Chapter 29: Promotion to a higher position
Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes into slits. Although he looked angry, he was secretly examining the frightened young man in front of him.

He was amazed at the boy's intelligence, but also surprised that a boy who should have been carefree could be so timid.

But as if because of the stimulation, Zhu Yuanzhang had to sit back in the chair. He winked at the thin man, and the thin man hurriedly retreated. So only Zhu Yuanzhang and Deng Qianqiu were left here, facing each other on both sides of the fence.

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "The emperor is kind-hearted and a man of great benevolence and justice. You don't have to be afraid of him."

Deng Qianqiu seemed to understand something and said without hesitation: "The emperor is wise, I am naturally not afraid, but I have done some bad things in my life, so I am very terrified."

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed quite satisfied with his answer, so he said casually: "Since you still think about your father, it shows that you are a filial person, not a treacherous and evil person..."

As he spoke, he stood up and said, "Take care of yourself. Whether you live or die will be decided by the Holy Spirit."

After saying that, he disappeared into the darkness without looking back.

…………

Zhu Yuanzhang was released from prison, but on the other side, Tang He was already waiting there.

What Tang He was holding in his hand was a transcript.

While Zhu Yuanzhang was interrogating Deng Qianqiu, Tang He was also ordered to interrogate Jin Wang Zhu Gang.

Zhu Yuanzhang lowered his head slightly under the glaring sunlight and asked, "What did you find out?"

Tang He said: "Your Majesty, His Royal Highness Prince Jin insisted that all this was his own idea."

"Hmm?" Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes, looking as if he was smiling.

Tang He added: "Your Majesty...I am also thinking...Deng Qianqiu probably doesn't have the courage to do that."

Zhu Yuanzhang said coldly: "Of course I know he doesn't have the courage to do that. Do you think I am deaf or blind?"

"I don't dare."

Zhu Yuanzhang was calm and composed: "But when I was interrogating Deng Qianqiu, he insisted that this was his idea."

Tang He was stunned.

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but sigh and said, "Now the two of them are rushing to confess. I want to hear your thoughts."

Tang He hesitated for a moment and said, "How can ordinary people know the name of Her Royal Highness the Princess? This Deng Qianqiu is just a confused teenager. I think... this matter... should have nothing to do with him. Of course, His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin is young, and the child is ignorant..."

Zhu Yuanzhang asked: "Then what do you think should be done?"

Tang He glanced at Zhu Yuanzhang, and seeing that there was no expression of joy or anger on Zhu Yuanzhang's face, he said cautiously: "Your Highness, Prince Jin, he should be punished, and as for Deng Qianqiu... I am thinking... why not dismiss him from his position as a guard..."

Zhu Yuanzhang asked in a moderate voice: "Just dismissal?"

Tang He, however, felt a pang in his heart and was racking his brains to try to get away with this matter.

But now it seems that His Majesty is not willing to end this matter easily!

After all, this is related to the eldest princess. If we want to have a good beginning and a good end, I'm afraid...

Tang He sighed inwardly.

Zhu Yuanzhang said: "Take Deng Qianqiu to Nanjing. I have another job for him..."

Tang He: "..."

Zhu Yuanzhang continued, "As for the confiscated workshops, they will be returned to their original owners. This medicine is effective and beneficial to the country and the people. However, Jing'er took 10% of it, and Deng Qianqiu took 45%, which is fine. But Zhu Gang took the 45%. I think he has been extravagant since he was young. Since he is still young, let his mother keep it for him and put it into the treasury."

Tang He seemed to be very surprised by Zhu Yuanzhang's decision. He could not help but said in surprise: "Your Majesty thinks they are not guilty..."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked a little tired, but still had a lot of energy. He said, "He was able to find a way out for himself, earn money to support himself, and even built a small clinic to such a scale in just a few months. If such a person is to be punished, then I am not stupid. Who do you think I am?"

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly looked at Tang He and said, "Dingchen, you and I are old acquaintances. Let me ask you, am I a natural killer?"

Tang He choked.

"Your Majesty is kind and righteous..."

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed dissatisfied with this answer, and murmured: "But then again, that kid actually dared to slander me. If it were someone else, I would definitely exterminate his entire clan. Let's see if he dares to say that I am a natural born killer!" Tang He: "..."

Tang He was shocked, but immediately he grinned and looked happy.

…………

Deng Qianqiu was taken to a prison van.

At this point, he had gradually adapted to the new environment from being anxious.

People are like this. They slowly adapt to the environment and can only laugh at themselves: "I have lived two lives and I have not lived for more than half a year in the Hongwu Dynasty. I am... a bit of a failure."

But somehow, Deng Qianqiu was still worried about his father. It was an indescribable feeling. In fact, although he looked young on the surface, he was already a mature person when he came to this world. So there was clearly an indescribable gap between him and his father named Deng Jian.

But...over the past six months, even though the father and son didn't talk much and didn't behave overly intimately, Deng Qianqiu could always see an indescribable concern and care in the pair of eyes staring at him.

This feeling is like the warm sunshine coming to this dark age.

But now...it seems that everything is about to end.

late at night.

After an unknown amount of time, Deng Qianqiu discovered that the airtight prison van suddenly stopped.

Afterwards, someone held a lantern and ushered Deng Qianqiu out of the prison van.

Deng Qianqiu just felt tired and hungry, but was led into a room in a daze.

The furnishings in this room are surprisingly clean.

Just as Deng Qianqiu was confused.

Suddenly someone came in and shouted, "Deng Qianqiu, receive the order."

Deng Qianqiu was actually at a loss.

But before he could react, the person shouted in a hoarse voice: "The Emperor, by the Mandate of Heaven, is hereby informed: Deng Qianqiu is so audacious that he dared to offend the princess. He is guilty of a crime that cannot be punished. Heaven is merciful, and I am concerned about your youth. Moreover, I have always been kind and compassionate. It is said that to punish someone without teaching him is cruel, so I will not bother with it for now. I also said: I heard that Deng Qianqiu's prescriptions are very effective. He has been practicing medicine in Fengyang and has been widely benevolent. His contribution is invaluable. I hereby promote Deng Qianqiu to the rank of 100 households of the Yiluansi, and he will serve in the Nanjing Palace and guard the palace. All his confiscated property will be returned. I respect your kindness."

Deng Qianqiu: “…”

Deng Qianqiu felt like he saw a ghost.

Especially when I heard the words "I have always been kind and benevolent", I got goosebumps.

Isn't this a dream?

The man said impatiently: "Why haven't you accepted the order yet?"

Deng Qianqiu finally reacted and quickly accepted the imperial edict.

Then a few more people came in one after another, bringing armor, hats, and seals.

The man smiled and said, "Congratulations."

Deng Qianqiu just stood there woodenly, without any reaction.

But suddenly someone rushed in and shouted, "Get out, get out!"

Deng Qianqiu actually heard a familiar voice. When he looked closely, it turned out to be Zhu Gang.

But Zhu Gang was seen wearing a royal robe, with his hands behind his back, looking very proud, as if at this moment, his tail had already reached the sky.

Everyone in the room, get out.

Zhu Gang said to Deng Qianqiu with a smile: "What did I say? What did I say? I didn't brag, did I? I said I would take you to eat delicious food and drink spicy drinks. Look, ha... I am so amazing. Why is there such an amazing person like me in the world? I keep my promises and I am loyal. I can be said to be very righteous. Qianqiu, why do you look so sad?"

Deng Qianqiu smiled bitterly and said, "Your Highness, where am I?"

Zhu Gang said: "Nanjing, Xianliang Temple."

(End of this chapter)