Chapter 19: The Sudden Transformation of Zhu Yuanzhang

Hiss—

As Chief Secretary Song finished reading aloud, the entire court of civil and military officials involuntarily drew a sharp breath.

Song Zhong’s little notebook contained far more than just that. It recorded how the Crown Princess bribed Huang Zicheng, Fang Xiaoru, and others, even going so far as to promise noble titles to Huang and Fang in exchange for scheming with Zhu Yunwen to seize the position of Crown Prince.

One scandal after another was laid bare before the court—how could the officials not be shaken to their core?

Especially the deaths of the former Crown Princess Chang and the imperial eldest grandson Zhu Xiongying, which revealed just how venomous Lady Lü’s heart was in her ruthless quest for power.

Moreover, in order to ensure Zhu Yunwen’s early ascension as Crown Prince, she dared to collude with Zhou Dexing and allowed Zhou Ji to wreak havoc within the palace.

Even a single one of these offenses would be enough to condemn Lady Lü to a thousand deaths—and the execution of her entire clan would not be an exaggeration.

At the same time, all the officials understood why Zhu Yunxu smiled when speaking to Fang Xiaoru, asserting that Zhu Yunwen was the legitimate eldest son of the Crown Prince.

Had it not been for Lady Lü’s schemes, the former Crown Princess might not have died prematurely, and the imperial eldest grandson would not have been claimed by so-called smallpox at a young age.

Without Lady Lü, she would never have become Crown Princess, and Zhu Yunwen would have remained a mere illegitimate son.

Even the old hardliners in the court believed that Zhu Yunxu was not denying Zhu Yuanzhang’s decision, but merely helping the late emperor rectify past errors.

With such a Crown Princess and such an imperial eldest grandson, despised by all under heaven, how could they ever ascend to the position of Crown Prince, let alone the throne?

“Lord Fang, do you have anything to say?” Zhu Yunxu smiled slyly at Fang Xiaoru, his tone full of mockery.

Trying to defend Zhu Yunwen and carve your name into history?

We’ll make sure you’re remembered with infamy forever...

Fang Xiaoru opened his mouth, wanting to retort, but no words came out.

“Your Highness, I request that Lady Lü and the others be handed over to the Ministry of Justice. Once the truth is uncovered, the matter should be made public,” Kaiji stepped forward, bowing respectfully as he petitioned Zhu Yunxu.

Zhu Yunxu gave him a long look, then waved his hand with a smile: “Lord Kai, I understand your meaning. However, this matter involves royal private affairs and should be handled by the Imperial Clan Court, though the Ministry of Justice may assist in the investigation.”

“But since the position of Minister of the Imperial Clan Court is currently vacant, the case will be temporarily delayed. For now, all detainees shall be held in the Imperial Prison.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Song Zhong clasped his fists and gestured to the Embroidered Uniform Guard to escort Lady Lü and the others away.

Along with them were Huang Zicheng and Fang Xiaoru, both conspirators in Lady Lü’s bid for power, naturally unfit to remain in the Hall of Heavenly Reverence.

---

The officials who stood with Huang Zicheng were trembling all over, drenched in sweat.

Suddenly, someone knelt stiffly before Zhu Yunxu, stammering, “Your Highness is wise and mighty. The nation cannot be without a ruler for a day. We humbly implore Your Highness to ascend the throne!”

Immediately, others hurried to follow suit, dropping to their knees and shouting in unison.

Led by Lan Yu, the nobles of Huai West scowled deeply. This should have been their moment—their chance to elevate Zhu Yunxu and unlock greater power.

But unexpectedly, someone else had snatched the opportunity. It was infuriating.

“Please, Your Highness, ascend the throne and restore rightful succession.”

“Please, Your Highness, ascend the throne...”

“Please, Your Highness...”

The military faction dropped to their knees en masse, shouting their petition with all their might.

Though some civil officials still doubted Zhu Yunxu’s wisdom as a ruler, the situation had reached such a point that they had no choice but to follow the tide, bowing low and pleading for his ascension.

Zhu Yunxu surveyed the sea of kneeling officials and smiled once more.

After they had cried out three times, he finally spoke slowly, “Since all of you deem me suitable, I cannot refuse. With the late emperor’s passing, the nation must have a leader, lest foreign invaders and internal traitors take advantage.”

“To spare the people further suffering from war, I will accept your request...”

“Long live His Majesty! Long live, long live forever!”

The officials paid homage to the new ruler.

Their voices echoed all the way into the tightly sealed Palace of Heavenly Purity.

Just then, Zhu Yuanzhang, who had been dozing on his prepared bed, was startled awake by the sounds. Instinctively, he sat up, almost ready to say, “You may rise, ministers,” before realizing he was still in the secret chamber of the Palace of Heavenly Purity.

Tang He and Feng Sheng, awakened by the noise, quickly looked over.

Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang’s expression shift from dazed to a broad smile, they cautiously spoke up.

---

“Your Majesty, are you all right?”

“I’m fine. What could be the matter with me?” Zhu Yuanzhang came to his senses and waved them off. “Tell me, how did that rebellious grandson manage to win over the officials so swiftly? What methods did he use?”

Feng Sheng and Tang He exchanged a look, silently thinking, “With Lan Xiao’er and the others backing him, what else could he have done?”

Yet they maintained calm smiles. “Your Highness must have impressed them with knowledge and skill, winning their admiration.”

“Heh! That rebellious grandson, he’s got no knowledge at all,” Zhu Yuanzhang muttered begrudgingly, though the corners of his mouth betrayed a reluctant grin.

After his earlier restless dreams, Zhu Yuanzhang had come to understand many things.

If his grandson was capable, resolute, and cunning, why shouldn’t he let him try?

After all, he was still alive. Even if Zhu Yunxu failed as emperor, he could always risk the wrath of the world and ‘resurrect’ himself to rule the Great Ming once more.

And after the events with Lady Lü and her son last night, Zhu Yuanzhang realized he had paid too little attention to Zhu Yunxu over the past decade. His actions were tinged with guilt and a desire to make amends.

“Your Majesty, you...” Feng Sheng looked at Zhu Yuanzhang incredulously.

He knew the emperor well—a man who valued his power tightly, even abolishing the Chancellor’s position to consolidate authority.

Now, to accept so readily his grandson’s replacement on the throne was unbelievable—not only to Feng Sheng but even to Tang He, Zhu Yuanzhang’s sworn brother.

But Zhu Yuanzhang waved them off indifferently.

“No matter, no matter! I have toiled for the Great Ming for so many years, suffering sleepless nights and poor health. Now it is time to rest and enjoy my later years.”

“Perhaps after observing Yunxu for a while longer, I can go see the vast lands we once conquered together. When that time comes, you two must accompany me!”

Feng Sheng and Tang He paused, then understood the emperor’s meaning and laughed heartily.

“Hahaha! Your Majesty plans to travel incognito? I will gladly accompany you. But should we not invite that old fox Fu Youde as well?”

“Invite him! I don’t trust that old cur in court—he only stirs trouble for our grandson. Better to take him along for some leisure instead.”

...