Chapter 342: Brotherly Gathering

The eighteenth year of Hongwu, the twentieth day of the seventh month.

The sky was nearing night but not yet dark; lanterns along both banks of the Qinhuai River lit up one after another, casting the whole river in shimmering colors.

Painted boats drifted across the water, the faint sounds of silk and bamboo instruments drifting over, mingling with the hawkers' shouts and pedestrians' chatter on the banks.

Zhu Yong stood by the window of a refined room on the second floor of Juxian Building, holding a cup of tea, watching the bustling street scene below.

This restaurant was Zhu Biao's enterprise, rarely open to the public, kept especially for the brothers' gatherings.

Inside, a large round table was set, already bearing seven or eight dishes and several jars of Wine.

"Second Prince, you should sit down—why are you standing!" Zhu Gang sloppily sat on a chair, clutching a chicken leg in his hand, chewing it with oil all over his mouth.

He had stayed in the Eastern Seas for over two years; his speech was still that unrefined manner, but he had tanned considerably and grown sturdier.

Zhu Di sat opposite him, leisurely sipping his tea.

The sandstorms of the Western Regions hadn't roughened him; instead they added a touch of composure.

He smiled and replied, "Third Brother, Second Prince is waiting for Sixth Brother; Sixth Brother came out of the pharmacy late."

Zhu Su has recently been busy with mass-producing penicillin, soaking in the pharmacy day after day; today, after much effort, he was finally pulled out to eat, and he was still late.

Just as he was speaking, the curtain lifted, and Zhu Su hurried in, sweat on his forehead, saying, "Second Prince, Third Brother, Fifth Brother, I'm late; there was a problem at the pharmacy and I couldn't leave."

Zhu Yong then turned, smiled and pointed to the empty seat, saying, "Sit down! Everyone's here; let the waiter bring the dishes."

Zhu Su sat, lifted the teapot to pour himself a cup of tea, gulped it down in one go, and only then regained his strength.

Zhu Gang leaned over, grinning, and said, "Sixth Brother, how's your penicillin project going? Last time you said it could treat knife wound infections; I had someone bring back a few herbs from the Eastern Seas—do you want them?"

Zhu Su's eyes lit up, "What herbs?"

"I don't know; the locals said they're for treating wounds. I had someone bring them back for your research," Zhu Gang said nonchalantly.

Zhu Su was about to ask in detail, but Zhu Yong interjected, "First eat, and after the meal we can discuss that."

The dishes were quickly served.

The restaurants along the Qinhuai River prized delicate cuisine, unlike the big‑bowl meat and wine of the north.

Squirrel garouda fish, salted duck, and steamed croaker were presented one after another, each perfect in color, aroma, and taste.

Zhu Gang picked up a chopstick of fish meat, took two bites, shook his head and said, "It's tasty, but it's too stingy; this plate isn't enough to fill the gaps between my teeth."

In the Eastern Seas, I always serve a whole roasted suckling pig, now that's satisfying.

Zhu Di glanced at him, "Third Brother, you eat roasted suckling pig every day in the Eastern Seas; no wonder you've put on a layer of fat."

Zhu Gang stared and said, "Who's gotten fat? I'm just robust. Second Prince, don't you agree?"

Zhu Yong smiled lightly, not continuing the banter.

The younger brothers tossed remarks back and forth, and the room was lively.

Zhu Yong listened, feeling warm inside. Those mischievous kids back then have now each become capable on their own.

Zhu Gang managed the Eastern Seas meticulously; the Gold and Silver mines yielded more each year.

Zhu Di held the tribes in the Western Regions, keeping trade routes smooth; Zhu Su buried himself in medical research, saving more lives than wars claimed.

After three rounds of Wine, Zhu Gang's face flushed red, and he began recounting his amusing experiences in the Eastern Seas: "... those Japanese, when we first arrived, they were outwardly courteous, but secretly up to small tricks.

I didn't hesitate; I summoned several of the leaders to Wang Fu, and in front of them, I slashed those leaders with a single sword. Since then, each has behaved as obedient as a cat."

Zhu Di set down his chopsticks and said calmly, "Third Brother, that's brute force. In the Western Regions I do things differently; with those tribal chiefs you must first drink with them, and only after the drinks are proper do you discuss matters.

If talks fail, brandishing the sword later is no problem."

Zhu Gang, feeling indignant, said, "Your method is too tedious; my way is simple and direct—effective, and that's all that matters."

Zhu Su muttered softly from the side, "If you ask me, Second Prince's method is best—subdue them then give them candy; that's most effective."

Zhu Gang and Zhu Di both turned to look at Zhu Yong.

Zhu Yong lifted his tea cup, took a sip, and said unhurriedly, "Everyone has their own way; as long as it works. Third Brother's way worked in the Eastern Seas, Fifth Brother's way worked in the Western Regions.

That's enough."

