rank imperial consort."

"As your father, I will prepare a generous gift and send it to the Zhu family in Yunwen's name."

After a moment's thought, Lü Ben calmly instructed, "In the future, you should also find an appropriate opportunity to express goodwill to Zhu Ying."

"As far as I know, many generals in Huaixi, especially Lan Yu's group, do not have a good relationship with Zhu Ying, and there were many frictions between them when they were in Liaodong."

"We must make use of this point."

"As long as we are at odds with Huaixi, it will be to our advantage."

In this regard.

"My daughter has also heard about this."

“Those Huaixi generals are used to being arrogant. In the past Liaodong battle, Zhu Ying made great contributions by breaking through the city and caught the emperor's eye. The emperor then had the intention to cultivate him.”

“The nobles of Huaixi naturally understood the Emperor’s intentions and suppressed Zhu Ying many times.”

Lady Lü nodded, her eyes showing a clear understanding.

Under Lü Ben's long-term influence, although she was a woman, she was exceptionally intelligent and had a keen insight into the political situation at court.

otherwise.

He no longer has complete control over the Eastern Palace.

Even as the legitimate son, Zhu Yunwen would not be completely suppressed by her.

Lady Lü was an extremely intelligent woman, and she was also quite shrewd.

"The enemy of my enemy is the natural ally that I can win over."

“The nobles of Huaixi, led by Lan Yu, must be standing behind Zhu Yunwen.”

“But Yunwen lacks supporters in the army, and Zhu Ying is the best candidate at the moment.”

Lü Ben solemnly reiterated his instructions, stating them clearly and directly.

Their biggest enemy in the future will be Huaixi!

Madam Lü nodded heavily and replied, "Please rest assured, Father, I understand the implications."

"As for Zhu Yunwen, although you have him firmly under your control now, you must not be negligent in the slightest before you become the true Crown Princess and Yunwen is made the Crown Prince."

"After all, he was the legitimate son, while Yunwen was born out of wedlock. This difference in status was an insurmountable chasm."

"When the emperor founded the country, he said that the eldest son of the legitimate wife should be the heir."

"The eldest son comes before the legitimate son," Lü Ben reminded him earnestly once again.

Every time he came to the Eastern Palace, this was something Lü Ben would always remind him of.

He was afraid that his daughter would underestimate him and relax her guard because she thought she had Zhu Yunwen under control.

That would lead to utter defeat.

They really can't afford to lose.

Based on what the Lü family has done to Zhu Yunwen over the years, if Zhu Yunwen were to become the crown prince in the future, the Lü family would definitely be purged.

“I understand, Zhu Yunwen can’t cause any trouble, and those two wretched girls are nothing to fear.”

"They are now completely under my control."

"Nothing can escape my eyes." A cold smile appeared on Madam Lü's lips, exuding confidence.

……

Inside the main hall of the Zhu residence!
"Madam Zhu."

Luo Yang, the commander of the Imperial Guard, dressed in armor, stood in the hall, clasped his hands in a salute to Shen Yu'er, and then said loudly, "By order of His Highness the Crown Prince, please invite Lady Zhu and her son to the Eastern Palace for an audience tomorrow."

Shen Yu'er was dressed in the imperial robes of a noblewoman, and her demeanor was dignified.

Hear the words.

She immediately bowed slightly and replied respectfully, "Thank you for conveying the decree, Commander Luo. I will certainly go to the Eastern Palace to pay my respects on time tomorrow."

Between words.

Shen Yu'er could not hide her nervousness and trepidation.

"Then I'll take my leave."

After conveying the decree, Luo Yang clasped his hands in a fist salute once more, then turned and strode away.

After Luo Yang's figure disappeared outside the mansion gate, Shen Yu'er frowned slightly, turned to look at Lin Fu beside her, and asked softly, "Uncle Lin, do you think this summons from the Crown Prince is a good thing or a bad thing?"

"The highest official I've ever met before was Uncle Bu, but now I have to meet His Highness the Crown Prince. I'm very nervous, afraid of embarrassing my husband."

While talking.

Shen Yu'er was very nervous, and her eyes were full of worry.

"Young Madam, don't worry."

Lin Fu smiled and said in a kind tone, "His Highness the Crown Prince is extremely busy. It is a great favor that he could summon you amidst his busy schedule."

"This precisely demonstrates how much the Emperor and the Crown Prince value the young master."

