Ming Dynasty: I, Zhu Yunwen, started by resurrecting my grandmother.

Zhu Yunwen then handed Qi Tai's letter to Huang Zicheng.

After watching it, Huang Zicheng remarked with great emotion, "Qi Tai is acting out of character."

He didn't see anything wrong with the letter either.

Actually, the letter wasn't written by Qi Tai, but by Zhao Ning'er imitating Qi Tai's handwriting.

Zhao Ning'er had this skill; she imitated Wang Xizhi's "Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion," and people thought it was the real thing.

Kunning Palace.

Empress Ma was very depressed.

Since she came back to life, Old Zhu passed away first, which was a huge blow to her.

Although she sometimes resented Zhu for having so many vixens in the harem, it was undeniable that she deeply loved him.

However, unexpectedly, she came, and Old Zhu left again.

What's even more infuriating is that Lady Lü invited a group of monks, claiming they were going to perform a ritual to help Zhu Biao pass on to the afterlife, but never mentioned performing a ritual for Old Zhu. How could she not be heartbroken by this?

Furthermore, Zhu Yunwen had just ascended the throne, and under the strong admonition of Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng, he vigorously reduced the power of the princes, causing a great uproar and unrest both inside and outside the court.

The people she was fighting over were either her own sons or her own grandsons. How could her heart not ache?

She was greatly relieved to hear that the three brothers, Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Gaoxu, and Zhu Gaosui, had successfully left the capital and returned to Beiping.

However, she thought again, what would happen to Zhu Yunwen if Zhu Di led his three sons back to fight?

This made her worry again.

Ultimately, it was all the fault of imperial power. If it were an ordinary family, there wouldn't be so many problems.

Ma Xiuying's heart was in turmoil, and she could not calm down for a long time.

Just as she was lost in thought, Zhu Yunwen walked in from outside and knelt down, saying, "Grandson greets Grandmother!"

Empress Ma turned around and saw that it was Zhu Yunwen. Her face immediately lit up with a smile: "My dear grandson, get up quickly."

"Yes."

"It's so late, why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Replying to Grandmother, I have come to say goodbye."

Empress Ma was taken aback: "Where are you going?"

"I'm going to Beiping first thing tomorrow morning," Zhu Yunwen answered truthfully.

"Beiping? Isn't that Zhu Di's territory?" Empress Ma asked, looking puzzled.

"Yes."

"What are you going there for?"

Zhu Yunwen, fearing that his grandmother would worry, dared not say more: "My task is very simple, just to go and read out the imperial edict."

"Read the imperial edict? Couldn't you just send any official? Why do you have to go in person?" Empress Ma asked, her face full of doubt.

"It's nothing. Anyway, I don't have much to do in the capital, so I might as well go out and see the scenery beyond the Great Wall. Consider it a way to relax," Zhu Yunwen said casually.

Empress Ma was very intelligent. Upon hearing his words, her expression became serious: "Yunzhu, I'm afraid things are not as simple as you say."

I remember a while ago you threw Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui into the cesspool, and those two brothers were ready to fight you. If you went, how could they not cause you trouble?

Zhu Yunwen chuckled upon hearing this: "That was just a joke. In this sweltering heat, let's just consider it a bath for them."

"You're so big now, yet you're still so naughty!"

As she spoke, Empress Ma took out an exquisite box from the drawer. Opening it, she found a gold lock inside. "Look," she said, "do you like it?"

Zhu Yunwen held the golden lock in his hands, examining it closely. The lock shone brilliantly, its craftsmanship exquisite, clearly indicating its immense value. "Grandmother," he said, "this lock must be priceless, right?"

"If you like it, I'll give it to you. I hope it will keep you safe."

"Come, let me put it on you," Empress Ma said, putting the lock on Zhu Yunwen's wrist. "Speaking of which, this golden lock has quite a history. It's called the Qiankun Golden Lock. It was given to me by your grandfather, the Emperor."

This is not just a golden lock, but a symbol of power. Seeing this lock is like seeing your imperial grandfather.

No matter how high an official or prince he is, he must kneel before this lock. You can even use this lock to mobilize his army and have the power to execute first and report later.

This was something Zhu Yunwen hadn't expected; wasn't this tantamount to an imperial sword?

Legend has it that Bao Zheng of the Song Dynasty possessed a special sword, which he used to kill corrupt officials.

Zhu Yuntong was flattered, but at the same time, she felt a little heavy-hearted.

"Grandmother, if that's the case, this lock is far too precious. I cannot accept it," Zhu Yunwen declined.

"How can you take back what Grandmother gave away?" Empress Ma looked at it and nodded in satisfaction.

the next morning.

Zhu Yunwen, Zhang Bing, Xie Gui, and Zhang Xin set off together, heading straight for Beiping.

Chang Yuchun led five hundred cavalrymen in close pursuit.

Zhu Yunwen felt very heavy-hearted, because he didn't know what he would encounter in Beiping or whether he could handle it.

He knew perfectly well that this was a trap set by Zhu Yunwen, but he had no choice but to fall into it.

If he refused to go to Beiping, he would be disobeying the imperial order and committing the crime of turning his back on the emperor. However, once he arrived in Beiping, it would be a den of dragons and tigers.

Halfway there,

Zhu Yunwen suddenly heard someone call out behind him, "Yunwen, wait for me!"

Zhu Yunwen saw a red horse galloping towards him from behind, with a woman sitting on its back. It was Zhao Ning'er, but who was she?

In the blink of an eye, Zhao Ning'er appeared in front of Zhu Yunwen: "Where are you all going? Why didn't you take me with you?"

Zhu Yunwen frowned: "Ning'er, our trip to Beiping is extremely dangerous. You shouldn't go. Stay home and wait for me to return."

"No, if I'm not by your side watching over you, how will I know what you're doing outside?"

Are you planning to cheat on me with another woman?

Zhu Yunwen listened and thought to himself, "What are you talking about? What are you talking about?"

He patiently explained to Zhao Ning'er, "We're going on a very dangerous mission, not to play around."

Zhao Ning'er toyed with the riding crop in her hand: "Anyway, I'm going with you."

Zhu Yuntong was anxious, and sweat beaded on his forehead: "Ning'er, it will be very dangerous if you go."

Zhao Ning'er looked at Zhu Yunwen with her beautiful eyes, and then gently stroked her temples: "If that's the case, I want to be with you even more."

Otherwise, what if you are in danger?

I have to protect you!

Also, I've heard that Timur has a daughter named Minmin Timur, who is very beautiful. I must keep an eye on you to prevent you from being bewitched by her.

Zhu Yunwen was both amused and exasperated upon hearing this.

"I'm off now!" Zhao Ning'er said, riding her horse away first.

Zhao Ning'er was like a bird just released from its cage; everything she saw was new and exciting, and she was in an exceptionally good mood!