Ming Dynasty: The Crocodile King of Han Prince Zhu Gaoxu's Family

Chapter 188 Visiting the Xia Residence
"Madman!" The old Taoist priest Zhang Zhengheng stared blankly at Zhu Zhanhe for a long time, his eyes gleaming with a strong green light, before finally managing to utter two words with difficulty.

"Teacher, madmen and geniuses often coexist! That's undeniable!" Zhu Zhanhe looked at the old Taoist priest in front of him, whose eyes were gleaming with a green light, pursed his lips, and still had a smiling expression on his face. He thought to himself: Success!

"This is your real purpose, isn't it!"
You little brat, you've been trying to take advantage of me, this old Taoist priest, from beginning to end!

Use my connections, resources, and even my ideals to accomplish your grand scheme!

You've planned everything since you knew the alligator was coming back!
"However, the Prince of Han's sudden rebellion disrupted your plans, so your schemes haven't even begun yet. Otherwise, you would probably have already become a regional overlord and ruled the world!" The old Taoist priest stared intently at Zhu Zhanhe, his eyes gleaming with certainty. His gaze was as if he were looking at a monster, fixed intently on Zhu Zhanhe!

"Teacher, you're wronging me."

The student has never taken advantage of anyone. This matter was simply a matter of mutual consent between you and me, teacher and student.

"The student did not force you." Seeing that the old Taoist priest had a prejudice against him, Zhu Zhanhe rolled his eyes, leaned forward slightly, and quickly explained.

"Tch, don't try to explain to me, kid."

I'd like to know, in this situation, how are you going to leave this ironclad city of Beijing?
This is your real problem right now!

"You wouldn't just release the alligator dragon and force your way out, would you?!" The old Taoist priest looked at his student's explanation with disdain, rolled his eyes, and asked the crucial question.

"Teacher, rest assured. As of today, although the one in the palace has still sent people to surround the entire Prince of Han's residence, there will always be times when he relaxes his guard. I have already sent people to investigate this matter."

Besides, my father, the Prince of Han, has already gathered quite a few loyal followers. It wouldn't be difficult for him to secretly send people into Beijing. The only challenge would be getting all the family members out of the Prince's residence.

Besides, I showed the late emperor the alligator dragon before he passed away! Given his willingness to sacrifice everything for the country, he would surely pass this knowledge on to the new emperor! As for why no one from the new emperor's faction has come to see me, there must be some unknown reasons behind it.

"However, I'm not worried. With my father, the Prince of Han, rebelling, the new emperor will find out about this sooner or later. Given the new emperor's temper, I'm afraid it will be difficult for me to stay in Beijing!" Zhu Zhanhe knew the current problem, but he wasn't worried and remained confident.

"You had this planned all along?!" The old Taoist priest was dumbfounded by his student's words, and even forgot to drink the tea he was holding.

In contrast, Zhu Zhanhe did not offer any explanation, but simply smiled and remained silent.

On one hand, Crown Prince Zhu Zhanhe secretly surrounded the residences of the Prince of Han and the Prince of Zhao, and even the ingredients that the residences went out to purchase every day were secretly inspected.

On the other hand, the Prince's family had a large number of members, and it would be extremely difficult to secretly move them all out without alerting the court.

"Teacher, rest assured, it will take me several months or more than a year to travel to the fiefdom in Yunnan!"

As for the teacher, I would appreciate it if the teacher could start contacting some ambitious senior and junior students.

"After all, this requires a lot of manpower." Zhu Zhanhe casually pointed to the map, indicating that the area was vast and needed skilled personnel.

"You don't need to worry about my affairs!"

"You'd better worry about yourself!" The old Taoist priest, persuaded by his cheap student, looked at the map hanging on the wall and was now tempted. He glared at his cheap student, waved his sleeves, and without another word, turned and left the palace.

After watching the old Taoist priest Zhang Zhengheng leave, Zhu Zhanhe decided to go find his mother, Lady Wei. After all, it had been confirmed that the Prince of Han was plotting a rebellion, and the marriage arranged by the late emperor was now uncertain.

It is said that recently, Zhu Zhanhe's uncle, Emperor Hongxi, has the intention of appointing Xia Yuanji, Zhu Zhanhe's future father-in-law, so Zhu Zhanhe decided to personally visit the Xia family.

“Mother, now that Grandpa’s mourning period is over, we still need to discuss our marriage agreement with the Xia family.” Zhu Zhanhe turned and went to his mother, Madam Wei’s, side.

At that moment, the mother, Madam Wei, was sitting in a chair, lost in thought, looking melancholy. Hearing her son's voice, she snapped out of her reverie, hurriedly wiping away her tears before turning to look at him. "My son is right. I'll have Steward Hu deliver the visiting cards immediately, and we'll go to the Xia residence ourselves tomorrow," said Madam Wei, still very concerned about her son's marriage, her expression urgent.

