The fierce grandson of the Ming Dynasty

Before we knew it, it was already the fifteenth of August.

Although the Mid-Autumn Festival is not as grand as the three major festivals of New Year's Day, Winter Solstice, and Emperor's Birthday, the festive atmosphere inside and outside the palace is no less intense!

At dawn, before daybreak, Zhu Xiong Ying followed his grandfather Zhu Yuanzhang, his adoptive father Zhu Biao, and a group of princes and grandsons to the Fengxian Hall to participate in the Mid-Autumn Festival family sacrifice.

After the morning court session ended, he accompanied Old Zhu, Biao'er's father, and others to the Jinshen Hall to attend the festive banquet.

At the banquet, meritorious ministers such as Duke Xu Da of Wei, as well as officials of the fourth rank and above from the capital, all entered the palace to serve at the banquet!

Officials of the fifth rank and below shall sit on the red steps.

During this period, Emperor Zhu did not forget to summon the eunuchs and reward the civil and military officials with items such as mooncakes, seasonal fruits, and wine.

He bestowed extra gifts of silk and satin upon his old comrades-in-arms, including Xu Da!

In the afternoon, they returned to Kunning Palace.

Empress Ma, the grandmother, was still receiving a group of female relatives and bestowing gifts upon them. Familiar elders, such as Aunt Lan, were among them.

As evening approached, the annual banquet was held at the Zhu family's residence, and the royal children were inevitably lectured by Zhu.

Zhu Xiong Ying nestled in her grandmother's arms, cracking pumpkin seeds while watching the commotion!

I feel that this is the only time I can truly enjoy a warm and carefree life!

……

Once the holiday is over.

August 18th has arrived in the blink of an eye.

Just as undercurrents were swirling in the imperial court due to the imprisonment of Li Shanchang, the Duke of Han, and his family, a situation was stirring up trouble.

The grand wedding of Prince Tan, Zhu Zi, has arrived as scheduled!

The main hall of the Prince Tan's Mansion.

Under the guidance of the master of ceremonies, Zhu Zi changed into a bright red robe with a dark pattern of coiled dragons, sat upright in the main seat, and waited for the auspicious time to arrive.

On this joyous day, it was clearly visible to the naked eye that the Eighth Prince's face was filled with excitement and nervousness...

Beside him, Li Langzhong of the Ministry of Rites' Ceremonial Department was holding a ceremonial book, meticulously checking the time, route, and details of the worship ceremony word by word.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has decreed that the Prince himself will personally escort the bride, which requires the early evening. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau deems the hour of You (5-7 PM) the most auspicious, and the procession should begin from the Duanli Gate of the Prince's residence..."

"As for the imperial procession and the prince's ceremonial guards, I have already consulted with the Ministry of War and the Embroidered Uniform Guard to verify all matters, and they are all in accordance with the amounts approved by the Emperor, without any increases or decreases!"

"The specific route will take you through Dong'anmen Outer Street, past the street south of Chang'an Left Gate, and directly to the residence of the Vice-Prefect. Upon arrival, Your Highness shall, according to the established rites, perform the Goose Offering Ceremony!"

"Upon the wedding procession's return to the residence, a nuptial ceremony will be held in the main hall... This is the imperial edict's approved ritual document; please verify it, Your Highness!"

It is said that Zhu Zi's marriage partner was none other than the daughter of Yu Xian, the former military commander!

Yu Xian himself had served under Zhu Yuanzhang since the sixteenth year of the Zhizheng era, which was twenty-nine years ago, and had made many contributions!

Marriage with a former subordinate signifies recognition and trust.

Zhu Zi took it, glanced at it briefly, and then handed it to the attendant, nodding and saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Physician Li!"

"You'll need to keep a close eye on things here to prevent any unexpected problems..."

He was timid and cautious by nature, and even on his wedding day, he did not forget to give many instructions.

"Your humble servant obeys! I would not dare to be negligent in the slightest!"

Then, the chief secretary of the Prince's residence stepped forward and carefully briefed the guests of the residence on their upcoming audience with the emperor the next day.

But time passes by bit by bit.

A palace attendant strode in, his face flushed, and announced loudly, "Reporting to Your Highness!"

"His Highness the Crown Prince, accompanied by His Highness the Eldest Grandson, has arrived outside the residence!"

Upon hearing this...

Upon learning that his elder brother Zhu Biao and nephew Zhu Xiong Ying had both arrived.

Zhu Zi was taken aback at first, then overjoyed.

