The Great Ming Demon Pill: Your Majesty, please address me as the Crown Prince!

Zhu Zhanjun had excitedly run to the palace, ready to find his beloved imperial grandfather and fleece him.

Unexpectedly, when I passed by the Imperial Garden, I happened to see a little girl eating pastries.

This girl is quite pretty, with bright eyes and white teeth. She has her hair styled in a double-looped bun and is wearing a light apricot-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress). She looks like a porcelain doll carved from jade.

It just eats, like a little squirrel sneakily munching on pine nuts.

Zhu Zhanjun, indulging in a moment of mischievousness, leaned closer and said with a smile.

"Tsk, who are you?"

The girl seemed startled by him, and quickly swallowed the half-eaten pastry in her mouth, but because she swallowed it too fast, it got stuck, and her dark eyes widened instantly.

Seemingly never having encountered anything like this before, she was speechless, her face flushed red, and she looked flustered, not knowing what to do. She could only unconsciously make a hoarse sound, covering her neck with her hands, her eyes brimming with tears.

Zhu Zhanjun muttered to himself, "Damn it!"

Choking on something can have serious consequences, ranging from minor to major.

If not handled properly, it can easily cause suffocation.

If it causes serious consequences, then he will be guilty.

Zhu Zhanjun quickly stepped forward and went around to her back.

He wrapped his arms around Hu Shanxiang's waist and abdomen from behind, made a fist with one hand, pressed the knuckle against her navel, and covered the fist with the other hand, then thrust upwards and inwards with great force.

The Heimlich maneuver is a highly effective emergency treatment.

"Cough... Uh!" Hu Shanxiang was jolted forward by the sudden force, and his throat loosened, causing a piece of osmanthus sugar cake that had not been fully chewed to be spat out along with his saliva and fall to the ground.

She immediately bent over and coughed violently, tears welling up in her eyes.

Zhu Zhanjun released her hand, patted her back, and said irritably, "Why are you in such a hurry to eat?"

"Nobody's going to take it from you."

"Now look what happened, I almost choked to death on the pastry."

Hu Shanxiang felt like she had finally come back to life. Hearing Zhu Zhanjun's disgusted words, and thinking about how this strange boy had touched and punched her, and how she had lost all her innocence, she felt wronged and tears streamed down her face.

Zhu Zhanjun was speechless when he saw the little girl crying.

Hey, this girl!

I really want to punch him twice.

He coughed lightly.

"Hey, stop crying."

"By the way, who are you?"

"How did you get here?"

Hu Shanxiang was, after all, a young girl, and her grievances came and went quickly. After being asked a few questions, she was stunned and subconsciously whispered.

"I am Hu Shanxiang, a commoner, and I have come to the palace today on the orders of the Crown Princess."

Zhu Zhanjun hadn't paid much attention to it at first.

Upon hearing the name Hu Shanxiang, I was immediately jolted awake.

Holy crap!

Sister-in-law!

Zhu Zhanjun calmed down and took a closer look.

Hey, I suddenly think this little girl is even prettier now.

Hu Shanxiang was well-regarded in history, a typical virtuous and kind woman. Later, Zhu Zhanji deposed her without any reason and made Sun the empress.

Tsk tsk tsk!

He just happened to run into him.

The thought had just flashed through Zhu Zhanjun's mind when he suddenly remembered the "talent selection order," which must have been in effect.

Otherwise, it wouldn't be such a coincidence.

He was lost in thought.

Seeing that he didn't speak, Hu Shanxiang felt uneasy.

She didn't know who the boy was, but she wasn't stupid either.

The newcomer was dressed in a python robe, so he must be a member of the royal family, someone she couldn't afford to offend.

Zhu Zhanjun immediately smiled at her.

"You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen in the Ming Dynasty."

"Your eyes sparkle!"

"My grandfather was the emperor of the Ming Dynasty."

"Could you teach me your native dialect?"

"I can apply for a residence permit for you at the palace!"

Hu Shanxiang's face turned red instantly, and her head seemed to be steaming.

Her computer is about to crash.

This...this, where did this lecher come from?

Hu Shanxiang was dizzy and said subconsciously.

"You...you are the eldest grandson of the emperor?"

That's not right, the eldest grandson of the emperor isn't that young.

But besides the people in the Eastern Palace, who else knows she's here?

Zhu Zhanjun coughed lightly.

"Miss Hu, I am my brother."

Hu Shanxiang: "???"

Zhu Zhanjun blinked and smiled.

"Miss Hu, is this your first time visiting the palace?"

"How about I show you around?"

Hu Shanxiang hesitated.

"This isn't a good idea."

"This humble woman is here, waiting for the Crown Princess... Ah..."

Before she could finish speaking, Zhu Zhanjun grabbed her hand and dragged her away in a flash.

.......................

After an incense stick has burned.

Inside the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Di was engrossed in reviewing the first batch of memorials when he suddenly heard footsteps. He looked up and saw a familiar figure rushing in, and immediately smiled.

"Zhanjun is here?"

"What brings you here to visit Grandfather today?"

The visitor was none other than Zhu Zhanjun.

He bowed respectfully to Zhu Di and said with a grin.

"Grandson greets His Majesty!"

"Your Majesty is very busy with state affairs, so I have come to visit you."

"By the way... I have a small request that I'd like to ask my grandfather for permission to grant."

"Oh?" Zhu Di leaned back, looking at him with interest. "What are you up to now, kid? Tell me."

Zhu Zhanjun blinked and took two steps closer.

"Grandpa, I'm not young anymore. I'm thinking... could we arrange a child bride for me?"

"A child bride?" Zhu Di was taken aback, then chuckled. "How old are you, and you're already thinking about this?"

Zhu Zhanjun said with a smile.

