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

Chapter 186 Zhu Yuanzhang was shocked; it really looked exactly like Xiong Ying!
"But...Mommy, you don't have to keep pressing me down like this." Zhu Xi grumbled unhappily, her little face full of grievance: "I'm very good."

Shen Yu'er ignored him, her fair and slender hand still firmly pressing on Zhu Xi's head. Perhaps this was the influence of her father's love, which had transformed into her motherly love.

now.

Shen Yu'er was at a loss, her eyes filled with worry.

Shen Yu'er was utterly exhausted by Zhu Xi's mischievous antics at the manor.

Recalling the time when Zhu Xi could walk, he was like a little devil, jumping around and causing chaos in the mansion.

She worried that this unruly nature would not be restrained in front of the current emperor once he arrived at the palace, and if he committed a serious mistake that violated etiquette, he would be in grave danger.

Although her husband had rendered meritorious service, Shen Yu'er remained very cautious.

She didn't want to hold her husband back.

Saw this scene.

"Haha."

Zhu Yuanzhang's hearty laughter echoed in the spacious hall, greatly reducing the oppressive atmosphere.

"This is not the imperial court, nor is it a solemn occasion. There is no need to be so reserved."

"Little guy, lift your head up and let us take a good look at you."

Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes slightly, and the wrinkles on his old face revealed a hint of kindness. He was clearly amused by Zhu Xi's childlike and cute tone.

Hearing Zhu Yuanzhang's words, Shen Yu'er's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, eased a little. She sighed helplessly and slowly removed her hand from Zhu Xi's body, but at the same time whispered a warning: "You better behave yourself, or you'll be sorry when we get home."

next moment.

Like a bird freed from its cage, Zhu Xi was not afraid of strangers at all. He quickly and curiously raised his head, his big, dark eyes staring unblinkingly at Zhu Yuanzhang in front of him.

His eyes were full of innocence and curiosity, as if the majestic emperor before him were just an ordinary old man.

of course.

Children don't really have that many thoughts.

It would have been better if he hadn't looked up; the moment he did, Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned into silence.

"This this……"

Zhu Yuanzhang's lips trembled slightly, and his voice became somewhat hoarse, as if something was choking him.

His old eyes widened in shock as he stared intently at Zhu Xi, his gaze filled with disbelief.

Even though Zhu Biao had mentioned Zhu Xi's appearance a few months ago, saying that he looked somewhat like his grandson, Zhu Yuanzhang realized today, seeing him with his own eyes, that it was not just a resemblance, but that they were practically identical!
They're not exactly the same, but they're at least seven or eight parts similar.

Zhu Biao stood quietly to the side, looking at Zhu Xi, who was already over a year old, his heart filled with mixed feelings.

A faint sadness lingered in his eyes, and he lowered his head slightly, seemingly trying to conceal the complex emotions within him.

Zhu Xi's face, like a sharp knife, easily sliced ​​open the long-buried wound in his heart, reminding him of all the things that had happened in the past.

but!

Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang's current state, Zhu Biao naturally understood the reason, but remained silent.

He knew that he had not yet fully recovered from the pain of the past, and his father was a man of deep affection and loyalty, so how could he easily let go of the past?

Back then, those were their children and grandchildren, whom they had high hopes for and placed their hopes on!
"What's wrong with Xi'er?"

Shen Yu'er was exceptionally intelligent, and doubts began to arise in her mind.

Her peripheral vision darted back and forth between Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao, keenly sensing something amiss.

"No, when the Crown Prince first saw Xi'er, he looked just like that, staring straight at her."

"Could it be that Xi'er looks like someone the Emperor and the Crown Prince are acquainted with?"

A thought flashed through Shen Yu'er's mind, and she immediately thought of the words "old friend".

This is the only reason why the current emperor and crown prince showed such shocked expressions when they met Zhu Xi.

"Father."

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang had been staring at Zhu Xi for a long time with eyes full of infatuation and nostalgia, Zhu Biao couldn't help but whisper a reminder.

This call was filled with his concern for his father and an attempt to pull his father back to reality from his memories.

This sound indeed brought Zhu Yuanzhang back to his senses.

