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

Chapter 14 Zhu Di: This rebellious son!

Kunning Palace.

Zhu Gaochi and Xu Miaoyun chatted and laughed, as if there were no longer any barriers between them.

"Mother, I'll head back now. You need to rest more and don't overwork yourself."

"Never mind, I'll talk to Dad about it later. I've mentioned it to you several times, but you never listened."

"Hehe, it seems my eldest son has really learned to care about people now, he's even lecturing me."

I know my own body best, I know everything, don't worry.

Seeing the worry on Zhu Gaochi's face, Xu Miaoyun comforted him instead.

She had already accepted this change and was extremely happy.

Zhu Gaochi sighed inwardly as he watched Xu Miaoyun comfort him instead.

In fact, Zhu Gaochi greatly admired Xu Miaoyun. It wasn't anything else, but simply Xu Miaoyun's mindset, which is something that countless people could learn from, yet still fail to do.

Xu Miaoyun probably knew that her life was nearing its end, given her poor health.

Empress Xu Miaoyun did not complain at all, nor did she vent her frustrations or do anything futile. Not only was she not discouraged by this, but she also saw through reality and carefully handled various affairs.

If this happened to an ordinary person, given their status, they would probably try every possible means, even if it meant wasting time and money.

Or they might simply indulge themselves and disregard everything else.

After all, the higher one's status and position, the more one cares about their life; if one loses their life, they lose everything.

Xu Miaoyun, on the contrary, is just that selfless.

Zhu Gaochi's expression was complicated. He really wanted to cure Xu Miaoyun directly so that she would not have to suffer these hardships again.

But he had no choice; to cure it directly would be too suspicious, and he himself couldn't explain it.

As for curing Xu Miaoyun quietly through other means, perhaps it was also for his own selfish reasons. He wanted people to know that he had cured Xu Miaoyun, especially Zhu Di.

Compared to Xu Miaoyun, Zhu Gaochi felt that he was very selfish.

But he also wanted to be selfless, yet he couldn't.

Only when everyone knows that he cured Xu Miaoyun can many things be done.

"Mother, now that we're all grown up, please listen to what your son says sometimes."

You should pay attention to rest and relax in the future, especially at night, and go to bed early.

When the cough is severe, you can use the method I just mentioned, which will help a little.

As for the affairs of the inner palace and harem, I'm not afraid that you and Father will overthink it. I'll have your daughter-in-law help you share some of the burden.

If that doesn't work, then we can find someone else. Mother, you must make sure you get enough rest.

The weather is gradually getting better now, so try to go outside for walks more often.

Zhu Gaochi was initially somewhat hesitant to let Zhang Yan help Xu Miaoyun handle the affairs of the inner palace and harem. In fact, even if he hadn't mentioned it, this arrangement would have been made later.

But now, in order to spare Xu Miaoyun some suffering, he has no choice but to bring it up.

Xu Miaoyun looked at Zhu Gaochi and immediately smiled.

"Eldest brother, even your father doesn't dare to interfere in the affairs of the inner palace and harem, yet you still want to take charge."

I know you mean well, and I'm very pleased. I understand, and I'll seriously consider what my eldest son said. Is that alright?

Xu Miaoyun didn't really think too much about it, after all, the affairs of the inner palace and harem would eventually be handed over to Zhang Yan.

Zhang Yan is the Crown Princess, so it's perfectly legitimate for me to help her.

She herself also likes Zhang Yan very much.

Although the affairs of the inner palace and harem cannot compare to those of the state, there are still quite a few things to do, and she really should train them.

Otherwise, who knows what other unexpected problems might arise later.

Now that she is still alive, the harem is peaceful and tranquil.

But if she's no longer around, things might change.

Zhu Gaochi didn't say anything more, and soon left Kunning Palace.

After Zhu Gaochi left, Xu Miaoyun looked at the bouquet of flowers he had given her, gently stroking it with a smile on her face.

This was the first time she had ever received such a unique gift.

"Someone, go and prepare a vase."

"Yes."

A short while later, a porcelain vase of excellent quality was brought over.

After adding the source of life, Xu Miaoyun carefully opened the bouquet's packaging and placed it in the bottle.

"These flowers are quite pretty; growing flowers is great."

Xu Miaoyun was admiring the flowers in front of her with a smile when she heard a familiar voice.

