Chapter 307: Tenth brother, you are only seven years old, so don’t fall in love too early
"You, the Zhu family, are really too bullying!"

When Zhu Gang revealed the plan he had previously made with Yao Guangxiao, Duke of Wei Xu Da was so angry that he almost overturned the table on the spot.

Zhu Yuanzhang, who was sitting next to him, said with a smile: "The girl from the Xu family is not only the apple of your eye, but also our daughter-in-law whom we treasure.

The third brother has told us before that this plan is at least 90% certain.

Tiande, don't worry, nothing will go wrong."

Xu Da snorted coldly, "I heard that Japan only has a few small islands. Is it worth our Ming Dynasty to spend so much effort on it?"

Zhu Gang said with a serious face: "When I was studying the art of war with my master in my early years, he once said a thought-provoking military theory, which I still remember vividly."

Among the founding heroes of the Ming Dynasty, many generals were of peasant origin.

Among them, Xu Da, Tang He and Chang Yuchun were the most proficient in military tactics. During the war, Zhu Yuanzhang appointed them as generals to help him quell the unrest in all directions.

Especially Xu Da and Chang Yuchun, during their conquests all over the world, almost no one could match them.

This is mainly because Xu Da and Chang Yuchun both had great military talents.

The two were very good at deploying troops. Old Zhu once said, "In terms of battlefield sense, no one is more perceptive than Tiande and Boren.

Although they have never received any military training, they can always seize the best opportunity to defeat the enemy."

Therefore, when Xu Da heard that it was the military theory that came from Duke of E, Chang Yuchun, not only did he show great interest, but even Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao cast curious glances at him.

“Although Tiande and Boren were both born into ordinary families, they are extremely talented.

Even if they were not born into prominent families, as long as they were exposed to military knowledge, they would quickly learn and achieve great success in a short period of time.

It was with the addition of Tiande and Boren that our team was able to grow rapidly..."

Seeing that Zhu Yuanzhang was reminiscing about the past again, Zhu Biao quickly interrupted him.

"Dad, the most important thing now is how to ensure the safety of my brother and sister-in-law at the wedding celebration.

After all, those assassins are desperate criminals, we must not take them lightly!"

Zhu Yuanzhang, who had finally changed the subject, looked at his eldest son with a resentful look.

Then he turned to look at Xu Da, "Tian De, please don't mind, after all, I am old.

I can't help but recall the past. How many old brothers of yours have followed us to fight on the battlefield?
Sometimes I can still see them in my dreams at midnight, but it’s a pity that those days will never come back.”

Xu Da also said with emotion: "To be honest, there was a wandering monk who came to our house last year.

He once told me my fortune, which indicated that I had committed too many sins in the early years of the war and would probably not live past the 18th year of Hongwu.

Now I just hope that Prince Jin and my daughter will have a royal child, so that at least I can see my grandson."

Zhu Gang smiled and waved his hand, "Although the theory of fortune-telling does have some credibility, it cannot be completely trusted.

In my opinion, as long as dad doesn’t treat you to roast goose anymore, you can live to 70 years old without any problem.”

When Zhu Yuanzhang heard Zhu Gang teasing him like this, his eyes suddenly became sharp.

"Old Third, I'm thinking of you wholeheartedly, why don't you know how kind I am?"

At this moment, Empress Ma, who had always lived in seclusion, walked in from outside the palace gate, supported by a beautiful and smart palace maid.

"Regarding what Chongba and Tiande are worried about, I have already thought of a foolproof plan."

Zhu Yuanzhang was delighted when he heard this. He smiled and said, "After all, our sister is considerate. Tell us what good idea you have, so that Tiande can be relieved."

Empress Ma brought the beautiful and clever maid to Zhu Gang's side. "This girl's surname is Fang, her name is Shuxiu, and she is from Mingguang, Jiashan, East Anhui. She was summoned to the palace when she was twelve years old.

Under her mother's guidance, Shuxiu learned a few words.

She is not only beautiful and smart, but also kind-hearted, which makes her very popular with Concubine Hui and me.

Because she is about to turn fifteen, it would be inconvenient for her to live in the palace with your brothers.

Mother has been thinking about finding a place for Shuxiu to live, and now is a good opportunity."

As soon as Zhu Gang heard that the palace maid was called Fang Shuxiu, he left and distanced himself from her.

Then he refused and said, "Mother, I have already discussed with Yu'er and Miaoyun that I will only marry them in this life and will never take a concubine again!

I'm afraid it's inappropriate for you to be so inconsistent in front of Uncle Xu. Please take back your decision."

Before Zhu Yuanzhang could open his mouth to speak, Xu Da, who was sitting next to him, took the lead in refuting Zhu Gang.

“I have heard that you strongly advocate letting the princes go overseas to make a name for themselves, and perhaps one day they will establish a country and achieve empire.

In this way, it is inevitable that there will be three thousand beauties in the harem, and the royal bloodline must be of Chinese Miao descent.

Although Shuxiu was born as a palace maid, she is highly appreciated by the Queen and Concubine Hui, and she is a good match for you."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded and said, "In order to prevent the Xu family girl from being put in danger, we can only follow my sister's idea and let Shuxiu temporarily replace Xu Miaoyun to complete the wedding celebration.

If she unfortunately passes away, we will make an exception and bury her in Xiweiye next to Saihong Bridge outside Jubao Gate, with the ceremony of burying her as the concubine of Prince Jin.

If Shuxiu survives by chance, we will confer the title of Marquis Yihui on the elder in our family.

Possessing the certificate of hereditary succession, one can rest in peace with the country."

When Zhu Yuanzhang said this, everyone present showed an expression of disbelief.

Before this, Liu Jizu was the only person in the Ming Dynasty who could be granted a title of nobility even though he had no meritorious service.

After all, Fang Shuxiu had seen the world following Empress Ma, so after being stunned for a moment, she knelt on the ground and began to express her gratitude.

"I thank your Majesty and the Queen for their grace, and will do my best to protect His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin.

Just to avoid exposing my flaws, please allow me to cover my head with a red silk cloth, Your Majesty."

At this time, Zhu Gang finally understood why Zhu Tan, the Prince of Lu in history, became disheartened after Fang Shuxiu was sentenced to death.

But now Zhu Tan is still a seven-year-old child, and it is obviously impossible for him to spend time with Fang Shuxiu under the moonlight.

When it comes to feudal dynasties, many people understand that the imperial power is the only one that controls the power of life and death over the world.

However, in reality, every dynasty has faced an inescapable hidden danger.

That is, local clans influence imperial power, and the most typical problem is not that national power does not extend below the county level.

It is precisely because of this loophole that the assassination missions sent by the Jiangnan Aristocratic Alliance were able to move freely wherever they went.

Under Yao Guangxiao's arrangement, Zhao Hu, the deputy commander of the Hidden Dragon Guard, was responsible for leading the death squad into the trap.

In a secluded courtyard, the final lecture was given.

"We are about to enter Shangyuan County, the seat of Yingtian Prefecture.

Everyone must be extremely careful with their words and actions. Once a flaw is revealed, not only will you lose your life, but your entire family will also suffer a catastrophic disaster."

(End of this chapter)