"Your staying in Yingtian now is the best support you can give to the young master."

"Tomorrow's audience with the emperor is simply a matter of following the proper etiquette and protocol."

"This is also His Highness the Crown Prince's routine concern for the young master and young mistress."

Hear this.

"Ah."

Shen Yu'er nodded gently, her expression softening slightly.

At this time.

Lin Fu's smile deepened, and he said with some delight, "Young Madam, this old servant has found two excellent locations in Yingtian City suitable for opening a restaurant."

"One place is located in the inner city, a bustling and lively place frequented by high-ranking officials and nobles."

"The other place is in the outer city, which is also bustling with people."

"In addition, there is a winery in the outer city. I have already sent someone to negotiate with them. I estimate that we can acquire the shop this month and then we can start brewing wine."

Speaking of which...

Lin Fu's eyes gleamed with excitement. He was filled with excitement and anticipation at being able to establish a business for his young master in the capital city of Yingtian.

"Yingtian is a place where powerful and wealthy people gather. According to regulations, opening a restaurant or tavern requires reporting to the government. Have you encountered any obstacles in these matters?" Shen Yu'er was still a little worried and couldn't help but ask.

"Young Madam, you underestimate the young master's current prestige."

"Initially, when I sent people to the government to handle the official documents for opening restaurants and wineries, the clerks made things difficult and created many obstacles."

"After all, the status of merchants was lowly in the Ming Dynasty."

"But once the young master's identity was revealed, things immediately went smoothly."

"Now the young master has truly joined the ranks of the powerful and noble, and was granted a marquisate before the age of twenty. This is unprecedented since the founding of the Ming Dynasty."

"No one dares to offend the young master."

Lin Fu spoke with a tone full of pride and self-satisfaction.

Lin Fu had dealt extensively with the situation in Yingtian, and even with the officials and dignitaries in Daning Prefecture.

It would be foolish not to use one's power.

And then.

Lin Fu did not use any power, but rather relied on the prestige of his young master.

The young master had made many military achievements in the Ming Dynasty, which were known to all in the court. He was also highly regarded by the emperor and the crown prince. Naturally, no one dared to hinder him from opening restaurants and wineries.

"The imperial edict has not yet been officially issued, so we don't know if the matter of bestowing a title is true or false."

Shen Yu'er shook her head slightly and said softly.

Although the rumors had spread like wildfire and everyone in the mansion was discussing it, she still felt uneasy until the imperial decree arrived.

"Who cares? As long as the young master's luck is on the rise, that's enough."

"This old servant will only take care of preparing the property for the young master in Yingtian Prefecture. Even if the young master resigns from his official post and retires in the future, our family will still have no worries about food and clothing."

Lin Fu waved his hand dismissively, a cheerful smile on his face.

In his heart, everything was for his young master. As long as he could ensure his young master's long-term stability, he would be content.

Things on the battlefield.

He couldn't offer much help as a steward, but Lin Fu would never let his young master worry about matters concerning the manor or even the business.

At this moment!
"mother."

"mother."

Several clear shouts came from outside the hall.

A little fellow dressed in black finery, with outstretched arms and unsteady steps, walked from outside the hall toward Shen Yu'er.

Two maids followed closely behind him, protecting him with smiles on their faces.

"Xi'er".

Upon seeing Zhu Xi, Shen Yu'er's slightly worried face immediately broke into a smile. She quickly stepped forward and picked up the little one.

now.

Zhu Xi is already eight months old. He can not only walk a short distance, but also babbles and can call out "mother" and "father". Watching her son grow up day by day, Shen Yu'er is filled with joy.

...the next day!

morning.

Outside the palace, the main gate, Hongwu Gate, stands majestically, exuding an imposing aura.

Shen Yu'er's carriage, driven by Lin Fu himself, slowly drove to the gate.

"Stop."

The imperial guards stationed at Hongwu Gate immediately stepped forward, their spears held horizontally, blocking the carriage's path.

“My wife is the wife of the Earl of Champion. She has been ordered by His Highness the Crown Prince to go to the Eastern Palace for an audience.”

"Please let me know."

Lin Fu hurriedly got off the coachman's seat and said with a smile to the centurion on duty in front of him.

"So it was Madam Zhu."

Upon hearing Lin Fu's words, the Imperial Guard centurion and the surrounding Imperial Guards instantly showed expressions of reverence.

today!

