The Ming Dynasty: I Fabricated Dreams for Zhu Di 31

Chapter 31: Filial Piety

Zhu Di let out a long sigh.

“I don’t want to part with you,” he said.

This statement startled Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui, a strange warmth filling their hearts. It felt as though Zhu Di had never forgotten them.

Zhu Gaoshi, seated to the side, displayed a somewhat forlorn expression. Perhaps, in Zhu Di’s eyes, Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui were sons, while he, the Crown Prince, was merely the Crown Prince—a figurehead whose existence served to maintain the stability of the empire and pave the way for Zhu Zhanji’s ascension. Zhu Di had seemingly never said, “I don’t want to part with you,” to him.

“While you’re in the Capital City, behave yourselves and don’t cause any trouble, alright?”

Hearing Zhu Di’s easygoing tone, Zhu Gaoxu nodded in agreement.

“Father, you can rest assured, I won’t cause any more trouble.”

Immediately afterward, Zhu Di turned his gaze toward Zhu Gaosui. Sensing his father’s gaze, Zhu Gaosui quickly explained, “Father, you know me. I’ve always been well-behaved and haven’t caused any trouble.”

As Zhu Di’s youngest son, the throne was practically out of reach for him. Above him were the scholarly Zhu Gaoshi, the martial Zhu Gaoxu, and the exceptionally accomplished Zhu Zhanji. No matter how you looked at it, it seemed the throne wouldn’t fall to him, so obedience was his best option.

Zhu Di nodded approvingly. He had given them both a slap and a carrot. Now it was time for the serious business.

“The old monk, when he came here from the Chicken-Crow Temple, passed by a tavern on Jinchuan Street.”

“It’s said that someone saw a person wearing a Dragon Robe in that area.”

“The reason I called you two here is to investigate this matter thoroughly.”

Dragon Robe? Rebellion?

Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui had both followed Zhu Di in his rebellion. They were naturally sensitive to these words. The moment the words “Dragon Robe” were uttered, the thought that someone was planning a coup d’état immediately sprang to their minds. No wonder Zhu Di had summoned them so urgently. Such matters could not be taken lightly.

Zhu Gaosui immediately said, “Father, I’ll immediately mobilize the Northern Town Garrison to thoroughly investigate this matter. Even if we have to turn the Capital City upside down, I will find this rebel.”

Seeing Zhu Gaosui’s unwavering resolve, Zhu Di cautioned, “Don’t make too much of a fuss about this. Don’t cause panic in the Capital City.”

If news of someone wearing a Dragon Robe and committing treason were to spread, causing too much commotion, it would undoubtedly destabilize the Capital City. This was something he wanted to avoid.

“Understood,” Zhu Gaosui replied respectfully.

“Alright, the second brother will go with you. It’ll prevent the second brother from getting bored and starting fights in my military camp,” Zhu Di said. “This can also be an opportunity for the second brother to atone.”

Zhu Gaoshi had the responsibilities of a Regent, Zhu Gaosui had supervisory responsibilities. Only Zhu Gaoxu had no official position, which was unavoidable. He only knew how to wield weapons and had no aptitude for administrative work. Without a war, he was naturally idle at home.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu immediately agreed.

“Yes.”

Zhu Di continued addressing the two of them.

“If you really find nothing, you can go to that tavern. Its signboard reads: ‘Dreams as Wine’.”

“Find the owner, Zhuang Mu.”

“He should know something. I don’t care what methods you use, but three days.”

“Find out the truth of this matter. If I don’t get the report in three days, I’ll give the position of Inspector of the Brocade Guard to Zhanji. It’s time to temper this boy.”

Hearing that Zhu Di intended to give the authority of the Brocade Guard to Zhu Zhanji, the two men’s hearts sank. The power and influence they possessed were already limited. Losing the position of Inspector of the Brocade Guard would be even more detrimental to them.

Zhu Gaoshi, out of brotherly affection, was more tolerant toward them. However, Zhu Zhanji was their sworn enemy. They were constantly at odds—a long-standing tradition in the Zhu family, where uncles and nephews rarely got along.

“Go,” Zhu Di said.

Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui bowed and took their leave.

At this time, the silent Yao Guangxiao spoke, “After Your Majesty’s words, the two princes will likely do anything to solve this case.”

“Isn’t Your Majesty afraid that they will harm Zhuang Mu?”

“Furthermore, Your Majesty is well aware of Zhuang Mu’s excessive sleeping habits. Why would you involve him?”

Zhu Di’s words clearly implied that he wanted to place the blame on Zhuang Mu. This left Yao Guangxiao confused. Since Zhu Di’s inner demons required Zhuang Mu’s wine to resolve, directing suspicion towards Zhuang Mu seemed too risky; neither Zhu Gaoxu nor Zhu Gaosui were known for their compassion.

Zhu Di smiled at Yao Guangxiao.

“Old Monk, are you worried about him?”

Yao Guangxiao replied helplessly, “This minister is merely a monk, not a stone. After spending so much time together, it’s inevitable to develop some feelings.”

Looking at Yao Guangxiao, Zhu Di gently patted him on the shoulder.

“Rest assured, Zhuang Mu will be fine.”

“Don’t you know his abilities?”

“The reason I’m directing suspicion toward Zhuang Mu is to get the second and third brothers to interact with him.”

“In reality, I can’t fulfill my promises, but in dreams, I can.”

Zhu Di’s gaze fell upon the silent Zhu Gaoshi. He knew very well that both Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui harbored ambitions for the throne. Their continued stay in the Capital City was precisely for this reason. However, neither was truly fit to be Emperor. By having Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui interact with Zhuang Mu, he could use Zhuang Mu’s abilities to fulfill their desires. Even if they couldn’t become Emperor in reality, they could in their dreams.

Yao Guangxiao, upon hearing this, understood Zhu Di’s intentions.

“But Your Majesty, aren’t you worried that the two princes might harm Zhuang Mu while he is asleep?”

While Zhuang Mu was awake, no one could harm him; he could instantly put everyone in the tavern to sleep without being noticed.

But the crucial point was… Zhuang Mu only woke up for a few hours each day, during midday. During the rest of the time, he was sleeping. During this period, could Zhuang Mu sense external danger and instantly put everyone in the tavern to sleep?

Zhu Di fell silent. His usually calm face was now slightly clouded with worry. He had almost forgotten that detail. Zhuang Mu could not be allowed to suffer an accident.

“Zhu Wei!”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Go monitor the movements of the second and third brothers. If they threaten Zhuang Mu’s life, intervene.”

“The case must be investigated, but Zhuang Mu must not be harmed.” To prevent Zhuang Mu from suffering an accident, he needed to take precautionary measures to ensure Zhuang Mu would not die due to an accident. He understood Zhu Gaosui’s character. Out of the three brothers, Zhu Gaosui was the most cunning and ruthless, which was why he was put in charge of the Brocade Guard’s Town Garrison. He had to be cautious.

“Yes,” Zhu Wei bowed in response.

After everything had settled down, Zhu Gaoshi finally stood up shakily.

“Father, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

He felt like he had overheard too much that he shouldn’t have. He couldn’t bear to stay any longer.

However, Zhu Di still didn’t let Zhu Gaoshi leave.

(Chapter End)

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