Chapter 59: Family Banquet

Zhu Yong looked at his three younger brothers and suddenly recalled some memories from his past life...

Zhu Di, the future Yongle Emperor.

Zhu Shuang and Zhu Gang, the ridiculous princes of history.

In this life, with him and elder brother here, they shouldn't repeat the old path, right?

"Learning martial arts is fine, but there are two conditions," Zhu Yong said, raising a finger.

"What conditions?" the three asked in unison.

"First, studies must not be neglected; the master's inspection must be passed."

"No problem!"

"Second, martial training is not a game; you must endure hardship. Starting tomorrow, every morning at the hour of Mao, come to Wu Wang Fu and first hold a one‑hour Horse Stance."

"The hour of Mao! That's too early..." Zhu Shuang said, his face drooping.

"Then never mind," Zhu Yong turned to leave.

"No, no, no! I'll go! The hour of Mao is the hour of Mao!" Zhu Di grabbed him and said.

Zhu Gang gritted his teeth and said, "I'll go too!"

Seeing both younger brothers agree, Zhu Shuang could only grimace and say, "Fine..."

"It's settled then: tomorrow at the hour of Mao, meet at the Yan Wu Chang of Wu Wang Fu. Whoever is late can quit training," Zhu Yong said.

"Got it!"

Leaving Wenhua Hall, Zhu Yong wandered around the palace.

Unwittingly, he arrived near Wu Ying Hall.

"Second brother..."

Zhu Biao's voice came from behind.

Zhu Yong turned and saw Zhu Biao emerging from Wu Ying Hall.

"Elder brother." Zhu Yong greeted him.

"Why are you here?" Zhu Biao asked with a smile.

"I just came from Wenhua Hall to check on a few younger brothers," Zhu Yong said.

Zhu Biao led Zhu Yong to the Crown Prince's Residence, and after the servants brought tea and snacks,

Zhu Biao then said, "By the way, you haven't forgotten the banquet in the Imperial Garden tonight, have you?"

"Mom just told me, elder brother, don't worry, I won't forget," Zhu Yong replied a bit speechlessly; he's simple, not stupid.

"Guanyin Nu will also go, second brother, have you decided?" Zhu Biao said, smiling at Zhu Yong.

Zhu Biao thought this matter was almost certain, after all he had asked people like Chang Yuchun and knew during the return period how well his second brother got along with the lady.

Zhu Yong fell silent for a moment, then honestly said, "Elder brother, I never thought about marriage, but if father, mother, and you are all in favor, I... I'll follow your wishes."

Zhu Biao patted his shoulder and said, "Don't force yourself; a marriage is a big matter and ultimately must be your own desire. So, tonight you'll spend some time with her and see if you get along. If you do, great; if not, elder brother will tell father and mother."

"Thank you, elder brother," Zhu Yong felt warmth in his heart.

That's Zhu Biao, the elder brother who always thinks of him.

Evening, Imperial Garden.

The banquet was set at a lakeside pavilion, with palace lanterns hung around, making the water sparkle.

Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma sat at the head, Zhu Biao and Chang Wan sat on the left, and Zhu Yong and Guanyin Nu sat on the right.

Zhu Shuang, Zhu Gang, and Zhu Di, the younger ones, also arrived and sat at the foot.

The banquet was simple: a few seasonal vegetables, several meat dishes, and a pot of wine.

Zhu Yuanzhang was in a good mood, raised his cup and said, "Today's Family Banquet, no state affairs, just family matters. The Second Prince returned from the western expedition, achieved great merit, we are delighted."

Everyone raised their cups and drank together.

Empress Ma picked a piece of meat for Zhu Yong and said, "Eat more, replenish your body."

She also picked a piece of fish for Guanyin Nu and said, "You eat more too, don't be restrained."

Guanyin Nu whispered thanks.

Zhu Di whispered from below, "The Empress Mother is playing favorites, only giving the second brother the dishes..."

Empress Ma glared at him, "Your second brother is out fighting wars, working hard. What are you working hard for? You just cause trouble in the palace every day."

Everyone laughed.

