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

Chapter 358 Rumors in Anzhou City
Zhu Zhanhe turned his head and saw a person in full armor and wearing a black iron mask mocking him.

"How dare you say that to me?"
Have you explained to your family about marrying Yu Qian's illegitimate sister?

"You weren't kicked out of the Prince's mansion this time, were you?" Faced with the sudden taunt, Zhu Zhanhe retorted without hesitation, showing no regard for the stern-faced man's status or age.

You!

Hum~!

"I can't be bothered to argue with you." After being retorted, the masked man immediately became speechless, as if someone had struck a nerve, and then immediately quieted down. However, when Zhu Zhanhe looked up, he found that even though the mask was on, he could already feel the strong resentment emanating from the other man.

"As long as Hu Tian isn't stupid, he can definitely tell something from his physique, speech, and style. However, I believe Hu Tian is the type of person who wouldn't say anything carelessly."

The key point is that if Yang Shiqi, Yu Qian, Fan Zhong, and others saw you, they would probably have doubts. Therefore, we can only reluctantly wait until Yang Shiqi and the others leave before letting you appear in Annam.” Facing the resentful, stern-faced man, Zhu Zhanhe quickly changed the subject and began to explain.

"You don't need to explain, I know it myself."

Since arriving in Annam yesterday, I have used your access privileges to view all the files in Annam. So far, I have only taken a cursory look at the general overview.

I must say, kid, you did a great job.

"Better than me!" Faced with Zhu Zhanhe's attempt to change the subject, Mr. Iron Face also told Zhu Zhanhe what he had been doing from yesterday until now. Finally, Mr. Iron Face proudly said to Zhu Zhanhe, "You did better than me!" This could be seen as a father's recognition of his son and his expectations for the future.

"A duel?" Seeing the slightly downcast mood of the Iron-Faced Man after he finished speaking, Zhu Zhanhe brandished his broadsword and invited the Iron-Faced Man to have a martial arts duel with him.

As before, Zhu Zhanhe hoped to alleviate Mr. Iron Face's dejected mood with a thoroughly enjoyable battle. However, Zhu Zhanhe had clearly overlooked the issue of his opponent's age.

"Forget it, I want to live a few more years, you can train by yourself."

"Also, I won't be attending today's military parade." With that, the Iron-Faced Man seemed to flee from the small training ground. After all, the Iron-Faced Man could tell from the sheer force of the large sword the other man wielded that it was no small weapon! He, being of advanced age, feared that if he took even one blow, he would be meeting the late Emperor!

A duel? What a load of rubbish! I'm not stupid, I'd better slip away first! So, Mr. Iron Face very politely made his escape.

After Mr. Iron Face left, Zhu Zhanhe weighed the broadsword in his hand, originally intending to wield it a little longer.

"Your Highness, it's time to head to the military camp." Unexpectedly, Xiao Xizi, who was serving nearby, called out at this moment. Zhu Zhanhe had no choice but to regretfully put down his broadsword and obediently go to change his clothes. After all, business was more important.

Soon, Zhu Zhanhe rode his tall horse, Ta Xue, leading a large group of civil and military officials and subordinates towards the military camp.

At the rear of the group, Yang Shiqi, Yu Qian, and Fan Zhong were trailing behind the main force. However, it was clear that Yu Qian, whose expression was constantly changing, had something he couldn't hold back from saying.

"Lord Yang, we only arrived in Annam yesterday and went to the military camp early this morning."

But in just one day and one night, I heard all sorts of exaggerated rumors no less than ten times in the government offices and city of Anzhou!
Moreover, since the officials in Anzhou did not stop these rumors, they allowed them to spread!?" Yu Qian complained to Yang Shiqi and Fan Zhong beside him as he spurred his horse to catch up with the main force ahead.

Yu Qian could no longer contain himself; after all, the rumors were simply too shocking and exaggerated. But what Yu Qian couldn't understand was why Annamese officials would allow such outrageous rumors to spread—weren't they afraid of being exposed as lies?!

Or perhaps the Prince of Han's palace wanted to use such rumors to mislead the people and incite unrest? But surely such exaggerated rumors wouldn't be necessary!
What puzzled Yu Qian even more was the serious expression on Yang Shiqi and Fan Zhong's faces. "Grand Secretary Yang, General Fan!"
Some of those who spread rumors claimed that the Prince of Han was a reincarnation of a true dragon!
Some people say that a real dragon follows the Prince of Han!
Some say that the Prince of Han can transform into a real dragon!

Some people say that there are immortals in Annam who hold golden scriptures and preach the Tao while riding dragons!

what is happening?
"How could there be so many rumors and gossip about the Prince of Han and dragons in Annam?" Yu Qian asked Yang Shiqi with a puzzled look.

After all, Yu Qian had only been there for a day, yet these rumors had already reached his ears. One can imagine how many similar rumors circulated throughout Annam!

"Ouch!"
Vice Minister Yu, we'll be at the military camp soon.

"Once you get to the military camp, you'll find that some rumors that seem like gossip may not actually be rumors!" Seeing Yu Qian's puzzled expression, Yang Shiqi couldn't help but sigh heavily, and then replied to Yu Qian earnestly in a low voice.

What?!
Grand Secretary Yang, are you out of your mind?
What do you mean by "it looks like a rumor, but it's not"?
"You can't possibly say that all those rumors circulating wildly in Anzhou City are true, can you?!" After hearing Yang Shiqi's absurd answer, Yu Qian couldn't help but curl his lip and verbally mock Yang Shiqi.

However, after the mockery ended, Yu Qian noticed Yang Shiqi's serious expression. Seeing Yang Shiqi's earnest expression, Yu Qian's heart pounded.

Surely the rumors can't all be true?! Yu Qian couldn't help but mutter to himself. But he quickly dismissed the thought. After all, in his opinion, such rumors were utter nonsense!

"Grand Secretary Yang, you must be joking with me!"
"What real dragon is there in this world?!" Even though his heart was pounding, Yu Qian still muttered this to Yang Shiqi with a stubborn tone.

At the same time, Yu Qian turned his gaze to Fan Zhong, wanting to see Fan Zhong's attitude. However, when Yu Qian turned his head, he saw Fan Zhong's face, which was just as serious and earnest as Yang Shiqi's.

"General Fan, don't tell me that what Grand Secretary Yang said is true?!" Seeing the serious expressions in Yang Shiqi and Fan Zhong's eyes, Yu Qian finally realized that something was wrong. He asked Fan Zhong incredulously.

“Minister Yu, you must believe that the world is vast and full of wonders.”

"Later, after you witness that terrible and shocking secret, please remain calm." Fan Zhong said calmly and earnestly to Yu Qian after hearing his question.

"It now seems that what is a secret to us is no longer a secret in Annam. Moreover, this secret has probably already spread throughout Annam."

"Today, we will probably witness that magnificent spectacle once again." Yang Shiqi couldn't help but add to Fan Zhong's words.

"What? What? What are you two talking about..." Yu Qian was utterly exasperated by his two riddle-solving teammates. So, he impatiently questioned them. But all he got in return was two figures riding off into the distance, their backs turned as they practiced their ridden.

Yu Qian could only bury his bitterness in his heart. He cursed his two riddle-solving teammates under his breath before reluctantly spurring his horse to follow them into the distance.

Soon, Yang Shiqi and his group followed the main force to the center of the military camp.

In the very center of the military camp stood a nine-story platform built of loess. On top of the platform was a large cauldron engulfed in flames.

There is an incense table for burning incense;

They also placed countless fruits, livestock, and other offerings on the table.

(End of this chapter)