Chapter 21: With Every Bowl of Porridge and Every Meal, Remember How Hard It Was to Come By

Upon seeing this memorial, Zhu Yunxue’s first instinct was that the Case of Lan Yu was imminent.

Even though he had laid everything bare, he could not curb Zhu Yuanzhang’s desire to eliminate Lan Yu. When one is determined to kill, they will always find a suitable excuse, no matter how difficult the task may seem.

"Wait!"

After examining the memorial for a moment, Zhu Yunxue sensed something amiss. Under normal circumstances, a report from the Embroidered Uniform Guard concerning someone as significant as Lan Yu would never be left out for him to see. Zhu Yuanzhang and the Guard would certainly not make such a simple blunder.

However, the fact that he was able to see this document here suggested a deeper motive.

"He must be testing my capabilities."

As Zhu Yunxue reviewed the contents of the memorial, he gradually grasped the Old Emperor’s intent. Just as he had stated earlier, the ability to suppress Lan Yu and utilize such men was the key to the succession. If he could not control them, even if he had to break ties entirely, Zhu Yuanzhang had plenty of ways to ensure their demise.

This memorial had been left out intentionally, specifically for him to see. Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to observe his reaction. Knowing that Lan Yu was doomed, how would he attempt to save him, or perhaps, bring such men to heel?

Zhu Yunxue closed the memorial and returned it to its original position, acting as if he knew nothing.

Before long, Zhu Yuanzhang returned. Feigning nonchalance, he glanced at Zhu Yunxue and said, "It is getting late. Won't you join me for lunch?"

"Certainly!" Zhu Yunxue readily agreed. "If I go back, I might not even get a proper meal. It is a perfect opportunity to sponge a feast off of Grandfather!"

"She would dare?" Zhu Yuanzhang’s gaze grew cold, though he quickly added, "Lady Lu would not dare to be stingy again, unless she no longer cares for Yunwen’s future."

At this point, Lady Lu should know to restrain herself. However, as the name Zhu Yunwen was mentioned, the eunuch Jixiang entered from outside.

"Your Majesty, the Second Imperial Grandson requests an audience."

"Why has Yunwen come?" Zhu Yuanzhang nodded. "Send him in."

A moment later, Zhu Yunwen entered. Seeing that Zhu Yunxue was once again seated by Zhu Yuanzhang’s side, jealousy nearly made him grind his teeth to dust. Yet, he masked it well. He knelt and performed the kowtow, saying, "Grandson has come to seek atonement from Grandfather for this morning's affairs!"

He knew that his standing in Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes had plummeted to rock bottom after the morning's events. Seeing Zhu Yunxue being summoned away again had filled him with anxiety. Following the advice of Huang Zicheng, he decided he must appear and maintain his presence.

"Third Brother, I have wronged you both," Zhu Yunwen said with feigned sincerity. "I am here to apologize to you. Please, Grandfather, punish me instead."

He bowed his head gently. Being humble and admitting his faults was exactly what Qi Tai had instructed him to do.

"Grandson has been heartless and unfilial. I am willing to accept punishment, and I am willing to bear the punishment for my mother as well. Please, Grandfather, punish me!" Zhu Yunwen added.

This was what Fang Xiaoru had taught him. His excuse in the morning had been rooted in "filial piety"—claiming that he had not reported Lady Lu’s actions out of duty to his mother. Now, he would use that same "filial piety" to express his willingness to shoulder all consequences.

Having said his piece, he pressed his forehead to the ground, waiting nervously for Zhu Yuanzhang’s reaction.

Zhu Yunxue thought to himself that this fellow was putting on a show again. His hypocrisy was truly well-acted.

"Very well, stand up!" Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand. "Since you are here, join us for lunch."

"Many thanks, Grandfather!" Zhu Yunwen was ecstatic, believing the Emperor was finally elevating him to the same level as Zhu Yunxue. But recalling the warnings of his three tutors, he added, "As I am a man under penance, I dare not rise unless Grandfather forgives me."

"Enough," Zhu Yuanzhang said, not wishing to dwell on it further.

