Chapter 121 Why Internal Efforts

From the story told by Zhu Xiumin, his younger sister, Zhu Chengwu found several points worth noting:

First, Queen Zhao was able to take action before King Ming, and according to Zhu Xiumin's account, Queen Zhao did not take action immediately after receiving the news and sent Zhu Xiumin out of the palace. In the middle, there was also the process of meeting Zhao Jinyu, the uncle, and Cui Zongyan and his son. When did King Ming react so slowly?
This is the first thing that Zhu Chengwu couldn’t understand!

However, Zhu Chengwu had considered one thing: Prince Ming was old, and after controlling the court for many years, Prince Ming had begun to become confident and even arrogant. He was no longer as careful and cautious as he had been under pressure from the Zhao family and the Duke of Qi!

Moreover, King Ming was thinking of waiting for the Crown Prince to come to him and have a heart-to-heart talk with him before announcing the marriage of Zhu Xiumin, the Princess of Min'an.

This led to the opportunity and loophole being seized by Queen Zhao.

The second thing that concerned Zhu Chengwu was Zhu Xiumin's act of throwing away the token of contact given by Queen Zhao to the Zhao guards!
Was this a simple act of caution by Zhu Xiumin? Or was Zhu Xiumin also on guard against Queen Zhao and the Zhao family? Or was it that Zhu Xiumin saw through Zhu Chengwu's guard against the Zhao family and Queen Zhao, and was deliberately using this method to show goodwill to Zhu Chengwu, the elder brother?

But this gesture of goodwill is too dangerous!
Another point is that Zhu Xiumin said that the relationship between the king and Queen Zhao is about to face a new round of tests, not only because Zhu Chengwu successfully defeated the master, but also because Zhu Chengwu said that sentence in public.

This statement made Zhu Chengwu stunned.

But as soon as his mind turned, Zhu Chengwu knew what Zhu Xiumin was talking about.

The only thing left is “You don’t have to be a prince to become a wise king”!
Thinking about it again at this moment, Zhu Chengwu found that he was really a little too arrogant at that time and his consideration was really not thoughtful enough.

Zhu Chengwu only wanted to make his position clear and use this clear-cut and confident stance to attract talents to join him, but he forgot to consider King Ming's reaction after this statement was passed on to the palace.

Perhaps Zhu Chengwu's original plan to temporarily stabilize King Ming and only compete with the Crown Prince became impossible to achieve after Zhu Chengwu said this!

"I am indeed an ordinary person who is not suitable for playing politics!" Zhu Chengwu smiled bitterly in his heart when he thought of this.

At the same time, Zhu Chengwu was also a little relieved!
Because Zhu Chengwu has just solidified his original intention and ideals, he no longer needs to put too much energy in the political field, which he is not good at.

The last thing that Zhu Chengwu cared about was Cui, or Cui Zongyan!

What was the purpose of sending Zhu Xiumin to the Marquis of Fu'an's Mansion at such a great risk and offending King Ming?
Just because of her daughter Cui Shuyun?

Is there really such a deep love between father and daughter in a large family?

Don't forget that Cui Shuyun and Zhu Chengwu's marriage was a transaction without any emotional basis. And looking at Cui Shuyun's initial appearance, Zhu Chengwu knew that Cui Shuyun did not want to accept this marriage!

Cui Zongyan, as a father, must know his daughter's thoughts and her attitude of rejection.

But Cui Zongyan still sent Cui Shuyun to Fu'an Marquis's mansion for marriage even though he knew Cui Shuyun's attitude. Now, would Cui Zongyan really send Zhu Xiumin to Xuzhou City at the risk of offending King Ming just for Cui Shuyun?
Zhu Chengwu had doubts in his heart.

But as he thought about it, Zhu Chengwu finally smiled with relief.

I had just made up my mind to stick to my original intention and not fall into the "trap" of power struggles, but now I am still unconsciously thinking about the past.

It’s true...the “trap” is hard to break!

"Forget it, I'd better just grasp the 'bull's nose' of martial arts! Don't waste energy and humiliate yourself on things I'm not good at!" Zhu Chengwu said in his heart.

At the same time, I decided to be more open in what I say and do in the future, so as not to spend too much energy on some "small things".

"Min'an, what do you think of Zhao? Why did you throw away the token given to you by your mother for contact with the guards sent by Zhao?" Zhu Chengwu asked directly.

Zhu Chengwu has decided to further delegate power!

Now that the Fu'an Marquisate is growing stronger and stronger, coupled with Zhu Chengwu's successful record of defeating the Grandmaster, it can be predicted that Zhu Chengwu's power will expand again in the coming period of time.

Having great power and influence is a good thing, because it means more people will work for Zhu Chengwu, and Zhu Chengwu will be able to get more resources.

But great power and influence bring many affairs and chores, which is not a good thing for Zhu Chengwu!
For this reason, Zhu Chengwu has decided to be a "hands-off boss" as much as possible!
Find the right representative for the rights in your hands.

Zhu Chengwu himself sticks to his original intention and concentrates on practicing martial arts!