"No wonder Biao'er said back then that there might be reincarnation in this world, it turns out that's what he meant."

Zhu Yuanzhang was filled with emotion, his old face bearing an indescribable sense of vicissitude.

"If we hadn't seen it with our own eyes, how could we believe that there are two people in this world who look so alike?"

"He looks exactly like U.A. High School when he was a child."

"Sigh... It's a pity that U.A. is gone. If he were still here, we would probably all think that this little guy is U.A.'s offspring. He looks so much like him."

As Zhu Yuanzhang thought to himself, a deep sense of melancholy spread through his heart.

but!

When Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head and his eyes met Zhu Biao's, the father and son were of one mind, understanding each other's thoughts.

The unspoken understanding in their eyes was forged by years of deep kinship and shared experiences.

"Little guy, what's your name?"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly, his wrinkles smoothing out, his tone gentle and kind.

This was a gentle demeanor that the courtiers had never seen before.

Perhaps it was Zhu Xi in front of him that made him involuntarily think of his most beloved eldest grandson.

now.

Zhu Yuanzhang also felt as if he were in a wonderful dream, where everything seemed so unreal yet beautiful.

It's as if his grandson has returned!
"My name is Zhu Xi."

Zhu Xi answered crisply, her voice childish but serious: "The Zhu of the Zhu family, the Xi of Zhu Xi."

As she spoke, Zhu Xi stretched out her little hand and gestured in the air, looking earnest and adorable.

It seems to know how to write its own name.

"Haha."

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but laugh again upon hearing the little guy's answer, his laughter full of doting affection.

His eyes darted around, as if he had thought of something interesting, and then he asked, "Do you know what the character '熈' means?"

When this question was asked.

Zhu Yuanzhang leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed on Zhu Xi, his eyes full of anticipation.

“This mother taught me.”

Zhu Xi tilted her head, her eyes darting around, and replied earnestly, "Xi means light, prosperity, warmth, and flourishing."

When answering.

Zhu Xi tried hard to recall how her mother taught her, her little face filled with focus, her serious expression as if she were completing an extremely important task, which was extremely cute.

Hear this.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao's eyes lit up. They exchanged a glance, a hint of surprise flashing in their eyes.

Clearly, no one expected that Zhu Xi, at such a young age, would actually be able to answer the question.

This scene made the father and son feel as if they had returned to the old days.

It was also in this Wenyuan Pavilion that Empress Ma was still alive, and the family was enjoying a harmonious time together.

Zhu Xiong Ying had grown to be four years old. Like a lively little monkey, she jumped and skipped around in the main hall, having a great time.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat at his desk, reviewing the mountain of memorials as always, his brush dancing across the paper.

"Uncle, aren't you tired of reviewing memorials every day?"

Zhu Xiong Ying walked up to Zhu Yuanzhang with a dissatisfied look on her face, put her hands on her hips, and pouted: "Can't you spend more time with me?"

As she said this, Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes shone with longing, filled with anticipation for her grandfather's company.

"What do you know, you brat?"

Zhu Yuanzhang didn't even raise his head, his pen still writing non-stop: "What we are doing now is a matter of great importance to the world. Every memorial we submit is enough to affect the world and the fate of our Great Ming Dynasty."

"If I go with you, who will handle these memorials?"

"Are you really going to rely on me, kid?"

Although his tone carried a hint of reproach, his eyes were full of doting affection.

This conversation reveals that Zhu Yuanzhang interacted with his grandson just like any other grandfather and grandson in an ordinary family, without any barriers and with great intimacy.

"Give it all to Dad."

Zhu Xiong Ying answered without hesitation, a sly smile on her face: "Anyway, he's got nothing better to do all day."

Indeed, Zhu Xiong Ying was a "filial son"!
When such a good thing happened, he immediately thought of his father.

Hear this.

"Where has your father been idle?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile, putting down his pen and looking at his mischievous grandson with eyes full of helplessness and doting affection.

“He comes to bother me every day, and he wants to beat me up for no reason. Don’t you think he has nothing better to do?”

Zhu Xiong Ying opened her eyes wide and said with a wronged expression.

Hear this.

