The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 135 Lady Lü's Secret Joy

Zhu Xiong Ying, the eldest grandson of the emperor?!

Upon hearing the name, Madam Lü's heart stirred, and the pressure she applied while massaging her shoulders unconsciously increased slightly before quickly relaxing.

She feigned surprise and curiosity, asking, "What's wrong with the eldest grandson of the emperor?"

Zhu Biao picked up his teacup, took a sip, shook his head, and sighed, "To be honest, my father told me today that he agrees to let Xiong Ying accompany the army on the northern expedition—"

Upon hearing this, Lady Lü's heart suddenly raced, and she secretly felt a surge of joy.

It's truly a miracle!

Over the years, she has watched as the eldest grandson of the emperor was deeply favored by the emperor and empress.

The two elders poured all their heart and soul into this, calling their grandson "Holy Grandson" repeatedly.

On the other hand, his son Zhu Yunwen was equally intelligent, sensible, diligent and studious. However, because he was not born of the legitimate wife and was born later, he could only stand in the corner, like an inconspicuous supporting character!

The jealousy in his heart was already evident in his words!

Now, she finally sees hope!

Do you need to know what a battlefield is?

Even if many people protect you, what can you do?

Once stray arrows have no eyes and plagues rage, even the slightest accident could mean that whoever you are, you might never come back.

When that time comes, as long as this eldest grandson is gone, then his Yunwen will be the rightful eldest son of the Crown Prince, the eldest grandson of the Ming Emperor, and the future heir apparent!

This made her think, and she couldn't help but fantasize about becoming Empress Dowager when Yunwen ascended the throne.

But soon, Lady Lü's expression changed, and she said with great concern, "Your Highness, how can this be?"

"After the New Year, the eldest grandson of the emperor will only be fourteen years old (by the traditional Chinese age reckoning). He grew up in the capital and has only ever traveled as far as his hometown of Fengyang. He has never suffered such hardship before."

"Moreover, on the battlefield, swords and spears have no eyes; what if something happens to someone—"

As she spoke, Lady Lü's eyes reddened slightly. She stepped aside and choked out, "Why doesn't Your Highness go and talk to Father again? The eldest grandson is still just a child. How can he go to such a place? Even if he goes to the front lines, there are so many capable generals; they won't miss him!"

Zhu Biao turned to the side and, seeing his appearance and demeanor, felt a warmth in his heart. He reached out and grasped his hand, sighing, "At first, I was just like you, reluctant to part with him. But Father Emperor spoke many heartfelt words to me! He had his reasons, so I could only acquiesce!"

"Furthermore, with Uncle Feng in the army to back us up, plus my brother-in-law, cousin from the Li family, and uncle from the Lan family working together, there shouldn't be much of a problem regarding safety!"

Hearing this, Lady Lü blinked, tears immediately streaming down her face. Leaning against her chest, she said, "Your Highness, anything can happen on the battlefield! How valiant was the Prince of Kaiping back then? Didn't he still die unexpectedly from illness?"

"The eldest grandson of the emperor is young and not as robust as the soldiers on the border. What if he catches a cold or gets sick, or something goes wrong—"

As she spoke, Madam Lü picked up a handkerchief and began wiping away her tears.

To outsiders, she would appear to be a loving and compassionate stepmother.

Even though Zhu Biao was his wife, he didn't notice anything amiss.

He quickly pulled his wife into his arms, gently patting her shoulder and saying, "I know you're worried, but after thinking it over, Father's words aren't wrong!"

"Xiong Ying was born into the royal family and is the eldest grandson of the Ming Dynasty; he should bear this responsibility!"

"When I was fourteen, I was made crown prince and attended the imperial lectures daily, hearing the decisions of various government departments—"

Seeing this, Lady Lü felt reassured, wiped away her tears, and said softly, "Since Your Highness has said so, I can only listen! But I'm still worried about the eldest grandson! I'll have someone prepare more travel gear, and his favorite osmanthus cakes..."