At this moment, Princess Wei, the wife of the Prince of Han, was well aware that her husband's rebellion would likely have a significant impact on her son's marriage! After all, if things went wrong, her daughter who was to marry into the family could face the death penalty! Who would willingly push their daughter into such a dangerous situation?!

Moreover, now that the new emperor has ascended the throne, although the mourning period has ended, it remains to be seen whether the new emperor will still recognize this marriage!

"Don't worry, Mother, I'll go with you tomorrow!" Looking at his mother's red eyes, Zhu Zhanhe knew that it was time for him to step forward and take responsibility.

"Alright!" Princess Wei was taken aback by her son's words, but quickly agreed. Her son was so outstanding; if the Xia family broke off the engagement, it would be a real loss for them!

The next morning, Zhu Zhanhe and his mother, Madam Wei, got ready. Zhu Zhanhe rode a horse, while his mother, Madam Wei, rode in a carriage, heading straight for Xia Yuanji's home.

"Young Master, someone is still following us!" Not long after leaving the Prince's Mansion, Liu Erniu, who was riding a horse just like Zhu Zhanhe, rode up to Zhu Zhanhe and whispered with murderous intent in his eyes.

"It's alright, as long as they don't provoke us, we'll just pretend they don't exist!" Upon hearing Liu Erniu's words, Zhu Zhanhe immediately guessed that this must be a scheme arranged by Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji. However, Zhu Zhanhe didn't care at all at the moment, completely ignoring the other party.

Furthermore, these people who were following him were not just doing that; they were also responsible for Zhu Zhanhe's personal safety.

After all, the Prince of Han is currently planning a rebellion, but he hasn't actually done so yet. If anything were to happen to the Crown Prince of Han at this time, then the Prince of Han would truly have no reason to turn back. Everyone understands this!

Before even reaching the gate of the Xia residence, Zhu Zhanhe could see people from afar waiting outside.

As soon as he arrived at the entrance, Zhu Zhanhe immediately dismounted.

"Xia Yuanji, along with his family, pays respects to the Princess Consort of Han and His Highness the Crown Prince of Han!" Zhu Zhanhe had just dismounted when Xia Yuanji, who was slightly plump, immediately knelt down with his entire family.

"Uncle Xia, please rise quickly, you are making this junior feel ashamed!" Facing Xia Yuanji kneeling on the ground, Zhu Zhanhe knew that Xia Yuanji had objections to the marriage, but could not say it outright. He could only remind the two families of the difference in status and explain that the marriage was not suitable.

"Your Highness, you're too kind!" Xia Yuanji was forcibly lifted up by Zhu Zhanhe, and could only stand up with a smile on his face.

On the other side, Princess Wei, the wife of the Prince of Han, also came out of the carriage. Xia Yuanji's wife, Wang, quickly stepped forward to exchange pleasantries.

Zhu Zhanhe glanced around at the Xia family members, not seeing his fiancée, but only the disapproving looks from Xia's sons. Zhu Zhanhe didn't seem to care.

"Your Highness, please!" Xia Yuanji was very polite to Zhu Zhanhe, bowing slightly as he invited Zhu Zhanhe into the residence.

"Uncle Xia, you're too kind." Zhu Zhanhe bowed slightly to Xia Yuanji before entering the room.

Soon, Zhu Zhanhe and his mother, Madam Wei, arrived at the main hall of Xia Yuanji's house.

As soon as he entered the main hall, Zhu Zhanhe keenly sensed someone spying on him from the side hall. Those piercing eyes were fixed on Zhu Zhanhe. Was this his future wife peeping at him? Zhu Zhanhe thought to himself.

The atmosphere in the main hall was a little awkward. After all, Xia Yuanji wanted to annul the engagement, but the Yongle Emperor had already passed away. He knew that with the personality of the new emperor, the Hongxi Emperor, he would definitely not annul the engagement and would even try his best to make it happen!

Therefore, Xia Yuanji was now in a dilemma. What was even more terrifying was that the Prince of Han had rebelled. Wouldn't marrying his daughter to him be like pushing her into a fire pit?!

"Uncle Xia, I have some questions about my studies recently. Would you be so kind as to give me some private guidance?" Zhu Zhanhe could also see that the atmosphere in the room was a bit awkward, so he asked to leave with Xia Yuanji alone, leaving his mother, Madam Wei, and Madam Wang, the matriarch of the Xia family, to talk.
"Alright!" Xia Yuanji put down his teacup upon hearing Zhu Zhanhe's words, his eyes sharpening instantly, and readily agreed.

(End of this chapter)