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

Chapter 381 Mother Wei's Demands

Meanwhile, Consort Wei quietly watched the discussion between her son and daughter-in-law, her gaze fixed on her young grandson, without making any attempt to interrupt them.

However, when Zhu Zhanhe mentioned a family gathering, a hint of sadness flickered in the eyes of Empress Dowager Wei. After all, her husband, after faking his death, had actually gone straight to Annam! He hadn't even returned for the New Year! It was infuriating!
While the Dowager Princess was struggling with her dilemma, Zhu Zhanhe continued to talk to Princess Xia about matters concerning the Prince's residence.

"The Mu family has already finished asking for auspicious omens for my younger sister's marriage. After the New Year, the Mu family should be preparing the betrothal gifts and setting the wedding date."

What the prince said about arranging for his eldest sister's marriage in the second half of the year should be fine. Princess Xia was quite familiar with the progress of her eldest sister Yu Shu's marriage. After all, she had been handling everything herself, with her mother, Wei, assisting her.

"Would Your Highness like to reconsider the marriage of your second and third brothers?" Princess Xia asked cautiously, her eyes fixed on her husband's face.

Clearly, Princess Xia had some ideas regarding the marriages of her two younger brothers, Zhu Zhanqi and Zhu Zhan'an. For example, she might have wanted them to marry women from prominent families to strengthen the power of the Prince's mansion!

"No need! Their marriage will be arranged according to the imperial court's rules, through the selection of imperial concubines."

However, the final selection of the imperial concubines can be left to the second and third sons to decide. Upon hearing Princess Xia's words, Zhu Zhanhe paused involuntarily, his hand that was teasing his son still. He knew, of course, what his wife wanted to say: to arrange marriages between his brothers and other powerful families to increase the strength of the royal family.

However, Zhu Zhanhe did not want to involve his two younger brothers' marriages in political power struggles.

Furthermore, Zhu Zhanhe even planned to let his younger brothers choose their own wives from among the selected young ladies! This could be seen as Zhu Zhanhe giving his brothers some autonomy in their marriages.

Strictly speaking, Zhu Zhanhe's actions were unacceptable. However, since Zhu Zhanhe is now the Prince of Han, his words are law!

"Listen to Your Highness!" Xia was a shrewd woman and naturally understood her husband's refusal. Therefore, Xia naturally chose to comply with her husband's wishes.

"Your Highness, do you have anyone in mind regarding my second sister's marriage?" Having learned from her brother's experience with his marriage, Madam Xia naturally inquired about her husband's opinion on her sisters' marriages.

"As for the sisters' marriages, there's no need to be particular about social status. Just select a few candidates, keep the suitable ones, and let the sisters take a look at them first."

After all, this is their future husband, and they will be living their lives together!
If they have no objections, then it's settled.

"Besides, our Prince's Mansion lacks nothing!" Regarding the issue of brothers-in-law, Zhu Zhanhe also gave basic requirements. That is, all brothers-in-law must be ultimately approved by his sisters. He had no intention of using his sisters to exchange for any benefits. After all, with his current status as the Prince of Han, he lacked nothing and wouldn't do such a thing!

Besides, even if he lacks something, he can simply lead his army to reclaim it!
"I understand." Princess Xia was very clever; upon hearing her husband's words, she naturally understood what he meant. Therefore, without any objection, Princess Xia readily agreed.

When the topic of sending betrothal gifts to Beijing came up, Princess Xia couldn't help but glance at her mother, Lady Wei. Clearly, Princess Xia was somewhat worried that this illegitimate daughter, who had already been secretly married off by the late king, might upset her mother, Lady Wei.

"The court does not yet know the other party's identity, and it is not appropriate to reveal it."

If their identities were truly exposed, it wouldn't be good for their family. Therefore, the dowry will remain at the Prince's residence for now, and she can be given to them later when the opportunity arises.” Zhu Zhanhe also knew that if he really sent Yu Ming's dowry to Beijing, Yu Qian's situation would be dangerous. Even his newly emerged sister would be in danger!

