sovbooks Chapter 88 Good News
Chapter 88 Good News
Zhu Gaoxi loudly called Huang Liang in to help the old emperor to lie down in the warm pavilion.
"Don't make a fuss, we're fine," the old emperor said, feigning concern.
"Grandpa's health cannot be taken lightly," Zhu Gaoxi said softly, leaving no room for argument.
The old emperor lay on the kang with a blissful expression, waving for Huang Liang to leave.
Once only the grandfather and grandson remained in the hall, the old emperor solemnly instructed, "What I just said must not be mentioned to anyone, including You Dun."
"Your grandson obeys," Zhu Gaoxi replied obediently.
The old emperor closed his eyes, turned to the side with his back to Zhu Gaoxi, and wanted to think about something in peace.
Zhu Gaoxi retreated to the outer room and focused on reviewing the memorials.
After Zhu Youdun returned, he quickly threw himself into his work, and the two of them worked until very late.
After the old emperor awoke, he stayed by their side, giving them guidance and explanations from time to time. He also took the time to go to the Wenhua Hall to meet with officials and discuss important matters with his grandson.
The old emperor's actions created the illusion for Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Jixi that they were highly valued and appreciated. Their emotions were temporarily appeased, and they were even encouraged, barely maintaining a peaceful state and no longer rushing to the old emperor to complain.
Zhu Gaoxi was filled with unease and secretly observed the old emperor's expression, but found nothing unusual. He couldn't help but admire him inwardly, thinking, "Truly a master of acting!"
A few days later, Zhu Yunwen got married.
Xu Miaojin brought Xu Jingyan into the palace, and Zhu Gaoxi got a headache as soon as he saw the two of them, and tried to avoid them at all costs.
Since the last time he mistakenly kidnapped Xu Zengshou, he has never dared to return to the Wu Prince's Mansion.
Xu Jingyan was disrespectful and didn't learn good manners. She called her aunt by her full name, "Zhu Gaoxi," with clear pronunciation and a commanding presence, giving her the air of a daughter of a military family.
Not to be outdone, Zhu Gaoxi put on airs and feigned profundity: "What is it?"
"Sweet potato fries," Xu Jingyan stretched out his little hand.
Zhu Gaoxi beckoned to Yunlu, and a bag of sweet potato fries was quickly placed on the table.
Doesn't this little girl have any shyness? She's bossing me around like I'm family.
Zhu Gaoxi looked the little girl up and down, thinking to himself.
As she ate, her mouth watered, and Zhu Gaoxi took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth.
"Delicious!" Xu Jingyan beamed, his face slightly flushed in the warm sunshine, as lively and playful as pink peach petals fluttering in the air.
A warm feeling inexplicably welled up in Zhu Gaoxi's heart.
After Zhu Youdun, Zhu Ying, and Zhu Jixi all arrived, they set off together for Zhu Yunwen's Guangze Prince's Mansion.
Upon arrival, Zhu Gaoxi instructed Sanbao to go find Zhu Jingyi first.
Zhu Gaoxi hasn't seen her since she and Zhu Yunwen had their big fight in the Qianqing Palace.
Old Madam Geng must be very saddened by her passing, and Zhu Gaoxi should offer some words of comfort.
As soon as I sat down, I saw Li Jinglong walking towards me.
After exchanging greetings, Li Jinglong intentionally stayed by Zhu Gaoxi's side, wanting to exchange a few pleasantries.
It seems like they're trying to get closer to me.
Historically, Li Jinglong was ordered to lead 500,000 troops to besiege Beiping, but was utterly defeated by Zhu Di and suffered a crushing defeat.
Later, when the Yan army arrived outside the capital, Li Jinglong immediately opened the Jin Chuan Gate to welcome Zhu Di into the city.
Given Li Jinglong's lackluster performance in the Jingnan Campaign, some called him a complete incompetent strategist who only knew how to talk the talk, while others suspected he was a skilled undercover agent.
Regardless of the actual situation, he was not the kind of reckless, headstrong tough guy who would charge headlong into anything.
Therefore, even if you dislike him, there's no need to have a falling out with him.
Even if he was just a useless piece of trash, he still had the hereditary title of Duke of Cao, so Zhu Gaoxi would definitely have to give him face in public.