The banquet atmosphere was relaxed; Zhu Yuanzhang recounted some old battlefield stories, Chang Wan shared some palace‑outside anecdotes, and Zhu Biao occasionally interjected with witty remarks.

Zhu Yong didn't speak much, but kept listening.

Guanyin Nu also spoke little, just sitting quietly.

Midway through the banquet, Empress Ma said, "Yong Er, take Guanyin Nu for a walk in the garden to aid digestion."

Zhu Yong was startled and looked at Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, "Go ahead, young people should walk more."

Zhu Yong could only stand up and said to Guanyin Nu, "Let's go."

The two left the pavilion and walked slowly along the lakeshore.

Night fell, and the palace lanterns swayed in the wind.

After walking a good distance, neither spoke.

Finally Zhu Yong spoke first, "Um... don't mind what my mother said; that's just how she is, worrying about this and that..."

Guanyin Nu whispered, "The Empress is only caring for Your Highness."

"Hmm! You... do you feel comfortable living in the palace?" Zhu Yong scratched his head and asked.

"I'm used to it; the Empress treats me well, and the palace maids are attentive," Guanyin Nu replied.

"That's good then; as for your elder brother, rest assured, Father has already appointed him as Deputy Commander, stationed at Da Tong, and from now on he'll do his best, his future won't be lacking."

Zhu Yong paused.

Guanyin Nu stopped, looked at Zhu Yong with gratitude and said, "Prince, about yesterday's court meeting, my elder brother told me; thank you for speaking on his behalf."

"No problem. I promised you I'd protect him; once promised, I must keep it." Zhu Yong waved his hand and said.

Guanyin Nu looked at the simple, straightforward youth before her, and a swirl of complex emotions rose within her.

She had originally thought she would be used as a political tool, married to an unknown Ming prince.

She didn't expect it to be someone so sincere.

"Prince, if… if His Majesty and the Empress truly want us to marry, would you… be willing?" she whispered.

Zhu Yong remained silent for a long while, then said, "I don't know; I never thought about marriage, but… if it's you, I don't mind."

Very straightforward words, with no embellishment.

Guanyin Nu smiled, "Prince, you're very honest."

"I won't lie. If you're willing, we'll go ahead with everything; if you're not, I'll tell my parents and won't force you." Zhu Yong said.

"I am willing," Guanyin Nu whispered.

Zhu Yong was startled, "Huh?"

"I said, I am willing. Prince, you're a good man; marrying you, I won't feel wronged," Guanyin Nu lifted her head, her eyes firm.

Zhu Yong looked at her, suddenly smiled, "Then… shall we go ahead with everything?"

"Mm."

The two continued forward, and their conversation gradually increased.

Guanyin Nu spoke of the grassland, while Zhu Yong spoke of the battlefield.

One talked of horseback archery, the other of swinging a hammer to break formations.

They actually managed to find common ground.

In the waterside pavilion, Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma watched the two figures walking side by side in the distance, and exchanged a smile.

"It's settled," Empress Ma whispered.

"It still depends on them, but from our view, there's drama," Zhu Yuanzhang said.

Zhu Biao also laughed, "Second brother is simple and straightforward, Guanyin Nu is steady; they complement each other."

Chang Wan covered her mouth and laughed, "I see Prince Wu's face is all red."

Everyone laughed.

Night deepened, and the banquet dispersed.

Zhu Yong escorted Guanyin Nu back to the Kunning Palace Side Hall, and at the doorway said, "Well… I'm heading back."

"Prince, take care," Guanyin Nu whispered.

Zhu Yong turned to leave, then looked back and said, "Tomorrow morning I'm going to teach a few younger brothers martial practice; would you like to come watch?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Guanyin Nu's eyes, then she smiled, "Alright."

Watching Zhu Yong's retreating silhouette, Guanyin Nu felt a sudden calm within her.

Perhaps this is fate.

From Northern Yuan Princess to Great Ming Prince Wu's consort.

Seems… not bad.

As Zhu Yong walked the road back to the manor, he looked up at the moon and felt his heart steadier.

Let the marriage happen then!

Anyway, Guanyin Nu doesn't mind.