novelSusiti Chapter 25 Stepping on Zhu Di's Red Line
Chapter 25 Stepping on Zhu Di's Red Line
As Zhu Zhanji listened to Zhu Gaochi's detailed arrangements, he felt no sense of concern for Zhu Gaochi's well-being; instead, he was overwhelmed by the fear of facing an endless sea of books.
"Dad, I'm still young, and there's so much for me to learn. I won't be able to keep up..."
Zhu Zhanji really wanted to cry. If he had known that coming to eat breakfast would cause so much trouble, he would never have come.
He had previously been dissatisfied with his current life, finding it boring, but after thinking about the future, Zhu Zhanji felt that his current life was wonderful.
Zhu Gaochi laughed upon hearing this.
"Hehe, you brat, you're actually trying to bargain with me. When I was your age, I was much more tired than you."
Let me tell you, since you've made this choice, do it properly. If I find out you're cheating or not being careful, even your grandparents won't be able to protect you.
Zhu Gaochi spoke loudly, but he felt somewhat helpless.
That is disciplining one's own son. Once the older generation steps in to interfere, it can really put people in a difficult position.
In my past life, I listened to those stories as if they were just amusing anecdotes, but now that I'm experiencing them firsthand, I realize how difficult they are.
After all, Zhu Di and Xu Miaoyun were the ones in charge of the household, and having a conflict with them would not do him any good.
An emperor and an empress, who are also his parents, where can he go to seek justice?
Only those who live with the elderly can understand what it feels like when the elderly interfere in disciplining their children.
Zhu Zhanji was unaware of these things; he only knew that Zhu Gaochi was not joking with him, and he had to do it, otherwise it would be very troublesome.
Zhu Zhanji looked bitter, extremely distressed, and helpless, but he could only agree.
"Dad, I understand. I will do my best."
Life is sometimes like that; since you can't resist it, you can only enjoy it.
Although this enjoyment was passive and unwilling, he had to do it anyway.
Watching Zhu Zhanji leave, Zhang Yan stood to the side with a worried expression.
"You've made all the arrangements, but what are you going to tell those people?"
Without the old man's approval, how could you have summoned those people to teach the children?
And Tan Zhong and Xu An, what are you thinking? You're interfering in military affairs too; the old man will definitely have a problem with you.”
Zhang Yan was initially happy, but now she is only worried.
Those people, whether it was Huang Huai, Hu Guang, or Jian Yi, seemed to be part of the Crown Prince's faction and held positions in the Eastern Palace, but in reality, she knew very well that they were not like that.
This was after Zhu Yuanzhang restructured the Eastern Palace system. At that time, the officials of the Eastern Palace were almost all ministers or vice ministers of the six ministries of the court. Now, they gradually became officials of the Eastern Palace after entering the Hanlin Academy. The Eastern Palace Chamberlain's Office seemed to have become a transit point for those people to get promoted.
Moreover, these people support Zhu Gaochi because he is the eldest son of the legitimate wife and Zhu Gaoxu clearly values military prowess; this is why they support Zhu Gaochi.
Those who actually left the Eastern Palace were still people like Yang Shiqi and Yang Pu. However, only Yang Shiqi left, while Yang Pu remained a fifth-rank official, serving as the Crown Prince's tutor.
As for military power, there was none. After Zhu Yuanzhang reformed the Eastern Palace, the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty had no real military power.
Now, Zhu Gaochi is directly appointing Zhang Xin, as well as Tan Zhong and Xu An, the sons of Wu Xun who fought in the Jingnan Campaign. Regardless of whether this will succeed or not, it will arouse Zhu Di's suspicion, which is the fatal flaw.
Among the civil officials, the general trend is towards Zhu Gaochi, although there are various reasons and interests involved in their support. However, Wu Xun is clearly aligned with the Crown Prince.
Zhu Gaochi was already disliked by Zhu Di, so how could Zhang Yan not worry if he did this again?
Zhang Yan realized that after Zhu Gaochi changed, he was very good to her, cared a lot about her and the family, and became much gentler and more affectionate, even more cheerful than before.
But she also noticed that his ability to cause trouble had become even more formidable than before.
First, she argued with Zhu Di in the main hall, then she messed with the imperial garden that Zhu Di had carefully cultivated, and even promised to cure Xu Miaoyun. Now she is clearly starting to cross that red line.
Upon closer reflection, how much trouble did Zhu Gaochi cause in just two days?
Zhang Yan didn't know what to say for a moment. She was tired before, and she is still tired now, but she feels the tiredness differently. It's just that she is willing to bear the tiredness now.
Zhu Gaochi sat down next to Zhang Yan and took her hand in his.
"Don't worry, this matter will make the old man uncomfortable, but he won't think too much about it."
I'll talk to Grandpa about this later. If it were me, it would give him a lot to think about, but if it's that kid, Grandpa might actually be happy.
As he said this, Zhu Gaochi was actually a little jealous.
Zhu Zhanji was genuinely favored by Zhu Di, and the key point is that Zhu Di's feelings for him went beyond mere words.
In a few years, Zhu Di will begin to focus on Zhu Zhanji's upbringing. The elites of the court will become Zhu Zhanji's teachers. Especially after he comes of age, he will be granted the title of Crown Prince. Basically, wherever Zhu Di goes, he will take Zhu Zhanji with him and keep him by his side.
Compared to the others, Zhu Zhanji's treatment was better than that of his three brothers.
As for whether Zhu Di would agree this time, Zhu Gaochi believed that Zhu Di would agree.
A mature emperor should understand the importance of cultivating a successor.
As for himself, Zhu Gaochi had no particular thoughts. After all, Zhu Di already disliked him, so how much worse could he be?
As long as Xu Miaoyun is cured, his position will be absolutely secure.
By then, Zhu Gaochi believed that Zhu Di would likely dislike him even more, since he wanted to enjoy half of his life first.
He wouldn't concern himself with national affairs; at most, he would work a regular 9-to-5 job, clock in and out, and have weekends and holidays off.
If Zhu Di doesn't enjoy life while he's still young, he won't have so much time to enjoy it later.
Seeing Zhu Gaochi's smiling, extremely confident expression, Zhang Yan said nothing more.
On these issues, Zhu Gaochi has always been reliable, and she is willing to believe him once he has an idea.
"Then you handle this matter. I'm going to the palace first. Today I'm going to learn how to manage the inner palace from my mother."
After Zhang Yan left, Zhu Gaochi adjusted his mindset and began his morning training for the new day.
After morning practice, he lay on the rocking chair, enjoying the beautiful scenery in the courtyard, with Chen Qin and Huang Jindi serving him.
Both women are now Zhu Gaochi's concubines. All the other women have been dismissed, and none have been left. They have been replaced by two eunuchs.
However, after Chen Qin and Huang Jindi learned that Zhu Gaochi had no one to serve him, they volunteered to do so, and Zhang Yan readily agreed.
"Your Highness, it's time to read. This was specifically instructed by the Crown Princess."
Huang Jindi's voice came from behind him, causing Zhu Gaochi to glance at her sideways.
"Jin Di, I haven't rested for long. As long as you and A Qin don't tell, it'll be fine."
"Your Highness, this won't do!"
"Your Highness, the book has been brought. Please read it."
Huang Jindi and Chen Qin each said a sentence, and directly handed the book to Zhu Gaochi.
Zhu Gaochi had no choice but to start reading.
A gentle breeze swept through the pavilion, causing Zhu Gaochi's clothes to flutter slightly.
Just then, hurried footsteps approached.
"Yang Pu pays his respects to Your Highness."