Ming Dynasty: Gain one supernatural power every day

The civil and military officials in the tent watched this scene, each one trying so hard not to laugh until their stomachs hurt.

While kicking Wang Zhen, Fan Zhong glanced back and almost burst out laughing. He missed his punch and landed on Wang Zhen's shoulder, making Wang Zhen yell in pain again.

"Hey, General Zhang, is that Emperor Xuanzong? I'm not mistaken, am I?" Zhang Yi whispered to Zhang Fu, because among this group, only Zhang Fu had seen Zhu Zhanji as a child.

"Yes, that's right, that's Emperor Xuanzong." Zhang Fu stroked his beard and replied, but seeing this scene, he couldn't suppress the smirk on his face.

"This is truly an eye-opener; it's the first time I've ever seen Emperor Xuanzong beat his son..."

"Who isn't?"

"You know what, Emperor Xuanzong was really strong when he was young. It hurt to watch him whip me."

Zhang Fu and other veteran generals watched with great amusement.

At their age, what haven't they seen? But a father who's only a few years old beating a son who's in his twenties—this is truly an unprecedented spectacle.

"Hey, you little bastard! Hurry up and beg your father! Maybe he'll get tired of beating you and let you go!" Zhu Gaoxu chimed in from the side.

"Yeah, you little bastard, hurry up and call me dad! If you call me loudly, maybe your dad will soften his heart and give you a few less beatings!" Zhu Gaosui chimed in.

"Will you admit your mistake? Will you admit your mistake?!" Zhu Zhanji shouted as he whipped Zhu Qizhen wildly, the rattan cane raining down on his back, arms, and thighs.

"Oh dear, this kid is pretty ruthless," Zhu Gaochi thought to himself as he watched Zhu Zhanji whipping him vigorously. "This kid doesn't know his own strength, but he does a good job."

Zhu Qizhen was completely defeated by the beating. He lay on the ground, weakly crying out, "Father! Stop hitting me... I admit my mistake... I admit my mistake... I'll accept whatever you say!"

Zhu Zhanji then stopped, propped the rattan cane on the ground, and panted heavily, his small chest rising and falling.

He wiped the sweat from his brow, raised his chin, and said in a serious tone, "That's more like it! If I find out you're disobedient again, I'll beat you up!"

Zhu Di stood with his hands behind his back, a rare look of satisfaction in his eyes. He nodded slightly and clapped his hands: "Good, good. This is the kind of person my Zhu family has. Much stronger than your father was when he was a child."

Zhu Gaochi listened from the side, feeling both happy and aggrieved.

I was happy that my son was praised, but I felt wronged because I was also told that I "had no energy".

He muttered to himself: "I was hitting him so hard just now, and this old man didn't even see it. Even now, he still can't help but say something to me."

Empress Xu covered her mouth with her handkerchief, watching the scene with a smile. She then turned to Zhu Gaoxi and said, "Xi'er, bringing Zhanji along this time was definitely the right decision. Did you record it all?"

Zhu Gaoxi nodded with a smile: "Yes, Mother, it's all recorded. Zhanji just now. When we get back, I'll send the video to the group chat, and I guarantee Second Sister-in-law and Third Sister-in-law will be laughing their heads off."

When Zhu Gaoxu heard Empress Xu say this, he turned around and saw the main character holding a jade tablet and recording a video.

He quickly moved closer and asked in a low voice, "Fourth brother, did you record me? How was the way second brother beat that bastard just now?"

"Second brother, why are you getting involved? I was just recording a video for Zhanji to show to the sisters-in-law," Zhu Gaoxi said.

"Hehe, well, what a pity."

"However, this also includes a video of you, your eldest brother, and your third brother beating up this bastard."

"That's great! I'll send it to the group chat later, and Second Brother will have to take a good look." Zhu Gaoxu rubbed his hands together, looking expectant.

Zhu Di coughed lightly: "Alright, the family matters are almost settled. How about Wang Zhen?"

