Chapter 172: Zhu Biao sees Zhu Xi for the first time! Shocked!

After the palace maids filed out, the hall door also closed, and the hall fell into silence.

Lv walked slowly, while supporting Lv Ben, leading him to sit on the main seat chair, while standing sideways, her expression respectful, and asked softly: "Father, coming here this time, is there something important to explain to your daughter?"

Although Lv is now the side consort in charge of the Donggong internal affairs and holds great power in this deep palace, she has no arrogance in front of her father, only respect for Lv Ben.

After all, being able to step into the Donggong to become the Crown Prince's concubine and walk step by step to her current status all relied on the path Lv Ben carefully paved behind her back.

If it weren't for standing behind Lv Ben, she might not have been able to compete with other women in the Donggong.

"The news in the court today, you must have known it, right?"

Lv Ben asked with a serious face.

"Hmm."

Lv nodded lightly, then said: "I heard from several of Yunwen's teachers that the Marquis of Champion Zhu Ying made great contributions again in the Northern Expedition battle."

"Today in the court session, the Crown Prince personally proposed to promote the Marquis of Champion to Marquis of Champion, and also to announce it to the world, greatly commending the achievements of the Marquis of Champion."

Lv Ben's expression became increasingly serious, nodding slightly, his gaze staring at Lv, and asked: "Regarding this, what are your thoughts?"

"Father."

Lv thought slightly, her tone carrying a bit of emotion: "This Zhu Ying, his ability is truly outstanding, and what is even rarer is that his luck is excellent."

"Joining the army for only three years, and now he is not even twenty years old."

"He has actually obtained such a status of being enfeoffed as a Marquis, and is deeply valued by the Emperor and the Crown Prince. His future prospects are truly limitless."

Speaking of this.

Lv paused slightly, her eyes carrying a trace of thought, and continued: "With him, for Yunwen, it is naturally a great possibility to become an aid."

"But for the Huaixi nobles, for Zhu Yuntong, this is undoubtedly bad news."

"In the past, the Huaixi faction in the court, the military power was intertwined, with Huaixi as the first, condensed into a force that cannot be underestimated."

"Because Great Ming was fighting for years, the Emperor had to rely on them, and over time, the Huaixi nobles became arrogant and acted increasingly rampant."

Lv sighed lightly, a cold light flashing in her eyes: "Now, the situation of Huaixi dominating the court is about to change."

"This Zhu Ying, not to mention the current Hongwu dynasty, just talking about the future when the Crown Prince succeeds to the throne, he will definitely become the leader of the new generation of military generals, holding great power."

Hearing Lv's words, Lv Ben nodded with satisfaction.

He was afraid that Lv would misjudge the situation and offend Zhu Ying, which would not be a good thing.

"So, toward him, we can only make friends, and absolutely must not offend him easily." Lv Ben said in a deep voice, carrying the meaning of exhortation.

"Father, rest assured."

Lv's expression was firm, and she said seriously: "Such a talent is naturally an aid to Yunwen, how could your daughter be so confused as to offend him?"

"This time, Zhu Ying's wife has been enfeoffed as Third Rank Noble Lady."

"Father will prepare a generous gift in Yunwen's name and send it to the Zhu mansion."

Lv Ben thought slightly, and said in a steady tone: "In the future, you must also find an appropriate opportunity to express goodwill to Zhu Ying."

"According to what Father knows, many Huaixi generals, especially Lan Yu's group, have a relationship with this Zhu Ying that is not harmonious, and there were many frictions in Liaodong."

"This point, we must make use of it."

"As long as it is an enemy of Huaixi, it is beneficial to us."

Regarding this.

"This matter, your daughter has also heard of it."

"Those Huaixi generals are used to being arrogant. In the past Liaodong battle, Zhu Ying broke the city and made contributions, entering the Emperor's eyes, and the Emperor had the intention of focusing on cultivating him."

"The Huaixi nobles naturally understood the Emperor's intention and suppressed Zhu Ying many times."

Lv nodded, her eyes also carrying the meaning of seeing through.

