Chapter 186: Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang was shocked, really exactly the same as Zhu Xiongying!

"But... but mother, you don't have to keep pressing me," Zhu Xi muttered with great dissatisfaction, his little face full of grievance: "I am very obedient."

Shen Shen Yuer turned a deaf ear, her fair and slender hand still firmly pressed on top of Zhu Xi's head; perhaps this was the influence of fatherly love, turning into motherly love like a mountain.

At this moment.

Shen Shen Yuer had no choice, her eyes full of worry.

Shen Shen Yuer was really exhausted by this little guy Zhu Xi's mischief in the mansion.

Thinking back to when Zhu Xi learned to walk, Zhu Xi was like a little demon king, jumping up and down, making the mansion jump and jump.

She was worried that this lawless temperament would not be restrained in front of the Emperor when he arrived at the Imperial Palace, and once he made a big mistake that exceeded the etiquette, it would be a disaster.

Although her husband had merits, Shen Shen Yuer was still very cautious.

She didn't want to drag her husband's hind legs.

Seeing this scene.

"Haha."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's hearty laughter echoed in the spacious hall, also reducing the sense of oppression significantly.

"This is not the imperial court, nor is it any solemn occasion, so there is no need to be so reserved."

"Little one, lift your head and let me get a good look at you."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes narrowed slightly, the wrinkles on his old face revealing a hint of kindness; clearly, he was amused and delighted by Zhu Xi's childish and cute tone.

Upon receiving these words from Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, Shen Shen Yuer's heart, which had been hanging high, relaxed slightly; she sighed helplessly and softly, slowly removing the hand that was pressing down on Zhu Xi, but at the same time whispered: "You had better behave yourself, or I'll make you regret it when we get home."

The next moment.

Zhu Xi, like a little bird freed from its bonds, was not at all shy; he quickly and curiously lifted his head, his large, dark, liquid eyes blinking as he looked at Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang in front of him.

That gaze was full of innocence and curiosity, as if the majestic Emperor before him were just an ordinary old man.

Of course.

A child also simply did not have that many thoughts.

It would have been fine not to lift his head, but with this lift, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang was shocked and stunned on the spot.

"This... this..."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's lips trembled slightly, and his voice became somewhat hoarse, as if his throat were choked by something.

His old eyes widened, staring fixedly at Zhu Xi, his gaze filled with shock and disbelief.

Even though Zhu Biao had mentioned Zhu Xi's appearance a few months ago, saying he looked somewhat similar to his late son, seeing it with his own eyes today, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang truly felt that this was not just similar—it was as if he had been carved from the same mold!

If not exactly the same, at least seven or eight parts alike.

Zhu Biao stood quietly to the side, looking at Zhu Xi, who was already over a year old, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

And deep in his eyes, there was a faint sadness; he lowered his head slightly, as if trying to hide his complex inner emotions.

Zhu Xi's face was like a sharp knife, easily reopening the long-sealed wound in his heart, reminding him of all the things from the past.

However!

Seeing Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's current state, Zhu Biao naturally understood the reason and remained silent.

He knew well that he himself had not yet fully emerged from the pain of the past, and his father was a man who valued emotions and righteousness; how could he easily let go?

Back then, that was the grandson they had pinned all their hopes and expectations on!

"What is wrong with Xi'er?"

Shen Shen Yuer was exceptionally intelligent, and clouds of doubt could not help but rise in her heart.

Her peripheral vision shifted back and forth between Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao, keenly sensing something unusual.

"No, when the Crown Prince first met Xi'er, he had this same look, staring straight at Xi'er."

"Could it be that Xi'er looks like someone the Emperor and the Crown Prince are familiar with?"

A flash of inspiration struck Shen Shen Yuer's mind, and she immediately associated it with the words "old friend."

Only this reason could explain why the current Emperor and Crown Prince showed such shocked expressions upon seeing Zhu Xi.

"Father."

Seeing Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang staring at Zhu Xi for a long time, his eyes filled with infatuation and nostalgia, Zhu Biao could not help but remind him softly.

This call was filled with his concern for his father, and also an attempt to pull his father back to reality from his memories.

