The Ming Dynasty: I Fabricated Dreams for Zhu Di 8

Chapter 8: I Shall Spend the Night Here

After the laughter subsided, Zhu Di rose and went outside. A wave of cold immediately enveloped him; the weather was growing colder and colder. It was a stark contrast to the warmth of the tavern, a true case of fire and ice.

He turned to Zhu Wei, the guard beside him, and instructed, “Go inform the palace that I will be staying here tonight and will not be returning.”

“Also, have the palace send some bedding and cushions.”

Zhu Wei bowed his head, his back hunched. After a moment’s thought, he spoke, “Your Majesty, this Zhuang Mu is extremely dangerous. Please reconsider.”

Soft, white snow gently fell on Zhu Di. He exhaled a plume of warm air, a faint smile playing on his lips.

“Am I unaware of that?”

“Then why, Your Majesty?”

Zhu Di knew in his heart that Zhuang Mu possessed extraordinary immortal arts, capable of manipulating people’s dreams. It was incredibly dangerous. Zhu Wei’s unusual behavior earlier must have been his doing.

But the Battle of Jingnan (奉天靖难) had weighed heavily on him for over a decade, and he had been Emperor for just as long. He felt he had earned his rest.

The Crown Prince was a capable Regent, and Zhu Di had rarely handled state affairs himself; the Crown Prince managed most things, with only occasional checks from him. The Grandson of the Emperor was also growing up, becoming increasingly sensible and well-behaved, more and more like Zhu Di in his youth.

The court would not fall into chaos without him.

“Zhu Wei, you’ve been with me for nearly twenty years, haven’t you?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, I recall precisely 6,511 days.”

Zhu Di paused, slightly surprised. Such meticulous recall! It truly tested Zhu Wei’s brainpower. If Zhu Wei had this kind of shrewdness in his work, perhaps he could be promoted to the Commander-in-Chief of the Brocade Guard. Unfortunately, if he were made Commander-in-Chief, it wouldn’t be long before he was tricked and killed.

Zhu Di placed a hand on Zhu Wei’s shoulder and patted it.

He laughed, “I’m old, and I’m nearing my end.”

“But I don’t want to die with regrets.”

Zhu Wei was startled. He quickly knelt, “Your Majesty is in excellent health. Don’t speak of death.”

Zhu Di smiled faintly. Excellent health? Did he not know his own body? Years of fighting battles and governing the country had taken their toll. He was in his twilight years, and it was uncertain whether death or tomorrow would come first. It would certainly be within the next few years.

“Alright, go and do it.”

“If the palace asks, tell them I’ve gone to the Jīmíng Temple.”

As Emperor, he didn’t need to report his whereabouts to anyone. However, a sudden disappearance would undoubtedly cause chaos in the palace. It was best to give them some notice.

Zhu Wei sighed inwardly, but could only bow and say, “Yes.”

“Oh, right. Tell the others to wait here tomorrow. Tonight, you alone will stay.”

Hearing this, Zhu Wei immediately spoke, “Your Majesty, your safety…”

“Haha, in a tavern, I am both dangerous and safe, am I not?”

With that, Zhu Di turned and walked back into the tavern. He pushed open the door, leaving only the chime of the door bell echoing in Zhu Wei’s ears.

It seemed the Emperor was right. If Zhuang Mu wanted to kill someone, even with the highest martial arts skills, it would be useless. Similarly, if one wanted to kill someone in front of Zhuang Mu, no matter how many people there were, it would be futile.

This kind of skill, akin to immortal arts, was the first he had ever witnessed. With a mere snap of his fingers, people would unknowingly fall into the dreams Zhuang Mu wove, unable to discern reality from illusion.

Zhu Wei raised his voice and shouted, “Zhao De, take a few men and inform the palace. The Emperor will not be returning tonight. And bring some bedding.” “The rest of you, stay hidden nearby. If there’s any unusual activity, listen to my orders.”

As the Emperor’s personal guard, he couldn’t entrust his safety to others. He needed to be prepared for anything.

Meanwhile, inside the tavern, thanks to excellent soundproofing, Zhuang Mu couldn’t hear what Zhu Di was saying, nor did he particularly want to. Knowing too much was never a good thing.

Soon, Zhu Di finished speaking and came to the door. He stamped his feet at the entrance, shaking off some snow, then pushed open the door, causing the bell to chime again. He sat down in front of Zhuang Mu.

“Alas, I’m truly old. I stood outside for a while, and I’m already freezing.”

“I’m increasingly sensitive to the cold.”

“Hahaha.”

Yao Guangxiao’s cup of wine was still unfinished. Seeing this, Zhu Di’s eyes showed a hint of envy. He had drunk his too quickly, finishing it in one gulp before falling asleep. He hadn’t properly savored the drink.

Looking back, the drink truly was unlike ordinary wine. Its flavor was exceptionally distinct.

Yao Guangxiao, seeing Zhu Di’s expression, understood his thoughts. He said, “Zhuang, make another cup for my old friend.”

Zhu Di was taken aback slightly.

“Wasn’t it said that only one cup a day is allowed, no more?”

Zhuang Mu explained, “What you’re referring to is the wine that allows you to enter the dream realm.” “That one has limitations, but the others don’t.” “However, you two old men should still drink less.”

He sold two types of wine. One used alcohol as a medium to resolve dreams. The other infused a small amount of dream energy, enhancing the taste and flavor of the alcohol. For now, no other special effects had been observed.

Hearing this, Zhu Di grinned.

He said, “If that’s the case, then give me another cup.”

“I drank the last one too quickly; I didn’t get to taste it properly.”

Seeing this, Zhuang Mu made another drink for Zhu Di and pushed it towards him.

He cautioned, “Old man, while this wine has no restrictions,”

“But both of you are elders, and you’re getting on in years.”

“Just this one cup. Good as the wine is, don’t drink too much.”

Listening to Zhuang Mu’s nagging, Zhu Di seemed to hear Zhu Gaoshi’s nagging. Every time he wanted to drink, Zhu Gaoshi would say the same thing. He always seemed to oppose him. Of course, it was out of concern, which is why he had rarely drunk in recent years.

“You’re so nagging, just like my eldest son.”

Zhu Di took the cup. He sipped it, and looking at Zhuang Mu, said,

“We have no connection. Why do you care so much about my health?”

“You’re a merchant; you should focus on selling wine. Isn’t making money good?”

This explained why the tavern was poorly managed. Profitable businesses would do anything to sell their goods. Zhuang Mu, however, foolishly dissuaded people from overdrinking. It was strange he could even make money.

To this, Zhuang Mu, while wiping a glass, said,

“My father said, business should be conducted with integrity.”

“As for money, old man, this wine isn’t cheap.”

At this moment, Zhu Di realized he had forgotten to ask the price. But he looked at Yao Guangxiao. How expensive could a wine be that Yao Guangxiao could afford to drink every day?

Noticing Zhu Di’s gaze, Yao Guangxiao immediately felt offended. After over thirty years of friendship, Zhu Di’s thoughts were clear to him.

“How expensive?”

Zhuang Mu slowly held up three fingers.

“Thirty taels?”

(End of Chapter)

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