Chapter 73: I need you, and the Ming Dynasty also need you.

Zhu Di looked down upon Zhu Yunwen’s father, Zhu Biao, considering him a weak scholar who only spoke of benevolence, righteousness, and morality. Although he possessed the highly esteemed virtues of a literary figure, he lacked the strategic prowess and grand vision required for territorial expansion and conquering the world.

However, Zhu Biao was still his elder brother, the legitimate eldest son of their father, Zhu Yuanzhang, and the rightful crown prince of the Ming Empire!

Zhu Di concealed his own ambitions and willingly accepted a position as a vassal king guarding the borders under the authority of Zhu Biao.

But in the twenty-fifth year of the Hongwu reign, Zhu Yuanzhang sent Zhu Biao to Xi’an to inspect whether it was suitable to be the capital of the Ming Empire. If it was deemed suitable, they would proceed with cutting trees and constructing houses, making preparations for an eventual move.

However, unexpectedly, after Zhu Biao made the trip and returned, whether due to the hardships of the journey or his own weakened physical condition, he fell ill from a cold and passed away.

That year, Zhu Yuanzhang was sixty-five years old, Zhu Yunwen was sixteen, and Zhu Di was thirty-three!

Although Zhu Di was saddened by the early departure of his elder brother, he shed a few tears, but within his tearful gaze, the image of the Dragon Throne always flickered.

With the death of his son, Zhu Yuanzhang, as a father, naturally experienced deep grief. After burying his own son, Zhu Yuanzhang, known for his iron will, had to consider an extremely important question.

The Crown Prince, Zhu Biao, was gone, and the legitimate heir of the Ming Empire was lost.

There was no choice but to select another one.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked up and saw that he still had over twenty sons. He decided to evaluate each one individually.

Regarding the Ming Dynasty’s system, Zhu Yuanzhang esteemed the feudal system of the Zhou Dynasty, with the core principle of primogeniture inheritance, known as “establishing the eldest son as the successor, not based on merit, and establishing sons based on nobility, not based on age.” At the same time, he learned from the Zhou Dynasty’s practice of extensive feudalism, appointing vassal kings to guard and protect the central authority.

From the perspective of legitimate sons, apart from the deceased Zhu Biao, there were only the second son, King of Qin, Zhu Shuang, the third son, King of Jin, Zhu Gang, and the fifth son, King of Zhouding, Zhu Su.

According to the principle of the eldest son succeeding in the absence of the older brother, the King of Qin, Zhu Shuang, should have taken over the position of the Crown Prince.

Unfortunately, this fellow entered a rebellious phase during his youth. No matter what his father said, Zhu Yuanzhang asked him to take care of the people, to recuperate and maintain stability, but he refused. He engaged in excessive construction projects, which burdened the people and wasted resources.

For most people, the rebellious phase may involve a few disagreements with their father or, in serious cases, running away from home for a few days.

But for the King of Qin, Zhu Shuang, it was different. As a King, he had soldiers and power, and no one to restrain him. One day he would engage in gold and silver transactions, killing commoners; the next day he would capture pregnant women and young girls, and castrate young boys.

On a free day, he would leisurely study how long a person could survive freezing to death in the snow, binding someone to a tree without food or water, observing how long they could endure, after that setting people on fire to appreciate their dance in the flames.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s evaluation of Zhu Shuang was, “He lacks understanding of human affairs and is as foolish as a beast.”

Considering his actions, it is not difficult to understand why Zhu Shuang was later poisoned by someone.

Zhu Yuanzhang had no choice but to exclude such a person from becoming the heir of the empire. He behaved like this as the King of Qin, If he became the emperor, wouldn’t the Ming Dynasty still face the risk of “perishing in the second generation”?”

The third son, King of Jin Zhu Gang, was also not a good thing. Although he had a decent appearance, he had many hidden schemes and was cruel and lacking in benevolence. If it weren’t for Zhu Biao’s protection, Zhu Yuanzhang would have deposed him long ago.

Apart from these two individuals, the fifth son was also not quite suitable. Among the older sons, Zhu Di, the fourth son sandwiched in between, although not the legitimate son, was relatively promising and possessed great talent, much like himself.

Should Zhu Di be chosen?

For three long months, Zhu Yuanzhang remained undecided, observing and contemplating each potential option.

No one was aware of Zhu Yuanzhang’s hesitation and internal struggle.

Historical records could not possibly capture Zhu Yuanzhang’s conflicts and anguish. Zhu Di waited at the crossroads of opportunity for three months, only to be kicked out by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yunwen was proclaimed the Crown Prince!

