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

Zhu Gaosui looked at the newcomer and a smile appeared on his face.

"Third brother, why are you still so impatient? You're the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard now, can't you be a little more composed?"

Zhu Gaoxu was much more friendly towards Zhu Gaosui, and his heart was filled with emotion.

For no other reason than that his stance was the same as Zhu Gaosui's in the past, and they shared a common goal.

That was Zhu Gaochi.

Although Zhu Gaosui sometimes had his own little schemes, what did it matter to Zhu Gaoxu?

When Zhu Gaosui first went to the battlefield, it was he who led him, and he taught Zhu Gaosui many of his battlefield skills.

As for the brotherly relationship between Zhu Gaosui and Zhu Gaoxu, Zhu Gaoxu believed that they existed.

But he also knew that this was relative to Zhu Gaochi.

Moreover, Zhu Gaosui was one of his few remaining allies.

However, Zhu Gaoxu was unsure whether they would remain allies or if there would truly be brotherhood between them.

Or perhaps, Zhu Gaoxu simply didn't want to come up with an answer at this moment.

Seeing Zhu Gaoxu's calm expression, Zhu Gaosui strode over to his side, looking anxious.

"Second brother, how can you still sit still? You've really angered the old man this time. What are you thinking?"

This time, the old man clearly intends to use you to establish authority for the eldest son. I know you're unhappy and resentful.

But you can't argue with the old man in front of so many people. We can just talk to him privately if there's anything."

"Hehe, third brother, don't you agree with what I said?"

Seeing that Zhu Gaoxu remained calm, Zhu Gaosui gradually regained his composure, but he was somewhat surprised.

Zhu Gaochi had his share of defying Zhu Di, but this was the first time he had ever publicly humiliated Zhu Di like this.

I thought Zhu Gaoxu would panic, but he was far too calm.

"Second brother, I definitely agree with what you said. Our eldest nephew is even more cunning than his father, a hundred times more deceitful and hypocritical."

Once he takes power, my brothers and I will definitely not have a good time.

But we must proceed slowly and steadily; we cannot rush things.

Even if you really want to do it, can't you at least let me know beforehand? I'm incredibly worried right now.

Seeing Zhu Gaosui's concerned and indignant expression, Zhu Gaoxu smiled.

"Third brother, you haven't changed at all."

Are you worried that this matter will implicate you? Are you worried that the old man will overthink it and think that you are also involved?

Don't worry, I'll take responsibility for my own actions, and I will never implicate you.

And I didn't say anything, I just said that I was going to go out and take up my fief.

Tell me, what did I do wrong? Why should I apologize to him?

He wanted to establish the boss's authority, and I did it; I even admitted it in front of so many people.

"It was just a suggestion to go and take up a fiefdom, why did he get so angry?"

"My dear second brother, you know I've always been on your side. How could you worry about me being implicated? You're overthinking it."

But second brother, tell me the truth, why did you suddenly decide to go out and take up your fiefdom?

Second brother, no matter what you do, you can't abandon me. I truly support you with all my might.

Zhu Gaosui became anxious when he heard Zhu Gaoxu brush the matter off with a few words.

He came here because he was worried that Zhu Gaoxu's actions would implicate him, and he wanted to persuade Zhu Gaoxu to admit his mistake as soon as possible.

But to his surprise, Zhu Gaoxu saw through him immediately and said it out loud.

However, this was not what worried him the most. What made Zhu Gaosui's heart tremble was that Zhu Gaoxu wanted to go out and take up his fief.

In the past, even when he and Zhu Gaoxu joined forces, they were still somewhat unable to defeat Zhu Gaochi.

Now that Zhu Gaoxu is going to his fiefdom, he's left all alone here. How can he possibly fight against Zhu Gaochi?

Now, in Zhu Gaosui's eyes, neither he nor Zhu Gaoxu had any way out.

Peace talks are out of the question; we have no choice but to fight to the bitter end.

Zhu Gaochi's departure to assume his fiefdom was essentially an admission of defeat in the capital, followed by a flight to the capital. Wasn't that a cowardly act?

Zhu Gaosui dared not say this, for he was certain that Zhu Gaoxu would be furious if he did.

Zhu Gaosui couldn't understand why Zhu Gaoxu couldn't handle such a blow and would have such thoughts.

Or did Zhu Gaochi have his own plans?

Seeing Zhu Gaosui's anxious expression, Zhu Gaoxu slowly shook his head.

"Third brother, I know you've always supported me, I understand."

We brothers have fought side by side on the battlefield, back to back, killing the enemy. How could I not trust you?

I'm not lying to you, I really am preparing to go and take up my fief. I'll go talk to the old man about this later.

What's the point of fighting for that position? Besides, we can't compete with the boss anyway.

Since that's the case, why not go out and take up a fiefdom? That would save everyone a lot of trouble.

As you know, my eldest nephew is definitely worried about me. I don't want to wait to die in the capital.

Only if I go out to my fiefdom will he not easily do anything to me.

Taking up a fiefdom is also a way to protect oneself.

Third brother, if you acknowledge me as your second brother, please help me persuade the old man.

Zhu Gaoxu spoke earnestly, yet his words were half true and half false.

He couldn't say those things aloud.

Because he knew that what he was saying to Zhu Gaosui now would definitely end up in Zhu Di's ears later.

Zhu Zhanji couldn't tolerate him. He had already told Zhu Di, so he didn't care to say it again.

Now that he is weak, he can only endure it for the time being, and everything should be focused on going out to take up his fief.

Zhu Gaosui stared intently at Zhu Gaoxu, listening to these words, feeling extremely uncomfortable and heavy-hearted.

In Zhu Gaosui's view, Zhu Gaoxu must have been dealt a blow this time.

Zhu Gaochi wanted to go out and take up his fiefdom, but he was truly unwilling.

He didn't believe in the idea that going to a fiefdom was for self-preservation.

He simply couldn't accept the situation that if Zhu Gaoxu left, he alone would be no match for Zhu Gaochi.

"Second brother, you fought your way out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood, how come you're so discouraged that you want to run away?"

Do you even realize how cowardly you are right now?

Zhu Gaosui suddenly stood up and, risking Zhu Gaoxu's wrath, unleashed a powerful attack right in Zhu Gaoxu's face.

To Zhu Gaosui's disappointment, Zhu Gaoxu did not change his expression at all, remaining calm and even wearing a slight smile.

At this moment, Zhu Gaosui was at a loss.

He knew Zhu Gaoxu all too well what kind of person he was. The expected storm never came, which drove Zhu Gaosui somewhat crazy.

"Second Brother! Let's put those thoughts aside! Let's come up with a more comprehensive plan. I'll do everything I can to help you, okay?"

Seeing Zhu Gaosui's almost pleading expression, Zhu Gaoxu sighed inwardly.

Indeed, those beautiful things can only exist in our imagination.

Zhu Gaoxu knew perfectly well what Zhu Gaosui's purpose was.

This time, however, he will not be swayed by any sweet talk.

He knew the final outcome, and he also knew that without change, the process would be nothing more than a futile struggle.

"Third brother, there's no need to persuade me anymore, my mind is made up."

"Second brother, why? What is the reason?"

Hearing Zhu Gaoxu's resolute words, Zhu Gaosui was even more confused and unwilling to accept this reality.

Zhu Gaoxu wanted to flee the capital. He chose cowardice, but he didn't want to. He wanted to try one more time!

But unfortunately, he himself lacked the ability.

Zhu Gaosui felt an intense hatred in his heart. How could things have suddenly developed like this?