Therefore, after much deliberation, Zhu Zhanhe decided to postpone the dowry arrangements and not send it to Beijing for the time being.

It wasn't that Zhu Zhanhe was reluctant to part with this dowry. After all, if Zhu Zhanhe remembered correctly, Yu Qian would ruin himself in a few years, and his whole family would be exiled. At that time, Zhu Zhanhe could simply bring his poor sister and nephew back.

As for now? Let's just have them bear with it for now!

"I'll listen to Your Highness!" Seeing that her mother, Lady Wei, wasn't angry, Princess Xia quickly agreed.

"Waaaaah!" Perhaps Zhu Zhanhe was so busy talking to his wife that he forgot he was holding his precious son. The little guy, feeling neglected, or perhaps noticing that the person holding him today was missing his signature pair of dark glasses, immediately burst into loud, wailing cries!
"Your Highness, let me hold the little prince." Seeing her grandson start to cry, Consort Wei's face fell. Immediately, Aunt Xiu'er, who was standing next to Consort Wei, came to Zhu Zhanhe's side, took Zhu Qiyu in her arms, and gently rocked him.

"Thank you for your hard work, Aunt Xiuer." Zhu Zhanhe didn't refuse when Aunt Xiuer took his son from his arms; instead, he let her take the child. After all, this little boy, apart from his wet nurse, had practically grown up in Aunt Xiuer's arms. Seeing Aunt Xiuer was even more precious to him than seeing his own father, Zhu Zhanhe!

Zhu Qiyu was very accommodating; as soon as Aunt Xiuer picked him up, the little guy immediately stopped crying and started giggling.

The room was instantly filled with a sweet atmosphere as the baby laughed.

Upon hearing her grandson's laughter, a hint of warmth appeared in Consort Wei's eyes. Immediately, Consort Wei turned her gaze to her son.

"He'er, my dear grandson, is very obedient now."

"Your uncles and aunts are free anyway, so why don't you have Xiuer take Yu'er to your uncles and ask them to help take care of the child?" The Dowager Consort Wei hadn't spoken until now. In reality, however, she was very satisfied with her daughter-in-law, Xia. After all, Xia was filial; she had given birth to the eldest grandson; and now, she had generously allowed the two girls from the Mu family to also become pregnant with the Prince's heirs.

Therefore, she, as a mother, decided to reward her good daughter-in-law!
However, ordinary rewards were somewhat beneath the notice of Consort Wei! After pondering for several days, Consort Wei came up with an idea: she decided to have her grandson make contact with his maternal uncle, Wei Jizhong!
"Hoo~~" Upon hearing her mother Wei's words, Princess Xia, who had been sitting calmly and composed, suddenly widened her eyes, and even her breathing became heavy. Princess Xia understood very well the meaning behind her mother Wei's words!
Uncle Wei was personally appointed by the Prince as a Dragon Tamer! Under Uncle Wei, there are also two young Dragon Tamers being trained!

It can be said that, apart from the prince, Uncle Wei represents the alligator dragon to a certain extent!

Now that Mother Wei wants Uncle Wei to help take care of her child Yu'er, isn't that basically saying that she wants her son to come into contact with the alligator dragon?
How could Princess Xia not be excited by such a reward!
Princess Xia was naturally very clear about the terrifying and ferocious alligator dragon.

At this moment, Princess Wei felt no fear whatsoever, nor was she worried about whether her child would be harmed by the alligator! Instead, Princess Xia's eyes were filled with joy!
Because the alligator dragon is the Han Prince's biggest trump card! It is the symbol of the future Han Prince's Mansion!

If his son gains the approval of the Crocodile Dragon, then he will undoubtedly be the rightful heir! The undisputed heir!

(End of this chapter)