"Grandson, isn't this just taking precautions?"

"Look, even the eldest brother has started looking at girls. Although the grandson is a bit younger than him, he should also start making plans early."

"Besides, having someone you know well and who has been with you since childhood will save you a lot of trouble in the future. A harmonious family is essential for serving your grandfather and the Ming Dynasty with peace of mind, isn't it?"

Zhu Di was both amused and exasperated by his twisted logic, pointing a finger at him and saying, "You, you're always so cunning."

"So, tell me, have you taken a fancy to any girl?"

"Why are you in such a hurry to ask for imperial orders?"

Zhu Zhanjun chuckled.

"Grandpa Emperor is wise!"

"It is Hu Shanxiang, the younger sister of Hu Shanwei, the head of the Shanggong Bureau!"

"Hu Shanwei, Hu Shanxiang?" Zhu Di pondered for a moment, then immediately remembered Hu Shanwei.

I have some impression of this woman who has been a palace maid and official since the time of Emperor Taizu.

he mused.

"Hu Shanwei was a man who had served in the palace for many years. He was steady in his actions, dutiful in his duties, and had a good reputation for virtue."

"Given her family's background, her younger sister must be a well-mannered, virtuous, and gentle woman."

Zhu Zhanjun smiled and gave a thumbs up.

"Grandpa Emperor has keen insight."

Zhu Di pondered for a moment.

"I remember her father was just an ordinary centurion."

"It's not difficult for you to make her a child bride, but if you want her to be the principal wife, her family background is a bit too low."

A cunning glint flashed in Zhu Zhanjun's eyes.

"Grandpa, I believe that when choosing a wife, one should prioritize virtue, and social status should be secondary."

"Moreover, her father was a centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and he was considered a descendant of loyal and virtuous officials. Her sister was conscientious and dutiful in the palace, and the family had a clean and upright tradition."

"Grandpa Emperor, please issue an imperial edict to me now."

Zhu Di was taken aback, and finally sensed something was amiss.

"Zhanjun, you... seem a little anxious?"

Zhu Zhanjun pursed his lips.

How can I not be anxious?

Hurry up and snatch Hu Shanxiang away, then give Brother Ji a "forgiveness hat" (a symbol of leniency).

This is a profitable trade.

His eyes widened immediately.

"Grandfather, you tacitly allowed my aunt to raise a concubine for my elder brother in the palace."

"Now I want a Hu family member, and you're still hesitating."

"You can't be so biased."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di's lips twitched.

Got it!

He said irritably.

"You little brat, all you do is tease your imperial grandfather."

"Here's what we'll do. I'll issue you an imperial decree to have your mother recognize Hu Shanxiang as her goddaughter and raise her in the Prince of Han's mansion as a child bride. If you don't want her to be your principal wife in the future, she can be your concubine."

Zhu Zhanjun chuckled.

"That would be great."

........................

The Eastern Palace.

After taking his time to bathe, Zhu Zhanji changed his clothes under the careful care of Lady Sun. He meticulously combed his hair and the jade pendant at his waist jingled, finally managing to project some of the noble demeanor of the eldest grandson of the emperor.

He looked at himself in the bronze mirror from left to right, feeling that he was quite handsome. He then comforted the somewhat jealous Madam Sun before slowly strolling out of the palace gate, preparing to go to the Imperial Garden to see the young lady from the Hu family.

Although Zhu Zhanji didn't care much, it was, after all, his mother Zhang's arrangement, so he had to put on a good show.

A moment later, just as he reached the passageway near the Qianqing Palace, he saw Meng Ji, the eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, leading two young eunuchs, carrying a yellow silk imperial edict, hurrying out from the direction of the palace gate. His expression was solemn, and he walked with a brisk pace.

Zhu Zhanji's heart stirred with curiosity.

"Eunuch Meng, what brings you in such a hurry?"

Upon hearing the voice, Meng Ji looked up and saw that it was the eldest grandson of the emperor. He quickly stopped and bowed, saying, "This servant greets Your Highness."

"No need for formalities." Zhu Zhanji's gaze fell on the imperial edict in Meng Ji's hand, and he casually asked, "Where is this edict being sent? Judging from the direction, it's not going to the Six Ministries."

Meng Ji respectfully replied, "Your Highness, this servant is on His Majesty's orders to go to the Prince of Han's residence to deliver the decree."

"The Prince of Han's residence?" Zhu Zhanji raised an eyebrow slightly. "What brings you here?"

Meng Ji hesitated for a moment, then spoke slowly.

"His Majesty has decreed that Hu Shanwei's younger sister, Hu Shanxiang, should recognize the Princess Consort of Han as her adoptive mother and raise her in the palace, supposedly to be a child bride for His Highness Prince Jiyang."

Zhu Zhanji nodded subconsciously, then suddenly felt that something was wrong.

Hu Shanxiang?

etc......?

This name doesn't sound right.

The name sounds familiar.

Holy crap?

Isn't that the future wife that his mother introduced to him?

How did I become Zhu Zhanjun's child bride?

I'm sooooooooooooooo!

Zhu Zhanji immediately came to his senses.

His mind went blank; he could hardly believe his ears.

The girl from the Hu family, whom he had never met, whom his mother had chosen for him, and who might become his future wife... in the blink of an eye, she became Zhu Zhanjun's child bride.

Is this some kind of coincidence?

Was this kid doing it on purpose?

Zhu Zhanji's chest heaved violently, and a surge of anger rushed to his head.

Although he didn't care about the woman surnamed Hu, it was one thing for him not to want her, but it was another thing for her to be snatched away!

He actually got cheated on by Zhu Zhanjun?!

It's that little brat again!

Holy crap, this guy, he's in love with his sister-in-law?