This call indeed brought Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang back to his senses.

"No wonder Biao'er said back then, 'Could there be reincarnation in this world?'—so this is what he meant."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang was filled with deep emotion, his old face bearing an indescribable sense of vicissitudes.

"If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, how could I believe there are two people in this world who look so much alike."

"He looks exactly like Zhu Xiongying did when he was a child."

"Sigh... it's a pity Zhu Xiongying is gone; if he were still here, I would probably think this little guy was Zhu Xiongying's offspring—it's too similar."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang thought to himself, a deep sense of melancholy spreading in his heart.

However!

When Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang lifted his head and his gaze met Zhu Biao's, father and son had a tacit understanding, each knowing what the other was thinking.

The tacit understanding in those eyes was forged by years of deep family affection and shared experiences.

"Little one, what is your name?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang smiled slightly, the wrinkles on his face smoothing out, his tone gentle and kind.

This was a gentleness the court officials had never seen before.

Perhaps it was because the Zhu Xi before him made him involuntarily think of his most beloved eldest grandson.

At this moment.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang also felt as if he were in a wonderful dream, everything appearing so unreal yet beautiful.

As if his grandson had returned!

"My name is Zhu Xi."

Zhu Xi answered crisply, his voice childish but serious: "Zhu as in the Zhu family, Xi as in Zhu Xi."

As he spoke, Zhu Xi stretched out his little hand, gesturing stroke by stroke in the air, his manner earnest and cute.

It seemed he even knew how to write his own name.

"Haha."

Hearing the little guy's answer, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang could not help but laugh again, his laughter filled with doting.

His eyes turned, as if thinking of something interesting, and he continued to ask: "Then do you know the meaning of the character 'Xi'?"

When asking this.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed tightly on Zhu Xi, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Mother taught me this."

Zhu Xi tilted his head, his eyes rolling around, and answered earnestly: "The meaning of 'Xi' is brightness, prosperity, warmth, and flourishing."

When answering.

Zhu Xi tried hard to recall how his mother taught him, his little face filled with concentration; that serious expression was as if he were completing a task of utmost importance, which was extremely cute.

Hearing this.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao could not help but brighten up; the two looked at each other, a flash of surprise in their eyes.

Clearly, they had not expected at all that Zhu Xi, at such a young age, could actually answer this question.

This scene made the father and son feel as if they had returned to those years.

It was also in this Wenyuange, when Empress Ma was still alive, and the family was happy and harmonious.

Zhu Zhu Xiongying had already grown to four years old, like a lively little monkey, jumping and bouncing in the hall, very playful.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang sat before the imperial desk, as always, reviewing the mountain of memorials, the brush in his hand dancing non-stop on the paper.

"I say, Grandfather, aren't you tired of reviewing memorials day after day?"

Zhu Zhu Xiongying walked to Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's side with a dissatisfied look, hands on his hips, his little mouth pouting high: "Can't you spend more time with me?"

When saying this, Zhu Zhu Xiongying's eyes flashed with longing, full of anticipation for his grandfather's company.

"What does a little brat like you know?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang didn't even lift his head, the brush in his hand continuing to write: "What I am doing now concerns the major affairs of the world; every memorial is enough to influence the world and the national destiny of my Great Ming."

"If I go with you, who will handle these memorials?"

"Could it be you, little brat?"

Although his tone carried a hint of reproach, his eyes were full of doting.

From this dialogue, one could see that when Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang was with his grandson, it was just like a grandfather and grandson in an ordinary family—no barriers, intimate and inseparable.

"Throw them all to Father."

Zhu Zhu Xiongying answered without hesitation, a sly smile on his face: "Anyway, he is idle all day long."

Sure enough, Zhu Zhu Xiongying was a "great filial son"!

When there was such a good thing, he thought of his father.

Hearing this.

"Where is your father idle?" Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile, simultaneously putting down his brush, looking at his mischievous grandson, his eyes full of helplessness and doting.

"He comes to find trouble with me every day, and if he has nothing to do, he wants to beat me; you tell me if he is idle or not?"

