The Ming Dynasty: I Fabricated Dreams for Zhu Di 40

Chapter 40: The Pear Blossom Wood Recliner

I wonder how long this dream will last this time.

After several dream experiences,

Zhu Di understood that the flow of time between the real world and the dream world was sometimes faster, sometimes equal.

Three days in the dream world, three hours in the real world.

One moment in the dream world, one moment in the real world.

I don’t know if it’s Zhuang Mu controlling it, or if the flow of time is inherently unstable.

I’ve already seen everyone I wanted to see.

Only my father, Zhu Yuanzhang, remains.

Just thinking about it makes me feel uneasy and apprehensive.

Time flies.

…

The next day, Zhu Di got up very early. He planned to review some memorials before going to Zhuang Mu’s tavern.

The tavern opens at noon. Arriving early wouldn’t allow me to see my father-in-law and the others.

But Zhu Di looked at the memorials, losing interest as he read.

After the morning court, Zhu Di called for Xiao Biti (a young eunuch).

“Take these memorials to the Crown Prince’s Palace and have the cabinet assist the Crown Prince.”

Xiao Biti nodded. “Yes.”

After the memorials were removed, the Imperial Study immediately felt much more spacious.

Zhu Di’s mood also improved.

Of course, the thought of returning to the Hongwu Dynasty in his dreams again made him excited.

Let’s not talk about anything else.

Returning to the Hongwu Dynasty in a dream, he would, at least, have the memories of what followed.

Now he understands why so many people like fortune-telling and calculating the future.

Knowing what will happen in the future does fill one with confidence and a sense of superiority.

“Alright, let’s go early.”

Zhu Di originally planned to leave the palace around a specific time.

But the waiting period felt like an eternity.

He couldn’t wait any longer.

After putting on his patched-up black robe, Zhu Di left the palace.

…

The distance between the palace and the tavern was neither far nor near.

Just as Zhu Di was about to head directly to the tavern,

he suddenly saw a shop selling reclining chairs.

“Stop,”

Zhu Di said softly, and the carriage stopped in front of the shop.

The signboard had four characters: Sanpin Gutang (Three Grades Antique Hall).

Looking inside from the doorway, most of the items were furniture.

Since I’m going to enter a dream, I can’t always lean against the counter at Zhuang Mu’s place.

Twice I dreamt.

Both times I woke up feeling slightly unwell.

If the dream was short, it was fine, no big deal.

If it’s long, I’m bound to get a sore back and aching shoulders.

Thinking of this, Zhu Di decided to buy a few reclining chairs.

It would be more comfortable while dreaming.

Zhu Di stepped into Sanpin Gutang.

His Brocade Guards protected his sides.

When the shopkeeper saw a customer, he quickly greeted him.

“Sir, what can I get for you?”

He quickly noticed the customer’s gaze fixed on a reclining chair.

Being a merchant, one must be observant.

He immediately introduced, “Sir, you have excellent taste. This spring chair is a prized item of our Sanpin Gutang.”

“It was personally crafted by the renowned master carpenter Li Xuantan, the craftsmanship is absolutely impeccable.”

“The price is very affordable, only one tael of gold. It’s made of high-quality rosewood, this price is definitely not high.”

Zhu Di didn’t listen to the shopkeeper’s words.

He simply said, “Five.”

Then he left directly.

A Brocade Guard took five taels of gold from his bosom and handed it to the shopkeeper.

“Five…five?”

“Our small shop only has one at the moment… this…”

To this, the Brocade Guard said indifferently, “Deliver the other four within seven days to the tavern two hundred steps inside the alley to the left of Zuixianlou (Drunken Immortal Tower) on Jinchuan Street.”

“Otherwise, you know the consequences.”

With that, the Brocade Guard revealed the jade pendant at his waist.

The shopkeeper fell to his knees with a thud, his voice trembling, “Yes, yes.”

He never expected the customer to be a Brocade Guard!

Zhu Wei didn’t linger, signaling a few men to carry the pear blossom wood recliner.

…

At the tavern.

Zhu Di pushed open the door and saw a pretty girl.

She was wiping the tavern furniture.

But Zhu Di ignored the girl.

“Bring the spring chair inside.”

Under Xi Mei’s surprised gaze, Zhu Wei and several Brocade Guards cleared the tables and chairs on the left side of the tavern.

Then they placed the spring chair on the left side.

After setting it up, Zhu Di said to Xi Mei.

“New here?”

Xi Mei nodded.

“Hmm, you look good. That Zhuang Mu kid is lucky.”

After glancing at Xi Mei, Zhu Di said calmly.

“Where are you from?”

“From the…North.”

“The four northern provinces are all in the north, be more specific.”

“I’m from the You Shi tribe.”

“You Shi tribe? A grassland person?”

Zhu Di looked at Xi Mei, slightly frowning.

She didn’t look like a grassland person.

Over the years, he had fought on the grasslands, and he didn’t seem to have heard of such a tribe.

So Zhu Di looked at Zhu Wei.

“Is there a tribe called You Shi on the grasslands?”

Zhu Wei thought for a moment.

“Never heard of it.”

Zhu Di didn’t pay too much attention to it.

There are countless grassland tribes, big and small. Perhaps it’s a newly emerged tribe.

However, how did a person from a grassland tribe end up here?

It was rather strange. He was about to ask further questions when

the bell hanging on the door frame jingled.

Looking towards the entrance,

Yao Guangxiao’s voice sounded, “It seems I’ve arrived at the right time.”

The moment Yao Guangxiao entered the tavern,

Zhuang Mu woke up and sleepily walked downstairs.

He scanned his surroundings, surprised.

“Old Master, so early?”

The old monk was always punctual; he was used to it.

But the Old Master being this early was surprising.

But then again, considering that the Old Master, to get into his dreams early, could even sleep on his own floor.

This wasn’t strange at all.

Xi Mei then wisely left the room to prepare food for Zhuang Mu in the backyard.

Zhuang Mu came to the counter, and Zhu Di and Yao Guangxiao sat down at the counter.

At this time, Zhuang Mu suddenly noticed something was wrong.

Why did the tavern feel so empty?

“Old Master… where’s my furniture???”

Zhu Di said softly.

“That old furniture was so worn out, I threw it away.”

“Threw… threw it away?”

“Yeah, I bought you new furniture, a pear blossom wood recliner.”

A pear blossom wood recliner? If I remember correctly, this thing isn’t cheap.

Zhuang Mu had also considered putting a few recliners in the shop.

But they were quite expensive, so he didn’t get any.

“Wasn’t that a bit extravagant?”

Zhu Di smiled faintly.

“It’s for myself.”

“Twice I’ve dreamt, leaning against the counter. After a while, it’s uncomfortable.”

Zhuang Mu coughed lightly.

He should have considered these things himself, but the Old Master had solved it for him.

“I also ordered four more, they’ll be delivered in seven days. Remember to receive them.”

“If there’s a problem, let me know.”

This Old Master is so stubborn.

If it was just for himself, one would suffice, why four?

“Let’s not waste time, three days have already passed.”

(Chapter end)

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