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

Zhu Di's heartfelt murmurs and reflections caused Zhu Gaoxu to instinctively furrow his brow.

He heard Zhu Di's voice, and even though Zhu Di was exceptionally sincere at that moment, and it felt so real that it didn't seem fake at all.

But Zhu Gaoxu didn't believe it from the bottom of his heart.

To be precise, it's a matter of not daring to believe and not wanting to believe.

In that case, looking back on the past and thinking about his previous life, hadn't he heard enough?

No matter how sincere Zhu Di's words were, he had already experienced them completely in his previous life.

He believed it in his previous life, but what was the final result?

In this lifetime, would I still believe Zhu Di's nonsense?

Zhu Di's words were deceitful.

Now, Zhu Gaoxu was actually thinking about what Zhu Di really meant.

At this critical juncture, even though they had already agreed to let him go, they still sent him to Japan. Everything that needed to be discussed had been agreed upon, and it could be said that all that was missing was Zhu Di's imperial decree.

Once the imperial decree is issued, he only needs to gather the people he wants to take with him, wait for the ships to be ready, and then he can leave.

But what was Zhu Di trying to do by bringing up such words again?

Did they change their minds and not want him to leave?

Zhu Gaoxu couldn't figure out what Zhu Di was thinking, so he didn't say anything and just looked at Zhu Di.

He was waiting for Zhu Di to give an explanation, or more precisely, he was waiting for what Zhu Di would say next.

Whether it was just a sentimental remark or a change of heart, Zhu Di would definitely have to answer.

In Zhu Gaoxu's mind, if Zhu Di were to play tricks on him again at this time and make him stay, he would be in deep trouble.

Then he really shouldn't be blamed for causing any huge upheavals.

At that time, don't blame him for being ruthless!

If we don't let him live, then nobody should live either!

Human beings are noble and admirable for their selflessness.

But sometimes being a little selfish is the only way to live a better life.

Either save all sentient beings, or deliver them from suffering.

Zhu Di looked at him with a solemn expression, his brows furrowed, staring intently at him as if he were being stared at by a fierce tiger.

Zhu Di quickly calmed himself down. He could tell that Zhu Gaoxu was waiting for his answer.

Even his next decision was related to what he said next.

Zhu Di was not angry at all; on the contrary, he appreciated it even more.

As the mighty Prince of Han of the Ming Dynasty, who came from the battlefield, how could he not have a ruthless side?

Zhu Di smiled slightly and said softly, "Second son, you are like me right now."

These words have no other meaning than a spontaneous expression of my feelings.

Alright, now that it's settled, get your preparations done.

As for the imperial edict, it will be sent to your Han Prince's residence later. You may leave now.

Zhu Di's heart was filled with mixed feelings, perhaps influenced by his emotions just now. Faced with the established fact that Zhu Gaoxu was going to sea, he still felt somewhat...reluctant when it came to this point.

Or perhaps it's because of the memories of the past that are hard to let go of.

Zhu Di was unsure of the reason for this complex feeling, but his mood was ultimately somewhat down.

Sensing Zhu Di's emotions, Zhu Gaoxu lost the joy he felt after the voyage was finally confirmed.

But he didn't like this kind of mood and atmosphere.

"Father, just draft the decree now and give it to me. It will save us the trouble."

"Huh? You brat, are you worried I'll change my mind? How did I end up with such a blockhead like you?"

In an instant, all of Zhu Di's goodwill and admiration vanished.

While reciting Zhu Gaochi's name, he went upstairs, had someone bring him the imperial edict and seal, began writing, and finally affixed the jade seal.

After writing it down, Zhu Di casually tossed it to Zhu Gaoxu.

"Take the imperial edict and get out of here."

"Hehe, okay, I'm off now~"

Zhu Gaoxu paid no attention to Zhu Di's dark face. He unfolded the imperial edict, confirmed its accuracy, blew on the ink, put it away, bowed to Zhu Di, and withdrew.