Zhu Zhu Xiongying widened his eyes, saying with a face full of grievance.

Hearing this.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang could not help but laugh out loud, his laughter echoing in the hall.

He reached out and touched Zhu Zhu Xiongying's head, saying: "You little brat! I knew you didn't have good intentions; so you came here to hide from your father."

"Let me tell you, your father is not idle; there are countless matters of Great Ming weighing on him. You are just too young, otherwise, you would also have to handle affairs."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhu Xiongying waved his hands repeatedly, his head shaking like a rattle-drum: "Forget it, Grandfather, I am still a child, and this is the age when I should be playing."

As he spoke.

Zhu Zhu Xiongying immediately moved away from Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, as if afraid he would be made to handle memorials.

"Fine."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his grandson's lively appearance and smiled helplessly: "Since you are here today, Grandfather will test you."

"If you were to govern the world in the future, how would you treat the people?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang picked up a memorial again, reviewing it while asking with a smile.

Upon hearing this question!

Zhu Zhu Xiongying suddenly became quiet; he stopped his movements and thought seriously, the expression on his little face becoming very solemn.

After a moment of silence.

Zhu Zhu Xiongying lifted his head, his eyes firm as he said: "Grandfather gained the recognition of the people and rose from humble beginnings to become the supreme ruler."

"However! If my Zhu family's future descendants are arrogant, extravagant, and rule with tyranny, one day a new emperor will surely emerge to take the place of our Zhu family's world."

"If my Zhu family wants to stabilize the world and keep Great Ming prosperous forever, we must only lighten taxes, rule by law, punish corrupt officials, and bestow grace upon the people."

"Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it; this is the foundation."

Zhu Zhu Xiongying's childish voice echoed in the hall, every word and sentence resounding with power.

Listening to Zhu Zhu Xiongying's words, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's face, which had been smiling, immediately became serious.

He put down the memorial in his hand and looked at his grandson seriously, his eyes full of admiration and gratification.

And outside the hall!

Zhu Biao had been preparing to step into the hall, but after hearing his son's words, he stopped abruptly, his eyes filled with contemplation, falling into deep thought.

One can imagine that the reason Zhu Zhu Xiongying was able to receive the infinite favor of Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang and his father, and have such a noble status, relied not only on his noble birth but also on his own extraordinary intelligence.

In history, if Zhu Biao had lived a long life and Zhu Zhu Xiongying had survived, it is conceivable that Great Ming might not have suffered from internal strife leading to the depletion of national strength, and would have surely moved toward a more prosperous situation.

Thoughts returned to the present.

"This little guy really looks like Zhu Xiongying."

"Equally intelligent, equally sharp."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang sighed secretly in his heart: "And to be so intelligent at such a young age is truly rare."

At this moment.

He looked at Zhu Xi, his eyes full of love and admiration, as if seeing the shadow of the past Zhu Zhu Xiongying.

"Little one, do you know how to read?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang asked with a smile, though this was more meant as a tease; looking at Zhu Xi, he was also filled with curiosity.

"I know some characters," Zhu Xi nodded, his little head shaking back and forth, appearing very cute.

However, after finishing, he tilted his head again and added: "Mother said she would find some teachers to teach me how to read."

A look of anticipation appeared on Zhu Xi's face, as if he were very interested in reading.

"You really know how to read?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang asked in surprise. His eyes widened slightly, his face full of astonishment.

His eldest grandson was very intelligent when he was young and was hailed as a prodigy, but he only started learning to read at two years old.

And this little guy before him is only over a year old and already knows how to read, and now he even wants to find a teacher to teach him—how could this not make him feel surprised?

"I don't believe your words, little guy."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head with a smile, his eyes full of doting: "Come here, let's see if you recognize the characters on this."

As he spoke.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang beckoned to Zhu Xi, a smile of encouragement on his face.

Shen Shen Yuer, on the side, was full of worry; her hands clenched unconsciously, her eyes fixed tightly on Zhu Xi, her heart filled with unease.

But Zhu Xi was like a fearless little warrior; he wasn't afraid at all, and with his still-unsteady steps, he ran quickly toward Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang.