After chatting with him for a while, Zhu Gaoxi saw Zhu Jingyi and the Imperial Son-in-Law Geng Xuan walking quickly towards him. Zhu Gaoxi immediately stood up and said, "Sister and Imperial Son-in-Law, please accept my condolences."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Jingyi's eyes involuntarily reddened. It was clear that her sadness came from the bottom of her heart, and that Old Madam Geng's love for her had not been in vain.
Geng Xuan was heartbroken and put her arm around her shoulder to comfort her softly.
Zhu Gaoxi was about to say a few words of comfort when he noticed Zhu Yunwen had arrived, so he kept quiet.
No matter how many foolish things she did, I believe Zhu Jingyi will remember who was truly good to her.
The old emperor has been consulting him on important matters lately, and Zhu Yunwen is now brimming with confidence and high spirits.
The princes, dukes, marquises, and civil and military officials present all bowed to him, surrounding him like stars around the moon. Zhu Yunwen was composed and had an extraordinary demeanor, having long been accustomed to his status and life as the crown prince.
Zhu Jixi secretly scoffed at it.
It seems that the rift between the two is deepening day by day.
After the banquet, the guests gradually dispersed. Zhu Yunwen was in a great mood and invited them to return to the palace together.
Xu Jingyan was clinging to her mother Mu Xue and acting coquettishly, so Zhu Gaoxi had to wait a little longer. Zhu Ying, Zhu Jixi and Zhu Yunwen left first, leaving only Zhu Youdun behind.
Just as Zhu Gaoxi and Xu Jingyan were making funny faces and interacting, Zhu Yunwen's trusted eunuch, Ji Yue, came running over and asked him to come over.
Zhu Gaoxi invited Zhu Youdun to go together.
After winding through several turns, they arrived at a secluded courtyard and found Zhu Yunwen standing behind the door to greet them.
"My sister said she's on your side, and so am I," Zhu Yunwen said, grasping Zhu Gaoxi's hand.
Zhu Gaoxi's nose tingled with emotion, and he nodded. No need for further words; those words were enough.
The scene he and Zhu Jingyi caused in the Qianqing Palace was not of their own volition, but rather due to pressure from Lady Lü.
Zhu Gaoxi understood what Zhu Yunwen was trying to say.
On his way back to the palace, watching the endless stream of pedestrians, Zhu Gaoxi suddenly felt a sense of enlightenment.
All efforts and goodwill will be rewarded; it's just a matter of time.
Zhu Gaoxi suddenly felt full of confidence. He would continue on his path with determination, forging ahead relentlessly for the sake of his beautiful aspirations, unwavering in his commitment, and never backing down no matter how many difficulties he encountered.
The following morning, Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan, sent news of victory.
Zhu Di led his troops to defeat the Hu army at Checheer Mountain, capturing dozens of their leaders alive. He pursued them to Wulianghatu City, defeated them again, and then returned in triumph.
"The fourth son is quite capable," the old emperor said to Zhu Gaoxi with a smile, holding the memorial. "Your father is not talkative and is not good with words, but he is very shrewd. He will avoid anything that is not in his best interest and will often pretend to be sick. However, he is really capable when it comes to fighting."
This is the first time I've seen the old emperor in such a good mood since I told him about the Jingnan Campaign.
Perhaps, deep down, the old emperor never blamed his adoptive father.
Zhu Gaoxi always took pride in his father, who was a cheapskate.
In the future, if the old emperor were to issue an edict appointing his father as the crown prince, he would absolutely support it wholeheartedly.
In Zhu Gaoxi's mind, the most suitable person to inherit the throne was none other than his cheap father.
Hopefully, the old emperor will realize this soon; Zhu Gaoxi was filled with boundless longing for the future.
He was a loyal fan of the Yongle Emperor.
However, the old emperor's praise came to an abrupt end, and there was no further comment.
However, this did not prevent Zhu Gaoxi from launching his long-planned investigation.
The old emperor has been in a good mood these days; if not now, when?
After observing them for several days, it became clear that the twenty-five eunuchs were indeed all highly capable individuals, each with their own strengths.
Zhu Gaoxi ordered Yishiha to personally select two assistants to accompany Zhu Jixi and find out anything suspicious about Lady Lü.
The remaining eunuchs were handed over to Sanbao, who secretly searched for clues.
One line is in the light, the other in the dark; the two lines proceed simultaneously.