The bright moon hangs high in the sky, casting a faint glow.

It was about three o'clock in the morning and Zhu Ying had already woken up.

The reason why he got up so early was because he wanted to see his second uncle Zhu Chong and third uncle Zhu Gang off.

At the gate of the courtyard, Zhu Ying jumped on his horse. The streets were now extremely deserted with few pedestrians. However, candles had been lit in many large mansions, and there was light.

It was the first time that Zhu Ying got up so early, but for those officials who had to attend the morning court every day, it was a daily routine.

Zhu Ying pulled the reins and headed towards Prince Jin's mansion.

It had been discussed earlier that today's practice would be held in Prince Jin's Mansion.

Under the cold moonlight, Zhu Ying could see clearly. After all, he did not have night blindness. In less than a cup of tea, he arrived in front of Prince Jin's mansion.

When Zhu Ying arrived, dozens of Tiqi were already waiting in front of the gate of Prince Jin's Mansion.

Seeing Zhu Ying coming alone on horseback, many Ti cavalry drew their swords and prepared for battle.

"What are you doing? This is my elder brother. Brother, here."

Zhu Jihui, who had been waiting in front of the mansion, shouted hurriedly.

Upon hearing this, many Ti cavalrymen immediately put away their swords and dispersed, making way.

Zhu Ying walked to the front of the mansion, dismounted, and the leading imperial guard beside him bowed his head, and many imperial guards also saluted to show their respect.

The call of "big brother" by the Prince of Jin made the imperial guards realize that their previous alert seemed to have offended someone they could not afford to offend.

If the blame is really placed on you, it will be difficult to escape punishment.

But even the leading Tiqi did not dare to speak and could only lower his head and wait.

The rules of the Ming Dynasty may be relatively lenient for the royal family, but for non-royal members, it is completely different.

Actions like the one just now, to put it seriously, are considered an offense against the royal dignity. Even if Zhu Ying was furious and executed them, Prince of Qin Zhu Chong and Prince of Jin Zhu Gang would not say a word.

Zhu Ying didn't care about these things, but he also noticed the thoughts of these palace guards.

Influenced by the memories of his past life, how could he, a man who defends his country, do such a thing?

Zhu Ying handed the horse reins to the leader of the group and said, "Please take care of the horses for me."

"I obey your orders."

The leading Tiqi took it with both hands and drank in a deep voice, with a hint of joy in his tone.

Many Tiqi also relaxed.

Zhu Jihui's eyes lit up slightly, and he immediately led the way for Zhu Ying.

In the yard, Zhu Chong, Prince of Qin, and Zhu Gang, Prince of Jin, were wearing golden fish-scale armor, heart-protecting mirrors, and six-petal iron helmets with dragon patterns. They reflected a faint golden light under the moonlight, and they looked like gods, full of domineering aura.

"Second uncle, third uncle."

After Zhu Ying entered the yard, he bowed and said.

"Nephew, you must be a little uncomfortable getting up so early. I am really causing trouble for you. After we leave, you can go back and take a nap."

Qin Wang Zhu Chong said with a smile, and Zhu Gang beside him nodded in agreement.

Zhu Ying felt the kindness of his uncles and felt a little helpless.

After all, when he was wandering in the Western Regions, it was normal for him to sleep for an hour or so a day.

Zhu Ying did not explain much. After exchanging greetings with the two uncles, he took out a wooden talisman made of golden nanmu from his arms.

This wooden talisman is obviously only half, and there are exquisite patterns carved on it.

"Uncle San, when we go to the coast, the Japanese pirates are one thing, but the most important thing is the smugglers."

"These smugglers are the most difficult to deal with, but my nephew's caravan also does a lot of business there, and is familiar with those rat nests."

"After Third Uncle arrives, all he needs to do is go to the Heroes Chamber of Commerce and take out this wooden talisman. They will then follow Third Uncle's instructions. I have already sent someone to pass on a message about this matter."

Zhu Ying handed half of the wooden talisman to Jin Wang Zhu Gang and said.

Zhu Gang took the wooden talisman and was overjoyed.

