The Ming Dynasty: I Fabricated Dreams for Zhu Di 7

Chapter 7 Can the Dream Continue?

Maintaining a balance of dream power within allows one to remain safe and sound. He didn’t want to end up crazy.

Just then, Zhu Di slowly awoke from his sleep. Consciousness gradually returned to reality.

“Big Brother!”

With this exclamation, Zhu Di’s consciousness completely returned to reality. However, he was now drenched in sweat and felt an emptiness in his heart. Why did he wake up at this precise moment…? His flustered expression was evident.

Seeing that Zhu Di had fully awakened, Zhuang Mu snapped his fingers. Immediately, Zhu Wei shouted loudly, “Die!” Then, Zhu Wei, wielding his saber, pointed it at Zhuang Mu. Zhu Di silently watched this scene unfold.

Upon seeing Zhu Di awake, Zhu Wei quickly sheathed his saber and knelt before him. Zhuang Mu slowly spoke, “Old Master, if you hadn’t woken up, your guard would have chopped me down.”

Hearing this, Zhu Di understood what almost happened. Zhu Wei was an orphan he had adopted during the Battle of Jingnan (靖难之役, a pivotal battle in the founding of the Yongle Dynasty), and he had a straightforward personality. Having followed him for many years, he was utterly loyal. If something unexpected had happened to Zhu Di, Zhu Wei would indeed have acted to kill.

Zhu Di composed himself, went to Zhu Wei’s side, patted his shoulder, and said, “Go apologize to Mr. Zhuang.”

Although Zhu Wei was unconvinced—in his view, protecting Zhu Di’s safety was his duty—he had no choice but to apologize for his rude behavior. Obey and execute is also his duty.

“I apologize for my impoliteness, I hope Mr. Zhuang will forgive me.”

Seeing this, Zhuang Mu waved his hand, “It’s alright.”

With the misunderstanding resolved, Zhu Di sat back down. His heart was uneasy, and he cautiously asked, “Can I continue my dream from where I left off?”

Looking at the old master’s cautious demeanor, Zhuang Mu understood. It seemed the old master’s knot had been festering for many years.

“This… no.”

Upon hearing the word “no,” the old master’s eyes appeared extremely lonely and desolate. Disappointment was clearly visible.

Zhu Di looked dejected. He already felt much guilt towards Zhu Biao, and had hoped to atone through his dream. But now, not only had he failed to atone and untie his heart knot, but he felt even more guilt. He regretted losing his temper with Zhu Biao at that time. He was getting older, and he was finding it harder to control his temper.

Just then, Zhuang Mu explained, “You can continue it tomorrow. Today is not possible.”

Hearing this, Zhu Di’s previously dim eyes instantly brightened, like the spirited eyes of a young man. His tone was also joyful.

“Really?”

Zhuang Mu nodded and looked towards the old monk who had been watching the spectacle. “Ask the monk if you don’t believe me. We’re not letting you continue today because we’re afraid you’ll become engrossed and unable to distinguish between reality and the dream world.”

Their gazes made it impossible for Yao Guangxiao to silently watch.

“Mr. Zhuang is right,” Yao Guangxiao said. “One cannot experience the dream world multiple times within a single day, otherwise, it is easy to become confused between reality and the dream world. I, too, used to do it every other day.”

Hearing this, Zhu Di looked forward to tomorrow with hope. To save the travel time from the palace, he proposed, “Mr. Zhuang, perhaps I could stay here tonight? Then, I can have a drink first thing tomorrow morning. Money is no object. What do you say?”

Yao Guangxiao was not surprised. Zhu Di had spent many years fighting on the battlefield, sleeping on ice and snow; he didn’t care where he slept. He’d even slept in a pigsty, let alone an inn. The inn was small, but it was cozy and warm. Sometimes Zhu Di found the palace too cold and lonely, even moving his study to his temple. The small temple felt warmer than the vast palace.

Zhuang Mu pondered for a long time. Let him stay? “I’m afraid that won’t work.” His inn was only about a hundred square meters, not including the backyard cellar. He lived on the second floor, which was small and only had two rooms. His mother had passed away, and those two rooms were originally for him and his father. Zhu Di, such a high-ranking official, surely wouldn’t be used to it.

Unexpectedly, Zhu Di merely looked around and said, “It’s fine, just move the chairs and benches. I can have some bedding and blankets sent over. I can make do for one night.” After all, the inn had a stove, so he wouldn’t freeze at night.

Zhuang Mu was somewhat helpless. “Alright, but you’ll have to pay for the charcoal tonight.” Charcoal wasn’t cheap. But winter was cold, and it was terribly uncomfortable without charcoal.

Zhu Di waved his hand. “Of course, I’ll pay you ten times the cost of the charcoal.”

Then, he looked at Yao Guangxiao sitting beside him. “Old Monk, if you have nothing else to do, stay as well.”

This night was destined to be sleepless. He had many questions he wanted to ask Yao Guangxiao. If he remembered correctly, according to the Brocade Guard’s records, ever since Zhuang Mu took over the inn and Yao Guangxiao coincidentally came once, he had become a regular customer. Perhaps he came less often in winter, about once every two days. A few days ago, when the weather was still not cold, Yao Guangxiao had come almost every day. This made Zhu Di curious. What was Yao Guangxiao doing? His old friend was already half in the grave, yet his life was considered fulfilling. He didn’t seem to have any regrets. Why would he come here every day?

“Since you’ve invited me, I wouldn’t want to refuse. I’ll stay,” Yao Guangxiao said without hesitation.

This made Zhuang Mu helpless. “Old Monk, why didn’t you ask my opinion?”

Zhu Di immediately held up two fingers, “I’ll give you double the money.”

This time, however, Zhuang Mu didn’t accept. “It’s not about the money, it’s that, since you’re staying, you should at least ask the owner’s permission, that’s basic courtesy.”

Hearing this, Zhu Di didn’t know how to explain. He had never encountered such a situation. Wherever he went, he was always the one in charge. Others dared not disobey. He’d never been told he had to ask the owner’s permission.

Yao Guangxiao smiled and said, “Then, Mr. Zhuang, could you spare me a place to rest in the inn?” Here, Yao Guangxiao relied on his age, showing a pitiful look, and softly said, “Alas, my home is empty, and I have no one to keep me company. I thought I could find some comfort here, but… alas.”

Zhuang Mu was helpless, this damned sense of morality. The old monk gave him the feeling of a lonely old man with no relatives or friends, all alone. However, the old monk didn’t seem to be pretending. Otherwise, at his age, frequently drinking at the inn, how could no junior come to stop him? He must have his own difficulties.

“Alright, alright, Old Monk, I’m completely defeated by you,” Zhuang Mu said. “Same as before, I’ll lend you the space, but don’t cause any damage.”

With Zhuang Mu’s permission, the two old fellows laughed heartily, like children.

(End of Chapter)

Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter