Chapter Nine: Zhu Biao

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has arrived!”
Outside the door, a eunuch announced cautiously.
“Let him in. I just have something to say to him.” Zhu Yuanzhang wiped away his tears.
As emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang had given ninety percent of his gentleness in this life to Empress Ma, and the rest to the Crown Prince, Zhu Biao. For the other princes and ministers, he considered it gentle enough not to have killed them.
“Your son pays his respects, Father Emperor!” Guided by the eunuch, Zhu Biao entered the imperial study and bowed deeply to Zhu Yuanzhang.
“Rise.” Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his gentle, refined, and kind-hearted Crown Prince, recalling at the same time his eldest grandson in the Zhuangyuan Tower, haughty and cunning. For a moment, he could not help but wonder if they were truly father and son.
“Here’s a confession for you to read.” Zhu Yuanzhang handed Zhu Biao the statement submitted by Jiang Huan.
“This... this... is this true?” After reading, Zhu Biao stammered, glancing at his father. “Ying... Ying... Ying’er isn’t dead?”
Back when the Crown Princess, Lady Chang, was on her deathbed, she had gripped his hand, begging him over and over to look after their children. But only a few years after her passing, Zhu Xiongying died.
The sudden death of Zhu Xiongying had always made Zhu Biao feel he had failed Lady Chang.
“Yes. Jiang Huan has confirmed it. Zhu Yang is Zhu Xiongying.” Zhu Yuanzhang nodded.

“Then...” A thought occurred to Zhu Biao, but he swallowed it before it could become words.
If Zhu Xiongying was alive, did that mean Empress Ma might be alive as well?
“No.” Zhu Yuanzhang looked at his son and shook his head gently. “I’ve been there to see for myself; nothing has changed.”
“But...” Zhu Biao started.
“There are no buts.” Zhu Yuanzhang interrupted him.
He knew what Zhu Biao wanted to say. He, too, had secretly visited Empress Ma’s tomb and even sent the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate in secret, but all had been in vain.
“I am content. If she knew her most beloved grandson was still alive, she would surely be comforted.” Zhu Yuanzhang sighed. “She always said she wanted to see her eldest grandson marry and have children. Now the boy has returned, but she is not here to witness it.”
“Father Emperor, please restrain your grief.” Zhu Biao stepped forward to support Zhu Yuanzhang, comforting him. “You must take care of your health. Mother worried most for you before she left.”
“Don’t worry, I’m still well. Since she cannot witness our grandson’s marriage and children, I shall do so in her stead.” Zhu Yuanzhang patted Zhu Biao’s hand, signaling him to be at ease.
“I called you here not only to tell you about our grandson’s survival, but also to share my plan and seek your opinion.” Zhu Yuanzhang gestured for Zhu Biao to sit beside him and continued, “I had Jiang Huan look into our grandson’s past. He is exceptionally gifted—he became the top scholar in Fujian at sixteen, and this year he came to Yingtian to take the metropolitan exams. Judging by his ability, he stands a ninety percent chance of success.”
“He grew up in the countryside, knowing the hardships of the common people. After the palace examination, entering officialdom will let him understand the minds of officials as well. In the future, when he ascends the throne, he will surely be a wise and capable ruler, worthy of comparison to Emperor Xuan of Han.” Zhu Yuanzhang went on, “So, my plan is to keep his identity secret for now, letting him gain experience in court. I want to see how far he can go on his own merit.”

“Will that work?” Zhu Biao looked at Zhu Yuanzhang in surprise.
“It will, my son. Your father is old. You have a benevolent nature and will be a good guardian of the realm, but the Ming dynasty cannot be content with only a guardian.” Zhu Yuanzhang spoke earnestly. “While I am still here, I will rid you of as many hidden dangers as I can. When you ascend the throne, rule with benevolence and accumulate the family’s fortune. When Zhu Yang finally takes the throne, our Ming dynasty will surely surpass the Han and Tang.”
“Father is indeed thoughtful and thorough.” Zhu Biao nodded, ashamed. He knew that in Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes, “benevolent rule” was hardly a compliment.
“My son, do not think this way. I have reflected a great deal lately. Governing a great nation is like cooking a small fish—too much harshness makes the officials tremble, but it cannot last. After my passing, your benevolence will win the officials’ loyalty and diligence. Between us, strictness and gentleness will lay a strong foundation for our grandson.” Zhu Yuanzhang stroked Zhu Biao’s hair. “You are a good son, and I trust you will be a good emperor.”
“Father Emperor...” Zhu Biao’s voice choked with emotion at Zhu Yuanzhang’s heartfelt words.
“Enough of that!” Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand. “The metropolitan exam should be finishing soon. Go and see our grandson. It has been nine years since you last saw your own son.”
“Yes, your son takes his leave!” Zhu Biao hurried out, eager to see what his son had grown into, wondering if he was still as adorable and lovable as when he was young.