Chapter 134: Lan Yu: Lü Shi, you are merely a concubine! Do not dare to dream of more

At these words!

Zhu Biao's face showed a flicker of surprise, then he exclaimed: "Zhu Ying has been married less than a year? Already so soon?"

"This Zhu Ying truly has great fortune."

"Less than a year married, and he already has an heir."

Zhu Biao shook his head slightly, a look of deep reflection crossing his face.

"It's good to be married; even better to have an heir."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, an inscrutable depth in his aged expression.

At this remark.

Zhu Biao immediately understood.

"Indeed." Zhu Biao nodded, his movements calm, his expression steady.

He knew well: for the Emperor, a general commanding troops far from court, if he had no wife or children, was not a good thing.

Without family ties, he could be swayed by enemies and defect at any moment.

But with an heir, that heir became his weakness—a means for the court to control him.

This was imperial power!

This was ruling the ministers!

"Father."

Zhu Biao bowed slightly, his tone respectful: "When the principal wife bears a son, the imperial house should bestow a gift, to show royal grace."

As he spoke, Zhu Biao's lips curved into a gentle smile.

At these words!

"Ha!"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily, the sound echoing through the palace: "Biao'er, your regard for this Zhu Ying far surpasses that for any other."

"In the past, when a minister received your favor even once, it was as if blessed by heaven's grace."

"But for this Zhu Ying, you've showered him with grace again and again."

As Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, he shook his head gently, his eyes filled with paternal affection and quiet emotion.

After all, in the entire Great Ming, only Zhu Biao merited such a tone from Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Those with talent must be heavily relied upon."

Zhu Biao's expression was serious, his voice firm.

"And…"

Zhu Biao paused a moment, a thoughtful look on his face, then continued: "Though I've never met Zhu Ying, somehow, I feel a sense of closeness."

"In truth, I'm very curious what kind of man Zhu Ying really is."

As Zhu Biao spoke, his eyes held clear curiosity for Zhu Ying.

"Once we've subdued the Northern Yuan, summon Zhu Ying to Yingtian for his report."

"After pacifying Liaodong, he should have been summoned to Yingtian—but with affairs still unsettled there and so many surrendered troops to reorganize, we've had to let him remain in Danning for now."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and spoke at once.

"According to the Ministry of War's report."

"Zhu Ying is not only skilled in commanding troops in battle, but also in training them."

"The border troops of Danning and the surrendered Yuan soldiers reorganized at Huizhou are now fully formed under his training."

"When Mu Sheng arrives, he'll have gotten a lucky break—no need to waste time reorganizing or training them," Zhu Biao said with a smile.

"Mu Sheng."

"I trust he won't tarnish his father's reputation."

"Ying'er rarely asks for anything—but this time, he specifically requested Mu Sheng be sent to the northern frontier. Clearly, Ying'er has heard of Zhu Ying's name in Yunnan and wants Mu Sheng to be tempered there," Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang smiled faintly.

When mentioning Mu Ying, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's expression turned tender.

"Big brother was also a gifted commander."

"Under his guard, Yunnan's people live in peace, and foreign tribes dare not invade. That he specifically petitioned to send Mu Sheng to Danning shows he holds Zhu Ying in high regard," Zhu Biao added with a smile.

"So."

"Don't say you're curious about Zhu Ying—I'm curious too."

"Seeing how capable this Zhu Ying is, so young and skilled in command… I…"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly, his voice trailing off.

In that moment, he seemed lost in memory.

"I thought of Wen Zheng."

At this, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes darkened with a touch of melancholy.

"If Wen Zheng had not been arrogant, cruel, and haughty… if he had not betrayed me…"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly, his face shadowed with sorrow and a faint, unspoken guilt: "Perhaps… I wouldn't have treated him so."

Zhu Zhu Wenzheng had once been a fierce general under Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang—and his own nephew.

He had once been fearless on the battlefield, winning great glory for Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang.

But later, consumed by greed, he committed grave offenses, forcing Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang to punish him.

Yet, after so many years, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang could not say he did not miss him.

After all, Zhu Zhu Wenzheng carried the same blood as him—he was his own nephew.

Even if Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang was ruthless, he was still bound by kinship.

"Father." Zhu Biao, seeing Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang lost in memory, his expression dimmed, spoke softly to comfort him: "The past is past! What he did was his own doing."

"It's not your fault."

As he spoke, Zhu Biao gently patted Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's arm, offering quiet solace.

"Mm." Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, took a deep breath, as if trying to draw in and expel all the bitter memories.

Then he came back to himself, and no longer mentioned Zhu Zhu Wenzheng.

In today's court, many topics were forbidden.

