Da Ming: I told you to die for your cause, why are you actually going to die?

Chapter 35 Grandfather and Grandson? [Requesting Monthly Tickets]

Twilight fell.

The lights of the East Palace flickered in the cold wind, exuding a desolate atmosphere of emptiness and desertion.

After returning from Zhu Biao's mausoleum, Zhu the Elder did not go back to his own residence, but instead went to the side hall where Zhu Yunwen lived.

Zhu Biao was very fond of this grandson when he was alive.

Perhaps it was because he saw a resemblance between Zhu Biao and Zhu Yunwen.

In addition, Zhu Yunwen's image as a filial son and virtuous grandson was deeply ingrained in people's minds, making it impossible for him not to pay more attention to him.

After Zhu Biao left, Zhu Yunwen's haggard and emaciated appearance made even the usually hard-hearted Zhu Yunwen worry about him.

Therefore, Old Zhu's satisfaction with Zhu Yunwen exceeded everyone's expectations.

However, Lao Zhu hid it very well and did not reveal it easily.

At this moment, he had just spoken those words in front of Zhu Biao's tomb, his heart still heavy with the damp, cold earth and the burning vow. All he wanted now was to see the grandson on whom he had placed all his hopes.

"Emperor"

A young eunuch guarding the gate was so frightened when he saw Old Zhu approaching that he tried to bow, but Old Zhu stopped him with a single look.

Old Zhu, meanwhile, walked silently toward the door.

He walked very lightly, as if afraid of disturbing something.

The hall was filled with a faint smell of medicine and ink.

Zhu Yunwen devoted a lot of effort to taking care of Zhu Biao, and since his health was already weak, he had been taking medication to recuperate.

Old Zhu knew this.

Therefore, he did not find the taste of the medicine unpleasant; on the contrary, he became even more worried about Zhu Yunwen's health.

At this moment, Zhu Yunwen did not go to bed, but instead knelt in front of a low table, dressed in plain mourning clothes.

A scroll of the Book of Documents lay open on the table, the candlelight illuminating his pale, handsome yet unusually focused profile.

He frowned slightly, as if pondering a profound sentence.

Perhaps it was the vigilance he developed while taking care of Zhu Biao that made him react very quickly to even the slightest footstep.

He looked up abruptly, and upon seeing who it was, his face instantly lit up with immense joy and affection, and his eyes welled up with tears almost immediately.

"Grandpa Huang!"

Zhu Yunwen's voice was choked with sobs as he hurriedly tried to rise and bow.

"Sit down, sit down!"

Old Zhu quickly took a few steps, pressed down on his shoulder, and sat down on the futon next to him. His withered hand gently stroked his grandson's thin back: "It's so late, and you're still studying? Why don't you take care of your health?"

This statement, though seemingly a rebuke, is actually full of admiration for Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen lowered his head, his voice thick with nasal tone, tears falling like broken beads onto the open book, quickly spreading a small patch of ink: "Grandson...Grandson can't sleep."

"Why can't you sleep? Are you feeling unwell? Have you summoned the imperial physician?" Old Zhu asked with concern.

"No, Grandfather, I'm in good health, it's just..."

Zhu Yunwen shook his head, choking back tears again, and said, "But every time I close my eyes, I see my father's face. I want to study more, to be like my father hoped, perhaps then I can feel a little better."

"This"

Upon hearing this, Old Zhu fell silent. This heartfelt lament, coupled with the rolling tears and the frail, trembling figure, struck the softest, and most guilty spot in his heart with unparalleled precision.

He recalled Zhu Biao's concern for this child before his death, and the vow he made in front of the mausoleum. A surge of emotion welled up in his eyes, and his voice softened involuntarily: "Good child, if your father in heaven could see your filial piety and diligence, he would surely be pleased."

