Chapter 63: Untying the Knot
Zhu Yuhuan asked his grandfather for the yard where Hu Shanwei once lived. Compared with other yards, Hu Shanwei's yard was much more spacious. In order to help Zhu Yuhuan raise crickets, a large open space was specially prepared in the backyard, and even the floor tiles were not retained.
Although we don’t raise crickets anymore, the environment is still very good and perfect for farming.
Long before Zhu Yuhuan was about to arrive, the sensible palace servants had already cleaned the place in advance. So when Zhu Yuhuan came with his relatives, the courtyard was tidy and clean, and even tea and snacks were prepared. It can be said that the hospitality was thoughtful.
Zhu Youtong couldn't help but exclaimed, "So my aunt used to live here. It's really far from the East Palace. No wonder my aunt thought so..."
Before she could finish her words, Zhu Zhanzhen raised his hand to cover her mouth and said, "Tongtong, be good. Uncle will take you to catch crickets."
Although Hu Shanwei retired after completing her mission, Zhu Gaochi and Empress Zhang both praised this female official who had worked diligently for many years, which was enough to prove that the two of them still admired this female official who had been assisting in presiding over palace affairs since the Hongwu period. However, Zhu Zhanji's indifference towards Hu Shanxiang and his previous difficulties with Hu Shanwei vaguely revealed another meaning. The stability of the Hu family would not last long. When Zhu Zhanji ascended the throne, I am afraid that the sisters would get into trouble again.
Therefore, most people are still very secretive about Hu Shanwei, who had a good exit for the time being.
The future of the world belongs to Zhu Zhanji. If you can avoid mentioning some people, try not to mention them.
Zhu Yuhuan agreed with this. It would be better if Zhu Zhanji didn't think about it, so that he wouldn't have a sudden outbreak of suspicion one day and destroy the Hu family. Wouldn't that be a waste of all her efforts?
Zhu Zhanzhen and Zhu Yuhuan looked at each other and understood what the other was thinking.
Zhu Youtong was a little confused, but nodded obediently and said, "Then where should we go to catch crickets? My sister said that Dad loves crickets the most. If we can catch a few and bring them back, Dad will definitely be happy."
Zhu Yuhuan immediately nudged Zhu Zhanzhen with his arm and said, "Ask my uncle."
Zhu Zhanzhen had just said this casually to stop Zhu Youtong from asking questions, but he didn't expect his little niece to take it seriously. He scratched his head in annoyance and said, "Then... shall we go over there and take a look first?"
Zhu Youtong had walked out of the East Palace only a few times, and each time he just took a quick look. Upon hearing this, he immediately ran excitedly to the grass not far away, determined to catch two big crickets to play with.
Zhu Zhanzhen was a little hesitant. He originally thought that after the last incident, Zhu Yuhuan would automatically avoid him, and might even hate him because of Concubine Guo's betrayal. But when he saw Zhu Yuhuan asking him to come to the greenhouse again, he really didn't know how to face Zhu Yuhuan, and he was silent all the way.
Zhu Yuhuan treated him with sincerity, but he hurt Zhu Yuhuan invisibly. Although this was not his intention, it was the fact, and Zhu Zhan'an couldn't help feeling at a loss.
Zhu Yuhuan noticed Zhu Zhan'an's subtle emotion and smiled at him, saying, "Since you've come with me, I'll leave Tongtong to you. This little girl is becoming more and more energetic. I'm always busy with classes, so I don't have the energy to play with her. Besides, I have to check if there are any mistakes or omissions in the things we've prepared. I'll have to trouble you, uncle, to help me take care of Tongtong."
Zhu Zhanzhen understood her implication and said with a mixture of laughter and tears, "So you want me to help you take care of the child."
Zhu Yuhuan blinked his right eye at him, a sly look on his face as he said, "That's not right. This is my uncle's responsibility to teach. How can I just give up on this responsibility?"
Her expression was the same as before, as if nothing had happened, which made Zhu Zhan'an unconsciously breathe a sigh of relief.
The struggle between Empress Zhang and Concubine Guo was really suffocating for him, especially with his father's ascension to the throne. This struggle gradually became more concrete, which made Zhu Zhan'an, who had been taken care of by Empress Zhang and had a good relationship with his brothers, feel a little sad. No matter what happened in the future, he was afraid that the brothers would not be able to restore their previous relationship.
But there is still a long time to go. Maybe one day my mother will give up the idea of fighting and just rely on her brothers to take care of her in her old age. At that time, perhaps Empress Zhang will be magnanimous and forgive them.
After figuring this out, Zhu Zhanzhen finally felt a little relieved and said, "Taking Tongtong is no problem, but why isn't Hanjia coming along?"
Speaking of this, Zhu Yuhuan began to feel helpless and worried, saying, "It's because I'm too naughty. Concubine Sun was afraid that I would accidentally cause another disaster, so she left Hanjia in the East Palace to study and learn to read. She didn't want her to follow me and do something reckless."
After all, Empress Zhang no longer has the power to govern the six palaces. If Zhu Yuhuan encounters such a thing again, no one will come out to help her clean up the mess. Sun Mengqiu certainly doesn't want her daughter to follow Zhu Yuhuan and be implicated.
Although not everyone can be as likable as Zhu Yuhuan, a well-behaved child will never be disliked.
Zhu Zhanzhen heard her say this and naturally understood what Zhu Yuhuan meant. He said guiltily, "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have told my mother about you. Don't worry, I won't tell her anything about what happened here today."
Seeing his cautious look, Zhu Yuhuan comforted him, "It's okay. The palace servants have arranged this place according to the emperor's instructions. There won't be any major mistakes. Moreover, even if there are any omissions, the palace servants will report them to the emperor in time. The incidents in the Qing Palace will not happen again. Besides, there is no such thing as an impenetrable wall in this world. How can I blame you so easily for what happened last time?"
Zhu Zhanzhen couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief upon hearing this, but he still warned earnestly, "Huanhuan, it's better to be safe than sorry."
Zhu Yuhuan chuckled and said, "Don't worry, I'm being very careful."
Concubine Guo had obtained the power to manage the six palaces and was busy arranging her own confidants. She probably had no time to deal with this little kid in the short term. After all, Zhu Yuhuan was just a little kid and posed no threat. Concubine Guo framed her just to bring down Empress Zhang and Zhu Zhanji.
Seeing her still so carefree, Zhu Zhanzhen couldn't help but sigh. Then he shouted to Zhu Youtong who was not far away: "Hey, Tongtong! Don't just go into the grass. There are bugs in it!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
