Volume One, Chapter Six: I'll Decide for You!

Zhu Yuanzhang quietly observed Zhu Xiongying, then suddenly burst into laughter. "Good lad! Your words truly gratify me!" He abruptly struck the table, beaming as he rose to his feet. "I've fought wars for decades, slain countless foes, and studied innumerable military texts. Yet, this is the first time I've heard such clear and profound insight." "Your sharp mind is truly a treasure of our Zhu family!"

The Grand Tutor, standing nearby, stroked his beard and chuckled heartily. "Your Majesty speaks wisely! His Royal Highness, though so young, has already grasped the essence of military strategy—a remarkable gift indeed."

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced proudly at the Grand Tutor before turning to Zhu Xiongying with mock scolding. "Hmph, you impudent boy, using me as an example!" "But your understanding of the soldier’s heart is music to my ears."

"Come, I shall take you to meet your grandmother so she may also witness the talents of our eldest grandson."

The others exchanged glances, sighed deeply, and silently withdrew.

Soon, the Kunning Palace was brilliantly illuminated.

Empress Ma, clad in soft golden robes, sat gracefully on the couch, her expression both dignified and gentle. Upon seeing Zhu Yuanzhang enter with Zhu Xiongying, she raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. "Old Zhu, what brings you here personally with Xiongying today?"

She lifted her tea cup and took a delicate sip.

Her features relaxed, conveying heartfelt approval. "Xiongying, your grandfather and I can see clearly that you are a sensible child."

"Your mother passed early, but your character now reflects the good upbringing your father has given you."

Hearing this, Zhu Xiongying felt a subtle stir within but stepped forward with composed sincerity. "Grandmother speaks truly. I know well that my achievements are due to the protection of my father, grandfather, and grandmother."

"Though I lack a mother, I have always been cherished by my grandmother, and now blessed with the love of both my grandfather and grandmother. I am deeply grateful."

"My greatest wish is to ease my father's burdens and to honor my grandparents faithfully."

Zhu Yuanzhang stroked his beard, smiling playfully. "You insolent brat, you sure know how to talk. Filial piety is commendable, but remember, our family values deeds above words."

"Empty talk won’t win my favor."

Zhu Xiongying smiled faintly and bowed. "Grandfather’s teaching is wise. I will keep it in my heart."

Empress Ma watched the exchange between the old and young with added warmth in her eyes. Turning to Zhu Yuanzhang, she said softly, "Old Zhu, don’t scare the child with your temper."

---

"You’re right, Xiongying is still young, and to have such a heart is rare indeed."

"Moreover, he is considerate and caring."

"My illness has improved greatly thanks to his prescriptions."

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily. "Sister, your words make sense!"

"Our grandson truly is a prodigy."

"Not only eloquent and versed in military strategy, but skilled even in healing."

"Seeing your health improve day by day brings me great comfort."

Seizing the moment, Zhu Xiongying looked up and said, "Grandmother’s recovery brings peace to my heart as well."

"Though the remedy has some effect, one must also nurture the body and avoid overexertion."

Empress Ma listened, her heart warmed. She spoke gently, "Good child, your grandmother understands your feelings."

"With such filial devotion, how could I refuse?"

Zhu Yuanzhang laughed aloud beside them. "Xiongying, your words certainly please your grandmother!"

"Very well, since you are so dutiful, come to me whenever you need anything. I will speak for you!"

After leaving Kunning Palace, Zhu Xiongying returned to his chambers, his gaze lightened with relief.

He knew well that the wise and filial image he had carefully portrayed had taken root in the hearts of Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma.

With these two elders’ favor, the malignant forces within the Eastern Palace dared not act rashly.

Sitting at his desk, he gently caressed the open book before him, murmuring softly, "A nine-year-old child without a mother’s protection—how else could he survive?"

"If not for Grandmother Ma and Grandfather Emperor’s support, I might have long since met an untimely end."

His eyes settled on the flickering candlelight outside the window, lips curling slightly. "But now, with them backing me, those who wish harm shall find it far more difficult."

He soon asked the palace maid Xiaocui to prepare gifts and sent them to Kunning Palace and the Hall of Mental Cultivation where Zhu Yuanzhang resided.

Within Kunning Palace, the candlelight flickered softly, illuminating Empress Ma’s serene yet contemplative face as she received the offerings.

She sat upright, fingers tracing the embroidered sleeve of her robe, radiating a dignified yet commanding presence.

---

Lady Liu, bowing respectfully by her side, whispered, "Your Majesty, as you instructed, I have investigated the Eastern Palace these past days and found several suspicious matters."

Empress Ma lifted her eyes slightly, fixing them on Lady Liu. "Speak of these suspicious matters."

"During the time Your Highness contracted smallpox, the records of medicinal herbs and meals in the Eastern Palace were quite chaotic."

"Especially the garments sent by the Lü family—though they were all burned, rumors persist that they had been tampered with."

"Furthermore, I discovered those clothes were delivered just before Your Highness fell ill."

Lady Liu’s voice was low and cautious with each word.

Empress Ma’s eyes flickered with cold light, yet her tone remained gentle. "Continue."

"Also, the young palace maid you placed in the Eastern Palace reported that the Lü family has been unusually active lately, frequently summoning their trusted attendants."

"They have been secretly procuring items from merchants outside the palace, many of unclear origin. I suspect..."

Lady Liu hesitated briefly before whispering, "I suspect they intend to conceal some crucial evidence."

After hearing this, Empress Ma rose slowly and lifted her tea cup from the low table.

She took a quiet sip, her expression unreadable. "It seems what Xiongying said holds merit."

"Your Majesty, what exactly did His Royal Highness say?" Lady Liu inquired.

Empress Ma set down her cup, her gaze deep and distant. "A few days ago, Xiongying came to pay respects. Though his words were polite and caring, he repeatedly mentioned the circumstances surrounding his illness."

"He said, 'Though I am foolish, I always felt something strange about this sickness,' and urged me not to worry too much while advising the imperial physicians to examine me closely."

"Though he never stated it outright, he clearly hinted that his illness might have other causes."

At this, Empress Ma’s eyes darkened, her tone bearing a subtle chill. "I know he is still young and cannot uncover concrete evidence."

"But for him to even suggest this much shows he harbors suspicion."

"Moreover, since recovering, Xiongying has grown more sensible and astute than ever before..."