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but burst into laughter, which echoed throughout the hall.

He reached out and patted Zhu Xiong Ying's head, saying, "You brat! We knew you were up to no good. So you came here to hide from your father."

“Let me tell you, your father is not idle. He has countless affairs to attend to in the Ming Dynasty. You are just too young, otherwise you would also be handling affairs.”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiong Ying waved her hands repeatedly, shaking her head like a rattle drum: "Uncle, I'm still a child, at the age when I should be playing."

talking.

Zhu Xiong Ying immediately distanced himself from Zhu Yuanzhang, as if he were afraid of having him handle memorials.

"have to."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his grandson's lively appearance and smiled helplessly: "Since you're here today, then your grandfather will test you."

"If you were to rule the world in the future, how would you treat the people?"

Zhu Yuanzhang picked up the memorial again, and while reviewing it, he asked with a smile.

Upon hearing this question!
Zhu Xiong Ying fell silent immediately. He stopped what he was doing and began to think seriously, his expression becoming very serious.

After a moment of silence.

Zhu Xiong Ying raised her head and said with a firm look in her eyes, "My grandfather has gained the approval of all people and has risen from humble beginnings to become the supreme ruler."

"But! If my Zhu family descendants become arrogant, extravagant, and tyrannical, a new emperor will surely rise one day and take over the Zhu family's empire."

"If my Zhu family wants to bring peace to the world and ensure the eternal prosperity of the Ming Dynasty, we must reduce taxes and levies, enforce the law, punish corrupt officials, and bring blessings to all people."

"Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it; this is the fundamental principle."

Zhu Xiong Ying's youthful voice echoed in the hall, each word resounding with conviction.

Upon hearing Zhu Xiong Ying's words, Zhu Yuanzhang's smiling face immediately turned serious.

He put down the memorial in his hand, looked at his grandson intently, his eyes full of admiration and satisfaction.

But outside the palace!

Zhu Biao was about to stride into the hall, but after hearing his son's words, he suddenly stopped, his eyes filled with contemplation, and he fell into deep thought.

It's easy to imagine that Zhu Xiong Ying's immense favor with Zhu Yuanzhang and his son, granting him such a prestigious position, wasn't solely due to his noble birth, but also to his extraordinary intelligence. Historically, if Zhu Biao had lived longer and Zhu Xiong Ying had been alive, it's conceivable that the Ming Dynasty might not have experienced internal strife that depleted its national strength, and would undoubtedly have achieved an even greater period of prosperity.

Let's return to the present moment.

"This little guy really looks like U.A. High."

"Equally intelligent, equally quick-witted."

Zhu Yuanzhang thought to himself, "And to be so young yet so intelligent is truly rare."

now.

He looked at Zhu Xi with eyes full of affection and admiration, as if he saw the shadow of Zhu Xiong Ying in the past.

"Little one, can you read?"

Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile, but his words were more of a teasing remark. Looking at Zhu Xi, he was also full of curiosity.

"I know some characters." Zhu Xi nodded, her little head bobbing back and forth, looking very cute.

But after saying that, he tilted his head and added, "Mother said she would find some teachers to teach me to read."

Zhu Xi showed a hint of anticipation on his face, seemingly very interested in learning to read.

"You really can read?"

Zhu Yuanzhang asked in surprise. His eyes widened slightly, his face filled with astonishment.

Her eldest grandson was very intelligent when he was young and was hailed as a child prodigy, but he did not start recognizing characters until he was two years old.

The little guy in front of him was only a little over a year old, yet he could already read and was now seeking a teacher to instruct him. How could this not surprise him?

"We don't believe what you're saying, little guy."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and shook his head, his eyes full of affection: "Come here, let's see if you can recognize the words on this."

talking.

Zhu Yuanzhang beckoned to Zhu Xi with an encouraging smile on his face.

Shen Yu'er, standing to the side, looked worried. Her hands clenched unconsciously, and her eyes were fixed on Zhu Xi, her heart filled with unease.

But Zhu Xi, like a fearless little warrior, was not afraid at all. With unsteady steps, he ran quickly toward Zhu Yuanzhang.

