[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut":3,"chapter-starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-173":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starting from the Battlefield: Gathering Attributes to Build the All-Heavens Ming Dynasty",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2341980,4577,"Chapter 173","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-173",173,"\u003Cp>Seeing Zhu Xi before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao’s thoughts immediately returned to those years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Xiongying was only this small.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Held in his Chang sister’s arms, calling him affectionately “Father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Ming had just been founded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those repeated calls of “Father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, seeing Zhu Xi, they seemed to echo endlessly in Zhu Biao’s ears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving Zhu Biao utterly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer watched Zhu Biao in confusion, but dared not speak, only feeling a quiet astonishment within.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s wrong with the Crown Prince? Why is he staring at Xi’er?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Has he violated some taboo?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer worried silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao slowly came back to himself, yet his gaze remained fixed on Zhu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And within that gaze lay many emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Memory!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sorrow!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guilt!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even a deep, unspoken fondness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiongying is gone; he cannot come back to life. The dead cannot be revived.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I watched him buried alongside his mother with my own eyes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao thought inwardly, his eyes fixed on Zhu Xi: “How can there be someone so identical? This Zhu Xi is almost a perfect replica of Xiongying as a child. Could reincarnation truly exist?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao’s heart was in turmoil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not seen his own son buried in the tomb, he would have believed Zhu Xi before him was his son returned from childhood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re Zhu Xi, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regaining himself, Zhu Biao smiled warmly at Zhu Xi, showing a tenderness he had never shown before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xi could only say “Father” and “Mother”; he did not understand Zhu Biao’s words.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nor did he know the meaning of names.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So he looked up blankly at his mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Come to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao smiled gently and waved to Zhu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer felt uneasy inside—Zhu Xi was still young, his actions unpredictable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he did something to offend, it would be disastrous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was about to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhu Xi seemed unafraid of Zhu Biao; he actually opened his arms and took small steps toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer could no longer speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why is Xi’er acting this way today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Usually, he’s shy around everyone except the two maids, me, and Lin Bo.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Why isn’t he afraid of the Crown Prince today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer was deeply puzzled and surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Zhu Xi actually approach, Zhu Biao’s face showed an indescribable emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plunged Zhu Biao deeper into memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Same Donggong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside this hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His beloved wife, Chang Shi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Carrying his son to find him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao remembered standing on the steps before the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Zhu Xiongying saw him—then about Zhu Xi’s age, just learning to walk, same as now—opened his arms and cried “Father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching Zhu Xi slowly approach, Zhu Biao’s eyes filled with tenderness and affection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He rose directly from his chair, stepped around the imperial desk, knelt before it, and opened his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eunuchs nearby were stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they dared not speak, only lowering their heads.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xi took his small steps and finally reached Zhu Biao, throwing himself into his arms—showing no fear at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao picked him up and stood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Xi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’ve got guts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You’re not afraid of me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Xi, so strikingly like his deceased son, and felt an unspoken fondness in his gaze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xi’er is usually shy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Except for me and the household steward, he fears everyone else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yet today, he isn’t afraid of Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It surprises me greatly,” Shen Yuer said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao’s smile deepened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Ha!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Xi, it seems you’re drawn to me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I feel the same toward you—deeply close,” Zhu Biao held Zhu Xi tightly; in this moment, it felt as if he were embracing his own son once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time in years since losing his child, he felt an indescribable comfort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer watched the scene and smiled too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It looked like grandfather and grandson.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was merely coincidence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Shen Yuer’s view, perhaps her son was merely curious about Zhu Biao, or perhaps Zhu Biao carried an innate warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yuer, I am much older than you—I’m practically your elder. I’ll address you this way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao smiled at Shen Yuer, playing with little Zhu Xi as he asked: “How are things in Yingtian?