Chapter 2: Zhu Di’s three sons.

“Let the kings stay in their respective territories and not come to the capital.”

This is a sentence from Zhu Yuanzhang’s testament.

In simple terms, it means that after I, Zhu Yuanzhang, pass away, you sons should stay outside and not return to the capital for mourning.

After Zhu Yuanzhang’s death, Zhu Yunwen faithfully enforced this decree.

Well, there is only one exception, and that is Zhu Di.

As for the other uncles, they all cried and entered the capital.

Zhu Yunwen’s differential treatment naturally reveals his fear of Zhu Di. Although he used the testament as a command, his actions were not honorable.

In any matter, either treat everyone equally and not let anyone come, or let everyone come.

Allowing some but stopping one, what does that mean?

Isn’t it clearly bullying Zhu Di?

It’s almost like directly slapping Zhu Di in the face and telling him that if Zhu Yunwen doesn’t allow him to come, he can only wait outside.

If you don’t listen to me, you won’t succeed. What can you do?

Zhu Di, who was slapped in the face, must have felt uncomfortable. It’s understandable that he would go back, pound tables, smash chairs, throw cups, and then turn around to make weapons and buy provisions.

Regarding Zhu Yunwen’s previously foolish decisions, the current Zhu Yunwen feels helpless and sympathetic. Of course, Huang Zicheng is credited for these ideas.

“Your Majesty, summoning King Yan to the capital at this time, wouldn’t it contradict the previous decree? Changing the imperial decree overnight would damage Your Majesty’s authority…”

Huang Zicheng quickly advised.

Zhu Yunwen sighed and said, “Before the decree was issued, the other Kings had not yet arrived in the capital. Now all the other Kings are in the capital, only King Yan is missing. How will people judge? Furthermore, our dynasty advocates benevolent and filial governance. King Yan is the fourth son of the founder of the dynasty, my fourth uncle. How can he not come to the capital?”

“Your Majesty, once King Yan enters the capital, there may be turmoil.”

Qi Tai also said uneasily.

Zhu Yunwen looked at the two of them and smiled, saying, “What turmoil would there be?”

Qi Tai replied, “King Yan once led a large army to campaign in the desert and has high prestige among the troops. In addition, he has close relations with the distinguished officials of the Five Armies Commandery. If he is allowed to stay in the capital and move about freely, he may gather popular support.”

Zhu Yunwen smiled indifferently, waved his hand, and said, “Very well, we can see where the imperial nobles stand. That’s settled then, make the arrangements.”

Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng had no choice but to bow and leave.

Ma Enhui, seeing Zhu Yunwen in a good mood, accompanied him and whispered, “Today, Your Majesty seems different from before.”

Zhu Yunwen was secretly surprised and looked at Ma Enhui.

After all, she was his close confidante, and with a woman’s intuition, she could perceive the changes.

“A few days ago, His Majesty was afraid to meet King Yan, but now he has issued an edict to summon him to the capital. I don’t know how His Majesty is considering it.”

Ma Enhui continued speaking in detail.

Zhu Yunwen looked at Ma Enhui, pondering how to respond.

Ma Enhui seemed to sense something and quickly knelt down, saying, “Please forgive me, Your Majesty. I should never have meddled in state affairs.”

Zhu Yunwen, seeing a woman kneeling before him, had a collision of memories of ceremonial norms and equality in future generations in his mind. In the end, he stepped forward and helped Ma Enhui up, carefully looking at the woman before him.

It must be said that Ma Enhui’s appearance was truly outstanding.

Her peach blossom eyes and the captivating glimmer in her gaze were enchanting. Her fair skin had a rosy glow, and her slightly moving lips emanated a faint fragrance.

She was his wife.

Zhu Yunwen sighed and took Ma Enhui’s hand, sitting at the edge of the bed, saying, “You must accompany me for a hundred years!”

Ma Enhui smiled lightly, her beauty shining amidst the chaos.

Only Zhu Yunwen knew that she would die within this palace!

Four years later!

Unless he could resolve the issue with the vassal kings(藩王) , unless he could deal with Zhu Di!

He lacked military talent, but he could rely on the history in his mind and the experiences from the future.

And this would be his decisive advantage, where he would outpace Zhu Di!

Amidst the raging storm and thunderous lightning…

The headquarters of the Central Army Commandery.

