Chapter 18: Leaving the Capital for a Hunt

Fengtian Hall.

Zhu Yuanzhang fell into deep thought as he watched Lv Ben's figure gradually recede into the distance.

Just as Zhu Gaoxu had expected, after Lv Ben stormed off, he came straight to Zhu Yuanzhang to lodge a complaint.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang did not express much of an opinion.

This left Lv Ben unable to fathom what was on Zhu Yuanzhang's mind.

In fact, long before Lv Ben arrived, Zhu Yuanzhang had already learned of the situation in the Eastern Palace through the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"This little grandson of mine is truly not a quiet one."

"Is he hiding his true talents?"

"But I still want to understand the real you."

Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the Dragon Throne, muttering softly to himself.

Just then, a familiar voice rang out in his ears once again.

【Ding, a new day has arrived, simulation count refreshed.】

【Ding! The host's remaining simulation count for today is: 1!】

It came just in time!

A sharp glint flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes.

Clearly, he had been waiting for a long time.

Without any hesitation, Zhu Yuanzhang silently recited in his heart: "Designate Zhu Gaoxu for simulation!"

【Ding! The host has designated Great Ming Nanyang Commandery Prince Zhu Gaoxu!】

The light screen before his eyes vibrated violently again, and the familiar specks of light appeared once more.

Having been here once before, Zhu Yuanzhang was no stranger to this.

He began to focus his attention on one of the specks of light.

【Great Ming (Parallel) 27th year of Hongwu, you finally could not help but propose to your grandfather Zhu Yuanzhang to initiate reforms.】

【These included: methods for troop training, methods for weapon forging, methods for universal military training, strategies for strengthening the nation and building health... Some of these methods were implemented by Zhu Yuanzhang. (Successfully increased the Great Ming's National Fortune by eighty years!)】

Seeing this scene, Zhu Yuanzhang widened his eyes in shock.

Without needing to think deeply, he knew these were definitely not ordinary reforms; their value was beyond imagination.

"Eighty years of National Fortune... this grandson of mine really has the goods..."

Subconsciously stroking his beard, Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze flickered, not knowing what he was thinking.

On the bustling streets of Kyoto, Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaochi sat in a carriage, moving slowly under the escort of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"Big Brother, you go home first; I'll head back later."

"Oh? Oh, oh, alright."

Zhu Gaochi had clearly been distracted the entire way.

Hearing his younger brother ask him to go home first, he hurriedly nodded in agreement.

He was truly terrified.

This younger brother of his was far too capable of causing trouble.

Who had ever heard of someone driving their teacher away on the very first day of lessons?

If not for the fact that Zhu Gaoxu was his own biological brother, given Zhu Gaochi's personality, it would be impossible for him to still be by his side.

After saying "farewell," Zhu Gaochi did not linger, jumping off the carriage in a flash and taking several servants toward the Yan Prince Mansion.

Watching his big brother "flee" quickly, Zhu Gaoxu shook his head with a wry smile.

How could Zhu Gaoxu not know what Zhu Gaochi was thinking?

That Zhu Gaochi had managed to endure until now could be considered loyal; after all, no one knew if Zhu Yuanzhang would fly into a rage upon hearing the news.

But what should he do next?

After Zhu Gaochi left, Zhu Gaoxu was also thinking about what to do next.

Meanwhile, Mao Xiang stood quietly to the side, waiting for Zhu Gaoxu's instructions.

Just like that, Zhu Gaoxu's group moved slowly, and accompanied by the noise on the street, he finally figured something out.

"Heh, since I've already decided to be a little good-for-nothing, what is there to hesitate about?"

Perhaps being a peerless genius might be difficult, but wanting to be a good-for-nothing was far too simple.

It's just a pity that he was truly a bit young right now; there were many things he was willing to do but lacked the strength for.

Otherwise, going to a brothel to listen to music when bored would be even more vivid and realistic.

Having figured it out, Zhu Gaoxu instructed Mao Xiang outside the carriage: "Change course to the hunting grounds outside the city; we are going hunting."

Ancient entertainment facilities were relatively scarce, and with Zhu Gaoxu being so young, there was even less he could do.

But if he wanted to establish a playboy persona for the outside world, how could he do it without wasting some resources?

Something like hunting was quite resource-intensive and laborious.

The more powerful the nobility, the more they emphasized pomp and circumstance when hunting; their food, clothing, and expenses were all a significant cost.

And for this outing, Zhu Gaoxu not only brought three hundred Embroidered Uniform Guards, but he also had Mao Xiang call over more than a hundred servants and maids from the Yan Prince Mansion.

Not enough? No matter, if it really comes to it, go borrow some from the Wei State Duke Mansion.

They were all relatives anyway; he could just return them when he got back.

"I don't know how many days it will take to leave the city this time; feeding so many people is a problem."

Thinking this to himself, Zhu Gaoxu again instructed Mao Xiang: "Purchase some food, as well as pots, bowls, ladles, basins, and daily necessities. Remember one thing: we might not use them, but we must have them, and they must be of good quality!"

As for the expenses required for this, Zhu Gaoxu only said one thing indifferently.

"My father is the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di; record all expenses under the Prince of Yan's Wangfu."

As for why he did not take it from the Prince of Yan's Wangfu... it was mainly because Zhu Gaoxu was afraid that Xu Miaoyun would beat him to death for causing such a huge commotion.

After everything was prepared, Zhu Gaoxu led his party and marched out of the city in a grand procession.

So much so that that afternoon, Xu Miaoyun, inside the Prince of Yan's Wangfu, gritted her teeth fiercely as she looked at the various business owners coming to her door to collect debts one after another.

"When that little brat returns, I will definitely make his backside bloom!"

……

Outside Kyoto, approaching noon, Zhu Gaoxu's "large troop" finally came to a stop.

"Set up the pots and heat the oil; we'll eat before we continue."