My father Yong Le Emperor, you let me keep a low profile

Chapter 122 Your Eldest Brother Decided to Give Up His Position to You!
On the third day of August in the 12th year of Yongle, the expeditionary army returned from the north.

Historically, Zhu Pangpang was too late to welcome him because of something, which angered the old man. The officials under him were cut by more than half, and he was also in the semi-confinement stage.

But this time, Zhu Pangpang was not late.

"Cough cough..."

"How far away!"

From receiving the news until now, Zhu Pangpang has not had a good day's rest.

He not only has to deal with state affairs, but also takes care of his sad wife. Although Empress Xu has three younger siblings to take care of her, he will go to see her every day.

With mental and physical fatigue, Zhu Pangpang's body was getting worse day by day, his face was extremely pale at this time, and he couldn't help coughing after speaking a few words.

"Go back to His Royal Highness, it's already ten miles away!"

Yang Pu, who was accompanying him, felt a heart-wrenching pain in his heart when he saw the prince's weak appearance.

Zhu Zhanji's death had dealt a great blow to the prince. Coupled with the suffering during this period, he was really worried that the prince would not be able to afford it.

And now the people in the court are a little confused. In everyone's mind, although His Majesty doesn't like the crown prince, but with the grandson, no matter how good the king of Yue is, he can't shake the position of the East Palace.

But now that the emperor's grandson is gone, the prince's body has become like this again, and the other children have not performed well. Many people are worried that the status of the East Palace may change.

Moreover, during this period of time, they also vaguely noticed that the prince had the idea of ​​giving up the position of the East Palace.

In many words, let them find their own way out, don't be implicated because of the changes in the political situation.

This made many people feel very painful. If such a benevolent prince does not succeed, the throne will fall into the hands of others. What will happen to Ming Dynasty in the future.

For example, Han Wang Zhao Wang, if these two people are in power, Daming will never have peace in the future.

As for King Yue, many people have very complicated hearts.

The King of Yue established the Chamber of Commerce, and with the assistance of His Majesty, opened up overseas trade, which made many officials related to it rich, and many officials had a good impression of the King of Yue.

And King Yue is a man, speaks the truth, has means and benevolence, he is the most suitable candidate besides His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

But the identity of the fourth child made many officials flinch from it.

Now if the prince withdraws, everyone thinks that the king of Yue is most likely to take the throne.

As for the death of the emperor's grandson, well, to tell the truth.

Except for a few teachers who had a lot of contact with Zhu Zhanji, other officials were not too impressed with him.

The main reason is that Zhu Zhanji is mostly studying, or in the deep palace, and has little contact with officials.

So much so that the officials didn't know much about him, and apart from sighing, they really had no other feelings about his death.

Although he is very worried about Daming's future, the top priority is to deal with the grandson's affairs. As for who will occupy the position of the Eastern Palace, it depends on His Majesty's decision.

"Your Highness, I heard that His Majesty imprisoned King Yue and the others that day, and they are still locked up."

Glancing in the distance, seeing that the team hadn't arrived yet, Yang Pu hesitated for a moment, and said something that he just heard.

Zhu Pangpang, who also heard the news for the first time, sighed and said: "The old man is too sad, I understand the second, third, and fourth, and this matter has absolutely nothing to do with them."

"Oh, that's all, let's wrong them first, and after Zhanji's matter is settled, I'll plead with father for them."

"Your Highness, the prince of Yue is here!"

While the two were talking, Xia Yuanji led Zhu Zhanjin, who was dressed in filial piety, over.

"Zhan Jin, come here, uncle!"

Seeing the little guy around curiously looking at him, Zhu Pangpang showed a long-lost kind smile on his face, and pulled the little guy to his side.

Zhu Zhanji has no children so far. According to the rules, he needs brothers to help him guard the spirit.

Originally, Zhu Zhanyong was the most suitable, but Zhu Pangpang rejected him. He chatted with Queen Xu all night. After Xu Queen's consent, Zhu Zhanjin came to guard the spirit of Zhu Zhanji and asked him to send this brother leave.

As for why, Zhu Pangpang did not explain to outsiders.