When Zhu Gaoxu left, Zhu Di shook his head and smiled.

Zhu Di lingered his gaze for a moment before looking away.

After a long while, Zhu Di looked at the two imperial edicts on the dragon desk and no longer hesitated.

"Someone come here."

"Send these two edicts to the Crown Prince and the Ministry of Revenue."

These two imperial edicts were to order Zhu Gaochi and the Ministry of Revenue to fully cooperate with Zhu Gaoxu's voyage to sea.

After doing all this, Zhu Di summoned Zhu Gaosui.

"Third brother, send the things you prepared beforehand to the second brother."

"Yes, Father."

Zhu Gaosui was startled; he knew that Zhu Gaoxu's voyage had been finalized.

On the other side, Zhu Gaoxu immediately summoned Zhu Huan after returning.

"Your Highness, is there some joyous occasion?"

Looking at the excited and agitated Zhu Gaoxu, Zhu Huan couldn't help but smile and ask.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu laughed even harder, unable to contain himself.

"Yes, it is indeed a joyous occasion, which is why I invited you here."

The Emperor has approved my decision to go to sea and assume my fiefdom, and has already issued an imperial edict.

The three guards and their families would go out together.

Go down there and immediately start counting the number of people. Have Sanwei set off with their families to Liujiagang, where they will board a boat and depart.

You should have someone send the money, food, and supplies that are needed immediately. Tell Weida, Shengjian, and Qianxun that they must personally ensure that the silver distributed to the brothers reaches every single one of them.

"Anyone who dares to reach for this money, my blade will show no mercy!"

Zhu Gaoxu's face was filled with murderous intent. Why did he go to such lengths to get Zhu Di to agree to let him leave?

The purpose was to take these three guards with him. These people were the foundation for his survival and other endeavors after he left.

Anyone who dares to cross this line, no matter who they are, will be killed!

Upon hearing this, Qian Xun felt both excited and shocked.

He had been worried that Zhu Di might let them go out like that, but now he could finally put all his worries aside.

"Your Highness, rest assured, these generals all followed you in your campaigns, and I believe they will certainly be able to do a good job."

"I will go immediately and begin preparations so that we can depart as soon as the ships are in position."

Zhu Huan was also a decisive scholar. Now that the decision to go overseas and take up a fiefdom had been made, the sooner they went, the more advantageous it would be for them.

Zhu Gaoxu nodded, about to say something, when a guard rushed in.

"Your Highness, there's an urgent secret report!"

Zhu Gaoxu's eyes lit up, and he opened the book with a serious expression.

Upon receiving the urgent report, Zhu Gaoxu's first reaction was that something had gone wrong.

After reading the secret report, Zhu Gaoxu felt puzzled for a moment.

"Weida, Shengjian, and Qian Xun have already led the Three Guards south and will arrive in the capital in two days."

What's going on in this bull-city?

Zhu Gaoxu was filled with helplessness. He had only asked Niu Cheng to send someone to summon Wei Da and a few others back, but the three of them brought back all the guards.

Stopping thinking about it, Zhu Gaoxu looked at Zhu Huan.

"Go and see Veda and the others in person, and tell them what needs to be done next."

After explaining everything, tell them to return immediately, take all their families to Liujiagang, and prepare for departure at sea!

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Zhu Huan, upon hearing this, dared not delay and immediately went down to begin the journey.

Zhu Gaoxu then went to Wei Wanrong's side.

"Madam, hurry up the preparations. Bring some skillful people who can weave and raise silkworms, so we can go together."

Get everything you've mentioned before ready as soon as possible.

The imperial decree has been issued; we will depart soon.

"Okay, I'll try to speed things up." Wei Wanrong was somewhat surprised, not expecting this day to come so soon.

The two chatted for a while, and then got back to their respective tasks.

For a time, everyone in the Han Prince's Mansion was making final preparations for setting sail.