His body swayed, like a little duckling that had just learned to walk, his appearance extremely comical, which made Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang and his son look on with smiles in their eyes.

When he ran to Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Xi found that his height still couldn't reach the table.

He lifted his head and looked at Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, his eyes without the slightest fear, as if the person before him was not the awe-inspiring Emperor, but a kind elder.

He was seen climbing directly onto Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's thigh, his little hands gripping Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's dragon robe tightly, his little feet kicking hard, and in three steps, he climbed up like a nimble little monkey, sitting directly on Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's lap.

Seeing this scene, Shen Shen Yuer was completely stunned; her eyes widened, her hands covered her mouth, and the expression on her face instantly froze, completely terrified.

"Xi'er," Shen Shen Yuer called out in a low voice, her voice filled with tension and worry.

After calling out once, she subconsciously took a step forward, but dared not approach again, and could only worry anxiously on the side.

But at this moment.

For Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, looking at the little guy in his arms, a wave of indescribable warmth surged in his heart.

It was a feeling that touched the depths of his heart, as if the long-sealed door of emotion had been opened all at once.

It had been a long time.

He hadn't had this feeling for a long time.

The Zhu Xi of this moment was as if his beloved eldest grandson, whom he missed day and night, had returned to his side.

When Zhu Zhu Xiongying was still alive, he liked to climb onto him whenever he had the chance, pestering him to be carried on his back or held; those beautiful memories surged into his heart like a tide.

Looking at Zhu Xi in his arms, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, as Emperor, was usually as majestic as the heavens to the civil and military officials; at this moment, after losing his grandson for many years, he had a different kind of warmth for the first time, his gaze becoming incredibly soft, and his face beaming with a joyful smile.

"Look, do you recognize the characters on this?"

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang came back to his senses, gently picked up a memorial he was reviewing, and carefully brought it before Zhu Xi, a smile of encouragement on his face.

Zhu Xi immediately widened his eyes, as if he had discovered a treasure, staring tightly at the memorial; his large eyes quickly scanned the characters on it, and suddenly his eyes lit up.

"Heaven, Start, Memorial, Earth... and also Person, Present, I recognize all these characters."

Zhu Xi pointed excitedly at the characters on the memorial and said loudly.

His voice was crisp and loud; every time he read a character, his little hand pointed accurately at the corresponding character, his earnest appearance making people unable to help but smile.

"You little guy, I underestimated you."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang laughed in surprise, the wrinkles on his face revealing joy: "You actually really recognize them."

Clearly, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's words were full of admiration; he touched Zhu Xi's head again, his love for this little guy increasing by a few more points in his heart.

"Yes, I am very capable."

Zhu Xi lifted his head very proudly, his little chest puffed out high, his proud appearance as if he were declaring his greatness to the whole world.

"When Mother finds a teacher, I will recognize all the characters," Zhu Xi said, waving his little fist, full of confidence.

Looking at the cute appearance of this little guy, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Biao beside him; the two had a tacit understanding, and then both laughed in unison: "Hahaha."

The hearty laughter echoed for a long time in the Wenyuange hall, the laughter filled with joy and happiness, as if sweeping away the gloom of many years.

This was also a long-lost laughter that hadn't been heard for a long time.

Outside the hall!

Yun Qi, who was serving, and Guo Zhen, the commander of the Imperial Guard on duty, were quite surprised to hear this laughter.

They looked at each other, their eyes full of curiosity.

"I say, Eunuch Yun, how long has it been since you heard the Emperor laugh so heartily?"

Guo Zhen asked, looking at Yun Qi with a smile, his face carrying a hint of doubt; in his memory, it seemed he hadn't heard the Emperor laugh so heartily for a long time.

"A long time."

Yun Qi also had a face full of emotion; he sighed slightly, his eyes filled with memories: "And this is the Emperor's genuine laughter, not the kind directed at officials."

As he spoke, Yun Qi shook his head again, as if lamenting the passage of time.

"That is a rare thing."

Guo Zhen said in wonder, his eyes widening slightly, his face full of astonishment: "The Emperor usually does not show his emotions; today, Lady Zhu brought her young son to pay a visit, and it was actually able to make the Emperor so happy."

