Chapter 167: Father and Son

Kunning Palace.

Empress Ma had prepared the noon meal early.

When Zhu Yuanzhang entered with Zhu Biao and Zhu Yong, the princes Zhu Shuang, Zhu Gang, and Zhu Di were already there.

Zhu Shuang arrived with Lady Deng, and Zhu Gang, earlier this year, had taken a princess as his wife—the daughter of Marquis of Yongping Xie Cheng, a gentle and refined woman.

Unlike Chang Shi, Guanyin Nu, and Lady Deng, the three of them exude heroic spirit and have all trained in martial arts.

The Xie women, who have spent years in the inner chambers studying literature and needlework, smile very gently.

"Father, Mother, Eldest brother, Second Prince," the boys and the princess greeted in unison.

"Everyone, please sit," Zhu Yuanzhang said, taking his place on the Main Seat.

The table was laden with dishes, all home‑style fare.

Empress Ma personally ladled a bowl of soup for Zhu Yuanzhang: "Zhong Ba, drink it while it's hot."

Zhu Yuanzhang took it, drank a mouthful, and found the familiar flavor.

He glanced at his wife, then at his sons, and suddenly thought this was just fine.

"By the way, Yong Er brought another fine thing today," Zhu Yuanzhang said, setting his bowl down.

"Oh? What is it?" Empress Ma asked.

Zhu Yong laughed from beside and said, "A steam‑engine blueprint—says that boiling water can make it work."

Zhu Di asked curiously, "Second Prince, who exactly is that white‑bearded old man? Why does he bring you gifts every year?"

Zhu Yong was taken aback, but replied, "I don't know either; I only saw him in a dream."

Zhu Biao laughed, "Fourth brother, stop asking; the second brother can't explain it either. As long as it's a good thing, that's enough."

The atmosphere at the table was harmonious.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his sons and suddenly said, "Shuang'er, Gang'er, after the New Year you'll both be fifteen; it's time for you to receive your fiefs."

Zhu Shuang and Zhu Gang were taken aback.

"Father… where are we going?" Zhu Shuang asked.

"Shuang'er will go to Xi'an and be made Prince of Qin. Gang'er will go to Taiyuan and be made Prince of Jin," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

The two boys exchanged glances, both a little excited.

Being enfeoffed meant they could leave the palace, establish their own mansions, and have independent households.

"Father, when will we depart?" Zhu Gang asked.

"No hurry; after the New Year passes, the Ministry of Rites will make the arrangements," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

He turned to Zhu Di and said, "Di'er, you're thirteen this year; in two years you'll also be ready for a fief. Where would you like to go?"

Zhu Di thought for a moment and said, "Father, I, your son, wish to go to Beiping."

"Oh? Why is that?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked, intrigued.

"Beiping was the former Yuan capital; to the north lies the Mongols. Though the Mongol Empire has been destroyed, the Timur Empire still holds the north. I wish to go there to guard Great Ming's frontier," Zhu Di said, puffing out his chest.

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, "Ambitious, but Beiping is currently under the watch of your Uncle Xu Shu; we'll discuss it when you're older."

"Yes," Zhu Di answered.

Empress Ma looked at her sons, her eyes full of affection, yet with a faint trace of reluctance.

Children grow up and eventually must fly away.

After the meal, Zhu Yong took Huanhuan to play in the courtyard.

The little girl ran joyfully, and Zhu Yong followed behind, fearing she might fall.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao stood under the corridor, watching.

"Biao'er, these past days, I've been thinking a lot," Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said.

Zhu Biao listened silently.

"Father grows old, and sometimes becomes muddled," Zhu Yuanzhang sighed.

"That incident that day was my fault. Sun Shi… had been with me all her life. When she passed away, my heart ached, and I wanted her to go out in splendor, without thinking of your mother or the proper rites."

Zhu Biao said softly, "Father, I was also at fault that day; I should not have contradicted you."

"No, you're not wrong. As Crown Prince, you must stand firm. I just… I just suddenly feel that a person's whole life passes so quickly."

Zhu Yuanzhang patted his son's shoulder and said.

He looked at the father‑daughter pair chasing in the courtyard and said softly, "Look at Yong Er—when he first came back he was just a half‑grown child; now his daughter is three years old. And you, you're already a father yourself."

Zhu Biao followed his father's gaze and saw Zhu Yong hoisting Huanhuan over his head, the little girl giggling.

"Father, you're not old," Zhu Biao said.

"How could I not be old? My hair is half white, but seeing you brothers get along, seeing Xiong Ying, Huanhuan and the other children grow, my heart feels at peace."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled.

He paused, then said, "Biao'er, over these years I've fought battles and secured this realm; when I pass it to you, you must guard it well."

"Your son will not fail the trust you have placed in me," Zhu Biao said solemnly.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, saying nothing further.

As the sun set in the west, golden light bathed the courtyard of Kunning Palace.

Zhu Yong came over, cradling the exhausted Huanhuan, who had already dozed off on his shoulder.

"Father, Eldest brother, I'll take Huanhuan back now," Zhu Yong whispered.

"Go ahead!" Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand.

Watching Zhu Yong's retreating figure, Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly said, "Biao'er, do you think that steam engine… can truly be built?"

"It can… the thing second brother contributed was difficult at first, but in the end it succeeded. The flintlock gun was completed, new steel forged; this steam engine… with time, it will certainly be realized."

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes flashed as he said, "When it's built, what will Great Ming become?"

Zhu Biao looks toward the horizon, where the last streak of sunset is gradually fading.

"Your servant doesn't know either, but your servant believes it will certainly be better than now."

Night falls, and Yingtian Prefecture is lit with countless household lights.

In Wu Wang Fu, Guanyin Nu is embroidering under the lamp; when she sees Zhu Yong returning with Huanhuan, she goes to meet them and takes the daughter.

"Sleep?"

"Mm, tired from playing." Zhu Yong chuckles innocently.

Guanyin Nu settles Huanhuan, returns to the room, and sees Zhu Yong sitting at the table, staring blankly out the window.

"What is the Prince thinking about?"

"I'm thinking of a steam engine; if that thing were really built, would we no longer need oxen for farming?" Zhu Yong said.

Guanyin Nu laughed, "Why does the Prince always think about farming?"

"I'm from a farmer background! But if it could truly replace oxen and horses, the common folk would be much easier off." Zhu Yong laughed.

Guanyin Nu sits beside him, softly saying, "The Prince's concern for the people is a blessing to them."

Zhu Yong shakes his head, "I didn't think that far; I just feel that letting the common folk live a little better is a good thing."

Outside the window, some unknown household set off fireworks that blossomed in the night sky, dazzlingly brilliant.

The Spring Festival of the eighth year of Hongwu passed just like that.

In a secret chamber of Qianqing Palace, Zhu Yuanzhang spread out that World Map again.

His finger moved from the spot of Yingtian Prefecture, slowly sliding to the overseas continents marked "unknown."

"Steam engine... a ship that doesn't rely on sails..."

He muttered to himself.

The candle flame flickered, casting a wavering shadow on the map.

In the distance, more drums sounded; it was already the hour of the Rat.

A new day began.