Zhu Gang, pleased, lifted his chin at Zhu Di.

Zhu Di, too lazy to bother, turned his head and went to speak with Zhu Su.

The atmosphere in the room was just right; Zhu Yong set down his tea cup and walked to the window to get some fresh air.

Both banks of the Qinhuai River were brightly lit, painted boats drifting slowly on the water, and faintly one could hear the plucked strings of a pipa and the singing of courtesans from within.

By day this river is a bustling dock of merchants; by night it becomes a gentle haven for pleasure and revelry.

He was about to turn back when a corner of his eye caught something on the opposite bank.

A few youths were darting out of an alley, heading toward the busiest street by the Qinhuai River.

The leader, about fourteen or fifteen, wore a brocade robe and swaggered, clearly a scion of a noble family.

Zhu Yong squinted and recognized the figure's silhouette.

Chang Mao.

Eldest son of Chang Yuchun.

A few more followed, emerging from the alley in turn.

One of them, dressed in a moon‑white long robe, short in stature and fair‑skinned, was Li Jinglong, son of Li Wenzhong.

Another, darker and lean, hopping as he walked, was Xu Zengshou, the youngest son of Xu Da.

The last one, clad in a green shirt, walking at an even pace, was Tang Yue, son of Tang He.

The youths laughed and chatted, heading straight toward the most famous brothel by the Qinhuai River.

Zhu Yong's brows furrowed.

The brothels along the Qinhuai River were classified into three, six, or nine ranks.

The one called "Zui Xian Lou" was a top‑tier golden‑cave establishment; its courtesans excelled in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and ordinary folk could never enter.

Those who went there were either wealthy merchants, dashing scholars, or noble offspring seeking pleasure.

These boys were all about fifteen or sixteen years old.

At that age, running to such a place would not only disgrace the family when word got out, but also invite impeachment by the Imperial Censor.

Zhu Yong turned around, and the smile on his face vanished.

Zhu Gang was the first to sense something was wrong, set down his Wine cup and said, "Second Prince, what's the matter?"

Zhu Yong pointed toward the window and said, "You all come take a look."

The brothers gathered at the window and followed Zhu Yong's gaze.

Zhu Gang leaned forward to peek, delighted, "Yo, isn't that Chang Shu's boy? And Xu Shu's, the cousin's, Tang Shu's."

These boys have quite the nerve, coming to Zui Xian Lou at this hour?

Zhu Di's complexion also darkened as he said, "At that age, going to such a place is unacceptable."

Zhu Su whispered, "How old are they? At fourteen or fifteen they're already going to brothels; if General Chang found out, wouldn't he break their legs?"

Zhu Gang chuckled, "Breaking legs is easy; with Chang Shu's temper, he could hoist these boys up and beat them."

Zhu Yong said nothing and turned to walk out.

Zhu Gang hurried to follow, and Zhu Di and Zhu Su exchanged a glance before also joining.

After leaving the tavern, Zhu Yong strode briskly across to the far bank of the river. He walked with the wind at his back; the younger brothers trailed behind, having to jog just to keep up.

Zhu Gang laughed while running, "Second Prince, are you going to catch someone? This will be good entertainment."

Zhu Di glared at him, "Third Prince, don't gloat; those boys need to be dealt with."

Zhu Gang sneered, "I never said I wouldn't intervene; I just wanted to see Chang Mao's kid get beaten. You don't know, the last time in the East Sea, his father wrote to ask me to look after him. That kid caused trouble within days, smashed a local merchant's shop, and I was so angry I locked him up for three days."

Zhu Su asked softly from beside him, "What happened next?"

"He became obedient afterward, taking a detour when he saw me," Zhu Gang said proudly.

The group soon arrived at the entrance of Zui Xian Lou.

Red lanterns hung at the doorway, and three gilt characters spelling "Zui Xian Lou" shone on the lintel. Two turtle servants stood at the entrance; seeing the party stride in with such force, they first froze, then quickly forced smiles.

"Esteemed guests, please come inside..."

Zhu Yong ignored him and walked straight inside.

The turtle servant tried to block them, but Zhang Wu shoved him aside.

Inside Zui Xian Lou, the lights blazed; the first‑floor hall was packed with people, the sound of strings and flutes never ceased, and the air was scented with Wine and perfume. Several girls dressed in red and green accompanied patrons in drinking, and when they saw the party enter, they looked up.

The old matron, a woman in her early forties, wore a bright red dress, her face thickly painted with powder, and swayed her hips as she greeted, "Esteemed guests, here we..."

"A few half‑grown kids just came in; which room are they in?" Zhu Yong asked directly.

The old matron's expression changed; she hurriedly shook her head, "No…there aren't any; we don't accommodate children here…"

Zhu Yong was too lazy for idle talk and stepped upstairs.

The old matron tried to block him, but Zhang Wu stepped in front of her, hand on his sword hilt, frightening her back several steps.