This week, despite Zhu Yunwen's reminder, Prince Zhu Su still didn't quite believe that his second son would have any ulterior motives.
He didn't even realize how serious Zhu Yunwen's reminder was.
However, at this moment, the Imperial Guard told Zhu Yunwen that the second son of the Prince of Zhou, Zhu Youxun, wanted to see him.
Therefore, Zhu Yunwen immediately felt that this was probably not a good thing.
His eyes darted around, and then he said to Zhu Su and Zhu Youdun, the heir apparent of the Prince of Zhou:
"You should hide behind the screen first; there might be a surprise."
Although Zhu Su and Zhu Youdun still didn't quite understand, they obediently got up and hid behind the screen behind the tea table.
Only Zhu Yuntong and Zhao Qingzhu were sitting at that table.
Zhu Yunwen then said:
"Let him in."
The Imperial Guard immediately left, and then Zhu Youxun, the second son of Prince Zhou, entered.
He first bowed to Zhu Yunwen and Zhao Qingzhu, then said with a fawning expression:
"Your Highness the Crown Prince and His Highness the Crown Princess have arrived in Kaifeng. Although I have already paid my respects to them, out of my admiration for Your Highness the Crown Prince, I could not resist coming to disturb you late at night."
Zhu Yunwen said with a smile:
"There's no need to be so formal. Is there something you want to say?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxun's expression immediately changed, becoming one of utter grief. He sighed and said:
"Indeed, there is something that is causing me great distress. If I were to speak of it, I fear I would be branded with the crime and reputation of betraying my father and brothers."
But if I don't speak up, as a subject, I fear I will be letting down the royal family and the court, and even more so, His Highness the Crown Prince.
Zhu Yunwen narrowed his eyes, thinking to himself, "This guy is just as recorded in history; he will seize any opportunity to seek personal gain."
So Zhu Yunwen continued watching his performance and asked, "Oh? What is it? Tell me about it."
Zhu Youxun looked utterly helpless and said:
"To be honest, I am truly ashamed. But so be it... for the sake of the greater good, for the sake of the Ming Dynasty, for the sake of national peace and prosperity, what does it matter if I bear a bad reputation?"
Your Highness, I shall tell you today. To be honest, my father, Prince Zhu Su of Zhou, and my elder brother, Prince Zhu Youdun of Zhou, have been secretly discussing something in private lately.
Once, I overheard them talking about something like rebellion, raising an army, and seizing power... They even said that as soon as their grandfather passed away, they would immediately rebel...
They even said... There has never been a saying that an emperor would pass the throne to his grandson. Even if the crown prince dies, he should choose one of the other sons who is more capable or who will inherit the throne.
Now that my second uncle is dead, my third uncle is too volatile and extreme, and my fourth uncle has been imprisoned for a long time, according to the order, it should be the fifth son, my father, Prince Zhou, Zhu Su, who should become emperor.
Therefore, he felt resentful... and secretly prepared to use this as a pretext to launch a rebellion..."
After Zhu Youxun finished speaking, Zhu Yunwen squinted, looking shocked, and said in response:
"Is that really true? Can you guarantee that what you're saying is absolutely true?"
Zhu Youxun sighed and said:
"How could I dare to joke about such a thing? They are, after all, my father and my elder brother. How could I possibly frame them?"
Zhu Yunwen nodded and said, "That makes sense. They are your father and your elder brother. As their son and younger brother, you would never do something like betraying your father and elder brother."
Zhu Youxun said, "That's natural, and that's why it pains me so much. They do such things, but I can't collude with them and help them do evil."
Therefore, I have no choice but to put aside my own family ties and report this matter to Your Highness, the Crown Prince. I only ask that Your Highness will treat them leniently afterward.
Zhu Yunwen nodded and said:
"Very well, I understand. Well then, since they harbor rebellious intentions and intend to rebel, I will exile them to Yunnan."
"Since you have rendered meritorious service by reporting me and have been a loyal subject to me, then this week the title of Prince will be yours. What do you say?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxun could not contain his excitement and joy. Looking at Zhu Yunwen, he said:
"Your Highness the Crown Prince is wise and righteous, which I admire greatly. Please rest assured, Your Highness, that after I become the Prince of Zhou, I will definitely govern the Kaifeng area well and will never dare to have any disloyal thoughts."
Zhu Yunwen nodded and said:
"Okay, but... what if what you're saying doesn't exist at all, and you're just making things up... what then?"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxun immediately became anxious and said:
"Your Highness, you must trust me. I would never joke about such a thing."
Of course, my father and my older brother will never admit it, and it will be difficult for me to produce any compelling evidence.
But this is absolutely true; it really happened. You should definitely believe it rather than dismiss it.
Zhu Yunwen's eyes suddenly sharpened, and he slammed his hand on the table, shouting:
"You scoundrel, you wronged your own father, framed your own brother, and you even say that it's better to believe it than not? You deserve to die."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Youxun was stunned, never expecting that Zhu Yunwen would suddenly change his expression.
This puzzled him for a moment.
He was about to continue speaking when Zhu Yunwen said:
"King Zhou, come out and see your good second son."
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