Ming Dynasty: Gain one supernatural power every day

The autumn sun was shining brightly as several people emerged from the side hall and walked along the corridor toward the main gate. Zhu Gaoxu led the way, his steps much lighter than when he had arrived, and his back ramrod straight.

He walked to the gate of the mansion, turned his head, thought for a moment, and suddenly stopped. He turned around, put his arm around Zhu Gaosui's shoulder, and grinned, "Third brother, your second brother is in a good mood today. If you come with me, I won't punish you."

Zhu Gaosui could tell what his second brother was thinking just by looking at his expression.

"Accompany my second brother on a trip." He guessed that his second brother was probably going out to show off again. His second brother was always like this. Whenever he got something, he had to go out and show it off, as if he wanted the whole world to know.

Zhu Zhanji, who had overheard the Prince of Han's words, poked his head out from the carriage and asked, "Second Uncle, where are you going?"

Zhu Gaochi pulled him back into the car: "Never mind your second uncle, he's probably out showing off again. Let's go."

He sighed, "Sigh, this second son, he has to show off all over town after getting a good deal, he just can't change his habit."

Zhu Gaosui grinned mischievously, "Alright, Second Brother, let's go... which house are we going to today?"

"My third brother understands me best." Zhu Gaoxu knew from his third brother's expression that he must understand his thoughts.

"Of course, Second Brother. We've been inseparable since we were kids. I used to be a staunch supporter of the Han King," Zhu Gaosui said earnestly.

"They used to be part of the Han King's faction, but what about now?" Zhu Gaoxu grasped the key point.

"Second brother, don't talk nonsense. I'm now a member of Prince Rui's faction, you know that, you..." Zhu Gaosui, everyone guess if Zhu Gaoxu has ever drunk Pepsi.

"Third brother, you're too clever for your own good, but if we're talking about the Prince Rui faction, I am the biggest Prince Rui faction member..." Zhu Gaoxu laughed loudly.

Then Zhu Gaoxu mounted his horse: "Let's go, third brother, let's go to the city and find some old friends to spar with."

He patted his shoulder, "Second Brother, with your impressive physique today, it would be a waste if you didn't go out and show off, given Fourth Brother's good intentions." Zhu Gaosui also mounted his horse and followed behind Zhu Gaoxu. Guards from the Prince of Han's residence followed behind, and the Embroidered Uniform Guards were hidden in the shadows.

The two rode their horses out of the streets where Prince Rui's residence was located, heading east into the city. Zhu Gaoxu sat upright on his horse, his eyes sharp as lightning, and even the horse seemed more energetic than usual.

The first stop was the Duke of Ying's residence. Zhang Fu was practicing his boxing in the front courtyard when he heard a servant announce, "The Prince of Han and the Prince of Zhao have arrived." He put down the stone lock he was holding and went out to greet them. He was stunned when he looked up, staring at them several times: "Your Highness, the Prince of Han, what brings you here...?"

Zhu Gaochi dismounted and strode into the courtyard, patting his chest: "Duke of Yingguo, do you see any changes in me?"

Zhang Fu glanced at it a few more times, his expression filled with astonishment: "Your Highness looks like you've become several years younger. Did you take some kind of miraculous medicine?"

Zhu Gaoxu laughed heartily and stood in the center of the courtyard: "I'll tell you later. How about you spar with me for a bit first?"

Zhang Fu paused for a moment, glanced at Zhu Gaoxu's enthusiastic expression, and then put down the stone lock and walked over.

The two sparred for a few rounds in the courtyard. Zhu Gaoxu was agile and swift in his moves, and within a few rounds he forced Zhang Fu back several steps.

Zhang Fu steadied himself, panting, and waved his hand: "Your Highness's skills today are as agile as when you were in your early twenties. I humbly admit defeat."

Zhu Gaoxu stopped, walked to the stone table, sat down, picked up his teacup and took a sip, then slowly said, "Duke of Yingguo, to be honest, our skill levels are usually about the same. The main reason I was able to beat you today is because my fourth brother extended my lifespan?"

Zhang Fu sat down opposite him: "Your Highness Prince Rui, can I extend your lifespan?" Zhang Fu's mind was filled with the words "extend your lifespan"—Prince Rui could even extend your lifespan…

Zhu Gaoxu said smugly, "My fourth brother is a disciple of the Dao Ancestor, right? The Dao Ancestor gave him the Book of Life and Death of the King of Hell, the kind that can change lifespans."