After all, this world is a world of martial arts. As long as you master the key of "martial arts", it will be difficult for others to successfully betray Zhu Chengwu.

Moreover, Zhu Chengwu did not delegate power arbitrarily.

Zhu Chengwu will also screen the candidates.

Zhu Xiumin in front of him is a good candidate for Zhu Chengwu.

Don't know why?
I don't know if it's because of Zhu Chengwu's decision to delegate power and his eagerness to find a suitable candidate, but Zhu Chengwu always feels that this sister whom he hasn't seen for nearly ten years vaguely reveals a desire for power.

Zhu Chengwu didn’t know if he had seen it wrong!

But no matter whether he was wrong or not, Zhu Chengwu didn't mind taking a look at the quality of his biological sister Zhu Xiumin first.

If Zhu Xiumin is suitable and Zhu Chengwu is not wrong about her desire for power, and now that Zhu Xiumin has arrived at the Marquis of Fu'an's Mansion, Zhu Chengwu does not mind adding more responsibilities to his biological sister.

If Zhu Chengwu was wrong, or Zhu Xiumin didn't want to be unsuitable, then just treat it as a casual chat between siblings.

“Of course I trust Zhao!

The Zhao family is our mother's clan. They are the ally you need most right now, big brother, and also your most solid ally right now!
As for why I threw away the token given by my mother, I have already explained it before!

for safety!

All of Zhao's people are under the surveillance of my father. I don't believe that Zhao can completely get rid of the elite troops sent by my father."

Zhu Xiumin didn't know why Zhu Chengwu suddenly asked these questions, but since she couldn't clearly see the purpose of Zhu Chengwu, the big brother, Zhu Xiumin chose the safest answer.

But looking at the calm face of Zhu Chengwu, the elder brother whom he had not seen for nearly ten years, Zhu Xiumin suddenly had an idea in his heart, and after he finished speaking, he added a few more words.

"The Zhao family is your strongest ally now, big brother, but they may not be your strongest ally in the future!
Thirty years ago, Zhao and my father might have been the most suitable and solid allies, but what about now?

I think you should be on guard against the Zhao family, our maternal clan!

As for why I threw away the token given to me by my mother?

In addition to safety concerns and my lack of trust in Zhao's ability to completely escape my father's surveillance, I also had some guesses about who the person Zhao sent was!

And I don't want to see him!

I don't want to fall into the trap of my mother and Zhao!"

Zhu Xiumin finally revealed her true feelings.

"That's right!
You don't have to hide anything in front of big brother, just speak out if you have anything to say!

Why should we fight among ourselves?"

Zhu Chengwu did not ask any further questions, such as who Zhu Xiumin guessed was the person sent by Zhao to pick her up, nor did he ask Zhu Xiumin why she didn't want to see him, nor did he ask what Zhu Xiumin's plan between his mother and Zhao was. He just said this.

But Zhu Chengwu's words made Zhu Xiumin feel both amused and helpless.

Is she the only one hiding things and wasting time among herself?

Wasn't the elder brother Zhu Chengwu also on guard against and testing her at the beginning?
How come it has become one-sided now!
Forget it, after all, Zhu Chengwu is the eldest brother and now he is Zhu Xiumin’s support.
This was the only way Zhu Xiumin could convince herself in the end.

"By the way, Min'an, do you want to have power?

If you want, you can start exercising now!

You can take over the internal affairs of the Marquis' Mansion first, Gao Yao is too busy!
At the same time, you can also assist your cousin Xinghan in maintaining public order in Xuzhou City during this period, and get in touch with all kinds of people from the underworld and ordinary people at the bottom of society!

When you have the chance in the future, don’t become another person who is out of touch with the people and says why not eat meat porridge!
Of course, if you have no interest in power, forget it!"

Zhu Chengwu asked again directly.

Looking at Zhu Chengwu in front of her, Zhu Xiumin was confused again!

Is it so direct?

What about the cunning of the people at the helm of the great power? What about the foggy words of those in power?
Is this what Big Brother really means, or is this just another test from Big Brother?
Zhu Chengwu's straight-forward play made Zhu Xiumin even more confused, and his thoughts raced even faster.

“I don’t know if I’m interested in power!
Although you, big brother, and mother have asked me to know myself clearly and figure out what I want most, I really haven’t figured it out yet!
Anyway, I'm already here, otherwise I'll try it first~~
Maybe when I’m doing things, I can figure out what I want most!

It's my sister-in-law's place...

Will you have any problem with my sister-in-law?"

Unable to understand Zhu Chengwu's intention, Zhu Xiumin, who did not want to give up this opportunity, finally chose a relatively safe answer and spoke tentatively.

"I'm glad you can help share the burden with me!
I can also tell you, what does Big Brother want most?
Power? Throne?
neither!
Martial arts!

Martial arts is what I, your big brother, want the most!"

Facing Zhu Xiumin, the former "trash can" for confession, Zhu Chengwu began another round of confession.

At the same time, this is also Zhu Chengwu expressing his true feelings and stating his position.

Zhu Chengwu really doesn't want to waste his energy on internal conflicts anymore.

