Chapter 187: Zhu Biao: Father, I Wish to Adopt Zhu Xi as My Adopted Grandson

Zhu Biao smiled warmly and said, “The Zhu family’s winery and taverns have now gained considerable renown in Yingtian City, and their fine wines are truly top-tier brews.”

“I’ve long wished to taste them, but never had the chance.”

“Since you’ve brought them today, my father and I naturally cannot refuse such a thoughtful gift.”

Zhu Biao, after all, was Zhu Biao—he deftly eased Shen Yuer’s unease with just a few words.

“My husband and I are both deeply blessed by the imperial grace.”

“The wine we offer is but a humble token of our heartfelt gratitude.”

“We humbly beg Your Majesty and the Crown Prince not to disdain it,” Shen Yuer replied respectfully.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s lips curved into a gentle smile as he said, “You’ve thought of everything.”

“Yunqi.”

“When we dine, be sure to bring up the wine Shen Yuer brought.”

The moment he finished speaking,

Outside the hall!

Yunqi immediately bowed and replied, “Your servant obeys.”

“Little Zhu Xi.”

“Do you remember me?” Zhu Biao leaned down slightly, drawing close to Zhu Xi, his face softened with a warm smile as he asked softly.

Zhu Xi looked up, his gaze fixed directly on Zhu Biao.

His small head tilted to one side, those big eyes darting about as if he were truly thinking hard.

After a moment,

Zhu Xi suddenly seemed to remember something.

“A weng?” Zhu Xi ventured, whispering softly.

Hearing this call, Zhu Biao felt an indescribable surge within him; his eyes instantly grew complex. He opened his mouth to respond, but the tangled emotions inside choked him, leaving him speechless.

Zhu Yuanzhang, standing beside him, observed it all and understood Zhu Biao’s feelings perfectly.

“Mm.”

Zhu Biao stepped forward, gently taking Zhu Xi from Zhu Yuanzhang’s arms, and softly replied.

For Zhu Biao, that single word “A weng” felt like the long-denied comfort his heart had always craved.

He couldn’t help but wonder—if his own son were still alive, perhaps he’d now be of an age to marry and establish a household, and maybe even have a sweet little grandson like this, playing and laughing beside him.

“A weng, why are you crying?”

Zhu Xi looked up, his eyes filled with confusion as he gazed at Zhu Biao with genuine concern.

His childish tone carried both the innocent bewilderment of a child and pure-hearted care.

Perhaps,

it was precisely this innocence and concern that deeply moved Zhu Biao’s heart.

“A weng is fine.”

“A weng is overjoyed to see Xi’er. Seeing you reminds me of someone very important, and that’s why I cried with happiness,” Zhu Biao said, his eyes slightly damp, tears glimmering in his lashes, as he held Zhu Xi tightly, his voice still tender and gentle.

For Zhu Biao, these tears revealed just how profoundly he was stirred.

“It seems the Crown Prince and the Emperor truly miss someone.”

“Could it be that Xi’er resembles the person they long for?”

“But who in all the land could make both the Emperor and the Crown Prince so deeply nostalgic?” Shen Yuer wondered, filled with curiosity.

After all,

Shen Yuer had just arrived in Yingtian, knew no one, and the matter of the former Crown Prince’s death had long passed, becoming the city’s greatest taboo—no one dared mention it lightly.

Moreover, Shen Yuer knew little of imperial affairs to begin with.

But now,

Shen Yuer dared not look around; she kept her head lowered.

She knew Zhu Biao had touched a deep wound within him, and as an outsider, silence was best—she must pretend she saw nothing.

“Your Majesty.”

“It is already noon. Should we serve the meal?”

Yunqi’s voice came from outside the hall, respectful and courteous.

“Already noon?”

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn’t help but marvel at how swiftly time passed, yet he gave no hesitation: “Serve the meal.”

“Your servant obeys.”

Yunqi departed to carry out the order.

Not long after,

A group of palace maids entered in sequence, skillfully arranging tables and chairs, then brought dish after dish to the table.

Yet,

To Shen Yuer’s surprise,

The table held none of the lavish meats or rare delicacies she’d expected—only simple home-style dishes, and even the meat dish was just one small plate.

Clearly,

Zhu Yuanzhang’s lifestyle was exceedingly plain.

“Rumors say the current Emperor is moody and unpredictable, yet common folk revere him as a sage ruler.”

“And the Emperor has always been compassionate toward the people, living simply.”

“Now that I’ve seen it with my own eyes, the tales are true,” Shen Yuer thought inwardly, her admiration for Zhu Yuanzhang deepening further.

“Today’s meal is a small banquet, a reward for the Champion Marquis’s great deeds. Since the Champion Marquis has not yet returned in triumph, I invited you and your son here first,” Zhu Yuanzhang explained with a smile.

Shen Yuer immediately rose and bowed deeply in gratitude: “Your servant thanks Your Majesty and the Crown Prince for this great grace.”

After all,

To be personally invited to dine by the Emperor and Crown Prince was a rare honor most court ministers could only dream of.

And Shen Yuer—a woman—had been granted this privilege; the honor was almost unimaginable.

