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

Zhu Di did not rest; he waited quietly alone in the room.

A short while later, Zhu Gaosui hurried over.

"Father, I'm here."

"Hmm, what did the second brother say? Did he find out about you?"

Zhu Di looked at Zhu Gaosui's arrival with a hint of anticipation in his eyes.

Without any hesitation, Zhu Gaosui said urgently, "Father, don't worry, the second son didn't find out, but he got the information out of him!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di finally showed some joy on his face.

These past two days, he's been completely exhausted by Zhu Gaoxu's affairs, with practically nothing going his way, but now that finally has happened.

It could be said that this period of time was more tiring than when he was handling state affairs or going to the battlefield.

In other words, Zhu Gaochi's actions were quite significant, requiring him to expend a great deal of energy.

If it were anyone else, not his son, he wouldn't have acted this way.

As an emperor, controlling these things is not difficult; he just doesn't want the situation to escalate to the point where it's impossible to control.

Ultimately, it was because he cared about Zhu Gaochi and his sons that he had very few choices.

All the anger that needed to be expressed has been expressed, all the words that needed to be said have been said, and all the tests that needed to be conducted have been conducted.

Now, we should know what Zhu Gaoxu is really thinking.

"Third brother, you speak."

Zhu Di was somewhat anxious for a moment.

After the Jingnan Rebellion, Zhu Di didn't even know how many years had passed since he had felt such emotions.

Now, however, he was forced out by Zhu Gaoxu.

Zhu Gaosui remained completely oblivious to Zhu Di's change in mood, his face still beaming with joy.

Without any concealment, Zhu Gaosui immediately betrayed Zhu Gaoxu, telling Zhu Di everything Zhu Gaoxu had said.

"Father, the way the second son is acting doesn't seem like he's faking it. I'm afraid he really thinks this way, and his determination is very firm."

As Zhu Di listened to Zhu Gaosui's words, he felt as if he had heard them before.

Upon closer reflection, weren't these the very words that Zhu Gaoxu had said to him?

Was everything Zhu Gaoxu said true? Was Zhu Gaoxu really so considerate that he would compromise himself for the greater good?

Zhu Di asked himself honestly, if he were in Zhu Gaoxu's shoes, he really couldn't have done what Zhu Gaoxu did.

I'm afraid it wouldn't be easy for anyone but Zhu Gaoxu, let alone him.

It was precisely because he himself could not do it, and most ordinary people could not do it, that Zhu Di found it hard to believe.

"Third brother, you did a good job. I've seen your hard work and I won't forget you."

It's late, go and get some rest. Go ahead.

Zhu Di stopped thinking about it and, after calming Zhu Gaosui down, began to ponder alone.

This time, he sent Zhu Gaosui to sound out Zhu Gaoxu's intentions. If Zhu Gaosui did as he was told, Zhu Gaoxu would have a hard time finding out.

Under this premise, what Zhu Gaosui said is probably basically true.

Thinking of this, Zhu Di was filled with emotion.

Thinking about how he had treated Zhu Gaoxu for more than ten years, and how Zhu Gaoxu was able to do this now, he felt that he owed Zhu Gaoxu a lot.

The guilt in his heart did not last long before Zhu Di was suddenly startled again.

Zhu Di suddenly felt something was wrong. Based on Zhu Gaoxu's past behavior, he might not have been able to see the purpose of Zhu Gaosui's visit.

But now, the changed Zhu Gaochi, although he curses warriors and brutes, is clearly not one of them.

Could it be that Zhu Gaoxu had already realized Zhu Gaosui's intentions and deliberately said this to convey the message through Zhu Gaosui's words?

After a brief internal struggle between his left and right hemispheres, Zhu Di rubbed his head.

"They really can't let anyone have some peace and quiet. Oh well."

After thinking about it for a long time, Zhu Di stopped thinking about it and decided to wait and see.

He had made the necessary preparations and was not afraid that Zhu Gaoxu would cause any more trouble.

Exhaling a breath of stale air, even though he was no longer thinking about these things, Zhu Di still did not rest.

Although people have now come to Jiming Temple, it does not mean that state affairs no longer need to be dealt with.