Turning her head, she saw Zhu Di walking quickly towards her, and Xu Miaoyun's smile vanished instantly.

"You came empty-handed?"

"Huh? What should I bring?"

Zhu Di's hand, which was about to reach out to Xu Miaoyun, suddenly froze in mid-air, looking puzzled and somewhat bewildered.

He was initially very happy because it was rare to see Xu Miaoyun smile so happily, but as soon as he arrived, his smile vanished, and his question made his brain go completely blank.

He's good at governing a country and waging war, but he's clearly not good at this kind of thing.

Seeing Zhu Di like this, Xu Miaoyun's heart softened, but when she thought of Zhu Gaochi's words and the way Zhu Gaochi and Zhang Yanshi looked, her softened heart hardened instantly.

Xu Miaoyun ignored Zhu Di's hand and went directly to the other side to cherish her flowers.

"It seems some people don't care about me. Even the eldest brother knows to bring me a bouquet of flowers when he comes over, and he also prepared some for our daughter-in-law."

I've been with you for so many years, when have I ever accepted anything from you?

The eldest child knows how to care for others, unlike some people.

Although Xu Miaoyun did not name names, her words implied that she was referring to a certain person.

Zhu Di was very self-aware; he knew that Xu Miaoyun was referring to him.

Zhu Di felt he was being wronged; he had no idea there was such a connection.

The thought that Zhu Gaochi had used flowers he had cultivated to give to Xu Miaoyun, and now that he was being scolded like this for no reason, made Zhu Di feel displeased with Zhu Gaochi.

Why didn't this person tell him beforehand? Did he have to show off like this?

Zhu Di approached Xu Miaoyun with a smile and said softly, "Oh dear, look at my forgetfulness! I had it prepared, but I forgot. Wait for me a moment, I'll go get it right away."

In Zhu Di's eyes, what's the big deal? It's just a bouquet of flowers.

Xu Miaoyun rolled her eyes at Zhu Di and got up to leave.

"After all these years, you still think you can fool me?"

I'm tired, I'm going to rest.

Seeing Xu Miaoyun push his hand away, go straight back to her bedroom, and then close the door, Zhu Di was completely dismayed.

"You...I..."

"Um, well, I'm tired too, I want to rest."

Zhu Di approached the door and spoke softly, but the door remained unopened.

"If you want to rest, go to your own place."

Zhu Di was stunned for a moment. Had he angered Xu Miaoyun?

However, Xu Miaoyun inside the room showed no signs of anger and even had a smile on her face.

Zhu Di's pleas went unanswered, so he eventually summoned Xu Miaoyun's personal female official to find out what was going on.

After understanding the situation, Zhu Di's face darkened.

"That unfilial son..."

Now he understood why this had happened; the culprit was none other than Zhu Gaochi.

The thought of Zhu Gaochi using his flowers and treating him this way made Zhu Di unable to calm down at all.

It was indeed a good thing that Zhu Gaochi was able to make Xu Miaoyun happy, and he was pleased.

But if it upsets him, then we have to deal with it one thing at a time.

After a moment's thought, Zhu Di waved for everyone to leave, then ran to the garden, picked a bunch of flowers, and tiptoed into Xu Miaoyun's bedroom.

Zhu Di tiptoed to Xu Miaoyun's side.

"Miaoyun, look, these are the flowers I picked for you, and I'm giving them to you myself."

Xu Miaoyun stood up with a smile on her face, took the flowers from Zhu Di's hand, and leaned against Zhu Di's chest.

"It would have been better if you had done this earlier. You really need to learn from the boss in this regard. Look how well the boss does it."

"Yes, yes, I understand. I will definitely learn from him."

Xu Miaoyun spoke gently, her face beaming with happiness.

Actually, she wasn't making demands on Zhu Di; it's just that she didn't have much time left. After witnessing the scene between Zhu Gaochi and Zhang Yan, she simply didn't want to have too many regrets.

This moment was perhaps the happiest time she and Zhu Di ever shared.

Zhu Di held Xu Miaoyun tightly, his heart filled with reluctance.

Even though he didn't want Xu Miaoyun to leave, sometimes, despite being the emperor, he felt so powerless.

Xu Miaoyun had worked hard alongside him for most of her life, and he also wanted Xu Miaoyun to live a happy life.

As for learning from Zhu Gaochi, Zhu Di kept that in mind.

He really was going to find Zhu Gaochi.