Chapter 114: Wa Country

Everyone had breakfast at Wu Wang Fu.

During the meal, Zhu Yuanzhang said to Zhu Yong, "Yong Er, you are a father now, and the burden on your shoulders is heavier."

"I understand, Father…" Zhu Yong hurriedly nodded and said.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "That's good. By the way, over in Wa Country, scouts reported again that Prince Huailiang has been acting frequently lately, encroaching on our seaside border."

Zhu Yong's eyes hardened as he said, "Father, let me go."

"No rush. Your daughter has just been born; stay home and spend more time with her and her mother. We'll talk again when Huan Huan reaches a month, and besides, the warship hasn't been finished yet!"

"But…"

"There is no 'but'. War can be fought at any time; with your daughter just born, you as a father must stay by her side," Zhu Yuanzhang said unambiguously.

Zhu Yong could only agree.

Xu Da said, "Your Majesty, even a speck of land in Wa Country dares such recklessness; I think we should dispatch the navy to annihilate them."

"We have that under control. Once Zhu Biao settles the salt and sugar matters and the treasury is fuller, it won't be too late to act. Either we don't fight, or if we do, we must make them never dare to offend again," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Chang Yuchun slammed the table and said, "Your Majesty is right; if we fight, we must fight fiercely. When the time comes, I will volunteer for battle!"

Lan Yu also said, "I will go too!"

Zhu Yuanzhang glared at them and said, "Why would you go? You each have duties. Fighting Wa Country is a naval battle; do you know how to fight on water?"

Chang Yuchun and Lan Yu fell silent.

They indeed were not adept at naval warfare.

Zhu Yuanzhang added, "We'll discuss this later. Yong Er, for the next few days stay home and keep Minmin and the child company; set aside court affairs and military duties for now."

"Yes, Father," Zhu Yong replied.

After breakfast, Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma returned to the palace, and Zhu Biao also went back to handle state affairs.

Chang Yuchun and the others each dispersed.

Wu Wang Fu fell quiet.

Zhu Yong returned to the back courtyard; Guanyin Nu had already awakened and was drinking porridge.

Xiaohuanhuan lay in the cradle beside her, sleeping soundly.

"Prince, have Imperial Father and Imperial Mother returned?" Guanyin Nu asked.

"Yes, they've returned. Father asked me to stay home with you, and Huan Huan is asleep," Zhu Yong sat at the bedside, looking at his daughter.

"Just fell asleep, this child is well‑behaved, not much fuss," Guanyin Nu laughed.

Zhu Yong clasped her hand and said, "You've worked hard."

"Not at all, Prince, the Wa Country matter…" Guanyin Nu shook her head.

"How do you know?" Zhu Yong was startled.

"Just now Imperial Mother told me, Prince, if you go to war you need not worry about us mother and daughter. I am a Mongol woman, I know what a husband should do," Guanyin Nu said softly.

Zhu Yong felt moved and chuckled, "Father said, we'll talk after Huan Huan reaches a month. In the meantime, I'll stay with you both."

Guanyin Nu nodded and leaned on her husband's shoulder.

The husband and wife looked at the daughter in the cradle, their hearts warm.

In the days that followed, Zhu Yong indeed set aside all duties and devoted himself at home to his wife and daughter.

Longxiang Army was handed to Zhang Wuhe and Chen Heng to manage, and they went to the Training Ground for only one hour each day.

Court officials noticed that the Emperor's temper had improved considerably lately, and the whole court's atmosphere had become a bit more relaxed.

Some officials whispered, "The Crown Prince now has a son, and the Wu King has a daughter; the Emperor is very pleased."

"Indeed, the Emperor hardly scolds anyone during court now."

"The Wu King is truly the Emperor's lucky star; since his return, the Emperor smiles more."

"One shouldn't speak such words carelessly…"

"..."

But the fact is indeed so.

Now after each day's court, Zhu Yuanzhang asks, "How are Xiong Ying and Huan Huan today?"

Empress Ma even went to the Crown Prince and Wu Wang Fu every few days, delivering supplements, fabrics, and toys.

Zhu Biao also often came, holding Huan Huan and teasing, "Huan Huan, call me uncle."

Huan Huan was only a few days old, naturally couldn't call, but stared at him with big eyes.

Zhu Biao would also hold Zhu Xiongying to see his sister; although he himself was still an infant, when he saw Huan Huan he actually reached out his little hand to touch.

Empress Ma laughed, "These siblings have fate."

May 15th, Huan Huan was eight days old.

According to custom, it was time for the third washing.

Wu Wang Fu set up several wine tables and invited close relatives and friends.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma both attended; Zhu Biao came with Chang Wan and Zhu Xiongying, Chang Yuchun's family, Xu Da, Lan Yu, Tang He, Li Wenzhong and other generals arrived.