He had someone bring up the memorials sent from the palace, and focused all his attention on state affairs.

At dawn, the temple bell rang out, and Zhu Gaoxu pushed open the door.

"Your Highness, the horses are ready."

"Niu Cheng, what can I say to you? You haven't slept all night, you must be tired."

Zhu Gaoxu looked at Niucheng in front of him and shook his head helplessly.

He truly hadn't expected that Niu Cheng would finish the task he had arranged overnight and then return to his side.

According to Niu Cheng, he felt unsafe outside and needed someone by his side at all times to feel at ease.

What else could Zhu Gaoxu say?

Despite not having slept all night, Niu Cheng appeared completely normal.

"Hehe, Your Highness, it's alright. Back when we were fighting, we could kill the enemy even after several nights without sleep. It's only been one night, and your men won't even blink."

Seeing Niu Cheng patting his chest, his rugged face full of a simple and honest smile, he stopped paying attention.

While it's true that there were times when I didn't sleep for several nights during the war, Niu Cheng's later statement was clearly an exaggeration.

He had just seen Niu Cheng blink several times, but he was too lazy to point it out.

"Alright, let's set off right away. You can get some rest once we get back to the Prince's residence."

"Yes, I will go and fetch the horse immediately."

Niu Cheng left first. Zhu Gaoxu took a deep breath, did not go to see Zhu Di, and prepared to leave.

Before even stepping out of the courtyard, a figure could be seen waiting in a small pavilion to the side.

"Your Highness, please wait a moment. This humble monk has prepared a pot of tea and would like to have a chat with Your Highness."

Zhu Gaoxu looked over and then walked over.

"Since the young master has invited me, how could I dare refuse?"

Yao Guangxiao's decision to keep him for a chat was somewhat unexpected for Zhu Gaoxu.

He and Yao Guangxiao didn't actually have much interaction, and their relationship wasn't particularly good.

On the contrary, he had always had feelings for Yao Guangxiao in his previous life.

When Zhu Di was choosing his heir, Yao Guangxiao insisted on supporting Zhu Gaochi, even though his reason was to establish the eldest son as heir.

Nowadays, Zhu Gaoxu does not have such a strong aversion to Yao Guangxiao.

Many people supported Zhu Gaochi at the time, advocating for the eldest son to be the heir, and Empress Xu was also a staunch supporter.

Furthermore, after Yao Guangxiao went into seclusion, he had virtually no contact with the outside world.

Faced with Yao Guangxiao, who possessed a certain aura, Zhu Gaoxu was happy to set aside some time for him.

"This tea, Junior Tutor, is quite good. You must have gotten it from Father Emperor."

"The King of Han has a discerning eye; it is indeed Your Majesty who bestowed this humble monk upon me."

Zhu Gaoxu smiled and said nothing more. Yao Guangxiao poured him tea, which he then drank.

Although she didn't feel much aversion towards Yao Guangxiao, they weren't close enough to reminisce about the past, and they didn't have much to talk about.

Since it was Yao Guangxiao who needed his help, Zhu Gaoxu wasn't in a hurry at all.

He was also eager to know what Yao Guangxiao was trying to do.

After a moment of silence, Yao Guangxiao smiled and said softly, "This humble monk knows that His Highness the Prince of Han is preparing to go to sea to assume his fiefdom. This humble monk admires him."

When I first heard of the King of Han's noble and righteous act, I was quite surprised.

"I am puzzled. Could His Highness the Prince of Han please tell me which overseas island you wish to choose as your fiefdom?"

"What you said is quite right, Master. I would also like to ask you for your advice."

The Junior Tutor has keen insight and is skilled in planning. I wonder if the Junior Tutor thinks that any small island overseas could become my vassal territory?

"I am confused; please enlighten me, Young Master."

Zhu Gaoxu and Yao Guangxiao looked at each other, both with expressions of seeking advice.

He would never reveal where he was going before Zhu Di gave his permission.

Even if it were to be said, it could only be said in front of Zhu Di.

Now that Yao Guangxiao wants to find out his thoughts, he's just in time to see how Yao Guangxiao will teach him.

He knew all too well Yao Guangxiao's abilities.

Whether it's true or false, sincere or feigned, you'll know once you ask.