Empress Ma, the eldest grandson Zhu Zhu Xiongying, even Zhu Zhu Wenzheng—none could be mentioned lightly.

No one wished to provoke Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's taboos; the consequences were unbearable.

Only now, as father and son, could they speak such words.

"Once we've subdued the Northern Yuan and Zhu Ying reports to Yingtian, let his family remain in Yingtian."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's expression turned stern, his gaze commanding: "Generals abroad must still be held in check."

"Military power has always been the root of rebellion."

"Remember this, Biao'er."

As Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, he fixed Zhu Biao with a gaze full of expectation and warning.

"I understand."

Zhu Biao nodded at once, his expression solemn—every warning from Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang he etched into his heart.

"With over three months until spring, you are to oversee all grain, supplies, and logistics for the northern campaign."

"Manpower, materials—all at your disposal."

"I won't interfere."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Biao: "Above all, proceed with caution."

With that said.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang smiled—a smile holding both trust in Zhu Biao and hope for the coming campaign.

He naturally had full confidence in Zhu Biao; over the years, Zhu Biao's abilities had been proven beyond words.

…

In the Donggong hall, sunlight streamed through the windows, filling the chamber with bright light.

"Why has the Marquis of Marquis Yongchang come to the Donggong?"

Lü Shi stepped in slowly, her delicate footsteps echoing.

She wore lavish court robes, her makeup refined, yet her eyes held coldness—especially as she looked at Lan Yu—her voice crisp, tinged with frost.

Lan Yu turned slowly, glanced at Lü Shi, his gaze dismissing her as an insignificant nobody, then looked away, his face openly contemptuous.

"What?"

Lan Yu sneered, voice laced with mockery: "Does an uncle visiting his niece's husband's home need your permission, you concubine?"

"As a concubine, mind your own place."

As Lan Yu spoke, his lips curled in a sneer, showing no restraint whatsoever.

Had his niece not already passed away, given Lan Yu's fiery temper, he would have slapped her across the face already.

Hearing Lan Yu's words, Lü Shi's eyes flashed with venom, like a snake's—but her face remained calm, her smile faint and composed.

Her status as concubine was the deepest thorn in her heart.

Because of this status, even though she managed the Donggong's affairs, she could never rise above her station.

Normally, those within the Donggong and even court ministers treated her with respect, fearing to offend her.

Someone like Lan Yu, who gave her no respect at all, was exceedingly rare.

"I am indeed a concubine, but now I act on the Crown Prince's orders, managing the Donggong's affairs, temporarily fulfilling the role of Crown Princess."

Lü Shi lifted her chin slightly, her tone firm: "Marquis, speak and act with more restraint."

Lü Shi spoke, clutching her sleeve tightly, suppressing the fire within her heart.

"A concubine has no right to lecture this marquis."

Lan Yu sneered, flicking his sleeve: "Go summon Yun Teng to me."

As Lan Yu spoke, his tone carried an unchallengeable command.

He came to the Donggong first to see his external grandson, and second to meet Zhu Biao on urgent business.

Lü Shi paid no heed to this; such utter contempt made her hand clench inside her sleeve, her nails nearly digging into her palm.

She wanted to rage, yet she knew Lan Yu was a brazen man—if she truly tore the veil away, it would not serve her well.

Who was Zhu Biao? Lü Shi knew very well.

As Crown Prince, Zhu Biao was exceedingly benevolent and fond of old ties.

Though the former Crown Princess Chang Shi had passed away, Zhu Biao still called Lan Yu "uncle," favored him greatly, and always smoothed over Lan Yu's misdeeds.

If she openly defied Lan Yu here, it would be hard to explain to Zhu Biao.

"Go summon Yun Teng," Lü Shi turned to the palace maid standing nearby.

As she spoke, she blinked slightly, giving the maid a silent signal.

Seeing Lü Shi's compliance, Lan Yu smiled in satisfaction, yet the mockery on his face remained.

Then Lan Yu strode to a seat on the left, plopped down with legs slightly apart, as if no one else were present.

But seeing no tea on the table, Lan Yu immediately scolded Lü Shi: "When this marquis enters the palace, do you not order tea served? Clearly, the Crown Prince erred in entrusting you with the duties of Crown Princess."

"Such ignorance of propriety—I shall propose to the Crown Prince that you be replaced by another concubine to manage the Donggong."

As Lan Yu spoke, he tapped his fingers lightly on the table, producing crisp, clear sounds.

Hearing this.

As Lan Yu's words grew more outrageous, Lü Shi's face darkened; her lips trembled, as if to retort, yet she held her tongue.

Within the Donggong, she indeed held absolute power—even Zhu Biao knew nothing of what transpired here—but beyond its walls, her reach was not so long.

