The Ming Dynasty: I Fabricated Dreams for Zhu Di 23

Chapter 23: You Can Interact, But Don’t Buy, Or Else You’re Finished

Although he wasn’t old enough to remember the Jingnan Campaign (the campaign that brought the Yongle Emperor to power), he had heard of this Xu Yunkong. He was one of the most difficult opponents during the Jingnan Campaign. He was also the younger brother of the Empress Dowager and the Emperor’s brother-in-law. He also knew that Zhu Di had always harbored resentment over the Jingnan Campaign. He never expected to find such a capable person hidden in such a remote place. This must be what the old monk meant by “a great person hides in plain sight.”

“Grandpa, can he create any dream he wants?” Zhu Zhanji continued to ask. If he could make Zhu Di relive the Hongwu Dynasty, wouldn’t he be able to recreate other dynasties as well?

Zhu Di’s gaze swept over Zhu Zhanji. His previously amiable tone vanished, replaced by a serious one.

“Boy, you can get to know this Zhuang Mu,” he said. “But you mustn’t buy a single drink from him.”

“Do you understand?”

The sudden change in his demeanor left Zhu Zhanji at a loss. He quickly replied, “Yes, grandson will absolutely not buy a single drink from him.”

Only after hearing Zhu Zhanji’s reply did Zhu Di’s stern expression soften. He spoke to Zhu Zhanji this way for his sake, for the future of the Ming Dynasty. He absolutely couldn’t let Zhu Zhanji experience the dreams created by Zhuang Mu; otherwise, it would bring utter disaster to the Ming Dynasty. He had personally experienced the realism of the dreams. Zhu Zhanji was young, and often lacked self-control. While he was still alive, he could use his influence to restrain Zhu Zhanji. But he was, after all, getting old, and the Crown Prince, Zhu Gaoshi, didn’t have long to live. The future of the Ming Dynasty rested entirely on Zhu Zhanji’s shoulders. If he were to experience the dream world now, with his lack of self-control, he would easily become addicted. Anyone could get lost in the dreams Zhuang Mu created. But Zhu Zhanji couldn’t. Zhu Zhanji was the future heir he had cultivated for over a decade—there could be no accidents.

“I hope you understand my good intentions,” Zhu Di said. “If I find out you bought a single drink from Zhuang Mu, don’t blame me for stripping you of your position as Grandson of the Emperor.”

The cold, calm words sent a shock through Zhu Zhanji’s brain. This was the first time Zhu Di had been so serious, and the first time he had ever threatened to remove his grandson from his position.

Zhu Zhanji hurriedly reassured him, “Grandpa, rest assured, from now on, I won’t set foot in that place!”

Zhu Di nodded. “Mm, after returning to the palace, tell your father,” he instructed. “Have him bring all the memorials I sent him for review yesterday. I want to review them.”

Zhu Zhanji nodded in agreement, not daring to speak. He was now a frightened little bird, completely terrified by Zhu Di’s words. He stood there dumbfounded, not daring to make the slightest move for fear of displeasing Zhu Di. And this was exactly what Zhu Di wanted to see. He had to repeatedly emphasize that Zhu Zhanji must not be involved in the dream world in any way. This was for the future of the nation, for the Zhu family’s reign. As for himself… even if he indulged in the dream world, it wouldn’t matter; the Ming Dynasty was stable. The various tribes of the steppe had been subdued. If all else failed, he could simply pass the throne to Zhu Gaoshi and become the Taishang Huang (retired emperor).

Soon, the imperial palanquin returned to the palace. Xiaonibiti (a eunuch) was standing at the palace gate. Seeing Zhu Di return, he quickly approached.

“Your Majesty, you’re back,” he said.

Zhu Di closed his eyes and said calmly, “Go, summon Xia Yuanji, Jian Yi, Jin Zhong, Fang Bin, Lü Zhen, Wu Zhong, and Song Li.”

These were all the Ministers of the Six Ministries, and close associates of Zhu Di.

Upon hearing this, Xiaonibiti immediately instructed his subordinates to carry out the order. After giving the instructions, the imperial palanquin continued towards the inner palace. When passing the Eastern Palace, Zhu Zhanji left.

…

Eastern Palace.

Zhu Zhanji was drenched in sweat. The words “stripped of his position as Grandson of the Emperor” were incredibly terrifying, filling him with fear. He also didn’t understand why Zhu Di would say such a thing. For seventeen years, Zhu Di had always shown him great affection. He had never before even hinted at removing him from his position.

“Back already? I still have some chicken soup I made for your father, would you like some?” the Crown Princess asked, looking at the distraught Zhu Zhanji. These days, Zhu Gaoshi had been working late into the night reviewing memorials, so his nutrition had to keep up; one chicken a day was standard.

However, Zhu Zhanji had no appetite for chicken soup right now. Ignoring the Crown Princess, he went to the study. Seeing Zhu Gaoshi still reviewing memorials, he swallowed hard and said, “Father, Grandpa wants you to send him the memorials you’ve reviewed these past few days.”

Zhu Gaoshi sighed. Sure enough, only a few days after submitting them, he had to review them again. Fortunately, he had anticipated this and had worked overtime to finish most of the memorials. Unfortunately, time was short and he couldn’t cut corners; some memorials were still unfinished.

“Alright, I understand.”

At this moment, Zhu Gaoshi looked up and noticed that Zhu Zhanji seemed somewhat out of sorts. With his sharp mind, he immediately knew something had happened.

The Crown Princess also noticed Zhu Zhanji’s unusual behavior and came in. Looking at Zhu Zhanji’s distraught state, Zhu Gaoshi remained calm and said gently, “What happened? You seem quite troubled. I bet it’s something your grandfather said.”

Only Zhu Di could make Zhu Zhanji, a mischievous boy who feared nothing, so distraught. Even his father couldn’t.

Recalling Zhu Di’s tone and expression, Zhu Zhanji still felt apprehensive. He certainly didn’t want to be stripped of his position. He desired something, and naturally feared losing it, and that loss rested with Zhu Di.

“Father, do you know what Grandpa told me just now?”

Zhu Gaoshi mused, “What else could it be? Probably you angered your grandfather again.”

“I’ve told you, you need to know your limits. You’re always around your grandfather; he’s bound to get annoyed eventually.”

“You know your grandfather’s temper; he doesn’t spare anyone. Even if you’re his favorite grandson, if he’s unhappy, he’ll still scold you. Get used to it. Don’t worry too much; the old man was just momentarily angry.” He himself was scolded constantly, but that didn’t prevent him from being the Crown Prince and Regent. He was more afraid of *not* being scolded; that would be truly terrifying.

Zhu Zhanji shook his head.

“Father, Grandpa said that if I dare to buy a single drink from Zhuang Mu, he’ll remove me from my position as Grandson of the Emperor.”

When these words were spoken, the entire study fell silent. Zhu Gaoshi was no longer calm; his face turned grim. He looked at the Crown Princess behind Zhu Zhanji, and she quickly understood his meaning. She closed the door tightly.

(Chapter End)

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