Chapter 172: Zhu Biao

When the palace maids had filed out and the palace doors closed behind them, the hall fell into profound silence.

Lady Lü stepped forward slowly, supporting Lu Ben as she guided him to sit on the main seat, then stood to one side, bowing her head respectfully, and asked softly, “Father, have you come with important matters to entrust to your daughter?”

Though Lady Lü now held the esteemed position of consort in charge of the Eastern Palace’s internal affairs and wielded considerable power within the imperial court, before her father she displayed not the slightest arrogance—only deep reverence for Lu Ben.

After all, it was entirely due to Lu Ben’s meticulous planning behind the scenes that she had been able to enter the Eastern Palace and rise step by step to her current status.

Without Lu Ben standing behind her, she might never have outmaneuvered the other women in the Eastern Palace.

“Surely you’ve already heard the news from today’s court session?”

Lu Ben asked, his expression grave.

“Mm.”

Lady Lü nodded slightly, then spoke: “I heard from a few of Yunwen’s tutors that General Zhu Ying has once again achieved great merit in the northern campaign.”

“Today, during court deliberations, the Crown Prince personally proposed elevating General Zhu Ying to Marquis of Champion and publicly proclaiming his achievements throughout the realm.”

Lu Ben’s expression grew even more serious; he nodded slightly, fixing his gaze on Lady Lü, and pressed: “What is your opinion on this?”

“Father.”

Lady Lü paused briefly, her tone tinged with reflection: “This Zhu Ying is truly exceptional in ability—and even more rare is his extraordinary fortune.”

“He has served only three short years, and is still under twenty.”

“Yet he has already attained the rank of marquis, and enjoys the deep favor of both His Majesty and the Crown Prince. His future prospects are truly boundless.”

Here,

Lady Lü hesitated slightly, her eyes thoughtful, then continued: “With him on our side, it is highly likely he will become a great asset to Yunwen.”

“But for the Huaixi nobles, and for Zhu Yuntong, this is undoubtedly bad news.”

“Originally, the Huaixi faction held entrenched military power in court, dominating with Huaixi as its core and forming a force not to be underestimated.”

“Because the Great Ming had been constantly at war, His Majesty had no choice but to rely on them; over time, the Huaixi nobles grew arrogant, their conduct increasingly brazen.”

Lady Lü sighed softly, a cold glint flashing in her eyes: “Now, the Huaixi faction’s monopoly over court is about to end.”

“This Zhu Ying—whether in the current Hongwu reign or after the Crown Prince ascends the throne—will surely become the foremost new-generation military leader, wielding immense power.”

Hearing Lady Lü’s words, Lu Ben nodded in satisfaction.

He feared she might misjudge the situation and offend Zhu Ying—that would be disastrous.

“Therefore, we must cultivate goodwill toward him, never lightly offend him,” Lu Ben said gravely, with a tone of warning.

“Father, rest assured.”

Lady Lü’s expression hardened, her voice earnest: “Such a paragon is naturally an asset to Yunwen. How could I be foolish enough to offend him?”

“Zhu Ying’s wife has now been granted the rank of third-class noble title.”

“I will, in Yunwen’s name, prepare a generous gift to send to the Zhu household.”

After a moment’s thought, Lu Ben spoke calmly: “You must also find a suitable opportunity to express goodwill toward Zhu Ying.”

“According to my knowledge, many Huaixi generals—especially Lan Yu’s faction—have poor relations with Zhu Ying; they’ve clashed repeatedly even in Liaodong.”

“We must make use of this.”

“Anyone who opposes the Huaixi faction is naturally our ally.”

To this,

“I’ve heard of it as well,” Lady Lü replied.

“Those Huaixi generals are accustomed to arrogance. During the Liaodong campaign, Zhu Ying captured a city and earned His Majesty’s notice; His Majesty then began to nurture him deliberately.”

“The Huaixi nobles clearly understood His Majesty’s intentions and repeatedly suppressed Zhu Ying.”

