Chapter 30: A Visit from the Zhu Yuanzhang Family

Zhu Yuanzhang’s arrival was driven by the daily reports pouring in from the Embroidered Uniform Guard. He would have come sooner, had it not been for the princes returning to the capital to report on their feudal domains.

The brightly lit estate, the massive perimeter walls, the mysterious aircraft, and those magical two-wheeled vehicles—everything had piqued his curiosity. Once the three great princes of the Northern Frontier had returned to the capital, he immediately brought his family to visit. Zhu Biao, however, was not among them; as the acting crown prince, the poor man had been left behind in the palace by his father to manage state affairs.

The three princes present were the Prince of Qin, the Prince of Jin, and the Prince of Yan. Empress Ma and their grandson, Zhu Xiongying, were also in attendance. The family squeezed into a pickup truck: the three princes in the back, Zhu Xiongying on the Empress’s lap in the passenger seat, and Zhu Yuanzhang behind the wheel—a perfect fit. Mao Xiang, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was obligated to accompany the Emperor for protection. Instead of riding a horse, he stood heroically in the truck bed, surveying the surroundings. Hundreds of guards on horseback surrounded the vehicle, clearing the path ahead and guarding the rear.

Upon arrival, the group stood on the construction site outside the walls, overlooking the foundations of budding farmhouse courtyards. Nearby, the craftsmen and their families knelt in rows.

"Where is Chen Lin? Why hasn't he come out to greet us?" Zhu Yuanzhang leaned against the car door, flicking ash from his cigarette. He had developed a smoking habit and had even corrupted Zhu Di and the others; the father and sons stood together, puffing away and looking around.

Just then, Shi Dazhuang, who had been studying electromechanics under Chen Lin, ran out and slid to his knees before Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Yo-your Majesty, my young master said... he said... he said..."

"What did he say?" Zhu Yuanzhang pressed, impatient.

Shi Dazhuang steeled himself. "My young master says he is busy, and that Your Majesty should go in yourself."

Hearing this, the Prince of Qin immediately stepped forward and kicked Shi Dazhuang over. "How bold! Tell your master to roll out here immediately! Go!"

Zhu Yuanzhang waved a hand. "Forget it, forget it. That’s just his temperament. You’ll get used to it in time."

Empress Ma added, "Indeed, it is already a courtesy that he allows us to enter. There is no need to take offense."

The three princes looked at each other in confusion. What was happening? Their mother’s reaction was one thing, but when had their father become so easygoing?

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled bitterly. "You will understand once you meet him. Let me warn you: no matter how rude he is, ignore him. Treat him as if he were a madman talking nonsense. After all, he is your mother’s savior. Do you hear me?"

"Yes, we obey."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded. "Get in, we’re driving straight in."

Zhu Di stepped forward, rubbing his hands together. "Father, let me try!"

"Go on, get out of here. What if you break it? Get in the car!"

Zhu Di shrank back and slunk into the backseat. But then...

"Eh? Why won't it start?" Zhu Yuanzhang turned the key, but the engine only sputtered and refused to catch.

"Don't tell me it's broken!" Zhu Yuanzhang scratched his head. The three brothers exchanged glances. Had it really broken down?

Meanwhile, Chen Lin, wearing a safety helmet, work clothes, and rubber boots, was directing workers in digging a trench. He planned to divert water from the Jurong River to power a hydroelectric generator. Diesel would eventually run out, and solar power was unstable; he needed a reliable source of electricity. Hydroelectric power was the simplest and most stable option. While a small generator wouldn't power the entire villa, it could charge batteries 24 hours a day to compensate for the solar intermittency.

"Yes, at least three meters deep here. Plaster it after digging to ensure it's smooth. Install filters at the intake to keep out debris and fish," Chen Lin commanded from his electric scooter. Seeing that Shi Dazhuang had been gone for a while, he pulled out his foldable tablet, connected to the surveillance system via Bluetooth, and checked the situation outside.

"Young Master, your Red Bull."

Chen Lin downed the drink handed to him by Chen Xiaolan and tapped his phone. He saw the Zhu family marching toward the villa with aggressive, arrogant strides, with a subservient Shi Dazhuang leading the way.

"Geez, so fierce before we've even met? Who made him angry?"

"Eh? Three strangers?"

Chen Xiaolan leaned in. "Those are four-clawed python robes. They are princes!"

"Princes? The Prince of Yan, Zhu Di?"

"Oh no, they’re going into our house. Let's go!"

Chen Xiaolan hopped onto the back of the scooter. Chen Lin twisted the throttle, and with a hum, they sped off.

On the other side, Shi Dazhuang was about to lead the group toward the water channel renovation, but Zhu Yuanzhang stood at the slope, staring up at the luxury villa.

"I am going inside. Lead the way."

Shi Dazhuang fell to his knees. "Your Majesty, my young master said that without his permission, no one may set foot in the courtyard!"

Zhu Yuanzhang kicked him. "Nonsense! Under the vast heaven, all land belongs to the King. The entire Ming Dynasty is mine—is there a single house I cannot enter?"

Mao Xiang drew his blade and held it to Shi Dazhuang’s neck. "Don't move, or you'll lose your head."

Zhu Yuanzhang scoffed and led his family toward the slope, but just then, a melodious horn sounded. A two-wheeled vehicle charged toward them at full speed, heading straight for Mao Xiang.

*Bang!*

Mao Xiang couldn't dodge in time and was sent sprawling, his sword clattering to the ground. Chen Lin didn't intend to let it go. Beating a dog in front of its master? He jumped off the scooter and began raining punches and kicks on Mao Xiang. "Damn it! You dare threaten my people? You're asking for death!"

"Dazhuang, get up and hit him back! Now!"

Shi Dazhuang dared not move, trembling on the ground. Mao Xiang begged for mercy but didn't dare fight back. This was a man he couldn't touch—without the Emperor's order, he was helpless.

The three princes were stunned, watching Mao Xiang curled on the ground, taking the beating. As for Zhu Yuanzhang, he was furious, but he remained silent, focusing on controlling his breathing and his temper. The princes looked at each other again. What had the world come to? Were they falling behind? Had imperial majesty truly reached a point where any commoner could trample upon it?

Finally, Empress Ma stepped in to mediate. "That is enough, Little Chen. Mao Xiang didn't mean any harm. Please, show some mercy and let him go!"

Chen Lin had to give the Empress some face. He stopped, finished, and turned to look at the seething Zhu Yuanzhang, finding the situation dull. He then turned his gaze to the three princes.

"Which one of you is Zhu Di? Step forward, let me have a look!"

Zhu Di shivered and hurriedly stepped forward. "Uh... I am the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di. Greetings, Master Chen."

Chen Lin looked him over. "So you're Zhu Di. Not bad, you look alright."

He patted Zhu Di on the shoulder. "You've got more potential than your father. Work hard, I believe in you..."