Zhu Yuanzhang, who commanded the wind and rain, lived a long and arduous life.

The banquet inside Yonghua Hall was not served by distributing food to each individual table. Instead, six or seven octagonal tables were set up, each surrounded by a large number of people.

Zhu Di casually glanced at everyone on the field.

When he saw Lan Yu, Chang Mao, and other nobles from Huaixi, he nodded politely.

Lan Yu and the others returned the greeting politely.

Just then, a palace servant announced loudly, "His Majesty has arrived."

Zhu Yuanzhang stood with his hands behind his back, still wearing his usual coarse linen shirt.

But this seemingly ordinary old farmer is always the focus of attention whenever he appears here, and no one dares to underestimate him!

Beside Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao followed closely.

"Your subject greets Your Majesty!"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled casually, pressed his hand down, and gestured for everyone to sit down: "Eat and drink as you please, don't be distant just because we're here."

"Let's begin the feast!" Zhu Yuanzhang said with a smile as he sat down.

He sat alone in the main seat, the table empty, which made him seem somewhat lonely.

He was an emperor, that much is undeniable.

Zhu Biao was originally supposed to sit with him, but he had to arrange things at the moment, and Empress Ma did not come because she had something to do.

Just as Zhu Yuanzhang sat down, not far away, Lan Yu suddenly stood up and kicked the eunuch who was delivering wine and dishes to Shangshan.

"You damned bastards! Stop right there!"

This unexpected shout and action immediately plunged Yonghua Palace into absolute silence.

Everyone has different expressions.

Confused and bewildered, Zhan Hui, Fu Youwen, and the others' expressions changed drastically, their faces filled with worry.

Lan Yu... has she gone mad?

Is he tired of living?

Zhu Di and the princes looked at Lan Yu with complicated expressions on their faces.

Lan Yu has accumulated considerable military merit over the years, yet he's already acting drunk and disorderly before even having a drink. Is he dissatisfied with the old man?

The King of Qin and the King of Jin looked at Lan Yu with admiration.

This guy is totally a kindred spirit!

Zhu Yuanzhang's second and third sons were also tyrannical and would whip their servants at the drop of a hat. However, these two princes would not whip others without reason.

Even more unbelievable is that Lan Yu dared to make a move in front of our father?

Good heavens! What a hero!

You're similar to me, we both like to get angry, but you, Lan Yu, are more heroic than me!

This time, I'm afraid our father will kill you!

Don't think that just because you, Lan Yu, have fought a few battles, you can't find your way around. In this Ming Dynasty, as long as our father is alive, no one can turn the world upside down, and you can kill anyone!

Were Zhou Dexing, Li Shanchang, and Hu Weiyong powerful?

Did you have a good relationship with our dad? You still got killed, didn't you?

Who do you think you are, Lan Yu? Don't you know your place?

Do you really think that by following the Crown Prince, you'll have a strong patron and the old man won't touch you?

Would they dare to use force at this time?

And the person being beaten was none other than our father's palace servant?

Isn't this a slap in the face to the old man?

Even if you, Lan Yu, have the most compelling reason, the old man probably won't let you off easy!

Xie Jin and Tie Xuan, who were not far away, were stunned.

"Is he crazy?" Tie Xuan whispered.

Xie Jin shook his head: "I don't know, but I'm afraid we're going to suffer today!"

Everyone had different thoughts and expressions. After a brief moment of astonishment, everyone's gaze unconsciously turned to Zhu Yuanzhang, who was in the main seat.

Zhu Yuanzhang's face was grim, as if he was trying hard to suppress his anger.

He was an emperor, the sovereign and father of all people; his cunning was not so shallow.

If he didn't understand the situation, Zhu Yuanzhang would control his temper.

Although he is short-tempered and easily angered, he does so for no reason.

His face darkened as he glared at Lan Yu: "Lan Xiao Er! Are you fucking trying to rebel against the heavens?"

Lan Yu hurriedly clasped his hands in a fist and said to Zhu Yuanzhang, "Your Majesty, I... dare not!"

Zhu Yuanzhang, his face cold, said indifferently, "Dare not? What were you doing just now? Are we blind? What on earth are you doing?"

Lan Yu took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty, today is a family banquet, and we should respect the order of seniority."

"Now that our Crown Prince is gone, these bastards in the Imperial Household Department look down on the Eastern Palace."

"Your Majesty, look where Yunwen and Yunhu are sitting?"

"We are, after all, from the Crown Prince's lineage. Sitting in a corner? Who are we supposed to humiliate? I lost my temper and took action. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang was taken aback.

Everyone present suddenly realized what was happening and looked at Lan Yu with complicated expressions.

Zhu Yuanzhang sneered, "Well done! Well done!"

"You blind bastard! Drag the head official of Shangshan Supervisory Bureau out and behead him!"

The hall was filled with princes who were brothers, many of whom were born of the same mother.

Only the children of the Eastern Palace, who had no fathers or mothers, sat quietly in the corner, as if they had been deliberately forgotten.

