My hotel is full of emperors throughout history.

Zhu Biao's words were like a thunderclap, turning Lan Yu's face pale.

This crime is too serious!

He suddenly slammed his head to the ground.

"I would rather die than do that! I'm just... just anxious!"

"You're so anxious that you dare to question the Crown Prince in the main hall?"

Zhu Biao's voice turned cold.

"You keep claiming to be acting in my best interests and for the sake of the Ming Dynasty. Then let me ask you, if it were not me standing here today, but my father, would you dare to barge in like this, question me like this, and shout that you would kill a court official without authorization?"

Lan Yu shuddered, her body trembling slightly as she lay on the ground.

He wouldn't dare. He wouldn't dare even if he had ten times the courage.

It was precisely because he was a kind and benevolent prince that he dared to come and "admonish" him so frankly and even rudely.

In addition, because the crown prince was his nephew, he always treated them with smiles and great courtesy.

Even when he occasionally makes a mistake, Zhu Biao would just smile and point it out and then correct it, but never like today.

What's wrong with Your Highness?

Zhu Biao took in Lan Yu's subtle reaction and knew that his reprimand had worked.

He softened his tone.

"Uncle, I know your loyalty and your concern. That's why there are some things I must make clear to you."

He stood up, walked around the desk, and stood in front of Lan Yu, but did not immediately tell him to get up.

"You, Lan Yu, will surely command a large army in the future, achieve great military exploits, and become a pillar of the nation."

"But precisely because of this, you must be even more careful with your words and actions, and know your limits. The affairs of the court are intricate and complex, far more so than the battles of war. A single word can bring prosperity to a nation, or it can bring disaster."

"If your actions and words today were to reach the ears of the censors and officials in the outer court, how would they impeach you? And how would the Emperor view you if he knew?"

Lan Yu broke out in a cold sweat; the effects of the alcohol and his anger had long since dissipated, leaving only lingering fear.

"My proposal to establish an academy of natural sciences is based on my own considerations."

"Even if there are any shortcomings, my father will return and admonish me, and the entire court will offer their advice. I am learning how to be a crown prince and how to consider the affairs of state, and I am also practicing what I have learned."

Zhu Biao's voice carried an undeniable firmness.

"But how should one act as a subject, especially as my...uncle? Shouldn't you also constantly reflect on your own conduct?"

"If it were an outsider, it wouldn't matter, but you are my uncle!!! Do you understand?"

Lan Yu buried her head even lower.

"Your Majesty, I...I know my crime! I was rash and foolish, and offended Your Highness. Please punish me!"

Get up.

Zhu Biao finally spoke, his tone softening somewhat.

"That's the end of today's matter. I won't tell anyone else. You should also take care of yourself and forget about your murderous thoughts."

"Li Xiyan is a subject of the Crown Prince's court, and I will take responsibility for his safety."

Lan Yu felt as if he had been granted a pardon. He struggled to his feet, his legs feeling weak, and he dared not look Zhu Biao in the eye again.

"As for the Academy of Sciences,"

Zhu Biao turned away, no longer looking at Lan Yu.

"As I said, it has been temporarily shelved. From now on, I will make my own decisions regarding state affairs."

"If you truly care for me, Uncle, then please remember your duty, command your troops well, and pacify Yunnan as soon as possible. As for other matters, do not worry about them, and certainly do not... overstep your bounds."

"Your Highness's teachings will be remembered by your humble servant!"

Lan Yu bowed deeply, her voice hoarse.

Zhu Biao nodded, his tone as gentle as ever.

"Uncle, you've traveled a long way from Yunnan. You must be exhausted from your journey. Go home and rest early."

After saying that, Zhu Biao waved his hand.

Lan Yu dared not say another word. He bowed and took a few steps back before turning around and leaving the study almost as if he were fleeing.

The initial surge of anger he felt upon arrival had long been extinguished by cold sweat, leaving only palpitations and a sense of disorientation.

For the first time, he realized with such clarity that his gentle-natured nephew, the crown prince, whom he had watched grow up, ultimately carried the blood of Zhu Yuanzhang.

Beneath the calm surface of the water lie chilling ice and unfathomable abysses.

The study returned to silence.

Zhu Biao stood alone for a long time, then sighed.

Tapping the blue jade was a necessary step.

Otherwise, who knows, one day Old Zhu might have a change of heart and we might not be able to control him and take him away with us.

Let alone the future, maybe Old Zhu already has this idea now!

Zhu Biao rubbed his temples, about to turn around and return to his desk.

Light footsteps came from outside the door, accompanied by a familiar, elegant scent of incense.

It is the Lü family.

Zhu Biao paused slightly, his back to the door, and the last trace of emotion on his face quickly disappeared, returning to his usual gentle and calm demeanor.

But deep within his eyes, a more complex and elusive glint flashed, even more so than when he had faced Lan Yu.

"Your Highness."

Lu's voice rang out from the doorway, soft and appropriate.

"I saw that Your Highness had been reviewing memorials in the study, so I stewed some bird's nest soup and brought it to you."

She walked in gracefully, her figure slender, her makeup exquisite, carrying a vermilion lacquered food plate in her hands.

Zhu Biao turned around, a perfectly timed faint smile on his face, though the smile didn't reach his eyes.

Thank you for your help.

He spoke gently, walked to the desk and sat down, his gaze seemingly unintentionally sweeping over Lu's well-maintained hands and her submissive posture, finally settling on the steaming bowl of bird's nest.