“Yuer.”

“You are, in a sense, my junior; I shall address you thus.”

“My father has always favored simplicity; his meals are usually just these humble home dishes, so don’t overthink it,” Zhu Biao said, smiling as he looked at the dishes and explained to Shen Yuer.

“To be granted a meal by Your Majesty is the greatest honor for your servant,” Shen Yuer replied respectfully.

She did not utter flattery or exaggerated praise, for she knew such artificial words might offend the Emperor and Crown Prince.

“Enough.”

“We’ve finished our morning reviews.”

“Biao’er, take your seat,” Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

“Yes, Father, please sit first.”

Zhu Biao smiled broadly, holding Zhu Xi as he walked toward the table.

He stood aside, not sitting immediately.

In Huaxia, since ancient times, strict rituals governed the relationships between father and son, and between ruler and minister.

Zhu Biao would never overstep.

Only after Zhu Yuanzhang had settled firmly into his seat

did Zhu Biao slowly sit down, gently placing Zhu Xi beside him.

Shen Yuer slightly turned her body, stepped slowly toward the table, her expression still restrained.

“Don’t be so formal. Sit.”

“This little one will sit with me,” Zhu Biao said with a smile.

“It’s Xi’er’s fortune,” Shen Yuer replied with a smile.

Saying no more, she sat down slowly.

“Begin eating.”

“Just simple home dishes—no need to be polite.”

Zhu Yuanzhang picked up his chopsticks, lifted his bowl, and smiled.

He then began to eat.

Though he was Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang observed no elaborate dining rituals—perhaps he already regarded Shen Yuer as family, so he felt no need for restraint.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao smiled, turned to Zhu Xi beside him, and asked softly, “Little one, can you feed yourself?”

“Yes.”

Zhu Xi answered confidently, then skillfully picked up his chopsticks, easily grasping a piece of food, and proudly glanced at Zhu Biao.

“This little one is truly clever.”

“So young, and already uses chopsticks,” Zhu Biao praised with a smile, his eyes brimming with affection for Zhu Xi.

Chopsticks!

At the time, they were called “zhu.”

The term “kuai zi” had not yet emerged. [Author’s note: He uses “chopsticks” directly.]

“I saw my mother use them, so I learned.”

“I’m already a big boy—I don’t need anyone to feed me,” Zhu Xi said earnestly.

Obviously.

With innate talent enhancing him, Zhu Xi’s learning ability surpassed ordinary people—he excelled not only in academics but also in everyday learning, astonishing all who witnessed it.

Zhu Biao watched Zhu Xi more and more fondly. After a moment’s thought, his expression turned serious as he looked at Zhu Yuanzhang and said, “Father.”

“I have an idea.”

Seeing Zhu Biao’s serious expression, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, “Biao’er, speak your mind.”

“This child—I grow fonder of him the more I look.”

“I wish to adopt him as my adopted grandson. What do you think, Father?” Zhu Biao ventured cautiously.

At these words,

Shen Yuer beside him froze in shock.

She was utterly stunned, her mind blank.

“Did I… hear that right?”

“The Crown Prince wants to adopt Xi’er as his adopted grandson?”

“What kind of grace could possibly earn such an honor?”

“How is this possible?”

Though Shen Yuer still held chopsticks and bowl, taking small bites of rice, her heart was already swept by a storm of shock.

Had she not been seated at the table, had she not heard these words with her own ears, she would never have believed it.

The Crown Prince adopting him as an adopted grandson!!

This was no mere favor—it was imperial grace on a scale beyond measure, a fortune deeper than oceans.

Hearing Zhu Biao’s words, seeing his earnest expression, and glancing at Zhu Xi—whose features so closely resembled his own grandson—Zhu Yuanzhang smiled faintly. How could he refuse?

Immediately,

Zhu Yuanzhang said seriously, “Since you have this intention, then go ahead.”

“As heir to the nation, you need not seek my approval for every decision you make.”

“I understand your thoughts and intentions.”

Upon receiving Zhu Yuanzhang’s consent, Zhu Biao’s face lit up with a brilliant smile, and he quickly bowed in thanks: “Thank you, Father.”

Then,

Zhu Biao turned his gaze to Zhu Xi beside him, reached out, and gently stroked his small head, saying softly, “You’ve already called me ‘Aweng.’ Now I shall make that title rightful and proper.”

“Yuer.”

“I wish to adopt Xi’er as my adopted grandson. Do you agree?”

Zhu Biao turned his gaze toward Shen Yuer again.

Hearing this question,

Shen Yuer snapped back to reality, her face instantly glowing with ecstatic joy.

This was such an extraordinary blessing—no thought was needed. Shen Yuer nodded vigorously, her voice trembling with excitement: “If Xi’er is honored to be adopted by the Crown Prince, it is the accumulated virtue of three lifetimes for my husband, this humble wife, and Xi’er himself.”

“This humble wife thanks the Crown Prince for his boundless grace.”

Saying this,

Shen Yuer rose in excitement and bowed deeply before Zhu Biao.

Though she was not born into a noble family, she well understood that such an opportunity was rare beyond measure.