Zhu Yuanzhang was extremely protective of his own children; these were all his grandsons. Even if Zhu Yuanzhang showed them less care now, they were not people that these lackeys could manipulate at will!

Zhu Yuanzhang valued family ties the most, and now that his weakness had been attacked, he only realized it belatedly. How could he not be angry!

Looking at Lan Yu again, Zhu Yuanzhang's anger had subsided, revealing a tender side to his tough exterior. His voice softened: "Lan Xiao'er, you... understand us! Well done!"

His move was exactly what Zhu Yuanzhang wanted to achieve.

What is a family?

A harmonious family brings prosperity to all things.

Is a family built on deep sibling affection?

No matter what selfish motives family members may have, they must never see each other suffer.

This is Zhu Yuanzhang's most simple and honest view of family.

And now,

My father is here tonight, so he needs to pay even more attention to these family relationships.

Let my father, who was watching from the shadows, know that I, Zhu Yuanzhang, can lead this family well and have not brought shame to our Zhu family!

"Yunwen, your whole family, come and sit at our table."

"Your imperial grandfather will back you up!"

Zhu Yuanzhang spoke slowly.

Zhu Yunwen nodded: "Oh, thank you, Your Majesty, thank you... Duke of Liang!"

Looking at Lan Yu, Zhu Yunwen's expression was somewhat complicated.

Today's events were meticulously planned by him; he bribed Shang Shanjian.

The more impactful and empathetic the message, the better, if the old man discovers it belatedly.

Although Lan Yu has revealed it earlier, the difference between inducing the Emperor's sympathy and being discovered by the Emperor himself is completely different.

What made Zhu Yunwen most nervous was the Shangshan Supervisory Office!

Now that Lan Yu has blown things up, if the old man decides to question Shang Shanjian, Zhu Yuanzhang will see through all of Zhu Yunwen's little schemes.

He looked at Lan Yu with a resentful expression, not knowing whether Lan Yu was doing it intentionally or unintentionally!

But when he noticed Lan Yu's malicious smile, his heart skipped a beat!

Before long, Zhu Yunwen and his family sat down at Zhu Yuanzhang's table.

The banquet returned to normal.

The little incident was a close call, and the banquet continued with drinks flowing freely.

After a few rounds of drinks, Zhu Yuanzhang relaxed his formalities and said to everyone, "You young men, go and toast and build relationships yourselves. We won't interfere."

The two princes of Qin and Jin exchanged a glance, then took the lead and brought their wine cups to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Father, we brothers toast to you, elder brother. You... have worked hard!"

The banquet has only just begun!

Some people are already eagerly anticipating trying it out!

For example, Li Jinglong, Xie Jin, and Tie Xuan!

After several rounds of drinks, the various regional princes began to toast the old man, Zhu Yuanzhang, who became slightly tipsy.

Next, the officials offered toasts.

Tie Xuan and Xie Jin exchanged a glance, raised their wine cups, and first toasted the two kings of Qin and Jin.

As for Zhu Yuanzhang, these officials were not qualified to offer him a toast.

Those were things done by the old man's sons; his subjects wouldn't be so unruly.

After paying their respects to the two princes of Qin and Jin, the two men approached Zhu Di.

"Your Highness, Prince Yan, your humble servants Xie Jin and Tie Xuan offer you a toast. You have worked hard guarding the border."

Zhu Di said with great enthusiasm, "Good!"

He held up his wine cup, tilted his head back, and drank it all in one gulp. Looking at Xie Jin and Tie Xuan, he said, "I've heard a bit about your reputations in the Northern Frontier. I heard you're going to manage the Southern Frontier soon?"

This is no secret; practically everyone knows about it.

However, everyone believed that Xie Jin and Tie Xuan had been demoted. Otherwise, why would the old man send two people to manage that barren land of Jiaozhi?

Xie Jin nodded: "Mm."

Zhu Di said cheerfully, "You, Xie Jin, are extraordinary. Your future is limitless. It would be a real waste for you to go to the southern border. So, today I'll ask my father for the two of you to accompany me in governing the northern border. How about that?"

In the eyes of the King of Yan, the two men would surely be extremely grateful for such a favor.

He had naturally heard of Tie Xuan and Xie Jin's abilities. If he could recruit these two, they would be an invaluable force in the future!

Especially Xie Jin, a scholar-official like him, was exactly the kind of strength Zhu Di needed most!

Xie Jin smiled and said, "Thank you for your kind words, Your Highness Prince Yan. However, we are just lowly officials, how could we possibly govern the northern frontier with Your Highness?"

"With His Majesty above us in the northern frontier, he has a comprehensive plan to decide what kind of people are needed."

Zhu Di gradually realized that Xie Jin seemed to be subtly undermining him. His words made it sound as if the northern frontier belonged to him, which inevitably aroused his father's suspicion.

However, Zhu Di was not annoyed and said with a smile, "That makes sense."

However, at this moment, Zhu Di was already cursing inwardly: "These dog-like Confucian scholars are all so damn cunning!"