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yingtian is very prosperous; I am well in every way,” Shen Yuer replied gratefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Ying is a pillar of the state, the Great Ming’s youngest and most promising general.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I summoned you to Yingtian not to threaten Zhu Ying, but to let him focus on the northern campaign.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now, Zhu Ying’s reputation among the Northern Yuan grows daily; his enemies will do anything to harm him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And as his wife, you naturally become their target.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Danning is Great Ming territory, yet it lies on the frontier. If assassins or bandits infiltrate, it’s possible—but here in Yingtian, such things simply won’t happen,” Zhu Biao said to Shen Yuer with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Daning is certainly part of our Great Ming territory, but it lies on the frontier; if assassins or bandits truly infiltrated, it would be quite possible—but in Yingtian, none of this could ever happen,\" Zhu Biao said with a smile to Shen Yuer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Summoning Shen Yuer to Yingtian might have been meant to keep Zhu Ying in check, but this could not be said plainly—it would only cause resentment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao’s explanation was perfectly reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even in later ages, assassins and killers existed; how much more so now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And on the frontier? That goes without saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Located on the border of a prefecture, that goes without saying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nowadays, Zhu Ying is among the Northern Yuan and the Jians, whom they despise deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staying in Danning is indeed dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Shen Yuer immediately said: “Your humble wife thanks the Crown Prince for his concern on behalf of her husband! We have no complaints about coming to Yingtian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Crown Prince Zhu Biao himself to come and explain—this was an extraordinary honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao laughed, then said: “Of course! Summoning you to Yingtian isn’t just for better protection—it’s also so you can settle in first. When we eventually triumph in the northern campaign, Zhu Ying can directly return to the capital to pay homage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve heard Zhu Ying’s name countless times in Yingtian, yet I’ve never met him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After this northern campaign, I must meet him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer smiled and replied: “My husband has often told me he has long admired His Majesty and Your Highness, and has always wished to come to the capital and meet you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hah.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems you and I are drawn to each other,” Zhu Biao laughed heartily, clearly delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I hear your Zhu family also owns wine businesses—how are sales?” Zhu Biao asked with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer was not surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had already learned of the Embroidered Uniform Guard’s existence from her husband, and their business was never hidden—if Zhu Biao didn’t know, that would be strange.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My husband’s family originally ran a distillery; he has mastered the art of brewing. The wine our family produces is rich and mellow, so it’s greatly favored by drinkers.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In Danning, wine is in constant demand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that we’ve come to Yingtian, I plan to open a wine house and distillery here—first to generate income for our household, second to employ some common folk and support livelihoods,” Shen Yuer said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching how gentle Zhu Biao was, Shen Yuer grew less tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Trade is not the highest path.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But brewing wine isn’t truly trade either.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t get too involved in it. In our Hongwu era, merchants are not treated kindly—especially officials engaging in commerce. Though there’s no written rule, caution is essential,” Zhu Biao said with a tone of warning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer’s heart tightened, and she immediately nodded: “Your Highness need not worry—our Zhu family only owns distilleries and wine houses! Though this involves commerce, we will never engage in any corrupt practices.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No need to be tense.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was only mentioning it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After all, in His Majesty’s eyes, merchants chase profit—he cannot abide them becoming too powerful.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Ying is so young yet already possesses such ability—he will surely become a pillar of our Great Ming. He must not be distracted by other matters,” Zhu Biao said gently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your humble wife will remember Your Highness’s words. When my husband returns, I will surely relay them to him,” Shen Yuer nodded quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Shen family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You are Shen Wansan’s daughter? Why are you at odds with the Shen family?” Zhu Biao’s eyes flickered as he suddenly asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This question,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>made Shen Yuer’s heart flutter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her relationship with the Shen family,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>was her deepest wound—and one she could not avoid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Zhu Biao asking now,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer did not know how to answer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your humble wife dares not conceal it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I was raised in the Shen household from childhood; Shen Wansan is my nominal father.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke these words,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer recalled the years of humiliation she suffered in the Shen household, and her face darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao saw this and understood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Shen family is the Shen family. You are you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After marrying Zhu Ying, you belong to Zhu Ying—not the Shen family.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I only asked out of curiosity. Don’t overthink it. You need not answer,” Zhu Biao said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer exhaled in relief and immediately thanked him: “Thank you, Your Highness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the Shen family,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer had nothing good to say.