Daming: Dad, you are really not good at governing the country

With all the princes gathered in the East Palace, it should have been a peaceful scene.

The sun shines warmly on the carved beams and painted buildings of the East Palace, and through the carved window lattices, casting patches of mottled shadows.

It seems to add a touch of leisure to this solemn place.

But at this moment, the air seemed to be filled with a veil-like haze, and the faint atmosphere of tension was like a powder keg that was about to explode.

Just a little spark can cause a huge explosion.

No matter how the light and shadows scatter, they cannot dispel the oppressive feeling that follows everyone in their hearts.

Zhu Di, who came from Beiping Prefecture, was wearing a black brocade robe.

The cloud patterns embroidered with silver thread on the robe appeared faintly in the light and shadow, as if they would be blown away by the wind at any time.

There was a unique elegance to him, but it could not conceal the solemn aura he exuded at the moment.

His brows were furrowed, and his thick eyebrows looked like two tangled caterpillars.

There was a hint of worry in his narrow eyes.

It is like an abyss with no bottom, making it impossible to fathom the thoughts within.

Zhu Di leaned slightly closer to Crown Prince Zhu Biao and leaned forward unconsciously, as if he wanted to lock his words firmly in this small space.

He lowered his voice and said, "Brother, receiving the delegation this time is a good thing to show the power of our Ming Dynasty.

But now, all the concubines in the harem are fighting fiercely for the position of leader over this matter.

Brother, you didn’t see that all parties have recruited a lot of people.

Many of the palaces in the harem were in an uproar, and the tranquility of the past was gone."

As Zhu Di spoke, he rubbed the corner of his clothes nervously.

The movement of the fingers was like polishing a precious piece of jade, stroking it repeatedly.

His face was full of helplessness, and he continued, "Those mothers and concubines usually look gentle and docile, like delicate flowers blooming in spring.

But now, because of this matter, they seem like different people.

They are sharp-tongued and neither of them gives in.

Just like a vicious dog guarding its food, it shows no mercy at all.

Brother, I am really worried. This dispute in the harem seems to be just a matter between women, but it actually concerns the balance of power in the court.

Just like the chess pieces on the chessboard, if one move affects the whole body."

Zhu Di raised his eyes to look at Zhu Biao, his eyes filled with respect for his elder brother, and his gaze was as pious as a subject looking up to his monarch.

There is also a subtle temptation hidden in it, just like the ripples caused by the breeze blowing across the lake.

He asked softly: "Brother, what is your attitude towards this matter?

After all, as the crown prince, your every word and action affects many aspects.

Just like the man at the helm, controlling the direction of the ship."

Today Zhu Biao was wearing the bright yellow official uniform of the crown prince, a color that made him stand out among the other princes.

Just like the rising sun, it radiates a noble and unquestionable light.

His face was solemn at this moment, and his deep eyes revealed calmness and responsibility.

Just like a towering mountain, no matter how the wind and rain attack, it remains unmoved.

Zhu Biao frowned slightly, and a small wrinkle seemed to be pinched into the center of his eyebrows by an invisible hand.

He put his hands behind his back and tapped his fingers subconsciously.

The sound made in this slightly quiet atmosphere was like a countdown drumbeat, hitting everyone's heart one by one.

Then Zhu Biao paced back and forth a few times, his steps steady and slightly heavy.

Every step he took seemed to leave a deep mark on the ground.

After a long while, Zhu Biao slowly said, "Alas, fourth brother, I have heard about this matter. The affairs of the harem are complicated and involve many people. Father must be weighing the pros and cons.

As princes, we really shouldn't get too involved at this moment.

The disputes in the harem are like a tangled mess, it just gets more and more chaotic.

If you are not careful, you will stir up a hornet's nest.

Not only will it cause chaos, it may also affect state affairs such as the reception of the embassy."

Zhu Biao paused, his eyes swept across the faces of the princes one by one, and then he said earnestly: "I just hope that all parties can take the overall situation into consideration and not hinder state affairs for personal gain.

As descendants of the royal family, we should put the country and the people first.

Don't get involved in these petty fights, it's disgraceful."

Zhu Biao said this but sighed helplessly in his heart.

The sigh seemed like a wisp of smoke escaping from the deepest part of the heart, fleeting but filled with endless fatigue and pressure.

As the crown prince, he not only has to maintain the harmony of the royal family, but also has to be vigilant against the undercurrents of various forces at all times.

I have to say that the disputes in the harem are like a tangled mess, so complicated that it gives people a headache.

But Zhu Biao could not show the slightest favoritism and could only try his best to stabilize the situation.

Only he himself knows the pressure involved.

Just like a camel carrying a heavy load, it silently endures everything.

As everyone was talking, Zhu Gang's eyes fell on his sixth brother Zhu Zhen, who had gone to Wuchang to seek refuge a few years ago.

Zhu Zhen, who was only seventeen years old, had a tall and straight figure, like a pine tree, standing proudly among the crowd.

He looked so majestic, like a general returning in triumph.

He was wearing a navy blue brocade robe with a black jade belt around his waist.

It makes Zhu Zhen look more vigorous and energetic.

His face was filled with a confident glow, just like the warm spring sun, bright and dazzling.

When Zhu Zhen saw Zhu Gang looking at him, he smiled and bowed, saying, "Third brother, long time no see. I hope you are well."

Zhu Gang smiled and returned the greeting, jokingly saying, "Sixth brother, you have become more promising since your visit to Wuchang. I have heard a lot about your deeds in the capital."

Zhu Zhen humbly waved his hand and said, "Third brother, you are joking. I am just doing my duty and contributing to our Ming Dynasty."

The people around also echoed and praised Zhu Zhen.

After all, Zhu Zhen had made great military achievements at a young age. In the ninth year of Hongwu, he and several brothers went to Fengyang, the Zhongdu, to train troops.

For Zhu Zhen, those three years were like forging a sword in a raging fire, going through a thousand trials and tribulations.

After returning to the capital in the first month of the twelfth year of Hongwu, his life seemed to be on a roll, with good things happening one after another.

Zhu Zhen first married Wang Wanying, the daughter of Wang Bi, Marquis of Dingyuan, in accordance with the imperial order. On the wedding day, the entire capital seemed to be shrouded in the festive red color.

Red silk was hung all over the streets and the sound of firecrackers was deafening, as if announcing to the world the smooth life of this young prince.

After marriage, he did not slack off and immersed himself in literature and history books.

He often sits in his study for a whole day.

The sunlight shines through the window paper onto Zhu Zhen's focused face, outlining his determined and studious profile, like a beautiful painting.

In addition, Zhu Zhen often discussed academic matters with Confucian officials, and the heated discussions sometimes sounded like the sound of gurgling water.

Sometimes it's like a surging wave, echoing in the study.

After going to his fiefdom in Wuchang, he successively pacified the bandits in Sanzhudong and Dayongzhudong, and his prestige in the army gradually grew.

Every victory was like a shining gem inlaid in Zhu Zhen’s crown of glory, making him more confident and confident.

But such a beautiful scene also attracted the jealousy of others. (End of this chapter)