Chapter 62: The Lu Family's Move

In the eighth month of the Hongwu Third Year, Yingtian Prefecture.

The autumn tiger still raged, yet the Imperial City inside and out was a bustle.

In two months' time would be the Crown Prince Zhu Biao's marriage day, and the Ministry of Rites was so busy that its staff could not keep their feet on the ground.

At this day's morning court, Zhu Yuanzhang sat on the Dragon Throne, looked down at the civil and military officials, and loudly said, "The Crown Prince Marriage is a great national ceremony; we must make it splendid. Ministry of Rites, how are the preparations?"

The Minister of Rites stepped forward, bowed, and replied, "Report to His Majesty, all rites, vessels, and the guest list have been drafted, awaiting the Emperor's review."

"Very well, deliver them to Wu Ying Hall this afternoon; we will review Tiande with the Crown Prince. As for Wang Baobao, how is his placement?" Zhu Yuanzhang finished, then turned to Xu Da.

Xu Da stepped forward and said, "Report to the Emperor, Wang Baobao's troops of over thirty thousand have been settled properly; per the Emperor's decree, they are being incorporated into the various Guard units in batches. Wang Baobao himself now resides in Da Tong, and is very compliant."

"Compliance is fine; his sister is in the palace, and our girl also quite likes that maid. After some time, we'll look for a good match for her," the Emperor nodded.

When those words were spoken, a few of the civil officials' expressions shifted slightly.

Lv Ben stood among the civil officials, eyes watching the nose, nose watching the heart, while several thoughts turned in his mind.

The Emperor's words meant deciding to grant Guanyin Nu to whom; if she were granted to Prince Wu…

He was thinking that, when Zhu Yuanzhang shifted the topic, he said, "After the Crown Prince Marriage, we intend to let the Crown Prince begin his Regency; we'll relax a bit. Ministers, any objections?"

"The Emperor is wise!" the officials chorused.

After the morning court dispersed, Lv Ben walked slowly out of Fengtian Hall, and several officials from Jiangnan gathered around.

"Lord Lu, the Emperor said the Crown Prince will assume the Regency; this is a great matter," a tall, thin civil official whispered.

Lv Ben nodded, "The Crown Prince is benevolent; the Regency is a matter of when, not if, but…"

"But what?"

Lv Ben gave him a glance, and said nothing.

Some matters cannot be spoken openly.

The group walked to outside Wu Men, each boarding their sedan chair.

Lv Ben sat in the sedan chair, closed his eyes, and pondered.

The Crown Prince Regency means Zhu Biao will begin formally taking part in state affairs.

If at this moment his daughter could be placed into the Crown Prince's Residence…

Returning to the residence, Lv Ben went straight to the back courtyard.

Lu Chan was embroidering flowers; seeing her father arrive, she hurried up, bowed, and said, "Father…"

Lv Ben looked at her; his fourteen‑year‑old daughter was slender and graceful, with delicate features, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—a cultivated lady he had carefully raised.

"Chan'er, sit," Lv Ben sat on the chair, lifted his tea cup, and drank slowly.

Lu Chan sat obediently, waiting for her father to speak.

"The Crown Prince Marriage is imminent; are you aware?" Lv Ben asked.

"I know, Daughter. The Crown Princess is General Chang's daughter, Chang Wan," Lu Chan whispered.

"That Chang Wan girl, though the daughter of a meritorious official, is ultimately from a martial background; her temperament is probably a bit unruly. The Crown Prince is benevolent; when he eventually ascends the throne, the harem will need women who are learned, sensible, gentle and virtuous to assist."

Lv Ben set down his tea cup and said.

Lu Chan's eyelashes fluttered lightly; she understood her father's meaning.

"Father's meaning is…"

"The Crown Princess is already decided, but the position of Prince's Side Concubine is still vacant. I think, if you can enter the Crown Prince's Residence and later bear a prince, there may be a chance," Lv Ben said, looking at his daughter.

Lu Chan was silent for a moment, then whispered, "Father, I have heard the Crown Prince and Chang Wan have been childhood sweethearts, their affection is deep…"

"No matter how deep the affection, time outweighs it; moreover, royal affairs have never been as simple as youthful love. The Jiangnan Gentry has been suppressed by Western Huai military commanders for so many years; someone needs a voice inside the palace," Lv Ben said slowly, his voice devoid of any sentiment.

"No matter how deep the affection is, it cannot outweigh time; moreover, royal affairs have never been as simple as children's sentimental feelings, the Jiangnan Gentry has been suppressed by Western Huai military commanders for so many years, and someone needs to speak up inside the palace."

"Chang Yuchun is a military commander; while the Emperor was alive it was fine, and in the future… Besides, I'm not asking you to compete with Chang Wan for favor; I only want you to secure a foothold in the Crown Prince's Residence, to win a place for the Jiangnan Gentry," Lu said.

Lu Chan bit her lip, then finally nodded, "I will obey, Father."