Lady Lü nodded, her eyes revealing full understanding.

Under Lu Ben’s long-term influence, though a woman, she was exceptionally astute, possessing sharp insight into court politics.

Otherwise,

she would never have fully controlled the Eastern Palace.

Zhu Yuntong, the legitimate son, would never have been entirely subdued by her.

This woman, Lady Lü, was extremely clever—and her methods were no less formidable.

“An enemy of our enemy is a natural ally.”

“The Huaixi nobles, led by Lan Yu, will surely stand behind Zhu Yuntong.”

“But Yunwen lacks support within the military; Zhu Ying is currently the best candidate.”

Lu Ben reiterated his warning, blunt and clear.

Their greatest future enemy was the Huaixi faction!

Lady Lü nodded firmly: “Rest assured, Father—I understand the stakes.”

“As for Zhu Yuntong, though you now hold him firmly under control, until you become the true Crown Princess and Yunwen is officially named Crown Grandson, you must not slacken for a moment.”

“After all, he is the legitimate son, while Yunwen is illegitimate; this difference in status is an insurmountable chasm.”

“When His Majesty founded the empire, he declared: ‘Establish the legitimate, not the eldest.’”

“Legitimacy comes before seniority,” Lu Ben reminded her once more, his tone heavy with gravity.

Every time he visited the Eastern Palace, this was the one thing Lu Ben always insisted upon.

He feared his daughter might grow complacent, believing she had Zhu Yuntong under control and let her guard down.

That would lead to utter ruin.

They simply could not afford to lose.

Given all the actions Lady Lü had taken against Zhu Yuntong over the years, if Zhu Yuntong ever became Crown Grandson, the Lu family would surely be purged.

“I understand. Zhu Yuntong cannot stir up any trouble, and those two lowly maids are no threat either.”

“They are now completely under my control.”

“Any whisper or movement escapes my notice,” Lady Lü said, a cold smile curling her lips—utterly confident.

…

In the main hall of the Zhu household!

“Madam Zhu.”

Luo Yang, commander of the Gold Guard, clad in battle armor, stood in the hall and bowed to Shen Yuer, then announced loudly: “By the Crown Prince’s decree, Madam Zhu is ordered to bring her son to the Eastern Palace for an audience tomorrow.”

Shen Yuer wore the ceremonial attire of a noblewoman, her bearing dignified.

Upon hearing this,

she immediately bowed slightly and replied respectfully: “Thank you, Commander Luo, for delivering the decree. I shall arrive punctually at the Eastern Palace tomorrow.”

In her words,

Shen Yuer could not hide her nervousness and unease.

“Then this subordinate takes his leave.”

After delivering the decree, Luo Yang bowed again and turned to stride away.

Once Luo Yang’s figure vanished beyond the household gate, Shen Yuer frowned slightly and turned to Lin Fu beside her, asking softly: “Lin Bo, do you think this summons from the Crown Prince is good or bad?”

“The highest official I’ve ever met was Uncle Bu. Now I must face the Crown Prince himself—I’m terrified, afraid I’ll embarrass my husband.”

As she spoke,

Shen Yuer was visibly tense, her eyes filled with worry.

“Young Mistress, do not worry.”

Lin Fu smiled warmly and comforted her gently: “The Crown Prince is burdened with countless affairs; for him to summon you amid his duties is a tremendous honor.”

“It clearly shows His Majesty and the Crown Prince’s high regard for Young Master.”

“By staying in Ying Tian, you are offering him the greatest support.”

“Tomorrow’s audience requires only that you follow protocol and observe proper etiquette.”

“This is simply the Crown Prince’s customary gesture of concern for Young Master and Young Mistress.”

Hearing this,

“Mm.”

Shen Yuer nodded slightly, her expression easing.

At that moment,

Lin Fu’s smile widened, his voice filled with delight: “Young Mistress, I’ve found two excellent locations in Ying Tian suitable for opening a tavern.”

“One is in the inner city, bustling and vibrant, frequented by high officials and nobles.”

