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

He was only fifteen or sixteen years old, with a robust and muscular build. Tang He slapped him so hard that he stumbled and hurriedly knelt down to kowtow to Zhu Yuanzhang: "Greetings, Grandfather!"

Bang bang bang!

Very loud sound.

Zhu Xiong Ying felt pain just looking at it and gasped in shock.

This kid is a bit simple-minded!

Kneeling is fine, just do it as a formality, why are you going to such lengths?

Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned for a moment, but he didn't have any extra red envelopes on him. When he looked embarrassed, Zhu Xiong Ying reached out and handed the red envelope to Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Grandpa, I brought your red envelope. You must have forgotten it in your rush?"

Zhu Yuanzhang glanced indifferently at the unmoved Zhu Xiong Ying.

This kid is not only quick-witted, but also has a strong ability to react on the spot. He is worthy of being trained by us and has not let us down!

"Here you go. It's the New Year, kid, get up."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Tang He and said, "It's done. Now, where's our grandson's red envelope?"

Strangely, the old man did not make Zhu Xiong Ying kneel down and kowtow.

It's not surprising, because Tang He wasn't qualified.

Yes, yes, we have them all!

Tang He handed Zhu Xiong Ying a large red envelope.

Then he said with a smile, "It's not that I'm being naive. You know, sometimes, young people still need to smoke. Look at our grandson, he was so naughty when he was little, but after smoking for a while, he learned to be filial to his grandfather."

"This time when you came back, you even brought us some kind of hanging mirror or something."

"What do you think we need this thing for at our age?"

As they talked, Tang's tone changed: "But you know what, this thing is actually quite useful."

Zhu Yuanzhang smiled faintly, and said with a disdainful look, "Hehe, what's the use? It's just a piece of glass mirror at best."

Tang He said, "Then you're wrong. Come here!"

Tang He affectionately put his arm around Zhu Yuanzhang's shoulder: "Did you see the words on this paper? Can you see them?"

Zhu Xiong Ying followed Tang He's gaze and saw that even the old man himself could only see it vaguely. What normal person would write characters the size of ants crawling?

The old man shook his head: "It's so small, how could anyone see it clearly?"

Tang He shook his head with a smile: "No, no, no! Here, old friend, you take this. Oh dear, be careful! My grandson brought it from the sea. This thing is very precious, you can't afford to break it!"

Seeing Tang He's cautious expression, Zhu Yuanzhang was displeased.

What the hell?! Isn't he just bragging about how filial his grandson is to him?

It's as precious as anything!

However, the old man still picked up the glass mirror and looked at the words.

Isn't this just a magnifying glass?

Moreover, it's made of glass, so it's not very clear.

However, in this era, it's already considered very good.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked over, smacked his lips, and nodded, saying, "Hmm, not bad."

Tang He quickly waved his hands repeatedly, as if afraid that others wouldn't know, and said, "No, how can I give it to you? This is the only one I could get. Next time, next time for sure!"

Zhu Yuanzhang: "..."

Lao Tzu asked if you wanted it?

What is this? Next time is definitely coming!

However, the old man was not angry.

With a flourish, he took out a brocade box from his pocket, opened it, and skillfully placed his glasses on his nose.

They're incredibly stylish.

Tang He was stunned for a moment.

The pure white lenses and gold-framed glasses gave the old man an indescribable air of elegance.

What is this?

Tang was somewhat curious.

Zhu Yuanzhang said casually, "Oh, it's nothing, my grandson made it himself."

"Yes, our New Year's gift and birthday gift."

Tang said suspiciously, "So you were all mysterious about sending this thing? Isn't this also a mirror? It's much thinner than this one, no way."

Zhu Yuanzhang chuckled coldly: "Try it, but be careful not to break it. There's only one."

Tang He was also laughing, but more than that, he was dismissive. This thing had a strange and messy shape; it was definitely not good.

As he spoke, he casually took Zhu Yuanzhang's glasses and, imitating him, put them on his nose.

then.

Tang He shuddered violently, almost jumping up!

He was shocked. How...how could this be?

At that moment, Tang He felt as if the entire world before him had been illuminated!

Tang He's world has been illuminated!

These glasses seemed to possess some kind of magic; once worn, the soup and everything in front of me became incredibly clear.

He looked at his little grandson with trembling eyes.

His simple and honest appearance, his skin tanned dark from years of living on the coast of eastern Zhejiang, his strong and powerful chest, and even the threads on his cotton-padded jacket were clearly visible!

