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

Chapter 220 Zhu Biao: Looking at Zhu Qing, I feel a sense of closeness!

Zhu Ying's gaze quietly fell on Zhu Ying.

"This, Your Majesty, is unaware."

Zhu Ying pondered for a moment, then replied calmly and sincerely.

although.

Although Zhu Ying vaguely suspected that Zhu Biao might be trying to win him over, he could not voice this speculation.

Once the truth is revealed, the situation will become awkward, which is not good for either party.

"perhaps……"

Zhu Biao smiled faintly: "In many people's minds, the reason I took Xi'er as my adopted grandson was to win you over..."

At this point, Zhu Biao suddenly paused, his eyes smiling as he gazed quietly at Zhu Ying, his gaze seemingly holding endless profound meaning.

These sudden words left Zhu Ying momentarily bewildered.

"Zhu Biao is not playing by the rules."

Zhu Ying thought to himself, "This is really strange."

"He actually pointed it out directly."

"But what exactly is his purpose?"

A sense of doubt arose in Zhu Ying's heart.

Having learned from Zhu Di's example, Zhu Ying remained extremely vigilant and dared not slacken his guard in dealing with Zhu Yuanzhang's sons.

After all, he still needs to rely on the Ming Dynasty as a "warship" to strengthen himself, and it would be best if he could develop under the protection of the Ming Dynasty.

But at this moment, Zhu Biao's heartfelt manner aroused Zhu Ying's suspicion and made him feel uneasy.

Zhu Di, what a profound and enigmatic man he was.

Since Zhu Ying met him, he knew how cunning he was. Every time they met, his words were full of probing, as if he wanted to control Zhu Ying's every move. That sense of calculation left a deep impression on Zhu Ying.

Therefore, Zhu Yingben was well-prepared for this trip back to the capital to pay homage to Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao. He was determined to be cautious and proceed with utmost care.

however.

Zhu Biao's behavior at this moment completely surprised Zhu Ying.

Zhu Ying was stunned and didn't know how to respond for a moment.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao did not continue to ask questions. Instead, he slowly turned his gaze to Zhu Wenxi, his expression becoming more kind and affectionate, as if he were looking at his most cherished relative.

"Perhaps you don't know."

Zhu Biao tilted his head slightly, his eyes filled with reminiscence, and his voice unconsciously softened: "I once had a son, my eldest son."

now.

In front of Zhu Ying, Zhu Biao made no attempt to hide his vulnerability as the crown prince, revealing his deepest emotions without reservation.

"Zhu Xiongying."

Upon hearing Zhu Biao's words, Zhu Ying instantly recalled that historically tragic figure.

Zhu Xiong Ying tragically passed away at the young age of eight, a truly regrettable loss in the long river of history.

Although he did not grow up like Zhu Biao and shoulder the heavy responsibility of inheriting the throne, as the eldest grandson, he held a very important position in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart. He was regarded as a true family member by the old Zhu, and his future position as the crown prince was almost a sure thing.

His departure was undoubtedly a great loss to the Ming Dynasty, and a heartache for Zhu Yuanzhang and his son.

perhaps!

This was perhaps the destiny of the Ming Dynasty.

If there were another trajectory in the long river of history, if Zhu Biao had lived, the Jingnan Campaign would never have happened, and Zhu Di would never have been able to seize the throne.

As long as Zhu Biao was alive, as the crown prince and the eldest of all the princes, he possessed unparalleled prestige and influence.

If Zhu Di dared to raise an army in rebellion, without Zhu Biao's order, the surrounding vassal kings would certainly send troops to suppress Zhu Di without hesitation, out of consideration for maintaining the legitimacy of the imperial family and out of absolute support for their elder brother.

This is the powerful deterrent effect of Zhu Biao as the crown prince.

Similarly, if Zhu Xiong Ying had lived, the outcome would have been the same.

If Zhu Di dared to rebel, he would surely face a swift and fierce suppression.

