Chapter 102: Bestowing Grace Once More

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Zhu Hao, upon hearing Zhu Youxiao’s uncertain question, quickly reassured him, “Eldest Brother, you are now the Son of Heaven, ruler of the four seas; all lands under heaven belong to the king. There is no place in this vast world where you cannot go. Therefore, it is only natural for you to reside in your younger brother’s residence. You need not mind the old fossils at court and their idle gossip! They are all bookworms who have read themselves silly!”

Zhu Youxiao nodded in agreement, deeply approving of Zhu Hao’s words. If the courtiers and ministers at court were to witness this scene and hear how these two brothers spoke of them, it was uncertain whether they would not be so infuriated as to foam at the mouth and storm the court again in protest.

No sooner had Zhu Hao finished his comforting words than excitement dawned on Zhu Youxiao’s face. However, this excitement was short-lived, quickly fading away because he knew very well that he could not live as freely as Zhu Hao suggested. Now, as the sovereign of a nation, countless eyes were watching him. Any slight fault would be magnified and criticized by all under heaven. As the ruler, he could not afford to disregard these things.

With such thoughts, the earlier excitement on Zhu Youxiao’s face turned into a look of desolation. Seeing this, Zhu Hao frowned slightly, about to say something to comfort him again. But before he could speak, Zhu Youxiao seemed to think of something else and brightened up, saying happily, “You may be right that I cannot always leave the palace, but younger brother, you can come more often and keep me company! Would that not be good?”

Hearing his elder brother’s words, Zhu Hao immediately showed a troubled expression and said, “Eldest Brother, I’m afraid this younger brother cannot manage that!”

Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao frowned slightly, the joyful smile vanishing from his face. He said with some displeasure, “Younger brother, do you not wish to come to the palace to keep me company? Do you dislike me as well?” His expression was a mixture of sadness and melancholy.

Seeing this, Zhu Hao hurried to explain, “Eldest Brother, you misunderstand me. How could I possibly dislike you? It’s just that the rules in the palace are very strict. After I move out, without your imperial edict, I cannot come and go at will!”

Upon hearing this, the displeasure on Zhu Youxiao’s face instantly vanished and was replaced by a smile once more. He said somewhat casually, “Younger brother, I thought it was something serious. This is nothing. I will grant you a gold token that allows you to move freely within the palace whenever you wish. Then you can come visit me anytime—just remember that!”

As he spoke, Zhu Youxiao called out, “Wei Zhongxian!”

Wei Zhongxian, who had been waiting outside, immediately entered and knelt respectfully, saying, “Your Majesty, your servant is here! What orders do you have?”

Zhu Youxiao didn’t look at him but directly said, “Go prepare a gold token for Prince Xin to enter the palace at will. I want to grant Prince Xin the privilege of moving freely within the palace so that I can see him often and maintain our brotherly bond!”

Hearing this, Wei Zhongxian cast a deep, resentful glance at Zhu Hao, thinking bitterly that his plan to sideline Prince Xin was utterly ruined. The frustration was so intense it was worse than swallowing a thousand flies.

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Zhu Hao, meeting Wei Zhongxian’s gaze, returned it with a mocking look, thinking, “Old eunuch, how do you like that? Your scheme to sideline me has failed! I will visit Eldest Brother from time to time. Let’s see how you continue to spread slander and disrupt the court!”

Wei Zhongxian understood from Zhu Hao’s gaze that the reason for this outcome must be that Prince Xin had seen through his plan. Though he found it hard to believe that the emperor’s words could have reached Prince Xin’s ears, the scene before him forced him to accept the fact.

Feeling the inscrutable depth in Zhu Hao’s eyes, Wei Zhongxian involuntarily shivered.

Though both Zhu Hao and Wei Zhongxian had many thoughts, their exchange of glances lasted but a moment. After Zhu Youxiao gave his orders, Wei Zhongxian quickly said, “Your servant will obey the command and take care of it immediately!” and then left the room.

After Wei Zhongxian’s departure, Zhu Hao and Zhu Youxiao chatted at length. During their conversation, Zhu Hao brought up the arrangement of his residence and hoped that Zhu Youxiao would grant him some furniture from the palace to decorate his mansion.

