RPAGF Chapter 85 Testing
Chapter 85 Testing
The following morning, Zhu Jixi entered the palace early and went to the vegetable garden first to tell Zhu Gaoxi that Zhu Yunwen had sent the Embroidered Uniform Guard to monitor the Prince of Wu's residence.
Although the information was not delivered in a timely manner, Zhu Gaoxi was still very grateful, and the sincerity expressed by Zhu Jixi was what he valued most.
Zhu Gaoxi called Yishiha to his side and said to Zhu Jixi with genuine affection, "Brother rarely comes to the capital and may not be familiar with the palace. Why don't we let Yishiha lead the way?"
"Great! I was just worried about that. My brother is so thoughtful," Zhu Jixi agreed happily.
The three of them went to the Qianqing Palace together. The old emperor got straight to the point and asked Zhu Jixi to go to the Wenhua Hall to help his grandson Zhu Yunwen with his wedding.
Zhu Jixi was very disappointed. He entered the palace full of confidence, hoping to help process the memorials and accumulate more real skills and connections, but things did not go as planned.
Reviewing memorials is a fundamental skill for the crown prince, but his grandfather refused to teach him. With no hope in the struggle for the throne, Zhu Jixi was somewhat dejected. He had wasted his talents and had nowhere to put them to use. How could he not be depressed and anxious?
If his grandfather were willing to teach him, he would surely be more outstanding than Zhu Yunwen.
Due to poor information channels, Zhu Jixi did not notice the entry of new competitors.
The old emperor had long been wary of him and had taken various precautions to prevent news from the Qianqing Palace from reaching Zhu Jixi's ears.
No matter how intelligent Zhu Jixi was, he was no match for the old emperor.
Zhu Gaoxi understood the situation perfectly, and remained calm, quietly watching Zhu Jixi leave.
Zhu Jixi was not incompetent, but he revealed his ambition too early, which annoyed the old emperor.
Even if the lineage of Prince Jin is chosen to inherit the throne, it should be your father, Zhu Gang, who should be named the crown prince. What are you doing jumping around like this?
They have no sense of propriety whatsoever and seem to thrive on chaos.
The old emperor watched Zhu Jixi's retreating figure, shaking his head and sighing repeatedly.
Choosing a crown prince isn't just about being clever or good at fighting; the most important thing is character.
Yunwen is filial and compassionate, and Gao Xi possesses both qualities. Jixi, on the other hand, is restless and ambitious. How can he be fit to be the crown prince?
Zhu Gaoxi read the strategy guide twice, asked the old emperor several key questions, and then began to review the memorials.
Zhu Gaoxi dictated the story, and Zhu Youdun took notes; the two worked together seamlessly.
The old emperor was pleased to see his two eldest grandsons enter the palace so quickly. He strolled outside to wait for them, estimating the time; Xu Zengshou should be arriving soon.
Xu Da had four sons: Xu Huizu, Xu Tianfu, Xu Zengshou, and Xu Yingxu.
Xu Tianfu died young, and Xu Yingxu, in his twenties, is currently the hereditary commander of the Datong Central Guard.
Because of the fact that the Princess of Yan was born to the same mother as her younger brother, Xu Zengshou had always been close to the fourth prince. He was more shrewd than Xu Huizu, and now he had married his daughter to Gao Xi, which could be described as strengthening ties between relatives.
Being too calculating can arouse suspicion; it's better to rely on someone as loyal and steadfast as Xu Huizu.
It is said that Xu Zengshou, taking advantage of past favors, persuaded Yishiha to work in the vegetable garden. Although it was for Gao Xi's safety, it was still necessary to talk to him since he dared to extend his reach into the palace. He also took this opportunity to test his grandson's knowledge.
Zhu Gaoxi was engrossed in processing memorials when he vaguely heard Xu Zengshou's voice. When he got up to look, he saw only the guards and eunuchs on duty outside, and he couldn't even see the old emperor.
Did I hear wrong?
Perhaps so. I've been too eager to have the eunuchs investigate Lady Lü these past two days. Being too hasty can easily lead to mistakes. I need to adjust my mindset as soon as possible.
Zhu Gaoxi closed his eyes for a moment, emptying his mind of selfish thoughts.