Zhu Xiong Ying is the legitimate heir, not an illegitimate child, and has the full support of the Huai Xi Group behind him.

As long as he was alive, the Huaixi Group would have a backbone and would not be wiped out by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Huaixi Group and Zhu Xiong Ying are a community of shared interests; they share both prosperity and adversity.

Life is unpredictable; every sip and every bite has its destiny.

History is always full of regrets, making people sigh at the capriciousness and cruelty of fate.

"Xi'er..."

Zhu Biao gazed at Zhu Wenxi, his eyes revealing boundless affection: "He bears a striking resemblance to my eldest son, about seven or eight points."

"If I hadn't witnessed my son's burial with my own eyes, I might have even suspected that Xi'er was my son reincarnated."

"Such a coincidence in this world is truly astounding."

Zhu Biao sighed softly, a complex expression appearing on his face, a mixture of reminiscence of the past and amazement at the wondrous fate before him.

"This is also the fundamental reason why I took Xi'er as my adopted grandson."

"Perhaps, it's also to make up for that long-standing regret in my heart."

At this point, the sorrow on Zhu Biao's face deepened, as if he were lost in deep memories, unable to extricate himself.

Upon hearing the whole story, Zhu Ying instantly understood and nodded involuntarily, exclaiming, "So that's how it is!"

"It is perhaps a preordained arrangement that Xi'er is able to resemble the former eldest grandson of the emperor. Everything is preordained."

"To be able to fulfill Your Highness's regret is not only a blessing for Xi'er, but also a testament to Your Highness's benevolence and profound blessings."

now.

Zhu Ying's words carried a hint of genuine comfort.

After all, through this conversation, he truly felt that Zhu Biao was speaking his heart to him, which was completely different from Zhu Di's insincerity.

Zhu Ying felt this sincerity deeply and couldn't help but feel more favorably toward and trusting of Zhu Biao.

"Yes!"

Zhu Biao nodded slightly, the sorrow on his face gradually fading, replaced by a faint sense of comfort: "Perhaps this is a kind of compensation from heaven for me."

"To be able to see some resemblance to my eldest son in Xi'er after so many years is a blessing from heaven."

As Zhu Biao spoke, a comforting smile appeared on his face.

"Your Highness."

Zhu Ying paused for a moment, then said with a sincere expression, "The pain of losing a son cannot be easily soothed by words."

"Although I cannot fully empathize with such suffering, I know it is unforgettable."

"However, time flies, and so many years have passed. If the eldest grandson of the emperor is watching from heaven, he would surely hope that Your Highness can let go of the sorrow of the past and look forward."

"After all, the Ming Dynasty is in operation, and Your Highness bears the heavy responsibility of the Ming Dynasty and the lives of countless people. You must not be too saddened."

Zhu Ying's words came from the bottom of his heart and were full of concern and respect for Zhu Biao.

As the eldest grandson of the emperor and the first son of Zhu Biao and his beloved wife, Zhu Xiong Ying's position in Zhu Biao's heart was self-evident.

This father-son bond is as deep and intense as Zhu Yuanzhang's paternal love for Zhu Biao.

The pain of losing his son has clearly been something Zhu Biao has struggled to overcome for many years.

From Zhu Biao's words and expression just now, Zhu Ying could clearly feel that this pain had become an unhealable scar in Zhu Biao's heart.

"you're right."

Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Ying with gentle eyes, his gaze full of approval, and slowly said, "Zhu Ying, do you know?"

"Today, upon seeing you, I was truly taken aback."

"Your eyes are exactly the same as U.A.'s back then, like a replica."

"Alas, perhaps I've been missing you too much, and this has given rise to such a misconception."

"However, talking with you today has made me very happy."

"In the entire world, besides my father, only you can let me speak so freely."

Zhu Biao spoke gently, his gaze towards Zhu Ying filled with deep trust, as if he regarded Zhu Ying as his closest confidant.

"It is my honor to have Your Highness's trust in me."

Zhu Ying quickly responded with a smile. After this heartfelt conversation, his wariness of Zhu Biao had quietly lessened somewhat.