"Let him keep on his journey, so he won't get cold or hungry!"

Zhu Biao was deeply moved and praised, "Thank you for your hard work! With you managing the affairs of the Eastern Palace, I can assist my father in handling state affairs with peace of mind!"

Lady Lü raised her head, tears still streaming down her face. Her performance was becoming increasingly masterful. She quickly said, "Your Highness is mistaken. This is all within my duty!"

"Besides, I am also the mother of the eldest grandson of the emperor, so naturally I will love him dearly. I only pray to Heaven for his safety and well-being!"

The next morning, before dawn.

Zhu Biao went to court early.

After helping her husband change his clothes, Lady Lü watched him leave before returning to her own bedchamber.

She sat in front of the dressing table, gazing at herself in the bronze mirror. Her face was stunning, and she couldn't hide the smugness on her lips.

According to the information revealed by His Highness the Crown Prince last night.

After the New Year, on the third day of the first lunar month, the eldest grandson of the emperor will set off for Beiping!

But the journey north from Yingtian Prefecture is frosty and unpredictable; who knows what might happen? Even if they reach the front lines safely, once the war begins, no one knows what will occur!

For her, the best outcome would be to never come back.

Just as she was pondering this, her personal maid approached. Seeing that the Crown Princess was in good spirits and in a very good mood, she quickly asked with a smile, "Your Highness, it's still early. Would you like to sleep a little longer?"

Lady Lü quickly composed herself, picked up the jade hairpin and placed it in her hair, saying calmly, "There's no need to sleep anymore, it'll be dawn soon!"

"Yunwen, are you up yet? Don't forget, you have to go to the main hall for your studies today!"

The palace maid hurriedly curtsied and said, "Your Majesty, Prince Yunwen is very obedient. He got up on his own a quarter of an hour ago and is washing up now. He will go to the main hall soon!"

Lady Lü nodded in satisfaction, turned around, and gave some more instructions, mostly about the preparations for the New Year's celebrations at the Eastern Palace, and also about preparing more clothes for the eldest grandson of the Emperor, Zhu Xiong Ying.

Several days later.

Today is the day that Li Wenzhong, the emperor's nephew and Duke of Cao, leaves the capital.

Not only Crown Prince Zhu Biao, but also all the civil and military officials, but even Zhu Xiong Ying, the eldest grandson of the emperor, joined in the fun to see off his Uncle Bao'er!

Meanwhile, the meetings and greetings between the various parties have concluded.

Zhu Biao pulled his cousin aside and repeatedly comforted and advised him.

Li Wenzhong did not agree.

After this was said, other court officials stepped forward to speak.

Just before they were about to leave, Zhu Xiong Ying stepped forward and said a lot of auspicious words.

Finally, he added, "Uncle will go ahead to the front lines. On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Xiong Ying will set off with Uncle and the others for Beiping!"

"Once we reach the front lines, we might meet again. Xiong Ying will definitely seek your advice on troop deployment and tactics."

In fact, the news came from the palace just yesterday.

In the Northern Expedition the following year, the eldest grandson of the emperor, Zhu Xiong Ying, will accompany the army.

Its main responsibilities included "pacifying and instructing the various armies and training them in military affairs."

But anyone with discerning eyes can see that the emperor's purpose goes far beyond that!

After all, the eldest grandson of the emperor was the maternal grandson of Chang Yuchun, the war god of the Ming Dynasty!

Most of the generals leading this expedition are famous generals from Huaixi!

As long as the eldest grandson of the emperor is in the army, these generals will naturally unite around him and will not be able to cause any major trouble!

Li Wenzhong was also aware of his uncle Zhu Yuanzhang's thoughts.

Deep down, I admire the imperial strategies employed in this work.

At this moment, I heard Zhu Xiong Ying's words.

Li Wenzhong was in high spirits. Gripping the hilt of his sword with one hand and patting his chest with the other, he replied loudly, "That's wonderful! As long as the Crown Prince wants to learn, I'll teach you everything!"