"I have not offended you, so why are you trying to smear me?"

Tie Xuan also smiled: "Thank you for your kind words, Prince Yan. We are unworthy of such praise. We are not talents at all. However, Commander Zhang Yu by Your Highness's side is the real talent."

“Commander Zhang rose from a lowly soldier to a commander in just a few years. His military prowess is undeniable. The Prince of Yan has a keen eye for talent, and the capable generals around him are truly fortunate.”

Zhu Di smiled and glanced at Tie Xuan, finally saying something sensible!

However, the next moment, Tie Xuan changed the subject, clasped his hands and bowed to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Your Majesty, I suggest that Zhang Yu's son, Zhang Fu, be transferred to the Five Armies Commandery to demonstrate the Emperor's grace and appease the border troops!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Di's smile vanished instantly.

Tie Xuan began to praise Zhang Yu lavishly, and Zhu Di hadn't noticed anything yet. Now, his expression slowly darkened, and his face became extremely ugly!

Outsiders might not be able to tell what Tie Xuan was doing at all.

Those who are unaware of the situation might even think he is helping the Prince of Yan.

But Zhu Di knew the bitterness in his heart.

Zhang Yu was one of his fierce generals, but Zhang Fu was in Yingtian.

Zhang Fu is Zhang Yu's eldest son. If he is transferred to the Five Military Commands, it will not have any impact in the short term.

But as time went on, it was impossible for the other soldiers under his command not to be wary of Zhang Yu!

These five military governorates, subordinate to the imperial court's warlords, will inevitably become enemies of Zhu Di's border troops in the future.

Zhang Yu's eldest son has become an official in the enemy camp. Looking at this matter from a distance, it's hard to explain!

That bastard is so insidious!

Zhu Di was filled with hatred and wished he could draw his sword on the spot and stab Tie Xuan to death.

This kid is silent, but when he does speak, it's all scheming and plotting.

It's obvious they're trying to sow discord and sow discord within the Yan vassal state.

Even if they know they won't fall for the trap, they still want to deliberately annoy you.

After Tie Xuan finished speaking, Lan Yu and Li Jinglong looked at each other.

"Did you arrange it?"

Li Jinglong asked blankly, "No, didn't you say I should do it myself? What's going on?"

Lan Yu squinted, as if she had noticed something: "These two... Heh, it seems my grand-nephew has taken some precautions!"

Chang Mao was also shocked and whispered, "This brat is incredible! When did he manage to subdue these two? Goodness! He's really capable!"

Lan Yu pressed her hand down and pulled Li Jinglong, saying, "What are you standing there for? Go for it! Now is the perfect time."

Li Jinglong looked resentful. Did he really have to do it himself?

Can't I just stay silent and avoid talking?

He steeled himself and stepped forward, smiling slightly, and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that what Censor Tie said makes sense!"

"A few days ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Commander Zhang outside Tonghuai Gate. Like father, like son! If Zhang Fu were to come to my Five Armies Commandery, I would certainly welcome him with open arms!"

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled and said, "Since everyone says so, Zhang Fu must have some outstanding qualities, right? Alright! Transfer him to the Five Military Commands as a deputy commander! Two generals from one family, what a wonderful thing!"

The die is cast. Zhu Di's face twitched, and he glanced at Li Jinglong, his thoughts unreadable.

It seems like this whole thing was planned out in advance, and there's a hidden hand pulling things along!

It can't be such a coincidence!

Someone is trying to sow discord between Zhu Di and Zhang Yu!

high!

That's a fucking brilliant move!

Zhu Di secretly admired him.

The banquet was only halfway through, but the atmosphere was already starting to resemble a scene of swords and spears.

Although many people could not perceive it, Zhu Di, Xie Jin, Lan Yu, and others knew it perfectly well.

Zhu Yuanzhang seemed to remember something at this moment, and looked at Zhu Di with a half-smile.

"We asked you all to come back to celebrate your birthdays. The New Year hasn't even passed yet, why are you all here so early?"

Zhu Di composed himself and smiled at Zhu Yuanzhang, saying, "Father, you said we should be as frugal as possible on the road. Before the New Year, people are all at home celebrating the New Year, so we won't bother many people along the way. After the New Year, there will be more people, so we brothers all wanted to come as soon as possible to avoid causing trouble for the people and wasting money."

Zhu Di answered steadily and calmly, and added at the end, "Your subjects are very grateful to Your Majesty. This family reunion is truly hard-won."

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded, then sighed and said, "We are the emperor's family, different from ordinary people. Ordinary people want to reunite with their families, even if they are thousands of miles apart, they can ride a horse and see each other after some time."

“But if our whole family wants to reunite, the expenses for the people along the way will be considerable.”

"The Ming Dynasty is not wealthy yet, and the people are still suffering. If someone hadn't told us to reunite with our families, we wouldn't have wanted you to come back."

When Zhu Yuanzhang spoke, the crowd in the hall gradually quieted down.