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

Inside the Prince of Han's residence, Zhu Gaoxu looked tense and his brows were furrowed with worry.

He had finished reading the account books in the Prince's mansion, but after reading them, Zhu Gaoxu was unsure whether to marvel at his own wealth or lament its scarcity.

The Prince's mansion currently has very little money and provisions: 150,000 in paper money, 80,000 in silver, and 7,000 in gold.

It was luxurious enough and showed enough wealth to be used solely for the inner quarters of the royal palace.

But now, if he wants to use this money to prepare for the things he is preparing for, it seems like he is struggling to make ends meet.

Wei Wanrong noticed Zhu Gaoxu's worry and whispered, "Your Highness, I have already sent people to contact wealthy merchants about the items in the mansion, which will bring in a considerable sum of money."

In addition, I have a lot of jewelry and dowry items, which can also be sold for a considerable amount.

I am also working on revising the budget and reducing expenses as much as possible.

"Your Highness may use the money in this manor as you see fit. With me here, this manor will not descend into chaos."

As Zhu Gaoxu listened to Wei Wanrong's gentle yet firm words, his irritability, unease, and negative emotions vanished instantly.

Looking at the beautiful woman before him, Zhu Gaoxu couldn't help but embrace her.

"Don't worry, nothing can defeat me, trust me."

Keep your dowry and jewelry safe and sound; don't even think about selling them.

As the Princess Consort of the Han Dynasty, how could I be without those possessions? I will not allow my woman to be destitute.

There's no need to cut back on expenses too much; we can just be more frugal in the future.

"I'm leaving the affairs of the manor to you. Don't ask me anything; you can handle everything yourself."

Although he went to the modern era, he was still the same Zhu Gaoxu.

Those feelings are still there.

He already felt bad enough for Wei Wanrong to suffer at sea with him; he couldn't bring himself to ask her to sell her dowry and jewelry as well.

As a man, especially the Prince of Han of the Ming Dynasty, a dignified prince, how could he let some money and grain stump him?

Things that can be solved with money are no problem for someone in his position.

Wei Wanrong felt so warm as she listened to Zhu Gaoxu's comfort.

Her husband, who had always been straightforward, had now learned to comfort her, occasionally uttering sweet words that made Wei Wanrong feel infatuated.

She was completely captivated by the feeling of gradually acquiring something she had never had before in such a short period of time.

At this moment, Zhu Gaoxu's gentle voice came again.

"I have some business to attend to. You stay home and sell all the items in the mansion."

And those little trinkets in my storeroom, don't keep them, sell them all.

"Yes, Your Highness."

Zhu Gaoxu nodded, then got up and left.

Watching Zhu Gaoxu's departing figure, Wei Wanrong went to her bedroom and took out a lot of jewelry from an exquisite cabinet.

Wei Wanrong selected some items and placed them in a small wooden box. Then she took some more items from her dowry and put them away.

"Your Highness, although I can't help much, perhaps this is all that's needed."

After a brief moment of reluctance, Wei Wanrong had all of these things brought out.

Jiming Temple.

Zhu Di got up early and dealt with affairs all morning. In his spare time, he enjoyed the beautiful scenery and drank tea.

Today, so far, is the most comfortable and pleasant moment for him in the past few days.

A rare moment of peace.

"Second brother, if only you could stay quiet like this forever."

Zhu Di smiled and savored the moment.

At this point, he also realized that much of the unrest was actually caused by his good sons.

Look at today, Zhu Gaoxu has gone back, Zhu Gaochi is silent, and Zhu Gaosui is busy with the things he was asked to do. Everything is peaceful, and there is nothing to bother him at all.

The laughter lasted only a moment before hurried footsteps approached.

Zhu Di stopped smiling and looked at Zhu Gaosui who was walking towards him, a question lingering in his mind.

At this moment, Zhu Gaosui looked hurried, his steps quick, unlike his usual steady pace.