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anything, it was that she met Zhu Ying in the Shen household—the first person who ever stood up for her, and who had cared for her for years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But later, when they reached Danning, the Shen family sent assassins to kill her and Lin Bo to silence them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These words, of course, were not to be spoken.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How old is this little one?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Xi in his arms and asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He is already eight months old.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He just learned to walk.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the time his father returns, he should be walking fully,” Shen Yuer replied softly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhu Xi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao stared at the child’s face—each glance stirred his heart deeply.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To him, it was as if he saw his deceased son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I like this little one very much,” Zhu Biao said gently, his gaze filled with warmth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s clear.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Highness loves children,” Shen Yuer smiled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao gave a faint smile and said nothing further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Crown Prince, heir to the throne,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>if he wished, he could take many concubines and have countless heirs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the imperial family, heirs were not rare—blood ties rarely ran deep.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Zhu Xi!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly stirred Zhu Biao’s most unforgettable memory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>his mother was alive, his wife was alive, his legitimate eldest son was alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The whole family,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>happy and harmonious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>everything had changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I summoned you and your child today to see how you’ve adjusted to life in Yingtian.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After all, Zhu Ying is a pillar of the state—I cannot neglect his wife and child.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now that I see you’ve grown accustomed to life here, I am at ease.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Enough.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Take the child back to your residence and rest.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you encounter any difficulties, come to the Eastern Palace and find me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao spoke gently, knelt down, and slowly set Zhu Xi down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your humble wife bows in thanks to Your Highness.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer bowed, then gently picked up Zhu Xi and walked slowly toward the palace gate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But just then!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xi lifted his small head, his big eyes fixed on Zhu Biao, and he clearly spoke: “A… A weng!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That word,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>froze Zhu Biao. He stared blankly at Shen Yuer and Zhu Xi, now at the palace gate, meeting Zhu Xi’s wide eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without thinking,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao softly replied: “Mm?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this reply,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Xi’s eyes widened, and he burst into giggles, clearly delighted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer, however, was stunned. She looked at Zhu Xi with a faint smile, then nervously addressed Zhu Biao: “Your Highness, at home we’ve always taught him to call elders ‘A weng,’ but he never spoke it—perhaps seeing Your Highness’s kindness made him say it all at once.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Go.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao waved his hand, his heart still unsettled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer, seeing this, hugged Zhu Xi and walked out of the grand hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no one could see.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On Zhu Biao’s smiling face, two clear tears streamed down from beneath his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiongying.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you were still here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps I’d already have a grandson to hold.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you were still here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You could have helped me shoulder so much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister Chang, I’m sorry—I didn’t protect our son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao’s tears flowed uncontrollably.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That a man as steadfast as the Crown Prince, the heir to the empire, could be so overcome with grief before all eyes—this alone showed how deeply Zhu Xi’s cry of “Aweng” had struck him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That one cry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Made Zhu Biao think of his son, then his wife, then his mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If… if they were all still alive, how wonderful it would be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What would Great Ming be like if they were still here?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eunuch serving before the imperial desk, seeing Zhu Biao frozen in place for a long while, whispered softly: “Your Highness!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the sound!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao slowly came back to himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately raised his hand and wiped away the tears from his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You may withdraw.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If I need you, I will summon you.” Zhu Biao turned and waved his hand to the eunuch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eunuch glanced nervously, then bowed deeply: “Your servant takes his leave.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the vast Donggong hall, only Zhu Biao remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sigh.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After all these years, I still cannot forget.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Biao took a deep breath, walked to the chair, and sat down heavily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside Donggong!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer stepped out holding Zhu Xi; Lin Fu immediately rushed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Mistress, are you unharmed?” Lin Fu asked in a low voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m fine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Crown Prince merely expressed some concern.