The strongest eldest son of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 78 Zhu Yuanzhang: Don't rush, I'll arrange things for you!

All the civil and military officials who had attended the banquet earlier were here, crowding outside the hall, their faces filled with eagerness, vying to see His Majesty.

Everyone had the same thought: they all wanted to be the first to arrange for their daughters to meet the mysterious prince.

Inside the imperial study, Zhu Yuanzhang was overwhelmed and exasperated by a group of officials who took turns pleading and persuading him.

He raised his hand repeatedly to reassure everyone, his tone both helpless and amused.

"My dear ministers, please be patient! We have everything under control and have already made arrangements!"

"Don't rush, I'll arrange yours and his, two at a time!!"

"It's their turn, whoever's turn it is! We won't show favoritism! We agreed on two people at a time, taking turns, so everyone has a chance!"

Unable to bear the entanglement from the court officials, Zhu Yuanzhang simply left the imperial study and strode into Empress Ma's bedroom.

Empress Ma was sitting by the window, resting when she saw him rushing over, and her brows furrowed with a hint of doubt.

"Chongba, what brings you here today? The affairs of the court have only just been sorted out; you shouldn't be so leisurely."

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed deeply, sat down with a weary expression, and began to complain with genuine helplessness.

"I came here to find some peace and quiet! I've only been back in the palace for a few days, and those ministers in the court are acting like they've gone mad."

"They flocked to see Yao'er, desperately trying to get their daughters to go on blind dates with him."

"They don't know anything about Yao'er's background or situation, yet they're rushing to get involved."

He frowned, muttering a question in bewilderment.

"Speaking of which, does Yao'er really have that much charm?"

"Even when we were selecting a Crown Princess for Biao'er, there wasn't this kind of frantic competition!"

Empress Ma smiled gently upon hearing this, seeing through the situation perfectly, and slowly began to explain.

"Zhongba, you're blinded by your own involvement. Yao'er's excellence is obvious to everyone else."

"He is of good character, meticulous, wealthy, and intelligent—he excels in everything."

"Especially the Free Point he developed, which is extremely considerate of women's unspeakable suffering and gentle and meticulous to the extreme."

"A man who understands people's hearts, knows how to be kind and compassionate, and is capable is someone that any intelligent woman would not easily let go of."

Empress Ma's eyes held a hint of admiration as she softly remarked.

"If Yao'er weren't already His Majesty's adopted son, with his status already established, I would have wanted to betroth the royal princess to him."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately shook his head repeatedly, muttering to himself.

That's absolutely unacceptable!

Yao'er is our own son!

How can one's own son marry one's own daughter? Such an absurd thing is absolutely unacceptable!

Zhu Yuanzhang dared not talk any longer and quickly changed the subject.

"Being besieged and urged by ministers every day is really unbearable. We need to go to Chenzhou again."

Empress Ma nodded slightly and asked the question.

"So, which two families' daughters will you be introducing to Yao'er for the first time?"

After a moment's thought, Zhu Yuanzhang spoke with certainty and made the decision.

"Just bring Xu Da's daughter, Xu Miaoyun, and Deng Yu's second daughter, Deng Shengnan."

"One is a scholar, the other a warrior; the two families have completely different backgrounds. Let Yao'er choose for herself."

Empress Ma's brows relaxed, and she nodded gently in approval of the arrangement.

Just as the two finalized their itinerary, Crown Prince Zhu Biao slowly walked into the palace, seemingly wanting to say something but then stopping himself.

He had come to inquire about which of his younger brothers his father was choosing a wife for in his recent extensive selection of women.

Before he could even ask a question, Zhu Yuanzhang looked at him first and gave him instructions.

"Biao'er, you've come at the right time. Your mother and I are planning to go on an incognito trip for a few days to relax."

"You will continue to oversee all affairs of the court; you are welcome to manage them carefully."

With just a few words, Zhu Yuanzhang dismissed Zhu Biao, effectively cutting off any chance for him to ask questions.

Zhu Biao had no choice but to suppress his doubts, bowed, accepted the decree, and silently withdrew.

Just then, Erhu rushed into the hall in a hurry, knelt down, clasped his hands, and reported.

"Your Majesty! Your humble servant has verified that Marquis Deqing, Liao Yongzhong, has privately misused dragon and phoenix motifs and has acted in numerous ways that exceed the bounds of propriety and violate regulations. The evidence against him is irrefutable!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang's face darkened, and he was furious, his aura instantly becoming chilling and terrifying.

"How dare he! Liao Yongzhong has become arrogant and complacent after achieving success, daring to overstep the bounds of propriety and harbor treacherous intentions!"

"Issue my decree: immediately imprison Marquis Deqing, Liao Yongzhong, in the imperial prison. Seal all evidence of his crimes, and I will personally investigate and deal with him!"

With the decree issued, the atmosphere in the hall became heavy, and Empress Ma immediately inquired about the important matter.

"Chongba, with the sudden incident involving Liao Yongzhong, what should be done about Yao'er's arranged marriage?"

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned and waved his hand helplessly.

"The case in the court has come suddenly, and I am preoccupied with important matters. This matter can only be postponed for now and will be discussed later."

After a moment's thought, Empress Ma, with clear eyes, calmly offered her suggestion.

"There's no need to completely abandon the plan for Chongba. Since the journey is hindered, why not have Xu Da and Deng Yu personally take their daughter to Chenzhou?"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang hesitated slightly and asked, "Is this feasible? Wouldn't it be too abrupt?"

Empress Ma smiled gently and replied confidently.

"Why not? Yao'er is insightful and prudent in his actions. You should trust his judgment and vision."

Zhu Yuanzhang pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded, and immediately made up his mind.

"That makes sense, let's arrange it that way!"

He immediately summoned Zong Yonghe inside and gave him serious instructions in person.

"You shall set off immediately to accompany the Xu and Deng families to Chenzhou and escort the two young ladies to their arranged marriages."

"Remember to be extremely cautious in everything you do, keep a low profile throughout, and never reveal your true identity in the slightest!"

Zong Yonghe bowed and knelt on the ground, his expression solemn, and accepted the order in a deep voice.

"Your Majesty, I obey! I will certainly remain cautious and discreet, strictly guarding the secrets, and will not err!"

.....

Xu Da and Deng Yu received an imperial decree informing them that they were to personally take their daughters to Chenzhou for a matchmaking trip. Both of them looked puzzled and exchanged a puzzled glance.

Deng Yu frowned slightly and said in a low voice with doubt, "His Majesty's selection of consorts has always been a grand affair. There has never been a rule that subjects would bring their daughters to distant places for matchmaking. This is truly unusual."

Xu Da was also full of doubts. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said, "His Majesty's intentions are unpredictable. Since he has spoken the decree, we should obey. There is no need for further speculation."

Although the two were filled with confusion, they knew that the emperor's command could not be disobeyed, so they bowed and accepted the decree, returned to their respective residences to pack their belongings, and prepared to set off.

The next morning, carriages and horses were ready in both prefectures. Xu Miaoyun and Deng Shengnan, along with their families, left Jinling with Zong Yonghe and headed to Chenzhou.

The journey was bumpy, and halfway there, Deng Yu couldn't contain his curiosity and turned to Zong Yonghe beside him to ask a question.

"Chief Steward Zong, we have never set foot in Chenzhou before. We wonder what the local customs and conditions are like? How is His Highness the Prince doing in Chenzhou?"

Zong Yonghe remained calm and kept his mouth shut, only offering a curt reply with a slight bow.

"The two dukes need not be impatient. You have had a long and arduous journey. Please rest for now. Once you arrive in Chenzhou, you will naturally understand everything."