Under Lv Ben's long-term influence, although she is a woman, she is intelligent and has a keen insight into the court situation.

Otherwise.

She would not have been able to completely control the Donggong today.

The legitimate son Zhu Yuntong would not have been completely suppressed by her.

Lv, this woman, is very smart, and her means are not weak.

"The enemy of the enemy is a natural ally that can be won over."

"The Huaixi nobles led by Lan Yu must be standing behind Zhu Yuntong."

"But Yunwen lacks supporters in the army, and this Zhu Ying is the best candidate at the moment."

Lv Ben exhorted solemnly again, speaking directly.

Their biggest enemy in the future is Huaixi!

Lv nodded heavily, responding: "Father, rest assured, your daughter understands the pros and cons."

"As for Zhu Yuntong, although he has been firmly controlled by you now, before you become the real Crown Princess and Yunwen is enfeoffed as the Crown Grandson, you must not have the slightest slack."

"After all, he is the legitimate son, and Yunwen is born of a concubine. This gap in status is a chasm that is difficult to cross."

"When the Emperor founded the country, he said, establish the legitimate, establish the eldest."

"The legitimate is before the eldest." Lv Ben reminded earnestly again.

Every time he came to the Donggong, this was the word Lv Ben had to exhort.

He was afraid that his daughter would underestimate the enemy, and would relax because she thought she had controlled Zhu Yuntong.

That would be a complete defeat.

They really cannot afford to lose.

Just based on what Lv has done against Zhu Yuntong over the years, if Zhu Yuntong really becomes the Crown Grandson in the future, his Lv family will definitely be liquidated.

"Daughter understands, this Zhu Yuntong cannot make any waves, and those two cheap girls are not to be feared."

"Now they have been completely controlled by me."

"Any wind and grass movement cannot escape my eyes." Lv revealed a cold smile at the corner of her mouth, appearing very confident.

Zhu Fu, inside the hall!

"Lady Zhu."

Jin Wuwei Commander Luo Yang, dressed in battle armor, stood in the hall at this moment, bowed to Shen Yuer, and then said loudly: "By the order of the Crown Prince, tomorrow please Lady Zhu bring her son to the Donggong for an audience."

Shen Yuer was dressed in Noble Lady palace attire, her demeanor dignified.

Hearing this.

She bowed immediately, respectfully replying: "Thank you, Commander Luo, for passing the edict, your subject's wife will definitely arrive at the Donggong for an audience on time tomorrow."

During the speech.

Shen Yuer was also hard to hide her tension and anxiety.

"Then this subordinate will take his leave first."

After passing the edict, Luo Yang bowed again and turned to walk away with big strides.

After Luo Yang's figure disappeared outside the mansion gate, Shen Yuer frowned slightly, turned to look at Lin Fu beside her, and asked softly: "Uncle Lin, you say this Crown Prince's summoning, is it a good thing or a bad thing?"

"The biggest official I have seen before was Uncle Bu, but now I have to face the Crown Prince, I am very panicked, just afraid of losing face for my husband."

During the conversation.

Shen Yuer was very nervous, her eyes full of worry.

"Young Lady, don't worry."

Lin Fu smiled, his tone kind and comforting: "The Crown Prince is busy with ten thousand things, being able to summon you in his busy schedule is a great grace."

"This just shows the Emperor and Crown Prince's regard for the Young Master."

"Now that you stay in Ying Tian, it is the best support for the Young Master."

"For the audience tomorrow, just follow the rules and act according to etiquette."

"This is also the Crown Prince's routine concern for the Young Master and the Young Lady."

Hearing this.

"Hmm."

Shen Yuer nodded lightly, her expression easing slightly.

At this time.

The smile on Lin Fu's face became stronger, and he said happily: "Young Lady, the old slave has found two excellent places in Ying Tian City, suitable for opening a restaurant."

"One is located in the inner city, prosperous and lively, with dignitaries coming and going."

"The other is in the outer city, also bustling with people."

"In addition, there is a winery in the outer city, the old slave has already sent someone to negotiate, it is estimated that the storefront can be taken down this month, and then we can start brewing wine."