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s return home,” Shen Yuer replied with a smile, giving Lin Fu a glance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu immediately understood, said nothing more, fetched the mounting step from the carriage, and helped Shen Yuer and her son aboard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Commander Luo, we’ll take our leave now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu thanked Luo Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Master Lin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The palace is vast; you might get lost. I’ll guide you out.” Luo Yang stepped forward and took the reins of the carriage himself, leading them out of the palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Thank you,” Lin Fu said at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside Donggong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Lü’s hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eunuch who had served Zhu Biao arrived inside and stood respectfully before Lü.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xiao Sanzi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What did the Crown Prince say to Zhu Ying’s wife today?” Lü asked with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Crown Prince said nothing special to that Madame Zhu—only expressed concern and warned her not to involve herself too deeply in merchant affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But… there is one more thing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know whether I should speak,” the eunuch said, voice trembling slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What is it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lü frowned and pressed immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After seeing Madame Zhu’s son, the Crown Prince grew unusually fond of him, even held him for a while—he clearly liked him very much.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And… and after Madame Zhu left, the boy unintentionally called out ‘Aweng.’ The Crown Prince… the Crown Prince seemed to weep.” The eunuch dared not hide it, speaking respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lü’s expression changed, as if something had occurred to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After glancing once more at the eunuch before her,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>she picked up a money pouch from the nearby table and tossed it toward him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Well done.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Leave now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The eunuch respectfully caught the pouch, then knelt and bowed his head repeatedly: “Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Your Majesty.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After several bows,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>the eunuch swiftly exited Lü’s palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the eunuch departed,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>a wave of hatred surfaced on Lü’s previously calm face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Crown Prince.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It seems you still haven’t forgotten that bastard.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All these years, in what way am I inferior to that woman? What about Yunwen—he’s no worse than that bastard, is he?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have I not moved you at all, after all these years?” Lü clenched her fists, a surge of resentment and hatred rising within her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Zhu Biao’s most favored concubine, Lü understood him well; hearing the eunuch’s account and recalling how Zhu Ying’s son calling “Aweng” had moved Zhu Biao to tears,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>she immediately knew the source of his emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, it was all because of Zhu Xiongying!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhu Mansion!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Young Mistress.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What exactly did the Crown Prince say just now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon returning home,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu asked with great concern.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Crown Prince reminded me that my husband holds an official title and should avoid involvement in merchant affairs.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He also made clear that the current Emperor dislikes merchants,” Shen Yuer said solemnly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu frowned, then said: “Does that mean the Crown Prince doesn’t want us to continue running our wine shops and taverns?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer shook her head. “He said wine shops and taverns aren’t deeply involved in merchant affairs, so it’s acceptable. He only warned me that the Zhu household must not engage in any other merchant activities—the current Emperor also disapproves of officials doing business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu sighed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then the Young Master’s businesses are safe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for other merchant ventures, our Zhu household has enough with our wine shops and taverns.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“As for the rest—we don’t care for them,” Lin Fu said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shen Yuer looked toward Zhu Xi beside her, speaking with a tone of quiet wonder: “Today, Xi’er was very strange.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s usually shy around strangers—never dares to approach anyone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But today, when he saw the Crown Prince, he walked up to him on his own—and let the Crown Prince hold him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“And when we left, he even called out ‘Aweng,’” Shen Yuer said, surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Fu smiled: “The Crown Prince is widely known in the people’s eyes as virtuous and benevolent, beloved by the masses. Perhaps it’s his aura that drew Xi’er to him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That must be it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Still, the Crown Prince clearly likes Xi’er,” Shen Yuer said with a smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s probably love for the father extending to the son.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Young Master fights for the nation, expands its borders, and has earned the Crown Prince’s deep regard. Naturally, he values the son of a trusted minister,” Lin Fu added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>……\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3120,"2026-06-20T23:30:09.614Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","499162ef4360b65978757079168d76c95cccc5c662ffd51195e0081ae3d13a20","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-174","starting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-chapter-172",204,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-from-the-battlefield-gathering-attribut-cover.jpg"]