Ming Dynasty: What's wrong with being a leisurely crown prince?

Chapter 5 Zhu Di: Your Highness, I heard you're quite leisurely?

After breakfast, Zhu Gaochi had a reclining chair brought to the courtyard and lay down on it.

"This feels so good. I've never had a day like this before."

With eyes half-closed, I let the morning sun shine on me, my whole body relaxing as I swayed in the chair.

It was an extremely ordinary thing, but Zhu Gaochi felt exceptionally pleased.

A short while later, Zhang Yan, having finished her makeup and dressing, slowly walked over, carrying a mink cloak in her hand.

Seeing Zhu Gaochi enjoying himself so comfortably, Zhang Yan looked hesitant and conflicted.

"I've told you so many times, it's not even that hot yet, you'll easily catch a cold if you're like this."

Neither of you, father and son, is easy to deal with these days.

Zhang Yan muttered to herself as she covered Zhu Gaochi's head with the blanket, then sighed.

"I've gone to the palace to see my mother."

After Zhang Yan finished speaking, she stood up. She had just taken a step when Zhu Gaochi's voice came.

"Honey, I understand. I'll be more careful in the future."

"Oh, and by the way, dismiss all the maids around me. Also, you can arrange for two more."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan seemed to be stunned.

Two sentences. One was that it was rare for Zhu Gaochi to admit his mistakes to her; she had almost never heard him do so before.

The next sentence made Zhang Yan even more incredulous.

She knew how much Zhu Gaochi valued the maids around him; they were all handpicked by Zhu Gaochi in the past.

Zhang Yan turned around and stood in front of Zhu Gaochi, her expression serious.

"Hey, you surnamed Zhu, get up."

Zhu Gaochi sat up, looked at Zhang Yan's expression, put away his cloak, and hugged Zhang Yan in his arms.

"I'm telling you the truth, I'm not just saying this out of anger. All those maids have been dismissed, and only two eunuchs are needed to serve you."

I remember everything you said to those imperial physicians before, but I'm only just realizing it now. You won't blame me, will you?

Zhu Gaochi was no novice; he was well aware of Zhang Yan's current situation.

This is because they thought he was angry again, and he said this out of spite or to test the waters.

He's just starting to change, and Zhang Yan isn't used to it yet, which he understands.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan leaned her face against Zhu Gaochi's shoulder and smiled slowly.

He wrapped his arms around Zhu Gaochi's waist, and just as Zhu Gaochi was about to feel happy, the hands on his waist suddenly twisted.

"Ouch...that hurts! How did you learn that move?"

The two separated, Zhu Gaochi rubbed his waist with one hand, but had a smile on his face.

"Who asked you about this? I meant to say that you are the Crown Prince now. What time is it? If you don't attend to state affairs, what will the old man think?"

The old man already dislikes you; can't you be a little more attentive?

Zhang Yan avoided eye contact, her face slightly flushed, and immediately brought up another matter.

That was actually the reason she hesitated just now.

She knew very well what the situation was like in the Eastern Palace. Now that Zhu Gaochi was willing to change, she was very happy, and she also wanted to live a good life with Zhu Gaochi.

But Zhu Gaochi was the crown prince, and there were some things he couldn't do on a whim.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaochi smiled and said, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing, nothing will happen."

Zhu Gaochi knew that what had just happened was now in the past.

The family atmosphere was preserved, and his changes also passed naturally, which Zhang Yan gradually began to accept.

Seeing that Zhu Gaochi had his own ideas, Zhang Yan didn't say anything more.

"Then I'll enter the palace."

Zhang Yan left in a hurry, but happiness gradually began to fill her entire being.

As I walked, I felt much lighter than usual, a smile appeared on my face, and everything I saw felt so comforting.

Zhu Gaochi watched Zhang Yan leave, his smile widening.

He glanced at the recliner but didn't sit down.

"We need to find a way to cure her illness, but we can't let anyone suspect anything."

Although he wanted to enjoy himself, he didn't do nothing; otherwise, it wouldn't be enjoyment, but pure laziness.