Lu Chan truly had no desire to enter the inner palace; she was well‑read and knew that once inside one could not act of one's own accord, especially as a descendant of the Lu family.

She also knew what her father wanted her to do by entering the inner palace, yet she could not refuse.

Having enjoyed everything the Lu family provided, now was the time for her to repay.

"Good child, in the coming days the Empress will hold a banquet in the palace to warm up for the Crown Prince Marriage. I will find a way to get you into the palace. Then you must seize the opportunity," Lv Ben smiled and said.

"I understand, Father."

"Good child, these coming days, the Empress will hold a banquet in the palace to warm up for the Crown Prince Marriage, and Father will find a way to let you enter the palace. When the time comes, you must seize the opportunity." Lu smiled and said.

Zhu Biao was reviewing memorials when Chang Wan entered, carrying a bowl of ice‑chilled sour plum soup.

"Your Highness, take a break," Chang Wan placed the bowl on the table and said.

Zhu Biao set down his brush, rubbed his brow, and said, "Wan'er, you're here."

Chang Wan stepped behind him, massaging his shoulders, and said, "I heard at this morning's court the Emperor said he would let you assume the Regency?"

"Hmm, Father said after the marriage we'll let us begin the Regency," Zhu Biao said.

"That will be exhausting," Chang Wan whispered.

Zhu Biao laughed, "A little fatigue is no problem; as long as I can ease Father's worries. By the way, how are the preparations for the marriage going?"

"The Empress's side has everything arranged; the Ministry of Rites people go to Kunning Palace daily, busy as a whirlwind. My mother says the dowry is ready, just waiting for the day," Chang Wan laughed.

Zhu Biao grasped her hand and said, "Wan'er, I've put you in an awkward position. I originally wanted to make it more grand for you, but Father said the world is just settling, and it's not proper to be overly extravagant."

"I don't care about those things; as long as I can marry you, I'm willing to have a simple ceremony," Chang Wan shook her head.

As the two were speaking, a eunuch outside reported, "Your Highness, Prince Wu has arrived."

"Let the second brother in," Zhu Biao said.

The two were talking when a eunuch outside reported, "Prince, Prince Wu has arrived."

"Let second brother come in," Zhu Biao said.

Zhu Yong strode in, still holding a food box, and said, "Big brother, sister‑in‑law, I brought you some tasty food."

Chang Wan's face flushed as she said, "Prince Wu, the wedding hasn't taken place yet, don't call me that."

"It's only a matter of time!" he chuckled, "These are newly made pastries from the palace; Mom asked me to bring some to you." Zhu Yong said, placing the food box on the table.

Zhu Biao opened the food box; inside were several delicate snacks.

"Second brother, sit down; I have something to ask you."

Zhu Yong sat on the chair and said, "What is it?"

"Anything been happening over at Wang Baobao's side lately?" Zhu Biao asked.

Zhu Yong scratched his head and said, "I saw Guanyin Nu the day before yesterday; she said her Elder Brother wrote, saying everything is fine, but some people under his command are restless, always thinking about returning to the Grassland."

"Return to the Grassland…" Zhu Biao frowned and said.

"Hmm, those people are used to life on the Grassland; they can't adjust to Da Tong. Wang Baobao is having a headache over it—he can't beat them or scold them, fearing trouble will arise," Zhu Yong said.

Zhu Biao pondered for a moment and said, "We need to come up with a solution; we can't let them cause a stir."

"I told Guanyin Nu to advise Wang Baobao; if that doesn't work, we'll cut the army, dismiss those who won't obey, and keep only those willing to follow the rules," Zhu Yong said.

"That method isn't bad, but we need to tell Dad about it," Zhu Biao nodded.

"Dad said that Wang Baobao can handle it himself, as long as no trouble is caused," Zhu Yong said.

Chang Wan, listening nearby, suddenly said, "Prince Wu, I heard the Emperor wants to arrange a marriage for Guanyin Nu with you?"

Zhu Yong was startled, chuckled, and said, "I don't know; Dad didn't tell me."

"I think it's almost certain; I've seen that Guanyin Nu girl—she's beautiful and gentle, a perfect match for you, Prince Wu."

Chang Wan smiled.

Zhu Yong scratched his head and said, "Hehe..."

Zhu Biao and Chang Wan both laughed.

"Second brother, taking a wife is a matter of destiny; how could one refuse? If Dad truly arranges a marriage for you, you must not decline."

"I understand," Zhu Yong nodded.

The three of them chatted for a while longer, and Zhu Yong then took his leave.

After he left, Chang Wan said to Zhu Biao, "Prince, although Prince Wu is simple‑minded, his heart is kind; if Guanyin Nu were to marry him, they'd be a good match."

"Hmm, second brother is truly sincere, he won't mistreat anyone. By the way, Wan, in the few days before the wedding, spend more time in the palace with Mom; she can't handle everything alone," Zhu Biao said.

"I understand; I'll go tomorrow," Chang Wan said.