“The other is in the outer city, equally crowded and lively.”

“Moreover, there’s a winery in the outer city—I’ve already sent men to negotiate; we should secure the premises this month, then begin brewing.”

Speaking of this,

Lin Fu’s eyes sparkled with excitement—opening a business for his Young Master in the capital filled him with pride and anticipation.

“Ying Tian is filled with the powerful; opening taverns and wineries requires official registration. Has there been any obstruction?” Shen Yuer asked, still uneasy.

“Young Mistress, you underestimate Young Master’s current prestige.”

“At first, when I sent men to the government offices to file paperwork for the tavern and winery, the clerks delayed and obstructed us at every turn.”

“After all, merchants are considered lowly in the Great Ming.”

“But once we revealed Young Master’s identity, everything became smooth and unimpeded.”

“Young Master has now firmly entered the ranks of the powerful—becoming a marquis before twenty is unprecedented since the founding of the Great Ming.”

“No one dares offend him.”

Lin Fu spoke, his voice brimming with pride and honor.

Lin Fu had dealt with many officials and nobles in Yingtian, and even more so in Danning Prefecture.

If you have power and don’t use it, you’re a fool.

And then.

Lin Fu didn’t wield any authority himself—he relied on his young master’s prestige.

His young master had earned numerous battlefield merits within the Great Ming, known throughout the imperial court, and was deeply favored by the Emperor and the Crown Prince; opening taverns and distilleries were trivial matters no one dared obstruct.

“The imperial edict hasn’t been formally issued yet; we still don’t know if this marquisate is real or not.”

Shen Yuer shook her head slightly and spoke softly.

Though the rumor had already spread wildly through the streets and everyone in the household was discussing it, as long as the edict hadn’t arrived, she couldn’t feel at ease.

“Who cares? As long as our young master’s fortune is rising, that’s enough.”

“I’ll only see to it that our young master’s assets in Yingtian are carefully prepared—even if he one day resigns and retires, our family will never lack food or clothing.”

Lin Fu waved his hand dismissively, a cheerful smile on his face.

In his heart, everything was for his young master; as long as he could secure his young master’s long-term peace, he would be content.

Matters on the battlefield.

He, as a steward, could offer no help there—but within the household, and concerning assets and affairs, Lin Fu would never let his young master worry.

At this moment!

“Mother.”

“Mother.”

Several clear calls came from outside the hall.

A small child in black silk robes wobbled forward, arms outstretched, stepping unsteadily toward Shen Yuer from the doorway.

Two maids followed closely behind, smiling as they guarded him.

“Xi’er.”

The moment Shen Yuer saw Zhu Xi, her slightly worried face instantly brightened; she hurried forward and scooped the child up in her arms.

Now,

Zhu Xi was eight months old—he could walk a short distance, babble, and already called out “Mother” and “Father.” Watching her son grow day by day, Shen Yuer was filled with joy.

…

The next day!

Morning.

Outside the imperial palace, the grand Hongwu Gate loomed majestically.

Shen Yuer’s carriage, driven personally by Lin Fu, slowly arrived before the gate.

“Stop.”

The palace guards stationed at Hongwu Gate immediately stepped forward, raising their spears to block the carriage’s path.

“My lady is the wife of the Marquis of Champion, summoned by the Crown Prince to pay homage at the Eastern Palace.”

“Kindly announce us.”

Lin Fu quickly descended from the driver’s seat and bowed with a smiling face to the guard company commander before him.

“So you are Lady Zhu.”

Upon hearing Lin Fu’s words, the guard company commander and the surrounding palace guards instantly showed expressions of reverence.

Today!

Was the day the defeat of the Northern Yuan cavalry by Zhu Ying was officially announced; the palace guards, well-informed, had long heard of Zhu Ying’s tremendous battlefield achievements.

The palace guards were all elite soldiers selected from across the armies; Zhu Ying’s fearless bravery and his crushing defeat of the Northern Yuan’s strongest forces earned the deep admiration and respect of every Great Ming soldier—including these palace guards.