Zhang Fu stared at the aged body and stepped forward: "Reporting to Emperor Taizong, this eunuch is already dead."

"Hmm, good. It's too good for him to die in the military camp. Later, hang this castrated dog outside as a warning to others," Zhu Di said calmly.

After all, if Wang Zhen hadn't died, he would definitely have had to go to the imperial prison. A trip there would have made him feel much better.

But since he's already dead, let it go, so as not to soil the place of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

"However, please stop calling me 'Emperor Taizong.' I'm not dead yet, so just use the old titles," Zhu Di added.

"Your subject obeys."

"Speaking of which, you old codger, why are you still going to the battlefield at such an old age!" Zhu Di looked at Zhang Fu's gray hair and wrinkled face and couldn't help but say again.

Although there was a hint of reproach in his words, everyone could hear the concern in them.

But Zhu Di regretted it as soon as he finished speaking. Wasn't this all because of his own good-for-nothing descendants? If Zhu Qizhen hadn't acted recklessly, why would Zhang Fu, who was over seventy years old, have had to don armor and go into battle?

Zhang Fu was a veteran general who served four emperors, and was highly relied upon by the Yongle, Hongxi, and Xuande emperors. After Zhu Zhanji's death, he was one of the ministers entrusted with the care of the young emperor by Zhu Qizhen.

The emperor was about to personally lead an expedition against the Oirat Mongols—a grand ceremony for a son of heaven's campaign. With the emperor himself going to the front lines, how could Zhang Fu, as the highest-ranking duke, possibly stay home and not go?

Other veteran generals could use health reasons to feign illness, but Zhang Fu held a high position and wielded great power. If he were to lead the way in declining, it would undermine morale. At that point, countless people both inside and outside the court would accuse him of avoiding battle. Therefore, even though he was over seventy, he had no choice but to grit his teeth and join the army on the expedition.

"Very well, it is our Zhu family that has wronged you." Zhu Di sighed again.

If they hadn't arrived suddenly, Zhang Fu would probably have died here at Tumu Fort tonight.

"Your Majesty is too kind to this old minister." Zhang Fu immediately knelt down.

"Come here. Take these two pills." Zhu Di took out two Human Essence Pills from the gourd and handed them over. These were immortal pills that Zhu Gaoxi had refined in Annam, which could strengthen the body.

Zhang Fu tremblingly accepted the pill, his heart filled with both surprise and joy: "This... thank you, Your Majesty!"

He quickly gave a deep bow.

In his eyes, Zhu Di and his group had returned from the celestial realm, so the elixir must undoubtedly be a divine pill.

The civil and military officials around them were even more envious, their eyes fixed on the elixir.

Some swallowed hard, while others sighed inwardly, thinking: Is this the dignity of a veteran general who has served four dynasties?

Who else could possibly receive such a gentle and pleasant greeting from Emperor Taizong, who would even personally bestow upon them an elixir of immortality? One can only wonder what that elixir tastes like, and whether consuming it would grant eternal youth.

Zhu Di waved his hand again: "Stop being envious. Get up, everyone who has made a contribution will get a share! You lot, tell me about the situation outside."

Next, Zhang Fu and the others paid their respects to Empress Xu, Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Gaoxu, and Zhu Gaosui one by one.

When Zhang Fu and the others paid their respects to Empress Xu, they all bowed respectfully and said, "Your subjects pay their respects to Empress Renxiaowen."

Empress Xu nodded slightly: "Greetings, generals."

Then they turned to Zhu Gaochi: "Greetings to Emperor Renzong."

Then he turned to Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui: "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Han and Your Highness Prince Zhao."

This set of rituals really shocked Zhang Fu and his old ministers.

Some of these people had been dead for decades, while others only existed in portraits in the Imperial Ancestral Temple; now, they were all standing alive before me.

When it was Zhu Gaoxi's turn, their eyes fell on him.

This person was dressed in a plain python robe and had a young face, but it was clear that he was the central figure in the group.

However, the group looked at each other, none of them recognizing which prince this was, and unsure how to address him.