I, on the other hand, have always been the legitimate son. In terms of birth, you have no right to compare yourself to me.
These words struck a chord with Zhu Yunwen. Indeed, his mother was a concubine of the former crown prince, while Zhu Yunwen's mother was his first wife.
Zhu Yunwen was indeed born out of wedlock. In ancient times, the difference in status between legitimate and illegitimate children was enormous.
Even later, when Zhu Yunwen's mother became his legal wife, Zhu Yunwen went from being born out of wedlock to being born of the legitimate wife.
But one's original identity can never be erased.
Thinking of this, an angry Zhu Yunwen could only retaliate again:
"No matter what you say, Grandfather will ultimately make me the Crown Prince. This is the inevitable trend, and no matter how you perform, you will have absolutely no chance. At the very least, Grandfather will not actually give you a chance!"
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen smiled:
“You’re wrong. It’s you who’s been trying your best to show off from beginning to end. And you’re wrong about another point. I don’t need my grandfather to give me a chance, and I’ve never thought about asking my grandfather to give me a chance.”
Opportunities are always given to oneself. As long as one is strong enough, one can reach the top at any time.
Unlike you, who only knows how to suck up to powerful figures, using all sorts of hypocritical masks to beg like a dog, trying every possible way to get the throne from the Emperor.
These words, each one a gem, each one a wound.
It directly presents Zhu Yunwen's true situation in a very realistic and unpleasant way.
Despite his immense anger, Zhu Yunwen had no way to refute it.
Zhu Yunwen said that he was born into a humble family, and even if he was not so humble later, he could not compare with Zhu Yunwen, which left Zhu Yunwen with no way to refute him.
Zhu Yunwen also said that he was like a dog, wagging his tail and begging in front of Zhu Yuanzhang all day long, hoping that Zhu Yuanzhang would bestow a throne upon him, and there was no way to refute that.
This made Zhu Yunwen, who had a very strong sense of self-respect, so angry that his hands trembled.
At that moment, he realized that he had no chance of winning an argument with Zhu Yunwen in the present moment.
Seeing that he was too angry to speak, Zhu Yunwen turned and left with a disdainful smile on his face.
Watching Zhu Yunwen leave, Zhu Yunwen's face trembled with anger.
After some internal struggle, he finally decided to go back, hoping to please Zhu Yuanzhang once more, at least to put his mind at ease.
Upon reaching the door, he began to speak:
"Grandfather, your grandson Yunwen..."
Before he could finish speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang, who was inside reading memorials, said calmly:
"Let's go back, we're a bit tired and need to rest for a while."
How he wished it was Zhu Yunwen who would return!
Zhu Yunwen, having been humiliated, could only slink away from the doorway.
After returning to the Eastern Palace, Lady Lü asked Zhu Yunwen what had happened.
After Zhu Yunwen explained the situation, Madam Lü's face immediately darkened.
"I told you long ago that Zhu Yunwen is a threat to you. It's just a pity that we couldn't kill him last night. That guy is really lucky."
Zhu Yunwen said with a hint of murderous intent in his eyes:
“Mother, this time I will go to Hukou County with Zhu Yunwen. I want you to bribe some assassins to kill them on the way.”
A hint of surprise appeared on Madam Lü's face, but she quickly put on a smile and said:
"Yunwen, you've finally grown up. That's right, you always have to be ruthless and kill some people on the road to growth."
Alright, this time you can go to Hukou County with peace of mind. I guarantee that I will kill Zhu Yunwen by various accidents on the way.
"When he dies, your successful disaster relief efforts using his methods will surely earn you praise and further enhance your prestige among the court officials. This trip kills two birds with one stone; it's truly brilliant."
Zhu Yunwen smiled too; he was very satisfied with the plan.
Then I heard him say fiercely:
"Zhu Yuntong, if you oppose me, you are courting death."
Meanwhile, after Zhu Yunwen returned to his bedroom, the pretty young palace maid came forward to serve him tea and water.
At the same time, her two younger sisters, Princess Yilun and Princess Jiangdu, also rushed over.
Princess Yilun blinked her big eyes and said:
"Third Brother, where did you go? We've been looking for you but we can't find you."
Princess Jiangdu also said:
"That's right, you weren't in your bedchamber this morning. We've come several times, but we haven't seen you. So we just waited for you here!"
Hearing his two younger sisters' words, Zhu Yunwen smiled and patted their heads, then said seriously:
"My grandfather gave me a mission. I'm going to set off this afternoon for Hukou County in western Shaanxi to deal with the drought there."
Upon hearing this, both younger sisters immediately showed expressions of reluctance.
Going to such a far place, it will take at least a month to get back.
So the Princess of Jiangdu said:
"Third Brother, why did Grandfather suddenly give you this task? Can't you not go?"
Zhu Yunwen frowned and said:
"This matter was arranged by my grandfather, the Emperor. It is a matter of national importance and involves providing relief to disaster victims. This matter can save countless lives."
"As royal princesses, you two should have the proper bearing; how could you utter such frivolous words?"
After being reprimanded by Zhu Yunwen, the two younger sisters lowered their heads and realized their mistakes.
But then Zhu Yunwen softened and patted their little heads, saying:
"Don't worry, I won't be gone for long. However, I have a few words to tell you. While I'm gone, the Lü family is very likely to target you again."
Therefore, during this time, you should try to stay in your own chambers and avoid appearing before her. If that's not possible, spend more time serving your grandfather; I think that will deter Lü Shi from going too far.”
Upon hearing Zhu Yunwen's instructions, both younger sisters nodded in agreement.
Zhu Yunwen was relieved, so he simply packed a few ordinary clothes, took some silver, and left the East Palace.
As soon as he stepped outside, Zhu Yunwen encountered Jiang Huan, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.
After Jiang Huan stepped forward and bowed to Zhu Yunwen, he said...
"Your Highness, His Majesty has instructed me to select ten top-notch members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. They are all centurions, and each of them is extremely capable."
With these ten men with you along the way, your safety is more than guaranteed. His Majesty also said that these ten men will only obey your commands.
Zhu Yunwen said with satisfaction:
"Go back and change into ordinary clothes, and wait for me at the palace gate. We will depart for Hukou County in western Shaanxi in a quarter of an hour."
Jiang Huan asked in confusion:
"Your Highness, aren't we waiting for Grandson Yunwen?"
Zhu Yunwen shook his head:
"No, we won't wait."
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