"Serve tea," Lü Shi gritted, shouting toward the outer hall, her voice laced with helplessness and resentment.

Seeing Lü Shi's expression, Lan Yu clearly perceived her displeasure and bitterness.

But Lan Yu did not care. His status made it impossible for him to align with Lü Shi, and he well understood her ambition—she now controlled the Donggong.

If that bastard son ever succeeded, Lan Yu and all of Huaixi would face ruin.

"Lü Shi," Lan Yu fixed her with a cold gaze: "I consider you the Crown Prince's most favored concubine, so today, I shall warn you."

"As a concubine, even if you bear a son, he remains a bastard. Do not covet what is not yours—lest you end up with nothing, and drag your whole family down with you."

As Lan Yu spoke, he stared intently into Lü Shi's eyes, his gaze filled with warning.

Seeing no one else remained in the hall, Lan Yu's face hardened, his tone dripping with mockery and threat.

"Marquis, I do not understand your meaning."

Lü Shi forced down her rage, replying calmly, lowering her head to hide the fury in her eyes.

"Heh." Lan Yu sneered, the sound thick with contempt: "Lü Shi, you are clever. I've merely warned you. Whether you listen or not is your own affair."

"In short, bastards must never seek what belongs to the legitimate."

"This is the way of court, the way the world follows."

"No one can change it."

"Not even His Majesty."

As Lan Yu spoke, he rose, hands clasped behind his back, studying Lü Shi with cold scrutiny.

At that moment, footsteps echoed outside the hall—heavy, dragging. Lan Yu finally tore his gaze from Lü Shi.

There, led by Lü Shi's trusted maid, Zhu Zhu Yunling walked in, head bowed, trembling with fear, fingers clenched tight around his sleeves, each step cautious and hesitant.

"Yun Teng!" Lan Yu called out loudly, his voice tinged with anticipation.

Hearing this, Zhu Zhu Yunling looked up quickly, a flicker of joy crossing his face.

But when he felt Lü Shi's icy gaze, he clamped his mouth shut, afraid to speak.

Then.

Zhu Zhu Yunling approached Lan Yu, trembling with apprehension.

Each step felt like bearing immense pressure.

When he reached him, Zhu Zhu Yunling spoke clearly: "Great Uncle."

Even his voice trembled.

Seeing Zhu Zhu Yunling's bowed head, his pitiful, timid demeanor, Lan Yu's eyes flashed with disappointment.

The disappointment passed swiftly—but it was unmistakable.

Yet for Lan Yu, for Huaixi, Zhu Zhu Yunling was their only option.

"Yun Teng," Lan Yu frowned, rebuking him: "You are the Crown Prince's legitimate son, a scion of the imperial clan, of noble rank! How can you cower like this? Stand straight."

As he spoke, Lan Yu pointed at Zhu Zhu Yunling's back, signaling him to straighten his posture.

Under Lan Yu's stern command, Zhu Zhu Yunling reluctantly stood upright, yet his timid expression remained unchanged—his eyes still darted away, refusing to meet Lan Yu's gaze.

"Sigh."

Lan Yu sighed, his voice heavy with resignation: "He simply cannot compare to Zhu Xiongying. They are full brothers—how could their differences be so great?"

"When Zhu Xiongying was alive, he radiated true nobility, bearing the bearing of a sovereign."

"But Yun Teng… sigh, he's utterly inadequate."

Seeing Zhu Zhu Yunling like this, Lan Yu felt even greater disappointment; it reminded him of his eldest external grandson, leaving his heart hollow with stark contrast.

After a moment, Lan Yu snapped back to himself and spoke gently to Zhu Zhu Yunling: "Yun Teng, have you suffered some injustice? Tell Great Uncle—I'll make it right."

As he spoke, Lan Yu lightly patted Zhu Zhu Yunling's shoulder, trying to offer comfort.

Hearing this,

Lü Shi shot Zhu Zhu Yunling a cold, warning glance, laced with threat—though she avoided Lan Yu's sight.

Zhu Zhu Yunling seemed to sense it too—his heart filled with dread, yet he dared not speak to Lan Yu.

"Great Uncle, I haven't suffered any injustice," Zhu Zhu Yunling lowered his head, whispering: "I've just… just not seen you in a long time."

As he spoke, his voice cracked slightly.

"Yun Teng."

Lan Yu placed both hands on Zhu Zhu Yunling's shoulders, his gaze sweeping over Lü Shi and the newly arrived maids, sternly warning: "Always remember your station. Your mother is the Crown Princess; you are the Crown Prince's legitimate son. Within the Donggong, your rank is second only to the Crown Prince. No one dares to mistreat you."

