The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 122 Zhu Gaochi: I'll do whatever my elder brother says!

That night.

But when her husband returned, he looked exhausted.

Empress Ma sat beside her, offering tea and saying with concern, "You've all been busy all day. Now that you're here, don't think about court affairs. Have some water and rest! Like Xiong Ying said, your health is the most important thing!"

Zhu Yuanzhang frowned, still thinking about the case details reported by the Ministry of Justice today.

His wife's words dispelled his worries.

He took the teacup, sipped it, and said, "Little sister, you wouldn't believe it! The military reports from the north and southwest, plus the memorials from the Six Ministries—it's enough to give anyone a headache!"

"Only when I come back to your place every night can I finally relax!"

Empress Ma glanced at him reproachfully, then shook her head and said, "Who told you, Chongba, to be the ruler of the land?"

"By the way, after Xiong Ying saw his great-uncle off today and returned to the palace, he talked to me for quite a while. There's something I'd like to mention to you!"

Upon hearing the name of his eldest grandson, Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up, and he laughed, "What's wrong with my eldest grandson now? Why do I need you to relay this message, sister?"

In that instant, he thought of many things.

A moment later, Empress Ma was amused by her husband's impatient manner and shook her head, saying, "Look how curious you are, it's nothing important!"

"Didn't you say, Chongba, that Chun'er and the others would be leaving the capital to take up their fiefdoms one after another in July, August, or September?"

"When Xiong Ying found out, he thought he would personally see them off when they set off!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang smiled, put down his teacup, and said, "Our grandson is truly thoughtful!"

"We've seen him devote himself entirely to the university and the firearms workshop since returning to the capital. We never expected him to be so considerate even in seeing his uncle off!"

"Indeed!" Empress Ma said with a kind smile, "Xiong Ying is a sensible child. He knows his uncles love him, and it would be unreasonable for a nephew not to see him off!"

"He not only wants to go by himself, but he also wants to take Yunwen, Yuntang, Jixi, and Gaochi with him!"

"To be honest, in my opinion, these children are all getting older, and it's not good for them to stay in the palace studying all the time. What they learn from books is never enough; they should see more of the world and see their elders off!"

"Let them understand what it means to be responsible for defending the land, what it means to have a family and a nation, and to cultivate their character early on, so that they deeply understand the responsibilities that royal descendants should bear!"

Zhu Yuanzhang clapped his hands and said, "My sister speaks well!"

"The second and third sons, for example, haven't had any experience and have been spoiled, which is why so many things have gone wrong!"

"Yunwen, Yunhu, Gaochi, and the others should follow our eldest brother, Dasun, and learn more from him—"

Empress Ma asked, "Does this mean Chongba has given his permission?"

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and said, "Since my sister has said so, how can we refuse?"

"When that day comes, we'll have our subordinates make the arrangements in advance—"

The next day.

From Empress Ma's words, it was clear that Emperor Zhu agreed to the matter.

Zhu Xiong Ying made up his mind.

July 23rd arrived in the blink of an eye.

There were only five days left before his tenth uncle, Zhu Tan, was to be enfeoffed in Shandong.

The main hall's lessons have come to an end.

As usual, we arrived at the rear hall of Wenhua Hall.

After Zhu Xiong Ying, as the elder brother, finished checking the students' studies and other matters,

Facing his younger brothers.

He cleared his throat and said, "This autumn, my tenth uncle, eighth uncle, eleventh uncle, and twelfth uncle will all be leaving the capital to take up their fiefdoms!"

"A few days ago, we mentioned to Grandmother that we wanted to take you all with us to see our uncles off outside the city!"

"My grandfather has already given his permission after learning about this!"

The moment I heard the news.

The entire palace was instantly filled with a noisy commotion.

After all, imperial grandsons like them rarely have the opportunity to leave the palace!

Zhu Yunwen was the first to jump up, his eyes shining as he shouted, "Big brother, really? We can all leave the city? That's wonderful!"

"In all my years, the only time I've ever been outside the city gates was a few times, the last time I went with my older brother!"

He saw his elder brother's gaze sweep over him.

Zhu Yunwen immediately stuck out her tongue and obediently sat back in her original seat, but her little face couldn't hide her excitement.

Zhu Yunwen then rose, bowed, and said, "Eldest brother, you have considered everything carefully. As your uncles embarking on a long journey, it is our duty as nephews to see them off. It is also our responsibility to accompany you, eldest brother!"

Zhu Jixi nodded in agreement, saying, "Elder brother is right. It is a matter of great importance to the country and the people for our uncles to take up their fiefs and guard their territories. It is only right that we go together! We will follow your arrangements, elder brother!"

After his other brothers finished speaking, Zhu Gaochi stood up.

Then he saw that the eldest son of the Prince of Yan was thinner than when he entered the capital, and appeared more robust, no longer the bloated type. He said in a gentle voice, "Elder brother, I would like to ask if there is anything we should pay attention to when we see off our uncles? Is there anything we should prepare?"

Zhu Xiong Ying stepped forward and nodded, saying, "Fourth Brother's thinking is indeed more comprehensive!"

"First, after we leave the palace, we must follow the rules in everything we say and do. We can't wander off anywhere. Just follow us!"

"Secondly, all of our uncles are our closest relatives. We don't lack other gifts! We can just send some small gifts, such as a piece of calligraphy, a painting, or various small items, as a token of our appreciation! After all, once we go to our fiefdoms, like our fourth uncle and the others, we might only be able to return to the capital once every three to five years, or even ten years or more!"

"Thirdly, and most importantly. This time, the Emperor sent us not just for fun, but to show us how we, as members of the imperial family, should shoulder our responsibilities."

"Even when we grow up in the future, we must shoulder responsibilities, keeping the Ming Dynasty and its people in our hearts. Do you all understand?"

As long as the descendants of the Zhu family work together, what great things can't they accomplish?

There are some things that need to be said and said to plant a seed in the hearts of my younger brothers and cousins ​​as early as possible.

Seeing his elder brother's serious expression.

Even the most carefree and childlike Zhu Yunwen put away his playful smile and stood up to bow, saying, "We younger brothers will humbly follow our elder brother's teachings!"

Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand and said, "Alright, everyone, sit down!"

"In a few days, when Tenth Uncle departs, we will all gather together and see him off at Yifeng Gate. During this time, everyone must focus on doing their studies well—"

"yes!!"

July 28th, the nineteenth year of the Hongwu reign.

As dawn broke, outside the Yifeng Gate.

Zhu Xiong Ying was dressed in casual clothes, and her hair was tied up with a white jade hairpin in front of her.

Zhu Jixi, Zhu Yun, Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Yuntong and other imperial grandsons stood at the rear.

But then I saw the figure of my eldest brother.

Even the restless Zhu Yunwen, though he managed to restrain himself, couldn't help but look around.

Then, the eunuch stepped forward and whispered a reminder.

Accompanied by the clatter of horses' hooves.

The tenth prince, Zhu Tan, was handsome and refined. Dressed in a prince's robe with a plain cloak over it, he rode a white horse swiftly from the direction of the palace!

The ceremonial guard was located at the front.

"Your Highness! The eldest grandson and the others are waiting for us up ahead!"

He overheard the words of the attendant beside him.

Zhu Tan nodded slightly and slowed down the horse's speed.

When it came close, he pulled on the reins, flipped himself off, and moved swiftly.

When I looked up, the first thing I saw was my smiling nephew!