His body swayed unsteadily, like a duckling that had just learned to walk, looking extremely comical. This sight brought smiles to the eyes of Zhu Yuanzhang and his son.

When Zhu Xi ran up to Zhu Yuanzhang, he found that he was too short to reach the table.

He raised his head and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, without the slightest fear in his eyes, as if the person in front of him was not an awe-inspiring emperor, but a kind elder.

He suddenly climbed onto Zhu Yuanzhang's lap, gripping Zhu Yuanzhang's dragon robe tightly with both hands, and kicking with his little feet. In three steps, two steps at a time, like a nimble little monkey, he sat directly on Zhu Yuanzhang's lap.

Seeing this, Shen Yu'er was completely stunned. Her eyes widened, she covered her mouth with her hands, and her expression froze instantly. She was utterly frightened.

"Xi'er," Shen Yu'er called out in a low voice, her voice filled with tension and worry.

She called out and subconsciously took a step forward, but then dared not go any closer, and could only stand by anxiously.

But at the moment.

For Zhu Yuanzhang, looking at the little one in his arms, an indescribable warmth welled up in his heart.

It was a feeling that touched the depths of one's heart, as if a long-sealed door to emotions had been suddenly opened.

For a long time.

He hadn't felt this way in a long time.

At this moment, Zhu Xi felt as if his beloved grandson had returned to his side.

Back when Zhu Xiong Ying was still alive, she liked to climb on him all the time, clinging to him and wanting to be carried or hugged. Those beautiful memories flooded back to my mind like a tide.

Looking at Zhu Xi in his arms, Zhu Yuanzhang, the emperor, who was usually as stern as the heavens when dealing with the civil and military officials, felt a special tenderness for the first time after losing his grandson for many years. His eyes became incredibly gentle and his face was filled with a joyful smile.

"Look, do you recognize the words on this?"

Zhu Yuanzhang snapped out of his reverie, gently picked up a memorial he was reviewing, and carefully presented it to Zhu Xi with an encouraging smile on his face.

Zhu Xi's eyes widened immediately, as if he had discovered a treasure. He stared intently at the memorial, his large eyes quickly scanning the words on it, when suddenly his eyes lit up.

“I recognize the characters for ‘heaven,’ ‘start,’ ‘record,’ ‘earth,’ and ‘person,’ ‘present.’”

Zhu Xi excitedly pointed to the words on the memorial and said loudly.

His voice was clear and loud, and with each word he read out, his little hand would accurately point to the corresponding word, his earnest appearance making people smile.

"You little rascal, we underestimated you."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled with considerable surprise, his wrinkles revealing his joy: "You actually know him."

Clearly, Zhu Yuanzhang's words were full of praise. He patted Zhu Xi's head again, his affection for the little guy growing even stronger.

"Yeah, I'm really good at it."

Zhu Xi proudly raised her head, puffing out her small chest, her arrogant demeanor seemingly proclaiming her prowess to the world.

"Once Mother finds a teacher, I will be able to recognize all the characters," Zhu Xi said, waving her little fist with confidence.

Looking at the little guy's adorable appearance, Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Biao beside him, and the two understood each other perfectly. Then they both laughed in unison: "Hahaha."

Hearty laughter echoed throughout the Wenyuan Pavilion, filled with joy and happiness, as if sweeping away the gloom of the past years.

This was a long-awaited laugh, one that hadn't been heard in a very long time.

Outside the hall!
Yun Qi, who was serving, and Guo Zhen, the commander of the Imperial Guards on duty, were both quite surprised to hear the laughter.

They exchanged a glance, their eyes filled with curiosity.

"Eunuch Yun, how long has it been since you heard the Emperor laugh heartily?"

Guo Zhen smiled and looked at Yun Qi, asking with a hint of doubt on his face. It seemed like he hadn't heard the Emperor laugh so heartily in a long time.

"A long time."

Yun Qi also looked sentimental. He sighed slightly, his eyes filled with reminiscence: "Moreover, this was the Emperor's genuine laughter, not the kind directed at his subjects."

As he spoke, Yunqi shook his head, seemingly lamenting the passage of time.

"That's quite a strange thing."