It's obvious that something must have happened to make Zhu Gaosui like this.

Zhu Di sighed inwardly. Indeed, he didn't deserve any good days.

"father..."

"Third brother, how many times have I told you to be calm and composed when things happen?"

"The Prince of Zhao of the Ming Dynasty, who also commands the Embroidered Uniform Guard, if anyone saw him with this expression, they would think that something major had happened in the Ming Dynasty, do you understand?"

Zhu Gaosui had barely opened his mouth when he approached when Zhu Di interrupted him.

Zhu Di was also helpless. If it were anyone else, he wouldn't say anything, but neither Zhu Gaosui nor Zhu Gaoxu could be treated this way, let alone Zhu Gaochi.

Zhu Di knew that emotions were contagious, and when others who were unaware of the situation saw the prince of the Ming Dynasty acting like this, they would definitely have doubts.

Once the rumors start to circulate, all sorts of gossip will begin to spread, such as the Oirats and Tatars launching a large-scale invasion, or discord within the imperial family.

Spreading rumors is easy, but stopping them is extremely difficult.

If it is exploited by malicious individuals in the meantime, it will be irreversible.

Zhu Di deeply understood the power of public opinion.

"Yes, Father, I will definitely pay attention in the future."

Despite being lectured by Zhu Di, Zhu Gaosui had no intention of dwelling on the matter any longer.

After a brief pause, he said urgently, "Father, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has sent a secret report that something major happened at the Prince of Han's residence after Second Brother returned!"

"Hmm? Explain in more detail."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di frowned immediately.

He knew that Zhu Gaoxu was restless these days, constantly trying to go to sea.

But he didn't expect that Zhu Gaoxu would start causing trouble as soon as he got back.

"Father, on the eve of his departure from Jiming Temple, the second son sent his personal guard commander Niu Cheng back to deliver a message."

That same night, the Han King's Palace dispatched several fast horses to the Han King's Palace manor outside the city, as well as to Jiming Mountain. Three other routes, after a night of pursuit, went to the Han King's left, middle, and right guards respectively.

Last night, Mei Qing, the second son's trusted confidante in charge of the manor, returned to the Han Prince's Mansion overnight, and the manor's guards secretly assembled, ready for battle at any time.

Wang Bin, who was inside Jiming Mountain, also returned to the Han Prince's Mansion overnight, and the hundreds of people inside were all fully prepared to set off.

Luo Li, who had been working tirelessly to contact various parties on behalf of his second son, also returned to the Han Prince's residence that very night.

Zhu Di was quite surprised. He really didn't expect that Zhu Gaoxu would cause such a big commotion as soon as he returned.

He didn't know the exact number of Zhu Gaochi's private soldiers, but he had a general idea.

With private soldiers outside, guards from the Prince of Han's residence inside the city, and Zhu Gaochi himself, what is he planning to do?

Soon, Zhu Di's expression suddenly relaxed.

The news coming back now is from last night, which means it's not as he thought.

This piqued Zhu Di's interest. What was Zhu Gaochi trying to do with such a big move?

"Third brother, keep a close eye on things and report back if there's any news."

"Yes, Father."

Zhu Gaosui hesitated for a moment. At this point, why wasn't Zhu Di going back?

Seeing that Zhu Di had no other arrangements, they had no choice but to leave.

Zhu Di held onto the pillar of the pavilion with one hand, tapping his fingers incessantly, pondering Zhu Gaoxu's intentions.

A short while later, Zhu Gaosui strode over again.

"Father, news has come from the capital that the second son has gone mad. He has taken out all his family's wealth to buy grain from grain merchants at low prices, and is also purchasing large quantities of other supplies."

Second Sister-in-law has also gone mad; she's invited powerful figures and wealthy merchants from the capital, intending to sell the Prince of Han's mansion!

"What?!"

Upon hearing this news, Zhu Di was immediately unsettled.