Chapter Three: The Second Brother’s Generosity, and the Younger Brother’s Ungrateful Refusal!

The court fell into a profound silence. Only the sounds of Lan Yu’s kowtowing and pleas for mercy echoed through the hall.

A flicker of surprise crossed Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes.

Among Zhu Biao’s many sons, his favorite had been Zhu Xiongying, yet Zhu Xiongying had died young. Since then, Zhu Yuanzhang had rarely interacted with his grandchildren, mainly to avoid the pain of seeing others and being reminded of Zhu Xiongying.

Only after Zhu Biao’s death did the emperor begin to closely observe his grandchildren, prompted by concerns over the succession of the Ming dynasty. It was then that Zhu Yunwen entered his sight.

During Zhu Biao’s grave illness, Zhu Yunwen had stayed by his bedside relentlessly, day and night, caring for him personally. Although Zhu Biao, as crown prince, had eunuchs and palace maids to attend to him, nothing compared to the devoted care of his own son.

After Zhu Biao’s passing, Zhu Yunwen was overwhelmed with grief, weeping inconsolably and refusing food for days. Zhu Yuanzhang had to intervene personally to comfort him. This left a deep impression of filial piety and righteousness in the emperor’s heart.

After careful observation, the emperor resolved to name Zhu Yunwen as crown prince.

Yet today, Zhu Yunsi’s performance caught the emperor by surprise. What he had just said to Lan Yu seemed to penetrate the very depths of Zhu Yuanzhang’s thoughts. By openly confronting Lan Yu, Zhu Yunsi appeared to be reprimanding him, but in truth, he was protecting him.

By laying the matter bare before the court, with all eyes upon them, Zhu Yunsi made it difficult for the emperor to later act against Lan Yu without consequence. This completely disrupted Zhu Yuanzhang’s plans.

On the other hand, there was no doubt that now he had to seriously consider whether to appoint Zhu Yunwen or Zhu Yunsi as crown prince. If Lan Yu was spared, and so were the other generals with remarkable military achievements, who could possibly reign with authority over them? This made Zhu Yunsi a crucial candidate.

Otherwise, after Zhu Yuanzhang’s passing, those generals might dare to overthrow the throne. With this thought, the emperor’s mind grew increasingly complex.

Zhu Yunsi’s move was brilliant—slapping Lan Yu in public while simultaneously protecting him, forcing Lan Yu to both submit and feel gratitude. He simultaneously intimidated and won over Lan Yu’s loyalty, while subtly gaining the emperor’s favor. A single move with three effects!

Remarkable for someone so young.

“Rise,” Zhu Yuanzhang said calmly.

“We have never entertained such thoughts. Do not listen to this child’s nonsense,” he added.

“Yunsi, quickly help your great-uncle up!”

Zhu Yunsi stepped forward and extended his hand to help Lan Yu. Lan Yu hurriedly got up, respectfully saying, “I dare not trouble the imperial grandson.”

After the earlier confrontation, Lan Yu had regained his composure. Although Zhu Yunsi had publicly slapped him, shaming him, it was, in essence, a saving grace.

Though the emperor verbally dismissed Zhu Yunsi’s words as nonsense, he did not reprimand him, revealing much in his silent approval.

From then on, Lan Yu treated Zhu Yunsi with utmost respect, his earlier anger vanished without a trace.

“Your Majesty, I wish to accuse Imperial Grandson Zhu Yunsi,” a civil official stepped forward.

Zhu Yunsi glanced sideways and saw a low-ranking official standing at the back of the court, someone he did not recognize.

“I am Huang Zicheng. I accuse Imperial Grandson Zhu Yunsi of disregarding proper respect for his sovereign, harboring treacherous intentions, coveting the supreme throne, and committing the gravest of crimes. I implore Your Majesty to punish him severely.”

Huang Zicheng?

Could this be the same Huang Zicheng who would later become one of the chief instigators of the Jingnan Campaign?

Zhu Yunsi snorted coldly.

