Chapter 57: Marriage Arrangements

Zhu Biao looked at them again, his voice still gentle, saying: "Lord Chen, Lord Liu, your loyalty is commendable, but in future deliberations you must better understand the facts and not make rash judgments."

Let this one pass, but if there's a next time…

He didn't finish, but a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

Chen Ning and the others hurriedly knelt and said, "We acknowledge our mistake!"

Zhu Biao only then turned and said to Zhu Yuanzhang, "Imperial Father, I suggest we end here for today, allowing Uncle Xu and the generals to rest properly.

Tomorrow night's banquet will celebrate the troops again."

Zhu Yuanzhang rose and said, "Very well, proceed as the Crown Prince instructed. Tiande, you all return to rest; Kuokuo, you settle in as well."

"Thank you, His Majesty!"

The generals exited Fengtian Hall.

Outside the hall, Zhu Yong caught up with Zhu Biao, saying, "Elder brother, just now I…"

Zhu Biao patted his shoulder and said, "Second brother, you did the right thing; once you promise something, you must see it through. However, from now on in the hall, do not lose your temper or stamp your feet—repairing the floor tiles of Fengtian Hall is a hassle."

Zhu Yong chuckled naively, "I understand."

"Go, return to the manor and rest well; later remember to come into the palace, mother has been worrying about you for a long time." Zhu Biao said with a smile.

"Mm!"

Zhu Yong turned to leave, then recalled something and turned back, saying, "Elder brother, about Wang Baobao's sister…"

"Don't worry, mother has already arranged it; she is temporarily staying in Kunning Palace Side Hall. After a few days we'll make further plans." Zhu Biao smiled.

"Okay." Zhu Yong felt relieved and hurried away.

Zhu Biao watched his back, shook his head with a smile, then looked toward the few civil officials still kneeling inside the hall, his gaze slightly cold.

"Chen Ning." he called.

Chen Ning quickly rose, saying, "Prince…"

"As Imperial Censor-in-Chief, hearing reports is your duty, but regarding today's matter you were indeed rash. Go back and reflect on what truly serves the court."

Zhu Biao said lightly.

"Yes, yes…" Chen Ning's sweat fell like rain.

Zhu Biao no longer paid him attention, turned and headed toward the Eastern Palace.

He knew that today's episode would quiet those in the court still seeking to harass the surrendered general.

And his simple‑hearted younger brother, though a bit reckless, possessed a childlike heart that was most precious.

Back at Wu Wang Fu, Hu Bo had already gathered the entire household to welcome them at the gate.

"Prince! You have returned!" Hu Bo's old tears streamed.

Xiao Zhu and Xiao Ying also had reddened eyes, "Prince…"

Zhu Yong scratched his head, "I'm back; don't cry. Hu Bo, is everything alright in the manor?"

"All fine! The Empress often sends people to inquire, and the Crown Prince often visits; you've become thinner and darker…" Hu Bo wiped his tears as he spoke.

"The battlefield's wind and sun are nothing." Zhu Yong laughed, "By the way, is there food? I'm hungry."

"Yes, yes, yes! It's been prepared long ago; the old servant knew you'd return, so the kitchen has set a fine spread!" Hu Bo hurriedly replied.

"Excellent!" Zhu Yong's eyes lit up, and he strode quickly into the manor.

After the meal and a bath, Zhu Yong lay on his own bed, feeling completely at ease.

Home truly is best.

"Hehe…" Zhu Yong smiled.

Lost in thought, he fell into a deep sleep.

He slept until the sun had shifted far west.

When he awoke, Xiao Zhu entered to report, "Prince, the Crown Prince has arrived."

Zhu Yong quickly got up and dressed.

In the Qian Ting, Zhu Biao was seated, drinking tea.

"Elder brother." Zhu Yong entered with a naive smile.

Zhu Biao set down his teacup, sized him up and asked, "Did you sleep well?"

"Mm, I slept enough. Elder brother, why did you come?" Zhu Yong sat down.

"I came to see you, and also to tell you something: regarding today's court meeting, Father didn't blame you; instead he praised your sense of responsibility." Zhu Biao said with a smile.

"Really?" Zhu Yong's eyes brightened.

"Of course." Zhu Biao smiled, "But Father said this won't happen again. Each floor tile in Fengtian Hall is worth ten taels of silver."

Zhu Yong stuck out his tongue, "I understand."

Zhu Biao said seriously, "Second brother, protecting Wang Baobao today was right, but you must know that court affairs are not simply black or white.

Some civil officials' obstruction may not be malicious; it could stem from caution, or from a desire to demonstrate their loyalty."

Zhu Yong scratched his head, "I don't get these…"

"Not understanding is fine; I'll teach you. In the future when such situations arise, you can speak up, but do not lose your temper, and never resort to violence. Just as today, you spoke well of Wang Baobao's performance in the army.

Presenting facts and reasoning is more effective than raging." Zhu Biao said warmly.

"Oh…" Zhu Yong seemed half‑understanding.

Zhu Biao knew he didn't grasp it immediately and didn't press, instead saying, "By the way, Wang Baobao's sister—Mother has met her and says she's a good girl. What do you think?"

Zhu Yong was startled, "What do you mean 'how'?"

"Mother's intention is to have her marry you." Zhu Biao said outright.

Zhu Yong's eyes widened, "Marry… marry me?"

"Yes."

Zhu Biao smiled warmly at him and continued: "You are fifteen this year, it's time for Marriage. That girl is the Northern Yuan Princess; marrying her would help pacify the Northern Yuan subjects."

"Of course, if you don't want to, Elder Brother will go tell Mother…"

"I… I don't know, I never thought about Marriage," Zhu Yong said honestly.

Zhu Biao couldn't help but smile and say: "Then take your time thinking about it; it's not urgent. First, you should spend some time with her, see if you get along, then decide."

"How to spend time?" Zhu Yong asked, bewildered.

"Just… meet more often, talk… How about this: tomorrow Mother is holding a banquet in the Imperial Garden, you should come and meet the people." Zhu Biao said with some helplessness; this younger brother is invincible on the battlefield, but a blank slate in matters of the heart.

"Oh." Zhu Yong nodded in agreement.

Marriage…

He truly never thought about it.

Whether in a past life or this one, he is only fifteen now, though his body looks far older than fifteen.

Moreover, he has a bit of affection for Guanyin Nu, but…

She is a good girl.

But…

Zhu Yong sighed.

He is not yet ready to become someone else's husband.

Fine, let nature take its course!

Outside the window, Moonlight was like water.

The same Moonlight also bathed the Kunning Palace Side Hall.

Guanyin Nu sat by the window, gazing at the moon in the sky.

She had already heard about today's court meeting.

Zhu Yong, to protect her Elder Brother, grew angry in the hall and trampled the floor tiles to pieces.

She felt gratitude in her heart, yet also some guilt.

If it weren't for her, he wouldn't have had to offend those civil officials.

"Princess, still not asleep?" a palace maid asked as she entered.

"Can't sleep," Guanyin Nu whispered.

"The Empress has sent a messenger to convey that tomorrow there will be a banquet in the Imperial Garden, and you are also invited," the maid said.

Guanyin Nu felt a stir in her heart.

She knew what this banquet meant.

Elder Brother has pledged to the Ming, and as his younger sister, her best destiny is to marry into the Great Ming royal family.

And Prince Wu Zhu Yong is the most suitable candidate.

She has seen his bravery and his simple honesty.

He is a good person.

But…

Guanyin Nu also sighed.

She is not yet ready to marry to a foreign land.

Moonlight fell quietly, illuminating the two sleepless people.