Tang He looked up and saw the incredibly clear pimples on his grandson's face, and he was stunned.

"All right."

Zhu Yuanzhang took the glasses off Tang He's nose frame like a precious treasure: "My grandson gave them to me. If you want them, have your grandson get them for you."

"I……"

Tang He slightly opened his mouth and stretched out his hand, wanting it but too ashamed to speak. So he looked at Zhu Xiong Ying with an extremely ardent gaze.

Zhu Yuanzhang quickly stepped in front of Zhu Xiong Ying: "Don't look anymore, this is the only one. Next time, next time I will definitely get you one."

next time……

must……

Isn't that what I just said?

Tang He smacked his lips, his face full of eagerness: "Hehe, when is the next time? Hey, old buddy, don't do it in front of the kids, let's ask the kids first."

"Hey U.A., when are you going to get us one?"

Zhu Xiong Ying was speechless, just about to speak.

Zhu Yuanzhang then pulled Tang He aside, his face showing eagerness and enthusiasm, along with a smile.

"Then we'll have to wait a bit, since our kids are quite busy too."

"Sometimes, when it comes to educating your grandson, you can't just rely on beating him. If you beat him for too long, he'll become dull-witted."

"Oh, I'm not saying your grandson is no good. I just want to tell you that my grandson is quick-witted, and it's not something I pulled out of his head."

"Of course, it's not because we taught him. It's because the child is so capable and filial to his old man."

"People can't resist filial piety. Once they start being filial, they'll think about what their elders need. Take these glasses, for example, right? Isn't it because the children are being filial that they feel at ease?"

Tang He was stunned by what he was told, and couldn't help but gasp.

The old man... he's really putting on an act!

Is it really necessary to show off like that?

Yes, we were showing off in front of you just now, isn't it enough that we admit our mistake? Is it really necessary to make such a fuss?

Tang He felt a chill run down his spine.

Seeing that he had shown off enough, Zhu Yuanzhang pulled Zhu Xiong Ying and said, "That's enough, let's go back."

As he spoke, he skillfully placed his glasses on the bridge of his nose.

With glasses on, I don't care about anyone!

Then, with a swaggering gait, he walked towards the door, quite pleased with himself.

"Wow! This is incredibly clear! What a gem, truly a gem!"

Watching Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Xiong Ying's departing figures, Tang He's face twisted with envy and longing.

"Grandpa, what's that? I'll get you one tomorrow!"

Tang He looked at his simple-minded grandson and sighed, "Sigh, don't even think about it, you... can't make it."

Tang Sheng's face turned red: "Grandson...Grandson can go and rob the pirates!"

Tang He said impatiently, "Fuck you! Pirates? Those barbarian devils are as stupid as dogs, how could they possibly make something this precious?"

"That's giving those worthless dogs too much credit!"

Tang left, cursing and swearing, his face filled with deep disdain.

As evening approached, the old man didn't stay with Zhu Xiong Ying any longer. Wearing glasses, he left indifferently with his hands behind his back.

His leisurely stroll, swaying from side to side as he walked, made it seem as if he wanted everyone to have their eyes on him.

Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head and smiled helplessly.

She's definitely being quite vain and showy!

Not long after the old man left, people came to Lan Yu's residence.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked closely and saw a soldier in military uniform.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

The soldiers showed great respect for Zhu Xiong Ying; their every word and action exuded deep respect.

Zhu Xiong Ying asked in confusion, "Who are you?"

"This humble servant is Cao Tai, the newly appointed commander of the Palace Guard."

Cao Tai, son of the late Duke of Anguo, Cao Liangchen, was one of Zhu Yuanzhang's thirty-two founding heroes.

At the same time, he was also Lan Yu's most loyal follower.

After the Lan Yu case broke out, Cao Tai was the first to be arrested and executed.

This person is from my maternal great-uncle's lineage.

Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze softened somewhat as she said, "So it's Commander Cao. Is there something you need?"

Cao Tai said, "Replying to your question, young master, the palace has made arrangements. The Duke of Liang said that you can send the person into the palace, and I will come to pick them up."

Zhu Xiong Ying didn't know why, but they always liked to call her a little adult.

Perhaps it's because of the connection with Lan Yu?

Lan Yu has no children, so that's what they all call me?

However, Zhu Xiong Ying was too lazy to care about all that. Let them call him whatever they want, since they're all on his side anyway.

