Chapter 187

Upon hearing this, a happy smile appeared on Zhu Biao's face, and he said: "The Zhu family's winery and restaurant have already gained quite a reputation in Yingtian City, and the fine wine they produce is even more of a top-tier brew."

"I have always wanted to taste it, but I have been troubled by not having the opportunity."

"Since you brought it specially today, then Father and I will naturally not decline."

Zhu Biao was indeed Zhu Biao; in a few words, he cleverly resolved Shen Shen Yuer's anxiety.

"My husband and I have both received the vast grace of the Emperor."

"The wine offered this time is just a meager gift to express our feelings."

"I hope the Emperor and the Crown Prince will not mind," Shen Shen Yuer responded respectfully.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's mouth turned up, revealing a gentle smile, and he said immediately: "You have a heart."

"Yun Qi."

"When I have my meal, remember to present the wine brought by Shen Yuer."

As soon as the words fell.

Outside the hall!

Yun Qi immediately responded respectfully: "This servant obeys the decree."

"Little Zhu Xi."

"Do you still remember me?" Zhu Biao leaned over slightly, getting close to Zhu Xi, with a kind smile on his face, and asked softly.

Zhu Xi lifted his head, his gaze looking straight at Zhu Biao.

His little head tilted to one side, his large eyes rolling around, his appearance looking as if he were truly thinking seriously.

After a moment.

Zhu Xi seemed to have suddenly remembered something.

"Grandfather?" Zhu Xi asked tentatively in a small voice.

Hearing this call, a wave of indescribable emotion surged in Zhu Biao's heart, his gaze instantly becoming complex; he opened his mouth, wanting to respond, but the complex emotion in his heart made him speechless for a moment, unable to make a sound.

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang, on the side, took all of this in, naturally understanding Zhu Biao's feelings.

"Yes."

Zhu Biao took a step forward, gently taking Zhu Xi from Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's arms, and at the same time, responded softly.

For Zhu Biao, this call of "Grandfather" was like a comfort he had always longed for in the depths of his heart.

He couldn't help but think to himself, if his own son were still alive, perhaps he would have reached the age of starting a family and career, and perhaps he would also have such a cute grandson playing by his side.

"Grandfather, why are you crying?"

Zhu Xi lifted his head, his eyes full of confusion, looking at Zhu Biao, and asked with concern.

In that childish tone, there was both the confusion unique to a child and a pure concern.

Perhaps.

It was precisely this purity and concern that deeply touched Zhu Biao's heart.

"Grandfather is fine."

"Grandfather is extremely happy to see Xi'er. Seeing Xi'er, Grandfather remembered a very important person, so I was happy and cried," Zhu Biao's eyes were slightly moist, tears shimmering in his eye sockets; he held Zhu Xi tightly, but his voice remained incredibly kind and gentle.

For Zhu Biao, the tears at this moment were enough to show how strong the emotion in his heart was.

"It seems the current Crown Prince and the Emperor are truly missing someone."

"Could it be that Xi'er looks like the old friend they miss?"

"But in the whole world, who could it be that makes the Emperor and the Crown Prince miss them so much?" Shen Shen Yuer's heart was full of doubt and curiosity.

After all!

Shen Shen Yuer had just arrived in Yingtian and was unfamiliar with the place, and the matter of the former Imperial Sun Er had passed for many years, already becoming the biggest taboo in Yingtian City, which no one dared to mention easily.

In addition, Shen Shen Yuer knew very little about royal affairs.

But at this time.

Shen Shen Yuer dared not look around, only lowering her head.

She knew in her heart that Zhu Biao had touched the pain in the depths of his heart, and she was just an outsider; in this situation, it was best to remain silent and pretend she hadn't seen anything.

"Emperor."

"It is now noon, should the meal be served?"

Yun Qi's voice came from outside the hall, respectful and polite.

"It's noon already."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but sigh that time passed quickly, but he didn't hesitate at all and immediately ordered: "Serve the meal."

"This servant obeys the decree."

Yun Qi went to carry out the order.

Not long after.

A group of palace maids entered one after another, skillfully arranging tables and chairs in the hall, and then dishes were served on the table.

However.

What surprised Shen Shen Yuer quite a bit was.

There were no big fish or meat, or delicacies, on the table; what met her eyes were only some home-cooked dishes, and there was even only one dish of meat.

From this, it could be seen.

How simple Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang's life was.

"Rumors say the current Emperor has a temperamental personality. But the ordinary people respect the Emperor and regard him as a sage monarch."

"Moreover, the Emperor has always been considerate of the people and lives a simple life."

"Seeing it with my own eyes today, it is indeed well-deserved," Shen Shen Yuer sighed secretly in her heart, her admiration for Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang growing deeper.

