gnovel Chapter 8: The Second Prince organizes a family banquet, and neither the Crown Prince nor the Prince
Chapter 8: The Second Prince organizes a family banquet, and neither the Crown Prince nor the Prince
In the courtyard of the East Palace.
Zhu Gaochi is practicing with a wooden sword as a form of weight loss exercise.
Zhu Zhanji rushed over and told his father about what had happened with the Prince of Han.
With a loud clatter, the wooden sword in Big Fatty's hand fell to the ground.
He stared at Zhu Zhanji in astonishment.
"Say it again, what did the second brother want from me?" Zhu Gaochi asked.
"I received a message from my second uncle that he's hosting a family banquet and invited you and my third uncle to attend," Zhu Zhanji said. He had also received the news and informed his father immediately.
"Why is the second brother hosting a family banquet? Why only invite me and the third brother?" Zhu Gaochi said, puzzled.
What's the second son up to now?
Previously, he forced the old man to say that he was going to Yunnan to take up his fiefdom.
Now they've arranged a family banquet, specifically inviting him and his third son.
What's going on?
"Father, I heard that the Emperor issued an imperial decree appointing Second Uncle to take charge of the Five Military Commands and giving him military power."
"Could it be that Second Uncle invited us to this family banquet because of this matter?" Zhu Zhanji asked. "Was Second Uncle's previous rush to go to his fiefdom a strategic retreat, a way to ask Grandfather for military power?"
Zhu Zhanji, as expected of the great Ming dynasty's wise grandson, immediately thought of this point.
"Don't talk nonsense," Zhu Gaochi said. "No matter what his purpose is, he is my second brother and your second uncle. Don't make too many guesses about him in the future."
Zhu Zhanji nodded.
"Big brother, big brother."
A hurried voice suddenly came from behind.
Immediately afterwards, they saw Prince Zhao, Zhu Gaosui, rushing over.
"Third brother, what's wrong with you?" Zhu Gaochi asked.
"Have you heard that the second son has hosted a family banquet and wants us to come?" Zhu Gaosui said.
"I heard about it, so I'm going to go," Zhu Gaochi said.
Zhu Gaosui lacked confidence: "Boss, that's precisely why I'm not confident!"
"What on earth is that second brother up to?"
Zhu Gaochi shook his head: "I don't know either, but you and the second prince are very close. Don't you know what he's thinking?"
Zhu Gaosui said with a wry smile, "Eldest brother, to be honest, I don't even recognize the second brother anymore. He's been making a fuss about taking up his fiefdom these past few days, and I just can't figure him out."
Zhu Gaochi said, "No matter what, if it weren't for the Second Brother, we would probably all be finished last night."
"After all, it was he who extinguished the old man's anger."
"Since the second brother has hosted a family banquet, let's go and take a look."
Zhu Zhanji exclaimed excitedly, "Father, I want to go too! I want to go too!"
Snapped!
Zhu Gaochi slapped him, and said coldly, "You think this pot isn't big enough, huh?"
"You stay home and don't go anywhere!"
Zhu Zhanji said, "Oh, I understand."
"Boss, let's go." Zhu Gaosui pulled Zhu Gaochi and headed towards the Prince of Han's residence.
"Third brother, slow down, slow down!"
…………
Jiming Temple.
Zhu Di was playing chess with Yao Guangxiao.
The two were very focused, but after a long time, Zhu Di stood up and destroyed the chessboard.
"It's not running anymore, it's not running anymore!"
Yao Guangxiao said, "Your Majesty, you've already lost, there's no need to cheat, is there?"
"Hmph, I'm happy to do it, what can you do about it?" Zhu Di chuckled.
Yao Guangxiao: ...
Ji Gang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, walked over and whispered a few words in Zhu Di's ear.
"What's this kid up to?!" Zhu Di's eyes flashed coldly.
Yao Guangxiao, observing this, chuckled and said, "If I'm not mistaken, it must be the Prince of Han who has angered you, hasn't it?"
"What kind of ridiculous family banquet did this brat throw? He invited the eldest brother and the third brother. What is he up to?" Zhu Di frowned.
Yao Guangxiao said, "I guess His Majesty bestowed upon him the Five Armies Commandery and the military tally; he's just showing off, isn't he?"
"Normally, I would think this is his style, but these past few days, I don't know what got into this brat, he insists on taking up a fief. I'm afraid this family banquet of his is not simple." Zhu Di's expression was not good.
Yao Guangxiao said, "Your Majesty, aren't you overthinking this?"
Zhu Di said irritably, "Old monk, how can I not think more about what you're saying?"
"This kid's taking up his fiefdom and throwing a family banquet—I have a feeling something's not going to happen."
Yao Guangxiao smiled but remained silent.
"No, this time, I absolutely must go and see for myself. I won't feel at ease if I don't!"
After saying that, he got up and prepared to leave.
"Your Majesty, the Prince of Han didn't invite you. Would you really feel comfortable going directly there?"
Zhu Di angrily retorted, "I'm his father. Even if I really go, what can he do about it?"
Yao Guangxiao smiled faintly.
Immediately afterwards, Zhu Di went to the Prince of Han's residence, cursing and swearing, and one could still faintly hear what he was saying.
"He didn't invite his father to the family dinner; this rebellious son is up to no good!!"
Yao Guangxiao couldn't help but smile.
It seems that the Prince of Han has really broken down Zhu Si's defenses.
…………
Inside the Prince of Han's residence, Zhu Gaoxu had already prepared a banquet.
He prepared a whole table of food, waiting for Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaosui.
"Is everything ready?" Zhu Gaoxu asked.
Princess Consort of Han smiled and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, I have prepared everything that needs to be prepared. We are just waiting for the Crown Prince and Prince Zhao to arrive."
Zhu Gaoxu nodded in satisfaction.
He was waiting here too.
Before long, both the Crown Prince and Zhu Gaosui arrived.
"Second brother!"
"Second Brother!"
The two brothers greeted Zhu Gaoxu warmly when they saw him.
"We're all family, no need to be so polite!" Zhu Gaoxu smiled instantly: "Eldest brother, third brother, please take a seat!"
The brothers Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaosui hesitated for a moment, but finally sat down.
Zhu Gaoxu said, "All the dishes on this table were prepared by me for you."
"And there's good wine too!"
Upon seeing this, the Princess Consort of Han came over and personally poured wine for Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaosui.
"No, no, this is unacceptable!" Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Gaosui were both startled.
"Just have the servants pour the wine, Second Sister-in-law, why did you come in person?" Zhu Gaosui said hurriedly.
"Yes," Zhu Gaochi quickly chimed in.
"It's nothing, we're all family." Zhu Gaoxu smiled dismissively.
Soon, the brothers all started eating.
This meal, however, was eaten with a sense of trepidation.
"Second brother, why did you invite us to dinner this time?" Zhu Gaochi asked.
"Sigh, to be honest, I still have a headache." Zhu Gaoxu said helplessly.
As he spoke, he gave the Princess Consort of Han a wink.
The Princess Consort of Han understood and went to fetch the items.
Soon, she brought over an imperial edict and a military tally.
"This is the old man's decree. He insisted that I take charge of the Five Armies Commandery and even bestowed upon me a military tally. This matter has caused quite a stir." Zhu Gaoxu was very troubled.