Zhu Yunwen simply nodded slightly to Fu Youde and said:
"The General was indeed punished by the Emperor to be sent to a harsh and cold place, which must have been tough. Speaking of which, the Emperor is really something, making a big deal out of such a small thing."
This sounded like mere politeness, and to Zhu Di, it was just the two of them being polite to each other, without any suspicion that they had a good relationship.
Fu Youde gave a perfunctory smile and said:
"His Majesty sent me here with his own plans, and at the same time, he was also instigated by some treacherous and wicked people."
These two are really good at acting. It was clearly a plan between the two of them to have Fu Youde come here to suppress Zhu Di and seize Zhu Di's military power.
But at this moment, they seemed like enemies, their words filled with hostility.
Zhu Di couldn't help but smile. He knew that Fu Youde's appointment was inextricably linked to the advice Zhu Yunwen had given him.
Therefore, in his view, the treacherous villain Fu Youde was referring to was Zhu Yunwen.
In his view, the two were at loggerheads.
This is a good thing for Zhu Di.
He regarded Zhu Yunwen as a threat, and Fu Youde's arrival and the loss of his actual military power also displeased him.
The fact that these two were at odds with each other suited his wishes perfectly.
Zhu Yunwen's expression darkened. Having put on a good show, he snorted and ignored Fu Youde.
Fu Youde also looked indifferent, as if he had no particular grievance against Zhu Yunwen.
After putting on a good show, the two followed Zhu Di into the city and arrived at the Prince of Yan's residence.
The magnificent Prince Yan's mansion surprised Zhu Yunwen.
Then he began to speak:
"What a magnificent Prince Yan's mansion! If this place were established as the capital of our Great Ming Dynasty, it might have a unique grandeur."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Di's smile froze for a moment, then he looked at Zhu Yunwen and said:
"Third nephew, you can't say things like that carelessly."
Zhu Yunwen laughed heartily and said:
"Fourth Uncle, don't be nervous, it's just a joke, don't take it seriously."
What they were really trying to say with these seemingly true yet false words is perhaps only known to themselves.
Zhu Yuncong entered the Prince of Yan's residence with a smile on his face, and then began to praise it endlessly.
They also talked about how good the feng shui of the Prince of Yan's mansion was, how grand and imposing it was, or how large and extensive it was.
In short, it was a barrage of praise, making the Prince of Yan's mansion sound even better than the imperial palace in Nanjing.
The more Zhu Di listened, the more uneasy he felt. He sensed that Zhu Yunwen was not only implying something, but was also deliberately praising and elevating him.
This made Zhu Di realize that there was a danger.
So he began to speak:
"If you like this Prince Yan's mansion, you are welcome to come and stay often! We are very close as uncle and nephew, and your fourth uncle would be very happy to welcome you."
Zhu Yunwen laughed heartily and said:
"There's no need for a permanent stay, but I rarely get to come here. My grandfather asked me to familiarize myself with the situation here, so I hope Fourth Uncle can work hard."
Zhu Di quickly replied, "Of course, there's no problem. It's my duty as your fourth uncle. Now, my third nephew, you are the grandson of the crown prince, and there are many things here that you should really understand. It's my duty to explain them to you. However..."
Zhu Yunwen frowned: "Is Fourth Uncle in trouble?"
Zhu Di smiled awkwardly and said:
“Nowadays, I don’t manage any military affairs. It’s all General Fu Youde who’s recruiting soldiers and training new recruits. So I’ve gradually had less contact with him in this area. Therefore, I’m afraid you should ask General Fu Youde for advice.”
He thought that Zhu Yunwen and Fu Youde were irreconcilable enemies, so he wanted to give some of the task to Fu Youde.
Little did they know that this was exactly what Zhu Yunwen wanted, and it allowed him to achieve his goal.
Zhu Yunwen originally wanted to find a way to contact Fu Youde and learn more about the situation here.
But on the surface, they have to act like they are mortal enemies, so it's very difficult.
After a few brief words, Zhu Di, in his self-righteousness, thought that having Fu Youde take charge of guiding Zhu Yunwen to understand border defense military issues would only make the two more at odds.
Little did they know, they were helping Zhu Yunwen.
But Zhu Yunwen was still pretending when he frowned:
"this……"
He then looked at Fu Youde and said:
"I wonder if the General is free..."
Fu Youde snorted and said in a theatrical manner:
"This general is busy with official duties and should not have time to do these things. But since Your Highness is the Crown Prince, this general can only obey orders."
The deliberate dissatisfaction and impatience in his tone made Zhu Di unconsciously reveal a slight smile.
So he pretended to say to Fu Youde:
"General Fu's words are somewhat inappropriate. Explaining border defense military matters to the Crown Prince is something that you and I should do, and it is of utmost importance. Other busy official duties seem less important."
Fu Youde snorted and said:
"Your Highness the Prince of Yan is right."
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