Chapter One Hundred and One: The Crown Prince's Expression of Gratitude

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As the imperial edict was fully read aloud, the Donglin faction, who had long held a grudge against Zhu Hao, eagerly stepped forward to speak out. However, all were silenced by the sharp glance of Zhao Nanxing. Holding a lofty position within Donglin, none dared defy him and thus ceased their actions.

Zhao Nanxing’s intervention was not because he and Zhu Hao had reconciled over the matter of the Qianqing Palace, but because he understood that the prince’s ennoblement was customary. Even if they could halt it momentarily, they could not prevent it indefinitely. Moreover, bestowing the title now would nullify Zhu Hao’s merit in rallying support. Should they obstruct it, they risked incurring the emperor’s wrath and a fierce backlash that would doom their efforts. And even if they succeeded, the emperor might reward Zhu Hao with a powerful official post, which would be even more problematic. Having considered all this, Zhao Nanxing naturally forbade any objections from the Donglin faction. Thus, Zhu Hao’s ennoblement was finalized without a ripple.

Compared to the tense undercurrents nearly erupting in court, Zhu Hao was quietly receiving the royal edict in his own chambers.

Upon hearing the decree, Zhu Hao pondered inwardly: “According to the usual historical timeline, I would be made the King of Xin two years from now, in the second year of the Tianqi era. Yet now it has come two years early. It seems my actions have altered the course of history. May I change the fate of a fallen ruler! No, I—the sovereign—will definitely change it!” Clenching his fist tightly, he resolved these thoughts firmly.

As he pondered, his mind turned to his elder brother, who had ennobled him king at the start of his reign, showing such favor. Grateful, Zhu Hao suddenly recalled that he had yet to do something for his brother. He hastily summoned a eunuch and ordered, “Send for Xiao Bao to come to me, no, to the King!”

The eunuch had just stepped out when Wei Xiaobao burst into the room, kneeling and greeting, “Your servant Wei Xiaobao pays respects to His Highness, the King of Xin!”

Zhu Hao laughed heartily and said, “You servant, with such keen ears! I’ve just received the edict from my imperial brother, and you come straight to congratulate me!”

Wei Xiaobao, his recent gloom lifted, smiled cheekily and replied, “Your servant may be mediocre in many things, but my ears are sharp—how else could I listen in on all corners for Your Highness? By the way, I’m not just here to congratulate you on being made King of Xin, but also to share some news. Do you know that besides thanking His Majesty, you owe thanks to another person for this ennoblement?”

Hearing this, Zhu Hao’s face filled with curiosity and he asked, “Another person? Who?”

Realizing his lord was unaware, Wei Xiaobao quickly handed him a slip of paper marked with the character “Bing.” Zhu Hao recognized it as a Class C intelligence report, normally not requiring his attention. Curiously, he unfolded the note and was startled by its content: “In the first year of Taichang, on the second day of the tenth month, the imperial eunuch Wei Zhongxian advised the emperor to bestow the title King of Xin upon the fifth prince, Zhu Youjian. The emperor responded, ‘Good!’”

As Zhu Hao read, Wei Xiaobao explained, “Your Highness knows, to keep your identity secret, the agents at the intelligence bureau don’t realize you’re behind it all.”

Wei Xiaobao spoke cautiously, seeing no unusual reaction from Zhu Hao, and continued, “Because this intelligence was just the emperor’s casual remark, it was initially classified only as Class C. I only discovered it today while sorting intelligence and noticed it concerned Your Highness, so I fetched it and told those agents that all future intelligence about you should be upgraded at least one level. If I’ve erred, I humbly await your punishment!”

Zhu Hao waved his hand, indicating no blame, for indeed, the classification system was his own design, and by normal standards, this was a Class C report.

Falling into thought, Zhu Hao pondered why Wei Zhongxian would do this. If anyone else had advised Zhu Youjian’s ennoblement, he would be grateful. But Wei Zhongxian was different. Zhu Hao knew the type of man he was.

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After some reflection, Zhu Hao understood and muttered inwardly, “Damn it! I should have known. This old eunuch, full of corruption and debauchery, wouldn’t act out of kindness. He’s trying to pull me away from my elder brother. Now that my brother has ascended the throne, this old eunuch’s schemes have come alive. No, I must find an opportunity to give him a good warning! Otherwise, he’ll cause chaos!”