On the very day that the news was announced that the Northern Yuan cavalry had been defeated by Zhu Ying's army, the palace guards, being well-informed, had naturally heard of Zhu Ying's extraordinary military achievements.

The Imperial Guards were all elite troops carefully selected from various armies. Zhu Ying's bravery and fearlessness, as well as his feat of leading the Ming army to a great victory over the strongest army of the Northern Yuan, earned the respect and recognition of every Ming soldier, including these Imperial Guards.

"His Highness the Crown Prince has given instructions that if Madam Zhu enters the palace, she can be allowed to pass directly."

"I am willing to lead the way for Madam Zhu."

The officer on duty bowed and replied loudly.

His reverence for Zhu Ying was now fully revealed.

"In that case, I'll trouble you, Commander."

Lin Fu quickly expressed his gratitude.

After all, the inner palace is like a maze. If you go astray and accidentally enter a forbidden area without someone to guide you, it would be a serious offense.

"please."

With a wave of his hand, the guards on duty quickly dispersed, making way for a passage.

Then, he personally took the reins and led the way, heading towards the East Palace.

Those who are able to receive this honor.

Perhaps only Zhu Ying's prestige could bring this.

The palace was vast in scale, with magnificent halls and pavilions.

Imperial guards could be seen patrolling everywhere.

After about half an incense stick's time, led by the centurion, they finally arrived at a palace complex.

Unlike the main gate of the palace, which is guarded by the Imperial Guards, this place is guarded by the Jinwu Guard, which is directly under the jurisdiction of the Eastern Palace.

Looking around, one sees numerous Imperial Guards standing guard all around, with a constant stream of them patrolling, making the entire palace complex heavily guarded.

Or.

The entire palace was an impenetrable fortress, with sentries everywhere. If an assassin were to attempt an assassination or infiltrate the palace, it would be virtually impossible.

Upon arriving at the main gate of the East Palace, Luo Yang, who had already received the news, was already waiting outside the gate.

"Madam Zhu."

Luo Yang strode to the carriage and clasped his hands in a gesture of respect.

Upon seeing this, Lin Fu immediately stepped forward and carefully lifted the curtain of the carriage.

Shen Yu'er, holding her infant son, slowly stepped down from the carriage.

Looking at the magnificent palace before her, Shen Yu'er couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.

three years ago!
She was just a merchant's daughter of humble status, but now she stands at the core of the Ming Dynasty's power, about to meet the Crown Prince. This huge change in status makes her feel a little dazed, as if she were in a dream.

"Commander Luo."

"Deliver it here after you win the bid."

"I'll take my leave."

The centurion who brought Shen Yu'er bowed deeply to Luo Yang and then slowly withdrew.

Luo Yang nodded at him.

"I cannot disgrace my husband; I am representing him now."

Shen Yu'er took a deep breath, trying to calm her inner tension. She raised her head and looked at Luo Yang in front of her with a gentle expression, and asked softly, "Commander Luo, should I go in directly, or is there another arrangement?"

"Steward Lin is waiting outside the palace. I will lead Madam Zhu into the palace for an audience."

Luo Yang first gave Lin Fu some instructions, then turned to the side and gestured for people to enter the hall.

"it is good."

Shen Yu'er nodded, picked up her son, and walked forward cautiously.

Outside the East Palace!
Security was tight and the atmosphere was tense.

Inside the East Palace, there were guards every five steps and sentries every ten steps. The Golden Guards standing guard in various places were like statues, but the weapons they held were all gleaming coldly, making the place extremely imposing.

Led by Luo Yang, they traveled smoothly and soon arrived at the East Palace.

Shen Yu'er held Zhu Xi tightly, her heart filled with caution and trepidation.

Little Zhu Xi, however, was completely unaware of this. With her big, watery eyes wide open, she curiously looked around, filled with wonder at this unfamiliar and novel environment.

"Your Highness, Madam Zhu and her son are waiting outside the palace. May we enter?"

Luo Yang stood outside the hall and bowed, calling out to those inside.

Just a few breaths.

"come in."

Zhu Biao's gentle yet authoritative voice came from inside the hall.

"Madam Zhu, please come in."

Luo Yang immediately turned around, pointed to the main hall in front of him, and respectfully addressed Shen Yu'er.

"Thanks."

