The First Prince of the Ming Dynasty

In front of the official post station.

Dozens of people from the Xia family arrived at once. In addition to the patriarch Xia Ru, there was also his second son, Xia Chen, who is also the oldest son still alive.

Following behind was Xia Xun, the third son who was still a boy.

All the men in the family gathered together; it was a total family mobilization.

"Please take a look, is this alright? Will it be embarrassing in front of others?"

Before going in, Xia Ru was still uneasy, afraid that there would be a problem with his appearance, so he asked his son for help.

Xia Chen didn't think his father was making a fuss. Instead, after carefully examining the clothes, he pointed out, "Father, you should pull your collar down a little. It will make you look more humble when you go in."

"Yes, yes, that's the right attitude," Xia Ru said. "Help your father tidy up."

The father and son then began tidying each other up again.

Once everything was ready, Xia Rucai walked ahead, and the whole family entered the official post station in a grand procession.

"I am Xia Ru, the Earl of Qingyang. I have come today to pay my respects to the young prince of Ning. Please trouble yourself to announce my arrival." After Xia Ru entered, he met Min Twenty-Four with great respect.

Min Ershisi never expected that a count, who was also the father-in-law of the Ming Dynasty, would greet him with such courtesy.

Min Twenty-Four was no ordinary person; he was a former bandit. His gaze immediately fell on the large and small boxes that had been brought in from the Xia residence.

"What is this?" Min Twenty-Four asked, scrutinizing the object without any politeness.

Xia Ru hurriedly said, "This is a small token of our family's appreciation, and we hope the young prince will accept it. We have a favor to ask of you today, and we hope you can grant us an opportunity to meet. Thank you!"

Min Twenty-Four said, "Then... please follow me."

"Will the Little Prince grant me an audience? That would be wonderful! I am truly humbled and honored." Xia Ru was also overjoyed.

I didn't expect to get in so easily.

I thought meeting the Little Prince would be incredibly difficult, and I was terrified beyond measure, because this was a matter of life and death.

He wasn't as arrogant as Zhang Mao. In his view, what an honor it was to meet the young prince of the Ning Prince's mansion! After all, he was just a figurehead as the emperor's father-in-law; who would respect him?

……

……

We arrived at the door of Zhu Yi's room.

The three members of the Xia family waited patiently.

Min Niansi had no choice but to go in and announce their arrival as requested. Not long after, when the door reopened, Zhu Yi appeared at the door.

"My name is Zhu Gongyi, and I greet the Earl of Qingyang."

Zhu Yi was still very polite when he met Xia Ru.

For no other reason than... Xia Ru was someone he could definitely win over.

Who among the powerful and influential would truly respect a child from a noble family? And why would they help him be adopted into the emperor's family?

Why should I?

What benefits can you offer me?

But Xia Ru was different.

The Xia family didn't have much standing in the court, but the matter of adopting a child was extremely important to them.

Empress Xia had no children of her own. If a child were to be adopted, it would be as if the child were raised by Empress Xia.

Then Xia Ru could be considered the adopted son's nominal maternal grandfather.

It is absolutely only right for a grandson to treat his grandfather's illness, and it is also the best way to build a deep friendship. What can compare to the kindness of saving a life?

Xia Ru and his two sons were also filled with trepidation, and the three of them unanimously returned the greeting to Zhu Yi.

Xia Ru said, "Young Prince, you are too kind. I am not worthy of such hospitality. Today, I have a matter of life and death, and I have no choice but to come to see you. I hope you can forgive my impudence."

At this point, Xia Ru almost burst into tears.

"I understand the feelings of the Earl of Qingyang. Please come in." Zhu Yi made way for him.

Xia Ru then said, "You all wait outside first, and I will go in to discuss with the little prince."

"Yes." Xia Ru's two sons were very well-mannered. When told to wait at the door, they stood up straight without any resentment, and instead felt that this was what they should do.

This, on the contrary, made Zhu Yi feel a little uncomfortable.

……

……

inside the room.

Upon seeing Zhu Yi, Xia Ru had barely begun to speak when he showed signs of wanting to shed tears, his complex emotions and fear already permeating his entire being.

But they still have to pretend to be calm in front of others.

"Lord Qingyang, there's no need to worry. Although I don't have the medicine on hand, I've already had someone buy the raw materials, and I'll start the research and development now. I estimate that the medicine will be delivered to your residence later today."

Zhu Yi was very sensible.

He knew he couldn't just say he had the medicine ready-made.

Although Tang Yin was nominally responsible for the prophecy that Xia Ru would die, in order for Xia Ru to remember his kindness, it must be shown that he himself created the medicine.

Xia Ru exclaimed in surprise, "Is there really such a miraculous medicine?"

Zhu Yi smiled and nodded, saying, "It was also because of the rush. I was transferred to Zhangjiakou Fort by His Majesty and returned in a hurry. Otherwise, I would have sent the medicine over early this morning. However, this medicine has an expiration date. If it expires, the medicine will not be fully effective. It can only be used immediately after preparation."

This is also to show that you can't just use me this once and then abandon me.

Although I can now see that you, Xia Ru, are truly a virtuous gentleman, possessing all the qualities of loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness, and it's not an act.

But I have to assume you're a shameless scoundrel like Zhang Mao first, that's only human nature.

And he wasn't lying; nitroglycerin is indeed very easy to spoil, and if used improperly, it won't be effective.

Xia Ru was overjoyed and wept, nodding and saying, "It's good that you have it, it's good that you have it. This old man truly has no way to repay you, so please allow me to offer you a deep bow..."

As they were talking, Xia Ru was about to stand up and give Zhu Yi a deep bow.

Zhu Yi hurriedly stood up and helped him up, saying, "Lord Qingyang, you're too kind. I'm new here and unfamiliar with the capital. You're the first person to come and see me. Such kindness makes me feel the warmth of family. When traveling, having a kind and benevolent person like you around makes things much smoother."

It's practically like saying, "I came to the capital to be the emperor's son and your grandson."

Look at you bowing so deeply to me now, does that mean you don't consider me family?

We can benefit each other in the future, without needing to do anything or repay any favors; that would be too formal.

Xia Ru wiped away his tears and said, "This old man is truly blessed to have met you, young prince. If you need anything, just tell me. And if there's anything you don't know about in the capital, I'll have some of my children help you..."

"I heard of the Earl of Qingyang's reputation for scholarship when I was in Nanchang. I knew that you were a loyal and filial minister, and my father often mentioned you as well."

Zhu Yi said, "It would be my honor to do something for a scholar as renowned as you. As for the small matter of settling me in the capital, how could I trouble you? Rest assured, I will help you through this difficult time no matter what."

Xia Ru said excitedly, "This old man has never seen such a benevolent person as the young prince. He is truly... I am speechless. I will never forget this great kindness."