In fact, there is no need for Zhu Pangpang to explain, many people have already understood a lot since then.

The prince is planning to give up his position to King Yue.

And letting the son of King Yue guard his son's spirit is actually more like a kind of inheritance.

The father dies and the son succeeds, and the brother ends up with the younger brother.

"Zhan Jin, when your elder brother comes over in a while, you just watch over your elder brother, you know?"

Zhu Zhanjin was only two years old, so he didn't understand the meaning, but he kept saying this to his very good uncle, and he naturally wouldn't refuse, so he nodded vigorously.

Soon, the sound of rumbling horseshoes came from the front.

Everyone looked up and saw a group of cavalry with white cloth strips tied to their guns, leading the army slowly approaching.

Zhu Pangpang, who was holding Zhu Zhanjin, looked at the team that was slowly approaching, and felt a slight tingle in his heart.

But he didn't show it, but looked at the team calmly, quietly waiting for his son to come back.

Soon, a huge carriage with a cold air drove over.

Outside the carriage, there are hanging banners for summoning souls.

"Wuuuuuuuuu His Royal Highness!"

Some courtiers didn't know whether it was pretending or real, they knelt on the ground and cried bitterly.

"Squeak!"

The door of the carriage was opened, and the old man with a tired expression came out of the carriage.

"Welcome Your Majesty, Your Majesty's Holy Body is safe!"

No matter who was crying or not, they quickly fell to the ground.

The old man ignored them, looked around, and noticed Zhu Pangpang who was hugging Zhu Zhanjin. He opened his mouth to say something, but he didn't know how to say it.

"Father, take care of yourself."

Zhu Pangpang stepped forward, persuaded the old man, then put Zhu Zhanjin on the carriage, and said to the little guy with a smile.

"Go, go inside and keep an eye on Brother Ni."

The little guy nodded, then looked at the old man and called grandpa sweetly.

The old man's haggard face was slightly moved by the sound of grandpa.

He looked at the little guy in filial piety, and frowned at Zhu Pangpang.

"I discussed it with my mother, and my mother agreed."

Noticing the look in the old man's eyes, Zhu Pangpang explained in a low voice.

Only then did the old man nod, and walked in with the little guy who was looking into the carriage with his head curiously outstretched.

The carriage continued to move forward, and the team did not disperse until the spiritual seat was moved to several banquet halls.

Regarding Zhu Zhanji's funeral, the imperial court already had a regulation. After all, there was a precedent for this before, so just follow Zhu Xiongying's regulation.

Not long after the Spirit Seat entered the Jiyan Hall, Empress Xu walked in with the princess and concubine and other female relatives with a sad face.

The old man sitting by the side seemed a little guilty. He didn't dare to look at his wife and daughter-in-law, but just sat silently by the side with his head bowed.

The imaginary blame did not happen. Empress Xu and Mrs. Zhang are not the kind of unreasonable women. They understand that the pain in the old man's heart is deeper than theirs.

A group of people came to the open coffin and looked at Zhu Zhanji who was frozen in the periphery, tears came out of his eyes once again.

"My son!"

The princess, who was supported by Zhang Yue, let out a mournful cry, lying on the coffin and crying bitterly.

Empress Xu and the others also wept secretly, but they still comforted the princess softly.

But the pain of losing a child is not easy to calm down so easily. The grieving princess did not let go of the coffin.

It wasn't until dark that Zhang Yue, Princess Zhao and others helped the extremely weak Crown Princess back to the East Palace.

"Tell me, is it really an accident, or something else."

After the daughters-in-law left, Empress Xu closed the palace door, holding Zhu Zhanjin, who was told by the adults to put paper money in the brazier regularly, and watched the old man ask questions that had been in her mind for a long time.

Zhu Pangpang, who sat silently aside, also looked up at the old man. He also wanted to know how his son died.

His wife's question brought the old man back to his senses gradually. He looked up at his wife and eldest son, and was silent for a long time before speaking.

"The possibility of an accident is very small, and it is likely that it was calculated by others."

As soon as these words came out, a look of pain flashed in Empress Xu's eyes. The thing she least wanted to see actually happened.

