The Ming Dynasty: A Modern Return, Building an Overseas Empire

Zhu Gaosui raised his head, looked at the night sky, and his face was calm.

He truly couldn't understand Zhu Gaoxu's thoughts, nor did he know why Zhu Gaoxu had those ideas.

But since the facts could not be changed, and he had no conflict with Zhu Gaoxu, all that remained was the pure friendship between him and Zhu Gaoxu.

He has never forgotten the kindness Zhu Gaoxu showed him back then.

Besides the fact that the two of them already had a relationship, even if Zhu Gaoxu went out, Zhu Gaosui would still need Zhu Gaoxu to help him out.

Although it is unknown whether Zhu Gaoxu will be able to help in the future, things that need to be done should not be left until help is needed.

Relationships always require cultivation and maintenance, regardless of the type of relationship.

Because at the end of a relationship is a person.

Nowadays, providing timely help is far more practical than adding to someone's existing success.

Zhu Gaoxu was genuinely startled by Zhu Gaosui's words.

Turning to look at Zhu Gaosui, they were all somewhat incredulous that Zhu Gaosui would be so generous.

He knew Zhu Gaosui's financial situation very well; while in charge of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he had secretly amassed considerable wealth.

On the surface, he appears to be the richest man, but Zhu Gaosui's wealth is not necessarily less than his.

If we include those shady dealings, Zhu Gaosui might be even richer than him.

This was the first time in so many years that he had received any benefits from Zhu Gaosui, and it could also be said that it was the first time that Zhu Gaosui had been so generous in giving people these things.

After his initial surprise, Zhu Gaoxu laughed and reached out his right hand to hook around Zhu Gaosui's neck.

"Third brother, you're the best to me. You knew I'd need money for this trip, so you specially prepared it for me."

I will remember this kindness. Even though I am overseas, please feel free to write to me if you need my help.

I don't know if I can help you, but I'll do my best.

Remember this: I am your second brother, now and always.

Zhu Gaoxu was filled with emotion. In this Ming Dynasty, perhaps only Zhu Gaosui could help him like this.

Although she and Zhu Gaosui had previously harbored their own ulterior motives and were not of one mind, after learning about them in modern times, she also knew that Zhu Gaosui had his own ideas.

Now that he's leaving, it wouldn't matter if Zhu Gaosui didn't help him, but Zhu Gaosui still chose to help him. He doesn't believe there wasn't genuine affection involved.

They said they might ask him for help, but once he actually went out, what could he possibly do to help Zhu Gaosui in the capital?

At least in this respect, he was moved.

In particular, they also sent him some trusted confidants of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to help him build and train intelligence personnel.

While it's impossible to determine whether this is genuine, it's at least helpful to him.

Zhu Gaoxu acknowledged the capabilities of the Embroidered Uniform Guard in intelligence gathering.

While going overseas to settle down presents enormous challenges, it also has a unique advantage: the difficulty of communicating with the outside world is significantly increased when people are on that so-called small island.

This is also why Zhu Gaoxu had no other worries; no matter who offered it to him, he dared to accept it.

Zhu Gaosui listened to Zhu Gaoxu's感慨 (expression/reflection) and smiled as well.

"Second brother, why say such things? We are brothers, blood brothers. If I don't help you, who will I help?"

Seeing Zhu Gaosui's smile, Zhu Gaoxu smiled even more broadly.

Actually, Zhu Gaosui's face, when he smiles, is somewhat eerie.

"Third brother, I won't say more. I've remembered it all and I won't forget it."

However, Third Brother, since you're willing to help me, why not help me to the end? Keep only half of what you gave me, and exchange the rest for food and supplies.

"Oh, right, I don't want paper money. I'll keep only a little jewelry; please exchange the rest for gold and silver, mainly silver. How about that?"

"Alright, these are minor issues. When do you need it? Should I deliver it directly to your residence?"

Zhu Gaosui patted his chest and readily agreed. Replacing those hidden things with things that could be seen in the light would be difficult for others, but for him, it was too easy.

Zhu Gaoxu pondered for a moment and said softly, "Send the gold and silver directly to my residence. As for the grain and supplies, you can store them at the manor thirty miles west of the city."

Zhu Gaosui nodded, remained silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke.

"Second brother, what are you thinking? I still can't understand why you insist on going to sea to find a small island as your fiefdom."

"Why, you're so eager to know?"

Meeting Zhu Gaoxu's deep gaze, Zhu Gaosui smiled and nodded.

Zhu Gaoxu immediately smiled and turned around.

Zhu Gaosui could no longer hide it. As for whether Zhu Gaosui wanted to know for himself or was instructed to do so, Zhu Gaoxu no longer wanted to think about it.

It's just a pity that the little bit of warmth that had just risen in my heart gradually dissipated.

"If you want to know, there's nothing wrong with telling you."

Actually, I've already told the old man that I'm going to take up my fiefdom, but it's because there's no place for me in the Ming Dynasty.

Besides, my going out is also in the best interest of the Ming Dynasty.

As for why it's an island, it's because I don't want to be bound by anything anymore.

As you know, I am a warrior, and all my skills come from the battlefield.

Once I'm on an overseas island, it won't be so easy for the imperial court to control me. I can also freely lead my army to conquer east and west.

If it succeeds, it will also expand the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

If that doesn't work, then I'll go back to my fiefdom and live the life of a local tyrant.

Since we can't compete in the Ming Dynasty, becoming a carefree and unrestrained maritime vassal king is also a kind of enjoyment, don't you think?

"Second brother, your ambition is truly unique... no, extraordinary."

Looking at Zhu Gaoxu's longing smile, Zhu Gaosui's lips twitched, his mind filled with thoughts of dissent.

In his view, Zhu Gaoxu's behavior was cowardly.

On the battlefield, this would be considered desertion.

Wasn't it because he couldn't survive in the Ming Dynasty and didn't have the courage or ambition to continue fighting against Zhu Gaochi that he fled the Ming Dynasty and went overseas?

All this talk about doing it for the good of the Ming Dynasty and for the benefit of everyone is ultimately just an excuse Zhu Gaochi made because of his own incompetence.

He speaks with great righteousness, placing himself on a pedestal, but in reality, he is just a loser.

Zhu Gaochi was always said to be hypocritical and cunning, but now, in Zhu Gaosui's eyes, Zhu Gaoxu was no less hypocritical.

Zhu Gaosui did not say these things, nor did he dare to.

Last time, he said everything he needed to say and did everything he could to provoke, but it had no effect.

Now that he has Zhu Di's promise, he doesn't really need Zhu Gaoxu to stay.

"Second brother, I believe in you. You will definitely succeed."

"Haha, okay, so you're willing to believe me."

Zhu Gaoxu laughed heartily, taking it as Zhu Gaosui cheering him on.

Zhu Gaosui's hypocritical words were not intended to target anyone.

Because he already knew pretty much what Zhu Gaosui's real purpose was in coming to see him this time.

Once you understand this, nothing else matters.

Thinking back to how he had always said Zhu Gaochi was hypocritical in his past life, he realized that all three of them were hypocritical; they were all birds of a feather.

But now, he is different.

At least, he didn't intentionally show any hypocrisy towards these people.

In comparison, isn't he much better than these two?