Guo Zhen exclaimed in amazement, his eyes widening slightly and his face filled with surprise: "His Majesty has always been averse to sensual pleasures, yet today, Madam Zhu brought her young son to an audience, and it actually made His Majesty so happy."

He looked towards the main hall, his eyes filled with curiosity.

"Yes."

Yun Qi smiled and nodded.

However, he didn't say anything explicitly.

After all, he couldn't possibly say that the youngest son looked like the former eldest grandson of the emperor.

Perhaps this is one reason why the current emperor is so happy.

However, this matter remained a taboo for the palace, and no one dared to overstep it, not even him, an old man in the palace.

Inside the main hall of Wenyuan Pavilion!

Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied with Zhu Xi's performance; his face was always beaming with a smile, and his eyes were full of satisfaction.

He hadn't been this happy in a long time.

"Shen Yu'er."

Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head, looked at Shen Yu'er, and said with admiration in his eyes: "You have taught your son well. He is only a little over a year old and he can already read."

now.

Perhaps it was because he loved Shen Yu'er that he spoke to her in a very gentle and kind tone.

"Your Majesty," Shen Yu'er replied respectfully, bowing her head slightly and saying humbly, "This was not taught by me, but rather he learned it from watching me handle some matters in the household."

As she spoke, Shen Yu'er secretly glanced at Zhu Xi, her eyes filled with pride.

Today really made her proud, and made her husband proud too.

"You learned it just by watching?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes.

He immediately picked up Zhu Xi from his arms, a joyful smile spreading across his face: "It seems this little guy really has a natural talent for learning literature."

"Who knows, he might become the top scholar of our Great Ming Dynasty in the future!"

As he spoke, he gently shook Zhu Xi, just as he used to tease his grandson.

Zhu Xi tilted his head, looking at Zhu Yuanzhang with curiosity, his big eyes filled with doubt: "What is a top scholar?"

This question is incredibly naive.

"It's about selecting the most learned person in the entire world within the last three years."

Zhu Yuanzhang explained with a smile, his eyes full of patience, which was rare for him.

If the court officials saw this, they would definitely think that the emperor had been impersonated.

"Only within three years?" Zhu Xi said seriously, her little face full of determination: "Then I want to become the most learned person all along."

Seeing how adorable the little guy was, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "Then we'll be waiting."

"Have you found a good teacher for him yet?" Zhu Biao looked at Shen Yu'er and asked with concern. As always, he was gentle and kind, making people feel very close to him.

Shen Yu'er placed her hands together in front of her abdomen, bowed slightly, and replied respectfully, "I have already asked the steward to go and find it."

"We should be able to find it in a while."

Hear the words.

"Should I help you go look for it?"

Zhu Biao smiled and looked at Shen Yu'er, saying, "There are quite a few learned people in the court."

This time, he also had the intention of an elder taking care of a younger generation.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yu'er immediately curtsied and said in a gentle yet tactful voice, "Your Highness, I thank you for your kindness, but my son is not yet old enough to begin his formal education, so I will find a few tutors to teach him for now."

At this point, she raised her head slightly, her gaze briefly shifting between Zhu Biao and Zhu Yuanzhang, and then respectfully said, "When I have truly become accomplished, I will certainly ask His Highness the Crown Prince to recommend some teachers for me."

The words came out.

Shen Yu'er's tension eased slightly.

"She started learning to read and write when she was just over one year old."

"It is indeed rare."

"I still hope he can become a talent," Zhu Biao said, gazing at Zhu Xi with great anticipation.

I do like it very much.

Zhu Yuanzhang gently stroked the head of young Zhu Xi and said with great emotion, "After all, his father is so capable, achieving considerable success in commanding troops at such a young age."

"Although this kid didn't inherit his father's military talent, he does have a talent for literature, which is not bad."

The words have not yet fallen.

Shen Yu'er seemed to have thought of something and respectfully said, "Your Majesty, Crown Prince."

"I did not prepare any very nice gifts for this trip, but I brought some homemade wine from my home."

"Please accept this as a gift, Your Majesty and Crown Prince."

……

　P.S.: I didn't fall asleep until the early hours of the morning yesterday. I couldn't take it anymore; my cervical spondylosis flared up.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)