"I don't know why either."

Zhu Biao shook his head slightly, a thoughtful expression on his face: "The moment I saw you, I felt an extraordinary sense of familiarity, as if I couldn't help but want to confide in you."

Zhu Biao said with a smile, his words filled with emotion.

At this moment.

A respectful voice came from outside the imperial carriage: "Your Highness, we have arrived at Fengtian Square."

"After talking with Zhu Qing today, I realized for the first time that the road from the palace to Fengtian Hall is much shorter."

Zhu Biao smiled and turned to look at Zhu Ying, saying, "Very well."

"After the court meeting concludes, my father and I will have a private banquet with Minister Zhu and have a good chat."

As Zhu Biao spoke, without waiting for Zhu Ying's response, he reached out and lifted the curtain, then walked out first.

Seeing this, Zhu Ying turned to his wife and children, a gentle smile on his face, and asked softly, "Will you wait here, or go back to the mansion first?"

"His Highness has already given the instructions."

Shen Yu'er smiled, her voice gentle as water: "Let's go back to the manor first."

Being able to welcome her husband's triumphant return and ride together into the palace in the imperial carriage filled Shen Yu'er with immense satisfaction, her heart overflowing with happiness and joy.

As a woman, she knew that her husband was burdened with heavy responsibilities and many affairs at this moment, so she should prioritize the overall situation and not delay his important business because of herself.

"it is good."

Zhu Ying smiled and nodded, then squatted down and said earnestly to Zhu Wenxi, "Xi'er, you must take good care of your mother. Father will be home later."

"Yes."

Zhu Wenxi straightened his face and looked serious, as if he were taking his father's entrustment as an extremely important task, and solemnly replied.

immediately!

Zhu Ying turned around and steadily stepped down from the imperial carriage.

Looking up, one finds oneself within the imperial palace. The surrounding square is filled with imperial guards clad in red cloaks, standing like statues in their respective locations. While these guards lack the battle-hardened sharpness of the northern frontier soldiers, each one exudes a chilling, oppressive aura of the royal court.

In the very center of the square, at the innermost part, stands a magnificent and enormous palace.

Zhu Ying's gaze swept over the scene, and the civil and military officials who had been welcoming him outside the city were now entering the palace in an orderly fashion.

Clearly, this palace was the central place where the Ming Dynasty held its court meetings—the Fengtian Hall.

"The central hub of the Ming Dynasty."

Zhu Ying thought to himself with a sigh, "Now, I've finally arrived here."

Gazing at the towering Fengtian Hall, Zhu Ying felt a complex mix of emotions, a mixture of awe for the palace that symbolized supreme power and anticipation for meeting the legendary Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang.

"I wonder what the legendary Ming Taizu, Zhu Yuanzhang, who started with just a bowl, was like," Zhu Ying thought to himself.

Subsequently.

Slowly stepping down from the imperial carriage, he looked up and saw that not far ahead, Zhu Biao had already straightened his clothes and was standing there upright with a smile on his face, quietly waiting for Zhu Ying.

"Zhu Qing."

Seeing Zhu Ying approach, Zhu Biao smiled and asked, "How do you feel about the Imperial Palace?"

"It truly is a royal residence, exuding majesty and inspiring awe," Zhu Ying replied with a smile.

"Haha."

Zhu Biao laughed heartily, then raised his hand, pointed to the Fengtian Hall, and said, "Come, follow me into the hall to pay my respects!"

"This time, I personally welcomed you so that I could see the legendary Marquis of Champion before my father."

"Now, Father must be eager to see you."

With that, Zhu Biao took the lead and walked towards the Fengtian Hall. His steps were steady and powerful as he stepped onto the stairs leading to the core of power.

Seeing this, Zhu Ying dared not be negligent in the slightest and quickly followed behind Zhu Biao, step by step.

The two walked together toward the Fengtian Hall on the high ground, each step filled with solemnity and reverence.