Only with a calm and composed mind can one act with ease and follow the established procedures.
Whatever the reason, Zhu Gaoxi would never allow himself to lose his composure.
Even if you can't control the situation, you can still stay true to yourself, and you can attack or defend as needed.
Panic is useless!
As lunchtime approached, Huang Liang came in to report that the old emperor had gone to Consort Hui's palace and told Zhu Gaoxi and Zhu Youdun not to wait for him.
Yunfei was an excellent cook, and Zhu Gaoxi, spoiled by his parents, couldn't stand the food prepared by the Imperial Kitchen and dragged Youdun back to the vegetable garden to eat.
As they reached the intersection, they saw Li Hui hurrying towards them. "Young Prince, Crown Prince, Governor Xu is waiting in the vegetable garden."
Xu Zengshou?
Could it be that a eunuch has already been found?
My father-in-law is really helpful!
Zhu Gaoxi quickened his pace and hurried back, overjoyed.
Xu Zengshou was waiting in the courtyard of the vegetable garden when he heard footsteps. He hurriedly turned around, bowed, and said, "Young Prince, Crown Prince."
"Governor Xu, please dispense with the formalities."
Zhu Gaoxi walked ahead and entered the specially made secret room, with Xu Zengshou and Zhu Youdun following half a step behind.
After closing the gate tightly, Zhu Gaoxi asked impatiently, "How many people can Governor Xu find?"
"Your Highness, there are twenty-five in total," Xu Zengshou said, presenting the list.
"So many?"
This was completely unexpected for Zhu Gaoxi. Didn't Xu Miaojin tell Youdun that she could find at most four or five? How come there are twenty more out of nowhere?
Zhu Gaoxi turned his gaze to Zhu Youdun, full of doubt.
Zhu Youdun was also deeply surprised and couldn't figure it out.
How dare Xu Zengshou place so many trusted confidants in the palace? Does he have a death wish?!
No, even if he really has extraordinary abilities, he shouldn't reveal all his secrets at once. Isn't he afraid of arousing suspicion?
He hasn't even married his daughter yet; the engagement ceremony is still in the planning stages. This old man is too honest!
Of course, Xu Zengshou wasn't old; he was only in his early thirties, several years younger than his adoptive father.
Zhu Gaoxi was caught in a dilemma; his father-in-law's behavior was truly unpredictable.
Upon opening the list, Zhu Gaoxi couldn't help but gasp. He had people in all twenty-four departments of the inner court.
Xu Zengshou seems to be plotting a rebellion!
Based on this list alone, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to convict someone of executing their entire family.
The inner court is the emperor's home; how can a subject be allowed to act recklessly?
I never imagined that Xu Zengshou would be so clever; he was utterly foolish!
Zhu Gaoxi's face darkened, and he roared in a cold and authoritative voice, "Xu Zengshou, what is your crime?!"
Upon hearing this, Xu Zengshou immediately knelt down.
Zhu Youdun did not speak up for Xu Zengshou. Although he was Xu Miaojin's brother, this list was of great importance, concerning the safety of his grandfather and even the entire royal family. It had to be thoroughly investigated and could not be based on personal feelings.
Even if Miao Jin resents or hates him in the future, there's nothing he can do.
Xu Zengshou had to explain the list clearly before he could leave the palace.
Zhu Youdun was first and foremost a descendant of the Zhu family.
Zhu Gaoxi knocked on the door three times, signaling Sanbao to bring his men in—this was the agreed-upon secret signal.
Sanbao would stand guard outside the door, as he always did when discussing important matters.
After binding Xu Zengshou's hands, Zhu Gaoxi pushed him into the inner chamber and said coldly, "Governor Xu, you have offended me. I will report back to my grandfather on how to deal with you."
Zhu Gaoxi and Zhu Youdun emerged from the secret chamber and, without delay, went straight to the Qianqing Palace to request an imperial decree from the old emperor.
The old emperor sat leisurely in the Qianqing Palace, slowly sipping his eight-treasure porridge, looking as if he were enjoying the peaceful and idyllic life.
Zhu Gaoxi and Zhu Youdun knelt down on the ground with a thud and said in unison, "Grandpa, your grandsons have come to apologize to you."
"What crime are you asking for?" the old emperor asked, squinting his eyes.