Chapter 7: The Women of the Palace Are No Ordinary Folk

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Lady Lü could hardly believe the scene before her eyes. It must be an illusion! How could His Majesty favor Zhu Yunxu so much? Even Zhu Yunwen never had the chance to sit beside the old Zhu. For a moment, Lady Lü was stunned and knelt on the ground, forgetting what she was supposed to do next.

How could Zhu Yuanzhang not understand that this rebellious grandson was showing off to Lady Lü? However, Zhu Yuanzhang glanced at Zhu Yunxu and then at Lady Lü, briefly falling into thought.

This rebellious grandson held a deep prejudice against Lady Lü. Upon reflection, it seemed not merely a misunderstanding.

“Yunxu lost his mother early, and Lady Lü is his stepmother, but not his biological mother. Naturally, more care is given to Yunwen, so Yunxu feels unfairly treated and harbors resentment,” Zhu Yuanzhang surmised on Yunxu’s behalf. According to his investigations, Lady Lü was indeed without fault—virtuous, diligent, and devoted in raising the children of the Chang family. She truly did well.

Perhaps in some subtle matters, she failed to satisfy Yunxu, and coupled with Yunxu’s ambition to seize the succession, a natural friction arose.

Soon, Zhu Yuanzhang let go of his musings and asked, “Rise and speak, is there something you wish to say?”

The authoritative voice startled the dazed Lady Lü.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!” Lady Lü carefully rose, feeling a faint pressure in front of Zhu Yuanzhang. Lowering her head, she said, “Your humble daughter-in-law heard that Yunxu was disrespectful today. It is my fault for poor guidance. I come to ask for punishment from Your Majesty.”

What she had planned to say was suddenly disrupted by Zhu Yunxu’s actions. In desperation, she chose to take the blame herself—to shoulder all responsibility.

That was the mark of a proper stepmother, and it helped stabilize her image, giving Zhu Yunwen an advantage.

Very good!

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, satisfied with Lady Lü’s words.

“Is there anything else?”

Hesitating, Lady Lü said, “Your humble daughter-in-law is unsure whether to say this.”

Zhu Yuanzhang replied, “Say whatever you wish, I will not blame you.”

“Your humble daughter-in-law is disrespectful,” Lady Lü lowered her head and softly spoke, “Sister Chang is the rightful wife of the Crown Prince, and Yunxu is her legitimate son. I thank Your Majesty for your great favor, giving Yunwen a rare opportunity, but I cannot betray Sister Chang. Yunxu is more suitable. I beg Your Majesty to retract the decree.”

Having finished, she bowed again.

A picture of my son Yunwen not wanting to fight, only wishing to yield, with brotherly affection and respect.

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One must present the right attitude, cater to His Majesty’s preferences, and soothe him.

Zhu Yunxu thought Lady Lü was truly a good actress.

And Zhu Yuanzhang favored exactly that kind of performance—they had mastered the point where he valued familial affection.

By approaching from the angle of family ties, it was easy to elevate oneself and craft a favorable image.

Zhu Yunxu couldn’t help but mutter inwardly: no wonder the old Zhu liked Zhu Yunwen so much and thought Lady Lü was fine—they were all such good actors.

“You think too much,” Zhu Yuanzhang said with a nod, not angry. “Some matters I will consider myself; you need not say anything more. If there is nothing else, you should go back and check on Yunwen. The child must be feeling quite upset today.”

On the verge of becoming Crown Prince, yet one step short, suddenly sabotaged by Zhu Yunxu. Without the imperial edict, no Crown Prince—and it was inevitable that Zhu Yunwen felt distressed.

Zhu Yuanzhang was keenly aware of Yunwen’s feelings. No matter how humble and harmonious he appeared, his mood was certainly far from good.

“Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. Your humble daughter-in-law will take her leave now.”

Lady Lü noted the tone in Zhu Yuanzhang’s voice—there was still no blame directed at her and even concern for Zhu Yunwen. She understood her performance had been commendable, earning ample goodwill.

Since she was asked to leave, she dared not presumptuously demand to stay.

However, once outside the Palace of Heavenly Purity, her gaze instantly turned cold, her nails nearly piercing her palms.

No matter how much Zhu Yuanzhang cared for Zhu Yunwen, it was no better than Zhu Yunxu sitting beside the emperor—after all, Yunxu was the legitimate son.

This legitimate son posed a serious threat to Zhu Yunwen!

Lady Lü did not linger. She had come hurriedly and left just as quickly.

“What do you think, Yunxu?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked.

Zhu Yunxu replied, “She acted well enough.”

Seeing that he could sit on the emperor’s soft couch, Lady Lü was flustered at first, then decisively adopted a strategy of retreat to advance—claiming not to wish to compete, but actually aiming to contend.

Women living in the palace were indeed not simple.

Without some craftiness, Lady Lü would never become Crown Princess.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not comment further on Lady Lü. He was pleased but not blind to her intentions—he just chose not to expose them.

Today, no edict was read, and Zhu Yunxu was not punished. This was a subtle message to the outside world: the contest for the succession was permitted; the heir would be chosen by merit. Whoever was capable would take the position.

Lady Lü’s probing was, in fact, quite normal.

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Within reason, Zhu Yuanzhang allowed Lady Lü to feign loyalty to Zhu Yunwen.

“Returning to what you said earlier,” Zhu Yuanzhang continued, “You claim you can secure my approval to appoint you without relying on Lan Yu. How do you propose to convince me?”

Today, Zhu Yunxu brought him a surprise.

Previously, he had paid more attention to Zhu Yunwen; now, he wanted to observe Zhu Yunxu more, eager to see his abilities.

“By using Lan Yu,” Zhu Yunxu spoke frankly, “I open up these matters today precisely to save Lan Yu. Even if Your Majesty wants to execute them later, you won’t find a reason to do so.”

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly; indeed, this rebellious grandson had involved himself in the scheme to save Lan Yu.

“Whether it’s me or Zhu Yunwen who is appointed, in Your Majesty’s eyes, Lan Yu and the others are surely doomed.”

“By saving them now, I intend to use them in the future.”

“At the same time, I want to prove something to Your Majesty. This is the key to my succession.”

Confidently seated beside the old emperor, Zhu Yunxu laid out his plan.

“What is it?” Zhu Yuanzhang asked with interest.

Zhu Yunxu replied, “I have the ability to control Lan Yu and the other generals of Huai West. When your father was alive, they dared not act out. Now that I am in charge, they still dare not defy me. Under my control, they cannot become disruptive relatives meddling in court affairs.”

“Well said!” Zhu Yuanzhang’s eyes brightened.

Zhu Yunxu had even voiced what the emperor had been thinking.

Lan Yu was arrogant and insubordinate, and the Huai West generals had great prestige.

With Zhu Biao gone, no one could control them in the future.

The old Zhu had been planning to eliminate them all before his death.

If Zhu Yunxu could keep the Huai West generals in check, then who would be Crown Prince was open to new possibilities in the eyes of Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yunwen’s strengths lay in benevolence and filial piety, winning support from civil officials—somewhat like Zhu Biao. Although Zhu Yuanzhang knew this resemblance was superficial; in reality, Zhu Yunwen was far less capable than Zhu Biao.

As for Zhu Yunxu, Zhu Yuanzhang saw his bold, audacious grandson as more like himself.