When the two arrived outside the hall, Zhu Biao stopped in his tracks.

Upon seeing this, the imperial guards stationed outside the palace immediately stepped forward, approached Zhu Ying with respectful expressions, and said in a calm yet courteous tone, "My lord, you must remove your weapons before entering the palace for an audience."

"it is good."

Zhu Ying understood that this was the rule in the palace, and there was nothing wrong with it.

He immediately reached out, took the sword from his waist, and handed it to the Imperial Guard.

The Imperial Guard soldiers took Zhu Ying's sword with both hands, their eyes gleaming with excitement as if they were holding a rare treasure. Their tone was full of reverence: "Thank you for your trouble, Lord Marquis."

"His Majesty has decreed..."

Just as Zhu Biao and Zhu Ying were waiting outside the hall, a eunuch's sharp shout suddenly came from inside the hall. The voice was clear and loud, and it spread throughout the entire hall: "Summon, Marquis Zhu Ying, to enter the hall for an audience."

"Let's enter the hall."

Zhu Biao turned around and gently reassured Zhu Ying, "There's no need to be too nervous. You are a meritorious official of our Great Ming Dynasty, and you have made outstanding contributions to the country. No one dares to make things difficult for you."

Zhu Biao seemed to sense that Zhu Ying might be nervous about his first time attending court, and made a point of comforting him.

This was clearly a key reason why he waited outside the hall and personally guided Zhu Ying.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Zhu Ying glanced at Zhu Biao gratefully, feeling Zhu Biao's kindness even more clearly in his heart.

However, Zhu Ying wasn't nervous at all.

Compared to the life-and-death battles and the clash of swords on the battlefield, attending court and meeting the emperor seems like a rather grand occasion.

After all, Zhu Ying had personally captured the Northern Yuan emperor, an experience that had long since made him indifferent to worldly affairs.

Immediately, Zhu Biao took a steady step and entered the Fengtian Hall first.

Zhu Ying took a deep breath, adjusted his emotions, and then steadily followed, slowly walking into the hall.

As the two stepped into the hall, all eyes in the court instantly converged on them like a tidal wave.

Zhu Ying secretly circulated his spiritual power, spreading it out quietly, and keenly sensed the emotions hidden behind the ministers' gazes.

Everyone held Zhu Biao in high esteem, for as the Crown Prince and future heir apparent, Zhu Biao held a prestigious position, and naturally, no one dared to be negligent in the slightest.

As for themselves, many ministers had complex and varied emotions. Some were curious, their eyes gleaming with a spirit of inquiry, seemingly full of interest in this young Marquis of Champion. Others were envious, their eyes filled with jealousy, perhaps out of envy that Zhu Ying had achieved such extraordinary feats at such a young age. Their gazes revealed a hint of hostility, as if Zhu Ying's appearance had disrupted their original balance.

In short, the myriad aspects of life are revealed in the fleeting glances, and the ever-changing emotions fully demonstrate the complexity and subtlety of the imperial court.

but!

These things didn't concern Zhu Ying.

He has his own principles and is not swayed by the opinions of others.

Soon, Zhu Biao and Zhu Ying arrived at the center of the main hall.

On the high dragon throne, Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze had already landed on Zhu Ying like a hawk.

"Emperor Taizu of Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang".

Zhu Ying thought to himself, "He started with a broken bowl, yet he was able to rise up in a chaotic world, create a vast empire, and restore the glory of the Han Dynasty. He is truly an emperor for all ages."

"I can finally see such a person in person."

Zhu Ying looked up and saw Zhu Yuanzhang on the dragon throne. Although he was getting old and his face showed the marks of time, he still exuded an aura of majesty that was not diminished at all. On the contrary, it became more and more profound with age, like a towering mountain that made people feel awe.

Using his senses, Zhu Ying clearly felt the powerful and majestic aura emanating from Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Ying felt immense respect for this legendary emperor.

Starting with a broken bowl, what an arduous beginning! Yet Zhu Yuanzhang overcame all obstacles, conquered a vast territory, and established the Ming Dynasty.