With a cold and ruthless expression, Zhu Yuanzhang closed the door of hope for Zhu Di and embarked on a path of bloodshed, eliminating all the military commanders to pave the way for his own grandson.

In fact, according to the normal order of succession, it shouldn’t have been Zhu Yunwen, but his younger brother Zhu Yunteng.

Zhu Yunteng was the son of Zhu Di’s principal wife, Lady Chang. Unfortunately, Lady Chang passed away before completing her postpartum recovery. It was only after Lady Chang’s death that Zhu Yunwen’s mother, Lady Lv, was promoted to the position of principal wife, granting Zhu Yunwen the status of a legitimate son.

In other words, Zhu Yunwen was just a bastard who later received a certificate of legitimacy.

Zhu Di’s dissatisfaction was justified. His father showed favoritism. It was one thing not to choose the Crown Prince from among his own sons, but within Zhu Biao’s lineage, they even resorted to the practice of “elevating the illegitimate over the legitimate.”

It was a blatant injustice!

Zhu Yuanzhang had no choice. The military faction behind Zhu Yunteng was too powerful. His mother, Lady Chang, was the daughter of Chang Yuchun and the niece of Lan Yu. If Zhu Yunteng were to ascend to the throne, Lan Yu and his ilk would inevitably control the court, posing a threat to the Ming Dynasty.

On the other hand, Zhu Yunwen had only civil officials behind him, with no risk of the usurpation of power by powerful relatives. Even so, Zhu Yuanzhang was still wary of Lan Yu. In the second year after Zhu Yunwen’s ascension, he initiated the “Lan Yu case.”

The killing began, the situation changed, and over 15,000 people were buried in the dying embers of the Hongwu era.

Zhu Di, with a scent of alcohol, poured out the painful and uneasy times, releasing all his grievances, discontent, and indignation. Zhu Di, who was always reserved and profound, now resembled a child who had suffered countless grievances, tears streaming down his face.

“I refuse to accept it!” Zhu Di shouted loudly.

The sound echoed through the hall of the Kunning Palace, only to be shattered by the cold palace walls.

Zhu Yunwen listening to Zhu Di’s confession, without reservation he revealed everything, the suppression by Zhu Yuanzhang, the relentless burning ambition, the unwavering determination in the face of fate, and the enduring resilience despite humiliation and burden…

On the table, five jars of wine were already empty.

Zhu Di staggered and still pushed away Xu Yihua’s support. He looked at Zhu Yunwen and gave a bitter smile before saying, “I was wrong. In terms of means, strategies, overall situation, military affairs, and the welfare of the nation and the people, I am no match for you. Zhu Yunwen, you are the truly deserving emperor of the Great Ming!”

Zhu Yunwen stepped forward, assisting the intoxicated and fallen Zhu Di. Xu Yihua hurriedly approached to provide support. With a sorrowful smile, she said to Zhu Yunwen, “Your Majesty, the King of Yan has made mistakes, and so has the humble concubine. Please issue an imperial decree to punish us.”

Although Xu Yihua was Zhu Di’s closest confidante, there were certain things, certain words that Zhu Di couldn’t express to her.

Today, in the Kunning Palace, Xu Yihua for the first time sensed the immense pain and struggle hidden in Zhu Di’s heart.

Xu Yihua did not blame Zhu Di. He was her man, and whether he rebelled and was killed or was reduced to a commoner, she would accompany him to the end, remaining together until death, never abandoning him.

Zhu Yunwen shook his head slightly and said to Xu Yihua, “Lady Xu, you worry too much. If punishment is necessary, why would it require coming to the capital? Empress, have someone escort fourth uncle and his consort back to their residence. I am also intoxicated.”

Ma Enhui nodded with a smile, and Shuangxi and the others entered the hall, arranging a carriage to send Zhu Di and Xu Yihua out of the palace. By the time Ma Enhui returned to the Kunning Palace, Zhu Yunxuan had already fallen into a deep and peaceful sleep.

The greatest flaw of a royal family is its deep secrets, everything shrouded in mystery, leaving room for speculation, without revealing everything. A smile may not indicate happiness, and tears may not indicate sadness.

Exaggerated expressions, excessive theatrics.

But now, everything was laid bare, casting off the burdens of the past and shouldering the responsibilities of the future, standing tall and proud, advancing with determination!

Zhu Di, in this life, follow me faithfully.

I need you, and the Ming Dynasty needs you!

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