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

Zhu Di looked at the anxious Yao Guangxiao and was momentarily surprised.

If he remembered correctly, this was the first time Yao Guangxiao had shown such an expression in front of him since Yao Guangxiao went into seclusion.

Even back then, Yao Guangxiao was almost always seen as someone who was in complete control and knew everything, so it was extremely rare for him to have such an expression.

However, Zhu Di did not pay much attention to these things.

At this moment, all he could think about were the millions of people in the coastal areas that Yao Guangxiao had mentioned.

Thinking back to the news of past attacks by Japanese pirates, Zhu Di could imagine how much suffering and hardship the people along the coast endured.

For an emperor, Zhu Gaochi's situation is indeed a turning point.

It can be said that as long as Zhu Gaochi is completely sacrificed, the Ming Dynasty can solve many problems.

But Zhu Di's heart was bleeding from treating Zhu Gaoxu this way.

Just then, Yao Guangxiao's voice came again.

"Your Majesty, back then, Emperor Taizu sent Your Majesty and others to the border regions of the Ming Dynasty to assume their fiefdoms and establish border kings to protect the stability of the Ming Dynasty."

Your Majesty has made Beiping your fiefdom. Do you have any complaints against Emperor Taizu for this?

In the past, His Majesty, as a prince and the Prince of Yan of the Ming Dynasty, also went to Beiping under difficult conditions.

Now that the Prince of Han is a prince, the Prince of Han of the Great Ming Dynasty, why can't he go to Japan?

The idea of ​​the King of Han going to sea to assume his fiefdom was proposed by the King himself, not by anyone else.

Since they have been sent to sea to assume their fiefdoms, why not use the sea to protect the Ming Dynasty and become its shield?

As Yao Guangxiao continued to escalate his persuasion, Zhu Di's resolve wavered even further.

His heart was truly bleeding; he was truly reluctant to part with Zhu Gaoxu, because Zhu Gaoxu was his son.

But he was the emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and Zhu Gaochi was a prince of the Ming Dynasty. Since they enjoyed everything that came with being a prince, they had to shoulder that responsibility.

We need to be prepared to sacrifice for the sake of the Ming Dynasty.

However, Zhu Gaoxu's situation was special; he played a significant role in Zhu Gaoxu's success in the Jingnan Campaign.

It can be said that Zhu Gaochi made great contributions to the emergence of the Yongle Emperor.

Under these circumstances, he sent Zhu Gaoxu to Japan. Moreover, they were father and son, and he had always liked them. Even though Yao Guangxiao's words were very tempting, he still hesitated.

As an emperor, since Zhu Gaoxu proposed to go to sea to assume his fiefdom, he should be sent to Japan, which would be the best place for him.

As a father, he not only couldn't bear to send Zhu Gaoxu to Japan, but he also didn't want Zhu Gaoxu to go to sea.

Even if they were to actually go overseas to assume their fiefdoms, they would go to a better place.

As Zhu Di pondered the matter, the emperor's rationality gradually began to prevail.

Zhu Di seemed to have realized this, and immediately said, "Grand Tutor, let me think about this matter. You may leave now."

Yao Guangxiao listened to Zhu Di's hoarse voice but ultimately said nothing more.

Although he spoke casually, he knew that Zhu Di's decision was not easy.

If Zhu Di truly didn't care about his sons, he wouldn't have started preparing for their future at this time.

A ruler's affection is a blessing for his subjects, but a misfortune for the nation.

A ruthless emperor is a blessing for the nation, but a misfortune for his subjects.

Yao Guangxiao's feelings were also complicated. He both hoped that Zhu Di would be ruthless and that Zhu Di would be affectionate, creating a contradiction between them.

"This humble monk takes his leave."

Knowing Zhu Di's personality well, he knew that Zhu Di would soon make a decision, so it was not advisable to say too much.

After Yao Guangxiao left, Zhu Di went outside and pondered quietly by himself.

After a long while, Zhu Di slowly came to his senses.

"Issue the imperial decree: return to the palace tomorrow."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Zhu Di could hardly stand staying at Jiming Temple for even a day.

