The King of Xiang got goosebumps from those strange looks. How could he possibly run naked and set himself on fire?
So he looked with a resentful gaze at the "Xiang King Zongzi" with its triangular head held high in the flames, exuding an indomitable spirit, and wanted to devour it whole in one bite.
At this moment, Zhu Di strolled over and patted his younger brother on the shoulder to comfort him:
"You were forced into this situation, which is why you came up with this... well, method to express your dissatisfaction with the court."
Zhu Di was too embarrassed to say those two words, saving face for his younger brother.
The comforted Prince Xiang's eyes twitched incessantly, and he felt a lump in his throat, unable to swallow.
Similarly, Crown Prince Zhu Biao sighed inwardly. He knew that if Liu Xian revealed what his second son would do in the future, his younger brothers would harbor resentment towards the Eastern Palace, even if they didn't say anything.
No matter what, Zhu Yunwen is his son; who knows if the son takes after his father?
It was truly an undeserved disaster. Zhu Biao, in his heart, never had the intention of reducing the power of the vassal states during his reign; it was completely unnecessary.
Unlike the princes of the Han Dynasty, the princes of the Ming Dynasty did not have as much power, and most of them were enfeoffed in border or strategic locations, mainly to guard against the Mongol Yuan Dynasty.
Since Zhu Biao can control his younger brothers, why bother making a move? He can take it slow later.
Now all we can do is try our best to make up for it.
The usually gentle and composed Zhu Biao rarely showed anger. He brought Zhu Yunwen before the Prince of Xiang and his entourage, and sternly rebuked them:
“You unfilial son, if you commit such heinous acts in the future, forcing your uncles and aunts, your crimes will be countless. Even if it is something that will happen in the future, you must apologize to your uncles and aunts now.”
After saying that, he kicked Zhu Yunwen, who cried out in pain and fell to the ground, trembling as he apologized.
The kings remained silent, most of them feeling sorry for their nephew, since he hadn't done anything yet.
Moreover, he had only heard about his family's tragic experiences and had not truly experienced them, so his anger was only temporary.
Ling Xiao feigned admiration, "Zhu Di, your opponent is very powerful."
The crown prince, whom Zhu Yuanzhang cherished like a treasure, was indeed extraordinary; his reaction was remarkably quick.
Listen to this: "do it in the future" means it hasn't happened yet. And "even if it's something in the future" emphasizes again that the event hasn't happened yet.
He then scolded and beat his son, which calmed down most of the princes' anger.
He even saved his son; otherwise, if Zhu Yuanzhang had spoken up, the second son of the Crown Prince would not have had a good ending.
As Ling Xiao had predicted, regardless of their sincerity, all the princes "forgave" Zhu Yunwen, while Zhu Biao looked apologetic. The brothers were in a harmonious atmosphere for a moment.
However, they all knew in their hearts that Zhu Yunwen was doomed to be deposed. Even if the Crown Prince's lineage or even the royal family were wiped out, Zhu Yunwen could not ascend the throne.
Over here, Liu Xian waved her hand, extinguishing the flames, and the aroma of roasted glutinous rice wafted from the rice dumplings.
The King of Xiang watched as Liu Xian reached out as if selecting a piece of rice dumpling, picked it up, and took a bite.
"It tastes better when grilled over a fire; it doesn't taste good raw."
Liu Xian slowly chewed the glutinous rice in her mouth, a look of pleasure on her fair face. She even picked out a freshly cooked rice dumpling for Empress Ma.
"Try it, this must be one of your daughters-in-law or grandsons."
Empress Ma was taken aback and didn't react immediately. After a moment, she took the rice dumpling with a smile, thinking that Liu Xian was quite mischievous.
"Hahahaha, I'll have a taste too."
Zhu Yuanzhang laughed and picked up a roasted rice dumpling, peeled off the skin, and stuffed it all into his mouth. While chewing, he mumbled that it tasted good.
The Prince of Xiang hesitated, unable to help but wonder which person in his palace the rice dumplings they were eating represented.
Seeing that the Emperor and Empress had eaten and seemed to enjoy it, the others also became eager to try it. The first to eat crab was the Prince of Han, who said:
"Sharing joy is worse than enjoying it alone, so I'll have one too... Ah!"
The King of Han's outstretched hand was slapped hard by the King of Xiang. The King of Han shook his hand, about to get angry, but then he saw the King of Xiang's resentful and gloomy expression.
He suddenly sensed a threat and silently retreated.
Prince Xiang: You little brat, I can't stop Liu Xian, Father Emperor, and Mother Empress, but I can stop you, my little brother.
While eating zongzi, Liu Xian, seemingly chatting casually, addressed the emperor:
"After your grandson's defeat, he vanished without a trace in the capital. No one has seen him since. Even the Emperor Chengzu, who successfully rebelled, couldn't find him. Do you know where he went?"
Zhu Yuanzhang suggested going to sea, entering the deep mountains, committing suicide, or hiding among the common people, but all his suggestions were rejected by Liu Xian.
Finally, Old Zhu lost his patience. He didn't care where that brat went to eke out a living after losing the country.
Seeing this, Liu Xian smiled and said:
"He's gone back to his ancestors' profession and become a monk. Isn't that amazing?"
When the bell rang in his mind, Zhu Yuanzhang was completely numb, and a thousand curses were about to be uttered.
Liu Xian seemed somewhat puzzled and said, "Don't you think he looks a lot like the Emperor?"
Zhu Yuanzhang: What utter nonsense are you spouting!
"Look, only you and Zhu Yunwen have both the professions of emperor and monk."
No matter how hard his other descendants try, the best they can become is an emperor, right? No, they can also become monks.
…………
After eating the zongzi, Liu Xian carefully wiped her fingers inch by inch with a handkerchief. Under the sunlight, her fingertips were almost transparent, completely lacking the normal color of blood.
Liu Xian's skin was extremely fair, but her eyelashes were extremely black and thick, and her pupils were bright red. The contrast of these three colors gave her eyes a breathtaking charm.
At this moment, those eyes were looking at the emperor with profound meaning:
"I've mentioned the first successor, Emperor Huizong and Emperor Chengzu. The others are practically free. What do you think about the remaining two opportunities, Your Majesty?"
Zhu Yuanzhang feigned ignorance: "What do you think? Liu Xian, just tell me everything."
Want to get something for free? No way! The initial free bait has already been taken, and you have no choice but to pay for the rest.
Liu Xian said lightly, "Oh, we can't talk about it all at once. I have some things to attend to today, so I'll be going now. Let's talk about it next time."
Zhu Yuanzhang asked solicitously, "Do you have time tomorrow? I won't trouble you to come; I'll visit you after breakfast."
"Unfortunately, I probably won't have time for the next few years."
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