Chapter 25: Son, Let Me Find You a Wife

Zhu Zhanhe had been living a life of pure indulgence these past few days, spending every night blissfully embraced by two young beauties.

Each morning, he would rise to work up a sweat in the training grounds, then pay his respects to his father and mother. After chatting with his mother for a while, he would head to Chaotian Temple to practice the art of longevity with an old Taoist priest, often staying there for lunch or returning home to dine.

In the afternoons, after a nap, he would study history books borrowed from the Great Ming Library or review the coastal maps prepared by his attendant, Xiao Xizi.

He spent his evenings dining at home, reading more history, and then following his nightly routine of swimming in the sea with a giant crocodile—he found the ocean at night to be surprisingly fascinating. Finally, he would wash up and drift into a sweet dream, cradled by his two young maids.

He had no interest in wandering the streets to carouse, as everything he could ever want was already within his home. Moreover, having no desire to participate in the struggle for the throne, he was free from the anxieties that plagued others. He felt no need to court the favor of civil or military officials. Even when his father, the Prince of Han, tried to nudge him into an official military post, he had refused, much to the Prince’s annoyance for several days. However, the Prince of Han was never truly angry and would let it pass after a few grumbles.

On this particular day, the weather was clear and bright. Once again, Zhu Zhanhe stayed tucked away in his manor, buried in a history book that Xiao Xizi had just brought from the Imperial Palace.

His study was vast—even larger than his father’s—and filled from floor to ceiling with books. He had a passion for history, so the shelves were packed with historical records, though a few other titles were scattered about. Surrounded by the scent of incense and the warmth of the sunlight, he felt his life was truly perfect.

At that moment, he was reading about the trade records between Japan and various dynasties. For instance, during the Song Dynasty, exports to Japan consisted mainly of silk, porcelain, ironware, lacquerware, and medicine, while Japan traded in tea, iron, silver, jellyfish, and folding fans. During the Tang Dynasty, imports from Japan included gold, silver, pearls, deer antler, tuckahoe, sulfur, and copperware. He continued reading about the Yuan Dynasty...

These records suddenly sparked a realization in Zhu Zhanhe, clearing his mind like a sudden epiphany. He stood up abruptly, pacing back and forth with a radiant expression. The words "gold" and "silver" stood out to him, instantly reminding him of Japan’s Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine! This would be the foundation for his future life as a carefree prince.

"Your Highness? Is something wrong?" Jian'er, the maid who was tending to the incense, was carefully adjusting the burner. She would glance at him with eyes full of adoration before quickly looking away. His sudden movement startled her, and she hurried to his side, her face full of concern.

"It's nothing. I just came across something interesting in my reading and felt quite happy," Zhu Zhanhe replied. Seeing the young maid looking at him with surprise and worry, he felt a surge of affection. Watching her delicate face and cherry-red lips, he couldn't help himself. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply, his hands roaming freely, and only let her go after a long while, feeling quite unsatisfied.

Jian'er was left dazed. She had been worried about him, only to be ambushed by a kiss. Before she could even speak, she had been silenced, and by the time he let go, she was breathless.

"Your Highness, it’s broad daylight... you shouldn't—" Once released, Jian'er lowered her head, glancing around nervously while tenderly smoothing out his clothes, sweet complaints masking her own flushed state as she tidied her own disheveled attire.

"Your Highness, your tea." At that moment, Yun'er, the other maid, walked in. Seeing her friend’s flushed face and teary-eyed gaze, she was immediately displeased. *What is this? Taking advantage of me being away to have some fun?*

She let out a slight huff of dissatisfaction, then offered a bright smile as she walked over and fed him the tea.

"Mmm." Zhu Zhanhe took a sip without hesitation, pulling Yun'er into his arms as well. He began to tease her until she nearly dropped the teacup, her breath coming in short, uneven gasps.

"Ahem!" A cough came from Xiao Xizi outside the door.

"Auntie Xiuer, you’ve arrived. His Highness is inside reading," Xiao Xizi announced in a loud, clear voice, showing his sharp wit.

Auntie Xiuer, standing before him, rolled her eyes. She had seen enough of the world to know exactly what was happening inside. Following Xiao Xizi’s warning, the three inside quickly straightened up. The two maids hurriedly smoothed their clothes and stood to one side, looking demure and respectful.

After a moment, Xiao Xizi opened the study door to let Auntie Xiuer in.

"Auntie Xiuer, to what do I owe this visit?" Zhu Zhanhe, thick-skinned as ever, showed no sign of embarrassment at being caught. Instead, he stood up and asked with effortless grace.

"Your Highness, the Princess Consort wishes to see you. His Highness the Prince is there as well; there is something they wish to discuss with you." Xiuer looked at the composed Zhu Zhanhe with surprise, then glanced at the two blushing maids, secretly sighing at how much the young prince had grown and how increasingly inscrutable he had become.

"Let’s go, Auntie Xiuer." Zhu Zhanhe was curious about why his parents were summoning him, but he followed without hesitation.

"Xiao Xizi, follow me. Yun'er, Jian'er, clean up the study." As he reached the door, he saw Xiao Xizi waiting expectantly and gave the order. The attendant beamed and trotted after him.

"Greetings, Father, Mother. I wonder, what is the reason for this summons?" Arriving at the main hall, Zhu Zhanhe saw his parents waiting and immediately bowed to ask the purpose of the meeting.

"He'er, rise. Your father and I have a serious matter to discuss with you today," his mother, Princess Consort Wei, said with a warm smile as she set down her tea.

"Son, let me tell you," the Prince of Han began, not getting to the point immediately. "Yesterday, your cousin Zhanji was caught meeting a woman at the Tingyu Pavilion. She was dressed as a man, and I heard she wasn't bad-looking. They even jumped from the second floor together! Ah, to be young—they certainly know how to have fun." He recounted the gossip with great relish, as if he had been there to witness it himself.

"Stick to the point, stop rambling," Princess Consort Wei snapped, before turning back to her son. "Son, look at your cousin Zhanji—he already knows how to find a girl. Have you ever thought about what kind of woman you would like?" she asked, her eyes wide with expectation.

"What?!" Zhu Zhanhe stared at his mother in bewilderment, then glanced at his father, who looked rather excited.

"Are you two...?" Zhu Zhanhe asked, disbelieving. *Are they planning to find me a wife?*

"You guessed right. Your father and I are planning to select a consort for you. Is there anyone you like, or any family's daughter you have your eye on?" his mother asked, looking at him with hopeful, doting eyes.

"None. None at all. Whatever you two decide is fine by me; I have no objections." Zhu Zhanhe knew he had no say in the matter. Since his father was vying for the throne, he would certainly be matched with someone who could provide political leverage.