Chapter 7: The Bloodstained Hongwu Era

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“What did you say? You’re Ma He, Ma Sanbao?” Zhu Que was stunned. Having watched dramas about Zhu Di in his past life, he naturally knew who Ma Sanbao was—none other than Zheng He, the trusted right-hand man of the Fourth Prince, so close he was often called his shadow.

The most famous of the Three Treasures eunuchs in history was kneeling before him, weeping uncontrollably, saying, “My lord, you do not disdain my lowly status and personally tend to my wounds. I am forever indebted to your life-saving kindness.”

Zheng He was one of the few eunuchs in history Zhu Que not only did not resent but held in respect. Rising, Zhu Que helped Zheng He up and asked, “Sanbao, would you like to stay by my side as a companion?”

Ma Sanbao was about to kowtow, but Zhu Que pulled him up. Tears glistened in Sanbao’s eyes as he said, “My lord’s kindness in overlooking my roughness is a blessing I cannot repay. From now on, you are my master.”

“Oh, there’s no need for such formality. I’m only two years older than you. You can just call me Second Brother from now on.”

Upon hearing this, Ma Sanbao’s tears flowed freely, soaking the long robe he wore.

...

The morning court session at Fengtian Hall had just ended. The ministers eagerly awaited the emperor’s departure, when a eunuch announced the dismissal of court. Zhu Yuanzhang immediately interrupted, waving his hand, “Everyone else may leave, but Prince Qin shall stay.”

Zhu Que, who had been dozing off leaning against a pillar, shivered awake. What now? I’ve been attending court for years and know how to sneak naps.

His father-in-law Xu Da gave him a helpless glance. The crown prince’s look before leaving carried a trace of sympathy.

Watching the old Zhu on the imperial platform, hands behind his back, looking deeply troubled, Zhu Que was dumbfounded. What, does he expect me to sleep on the dragon throne here in Fengtian Hall?

Old Zhu dismissed all the eunuchs except for the personal attendant, Yellow Dog, then squinted from above, staring at Zhu Que for a long moment.

But Zhu Que didn’t feel intimidated; instead, he was annoyed. After over ten years as Old Zhu’s son, the imperial aura and legendary dragon might no longer faze him.

“What are you looking at?”

Zhu Yuanzhang gritted his teeth in fury, “I’m looking at you, you little beast! You even dare to plot regicide?”

“I’m a little beast? And what are you? You’re my father, so I wouldn’t dare, but I might just tell my mother.”

Compared to the crown prince who was responsible and mature since childhood, Zhu Que, the mischievous troublemaker, enjoyed Empress Ma’s favor—a classic case of the child who cries the loudest gets the milk.

Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry he wished to smash the dragon throne over his rebellious son’s head.

“I’m wise and mighty, so how did I produce such a troublemaker?”

“You produced me? I was born by my mother. You’re just my biological father.”

That punch across time and space, packed with at least twenty years of experience, forced Zhu Yuanzhang to clutch his chest and slump back onto the throne. The eunuch Yellow Dog, trembling in a corner, quickly came forward to assist.

Rubbing the emperor’s chest to ease the pain, Zhu Yuanzhang cursed, “You little menace! I’d rather personally take a sword and cut you down.”

“Who suffered because of me? Hmm? Wasn’t it you who harmed the Yuan dynasty?”

“Traitor! Someone fetch guards to strip him of his imperial robe, imprison this rebellious son in the edict prison—no, send him to the death cell for slow slicing. I want him quartered alive!”

Stripped of his royal robes, left only in a pale blue undergarment, Zhu Que strode out of Fengtian Hall surrounded by a retinue of embroidered uniform guards. Before leaving the palace gates, groups of ministers gathered by the river bridge to witness this Western-style spectacle. The Duke of Weiguo, Deng Yu, pulled Xu Da, who was about to leave, aside and discreetly gave a thumbs-up.

“This son-in-law has been brought to the edict prison three times this year already. Others tremble in fear when imprisoned there, but he acts as if he’s just going home for dinner.”

Xu Da sighed, “If only this future son-in-law could make the emperor worry less. This kid keeps stirring up trouble; I don’t know whether this marriage will be a blessing or a curse for the Xu family.”

Deng Yu patted Xu Da’s shoulder, winking, “Why don’t we make a deal? I have a daughter just of marrying age, and your daughter is still young. I think this kid has great potential. Brother, why not let me have this promising son-in-law?”

Xu Da swept his sleeve and left muttering, “This little bastard is like stinky tofu—both foul and fragrant.”

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Outside the imperial city, a crowd of commoners gathered to watch the spectacle. Even the beggars squatting by the roadside shifted to get a better view. In the Hongwu era, being an official was a dangerous profession; every day several officials were dragged through the streets by the embroidered guard like dead dogs. The scene at Zhengyang Gate was livelier than a vegetable market. Why weren’t the guards on horseback today?

From the crowd emerged a figure pushing through the sea of guards in flying fish attire, waving and greeting the people: “Dear villagers, friends in the audience, I’ve missed you all so much!”

Laughter erupted from the crowd, who warmly replied, “Greetings, Prince! Thank you for your hard work!”

“What trouble has the prince gotten into this time?”

“Prince, try our homemade roujiamo! The lamb is authentic and delicious.”

Zhu Que, having just argued with Old Zhu and feeling a bit hungry, glared at the embroidered guard commander Mao Xiang beside him. Seeing no reaction, he lamented, “Commander Mao, what are you standing there for? Buy some! Do you want me to treat you? I didn’t bring any money.”

Mao Xiang was just about to reach into his pouch for a couple of coins when Zhu Que snatched them away.

With a mournful face, he said, “Second Lord, my salary hasn’t been paid this month. My wife and kids are stillI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.