Snapping back to reality, Zhu Hao patted Wei Xiaobao’s shoulder and said, “Xiao Bao, you did well this time. From now on, all intelligence regarding Wei Zhongxian and my elder brother is to be classified as Class A and must be submitted for my review!”

Wei Xiaobao quickly agreed. Zhu Hao nodded and was about to leave when Wei Xiaobao asked, “Your Highness, are you going out? Do you need me to do anything for you?”

Zhu Hao shook his head. “No need. I’m going to properly ‘thank’ Eunuch Wei for his ‘favor.’”

With that, he stepped out of his chambers. After a few steps, he suddenly remembered why he had summoned Wei Xiaobao and turned back, instructing, “Deal with that woman from Qianqing Palace. Have someone handle it.” He made a throat-slitting gesture.

Wei Xiaobao immediately understood, nodded, and assured, “Your Highness, rest assured. I will handle it so that you never have to see that woman again!”

Zhu Hao nodded and left. The enthronement ceremony had just concluded. Due to Li Xuan’s presence, Zhu Youxiao had not yet moved into Qianqing Palace and still resided in the Eastern Palace. Zhu Hao headed directly there.

Upon arriving at the Eastern Palace gates, Zhu Hao saw his elder brother dressed in a dragon robe standing outside. Rushing forward two steps, he knelt and said, “Your humble brother pays respects to Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor, long live, and ten thousand years more!”

Zhu Youxiao stepped forward to help him up. “Brother, no need for such formality. I knew you’d come to thank me, so I stood here to greet you and save those servants from foolishly blocking you.”

Zhu Hao quickly responded, “Your humble brother is unworthy to keep His Majesty waiting. I beg your pardon!”

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand. “Brother, no need for that. Although I am now emperor, we remain brothers. When no one else is around, just call me ‘big brother.’ I like hearing it—it feels warm.”

Hearing this, Zhu Hao quickly answered, “Your humble brother obeys! Thanks, Your Majesty—no, big brother, for your kindness!”

Zhu Youxiao smiled, amused by Zhu Hao’s awkward mixture of formalities and informality, and, seeing his still restrained demeanor, took his hand and led him inside the Eastern Palace.

Once inside, Zhu Youxiao said, “Everyone else may leave. I want to have a proper brotherly talk with you.” The palace maids and eunuchs respectfully withdrew.

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After everyone left, Zhu Youxiao pulled Zhu Hao down to sit. Zhu Hao hastily said, “Your humble brother is unworthy. How dare I sit with His Majesty?”

Feigning displeasure, Zhu Youxiao replied, “Brother, how did you just address me? Don’t say ‘His Majesty,’ say ‘big brother.’ There are no outsiders here. We are not sovereign and subject, but brothers!”

Zhu Hao felt the sincere warmth in his elder brother’s words. He had not expected that, now seated on the dragon throne, his brother would still treat him so kindly. Deeply moved, he called out, “Big brother…” and naturally sat beside Zhu Youxiao.

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao burst into a happy laugh. “That’s the way! From now on, when no one’s around, call me that. I like it!”

Zhu Hao nodded and then remembered his purpose for coming. “Big brother, I came to thank you for bestowing me the title King of Xin. I am here to express my gratitude.”

Zhu Youxiao waved his hand dismissively. “We are brothers. Such a small matter need not be spoken of. If anyone deserves thanks, it is I who should thank you, for you have saved me from peril many times. Without you, I would not be emperor today!”

Recalling something, he continued, “Brother, your residence is already being constructed by the Ministry of Works. They say it will be completed within three months at the latest. Then you may move into your new home.”

With a sigh, he added, “I envy you having your own home. Though the whole world seems mine, I have no sense of belonging at all.”

Hearing his brother’s melancholy, Zhu Hao comforted him, “Big brother, isn’t my home yours as well? If you ever grow tired of the palace, you may stay with me for a few days. I will receive you warmly.”

Zhu Youxiao’s previous sadness immediately lifted, replaced by joy. “Really? I can do that? Is it truly possible?”