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

Chapter 265 Xia Yuanji's Important Matters
"Uh... Father-in-law, please go ahead." Looking at his father-in-law Xia Yuanji's unfriendly expression, Zhu Zhanhe felt a little guilty. After all, he had just listed a whole bunch of tasks, all of which required his father-in-law to either lead a team or have him lead a team! Was his father-in-law going to quit because he thought there was too much work? Zhu Zhanhe couldn't help but feel uneasy.

"Your Highness, are you aware that the Crown Princess is currently preparing for the selection of concubines for you?" Xia Yuanji said, his face full of displeasure. After all, his own daughter is currently pregnant, and yet she's personally preparing for your concubine selection? She's utterly despicable!

Admittedly, Xia Yuanji knew that Zhu Zhanhe possessed the true dragon within him and naturally desired to have offspring to inherit the dragon's legacy. However, Xia Yuanji was extremely dissatisfied with the idea of ​​finding a concubine for his son-in-law while his daughter was pregnant! Utterly dissatisfied!
Those around Xia Yuanji listened with nonchalant expressions. As subjects, they naturally couldn't comment on the Crown Prince's wife's pregnancy and her efforts to select concubines for him. As men, they might admire the Crown Prince's wife's virtue, but from Xia Yuanji's perspective, and from a father's perspective, they were naturally dissatisfied. Therefore, the gazes of everyone present were subtly focused on Zhu Zhanhe and Xia Yuanji.

"Father-in-law, I only just learned of this myself." His father-in-law was berating him for taking a concubine, especially since his own wife had helped him arrange it. What was he to do? Faced with his father-in-law's questioning, and considering his wife's pregnancy, Zhu Zhanhe felt somewhat guilty and embarrassed. Therefore, he decided to use the "I don't know" principle to deal with his father-in-law's questions: What? I don't know? I'm not sure? I just found out!

"Since that's the case, Your Highness, then let me get to the important matter." Looking at his son-in-law's innocent expression, Xia Yuanji felt a surge of anger rising within him, almost ready to jump up and down. However, in the end, Xia Yuanji suppressed his inexplicable anger and began to speak of the important matter.

"Father-in-law, please speak." Isn't your condemnation of my taking a concubine a serious matter? Although Zhu Zhanhe had some doubts, he still let his father-in-law continue.

"Your Highness, I would like to request that the selection of a concubine be postponed for the time being." Xia Yuanji clearly told Zhu Zhanhe, "I want to put your concubine selection on hold for now!"
In fact, Xia Yuanji had several considerations regarding the matter of postponing Zhu Zhanhe's marriage to a concubine. First, his daughter was pregnant, and it would be bad for her if Zhu Zhanhe took a concubine now. Second, if his daughter did not give birth to the eldest grandson, the Crown Princess would still have time to make amends. Third, it was for the sake of stable rule over the newly occupied Annam region, and even other newly occupied regions in the future.

"No problem." Zhu Zhanhe agreed to his father-in-law's words without hesitation, without even thinking about it.

Zhu Zhanhe's reasoning wasn't just that marrying a younger wife now would be bad for his pregnant wife, but also to ensure his father-in-law would give him a better chance at work. After all, it was his first child, and Zhu Zhanhe valued it highly. Besides, he could marry a younger wife anytime; there was no need to wait until now. Doing so might upset his capable subordinates, potentially affecting work progress. Beauties are always available, and expansion must continue!

"Your Highness, won't you ask why?" Xia Yuanji hadn't expected Zhu Zhanhe's decisive agreement. He was momentarily stunned, then asked Zhu Zhanhe with surprise why he had agreed so readily. After all, although he was an elder, from another perspective, as a subject, this could be considered somewhat disrespectful.

"My father-in-law wouldn't ask me to postpone taking a concubine without a reason. Since he's asked me to postpone it, there must be a reason."

"Besides, there's no rush to take a concubine. What's wrong with delaying it?" Zhu Zhanhe's answer to Xia Yuanji was quite generous. This left the third brother, Zhu Zhan'an, who had initially felt indignant on behalf of his elder brother, speechless for a moment. After hearing his elder brother's words, he realized that his elder brother's rise to the position of heir was not solely due to his age, but more importantly, because his elder brother was able to listen to others' opinions and lead the royal family to another peak.