Zhu Pangpang's expression was a little dazed. I have tolerated so much, isn't it enough? Even if I want to do it to him, why do I want to do it to the child? Don't they have any family affection in their hearts?

"According to the investigation, it is very likely that Li Qian, the servant, was bribed to deliberately lure Zhanji into the battlefield, and then let the people who had already ambushed to ambush him."

"who is it."

Empress Xu endured the heart-wrenching pain and looked directly at the old man.

Although she didn't want to see this happen, since it had happened, she had to face it. As a mother, she had to give an explanation to her eldest son and eldest daughter-in-law.

"People from the Timurid Empire!"

The old man was silent for a long time, and then he gave an answer that neither of them expected.

Hearing this answer, the two people who were full of pain were stunned for a moment.

"The Timurid Empire?"

Empress Xu repeated.

The old man nodded.

Immediately, the old man told the two of Wu Shan's conjectures.

After listening to the old man's story, the two fell into a deep silence. After a long time, Zhu Pangpang said: "Father, the relationship between our two countries has always been good. How could they do such a thing? Don't they know that once they are caught Will the investigation lead to war between the two countries?"

The old man took a look at Zhu Pangpang and said after a long time, "Do you really think that Timur died of drinking and illness?"

Zhu Pangpang looked at the old man blankly, he didn't understand what the old man meant.

"When Timur headed east, our Ming Dynasty was not prepared to deal with it at all. In order to delay the war, I sent 100 secret guards out."

Under Zhu Pangpang's gaze, the old man revealed some secrets from that year.

After listening to what the old man said, Zhu Pangpang suddenly realized.

He just said, back then Timur died too suddenly, a majestic emperor, there must be famous doctors and attendants by his side, and the other party was physically strong, how could he drink to death directly.

Feelings were created by my father back then.

"Then what do you mean, he actually avenged his father?"

The old man shook his head silently.

"I don't know, maybe, maybe he doesn't know, he just wants to disturb our Daming internally."

"Furthermore, if this matter hadn't been accidentally discovered by someone, I wouldn't be able to guess that it was they who did it. In this way, we would fall into internal chaos after falling into their tricks, or we would never die with the northern grassland."

"The war will definitely consume on a large scale. My Ming Dynasty can't support the North and the South at the same time to wage a protracted war at the same time."

"Once the war falls into a stalemate, my Ming's national strength will be consumed rapidly, and because of our internal suspicions, there will also be turmoil in the upper echelons of power."

"To be honest, if I were Shah Ruh, I would choose to do the same thing. People are not for themselves, and heaven and earth are destroyed. Since there is an easy way to weaken the enemy's strength, why choose the most difficult war."

Knowing the reason for his son's possible death, Zhu Pangpang was secretly relieved while feeling sad.

Fortunately, it wasn't what he was worried about. If that was the case, he really didn't know what to do.

Whether to avenge his son and make the entire court chaos, or endure everything for the sake of the court's overall situation, he didn't know how to choose.

Now that he knew that his son's death had nothing to do with the three brothers, the burden in his heart suddenly eased a lot.

"Father, you can't come back from death. This may be the child's life. Don't be too sad. I'm here with Zhan Jin. You've worked hard all the way. Let's go back to rest with your mother!"

The old man didn't want to leave at first, but under the persuasion of Zhu Pangpang and Empress Xu, he left the banquet hall.

On the way back, the palace people stayed far away, the old couple supported each other and walked towards the bedroom, neither of them said a word.

After arriving at the Qianqing Palace, Empress Xu asked people to leave, and she served the old man alone.

"Is it really what you said?"

In the end, Empress Xu spoke first.

"Whether it is or not, it must be."

The old man closed his eyes and remained silent for a long time, and said something that Queen Xu couldn't answer.

"Go to bed first, I'll go and see those three boys."

The old man nodded and did not refuse. He knew his wife was not reconciled and wanted to ask the three sons in person.

In fact, he also wanted to ask, but every time he saw the three brats, a nameless anger rose in his heart, and he couldn't communicate at all.

So let the wife ask, no matter whether the answer is true or not, as long as the wife can feel at ease.

After waiting for the old man to sleep, Empress Xu went to Jinyiwei Prison.