He stood up and said, "Quickly open the main gate! Everyone, follow me to greet them!"

outside the house.

Zhu Xiong Ying, dressed in casual clothes, helped Biao'er's father down from the sedan chair while looking around the mansion in front of him.

However, the palace in front of them, in terms of its area alone, was no less than that of the Wei State Duke's Palace of Xu Da, the first meritorious general of the founding of the country.

This alone shows how generous Zhu was to his sons!

But his eighth uncle had some bad luck!

During the Hongwu era, he was sent to Changsha Prefecture. After only five years in office, his brother-in-law Yu Hu was implicated in the Hu Weiyong case, which terrified him half to death!

Before Zhu Yuanzhang could send an envoy to summon him to the capital, he took his wife and immolated himself!

This shows how infamous Old Zhu was!

A few days earlier, after learning from the Empress Dowager that the Princess of Tan, who was about to marry into the family, was still a member of the Yu family.

Zhu Xiong Ying then realized that his eighth uncle was destined for such a calamity.

Da da da!

A group of figures, taking small, quick steps, swarmed out from inside the door.

The man in the lead, slender and refined, was none other than Uncle Zhu Zi, the Eighth.

"Your humble servant respectfully welcomes your elder brother, the Crown Prince!"

"Your humble servant is utterly unworthy and unworthy to have troubled you, elder brother, to come in person. I am deeply humbled and have failed to properly welcome you. Please forgive me, elder brother!"

Zhu Zi performed the four-bow ceremony respectfully, prostrating himself on the ground.

The eldest brother is like a father.

The moment I met my elder brother Zhu Biao, a feeling of respect and affection arose spontaneously, how could I dare to be negligent?

Upon seeing this, Zhu Biao immediately stepped forward, firmly grasped his arm with both hands, and shook his head with a gentle smile, saying, "Eighth Brother, today is your joyous day. There's no need for such a grand ceremony between brothers!"

"Furthermore, we are brothers, how could I, as your elder brother, not be there to congratulate you on your wedding?"

Upon hearing this...

Zhu Zi was deeply moved, tears welling in his eyes, and said, "Brother!! Your subject..."

"I know you, brother, so there's no need to say more!"

Seeing his younger brother's nervousness, Crown Prince Zhu Biao put aside his court affairs, reached out and gently patted his arm, said a few words of encouragement, and his eyes were full of encouragement.

Seeing the opportunity, Zhu Xiong Ying stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Nephew greets Eighth Uncle and congratulates you on your marriage and wishing your family a happy and prosperous life!"

Upon seeing his nephew, he was struck by his honest and endearing demeanor.

This contrasts sharply with his fierce appearance a few months ago in the main hall.

Zhu Zi composed himself, not daring to show the slightest disrespect, and quickly stepped aside, offering a helping hand, saying, "Nephew, please get up!"

Immediately afterwards, the others stepped forward to pay their respects.

They then entered the mansion together.

Upon arriving at the main hall, after the tea-serving maids left, Zhu Biao looked at his younger brother, carefully considering the circumstances of the day's wedding procession.

Zhu Zi answered each question.

Finally, the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty admonished him, "Eighth Brother, once you start your own family, you will truly be an adult. After you are enfeoffed, you must diligently study the classics, respect your father and mother, and care for the common people..."

"Your humble servant will heed your teachings, elder brother!"

One side.

Zhu Xiong Ying was deeply moved by this scene.

His father was a perfect older brother!

Humane and kind-hearted...

As long as you live well.

Not only his fourth uncle, but which of his other uncles would dare to rebel?

He needs to learn properly and talk more about "reasoning"!

Just as I was pondering this, I suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside.

A moment later, the chief clerk of the Prince's mansion rushed in in a panic.

"Your Highness! Something terrible has happened! Something terrible has happened!"

Upon seeing this, before his pale-faced younger brother could even ask a question...

Zhu Biao's face darkened, and he frowned, saying, "What happened? Speak slowly!"

The chief clerk, sweating profusely, bowed deeply and said, "Your Highness, news came from the Yu residence that two quarters of an hour ago, the Embroidered Uniform Guards surrounded the mansion and arrested the entire Yu family!"

"They say...they say someone from the Yu household is involved in the serious crime of treason!"

Upon hearing the word "treason".

Zhu Zi, who was already timid, suddenly felt her legs go weak and leaned backward.

Fortunately, Zhu Xiong Ying was nearby and quickly reached out to support him, gently comforting him, "Uncle, don't be afraid, your nephew is here!"