The midwife held Huan Huan, washing her with warm water while reciting auspicious words: "Wash the head, become a prince; wash the body, become a noble; wash the hands, may all wealth and honor be yours…"

Huan Huan was very obedient, neither crying nor fussing, only occasionally kicking her little legs.

After washing, the midwife wrapped her in a red cloth and handed her to Guanyin Nu.

Empress Ma took out a golden Chang Ming Suo, its surface shining, engraved with the characters for peace and joy, and placed it on Huan Huan.

"This is from grandma, may it protect Huan Huan to be safe and happy," Empress Ma said kindly.

Zhu Yuanzhang also gave a gift, a pair of delicate gold bracelets, each carved with a dragon and phoenix bringing auspiciousness.

Zhu Yuanzhang also gave a gift, a pair of delicate Jin bracelets, with a dragon‑phoenix auspicious pattern carved on them.

"Our granddaughter must wear the best," Zhu Yuanzhang said with a rare smile.

Everyone presented gifts—gold and silver, jade ornaments, silk brocades and satin—piling up half a room.

The banquet began, and the atmosphere was lively.

Chang Yuchun drank a few cups, stuck out his tongue and said, "Prince Wu, your daughter is wonderful; how about letting her become Mao Er's wife?"

Chang Mao, who is fifteen this year, turned pale as soon as he heard it from the side.

"Father, what nonsense are you speaking!"

You think your son is living too well and are ready to leave nothing at all for him!

Zhu Yong chuckled, "Chang Shu, you can't say such things lightly; my daughter has just been born!"

Although he smiled foolishly, the look he gave Chang Mao was full of dangerous intent.

"Indeed, indeed... but my Mao Er is not lacking; he'll surely become a fierce general in the future!" Chang Mao didn't yet know that his son had just taken a few steps at the gate of the underworld.

Chang Mao grew even more embarrassed.

Xu Da laughed, "Bo Ren, the way you say it makes it sound as if Prince Wu's daughter cannot get married."

"I didn't mean that..." Chang Yuchun hurriedly said.

Amid the laughter, Zhu Biao said to Zhu Yuanzhang, "Father, the promotion of both salt and sugar has already begun to show results. Last month, just in the vicinity of Yingtian, the salt tax increased by five hundred thousand taels, and the profit from white sugar rose by three hundred thousand taels.

If it is promoted nationwide, it could bring in at least five million taels each year."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes brightened, "That much?"

"It's not just a lot, and the price of salt has dropped, so the people enjoy the benefit and all say the emperor is wise," Zhu Biao added.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded with satisfaction, "You handled this well; once the nationwide rollout begins and the treasury is full, we can accomplish even more."

He looked at Zhu Yong and said, "Yong Er, did you hear? The two things you offered were a great help."

Zhu Yong replied earnestly, "As long as they're useful, that's good."

Xu Da sighed, "Prince Wu truly is a star of fortune sent from heaven; brave in battle and also able to present such methods that benefit the nation and its people."

Lan Yu also said, "Indeed, Your Majesty, with Prince Wu present, how could Great Ming not prosper?"

Zhu Yuanzhang heard this and burst into laughter, "Well said, come, drink!"

The crowd raised their cups.

After three rounds of wine, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said, "Yong Er, after Huan Huan's full moon, you should prepare to set out on campaign."

Zhu Yong's expression hardened, "Father, where to?"

"Wa Country. Prince Huailiang is becoming more rampant; a few days ago he raided several villages. It's time for Great Ming's navy to go out and train."

Zhu Yuanzhang's gaze turned cold as he said.

Zhu Yong clenched his fist and said, "I'll go!"

"This time you needn't lead the charge; we've already ordered Tang He to ready the fleet. You should first patrol the coast, get familiar with naval combat, and when the moment is right, seize Wa Country in one blow."

Zhu Yuanzhang said.

"Yes!" Zhu Yong replied.

Guanyin Nu listened nearby, gripping her husband's hand tighter.

Zhu Yong sensed it, turned to her and smiled foolishly, "Don't worry, I'll return safely."

Guanyin Nu nodded, "I trust you, Prince."

When the banquet dispersed, it was already dusk.

After seeing the guests off, Zhu Yong helped Guanyin Nu back to their chambers.

Huan Huan was already asleep, her little face flushed.

Guanyin Nu looked at her daughter and softly said, "Prince, how long will you be gone?"

"I don't know, but I promise you, I'll return as soon as possible; once Wa Country is pacified, I'll stay home with you and go nowhere," Zhu Yong said.

Guanyin Nu smiled, "Then how can that be? You are Prince Wu, a Great Ming general; you must go to war. As long as you are safe, I will be at ease."

Zhu Yong felt warmth in his heart, embraced his wife and said, "Thank you, Minmin."

The couple snuggled together, watching their sleeping daughter.

Outside the window, the moonlight was just right.

In May of Hongwu Year Five, the Prince Wu residence welcomed a little princess; Great Ming was about to embark on a new expedition.

And all of this is only the beginning.