Shen Yu'er thanked him softly, then looked up at the Eastern Palace, a symbol of supreme power, and her heart began to race.

after all!

This time, she was to meet the second most powerful person in the Ming Dynasty after the Emperor, the current Crown Prince, and the future Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

Let alone an ordinary woman like him.

Even if those ministers were to meet him, they would probably be nervous.

imperial power!

That is deterrence.

Inside the main hall, there were no Imperial Guards on duty, making it exceptionally quiet.

Zhu Biao sat upright in the main seat, intently reviewing the memorials.

He had only two personal eunuchs by his side. One was carefully grinding ink for him, while the other stood by, ready to deliver memorials to him at any time.

Zhu Biao held a writing brush in his hand, intently reviewing one memorial after another, his expression serious and meticulous.

Historically, it has been said that Zhu Biao's early death in his prime was related to his long-term overwork.

During the Hongwu reign, which abolished the prime minister system, both the emperor and the crown prince bore heavy political burdens.

Especially now that the emperor has delegated most of his power to the crown prince, Crown Prince Zhu Biao is becoming increasingly busy, spending his days immersed in mountains of official business.

"Your subject, Shen Yu'er, and her son, Zhu Xi, pay their respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Upon entering the hall, Shen Yu'er walked to the center, gently placed Zhu Xi down, and then slowly bowed in respect, her demeanor dignified.

As an imperial edict.

There is naturally no need to kneel or bow.

Zhu Xi looked at her mother with a blank expression. Perhaps influenced by the serious atmosphere, she was surprisingly quiet and did not cry or make a fuss.

"No courtesy, stay on your own."

Zhu Biao did not look up immediately; his brush continued to move across the memorial, as if he were about to finish reviewing it.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Shen Yu'er thanked him softly, then looked up slightly and secretly glanced at Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao was engrossed in reviewing the memorials, working very diligently without showing any sign of stopping.

"Rumor has it that the current crown prince is exceptionally diligent, the most so of all the crown princes in history. Now it seems that the rumors are indeed true."

"No wonder the Ming Dynasty is so powerful now, no wonder my husband was able to get promoted and ennobled based on his military achievements."

"All of this is due to the Emperor and the Crown Prince's wise and decisive actions."

Shen Yu'er thought to herself.

now.

As Zhu Biao reviewed the memorials, she dared not disturb him, and could only hold Zhu Xi's hand with one hand, standing quietly in place, patiently waiting.

After a while.

Zhu Biao finally finished reviewing the memorial in his hand.

"This memorial concerns military supplies. Instruct the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Works to contact each other immediately and ensure that the supplies are sent to the northern frontier as soon as possible."

Zhu Biao picked up the memorial, handed it to the eunuch beside him, and said authoritatively.

"This slave takes the order."

The eunuch accepted the memorial with both hands and responded respectfully.

He then quickly passed the memorial to the other side hall.

After finishing his official business, Zhu Biao finally raised his head and looked at Shen Yu'er.

The moment Zhu Biao looked up, a gentle smile appeared on his face. This friendly smile instantly made the originally solemn and dignified atmosphere of the East Palace Hall much more relaxed.

"Shen Yu'er." Zhu Biao smiled slightly, glanced at Shen Yu'er out of the corner of his eye, and nodded in praise, "Not bad! You and Zhu Ying are truly a perfect match, a match made in heaven."

That's a compliment.

This was naturally a compliment to Shen Yu'er's superior appearance, suggesting she was a good match for Zhu Ying.

"Thank you for the compliment, His Royal Highness."

Shen Yu'er quickly bowed and thanked him, feeling uneasy inside, but maintaining her composure on the surface.

She was encouraging herself, reminding herself that she was representing her husband and couldn't let Zhu Ying down.

This time!

Zhu Xi, who was hiding behind Shen Yu'er, heard Zhu Biao's voice and her curiosity was piqued. She secretly peeked out and looked at Zhu Biao with her bright eyes.

He poked his head out.

Zhu Biao's gaze then fell on Zhu Xi, who was standing next to Shen Yu'er.

This look.

Zhu Biao was suddenly startled, his eyes widened instantly, and he stared intently at Zhu Xi, as if he had seen something unbelievable.

"Hero?"

Zhu Biao couldn't help but let out a soft gasp, a surge of indescribable emotion welling up in his eyes.

His gaze held shock, confusion, and above all, a deep longing.

……

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(End of this chapter)