The three of Zhu Gaoyu were pressed back, and they were directly arranged by the old man in Jinyiwei Prison.

In the old man's mind, the safest place in Ming Dynasty is the Jinyiwei Prison, and even the imperial palace is several knots away.

He has already lost a grandson, and he doesn't want any accidents for his three sons.

None of the three brothers had any surprises about Empress Xu's arrival.

Looking at the three sons, Empress Xu was silent for a long time, and said to Zhu Gaoxu: "Second brother, come out with my mother first, because my mother has something to ask you."

Under the watchful eyes of Zhu Gaoyu and Zhu Gaosui, Empress Xu left with Zhu Gaoxu. About half an hour later, Zhu Gaoxu, with red eyes, walked back and said to Zhu Gaosui: "My third son, mother let you go."

Hearing the call, Zhu Gaosui walked out in a troubled mood.

Zhu Gaoyu looked at Zhu Gaoxu who was lying on the hay in a daze when he came back, and wanted to ask, but judging from the other person's expression, he probably wouldn't answer, so he closed his mouth.

After a while, Master Zhu Gaosui came over with red eyes, waved at Zhu Gaoyu, walked into the cell, and lay motionless on the hay.

Zhu Gaoyu glanced at the two of them, took a deep breath and walked out.

Going all the way, came to an interrogation room.

There was no one else in the room, only Empress Xu sat there quietly waiting.

"mother!"

Zhu Gaoyu shouted.

Empress Xu, who was thinking about something, nodded when she heard Zhu Gaoyu's call.

"Sit down and talk to Wei Niang."

Zhu Gaoyu nodded and sat opposite Empress Xu.

Empress Xu stared at Zhu Gaoyu, and asked earnestly, "Fourth brother, tell Wei Niang the truth, is it you who killed Zhan Ji?"

Zhu Gaoyu looked into Empress Xu's eyes, without any dodge, and answered without hesitation.

"no!"

Mother and son looked at each other for a long time, Empress Xu nodded.

"I believe your words for my mother."

"I told my father that I did have fantasies about the position of the eldest brother, but since I went to sea, my thoughts have faded a lot."

"After all, I'm in the south, so I can get whatever I want. To put it disrespectfully, those foreigners treat me with more respect than they treat my father. My status is only one name away from my father's."

"In addition, the entire imperial court is actually not a good thing to me, but a burden."

"There have been years of disasters in the north, and there are people from the grassland peeping in. It is a good thing for me to have my elder brother and them, because they can help me stop all of this."

"But if I accept all this, all the troubles will be dealt with by me."

"I can obviously live the same life as the emperor, so why do I have to work hard to take over the exhausting position?"

"Mother, to tell you the truth, when my son came back this time, he planned to discuss it with you and father, and take Yue'er and his mother away."

"In this way, our family can live a happy life in the south, and leave all the troubles and pressures in the court to my elder brother, and I will live my happy life."

"I didn't expect this to happen. At that time, I regretted it very much. If I had brought Zhanji by my side, I would have been able to protect him even in the midst of all enemies."

While talking, Zhu Gaoyu hammered his head heavily.

"This brat has been with me since I was a child, we are a family, I think he is the closest to me."

"To be honest, the moment I saw him lying there, my whole heart felt like a knife and an axe. The pain has never been calmed down."

Seeing her son's self-blame and pain, Empress Xu stood up in distress, and patted Zhu Gaoyu's back lightly.

"Okay, don't blame yourself, all this may really be the life of this child."

"Sigh, our old Zhu's family doesn't know which god we have offended. The two generations of grandchildren have been like this. Now I am really worried about your elder brother. I am afraid that he will not be able to hold on and leave us."

Sighing, Empress Xu sat beside Zhu Gaoyu and said, "Your elder brother, you have discussed with me for a long time these days. He said that you are smart, insightful, and capable, and you can lead Daming to take a step forward. I'm tired too, I don't want to participate in these things any more, I want to give you the crown prince position."

Empress Xu's words stunned Zhu Gaoyu for a moment, and then shook his head without hesitation.

"do not want!"

(End of this chapter)