Zhu Gaoxu only went back today. He is giving Zhu Gaoxu time, and also giving himself time.

Meanwhile, in the monk's room next to Zhu Di, Zhu Gaochi lay on a chair, looking completely relaxed.

Zhu Gaochi cherished this rare moment of leisure.

However, the peace and quiet didn't last long before Zhu Zhanji rushed over.

"Dad, what time is it now? How can you still lie down?"

"Kid, why can't I lie down and rest?"

Zhu Gaochi opened his eyes and saw Zhu Zhanji's anxious expression, then slowly sat up.

"You're still so reckless. Your royal grandfather said you were still young, but you're not so young anymore."

No matter what happens, stay calm and remember not to show it on your face.

You need to work on your temperament more.

Zhu Zhanji was annoyed to hear Zhu Gaochi still speaking slowly and even laughing.

Zhu Gaochi made it sound easy, but the events of the past two days had left him completely unsettled.

"Father, Second Uncle went back early in the morning, and before he went back, the Junior Tutor went to see Second Uncle and the two talked for a long time."

When the young master left, he had a smile on his face and was very satisfied with his second uncle.

The young master and the second uncle have always been at odds, so how come they suddenly have such a good relationship?

"Father, do you think the Grand Tutor might suddenly support Second Uncle?"

Zhu Zhanji looked worried. What he feared most was that Yao Guangxiao would also oppose Zhu Gaoxu's departure to the sea to assume his fiefdom.

He often followed Zhu Di around, so he was all too aware of Yao Guangxiao's importance in Zhu Di's heart.

Whether Yao Guangxiao supported Zhu Gaoxu or not was unimportant to Zhu Zhanji.

Now, what he cares about most is to send Zhu Gaoxu out to sea as soon as possible.

Once Zhu Gaochi goes to sea to assume his fiefdom, the Eastern Palace will usher in good days, and he will no longer have any worries.

Zhu Gaochi did not change his expression at all after hearing this; he remained relaxed.

As Zhu Zhanji's father, he could easily guess what Zhu Zhanji was thinking.

"The things you're thinking about won't happen between the young master and your second uncle."

Someone like the Junior Tutor is hard to guess, let alone you. Even I, your imperial grandfather, would find it difficult to understand.

Also, let me tell you something else: you must not interfere in your second uncle's affairs.

If your imperial grandfather still asks you about this matter, you must find a way to keep your second uncle in front of him.

"Father, there are no outsiders here, why don't you tell me the truth?"

You clearly want Uncle to leave too, so why do we insist on finding a way to keep him here?

Zhu Gaochi looked at the emotions that Zhu Zhanji suddenly revealed, his smile faded, and he slowly shook his head.

"I've told you to study more during the day, but all you do is go out and have fun. I've reminded you many times, but you still haven't figured it out?"

That's your second uncle, my own brother. As long as your grandfather is alive, we need to protect and safeguard him.

Besides, have you ever thought about how to deal with the situation if your second uncle goes to sea to take up his fiefdom and your grandfather becomes suspicious after a long time?

Although your second uncle went to sea, it doesn't mean you'll get what you want.

Your imperial grandfather can also summon your second uncle back at any time, understand?

Zhu Gaochi looked at Zhu Zhanji, who seemed to still not quite understand, and simply sighed.

"Now that your second uncle has gone back, I suppose your grandfather will also be going back soon."

"Go back to the East Palace and study diligently. Do not go out until this matter is resolved."

Zhu Gaochi didn't elaborate further. Since Zhu Zhanji couldn't understand those things now, even if he explained them in more detail, he still wouldn't understand.

He believed that Zhu Zhanji would naturally understand these things in a few years.

Zhu Gaochi was filled with worry, and his earlier leisurely enjoyment was completely gone.

Even now, he doesn't know if his guess is right or wrong, but he has no other choice.

Trying to persuade Zhu Gaoxu to stay was the only thing he could do.

Even though he had no other choice, why did he feel uneasy?

Unable to figure it out, Zhu Gaochi realized that he needed to have a serious talk with Zhu Gaoxu.

Some things can only be truly understood by personally investigating them.