Chapter 15: The Facade Begins to Crumble

Following auspicious Ji Xiang, Zhu Yunwen entered the Palace of Heavenly Purity. He was surprised that Zhu Yunxu had arrived early, but he had already planned how to outpace him tomorrow, letting him take the lead for now.

With this in mind, Zhu Yunwen knelt before Zhu Yuanzhang and respectfully greeted, “Grandson pays respects to His Majesty.”

As he spoke, a savory aroma of steamed buns wafted to his nose. Summoning courage, he glanced forward—and froze in shock.

How was Zhu Yunxu allowed to dine here in the presence of the Emperor? Before today, Zhu Yunwen had come often to pay respects and assert his presence but never had the chance to sit at the table.

Why should Zhu Yunxu have such privilege?

Not only Zhu Yunxu, but he also saw two elder sisters and two younger sisters here. Suddenly aware of Zhu Yunwen’s gaze, they blushed and put down their buns.

Zhu Yunxu, however, showed no embarrassment, eating while locking eyes with Zhu Yunwen.

Watching them feast so heartily, while he had eaten nothing, Zhu Yunwen’s stomach betrayed him with a loud rumble, plunging him into awkwardness.

What shocked him even more was that Zhu Yunxu and the others were having breakfast here. The more he thought, the more terrifying it seemed. Had the Emperor’s favor shifted away from him?

Was he going to endorse Zhu Yunxu?

So, the Emperor’s love could indeed be transferred.

Moreover, why had Zhu Yunxu brought them here? Was this some new scheme to curry favor with the Emperor? He would bring his own brothers next time.

Damn it! Zhu Yunxu was too adept at internal competition—this was a race to the death for Zhu Yunwen.

The more he thought, the more anxious he became. Already timid and fearful, he knelt unsteadily.

“Hungry?” asked Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yunwen’s heart leapt with joy. Of course, he could also sit at the table, not just them. He nodded repeatedly, “Your Majesty, your grandson is a bit hungry.”

“Isn’t the food in the Eastern Palace exceptionally good? How could you be hungry? That shouldn’t be,” Zhu Yuanzhang sneered coldly.

“Your grandson... Your grandson... hasn’t eaten yet!” Zhu Yunwen stammered, sensing the Emperor’s tone had turned cold. His unease deepened. Why was it not as he expected?

Had something unusual happened today?

The sudden chill from the Emperor felt like an icy abyss to the timid boy.

Before he could ask what was wrong, Ji Xiang re-entered. “Your Majesty, Xu Xingzu has arrived.”

“Bring him in,” Zhu Yuanzhang commanded.

“Your Majesty, I have arrived!” Xu Xingzu’s voice came before he had even entered.

Though Zhu Yuanzhang was formidable, some people dared not offend him lightly—such as the palace chef.

Who knew if the cook might add some secret ingredient to the food? If it was merely unpleasant, one could endure, but what if it was an undetectable poison? One might never know when death would come.

Xu Xingzu, head of the palace kitchen, was highly regarded by Zhu Yuanzhang and treated like an old friend.

Summoned abruptly, Xu Xingzu was puzzled but dared not delay. Upon entering the Palace of Heavenly Purity, he immediately sensed the tense atmosphere.

The three princes sat watching like spectators, the second prince knelt nervously, and Zhu Yuanzhang’s face was stern.

“Your Majesty, could it be... the breakfast is not suitable?” Xu Xingzu asked cautiously.

Though highly trusted, he was a conscientious man who dared not act arrogantly, especially in such a solemn setting.

Zhu Yuanzhang said, “Tell me, how is the food for Yunxu’s group?”

Xu Xingzu’s scalp tingled.

He had long suspected the Emperor would favor Zhu Yunwen, especially now allied with Lady Lü. When the old Emperor retired and Zhu Yunwen took power, the Imperial Kitchen would remain under his command.

In truth, when Lady Lü gave orders, he did not act personally but tacitly allowed his subordinates to carry them out, pretending not to notice.

Now, with the Emperor’s direct question, Xu Xingzu knew all secrets were out. Breaking out in cold sweat, he dropped to his knees, uncertain how to reply.

Hearing this, Zhu Yunwen’s face drained of color, as if he realized what was about to unfold. His gaze shifted to Zhu Yunxu, who smiled while locking eyes with him, stirring panic in his heart. The fire was spreading even to his mother’s side—what should he do?

“You old fool, just do your job as the cook!” Zhu Yuanzhang’s anger was so fierce his beard seemed to bristle. Coldly, he demanded, “Who are you siding with? Did I ask you to pick sides? Damn it! I’m still alive, yet you’re already choosing allegiances. Tell me, what exactly is going on?”

Xu Xingzu was reprimanded harshly but nodded vigorously, “Your Majesty, please forgive me. This matter… was ordered by the Crown Princess, who instructed the Imperial Kitchen to control... control the portions of food for the three princes. I did not want to comply but also did not stop my subordinates who carried out the order. I dared not disobey.”

He did not outright deflect blame but admitted part while framing Lady Lü as the coercer.

Hearing this, Zhu Yunwen felt suffocated.

His mother’s image shattered—all her past kindness was a façade. How could she help him seize the throne now?

“Regarding the portions for Yunxu and the others?” Zhu Yuanzhang’s murderous gaze bore into Xu Xingzu.

“Small—very small,” Xu Xingzu kowtowed, “Yesterday, I received orders from the Crown Princess to reduce their portions twice—first by thirty percent, then by half.”

“To the three princes—Your Majesty, I deserve death, I deserve death,” he kowtowed again toward Zhu Yunxu’s side, begging forgiveness.

Having served the Emperor for many years, Xu Xingzu somewhat understood his temperament. Judging by today’s atmosphere, Zhu Yuanzhang seemed deeply concerned about who would occupy the position of the third prince. The matter was delicate.

All he wanted now was forgiveness from the three princes.

“Reduced twice in one day?” Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, “Good, very good... No wonder my granddaughter says she’s hungry. Ha... I rule the world, yet I don’t even know my own granddaughter is starving. Have you Imperial Kitchen fools taken me for a simpleton?”

“I deserve death, I deserve death...” Xu Xingzu could only keep kowtowing. The casual familiarity of old friendship was long gone.

“Linghua,” Zhu Yuanzhang called, “Are you full?”

Zhu Linghua, seeing that the Emperor had finally shown kindness, blinked back tears and obediently said, “Grandfather hasn’t eaten yet, but granddaughter has already finished his meal.”

“Did you hear that?” Zhu Yuanzhang glared at Xu Xingzu. “Hurry up and send more food. Damn it, you never let me rest easy.”

Yet hearing his little granddaughter’s sweet concern and seeing her gentle demeanor, Zhu Yuanzhang’s heart warmed, and he felt guilt for them.

They were so good.

“Yes... I will go immediately,” Xu Xingzu said, now more assured.

Usually, when the Emperor acted this way, he would not pursue the matter to the bitter end. At most, there would be some punishment, but he had better hurry to arrange breakfast.