He looked toward the direction of the hall, his eyes full of curiosity.

"Yes."

Yun Qi nodded with a smile.

However, he didn't say anything clearly.

After all, he couldn't possibly say that the young son looked like the former Imperial Sun Er.

Perhaps this was also one of the reasons why the current Emperor was so happy.

But this matter remained a taboo for the Imperial Palace, and no one dared to overstep it, even an old man in the palace like him was no exception.

Inside the Wenyuange hall!

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang was very satisfied with Zhu Xi's performance; his face was always beaming with a smile, his eyes full of gratification.

It had been a long time since he had been so happy.

"Shen Shen Yuer."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang lifted his head and looked at Shen Shen Yuer, his eyes carrying admiration: "You have taught your son well; he is only over a year old and can already read."

At this moment.

Perhaps it was because of his love for the grandson that he extended his affection to the mother; his tone toward Shen Shen Yuer was also very gentle and kind.

"Replying to the Emperor," Shen Shen Yuer replied respectfully, lowering her head slightly, revealing humility: "This is not my teaching, but rather, when I was handling some matters in the manor, he watched from the side and learned it."

As she spoke, Shen Shen Yuer secretly glanced at Zhu Xi, her eyes full of pride.

Today really gave her face, and gave her husband face.

"Learned it just by watching?"

Upon hearing this, a flash of surprise crossed Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes.

He immediately lifted Zhu Xi in his arms, his face beaming with a joyful smile: "It seems this little guy really has a natural talent for learning."

"Maybe he will become the top scholar of my Great Ming in the future!"

As he spoke, he gently swayed Zhu Xi, just as if he were teasing his own grandson back then.

Zhu Xi tilted his head, looking curiously at Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, his large eyes filled with doubt: "What is a top scholar?"

This question was very innocent.

"It means the person with the most knowledge in the whole world within three years."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang explained with a smile, his eyes full of patience, which was rare.

If the court officials saw this, they would definitely think the Emperor had been impersonated.

"Only within three years?" Zhu Xi said seriously, his little face filled with firmness: "Then I want to be the person who has always been the most knowledgeable."

Looking at the cute appearance of this little guy, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile: "Then I will wait and see."

"Have you found a teacher for him yet?" Zhu Biao looked at Shen Shen Yuer and asked with concern; as always, he remained gentle and benevolent, making people feel very close.

Shen Shen Yuer folded her hands on her abdomen, bowed slightly, and replied respectfully: "I have already asked the steward to find one."

"In another period of time, one should be found."

Upon hearing this.

"Do you want me to help you find one?"

Zhu Biao looked at Shen Shen Yuer with a smile: "There are many knowledgeable people in the court."

This time, he also had the intention of an elder caring for a younger generation.

Upon hearing this, Shen Shen Yuer immediately bowed and saluted, her voice gentle and measured: "This subject's wife thanks the Crown Prince for his kindness, but my son has not yet reached the true age of enlightenment, so it is better to find a few teachers to teach him casually first."

Speaking to this point, she lifted her head slightly, her gaze shifting briefly between Zhu Biao and Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, and added respectfully: "When he truly becomes capable in the future, I will definitely request the Crown Prince to help recommend a few teachers."

After these words were spoken.

Shen Shen Yuer's tension relaxed slightly.

"Learning to read at over a year old."

"It is indeed rare."

"I am looking forward to him becoming a talent," Zhu Biao stared at Zhu Xi and said with great anticipation.

He was also very fond of him.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang gently stroked little Zhu Xi's head and said with emotion: "After all, his father is so capable, and at a young age, he has achieved no small success in commanding troops."

"Although this kid didn't inherit his father's military talent, he has a talent for literature, which is also not bad."

Before the words had finished.

Shen Shen Yuer seemed to think of something and said respectfully: "Emperor, Crown Prince."

"Coming here this time, I didn't prepare any good gifts, but I brought some self-brewed wine from the manor."

"I hope the Emperor and the Crown Prince will accept it."

(End of chapter)