“The Crown Prince has already instructed that if Lady Zhu enters the palace, she may pass directly.”

“I volunteer to guide Lady Zhu.”

The company commander bowed deeply and replied loudly.

All their reverence for Zhu Ying was now fully displayed.

“Then, thank you, company commander.”

Lin Fu quickly expressed his gratitude.

After all, the inner palace was a labyrinth; without guidance, even a single misstep into a forbidden area would be a grave offense.

“Please.”

The company commander gestured, and the guards swiftly parted, clearing a path.

Then, he personally took the reins and led the way toward the Eastern Palace.

Such an honor—

Perhaps only Zhu Ying’s prestige could bring it.

The imperial palace was vast, its halls and pavilions magnificent.

Palace guards patrolled everywhere.

After about half a stick of incense, under the company commander’s guidance, they finally arrived before a cluster of palaces.

Unlike the main palace gate, guarded by palace guards, this area was under the direct control of the Eastern Palace’s Jinwu Guard.

Looking around, Jinwu Guards stood in formation, patrolling endlessly; the entire palace complex was heavily fortified.

Or rather,

The entire imperial palace was an impenetrable iron barrel, with sentries everywhere; if an assassin truly wished to strike or infiltrate, it would be nearly impossible.

At the Eastern Palace’s main gate, Luo Yang had already received word and stood waiting outside.

“Lady Zhu.”

Luo Yang strode forward and bowed with clasped hands.

Seeing this, Lin Fu hurried forward and carefully lifted the carriage curtain.

Shen Yuer, holding her infant, stepped slowly down from the carriage.

Gazing at the majestic palace before her, Shen Yuer felt a surge of nervousness.

Three years ago!

She had been merely the daughter of a merchant, of lowly status; now she stood at the very heart of Great Ming’s power, about to meet the Crown Prince, the future Emperor. This immense shift in status left her momentarily dazed, as if in a dream.

“Commander Luo.”

“I’ll escort her only this far.”

“I take my leave.”

The company commander who had brought Shen Yuer bowed deeply to Luo Yang, then withdrew slowly.

Luo Yang nodded to him.

“I must not disgrace my husband—I now represent him.”

Shen Yuer took a deep breath, steadying her nerves, and looked up at Luo Yang with a gentle expression, asking softly: “Commander Luo, should I enter directly, or is there another arrangement?”

“Lin the steward will wait outside; I shall lead Lady Zhu into the palace for the audience.”

Luo Yang first spoke to Lin Fu, then stepped aside and gestured toward the hall with a respectful motion.

“Very well.”

Shen Yuer nodded, hugged her son tightly, and stepped forward with cautious steps.

Outside the Eastern Palace!

Heavily guarded, atmosphere heavy.

Inside the Eastern Palace, guards stood every five steps, sentries every ten; the Jinwu Guards at each post stood like statues, their weapons gleaming coldly, radiating stern authority.

Under Luo Yang’s guidance, they passed without obstruction, soon arriving before the Eastern Palace’s main hall.

Shen Yuer held Zhu Xi tightly, her heart filled with caution and unease.

But the child Zhu Xi knew nothing—he opened wide, watery eyes, curiously scanning his surroundings, fascinated by this strange and novel place.

“Your Highness, Lady Zhu and her son await outside the hall—may they enter?”

Luo Yang stood outside the hall and called out respectfully.

Only a few breaths passed.

“Come in.”

From within the hall came Zhu Biao’s calm, authoritative voice.

“Lady Zhu, please enter.”

Luo Yang immediately turned and gestured toward the hall with reverence.

“Thank you.”

Shen Yuer whispered her thanks, gazing at the grand Eastern Palace hall—the symbol of supreme power—her heartbeat quickening involuntarily.

After all!

She was about to meet the second-most powerful man in the Great Ming—the Crown Prince, the future Emperor.

Not just an ordinary woman like her.

Even ministers would be nervous meeting him.

