Ming Dynasty: What's wrong with being a leisurely crown prince?

Chapter 29 Hey boss, reading a book?

Zhu Gaochi agreed with some of Yang Pu's words, but not all of them.

Years of war are indeed bad, but that doesn't mean that all these people oppose it for that reason.

In times of frequent warfare, the status of military merit would rise above that of scholars, which is another point.

"Yang Pu, you have overstepped your bounds. I am asking you about your thoughts on the construction of Beiping."

The Emperor has not mentioned moving the capital, nor have I. What makes you think the capital will be moved?

And you've really gone too far in trying to sow discord between me and the King of Han.

"Considering that you acted for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, I will not punish you this time, but this will not be a repeat of the offense."

"Thank you, Your Highness. I will never do it again."

Yang Pu knew how bold his words were. In his eyes, Zhu Gaochi's words were a reminder that some things could be thought about in one's heart before a decision was made, but should never be spoken aloud.

Whether it's about moving the capital or Zhu Gaochi, these matters are still unresolved, and speaking out about them could cause trouble.

In fact, Zhu Gaochi wanted to warn Yang Pu that this man was now repeatedly testing the limits of his own life.

To put it bluntly, Yang Pu wanted to know where his bottom line was now, so that they could get along better in the future.

He can accept this, but only a limited number of times.

A moment later, Yang Pu's voice came again.

"Your Highness, I agree with the Emperor's plan to build Beiping, because given the Emperor's temperament, this matter is probably irreversible and inevitable."

But building Beiping was no small matter; it involved far too many factors.

Yang Pu then recounted the various matters concerning the construction of Beiping, which were essentially the same as before.

Yang Pu has now fully recovered.

Zhu Gaochi listened carefully and finally nodded.

"What you said are all things that need attention. In that case, after you go down there, go and see Yang Shiqi and Yang Rong, and you can discuss the details."

"The Emperor will surely bring up the matter of building Beiping again, and he will certainly consult the Cabinet first. You should prepare your wording accordingly."

Zhu Gaochi didn't say much about this, because he had already told Zhu Di everything that needed to be said.

However, the solution to those problems depends on how capable the cabinet members are.

After chatting for a while, Yang Pu got up and left.

Zhu Gaochi pondered for a long time, then shook his head and smiled before continuing to read the medical book.

With just a pavilion, a chair, and a cup of tea, Zhu Gaochi found himself increasingly interested as he watched the gentle breeze.

Yang Pu left with a solemn expression on his face.

Before long, they encountered several people, among whom was Yang Shiqi.

The group chatted as they walked, and Yang Shiqi finally spoke just before they parted ways.

"It seems that His Highness has indeed changed a lot, which is a good thing for us."

Sometimes, not arguing is the best way to argue; taking a step back may yield unexpected results.

Now that His Highness has made a decision, we should cooperate.

Gentlemen, please prioritize national affairs and abide by your words and actions; there is no need to concern yourselves with anything else.

Yang Shiqi's meaning was also very clear: since Zhu Gaochi was going to choose to retreat first, they needed to avoid taking the initiative and not leave any openings for others.

After exchanging a few words, the group quickly returned to their respective tasks.

In the Eastern Palace, Zhu Gaochi was still reading a book when a voice suddenly came from inside.

"Hey, boss, reading a book?"

Zhu Gaochi put down his book, looked at the person who had come to him, and smiled in an annoyed tone.

"Who was it? It's you, the second brother."

You never make a sound when you walk; I can't stand being startled by you.

The visitor was none other than Zhu Gaoxu.

In fact, Zhu Gaoxu already knew before he made a sound.

Zhu Gaoxu's footsteps were different from the others; they were more steady and rhythmic, and there were two hurried footsteps following beside him, which he was all too familiar with.

Zhu Gaochi waved for the two eunuchs to leave, then began to pour tea for Zhu Gaoxu, while simultaneously glancing at the legendary Prince of Han of the Ming Dynasty out of the corner of his eye.

It is legendary because Zhu Gaoxu's death was so tragic.

He was roasted alive in a copper vat by Zhu Zhanji, and the thought of that scene always sent chills down his spine.

This also gave him some ideas about Zhu Zhanji.

Killing someone is merely a matter of beheading them, but Zhu Zhanji's use of such punishment against Zhu Gaoxu, regardless of the reason, has completely crossed that line.

Looking at Zhu Gaochi, who was now full of vigor and had grown a beard that imitated Li Shimin's portrait, and who believed himself to be the next Li Shimin, Zhu Gaochi felt somewhat complicated.

Zhu Gaochi was probably the most capable military commander during the Yongle reign, but unfortunately, he was distrusted by Zhu Di and had no opportunity to lead troops after the Jingnan Rebellion, leaving him with no place to display his talents.

Secondly, he was provoked by Zhu Di into competing with him, and his final fate was tragic.

Now he finally understood why Zhu Di liked Zhu Gaoxu: Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Di were just too similar.

They not only look alike, but they also fight similarly and have similar upbringing.

Zhu Di was notorious for his mischievousness as a child, but his life changed dramatically later on.

Zhu Gaochi was also notorious for his mischievousness in his childhood. However, after being personally critiqued by Zhu Yuanzhang, he underwent a dramatic transformation and became a skilled warrior.

Zhu Gaochi's experiences were almost a carbon copy of Zhu Di's, and his personality was also very similar.

Stubborn and headstrong, with a rather bad temper.

When Zhu Di told Zhu Gaochi about those "like me," Zhu Gaochi suddenly found that he could understand some of it after actually meeting Zhu Gaochi.

Upon careful consideration, Zhu Gaochi guessed that sometimes Zhu Di probably didn't say things to provoke him, but rather expressed his true feelings.

If Zhu Gaoxu had been the eldest son, if he had been more gentle, more intelligent, and more knowledgeable about governing the country, he probably would have held the position of crown prince more securely than Zhu Gaoxu.

Zhu Gaoxu had no idea what Zhu Gaochi was thinking. Looking at the tea that Zhu Gaochi had brewed for him, he was surprised and his expression turned playful.

"Boss, this is the first time I've ever tasted tea brewed by you personally, so I have to savor it properly."

After saying that, Zhu Gaoxu picked up the glass, blew on it as he drank, and finished it in three gulps.

Seeing this, Zhu Gaochi dared to say that if the tea hadn't been so hot, this person would have probably finished the whole cup in one gulp.

After Zhu Gaoxu finished drinking, he pointed to the teacup, the meaning of which was self-evident and very clear.

Zhu Gaochi smiled helplessly and immediately poured tea for Zhu Gaoxu.

"My tea-making skills are alright, aren't they? If you like it, come often and I'll brew it for you myself."

Zhu Gaochi himself was a tea enthusiast, and he certainly didn't want to rely on them to make the tea.

After all, the pleasure of drinking tea lies in the process of brewing and tasting it.

Zhu Gaochi was somewhat dissatisfied with the current tea set, and he would find an opportunity to have a new set made.

Ming dynasty celadon is truly exceptional.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaoxu's smile gradually faded, and his surprise deepened.

In just two short sentences and a very brief time together, Zhu Gaochi displayed a very different side of himself, which Zhu Gaoxu could perceive.

In terms of understanding, Zhu Gaoxu dared to say that his understanding of Zhu Gaochi was even deeper than that of Zhu Di and Xu Miaoyun.

The person who understands a person best is often that person's opponent.