Speaking of these.

Excitement and anticipation flashed in Lin Fu's eyes, being able to create an industry for his Young Master in this capital city of Ying Tian, he was full of excitement and anticipation.

"Ying Tian is a place where dignitaries gather, opening a restaurant and winery, according to the rules, we need to report to the government, did you encounter any obstacles in these things?" Shen Yuer was still worried and couldn't help but ask.

"Young Lady, you underestimate the prestige of the Young Master now."

"At first, the old slave sent someone to the government office to handle the official documents for opening a restaurant and winery, and those literary officials made things difficult in every way, with many obstacles."

"After all, the merchant status is lowly in Great Ming."

"But when the Young Master's identity was revealed, things immediately became smooth and unobstructed."

"Now the Young Master has truly entered the ranks of dignitaries, and being enfeoffed as a Marquis at less than twenty years old is unprecedented since the founding of Great Ming."

"No one dares to offend the Young Master."

Lin Fu said, his tone full of pride and arrogance.

Regarding the situation in Ying Tian, and even dealing with those officials and dignitaries in Daning Prefecture, Lin Fu dealt with them a lot.

If you have power and don't use it, that's stupid.

Furthermore.

Lin Fu did not use any power, but used his Young Master's prestige.

His Young Master made many battle contributions in Great Ming, known to the court, and is deeply valued by the Emperor and the Crown Prince, so opening a restaurant and winery, these small things are naturally no one dares to block.

"Now the imperial edict has not been officially issued, and I don't know if this enfeoffment as Marquis is true or false."

Shen Yuer shook her head slightly, whispering.

Although the streets were already spreading it, and everyone in the mansion was discussing this matter, the imperial edict had not arrived for a day, and she was always uneasy in her heart.

"Forget it, anyway, the Young Master's luck is prosperous now, that is enough."

"The old slave only cares about carefully preparing the industry for the Young Master in Ying Tian Prefecture, even if the Young Master resigns and returns to seclusion in the future, our family will have no worries about food and clothing."

Lin Fu waved his hand indifferently, his face carrying an optimistic smile.

In his heart, everything is for his Young Master, as long as he can obtain long-term stability for the Young Master, he is satisfied.

Things on the battlefield.

He, the housekeeper, cannot help, but things in the mansion, and even things in the industry, Lin Fu will definitely not let his Young Master worry.

Just at this time!

"Mother."

"Mother."

Several crisp shouts came from outside the hall.

Only to see a little guy dressed in black gorgeous clothes, shaking and opening his arms, walking toward Shen Yuer with unsteady steps from outside the hall.

Two maids followed closely behind, protecting him with full smiles.

"Xi'er."

As soon as Shen Yuer saw Zhu Xi, the smile immediately appeared on her originally slightly worried face, she greeted him quickly, and hugged the little guy.

Now.

Zhu Xi is already eight months old, not only

……

The next day!

Morning.

Outside the imperial palace, the main gate, Hongwu Gate, stood towering and magnificent, with an imposing aura.

Shen Yuer's carriage, driven personally by Lin Fu, slowly drove up to the gate.

"Halt."

The Imperial Guards on duty at Hongwu Gate immediately stepped forward, their long spears crossed, blocking the carriage's path.

"My mistress is the wife of the Champion Earl, here by the Crown Prince's decree to visit the Donggong."

"Please trouble yourselves to announce us."

Lin Fu hurriedly climbed down from the driver's seat, speaking with a face full of smiles to the Company Commander on duty before him.

"So it is Lady Zhu."

Upon hearing Lin Fu's words, this Imperial Guard Company Commander and the surrounding guards instantly showed expressions of reverence on their faces.

Today!

It was the very day the news was proclaimed that the Northern Yuan cavalry had been routed by the army led by Zhu Ying; the palace guards were well-informed and naturally had long since heard of Zhu Ying's heaven-shaking military exploits.

The Imperial Guards were all elites carefully selected from various armies; Zhu Ying's bravery and fearlessness, along with his feat of leading the Great Ming army to crush the Northern Yuan's strongest forces, made every Great Ming soldier, including these guards, admire and acknowledge him from the bottom of their hearts.