Imperial power!

Was intimidation.

Inside the hall, no Jinwu Guards stood guard—it was unusually quiet.

Zhu Biao sat upon the main seat, focused as he reviewed memorials.

Only two personal eunuchs stood beside him: one carefully ground ink, the other waited nearby, ready to hand him memorials at any moment.

Zhu Biao held his brush, intently reviewing one memorial after another, his expression solemn and unyielding.

Historically, it was said that Zhu Biao’s early death in his prime was closely tied to prolonged overwork.

In the Hongwu era, after the abolition of the Chancellor system, both the Emperor and the Crown Prince bore heavy administrative burdens.

Especially the current Emperor, who delegated most authority to the Crown Prince, leaving Zhu Biao even more overwhelmed, drowning daily in mountains of state affairs.

“Your servant’s wife, Shen Yuer, presents her son Zhu Xi to Your Highness.”

Entering the hall, Shen Yuer walked to the center, gently set Zhu Xi down, then bowed slowly with dignified poise.

As a lady of title,

she was naturally not required to kneel.

Zhu Xi stared blankly at his mother; perhaps influenced by the solemn atmosphere, he remained unusually quiet, not crying or fussing.

“Rise. Stand.”

Zhu Biao did not immediately look up; his brush continued moving across the memorial, as if determined to finish this one first.

“Thank Your Highness.”

Shen Yuer murmured her thanks, slightly lifting her head to sneak a glance at Zhu Biao.

Zhu Biao was utterly absorbed in reviewing the memorial, utterly focused, showing no sign of stopping.

“They say the current Crown Prince is exceptionally diligent, unmatched by any Crown Prince in history—now I see it’s no exaggeration.”

“No wonder the Great Ming’s strength has grown so formidable; no wonder my husband earned promotion and noble rank through battlefield merit.”

“All of this is due to the Emperor’s and the Crown Prince’s wisdom and decisiveness.”

Shen Yuer thought to herself.

At this moment,

she dared not speak, fearing to disturb Zhu Biao as he reviewed memorials; she held Zhu Xi’s hand, standing silently in place, waiting patiently.

After a while,

Zhu Biao finally finished reviewing the memorial in his hand.

“This memorial concerns military supplies. Have the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Public Works coordinate immediately—ensure the supplies reach the northern frontier as soon as possible.”

Zhu Biao picked up the memorial and handed it to the eunuch beside him, speaking with authority.

“Your servant obeys the imperial command.”

The eunuch accepted the memorial with both hands, bowing respectfully.

He then hurried toward the side hall to deliver the memorial.

Having finished his duties, Zhu Biao finally raised his head, his gaze falling on Shen Yuer.

The moment he looked up, a gentle smile appeared on Zhu Biao’s face—warm and affectionate, instantly lightening the solemn atmosphere of the Donggong hall.

“Shen Yuer,” Zhu Biao smiled faintly, his eyes briefly scanning her before nodding in approval: “Well done. You and Zhu Ying are truly a perfect match—handsome man, beautiful woman.”

This compliment,

was clearly praising Shen Yuer’s beauty and her suitability for Zhu Ying.

“Thank Your Highness for your praise.”

Shen Yuer quickly bowed in thanks, her heart nervous but her expression calm.

She urged herself silently: she was here representing her husband—she must not bring shame to Zhu Ying.

At that moment!

Zhu Xi, hiding behind Shen Yuer, heard Zhu Biao’s voice and his curiosity stirred; he cautiously peeked out, his bright eyes wide with wonder as he stared at Zhu Biao.

As he poked his head out,

Zhu Biao’s gaze shifted to Zhu Xi beside Shen Yuer.

Seeing him,

Zhu Biao froze—his eyes widened instantly, fixed on Zhu Xi as if he had witnessed something impossible.

“Xiongying?”

Zhu Biao involuntarily whispered, his eyes brimming with indescribable emotion.

His gaze held shock, confusion, but above all, a deep, aching longing.

……

(End of Chapter)