"Today is just a small banquet, and it is also my reward for the Marquis of Champions for his great merit. The Marquis of Champions has not yet returned in triumph, so I invited you and your son to the palace to talk first," Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang explained with a smile.

"I thank the Emperor for his great grace, and thank the Crown Prince for his great grace, on behalf of my husband," Shen Shen Yuer immediately stood up and thanked him respectfully.

After all.

To be able to receive a private banquet from the current Emperor and Crown Prince was an honor that many ministers in the court dreamed of but could hardly reach.

And Shen Shen Yuer, a woman, was fortunate enough to receive this treatment; this honor was simply unimaginable.

"Shen Yuer."

"You can be considered my junior, so I will call you that."

"Father has always advocated simplicity, and usually, when he eats, it is mostly this kind of home-cooked meal, so you don't need to think too much," Zhu Biao looked at the dishes on the table and explained to Shen Shen Yuer with a smile.

"To be able to receive a banquet from the Emperor is my greatest honor," Shen Shen Yuer replied respectfully.

She didn't say those flattering words, nor did she deliberately praise, because she knew well that overly artificial words might instead cause the resentment of Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang and his son.

"Alright."

"The morning review ends here for now."

"Biao'er, take your seat," Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile.

"Alright, Father, please take your seat first."

Zhu Biao was all smiles, holding Zhu Xi, and walked toward the table.

He stood to the side and did not rush to sit down.

In the land of Huaxia, since ancient times, there have been strict etiquette norms between father and son, and between monarch and subject.

Zhu Biao naturally would not overstep in the slightest.

After Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang sat down steadily.

Zhu Biao sat down slowly, placing Zhu Xi gently beside him.

Shen Shen Yuer turned slightly to the side, her steps light and slow as she approached the table, her expression still carrying a hint of reserve.

"No need to be reserved, sit down."

"This little guy will sit with me," Zhu Biao said with a smile.

"This is Xi'er's good fortune," Shen Shen Yuer responded with a smile.

After saying that, she didn't say anything more and sat down slowly.

"Let's eat."

"They are all home-cooked dishes, no need to be polite."

Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang picked up his chopsticks, lifted his bowl, and said with a smile.

Immediately, he began to eat.

Although he was the Emperor, when eating, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang didn't pay much attention to many tedious formalities, or perhaps he had already regarded Shen Shen Yuer as one of his own, so he didn't have many scruples.

Seeing this, Zhu Biao's face showed a smile; he turned to look at Zhu Xi beside him and asked softly: "Little guy, do you know how to eat by yourself?"

"Yes."

Zhu Xi answered confidently; immediately after, his little hand skillfully picked up the chopsticks, easily picked up a piece of vegetable, and then glanced at Zhu Biao proudly.

"This little guy is truly clever."

"So young, and he already knows how to use chopsticks," Zhu Biao praised with a smile, his eyes full of fondness as he looked at Zhu Xi.

Chopsticks!

At that time, they were called "Zhu."

However, the term "chopsticks" had not yet appeared at this time. 【The author used "chopsticks" directly】

"I saw Mother and the others use them, so I followed and learned."

"I am already a big kid, I don't need others to feed me," Zhu Xi said earnestly.

Clearly.

The blessing of talent made Zhu Xi's learning ability exceed that of ordinary people; not only did he perform well in his studies, but his learning ability in daily life was also astonishing.

The more Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Xi, the more he felt full of joy. After thinking for a moment, his expression became serious; he looked at Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang and said: "Father."

"I have an idea."

Seeing Zhu Biao's earnest look, Zhu Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile: "Biao'er, if you have any ideas, just say them."

"The more I look at this little guy, the more I like him."

"I want to adopt him as my foster grandson; I wonder what Father thinks?" Zhu Biao tested carefully.

As soon as these words were spoken.

Shen Shen Yuer on the side was instantly stunned.

She was completely dumbfounded, her mind a blank.

"I... I didn't hear wrong, did I?"

"The Crown Prince wants to adopt Xi'er as his foster grandson?"

"Why is he so guarded against me?"

"I have never shown too much in front of him, and I have always treated him with courtesy."

"Of course, except for today."

Zhu Di had a thoughtful look on his face, full of wariness, or even fear, of Zhu Ying.

And listening to Zhu Di's words.

Yao Yao Guangxiao did not say anything more.

He could see that Zhu Di was truly afraid.

Afterward.

Yao Yao Guangxiao walked directly to the side, took down Zhu Di's sword, threw it directly at Zhu Di, and then stood up and walked in front of Zhu Di.

"Your Highness."