“Your Highness is wise. The matter of taking a concubine can be postponed! Even the matter of a secondary consort can be postponed!” Although Xia Yuanji said that Zhu Zhanhe was wise, he was carefully observing his son-in-law’s expression as he spoke. Seeing his son-in-law’s calm expression, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief.

“After all, the Crown Prince has lofty ambitions, and Yunnan will undoubtedly expand into many new territories in the future. At that time, for the sake of stability in these newly conquered areas, not only His Highness the Crown Prince, but even the other princes of the Prince's residence will likely have to carefully consider and weigh the pros and cons of taking concubines. Now that Annam is about to be unified, a concubine from Annam is quite necessary for His Highness the Crown Prince.” Xia Yuanji was quite surprised by his son-in-law's willingness to accept advice, as he was used to the Yongle Emperor's autocratic rule. Seeing his son-in-law readily heed his advice left him momentarily astonished. However, Xia Yuanji quickly composed himself and explained his reasons for advising Zhu Zhanhe to postpone taking a concubine. His reasons were presented in a grand and dignified manner, convincing everyone.

"Father-in-law, these are words of wisdom for the country." Zhu Zhanhe highly affirmed the reason given by Xia Yuanji. After all, regardless of Xia Yuanji's private thoughts, his words were without fault, and could even be described as mature and prudent!

"I will finalize this matter with the Crown Princess today." Zhu Zhanhe was very enthusiastic about something that would benefit him, and he decided to talk to his wife about it when he got back.

"Your Highness is indeed decisive and efficient. Since Your Highness has something to discuss with the Crown Princess, we will take our leave now."

"We take our leave!" Upon hearing Zhu Zhanhe's words, Xia Yuanji's face immediately showed a satisfied expression. Then, before Zhu Zhanhe could react, Xia Yuanji abruptly stood up, bid farewell to Zhu Zhanhe, and turned to leave.

"We take our leave!" Seeing Xia Yuanji's posture, the others also stood up to bid farewell to Zhu Zhanhe. Then, under Zhu Zhanhe's dazed gaze, everyone in Chengyun Hall left one by one, even his third brother Zhu Zhanyi and Xiao Xizi went out.

For a moment, Zhu Zhanhe was completely dumbfounded. What was going on? Didn't I say I was going to treat you all to dinner? Why did you all run away? This young master is treating you to dinner, and you're not even giving me face?
"Your Highness, you've just returned and haven't even changed your clothes yet. You should quickly wash up, change into clean clothes, and get some rest." Just as Zhu Zhanhe was drinking tea with a puzzled expression, Xiao Xizi came in from outside and whispered to Zhu Zhanhe.

"Uh~" Zhu Zhanhe was speechless for a moment. You all ran away so that I could go to sleep early? The sun has only just started to set, okay? Zhu Zhanhe looked at Xiao Xizi with some speechlessness.

"Your Highness, Yun'er and Jian'er have already prepared your bathwater. You just returned today, shouldn't you spend some time with the Princess Consort? Lord Xia and the others have all gone to work at the yamen." Noticing the doubt in the young master's eyes, Xiao Xizi thoughtfully told Zhu Zhanhe that Lord Xia Yuanji had already taken his men to work, and had specifically taken everyone with him. He should hurry up and wash up so he could go and keep the Princess Consort company.

"Okay." Zhu Zhanhe was speechless for a moment after hearing Xiao Xizi's explanation. However, he also understood Xia Yuanji's situation. After all, his daughter was pregnant, and his son-in-law had been away for several months. They had just returned, and the young couple needed to catch up. Seeing how considerate his elder was, Zhu Zhanhe agreed without hesitation and headed towards his residence.

Inside the hot spring bath, the warm water, sprinkled with flower petals, made Zhu Zhanhe feel incredibly comfortable. As the two maids gently washed him, the rushing water made him feel a little hot and bothered. However, with sheer willpower, Zhu Zhanhe finally managed to climb out of the bath, letting the two radiant maids help him into loose-fitting loungewear before heading to the bedroom.

(End of this chapter)