“The Ming dynasty’s realm belongs to the Zhu family. As a descendant, it is my duty to inherit the family legacy. As the legitimate grandson, the emperor appointed me crown prince; it is only natural that the throne be passed to me. How can this be construed as covetousness or treason?”

“Is it not the case that the imperial throne is meant for the Zhu family descendants? Should it be passed to you, Huang Zicheng, instead?”

Plop! Huang Zicheng knelt immediately.

“I have no such intention. But—”

“But what?” Zhu Yunsi demanded sharply.

“It is unheard of for princes or grandsons to demand the realm and throne from His Majesty the Emperor. Such behavior is treasonous!”

The courtiers nodded in agreement.

Though it was common for princes to vie for the throne, they always maintained a veneer of humility and respect. But Zhu Yunsi had torn off that facade, blatantly demanding the realm. Such conduct was unprecedented.

As Huang Zicheng spoke, he gave a subtle glance at Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen immediately understood and stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, since Third Brother wishes to be crown prince and inherit the throne, then please appoint him as such. I only desire harmony among brothers, no disputes or quarrels. That would be most pleasing.”

“I am dull-witted and unfit for heavy responsibility; I cannot bear the great burden of the realm. I humbly ask Your Majesty to grant this favor.”

Hearing this, the ministers secretly admired Zhu Yunwen’s humility. This was the speech expected of an imperial grandson—modest and deferential, embodying the Confucian scholar’s demeanor. Such a man was truly worthy of being crown prince.

Even Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, evidently approving Zhu Yunwen’s words.

Zhu Yunsi, however, sneered inwardly. What a hypocrite!

Clearly, he longed desperately to be crown prince and inherit the throne, yet he feigned humility. Such pretense was utterly false. Without even basic honesty, how could someone like him inherit the realm?

“Second Brother is righteous and profoundly understanding!” Zhu Yunsi proclaimed loudly.

“Thank you, Second Brother, for your gracious concession.”

“Since that is the case, I shall not refuse.”

He then turned to face Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang with a bow.

“Great-Grandfather, Second Brother is wise enough to know he cannot shoulder the burden of the realm and voluntarily yields. I ask Your Majesty to heed wise counsel and grant his wish by appointing me crown prince.”

“Thus, the Ming realm shall endure for eternity, and Your Majesty may rest assured.”

At the imperial seat, the old emperor’s lips twitched slightly. This grandson was truly shameless!

“Arrogant, disrespectful, shallow, and ignorant, lacking filial piety and adherence to the proper relations between ruler and subject. Your conduct contrasts starkly with your brother’s humility. How could you be appointed heir?”

Huang Zicheng roared furiously.

Zhu Yunsi cast a disdainful glance at him.

“Does Master Huang consider himself the emperor, able to decide to whom the throne should be passed?”

Huang Zicheng was struck dumb, as if struck by lightning.

The matter of designating the heir was of utmost importance. Though rumors had circulated that His Majesty intended to appoint Zhu Yunwen as crown prince, it was a closely guarded secret. Huang had only learned because someone close to Zhu Yunwen leaked the information prematurely. He himself had no right to know.

Without the emperor’s clear choice, neither a lowly compiler of the Hanlin Academy nor the ministers of the Six Ministries dared to speak freely.

Zhu Yunsi bowed once more to Zhu Yuanzhang.

“The matter of choosing an heir concerns the foundation of the state. I beseech Your Majesty to decide decisively, appoint me heir apparent, and entrust me with the throne, so that the Ming dynasty may endure for all eternity.”

Silence fell over the hall. Many were stunned, their minds buzzing with disbelief. Zhu Yunsi’s boldness felt as if they were in a dream.

After a long moment, the emperor’s solemn voice rang out sharply.

“Yunsi, do you truly desire to sit upon the imperial throne so?”

His tone was calm but every word thundered with clarity.

Zhu Yunsi felt an overwhelming aura of authority and menace wash over him. No wonder this was the aura of a sovereign who had emerged from blood and fire.

The killing intent fused with imperial majesty, shattering the spirit and compelling reverence and submission.