Chapter 103: Striking Wei Zhongxian

Just as Zhu Hao stepped out of the room, he saw Wei Zhongxian standing neatly at the doorway. However, Wei’s expression was far from pleasant. Zhu Hao understood well that Wei was displeased not only because his plans had failed but also because it had brought Zhu Hao closer to his elder brother.

Seeing Wei Zhongxian’s demeanor, Zhu Hao recalled the purpose of his visit: to chastise Wei. With that in mind, he gave a slight smile and feigned concern as he asked, “Eunuch Wei, why do you look so glum? Are you feeling unwell? In my view, you’re no spring chicken anymore. Perhaps I should petition my elder brother on your behalf to grant you an early retirement from palace service—so you can enjoy your later years in peace instead of exhausting yourself with endless duties day and night.”

Upon hearing Zhu Hao’s words, Wei Zhongxian immediately grasped the malicious intent behind them. It was akin to when he had previously advised the emperor to grant Zhu Hao a princely title. As one of the emperor’s closest confidants, anyone could see that Wei was poised for great success. To suggest retirement now was like a hardworking farmer nearing harvest being told he no longer had any role to play. Such a blow was intolerable.

Anger welled up inside Wei Zhongxian, yet he was facing the emperor’s own brother, newly ennobled as Prince Xin. He dared not show any disrespect. Moreover, Zhu Hao’s words sounded like genuine concern to any outsider. Understanding this, Wei found no outlet even to vent his fury.

At that moment, Wei’s feelings were akin to a starving man forced to eat a dead rat found by the roadside: disgusted to the core but compelled to swallow it to survive. Yet, Wei Zhongxian was a man of cunning and deep stratagem. Taking a deep breath, he forced a smile onto his face and said to Zhu Hao, “Your Highness, Prince Xin, I am grateful for your concern. However, my constitution is still robust, and I can serve His Majesty a few more years yet. There is no need to trouble Your Highness over me.”

Though the smile was strained and grim, Zhu Hao admired Wei’s endurance. His earlier words were meant to wound deeply; anyone hearing them would not react kindly. Yet Wei Zhongxian managed to summon a smile afterward—a patience few could match.

Though impressed, Zhu Hao’s own resolve was ignited. He wished to prod Wei further to see just how much he could endure. With that thought, he spoke again, “It is rare to find such loyalty, Eunuch Wei, and I truly admire it. It’s a pity I have no one like you by my side. I intend to speak with my elder brother. Once my residence is completed, I would like you to serve in my household. What do you think?” Saying this, Zhu Hao turned to re-enter the room.

Zhu Hao’s words were merciless. They placed Wei Zhongxian in a dilemma with no easy escape. To agree would mean leaving the emperor’s side to serve a regional prince—still a servant, but of vastly different status. Moreover, Zhu Hao held no fondness for Wei. If Wei went to his household, his fate would surely worsen. How could Wei agree to that? Yet to refuse would be to disrespect the prince, who might then demand Wei’s service from the emperor in anger. Given Zhu Hao’s closeness to Zhu Youxiao, the emperor would not refuse.

Weighing these realities, Wei Zhongxian was at a loss. Moments later, as if possessed by a master actor, he suddenly dropped to his knees with a dramatic sob, tears and snot flowing freely, and pleaded, “Your Highness, Prince Xin, to be esteemed by you is my blessing. But since entering the palace, I have served His Majesty faithfully. I truly cannot leave His Majesty’s side. I beg Your Highness to consider my many years of devoted service and not take me away. I am utterly bound to His Majesty!”

Zhu Hao inwardly cursed, “Damn, this old eunuch is quite the thespian! Why didn’t I see this before? The tears and snot come on command! With this performance, if I try to take him now and repeat it before my soft-hearted elder brother, he’ll surely relent and not let me take the old eunuch!”

While thinking this, Zhu Hao mused, “This old eunuch is no simple man! He’s clearly telling me that if I persist, he’ll act like this to force me to back down. But I won’t be underestimated. Even if you’re an old turtle, I’ll shatter your shell so you have nowhere left to hide!”

With these thoughts, Zhu Hao feigned alarm and said, “Eunuch Wei, what are you doing? Get up at once. I spoke out of goodwill. If you truly refuse, so be it. But there is one thing you must do for me—if you decline, it will be a slight against me. You know my residence is under construction and I lack trustworthy hands. I intend to petition my elder brother to let you supervise the work. It won’t take long, just three months. After the residence is completed, if you wish to stay, you are welcome. If you want to return to the palace, I won’t stop you. How does that sound?”

Zhu Hao’s words were not a concession nor a genuine offer based on Wei’s abilities but a tactical maneuver to temporarily remove Wei from the emperor’s side for three months. By the time the construction ended, Zhu Youxiao would be accustomed to Wei’s absence, and Zhu Hao could then demand Wei’s service without refusal. At that point, Wei’s pleas to the emperor would be futile.

As soon as Zhu Hao finished, Wei Zhongxian understood the true intent. Although aware, he had no means to resist. Moreover, Zhu Hao was a prince addressing him with such deference—Wei was but a palace eunuch and had no right to argue.

Faced with an unavoidable fate, Wei clenched his teeth and knelt, banging his head so hard it began to bleed, yet he did not stop. Between bows, he pleaded, “Your Highness, Prince Xin, I truly cannot leave His Majesty! Not even for a moment! I beg you to retract your favor. I will bow until I die here if you do not agree!”

Seeing Wei’s head bloodied and the floor staining red, Zhu Hao thought, “This old eunuch is truly desperate to die. This is tricky. If I force his death at my elder brother’s doorstep, even if my brother spares me a scolding, his opinion of me will surely worsen. To risk displeasing my brother over a eunuch who cannot stir much trouble is hardly worth it. I’ll just keep an eye on him; he’s unlikely to cause any major upheaval.”

With these thoughts, Zhu Hao hastened to stop Wei, saying, “Eunuch Wei, what are you doing? I value your talents, which is why I made the proposal. If you refuse to assist me, I won’t force you. You need not act as if I am bullying you. Please rise.”

Hearing this, Wei Zhongxian finally gave up on leaving the emperor’s side and respectfully kowtowed once more, saying, “Your Highness, I thank you for your consideration! I thank you!”

Zhu Hao waved his hand and said, “It’s rare to see your loyalty to my elder brother. I have some words for you: as a close attendant to His Majesty, he trusts you greatly. I hope you will advise him wisely and serve the realm well. Do not grow arrogant or act recklessly because of his trust. If I learn of any misconduct, I will not hesitate to punish you severely, even if I face my brother’s wrath. Do you understand?”

Wei Zhongxian quickly replied, “I understand, Your Highness. Rest assured, I shall counsel His Majesty toward virtue and fulfill my duties without overstepping.”

Zhu Hao nodded and said, “Good. Remember what I’ve said today. I hope it stays with you. Now go and tend to your wounds.”

Hearing this, Wei Zhongxian felt as if granted a royal pardon and quickly withdrew, as if fleeing a deadly beast.

Zhu Hao shook his head slightly and thought, “I may have been too serious. Compared to the notorious Wei Zhongxian of history, this one is still a minor player. For me, a prince, to trouble such a small figure feels like bullying the weak. But I can’t blame myself—it’s the historical Wei Zhongxian’s infamous legacy that casts such a shadow and caused profound harm to the Ming Dynasty.”