As he spoke, he casually picked up the Book of Documents, which was soaked with tears, turned to a page at random, and pointed to a sentence: "Heaven has no favorites, but only virtue is its guide. Wen'er, tell your imperial grandfather what this sentence means?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen immediately stopped sobbing, wiped his tears with his sleeve, took a deep breath, straightened his back, and although his voice still trembled with tears, it was clear and articulate, citing classical texts:
"Your Majesty, this sentence comes from the Book of Documents, 'The Mandate of Cai Zhong.' It means that the vast Heaven has no favorites or dislikes, but only assists those with virtue. It is meant to admonish the monarch that the Mandate of Heaven is not eternal and unchanging. Only by cultivating benevolence and implementing good governance can one gain the favor of Heaven and ensure the longevity of the nation."

"In the past, King Zhou of Shang was tyrannical, and although he received the Mandate of Heaven, he still perished; King Wen of Zhou cultivated virtue, and although he controlled two-thirds of the world, he still served the Shang, and ultimately received the favor of the Mandate of Heaven. Therefore, a ruler should..."

He spoke eloquently, combining the meaning of this verse with historical allusions, explaining it clearly and thoroughly. Finally, he did not forget to highlight the theme: "My imperial grandfather, as a commoner, took up a three-foot sword to drive out the Mongol Yuan dynasty and save the people from suffering. He inherited the mandate of heaven with his great virtue!"

"Grandson."

At this point, as if he had made up his mind, his eyes became very firm: "Grandson will definitely take Grandfather as his role model, always remember to cultivate virtue and conduct himself properly, and live up to the expectations of Grandfather and Father!"

This exchange demonstrated both a profound understanding of the classics and a clever connection to reality, while also subtly and clearly flattering Old Zhu at the end.

Old Zhu nodded repeatedly, his satisfaction almost overflowing.

Look! This is the real seed of our Biao'er!

Benevolence, filial piety, wisdom, and propriety!
Although she cries easily, her deepest emotions and true nature are absolutely exceptional!

If we work hard and give it time, it might just become something great!
Hmph, at least he's much better than those rude, domineering, or scheming uncles!

Old Zhu grumbled inwardly, but a rare, kind smile appeared on his face as he patted Zhu Yunwen on the shoulder and said:
"Good! Well said! Your grandfather was right about you! Study hard, take care of your health, and in the future, you will have your chance to contribute to the country!"

He spoke those words, "to contribute to the country and its people," with a heavy and profound tone.

Zhu Yunwen was very intelligent and naturally understood the meaning of those words. Two excited blushes appeared on his face, and tears welled up in his eyes. He kowtowed heavily and said, "Grandson will follow the teachings of His Majesty! I will certainly live up to your expectations!"

"Fake! It's all fake!"

"Get out! Get out of here—!"

Just then, a commotion could be faintly heard outside the hall, mixed with the sounds of objects colliding and suppressed gasps.

Old Zhu frowned.

Zhu Yunwen's expression changed.

"Your Majesty, please calm your anger! Perhaps it was some ignorant servant."

When Lady Lü heard the news, she rushed over, her face full of fear and unease.

"Our Biao'er has only been gone a short while, and the Crown Prince's Palace is already so unruly? We'd like to see which ignorant servant is responsible!"

With a cold voice, Old Zhu stood up expressionlessly from the prayer mat.

Lady Lü immediately prostrated herself on the ground, her voice filled with sorrow, "Your Majesty, please forgive me! It's all my fault for not properly educating Prince Yunhu. It's my fault, please punish me if you must!"

"Yun Tong?"

Old Zhu was slightly taken aback, as if he couldn't believe it: "Was that Zhu Yunwen who was making such a fuss just now?"

At this moment, Zhu Yunwen, who was standing to the side, also knelt down: "Grandfather, please calm down. It is all my fault for failing to teach my younger brother well. I hope that you will forgive his sins in consideration of my father's passing and my own grief."

"Because your father is still grieving?"

Old Zhu sneered, "Fine! Let's go see this good son and good grandson who's still heartbroken!"

After saying that, he walked out of the side hall.

(End of this chapter)