Chapter 143: The Death of Chang Shi

Of course, Zhu Di did not know that in his previous life, he had benefited quite a bit from these military bigwigs.

So, he asked with some confusion: "Although these people have a good relationship with your maternal grandfather, every one of them holds military power; trying to win them over would likely be too difficult."

"Moreover, even if one could win them over, I fear it would not be very secure."

After hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu gave a faint smile and explained: "I did not say you should win these people over; even if you wanted to, you likely lack the ability."

Upon hearing this, although Zhu Di felt uncomfortable, he still nodded in agreement.

As for why, both of them knew it in their hearts.

But even though Zhu Gaoxu knew his father understood, he still said it out loud.

"The relationships here are intricate and complex. I mentioned these people's names merely to have you build rapport with them; once the timing is ripe, these people will naturally think of you."

As if knowing what his father was about to ask, Zhu Gaoxu spoke before Zhu Di could open his mouth: "Currently, the relationships in the imperial court are intricate and complex, and these military generals and civil officials are mostly at odds. To say nothing of anything else, at the very least, Li Wenzhong is in charge of the Imperial Academy, which is a thorn in the side of the civil officials. The reason the two factions have not fallen out yet is due to many factors."

"For one, Imperial Grandfather is still quite robust, and it is no problem for him to last another ten years or so. For another, although Crown Prince Zhu Biao relies most on the group of civil officials, Lan Yu and Mu Ying among the military generals both support him very much."

"Therefore, although the group of military bigwigs has suffered quite a few grievances, they are still willing to give Zhu Biao some face."

Zhu Di nodded upon hearing Zhu Gaoxu's analysis, then signaled for Zhu Gaoxu to continue.

After taking a sip of water, Zhu Gaoxu continued: "Furthermore, the Crown Prince is currently overseeing the state, and his power is so great that no one wants to provoke him. Moreover, Lao Zhu has also clearly issued instructions, establishing the Crown Prince as the heir apparent and the successor for future generations."

"This is also the reason why you cannot win these bigwigs over."

Hearing Zhu Gaoxu's analysis, how could Zhu Di not understand these principles?

To say nothing of anything else, a man like Lan Yu is absolutely no less capable among the military generals than his father-in-law, Xu Da.

The key is that his father-in-law is getting on in years; although he is not yet at an age where he cannot lead troops, anyone with a discerning eye knows who the successor to the Great Ming military is.

And Lan Yu is the maternal uncle of the former Crown Princess, so he would certainly support Zhu Biao in everything.

Therefore, his current status is very awkward.

Having been kept in the capital by Lao Zhu, he also harbored thoughts he shouldn't have.

But the key is that neither the civil officials nor the military generals give him face. The military generals are fine, but the civil officials are constantly looking for an opportunity to get him killed.

Breaking out of such a predicament is too difficult.

Having it stated directly by Zhu Gaoxu today, Zhu Di had a moment where he wanted to just pack up and go home.

And Zhu Gaoxu clearly saw that his father was a bit discouraged, so he hurriedly spoke up again: "Fortunately, we are not without opportunity."

Zhu Di, who had been feeling somewhat disheartened, saw his eyes light up upon hearing these words from Zhu Gaoxu and asked: "Where does the opportunity lie?"

Zhu Gaoxu smiled and was just about to speak when his stomach suddenly began to growl.

Seeing this scene, Zhu Di immediately rose from behind the desk, walked out of the Study, and urged the servants: "Why isn't the food ready yet? Tell the cook to bring it directly to my Study once it's done."

After saying this, he walked back into the Study, sat down, and urged: "Speak quickly."

It was rare for Zhu Gaoxu to see his father in such a hurry, so he didn't beat around the bush and said directly: "Actually, there is also strife within the Crown Prince Faction!"

"Oh?"

Facing Zhu Di's question, Zhu Gaoxu said directly: "This matter must start with Lv Ben."

"Does Father know of the family background of Lv Ben?"

Seeing his son ask, Zhu Di pondered slightly and said: "This Lu Family should be a great clan from Anhui. It is said that their family has served as officials since the Song Dynasty; one could say they served as officials through the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, and their influence is not small."

Zhu Gaoxu nodded after hearing his father's answer.

"Father is right. This Lv Ben, whether speaking from the perspective of a prominent family or from the civil official faction, can be said to be a leading figure."

Just as he was speaking, the door to the Study was knocked upon. After Zhu Gaoxu opened the door, it turned out to be the servants coming to deliver the food.

Seeing this, Zhu Di had them place the food on the table.

Zhu Gaoxu took a look—four dishes and one soup. Having been hungry for a while, he couldn't be bothered to continue talking and picked up a bowl of rice to eat.

Seeing this, Zhu Di naturally did not urge his son; since they had already reached this point, a little more time wouldn't matter.

And Zhu Gaoxu's appetite was clearly on the rise at this moment.

After eating one bowl of rice and having something in his stomach, he slowly served a second bowl. While eating, Zhu Gaoxu said to Zhu Di: "Does Father still know of the death of Chang Shi?"

Zhu Di was greatly shocked upon hearing these words from Zhu Gaoxu. Associating it with the Lv Ben that Zhu Gaoxu had just asked him about, a conjecture could not help but emerge in his heart.

Zhu Di asked with a look of shock: "Could it be that Chang Shi was..."

Zhu Di did not finish his sentence; he believed his son understood what he meant.

And Zhu Gaoxu did indeed understand; he nodded while eating his meal.

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