Zhu Hao’s request was not out of greed. After all, he was still a prince with a fief and plenty of resources, so food and drink were not a concern. His request was based on two reasons. First, he did not want to trouble himself with furnishing the mansion; palace furniture was all made of fine solid wood, high-end, elegant, and perfect to use directly without having to shop around. Second, in this capital city, not only princes but even the homes of high officials and nobles would have a few pieces of palace-bestowed items. If his mansion lacked any palace items, he would surely be ridiculed and looked down upon. Though somewhat vain and competitive, this was an essential preparation for accumulating his strength in the future, as society’s customs were just so.

Hearing Zhu Hao’s request, Zhu Youxiao laughed heartily, “Younger brother, I always thought you were magnanimous, but today you speak so petty. Nevertheless, since you have asked me, I will certainly fulfill your wish!”

Zhu Hao was about to kneel and thank him, but before he could rise, Zhu Youxiao added, “However, I think the palace furniture is unworthy of you. Since this is your first time asking me, I will go the extra mile. Your mansion’s furniture will be crafted entirely by my Linglong Pavilion. I will personally oversee the work. Rest assured, the pieces I make will be far better than the palace’s—more solid and durable!”

Upon hearing this, Zhu Hao was overjoyed. He had only wanted palace furniture to showcase in his new residence, but now his elder brother was offering to craft it personally. This was a tremendous honor. Whose furniture in the capital could compare to that personally made by the emperor? This was a unique and priceless distinction!

Thinking all this, Zhu Hao immediately knelt respectfully and said, “Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your kindness!” He addressed him as “Your Majesty” rather than “Elder Brother” because this was an imperial gift, requiring a subject’s formal thanks.

Seeing this, Zhu Youxiao helped Zhu Hao to his feet and said, “Younger brother, this is a small matter; no need for such formalities. I will grant you another favor: when you see me in the future, you need not perform such elaborate ceremonies—just treat me as your brother!”

Hearing this, Zhu Hao quickly bowed again and said, “Your servant thanks Your Majesty for your kindness!”

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Hearing this, Zhu Youxiao waved his hand and said, “Alright, younger brother, stop calling me ‘Your Majesty’ every other sentence. I know you are mindful of court etiquette, but it feels distant when you address me that way. I might not dare to grant you favors anymore! Just call me ‘Elder Brother’ when we are alone; that feels comfortable to me, alright? Besides, as your elder brother, giving something to my younger brother should not require such formal thanks like a court official! I don’t like that!”

Hearing this, Zhu Hao immediately replied out of habit, “Your servant obeys!” But seeing Zhu Youxiao’s displeased expression, he hastily corrected himself, “Your servant will follow Eldest Brother’s wishes! Please don’t be angry!”

Zhu Youxiao was only pretending to be upset. Upon hearing Zhu Hao’s change, a smile returned to his face and he said, “That’s better! From now on, just call me that!”

No sooner had Zhu Youxiao finished speaking than Wei Zhongxian returned with the gold token, knelt, and presented it with both hands, saying, “Your Majesty, the gold token has arrived!”

Zhu Youxiao nodded and said to Zhu Hao, “Younger brother, keep this carefully. Don’t let it fall into the wrong hands!”

Zhu Hao accepted the token without fuss, carefully placing it inside his robe, and said, “Rest assured, Eldest Brother. I will guard this token diligently!”

Zhu Youxiao nodded and waved Wei Zhongxian away.

After Wei Zhongxian left, Zhu Hao glanced through the half-open window at the dusk sky. Seeing it was already evening, he rose and said to Zhu Youxiao, “Eldest Brother, it’s getting late. I must go pay respects to Mother Empress now, so I won’t keep you any longer. I will come visit you again in a few days!”

Zhu Youxiao looked at the sky and agreed. Although reluctant to see Zhu Hao leave, the palace had strict rituals requiring morning and evening greetings, which were essential filial duties. He could not stop him and said with regret, “Very well. Since you must go pay respects, I won’t hinder you. Just remember to visit me often!”

Hearing this, Zhu Hao quickly replied, “I will remember, Eldest Brother. Please rest assured, I will visit you often. I will take my leave now!” With that, he left the room.