Lady Lu had been punished; the matter could be set aside for now. As for whether there would be further repercussions, that would depend on the thorough investigation of the Embroidered Uniform Guard to determine if Lady Lu had any hand in the deaths of Zhu Xiongying and Lady Chang.

Since Zhu Yunxue was vying for the succession, even if Zhu Yuanzhang currently favored him, he was not yet ready to make a final decision. He would give them an opportunity to compete and continue to test them. Whether it was Zhu Yunxue or Zhu Yunwen, both were under scrutiny; the latter was being tested on his benevolence and character. Such was the Old Emperor's plan; as an emperor, there was much to consider.

Zhu Yunwen thanked him again, and Jixiang dutifully brought over a table and chair for him.

"Third Brother, I am sorry," Zhu Yunwen repeated.

"It is of no consequence," Zhu Yunxue replied. Maintaining the facade of brotherly harmony was still necessary.

"Very well, bring the lunch," Zhu Yuanzhang commanded.

Before long, three modest meals were served. They consisted only of plain greens, rice porridge, a hard pancake for each, and a side of pickled vegetables.

Seeing the meal, Zhu Yunwen’s expression darkened. Pampered in the Eastern Palace, he was accustomed to fine delicacies and found it difficult to stomach such fare.

Zhu Yunxue, however, was indifferent. The greens were bland and the pickles quite salty, but they complemented the porridge perfectly. The pancake was dry and coarse, but when softened in the porridge, it tasted quite satisfying.

Throughout the meal, Zhu Yuanzhang observed their reactions. Seeing the grimace on Zhu Yunwen’s face and noting how Zhu Yunxue ate with genuine appetite, he allowed himself a faint smile.

Zhu Yunwen could never have imagined that even a simple meal was a test of character. He was unaware that the vegetables were grown on a small plot in the Qianqing Palace, and that the pickles had been made by the Emperor himself during his leisure time. He only thought to himself, *How can one eat this without any meat? It is barely edible.*

"Yunxue," Zhu Yuanzhang said, "do not eat what has fallen onto the table."

Zhu Yunxue, who was using his chopsticks to pick up the crumbs of his pancake and the remaining bits of pickles from the table, shook his head and replied, "Grandfather, with every bowl of porridge and every meal, one should remember the difficulty of their origin; with every thread of silk or linen, one should remember how hard it is to produce."

Without meaning to, he had delivered a profound sentiment. Having finished, he cast a challenging glance at Zhu Yunwen.

Zhu Yunwen was stunned. His mind went blank; he thought, *Are you kidding me? We are just eating, must you try to outdo me at every turn?*

He knew that these were the exact sentiments the Emperor cherished most. Was it not said that Zhu Yunxue was poor in his studies and disliked learning? Yet, he had recited the Four Books in the morning, and now he could produce such eloquent prose on the spot. Zhu Yunwen, who had read so many books, could not think of such a profound line.

His advantage as the diligent, studious brother was being slowly dismantled. Zhu Yunwen felt paralyzed, his mind in turmoil as he desperately searched for a retort to overshadow Zhu Yunxue, but in his haste, he could think of nothing.

"With every bowl of porridge and every meal, one should remember the difficulty of their origin; with every thread of silk or linen, one should remember how hard it is to produce."

"Good! Well said!"

Zhu Yuanzhang savored the words, his eyes lighting up as he slammed his hand on the table and stood up. These words resonated deeply within his heart; they were truly excellent, and he was captivated immediately.

"This saying of Yunxue’s should be included in the Imperial Ming Ancestral Instructions."

"I shall have the Ministry of Rites revise the Ancestral Instructions immediately and add this in, so that all descendants may keep it in mind," Zhu Yuanzhang declared, clearly excited.

He had not expected his little grandson to be so talented. This spirit of remembering past hardships to appreciate the present was exactly like his own. He was a good child; he would surely make a fine emperor in the future.

Hearing this, Zhu Yunwen felt so bitter he could have wept. How could Zhu Yunxue be so capable? He had never shown such talent before.

Unwilling to accept defeat, he blurted out, "Third Brother, your words are so eloquent—did you come up with this yourself?"