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

Zhu Gaoxu stared at Zhu Gaosui with a gloomy expression, his teeth clenched as if he was trying to suppress his anger, his eyes wide open.

He slowly stood up, turning his back to Zhu Gaosui.

"Third brother, there aren't that many whys. I've already said that going out is only for self-preservation and to put everyone at ease."

I know what you're worried about, but you're in a much better situation than me.

The boss and that kid will tolerate you.

But I'm different. The boss, that kid, and those pedantic scholars can't tolerate me.

Don't worry, even if I'm away, if you encounter any difficulties, I, as your second brother, will definitely help you.

I have never forgotten the friendship we shared back then; I have always remembered it.

"Alright, third brother, you can go back now."

As he spoke, Zhu Gaoxu felt a mix of emotions.

He was a dignified Prince of Han in the Ming Dynasty, yet in this vast Ming Dynasty, there was no place for him to stay.

He could no longer win in the court; if he didn't find another way, he would truly follow in the footsteps of his predecessor.

The claim that Zhu Zhanji roasted him alive after he merely brushed his leg was just a pretext and an excuse, meant for the world to see, simply to provide a legitimate reason.

He was not killed even though he rebelled; Zhu Zhanji had such a broad mind.

However, he was ungrateful and courted death, which is why he was roasted to death by Zhu Zhanji. He deserved it.

Isn't this perfect? ​​He's dead, and Zhu Zhanji's reputation for killing his uncle has been somewhat diminished.

Zhu Gaoxu was not afraid of death.

Even if Zhu Zhanji wanted to kill him, he wouldn't blame Zhu Zhanji entirely.

Born into the imperial family, vying to become emperor, it's a matter of the victor taking all; he lost, so death was to be expected.

What he couldn't accept was being roasted alive in a bronze vat by Zhu Zhanji.

Killing someone is usually just a matter of beheading them, but Zhu Zhanji used such cruel torture that it was far more than just killing him.

Yes, he can choose to forget.

But there are some things he simply can't forget.

Now, he is determined to continue down this alternative path.

No amount of persuasion from anyone could change his mind.

Zhu Gaosui watched Zhu Gaoxu's retreating figure and gradually began to smile.

But his face showed such madness and resentment.

Zhu Gaosui wanted to continue questioning, but ultimately he didn't say anything.

"Second brother, I didn't expect you to be so affected by this incident."

Since you've already made up your mind, I won't say anything more.

It's good that you're going to your fiefdom. If I ever can't make a living in the capital, I'll come find you.

After you are enfeoffed, I will continue to send you news from the capital.

But times have changed. Getting the old man to agree to your going to your fiefdom now won't be so simple.

Zhu Gaosui could sense Zhu Gaoxu's determination. Since he couldn't dissuade him, he wouldn't sever his connection with Zhu Gaoxu.

He still didn't believe that Zhu Gaoxu's departure to his fiefdom truly meant giving up everything.

There's plenty of time; he can wait.

And this, too, is a form of his helplessness.

Of the three brothers, only Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu could truly spar with each other.

Previously, especially when Qiu Fu and other military officers were still alive, Zhu Gaoxu held great power.

Currently, Zhu Gaochi is only temporarily in power.

After saying this, Zhu Gaosui turned and left.

There's no point in continuing.

As for where Zhu Gaoxu's fiefdom was, Zhu Gaosui did not care.

Everyone had already tacitly agreed that they would either continue to Yunnan or stay in the vicinity of Beijing.

After Zhu Gaosui left, Zhu Gaoxu turned around but did not immediately go to find Zhu Di.

He was waiting, waiting for Zhu Di to learn more about the situation.

Zhu Gaosui, who had just left, encountered the Embroidered Uniform Guard outside and then went to Zhu Di's room.

"Father, your son is here."

At this moment, Zhu Gaosui looked respectful, his head bowed, not daring to look at Zhu Di.

"Third brother, tell me the truth. Were you involved in what the second brother said today? Did you two brothers team up against me?"

Zhu Gaosui didn't know what Zhu Di's expression was, but those calm words made his heart leap into his throat.

With a thud, Zhu Gaosui knelt down on the ground, his forehead making intimate contact with the ground.

"Father, I really don't know. I've been by your side the whole time. You know everything. Your son is innocent."

I don't know why my second brother said those things. I even tried to talk him out of it just now. I really wasn't involved.

Unable to withstand the pressure from Zhu Di, Zhu Gaosui directly recounted his visit to Zhu Gaoxu, hoping to prove his innocence.

His reason for going to see Zhu Gaoxu was precisely because he was worried about what was happening now.

Zhu Di looked at Zhu Gaosui on the ground, a slight smile creeping onto his lips, which he quickly suppressed. He then calmly squatted down and placed his hand on Zhu Gaosui's shoulder.

The moment Zhu Di leaned on Zhu Gaosui's shoulder, he could clearly feel his shoulder tremble.

"Third brother, you know I love you the most. Letting you command the Embroidered Uniform Guard is also a way for me to trust you."

My second son really hurt me this time; he still can't understand my good intentions.

I'm getting old and won't see you for many more years. I don't want you brothers to fight each other after I die.

But that second brother of mine, he's just a brute, he doesn't think about anything, and he even wants to force me to do something like that. Is that reasonable?

As Zhu Di spoke, his voice grew heavy, leaving Zhu Gaosui no time to interrupt.

Zhu Di didn't wait for Zhu Gaosui to reply, and continued, "My eldest and second sons are causing me a lot of trouble. They think I'm old and they don't listen to me anymore."

I wanted to go and deal with the Tartars, but the boss wouldn't let me.

I want to improve the relationship between you brothers, but the second brother doesn't understand.

The eldest son is in poor health, the second son is impulsive and lacks common sense, and of all the family members, you are the one I trust the most and who listens to me the most.

They both think I'm too old to rely on, and you're the only one I can depend on.

Third brother, would you be willing to help me?

Zhu Di spoke in a low, sincere voice, his voice slightly choked with emotion, as he gently patted Zhu Gaosui's shoulder repeatedly, seemingly having high expectations for him.

Hearing these words, Zhu Gaosui felt his blood rush to his head.

Zhu Gaosui raised his head, his eyes somewhat red.

"Dad, which family doesn't have naughty children? I'm one of them. I've always stood by you, Dad."

"Father, whatever you want me to do, I'll do it right away!"

Zhu Gaosui was filled with excitement. He hadn't expected that this time, he seemed to have turned misfortune into blessing, and Zhu Di valued him even more.

For a moment, Zhu Gaosui even felt somewhat grateful to Zhu Gaoxu.

If Zhu Gaoxu hadn't done this, causing Zhu Di to be disappointed in both Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu, how could he have entered Zhu Di's heart?

Did Zhu Gaochi oppose Zhu Di's war campaigns?

Did Zhu Gaochi occasionally provoke Zhu Di?

The two were at odds with each other, causing quite a ruckus?

That would be wonderful. He wished that Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaoxu could unleash an even fiercer storm against Zhu Di.

He knew very well what Zhu Di needed to do, but Zhu Gaosui still couldn't contain his excitement.

He wasn't afraid of doing things; he was just afraid that Zhu Di wouldn't give him anything to do.

Isn't one's value only demonstrated through actions?

Zhu Di looked at Zhu Gaosui, slowly stroking his face with his right hand, and gradually smiled, a genuine smile of joy.