As Zhu Gang grew up in a military camp, he was no stranger to leading troops in battle, and the key to suppressing the Japanese pirates along the coast was also clear to him.

He didn't expect that his nephew had such crucial information in his hands.

With this information, it would be easy to suppress the Japanese along the coast.

"Nephew, I'll accept your help this time. I'll definitely keep this in mind." Zhu Gang felt quite proud at this moment, and subconsciously picked up the wooden talisman and looked at it.

The pattern carved on the wooden talisman was obviously only half, and the carving seemed to be quite complicated, obviously the work of a skilled craftsman.

Zhu Gang looked at the pattern carefully and couldn't help asking, "Nephew, this looks like a rooster?"

Zhu Ying nodded and said with a smile: "Yes, it is the big rooster."

…

After dawn, in front of Tianjie Temple.

A team of hundreds of people appeared at the entrance of the mountain.

In front of the mountain gate, the monks who had received the news had been waiting for a long time.

It was the envoy team from Goryeo.

In fact, the envoy team had already arrived at the post station near Tianjie Temple yesterday afternoon, but it was almost dusk at that time. According to the etiquette arrangement, they would officially enter Tianjie Temple today.

The Goryeo envoy, Zhao Pang, who was in charge of the secret affairs, came forward to hand in the relevant documents. The monks came over to check, and ceremonial music started. The Goryeo soldiers stayed behind, while the civil and military officials, the princess and her maids entered the temple.

At this moment, Zhao Xiangxi was already dressed in maid's clothes, but even so, her appearance still attracted people's attention among the crowd of women.

The monk who was receiving the guests couldn't help but lower his head when he saw the Buddha's words. He was afraid of disturbing the Buddha's mind and dared not look directly at him. He secretly said "Amitabha".

Zhao Xiangxi looked somewhat helpless.

Because she knew that the portrait submitted now was no longer hers, which meant that from this moment on, her identity as a maid was confirmed.

Not to mention that Goryeo is so far away, even if Lee Seong-gye really knew about this, he would never say it.

Once I explain it, I will be committing the crime of deceiving the emperor. It is better to just let it go.

The Goryeo envoy, Zhao Pang, who was in charge of the secret affairs, although his name contained the word "fat", he was not fat, but rather a little thin.

As he walked forward, he glanced at Zhao Xiangxi and saw that she did not move unusually, so he moved forward with peace of mind.

In the mountains behind Tianjie Temple, Yao Guangxiao put down the book in his hand when he heard the sound of drums and music.

He asked, "Young man, which country's envoy is this? He has come to our Ming Dynasty."

The young man from the Imperial Guard smiled and said, "Master, this must be the Korean envoy."

Although Yao Guangxiao had no contact with the outside world, the two Jinyiweis obviously had some communication with the Jinyiweis in the dark.

After all, Yao Guangxiao's daily situation, no matter how big or small, would be recorded and then sent to the Jinyiwei Yamen.

After hearing this, Yao Guangxiao pondered for a moment.

Then he said, "Young man, I wonder if I can go and meet the Korean envoy."

The young man from the Imperial Guard shook his head and said, "Sorry, Master, we don't have the power to do this."

"I understand. Please pass it on. If it is not difficult, I will not force you." Yao Guangxiao said softly.

The young man from the Imperial Guard hesitated and said, "Okay, then I will report it to you, Master. However, the specific matters will have to wait for instructions from the higher-ups."

"Thank you for your help, young man." Yao Guangxiao clasped his hands together and bowed slightly.

At the same time, the Ming Palace.

After the morning court session, Zhu Yuanzhang left the palace in a carriage.

The destination was obviously the house where Zhu Ying lived.

Zhu Yunwen returned to Chunhe Hall and did not sit down. He just kept looking forward to seeing something outside the door.

Huang Zicheng asked in confusion: "Who are you waiting for, Your Highness?"

"What's going on? Why didn't my cousin come to me after leaving the court?" Zhu Yunwen looked at the empty space outside the palace and couldn't help but ask.

Just before the end of the court session, Zhu Yunwen clearly winked at his cousin Li Jinglong, indicating that they should meet after the session.

Why hasn’t he come yet? Could it be that I misunderstood?