"Just now... I think I heard some noise?"

Lady Lü gently placed the bird's nest on a corner of the desk, avoiding the scattered documents, her voice still soft.

"What troubles you? I vaguely heard the Marquis of Yongchang's voice outside..."

"Nothing serious."

Zhu Biao picked up his teacup, took a sip of the already cold tea, and spoke in a flat tone.

"Lan Yu is quick-tempered. He argued a few words about some court affairs and has already returned."

A look of relief mixed with a hint of resentment appeared on Lady Lü's face.

"The Marquis of Yongchang is really something. His Highness is overseeing the country and he works so hard, and not only does he not care, but he actually comes to question him."

She walked behind Zhu Biao, reached out her hand, and seemed to want to massage his tense temples, the gesture natural and intimate.

However, Zhu Biao subtly tilted his head slightly to avoid it.

He raised his hand and rubbed his temple, sighing.

"Yes, I'm a little tired."

Lu's hand paused slightly in mid-air.

He then casually withdrew his hand and turned to tidy the slightly messy edges of the memorial, his tone becoming increasingly gentle.

"Your Highness should prioritize your health. While state affairs are important, you must not ruin your health. If Xiong Ying were still alive..."

At this point, she paused perfectly, and her eyes quickly welled up with tears of sorrow.

She even lowered her head and gently touched the corner of her eye with a handkerchief.

Zhu Biao felt a pang of pain in his heart upon hearing Xiong Ying's name, but he remained outwardly calm. He even reached out and gently patted the back of Lu Shi's hand, which was resting on the table, and said softly.

"Don't be sad, Xiong Ying is unlucky. Fortunately, you still have Yun Wen and Yun Hu. You must take good care of them."

Lady Lü raised her tearful eyes and looked at Zhu Biao with gratitude.

"I understand. I will do my utmost to raise the children to adulthood and live up to Your Highness's expectations."

She paused, her gaze sweeping across the desk, and asked seemingly unintentionally.

"Your Highness seems unusually busy lately. Is it because of the 'Academy of Sciences'? I've heard... there's considerable opposition in the court?"

coming.

Zhu Biao sneered inwardly.

"It's a trivial matter, not worth mentioning."

Zhu Biao put down his teacup, his tone remaining calm.

"The court officials each have their own considerations, and it's normal for them to discuss it. I already have a plan, so you don't need to worry."

How could I not be worried?

Lady Lü frowned her beautiful brows, her voice even softer.

"Your Highness is the Crown Prince, and many people are watching your every move."

Lady Lü's tone was full of worry.

"Although I am in the deep palace, I have heard some old palace maids gossiping in private, saying that Your Highness's actions... may displease the civil officials and damage Your Highness's reputation."

"I know Your Highness has lofty ambitions, but are there some things...?"

Lady Lü looked at Zhu Biao and said softly.

"Wouldn't it be better to take it slow? After all, there's plenty of time in the future."

"There is ample time……"

Zhu Biao pondered these four words, looking at Lady Lü with a deep gaze.

"What my beloved concubine says makes sense."

Lady Lü seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

"It's good that Your Highness thinks that way."

"I only hope that Your Highness will be safe and sound, the Eastern Palace will be secure, and the children will grow up safely."

"Nothing beats the warmth of home, no matter how stormy it is outside."

As she spoke, she lifted the lid of the bird's nest bowl slightly for Zhu Biao.

"Eat it while it's hot, it'll upset your stomach if it gets cold."

Zhu Biao looked at the carefully prepared tonic, then at Madam Lü's gentle, watery eyes.

The concern is so genuine, the worry so reasonable.

If he hadn't gone to the future and learned that Xiong Ying's death wasn't so simple, he might have really thought that it was just a wife's purest concern for her husband.

but……

"it is good."

Zhu Biao finally nodded, picked up the silver spoon, stirred the crystal-clear bird's nest in the bowl, but did not immediately put it into his mouth.

"My dear consort, please go back and rest. I still have some documents to review. I will retire when I'm done."

Lady Lü, observing the situation, wisely refrained from further discussion and obediently performed the proper greeting.

"Then I shall take my leave. Your Highness, please make your arrangements as soon as possible."

She turned and left, her skirt trailing on the ground, silently, just as she had arrived.

The delicate fragrance lingered in the study for a moment before gradually dissipating.

Zhu Biao stared at the bowl of bird's nest.

After a long while, he put down the silver spoon, pushed it aside, and picked up the memorial again, but felt increasingly frustrated.

People in the imperial court opposed it; his own maternal uncle opposed it; even his wife, Lady Lü, opposed it.

Especially Lady Lü, beneath her gentle exterior lies an unfathomable fog and an inescapable venom.

No wonder the emperor refers to himself as "朕" (Zhen) or "寡人" (Guaren), while the crown prince refers to himself as "孤" (Gu).

I'm all alone!

That's really true.

From the moment he ascended to the position of Crown Prince, it was destined that... he would be alone forever!

If Sister Chang were still here...

Zhu Biao's eyes dimmed for a moment, but were quickly replaced by determination.

Now that I've taken this position and embarked on this path, what does it matter how many people oppose me?

He will still do it!

Whether it was right or wrong, merit or demerit, future generations will judge!

He may be slandered and ridiculed by the world for a long time, but he believes that one day, future generations will recognize him.

Even if this day is very long!

After all... justice will always be justice!