"The Crown Prince has already given instructions: if Lady Zhu enters the palace, she may be let through directly."

"This subordinate is willing to lead the way for Lady Zhu."

The Company Commander on duty bowed and replied loudly.

Their reverence for Zhu Ying was fully displayed at this moment.

"In that case, I trouble you, Company Commander."

Lin Fu hurriedly thanked him.

After all, the inner palace was like a labyrinth; if one were led astray and accidentally trespassed into a forbidden area, it would be a grave crime.

"Please."

The Company Commander waved his hand, and the guards on duty quickly dispersed, clearing a path.

Subsequently, he personally took the horse's reins, leading the way in front, heading toward the Donggong.

To be able to receive such an honor.

Perhaps only Zhu Ying's prestige could bring it about.

The imperial palace was grand in scale, with all its halls and pavilions magnificent.

Imperial Guards on patrol could be seen everywhere.

After about half an incense stick of time, under the guidance of the Company Commander, they finally arrived before a complex of palaces.

Unlike the main palace gate guarded by the Imperial Guards, this place was guarded by the Jin Wuwei, who were directly under the Donggong.

Looking around, Jin Wuwei stood everywhere, and those on patrol were endless; the entire palace complex was heavily guarded.

Or rather.

The entire imperial palace was an airtight iron barrel, with sentries at every turn; if an assassin truly wanted to strike or infiltrate, it would be as difficult as ascending to heaven.

Upon reaching the main gate of the Donggong, Luo Yang had already received word and was currently standing outside the gate waiting.

"Lady Zhu."

Luo Yang walked with long strides to the carriage, cupping his hands in a salute.

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

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

Looking at the majestic and magnificent palace before her, a sense of trepidation could not help but well up in Shen Yuer's heart.

Three years ago!

She was merely a merchant's daughter of low status, yet now she stood at the core of Great Ming's power, about to meet the Crown Prince of Great Ming; this massive shift in status left her momentarily dazed, as if she were in a dream.

"Commander Luo."

"This subordinate will leave you here."

"This subordinate takes his leave."

The Company Commander who had brought Shen Yuer bowed to Luo Yang and then slowly retreated.

Luo Yang nodded at him.

"I cannot lose face for my husband; I represent him now."

Shen Yuer took a deep breath, struggling to calm the nervousness in her heart, lifted her head, and looked at Luo Yang before her with a gentle expression, asking softly: "Commander Luo, should I go straight in, or are there other arrangements?"

"Steward Lin will wait outside the palace; I will lead Lady Zhu into the palace for the audience."

Luo Yang first gave instructions to Lin Fu, then turned to the side and made a gesture of invitation toward the hall.

"Very well."

Shen Yuer nodded, holding her son, and walked forward with cautious steps.

Outside the Donggong!

The security was tight, and the atmosphere was solemn.

Once inside the Donggong, there was a sentry every five steps and a guard every ten; the Jin Wuwei on duty stood like statues, but the weapons they held all glinted with cold light, looking very stern.

Under Luo Yang's guidance, they proceeded without obstruction and soon arrived outside the main hall of the Donggong.

Shen Yuer held Zhu Xi tightly, her heart full of caution and trepidation.

Yet the little fellow Zhu Xi was completely unaware, opening his large, watery eyes and curiously observing his surroundings, full of wonder at this strange and novel environment.

"Your Highness, Lady Zhu has arrived with her son and is waiting outside the hall; may they enter?"

Luo Yang stood outside the hall, bowing and calling into the hall.

Only a few breaths passed.

"Come in."

Zhu Biao's gentle yet majestic voice came from within the hall.

"Lady Zhu, please enter."

Luo Yang immediately turned, pointing his finger at the hall before them, and said respectfully to Shen Yuer.

"Thank you."

Shen Yuer thanked him softly, looking up at the Donggong hall that symbolized supreme power, her heartbeat quickening involuntarily.

After all!

The person she was about to meet was the second most powerful person in Great Ming after the Emperor, the current Crown Prince, the future Emperor of Great Ming.