He paused for a moment, then said, "My fourth brother and I are close, and he insisted on extending my lifespan. I told him that my second brother is still young and doesn't need it, but he insisted that not letting me extend it would be disrespectful to him. Look at me now, I look several years younger. When I go back, I'm afraid my wife won't recognize me."

"What...!" Zhang Fu slammed his hand on the table and shouted. Zhang Fu was stunned after hearing this.

What? The Dao Ancestor gave the Book of Life and Death to Prince Rui? Doesn't that mean life and death are now entirely in Prince Rui's hands? I need to hurry and find a chance to curry favor with Prince Rui. Last time I saw him, he seemed quite fond of my granddaughter… If I could get close to Prince Rui, I could live a few more years.

Zhu Gaoxu looked at Zhang Fu's expression and demeanor, nodded in satisfaction, stood up, and patted his robes: "Duke of Yingguo, I'll come to spar with you again another day."

After saying that, he strode out of the courtyard.

"Third brother, did you see the Duke of Ying's expression just now? This trip wasn't in vain, was it?" Zhu Gaoxu said as he mounted his horse.

"Indeed, the Duke of England's expression is quite rare," Zhu Gaosui echoed from behind, silently following behind.

The second stop was the residence of Fang Bin, the Minister of War. Fang Bin was reading official documents in his study when he heard a servant come to report, so he quickly came out to greet him.

He was stunned when he saw Zhu Gaoxu: "Your Highness, what kind of magic pill have you taken? How come you look so much younger...?"

Zhu Gaoxu entered the courtyard and, without waiting for Fang Bin to finish speaking, shouted directly in the center of the courtyard, "Lord Fang, how did you know that my fourth brother extended my lifespan?"

Fang Bin was taken aback: "Lifespan, what lifespan..."

Zhu Gaoxu sat down on the stone bench and crossed his legs: "My fourth brother is a disciple of the Dao Ancestor. The Dao Ancestor gave him the Book of Life and Death of the King of Hell. He can add lifespan to whomever he wants."

He pointed to himself, "My fourth brother and I are close, and he insisted on adding more to my roster. Look at me now, my physique, my energy—aren't I exactly the same as when I was young...?"

Fang Bin's mind was constantly repeating "add lifespan, Prince Rui, King Yama, Book of Life and Death," and he didn't hear what the King of Han said after that.

Seeing Fang Bin stunned, Zhu Gaoxu quickly stood up and patted Fang Bin on the shoulder: "Lord Fang, do a good job. Maybe one day I'll be in a good mood and have my fourth brother give you a few more years."

Before Fang Bin could react, Zhu Gaoxu had already strode out of the courtyard, mounted his horse, and ridden away.

"Your Highness, Your Highness... please explain in detail," Fang Bin said, standing at the doorway, watching Zhu Gaoxu's departing figure.

It took him a while to come to his senses: "Your Highness, you are the reincarnation of Yama, the King of Hell? So Yama was a disciple of the Daoist Ancestor?"

After pausing for a while, he turned and went back to his study, but once he opened the official document, he didn't turn a single page for a long time. He thought about his good-for-nothing son; if only he could benefit from the Prince Rui's influence...

Zhu Gaosui followed behind his second brother, watching the ministers' dumbfounded expressions. He felt a strange feeling, but something seemed to be missing. He thought it would be better if he were the one replacing his second brother.

The third stop was the residence of Marquis Zheng Heng of Wu'an. The fourth stop was the residence of Duke Zhu Yong of Cheng.

Wherever Zhu Gaochi went, he would first "exchange ideas," then drink tea, and then invariably say, "My fourth brother is a disciple of the Daoist Ancestor. The Daoist Ancestor gave him the Book of Life and Death from the King of Hell, and he insisted on extending my lifespan..."

Each time he repeated himself, he would patiently add details. Seeing the bewildered expressions on the ministers' faces, Zhu Gaochi's smile never faded. After his tour, almost half of the capital knew about it.

Some people didn't hear clearly when the King of Han mentioned "adding lifespan, Yama, and the Book of Life and Death," which led to different versions being circulated.

Some people say that Prince Rui stole the Book of Life and Death from Yama, while others say that Prince Rui is the reincarnation of Yama.