"If anyone does, tell Great Uncle—not just me, but your uncles and cousins will all stand for you."

As Lan Yu spoke, he fixed Zhu Zhu Yunling with a piercing stare, hoping he would remember these words.

Zhu Zhu Yunling nodded slightly.

Having spent years in the Donggong, enduring Lü Shi's silent abuse, Zhu Zhu Yunling had become utterly broken.

Otherwise, history would not have given Zhu Zhu Yunwen his chance.

After all, Zhu Zhu Yunling's status was unparalleled, and he naturally had Huaixi's backing—but he simply lacked the will.

"Seeing Great Uncle, have you nothing to say to him?" Seeing Zhu Zhu Yunling's timidity, his silence, Lan Yu grew impatient.

Lan Yu knew full well Zhu Zhu Yunling had been bullied by Lü Shi—how else could the Crown Prince's legitimate son be so pitiful?

Yet even if Lan Yu suspected it, he needed Zhu Zhu Yunling to speak out—to have grounds to strike against Lü Shi.

"I heard Great Uncle has just returned from the battlefield. Seeing you safe, I am very glad."

Zhu Zhu Yunling thought for a moment, feigning joy at Lan Yu's return, forcing a faint smile.

"Sigh." Lan Yu sighed—he had no words left. What he wanted to hear was not this.

Beside him, Lü Shi sneered inwardly: "Zhu Zhu Yunling—a vile spawn, a worthless fool! Even if Huaixi wants to prop him up, let them see if he can be raised at all. How dare he compete with Zhu Yunwen?"

As she thought this, she lifted her chin slightly, a flicker of smugness in her heart.

At that moment!

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince!"

Outside the hall, the Gold Guard and servants all knelt and bowed in unison, their voices echoing through the palace.

At once, Lan Yu rose, smoothing his robes.

Lü Shi shed her cold expression, replacing it with a composed, gentle smile. She lowered her head, hands folded before her, embodying virtue and grace.

Not long after!

Zhu Biao entered the hall, clad in the Crown Prince's long robe, his steps steady, his expression both dignified and kind. The robe swayed gently with his movement, radiating noble authority.

"Your servant bows before the Crown Prince," Lan Yu immediately bowed deeply.

"Your servantess bows before the Crown Prince," Lü Shi followed, her voice soft.

"Your son bows before Father," Zhu Zhu Yunling knelt quickly, his voice trembling.

All others in the hall bowed. The maids sank to their knees. The great hall fell silent.

Zhu Biao glanced around, then raised his hand: "Rise."

"Thank you, Crown Prince," all replied in unison.

Lan Yu's face broke into a smile: "Your Highness returns now—surely you've discussed urgent matters with His Majesty."

As he spoke, Lan Yu studied Zhu Biao, testing the waters.

This question carried deep meaning.

Seeing Lan Yu's demeanor, Zhu Biao smiled faintly: "Indeed, we discussed some urgent matters. You've been in Yingtian for months, and have visited the Donggong several times already. Why come again today? Do you have business?"

As he spoke, Zhu Biao walked slowly to the main seat and sat down, a faint smile in his eyes—though he asked, his gaze already saw through Lan Yu's intentions.

"That… Your servant…" Lan Yu hesitated, words caught in his throat.

His hands clenched involuntarily, then relaxed—especially with Lü Shi and Zhu Zhu Yunling standing beside him.

Moreover, before Zhu Biao, Lan Yu's arrogance was completely subdued.

Clearly, although Lan Yu was overbearing, he knew whom he could bully—and before Zhu Biao, he dared not.

He was an uncle, but also a subject. Zhu Biao could easily subdue him!

"Zhu Yunling," Zhu Biao turned his head and asked Zhu Zhu Yunling, "Have you paid your respects to your maternal uncle?"

"R-return, Father," Zhu Zhu Yunling replied tremulously, "Your servant has paid his respects."

"Since you've paid your respects, go and study the imperial documents," Zhu Biao said coldly, his tone stern: "Don't waste time idly."

"Yes." Zhu Zhu Yunling dared not refuse; he bowed respectfully and prepared to withdraw.

At that moment!

Lan Yu's eyes darted, then he spoke up: "Your Highness, Zhu Yunling is already eleven years old—he's grown. I wish to take Zhu Yunling to the military camp for training, to build him a stronger physique. If he studies literature, he must also train in martial arts, so he may better assist Your Highness in the future."

As he spoke, Lan Yu watched Zhu Biao's expression closely.

Upon hearing this,

Zhu Biao paused, his face thoughtful—he was somewhat tempted, but did not decide immediately, instead remaining in contemplation.

But beside him,

Lü Shi grew anxious.

……

(End of Chapter)