This is especially true because it concerns his grand plan for a leisurely life.

Just then, a member of the Imperial Guard hurried over.

"Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence at the palace. Please enter immediately."

"lead the way."

Zhu Gaochi did not hesitate at all and followed the Embroidered Uniform Guards into the palace.

As he walked, Zhu Gaochi kept wondering what it was about, since Zhu Di wouldn't summon him like this unless there was nothing wrong.

Based on this timeline, Zhu Gaochi believed there could only be those two things.

Zhu Gaochi sighed with some emotion, thankfully he had a habit of reading in his previous life, and would read for a while before going to bed.

While others read history from morning to night, he did it the other way around, starting with the History of the Ming Dynasty.

Although he didn't remember everything, he still knew some important things.

Upon arriving at the main hall, Zhu Gaochi saw the Imperial Guards pointing inside, clearly inviting him to enter, and he nodded with a smile.

Thank you for your trouble.

After speaking, Zhu Gaochi stepped straight into the hall.

Although these people around Zhu Di were not in the same position as him, he knew that these seemingly insignificant individuals could unleash tremendous power at any moment.

Don't try to win people over, and don't do anything that might offend them either.

The Imperial Guards were stunned for a moment as they watched Zhu Gaochi walk into the hall.

The dignified Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, should I tell him I'm sorry for the trouble?

In the past, when had these people, including Zhu Gaoxu and Zhu Gaosui, ever given them a second glance?

Zhu Gaochi had no idea what the Embroidered Uniform Guards were thinking. At this moment, he had already entered the hall and was looking at Zhu Di, who had his back to him.

Zhu Gaochi's expression suddenly became somewhat fiery.

"Is the Yongle Emperor still alive...?"

Zhu Gaochi muttered to himself, his passion still burning even after two lifetimes.

After all, even when starting a business, the number of people you meet is actually limited.

Now that I've met this legendary figure in person, I'm feeling quite excited.

But soon, Zhu Gaochi realized that his state was not right.

If you see it from a third-person perspective, you can be amazed, but you don't need to think too much about it.

But now he is Zhu Gaochi, the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, and Zhu Di still doesn't like him. He must adjust his mindset as soon as possible.

Throughout history, there have always been conflicts between the crown prince and the emperor. He must change; he cannot view the people here with ideas that are irrelevant to him.

Take deep breaths, calm your mind, and you'll quickly regain your composure.

"Father, I'm here."

After speaking, he naturally bowed.

Zhu Di had already turned around and was looking down at Zhu Gaochi.

He hadn't heard Zhu Gaochi's mutterings, but ever since Zhu Gaochi came in, he had been turning to the side, keeping an eye on Zhu Gaochi out of the corner of his eye.

At first, Zhu Gaochi's eyes were shining brightly at him, which startled him.

Especially the burning heat on his face made Zhu Di think he was hallucinating.

Was Zhu Gaochi's reaction just now one of admiration or respect?

Zhu Gaochi seems to have calmed down now, but he is not at peace.

Doesn't this person know to keep that expression?

If he can maintain this, he doesn't even intend to get angry at this person.

After all, having one's son admire someone like that is far better than receiving a hundred compliments from others.

Especially Zhu Gaochi, who surprisingly looked at him like that.

But why did this blockhead stop so quickly?

He hadn't even had a chance to fully experience that feeling before it was over, which was truly disappointing.

Now, Zhu Di's feelings towards Zhu Gaochi are even more complicated.

He had always favored Zhu Gaoxu over Zhu Gaochi, but Zhu Gaochi's brief display of genuine emotion just now made him feel somewhat guilty.

Have I been neglecting my eldest son?

He could tell from Zhu Gaochi's demeanor just now that it wasn't fake.

Even so, Zhu Di was still angry.

He was the father and the emperor, yet Zhu Gaochi didn't take the initiative to talk to him and clarify things; that was Zhu Gaochi's problem.

"Your Highness, I heard you're quite leisurely? Even more leisurely than I, the Emperor."

Though my mind was filled with complex emotions, the words that came out of my mouth were as sharp as knives.