Let alone an ordinary woman like her.

Even those high officials would likely be nervous when meeting him.

Imperial power!

Is deterrence itself.

Inside the hall, there were no Jin Wuwei on duty, and it appeared exceptionally quiet.

Zhu Biao sat upright in the main seat, his expression focused as he reviewed memorials.

Beside him were only two personal eunuchs; one was carefully grinding ink for him, while the other waited to the side, ready to hand him memorials at any moment.

Zhu Biao held a brush in his hand, focused on reviewing one memorial after another, his expression serious and meticulous.

In history, there was a theory that the reason Zhu Biao died young in his prime was not unrelated to his long-term overwork.

In the Hongwu period, after the abolition of the chancellery system, both the Emperor and the Crown Prince shouldered heavy administrative burdens.

Especially the current Emperor, who delegated most of the power to the Crown Prince, making Crown Prince Zhu Biao increasingly busy, immersed every day in mountains of government affairs.

"Subject's wife Shen Yuer, with my son Zhu Xi, pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Stepping into the hall, Shen Yuer walked to the center, gently set Zhu Xi down, and then slowly bowed in a dignified manner.

As a titled lady.

Naturally, there was no need to perform the kneeling kowtow.

Zhu Xi looked at his mother with a blank expression, perhaps infected by the serious atmosphere, and was surprisingly quiet, not crying or making a fuss.

"No need for formalities, rise."

Zhu Biao did not look up immediately, his brush still moving across the memorial, as if he wanted to finish reviewing the one at hand.

"Thank you, Your Highness."

Shen Yuer thanked him softly, slightly lifting her head to steal a glance at Zhu Biao.

She saw Zhu Biao fully absorbed in reviewing the memorials, very earnest, with no intention of stopping at all.

"Rumor has it that the current Crown Prince is exceptionally diligent, arguably the most so of any Crown Prince in history; now it seems the reputation is well-deserved."

"No wonder Great Ming's national strength is so robust now, and no wonder my husband could gain promotions and titles based on his military merits."

"All of this is due to the sagacity and decisiveness of the Emperor and the Crown Prince."

Shen Yuer thought to herself.

At this moment.

As Zhu Biao reviewed the memorials, she dared not make a sound to disturb him, so she could only hold Zhu Xi's hand, standing quietly 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 Works coordinate immediately to ensure these supplies are sent to the northern frontier as soon as possible."

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

"This servant obeys the decree."

The eunuch took the memorial with both hands and replied respectfully.

Then he walked quickly toward the side hall to deliver the memorial.

Having finished his official duties, Zhu Biao finally looked up, his gaze falling on Shen Yuer.

And the moment he looked up, a gentle smile appeared on Zhu Biao's face; this smile was cordial, instantly making the atmosphere of the originally solemn and grave Donggong hall much more relaxed.

"Shen Yuer." Zhu Biao smiled slightly, glancing at Shen Yuer, nodding in praise: "Not bad! You and Zhu Ying are truly a talented man and a beautiful woman, a match made in heaven."

This praise.

Was naturally praising Shen Yuer for her superior appearance, worthy of Zhu Ying.

"Thank you for your praise, Your Highness."

Shen Yuer hurriedly bowed in thanks, her heart trembling, but maintaining composure on the surface.

She was cheering herself on inside, knowing she came representing her husband and must not lose face for Zhu Ying.

At this moment!

Zhu Xi, hiding behind Shen Yuer, heard Zhu Biao's voice and, curiosity piqued, secretly poked out his little head, opening his bright, large eyes to look curiously at Zhu Biao.

As he poked his head out.

Zhu Biao's gaze also fell upon Zhu Xi beside Shen Yuer.

At this look.

Zhu Biao was suddenly stunned, his eyes widening instantly, his gaze fixed firmly on Zhu Xi, as if he had seen something incredible.

"Xiongying?"

Zhu Biao couldn't help but whisper, a wave of indescribable emotion surging in his eyes.

In that gaze, there was shock, confusion, but even more so, a deep sense of longing.

……

(End of chapter)