Distinguished and extraordinary, Duke of Wei, Xu Huizu, with a jade-like face and a noble bearing, was not resting but rather reviewing a batch of documents. As the son of Xu Da^[1]Xu Da (1332–1385), courtesy name Tiande, was a Chinese military general and politician who lived in the late Yuan dynasty and early Ming dynasty. He was a friend of … Continue reading, the first renowned general of the founding era, Xu Huizu not only inherited Xu Da’s wisdom but also his courage.

Zhu Yuanzhang held high regard for Xu Huizu and entrusted him with the command of the Central Army Headquarters. At the young age of thirty, Xu Huizu ranked as the top military official.

Putting down the documents in his hands, Xu Huizu rubbed his slightly sore eyes and let out a sigh. He murmured to himself, “It seems that His Majesty intends to make a major move.”

Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng had been advocating for the reduction of the vassal kings, and the Emperor had inquired multiple times about border defense matters, hinting at the removal of the border kings. The knife was already raised, it was just a matter of when and where it would strike.

Xu Huizu didn’t completely agree with the idea of reducing the vassal kings. Although reducing them would benefit the country’s stability and strengthen the main branch, the capital city was still located in the south, and the vast northern territory required a group of people to guard it and deter the Mongols.

“The heart of an emperor only asks for loyalty, not ability,” Xu Huizu felt somewhat powerless.

Indeed, he was the top military official, but he was far from being a trusted confidant of Zhu Yunwen. Zhu’s confidant was Li Jinglong, the Duke of Cao, the son of Li Wenzhong, the King of Qiyang. Xu Huizu knew Li Jinglong well. Apart from his striking appearance and elegant demeanor, Li Jinglong was actually a worthless person.

He lacked any strategy, yet held the position of Commander of the Left Army. But that’s what being a confidant gets you. Xu Huizu couldn’t compare to him.

As Xu Huizu looked out the window at the lightning and thunder, he felt a wave of oppression. Suddenly, someone reported, “His Majesty has issued an order to summon the King of Yan to the capital.”

Xu Huizu was taken aback and quickly inquired if the person was certain about the news. After receiving confirmation, Xu Huizu’s expression slightly changed. He didn’t know whether the Emperor’s move was a test or a banquet at Hong Gate.

“Uncle.”

A shout interrupted Xu Huizu’s contemplation. Zhu Gaochi^[2]The Hongxi Emperor (16 August 1378 – 29 May 1425), personal name Zhu Gaochi (朱高熾), was the fourth Emperor of the Ming dynasty, reigned from 1424 to 1425., with a plump and simple appearance and unsteady movements, entered the hall, followed by the remarkable Zhu Gaoxu^[3]Zhu Gaoxu (Chinese: 朱高煦; 30 December 1380 – 6 October 1426), the Prince of Gaoyang (高陽王, created 1395), later the Prince of Han (漢王, created 1404), was … Continue reading and Zhu Gaosui^[4].Zhu Gaosui (朱高燧; 19 Jan 1383 – 5 Oct 1431), third son of Yongle Emperor.

The three of them had come to the capital to mourn, but they hadn’t even had a chance to see Zhu Yuanzhang one last time. By the time they arrived in the capital, he had already been interred in the mausoleum. But since they had come, they could only stay in the capital. If they wanted to leave, they would have to wait until the mourning period was over.

Xu Huizu looked at his nephews, the three sons of Zhu Di, with a mix of admiration and concern in his eyes.

“Young princes, why are you still not resting at such a late hour?” Xu Huizu asked kindly.

Zhu Gaochi sat down and let out a sigh. He said, “These past few days of studying have been suffocating. My brothers and I have discussed it. Tomorrow, should we go to the martial arts field and hold a horseback archery competition? It would be a good way for us to unwind and have some fun.”

Xu Huizu pondered for a moment and gladly agreed, “No problem. Tomorrow happens to be free. We can invite some distinguished officials to participate as well and make it a grand event to showcase skills and compete.”

“In that case, we thank you, Uncle,” Zhu Gaochi and the others said as they saluted and left.

Xu Huizu turned and walked to the desk, immediately writing a secret letter and arranging for a trusted subordinate to deliver it discreetly to the palace. Then he stood by the window, watching the pouring rain outside, and murmured to himself, “It’s time for me to show my loyalty as well.”

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