"Since you have already made a choice in your heart, then kill me."

Yao Yao Guangxiao put his hands together, closed his eyes, clearly ready to die.

Zhu Di took the sword, stared at Yao Yao Guangxiao, who had his eyes closed, and a struggle appeared on his face.

He could not pull this sword out no matter what.

To kill Yao Yao Guangxiao would be to kill his ambition.

To kill his ambition to take the throne.

So many years!

To let Zhu Di give up completely, he really could not do it.

That supreme position!

How could he not want it?

After a long while.

"It seems."

"Prince Yan does not want to kill me yet."

Yao Yao Guangxiao opened his eyes slowly, with a smile.

It seemed.

He had already seen through Zhu Di.

"Go ahead and do what needs to be done next."

"I will not ask about anything."

Zhu Di's eyes showed coldness, and he said slowly.

Upon hearing this!

Yao Yao Guangxiao nodded immediately: "Your Highness, rest assured, I will naturally handle these matters properly."

Daning Border Army Camp!

Zhu Ying lay on the bed in his camp, holding his jade pendant in his hand.

"Zhu Di's expression was so strange just now."

"Could there be something strange about this jade?"

"For a prince to value it so much, could it really be some incredible treasure?"

Zhu Ying examined the jade pendant carefully, looking up and down; although the texture was indeed good, it should not reach the level of being worth ten thousand gold.

But Zhu Di actually wanted to exchange it for ten thousand gold?

"It seems I still need to find Uncle Lin later to ask carefully what is so different about this jade pendant?"

"As for Zhu Di."

"Now that we have fallen out, there is no need to worry about anything."

"At least we should not meet too often in the future."

"After all, his mind is too deep, and he always seems to have a purpose for me."

Zhu Ying put the jade pendant back into his clothes, thinking deeply about Zhu Di.

"Forget it, I'm too lazy to care for now."

"Let's open the treasure chests first."

"I have hoarded so many treasure chests again."

"Four First Rank treasure chests, seven ordinary treasure chests."

"Another wave of gambling on luck."

Zhu Ying was too lazy to think about Zhu Di; opening treasure chests was the way to go.

Immediately!

"Open all treasure chests," Zhu Ying ordered.

"Host command, open all treasure chests."

"Open ordinary treasure chests."

"Obtained 【1000 taels of silver】."

"Obtained one volume of 【Fine Weaving Method】."

"Obtained one volume of 【Sugar Cane Extraction Method】."

"Obtained one bottle of 【Small Soul-Returning Pill】."

"Obtained five bottles of 【Grain Grain Grain Grain Grain Bigu Pill】."

"Obtained fifty 【Fine Steel Swords】."

"Obtained five bottles of 【Grain Grain Grain Grain Grain Bigu Pill】."

"Open First Rank treasure chests."

"Obtained Xuan Rank, Low-grade 【Tyrant Saber Three Slashes】."

"Obtained 【5000 taels of gold】."

"Obtained Yellow Rank, High-grade 【Post-Heaven Internal Art】."

"Obtained Yellow Rank, High-grade 【Turtle Breathing Art】."

The panel prompted directly.

"Fine steel swords, not bad."

"A Xuan Rank, Low-grade martial art; the name sounds very domineering, Tyrant Saber Three Slashes."

"Post-Heaven Internal Art, this should be for refining internal breath."

"Turtle Breathing Art? Is it for playing dead?"

"Fine."

"Since it is ranked, it will always be useful in the future."

Looking at the treasures obtained this time, Zhu Ying was very calm; after all, they were all ordinary treasure chests and First Rank treasure chests.

The next day!

Inside the Yuan capital!

After the cleanup by tens of thousands of logistics troops.

It had already been cleared.

But in the city, from time to time, Ming soldiers were escorting Yuan surrendered soldiers, as well as Yuan soldiers hidden among the civilians, toward the outside of the city.

Of course.

Those nobles who originally belonged to the Yuan court, as well as their families, were all captured; their fate would inevitably be to be demoted to slaves, with slave status added to them.

The Battle of Breaking the Capital.

It was obvious.

The impact was huge.

This time, the number of people in the Yuan capital to be demoted to slave status would definitely not be less than fifty thousand.

And that was not counting the nobles in other cities of the Northern Yuan.

Since territory was conquered, there would naturally be gains.

Confiscating the property of the Northern Yuan nobles was one point; otherwise, the consumption would be too great, and the national treasury would clearly be unable to bear it.

Northern Yuan Imperial Palace Hall!

The generals of the northern expedition gathered here.

And in Guo Ying's hand, he already held the imperial edict from Ying Tian.

"Generals."

"The imperial edict has arrived."