Chapter Eighteen: The Way of Filial Piety!

Early the next morning, Zhu Yunxu arrived at the palace gates in a carriage. On his back, he carried a large box.

This was the result of Zhu Yunxu’s tireless efforts over the past few days and nights.

Since he was about to enter the palace, he insisted on carrying it himself.

“Third brother, what are you carrying there?” Zhu Yunwen asked, a hint of curiosity in his voice upon seeing him.

“These are some little gadgets I made at the mansion recently. They’re quite interesting,” Zhu Yunxu replied. “I was thinking that joy shared is joy doubled. Such amusing things should naturally be presented to Grandfather the Emperor to bring him some happiness as well.”

Zhu Yunwen’s expression flickered with surprise.

He was fully aware of what Zhu Yunxu had been up to these past days in the mansion.

The eunuch Zhao Rui and the palace maid Ling’er reported Zhu Yunxu’s every move in detail every day.

Instead of indulging in women, Zhu Yunxu had gathered a diverse group of craftsmen to create all sorts of peculiar gadgets inside the mansion, even to the point of forsaking sleep and food.

Zhu Yunwen felt a mixture of disdain and joy about this.

His disdain stemmed from the fact that this younger brother, while loudly proclaiming his ambition to be heir apparent, lacked any self-discipline and couldn’t restrain his playful nature. How could he hope to compete?

His joy came from the certainty that Grandfather the Emperor was discerning and would not be deceived by Zhu Yunxu’s frivolities.

If he wasted his time on such childish toys, how could Grandfather entrust him with the realm?

His own position as heir apparent was secure!

Seeing Zhu Yunxu bring these things into the palace to curry favor with their grandfather only made him happier.

“You really are filial, Third Brother, even bringing your toys as gifts for Grandfather,” Zhu Yunwen said approvingly. “Grandfather will surely be delighted and reward you handsomely.”

If you don’t study seriously and neglect your duties, fiddling with these gadgets, it would be strange if Grandfather didn’t scold you harshly.

In Zhu Yunwen’s mind, the image of Old Zhu berating Zhu Yunxu vividly appeared, deepening his smile and filling him with joy.

He diligently studied at the mansion every day and surely would be praised by Grandfather.

“That’s right!” Zhu Yunxu seemed oblivious to the irony in Zhu Yunwen’s words and laughed. “Now that you’ve been granted the title of King Xian, haven’t you prepared some gifts for Grandfather as well?”

“That…?” Zhu Yunwen was momentarily at a loss for words.

“Reciprocity is only natural,” Zhu Yunxu said earnestly.

“Grandfather has bestowed us with princely titles—such great favor!”

“We ought to offer some token of gratitude.”

“Though Grandfather is wealthy beyond measure and lacks nothing, as his own grandchildren, making gifts with our own hands is something special.”

“Just as you said earlier, it’s a demonstration of our filial piety, and Grandfather will be even happier.”

“Second Brother, you haven’t forgotten to prepare anything, have you?” he asked with a look of surprise.

“If that’s the case, I have some little gadgets here; I’ll give them to you,” Zhu Yunxu said as if genuinely concerned, urging, “When you see Grandfather later, just tell him these were made by your own hands after days and nights of hard work. That way, Grandfather can feel your filial devotion and be pleased.”

“No need!” Zhu Yunwen hastily waved his hand. “These were your hard work; how could I take credit for them?”

“It’s alright!” Zhu Yunxu laughed. “We are brothers and family—no need to be formal. Whatever one of us does, it’s the same.”

“Someone, go bring what’s in my carriage…”

“No, really no need!” Zhu Yunwen was so frightened that he turned and ran away.

He wanted Grandfather to know that he was a diligent grandson who studied hard.

Not a childish youth who spent all day tinkering with useless toys.

…

In the Imperial Study, Zhu Yuanzhang saw Zhu Yunwen burst in, panting heavily.

“Slow down. You are a prince; you must behave with decorum. How can you act so recklessly?” the old emperor scolded.

“Ha… ha… ha!” Zhu Yunwen gasped for breath, then immediately knelt, “Grandfather, I know my mistake.”

“I will always remember your teachings and never act so rashly again.”

“Good that you understand!” Old Zhu was pleased with his attitude and softened his tone. “What made you run in such a hurry?”

“Ever since Grandfather granted me the title and my own mansion, I have been studying there daily.”

“But I forgot to prepare a gift of thanks for Grandfather. I hope you will forgive me.”

Zhu Yunwen did not rush to explain but began with a humble apology.

Old Zhu laughed heartily, “I am the Son of Heaven; I lack nothing. What need do I have for gifts? Your intention alone suffices!”

“Still, making a gift with one’s own hands is something special,” Zhu Yunwen said. “I only regret that time is short, and I am so focused on studying diligently to help Grandfather with state affairs that I have no time.”

Old Zhu was deeply gratified. “Studying well under your teachers is the greatest form of filial piety.”

“Thank you, Grandfather,” Zhu Yunwen said obediently. “Just now at the palace gates, I met Third Brother. He said he made some interesting toys at the mansion, very fun.”

“He said he was bringing them to share with Grandfather today, to let Grandfather enjoy them with him.”

At these words, Old Zhu’s expression became quite vivid.

“That brat! Not studying properly, wasting time on frivolous things—what kind of example is that?”

Old Zhu snorted coldly.

“Grandfather is absolutely right,” Zhu Yunwen said. “I tried to reason with Third Brother.”

“He was not convinced, saying he was naturally gifted and didn’t need to work hard.”

“That youth should enjoy his youth, he said.”

“I couldn’t argue with him, so I just ran here.”

“He even said he’d give me some of the gadgets he made to play with me.”

“I didn’t dare accept, but he kept pestering me, so I ran all the way here.”

Old Zhu was so angry steam seemed to come from his nostrils.

“Unbelievable!”

“I thought he had some talent to merit attention.”

“I even tolerated his mischief at court.”

“But I never imagined he’d be so fond of play.”

“With such character, even if gifted, he’s bound to end like Shang Zhongyong, wasting his potential.”

“It’s one thing if he plays alone, but dragging you into it?”

“Today, I must give him a good scolding.”

Zhu Yunwen was overjoyed but quickly said, “Grandfather, please calm down. Third Brother is young and ignorant. With proper admonishment, he will surely find his way again.”

“Grandfather, please do not be angry and risk your health.”

Just then, Zhu Yunxu entered, still carrying the large box.

Seeing Old Zhu, he exclaimed, “Grandfather, come quickly and see the treasures I made these past few days!”