Martial arts are difficult. If one is too distracted by other things, even with the "Jade Edict" in mind, it will be difficult for Zhu Chengwu to achieve his ultimate goal.

It’s already difficult to reach the peak of martial arts!
Immortality is an unprecedented achievement!

Zhu Chengwu has a long way to go and a heavy responsibility to shoulder.

"As for the sister-in-law you mentioned...

You mean Cui Shuyun?

Are you really worried that Cui Shuyun might have thoughts and opinions? "

Zhu Chengwu looked at Zhu Xiumin again with meaningful eyes.

This time, there was deep meaning in Zhu Chengwu's eyes, no calculation, only teasing!

Zhu Xiumin was stunned when she saw Zhu Chengwu's eyes, and then she thought of something...

"Impossible, big brother is in seclusion! He can't possibly know... Wake up, don't scare yourself, or big brother will see through your flaws!" Zhu Xiumin's eyes narrowed, and then she kept comforting and hypnotizing herself in her heart. She must not let Zhu Chengwu see any flaws.

"Brother, this is what you are wrong about!

Although I hit it off with sister-in-law Shuyun from the first sight!
Although Sister Shuyun is dignified, generous, quiet and self-restrained, and does not like worldly affairs!

But Sister Shuyun is your eldest brother’s legally married wife after all, and the principal lady of the Marquis’s Mansion!
The inner courtyard of the Marquis' Mansion was originally under the management of Sister-in-law Shuyun!
You leave the internal affairs of the Marquis' Mansion to me. Even if Sister-in-law Shuyun is generous and doesn't mind or is not angry, you should still communicate with Sister-in-law Shuyun in advance and tell her about it!

And, brother, when you came out of seclusion, the first person you met was your cousin Xinghan, not your sister-in-law Shuyun. This is also a problem.

I tell you, you..."

Zhu Xiumin began to chatter.

As he listened, Zhu Chengwu finally chose to interrupt Zhu Xiumin.

"Min'an! Have you forgotten who I am? I am a martial arts legend who defeated the Grandmaster and the owner of the high-level rare earth and heaven treasure, the Earth's Heart Fire Lotus!"

Zhu Chengwu's interruption made Zhu Xiumin stop spitting.

Zhu Chengwu's words also stunned Zhu Xiumin.

Zhu Xiumin didn't know why Zhu Chengwu suddenly emphasized this?
show off?

Such a sudden show off?

Zhu Chengwu didn't let Zhu Xiumin wonder for too long and continued speaking immediately.

“As long as I exert my full strength, the entire Fu’an Marquis Mansion will be within my sight!
And you guys are really brave!

Even after seeing the Earth Core Fire Lotus appear and knowing that it was being fully activated, he still...

Could it be that I am also part of your play?"

The mockery in Zhu Chengwu's eyes became more and more obvious!

Their relationship had become so "intimate" that they were rubbing ears and blowing air into each other's ear holes... Now, Zhu Xiumin came to tell him that she was worried that Cui Shuyun would be angry because Zhu Chengwu gave her the authority that originally belonged to Cui Shuyun, and she wanted Zhu Chengwu to inform Cui Shuyun in advance?

How funny!
Zhu Chengwu's words completely shattered Zhu Xiumin's hope.

Zhu Xiumin really didn't expect that her elder brother Zhu Chengwu actually had this ability.

The Earth Core Fire Lotus, a high-level rare treasure of heaven and earth, also functions as the "Heavenly Eye".

"Brother, Sister-in-law Shuyun and I didn't do anything!

Now that you've seen it, you should know that we're just ordinary close friends having fun...

We didn’t even take off our clothes… not even completely!
We, we really…"

Seeing that the matter has been exposed, it can no longer be concealed.

Zhu Xiumin, who was filled with fear, anxiety, and shame, explained hurriedly.

Although Zhu Xiumin and Cui Shuyun did not commit any substantial offense, all of this was seen by Zhu Chengwu, the elder brother and husband, as a different concept.

"Min'an, don't be so nervous!

As long as you don’t get into trouble and don’t cause any bad consequences!

Just be intimate in the mansion, it's okay!"

Zhu Chengwu comforted Zhu Xiumin with a few words.

Seeing that her elder brother Zhu Chengwu didn't seem to be really angry, Zhu Xiumin finally slowly suppressed all the panic emotions in her heart.

"Brother, do you really not mind?"

Zhu Xiumin looked at Zhu Chengwu curiously and carefully.

“Did you do anything?

Is there anything you can do?

Since you haven't done anything and can't do anything, why should I mind? "

Zhu Chengwu comforted Zhu Xiumin again.

"Okay, stop thinking so much!

Go find Gao Yao and... Cui Shuyun to make the handover!

You should also report to your cousin Xinghan!
I'll have someone notify them!
The internal affairs of the Marquis' Mansion will be handed over to you from now on. I hope you can show me your ability, and then..."

Zhu Chengwu did not finish his last words, leaving room for Zhu Xiumin to imagine.

A bait!
But Zhu Xiumin seemed to have completely failed to hear the "bait" and "temptation" revealed in Zhu Chengwu's words.

She just looked at Zhu Chengwu in surprise.

(End of this chapter)