Such achievements are difficult for even the chosen ones to attain.

"Father."

Zhu Biao raised his head slightly, bowed slightly, and respectfully reported to Zhu Yuanzhang, "The Marquis of Champion has entered the palace."

"it is good."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, and the atmosphere in the originally solemn hall eased considerably.

Immediately, Zhu Biao stepped aside, completely exposing Zhu Ying to Zhu Yuanzhang's view.

"My lord, please see your Majesty."

Zhu Ying immediately bowed and shouted in a loud voice, "May His Majesty live ten thousand years! Ten thousand years! Ten thousand years!"

"Zhu Qing, you may dispense with the formalities."

Zhu Yuanzhang's smile deepened. He raised his hand and waved it gently, his old face filled with curiosity about Zhu Ying. His gaze was fixed on Zhu Ying, as if he wanted to see right through him.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Zhu Ying said, slowly raising his head.

At that very moment, a bizarre scene unfolded.

Just like when Zhu Biao first met Zhu Ying at the city gate, Zhu Yuanzhang froze the moment his gaze fell on Zhu Ying's eyes. His expression froze, and his eyes were filled with shock and disbelief.

"This this……"

Zhu Yuanzhang secretly marveled, "They look just like Xiong Ying's eyes."

"No wonder...no wonder Wenxi looks so much like Xiong Ying when he was a child. Could it really be fate?"

"How could there be such a coincidence in this world?"

Zhu Yuanzhang thought to himself.

However, as someone who rose from humble beginnings, weathered countless storms, and finally ascended the throne, his composure far surpassed that of ordinary people.

After a moment of surprise flashed in his eyes, Zhu Yuanzhang quickly regained his composure.

"Champion Marquis."

Zhu Yuanzhang cleared his throat and said, "Minister Zhu, just as the rumors say, heroes emerge from among the young."

"At the young age of twenty, he has made unparalleled contributions to our Great Ming Dynasty and China, achieving the highest honor of being enfeoffed as the Wolf-Dwelling Mountain."

"We are truly proud of you."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily and praised Zhu Ying generously, his voice filled with joy and admiration.

"As a soldier of the Ming Dynasty, it is my duty to fight for the country and protect my homeland."

Zhu Ying immediately clasped his hands in a fist salute, his expression solemn and serious, and replied.

"Hahaha."

Zhu Yuanzhang burst into laughter, his wrinkles smoothing out with joy: "What a fine Ming Dynasty soldier!"

"Not bad."

Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied with Zhu Ying's attitude, and the admiration in his eyes grew even stronger.

At this time.

Zhu Biao stepped forward, stood up, and said with a smile, "Father!"

"Have you forgotten the time when your fourth brother investigated why the Marquis of Champion, who was from Beiping Prefecture, ended up as a soldier in Daning Prefecture?"

"When the Marquis of Champions enlisted, corrupt officials maliciously raised his age by nearly two years. In reality, the Marquis of Champions is only eighteen years old."

Zhu Biao said loudly, his tone full of praise for Zhu Ying.

This is more like a declaration.

Upon hearing this, the entire court was in an uproar, and everyone's face showed shock.

"How could this happen?"

"The Marquis of Champion is only eighteen years old?"

"What the Crown Prince just mentioned—that corrupt officials raised the age for military service? What exactly happened?"

"Could there be some unknown secret behind the Marquis of Champion's enlistment?"

"At eighteen, he sealed the wolf's lair and lived in seclusion."

"The champion marquis of the Han Dynasty, Huo Qubing, also achieved the feat of sealing the wolf and residing in the Xuxu Mountains at the age of twenty-two."

"This Zhu Ying is actually so young?"

……

In the imperial court, the ministers whispered among themselves, discussing the matter with curiosity and surprise at Zhu Ying's age.

Zhu Ying stood quietly in the main hall, his expression calm, unperturbed by the discussions of the crowd.

……

(End of this chapter)