If we were to evaluate Zhu Yunwen, many people would say that he was the younger brother of the current emperor and a wealthy prince with a lot of spoiled and dissolute characteristics.
He had no ambition, was a frequent visitor to brothels, and a master of pleasure. He enjoyed listening to music and watching plays, hunting, and walking his dogs...
At this moment, Zhu Yunwen was galloping on horseback, stopping briefly in his carriage to rest when he got tired, before leading a hundred riders frantically towards Beiping Prefecture. He was in a hurry; this was Zhu Yunwen's current state, and his heart was filled with immense anxiety and apprehension.
Despite his seemingly carefree and pleasure-seeking nature, Zhu Yunwen actually understands many principles. His inability to endure hardship doesn't mean he lacks conscience. He is actually aware of many things, but he simply chooses not to participate in them.
At this moment, Chang Mao was somewhat worried in the Kaiping Prince's Mansion in Beiping, but he was not the only one who was worried.
Chang Mao carefully left Chang Lan's room and said, "Mother has fallen asleep again. You should all go and rest too."
Chang Sheng asked somewhat uneasily, "Brother, are you really not going to tell His Majesty?"
“If Mother forbids it, then you two shouldn’t interfere.” Chang Mao looked at Chang Sheng and Chang Sen and said, “You two stay here with Mother these days, and let your wives and concubines come and keep her company.”
The children in the courtyard were making a fuss. Chang Mao had no children, but Chang Sheng's sons Chang Jizu and Chang Jining, and Chang Sen's son Chang Ji'an were all causing trouble. Even Lan Yu's grandson, Lan Xun, was being cared for by Chang Lan Shi at the Kaiping Prince's Mansion.
In fact, the person in charge of the Liang State Duke's Mansion is also from the Chang Lan clan. The Liang State Duke's wife, Lan Kong, seems to be of the same generation as the Chang Lan clan, but she is as docile as a little lamb when facing the Chang Lan clan.
Let alone the Prince of Kaiping's Mansion and the Duke of Liang's Mansion, Chang Lan Shi (Chang Lan Clan) wields considerable influence within the Chang lineage. However, she rarely interferes excessively. But on matters of principle, she is unambiguous.
She was the principal wife of Chang Yuchun, the Prince of Kaiping; the elder sister of General Lan Yu; and the maternal grandmother of the current emperor. Such a status naturally allowed her to be free from many scruples and speak with considerable authority.
Zhu Yunwen had no interest in appreciating the increasingly prosperous Beiping, which was originally just a military stronghold. However, when Zhu Yunying built the imperial city there, a large number of artisans were brought over. As the relocation of the capital progressed, more and more nobles and wealthy families were also relocated to Beiping.
This city is still far inferior to Yingtian Prefecture, but it already has a certain level of development.
Although Chang Sen had something on his mind, he still had to force himself to go to work. Suddenly, he heard someone report that a small troop of cavalry was charging towards Beiping.
Although he felt the possibility of an enemy attack was slim, Chang Sen still sent men up the city wall.
"His Highness the Prince of Wu has been ordered to enter the city!" Two cavalrymen arrived in a cloud of dust, shouting from afar, "Clear the streets! Do not obstruct him!"
Chang Sen was stunned. His little nephew was coming?
Once he realized what was happening, Chang Sen immediately ordered someone to verify the information. He then understood what was going on and immediately ordered preparations to clear the streets. At the same time, he also informed his eldest and second eldest brothers.
Zhu Yunwen appeared, looking anxiously at Chang Sen outside the city gate, "Third Uncle, is Grandmother alright?"
Seeing Zhu Yunwen, who looked travel-worn and exhausted, Chang Sen felt a pang of heartache. His little nephew had never been one to endure hardship. He used to be fair-skinned and clean-cut, but now, his face was covered in dust, his clothes were filthy, and the child looked utterly exhausted, clearly just forcing himself to stay awake.
"Your maternal grandmother is well..."
Before Chang Sen could even speak, Zhu Yunwen interrupted, "We know everything, isn't that great?!"
Chang Sen didn't say anything, just sighed, and then said, "Go by yourself. She'll definitely be unhappy if she finds out we're short of men."
"We have an imperial decree," Zhu Yunwen immediately said, "Third Uncle doesn't need to go on official business!"
Chang Sen was overjoyed. In truth, he had no interest in going to work during this time. However, he dared not disobey orders. Like his two older brothers, he pretended to be nonchalant and went to work every day, even though he was still concerned about things at home.
Chang Mao and Chang Sen have returned to the mansion because His Highness Prince Wu has arrived.
Upon seeing a troop of cavalry approaching, Chang Mao and Chang Sen immediately led their families to greet them.
Zhu Yunwen, who had dismounted, shouted, "His Majesty has decreed that there is no need for further formalities!"
After Chang Mao stood up, he still asked with unease, "Your Highness, is there really an imperial decree, or did you just say it offhand?"
Chang Mao was no stranger to false imperial edicts. Or rather, some imperial edicts were issued retroactively. His eldest nephew used to do that; he could easily produce any existing imperial edict. If asked later, he would always claim that the edict was genuine.
However, many people later realized what those imperial edicts were all about, and everyone knew the truth in their hearts.
Zhu Yunwen didn't stand on ceremony and asked directly, "Uncle, does the Emperor really have an order? Tell me, what exactly happened to Grandmother?"
It seemed the truth hadn't been hidden any longer, so Chang Mao stopped trying to conceal it. "He's quite ill. He hasn't been able to eat for the past two months and is often in a coma. He hasn't gotten better, and I'm afraid he's not doing well."
Zhu Yunwen panicked and rushed towards the mansion. Chang Mao immediately stopped him and advised, "Go wash up, otherwise your maternal grandmother will be worried."
Thinking of his maternal grandmother, Zhu Yunwen felt a pang of sadness. However, he was still obedient and immediately asked someone to fetch some hot water. He quickly washed up and hurriedly ate some snacks.
Once dressed in his princely robes, Zhu Yunwen regained his handsome and elegant appearance, exuding a noble air. He once again became the esteemed prince envied by countless nobles in Yingtian Prefecture and admired by many young ladies.
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