To let it slip would be sheer foolishness.

As long as Zhu Xi acknowledged Zhu Biao as his Aweng, his future would be limitless, filled with boundless possibilities.

“Hah!”

Seeing Shen Yuer’s enthusiastic agreement, Zhu Biao was equally delighted.

Then,

He gently lifted Zhu Xi, examining him carefully from head to toe, growing more satisfied with each glance.

“Father.”

“Since Xi’er is now my adopted grandson, he should naturally take the character from our Zhu family’s generational naming sequence,” Zhu Biao said with a smile.

“Of course, it is your prerogative,” Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with a smile, having no objection.

He, too, held great affection for this child.

Of course,

From the standpoint of imperial authority,

Zhu Biao’s act of bestowing this favor carried extraordinary significance.

By adopting Zhu Xi as his grandson, Zhu Ying would be irrevocably bound to the Crown Prince and would surely pledge unwavering loyalty to Zhu Biao in the future.

Though they could not cement ties through marriage, using Zhu Xi as a bond would firmly draw Zhu Ying into Zhu Biao’s circle.

Therefore,

Whether viewed from emotion or politics,

Zhu Yuanzhang would never oppose this.

First, he truly loved Zhu Xi; second, this act would effectively win hearts.

It would also draw Zhu Ying closer to the imperial clan.

“Yuer.”

“Since Xi’er is now my adopted grandson, his name must include the Zhu family’s generational character ‘Wen.’”

“From now on, he shall be called Zhu Wenxi. What do you think?” Zhu Biao smiled again at Shen Yuer.

“This is Xi’er’s supreme honor—and the greatest fortune for our entire family,” Shen Yuer replied quickly.

As always: such a divine opportunity? Only a fool would refuse.

Shen Yuer naturally threw herself fully into making this happen.

Perhaps, one day, her son would truly become the Zhu family’s protective talisman.

“Xi’er.”

“From now on, your name is Zhu Wenxi.”

Zhu Biao said solemnly to Zhu Xi.

“Huh?”

Zhu Xi looked bewildered, glancing at Zhu Biao, then turning to his mother.

Seeing his mother nod, Zhu Xi finally nodded firmly and replied, “Yes.”

Obviously,

Though Zhu Xi was still young, he understood one truth: obey your mother.

At this moment,

Yun Qi, who had just entered the hall, appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was in turmoil.

“The Crown Prince has adopted this child as his grandson—and even granted him a generational character.”

“This is no small matter—it’s monumental.”

“In the future, the family of the Marquis of Champion will become a pivotal power in the Great Ming.”

“With the Marquis’s legendary battlefield achievements, plus this child becoming the Crown Prince’s adopted grandson, his future achievements are incalculable.”

“When I first saw the child’s face, I suspected the Emperor would be moved—but I never imagined it would trigger such a seismic event. Once this spreads, it will send shockwaves through all of Ying Tian,” Yun Qi thought to himself.

As the Emperor’s personal attendant, he knew many state secrets.

But compared to today’s event, all others seemed trivial.

“Your Majesty, Crown Prince.”

“This is the fine liquor brought by Lady Zhu.”

Yun Qi held out a flask of wine with both hands, bowing respectfully.

Earlier, when Shen Yuer had brought the wine, Yun Qi had, as per protocol, taken it to be tested for poison. After all, anything presented to the Emperor must undergo strict inspection to eliminate all risks.

“Perfect.”

“Today, we’ve gained another grandchild—this is a great joy.”

“We must drink a cup and celebrate properly,” Zhu Yuanzhang laughed.

He gestured for Yun Qi to pour.

Yun Qi stepped forward and poured wine for Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, and Shen Yuer in turn.

As the wine flowed, a rich, mellow aroma instantly filled the air, intoxicating the nose.

Zhu Yuanzhang sniffed it, his face instantly showing surprise; then he took a small sip and praised repeatedly: “Excellent! Excellent!”

“This wine truly deserves the title ‘premium fine brew.’”

“Even compared to the finest wines in the imperial palace, this one surpasses them.”

“Biao’er, try it.”

Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

Zhu Biao did not hesitate—he lifted his cup and drained it in one gulp.

Instantly, surprise appeared on his face as he looked at Shen Yuer and said, “Now I understand why your Zhu family’s wine is so popular in Ying Tian—and even favored in places like Danning Prefecture.”

“This wine is truly a rare masterpiece!”

Hearing the praise from Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao, Shen Yuer quickly replied, “Thank you, Your Majesty and Crown Prince, for your kind words.”

“Before my husband joined the military, he devoted himself entirely to refining wine recipes. All these brewing methods were his own creation.”

"Perhaps, my husband has a rare talent for winemaking."

Upon hearing these words.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled faintly and said, "It seems our Great Ming’s Marquis of Champion truly possesses extraordinary talent—not only is he skilled in commanding troops, but he also has exceptional ability in winemaking!"

"Having a talent like the Marquis of Champion is a blessing for our Great Ming," Zhu Biao added in praise.

"After this northern campaign, we shall be able to see the Marquis of Champion again," Zhu Yuanzhang said with anticipation.

…

(End of Chapter)