Upon hearing Cao Tai's words, Zhu Xiong Ying knew that Lan Yu had arranged for Zheng He to enter the palace.

Zhu Xiong Ying was somewhat surprised, not expecting Lan Yu to be so attentive, having arranged everything so well on the first day of junior high.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded: "Thank you, please wait a moment, I'll go get someone."

Cao Tai clasped his hands in thanks: "Young master, you're too kind. We're all family, no need for thanks."

Zhu Xiong Ying hummed in agreement, without uttering any further words. Time would tell, and he remembered how these people had treated him.

When Zhu Xiong Ying arrived at the backyard.

Zheng He was still sweeping the fallen leaves in the courtyard.

It was getting late, and lanterns were lit in the mansion.

Zheng He seemed to have gotten into the habit of cleaning the mansion every night and morning, and he also habitually brought Zhu Xiong Ying honey tea before Zhu Xiong Ying went to bed.

In short, Zheng He was a very meticulous person, and he always took excellent care of Zhu Xiong Ying.

Hearing footsteps, Zheng He put down his broom, stood aside, and said with a happy expression, "Master, you're back?"

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Zheng He with a solemn expression.

Zheng He seemed to understand Zhu Xiong Ying's meaning.

He put the broom aside and said, "Sir, I'll go pour you a pot of hot tea."

Zhu Xiong Ying did not stop him.

Zheng He brought Zhu Xiong Ying a cup of hot tea, then went to Zhu Xiong Ying's study to busy himself for a while, and then went to the bedroom to tidy up for a while.

He moved quickly, and emerged shortly afterward.

"Sir, there is honey tea in the study. It should be neither too hot nor too cold when you are reading."

"The bedding in your bedroom has been made."

"I've also instructed the kitchen to prepare hot water for you, so you can take a bath right after you finish reading."

As he spoke, Zheng He's eyes began to redden.

"Sir, I am not very capable, but I know the difference between superiors and inferiors. I dare to ask you not to read too late in the future."

"Sir, you are a light sleeper, so please drink less tea at night."

"Master..."

Zheng He lifted his robe, respectfully prostrated himself on the ground, and kowtowed three times to Zhu Xiong Ying.

"When I was at my darkest hour, it was you who saved me."

"You have been very kind to me, sir. I am extremely grateful."

"I have never known how to repay you, sir. I want to serve you for the rest of my life, but you said that a man should have great ambitions."

"I will no longer be able to serve you tea and water or attend to your daily needs. Please take good care of yourself in the days to come."

"This humble servant...will not disgrace you, sir!"

Zhu Xiong Ying took a sip of tea, hummed in agreement, and said, "Get up."

"There is much infighting in the palace. Where there are people, there is trouble. One must be patient and forbearing in all things."

Zheng He kowtowed three times to Zhu Xiong Ying again: "Your Excellency understands! Your Excellency will certainly not disgrace you!"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded: "Let's go, come with me to the front yard."

Zheng He got up, carefully placed the broom back in its original position, glanced back reluctantly, and then followed Zhu Xiong Ying step by step toward the front yard.

In just a few months, he went from Ma Sanbao to Zheng He, and from a thin beggar to Zhu Xiong Ying's personal maid.

Because of Zhu Xiong Ying's presence, Ma San Bao rekindled the last vestiges of his ambition.

To be a good person... you must be successful!

This is what his grandfather taught him, and he has never dared to forget it. He keeps in mind every principle that Zhu Xiong Ying taught him, whether right or wrong.

This is Zhu Xiong Ying's personal charm; Zhu Xiong Ying influences everyone around her invisibly.

The master and servant walked to the front yard.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Cao Tai and said, "I've brought the person to you."

Cao Tai nodded and glanced at Zheng He: "Come with me."

Zheng He lowered his head and followed behind Cao Tai.

In fact, he never dared to tell Zhu Xiong Ying that the inner palace, especially the eunuchs, had a strict hierarchy. If he went in, he would be subjected to all kinds of humiliation. He had already experienced it once, and this time... he didn't know if he could live to see the day Zhu Xiong Ying mentioned, when they set sail.

But as long as his master says one word, he will still go without hesitation, even if there is great danger ahead.

"and many more!"

Zhu Xiong Ying called out to Cao Tai: "He is in the palace. Please take good care of him, Commander Cao."

Cao Tai hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but then stopped.

He wanted to say that he was not qualified to enter the harem. If there were any men in the harem, it was only Zhu Yuanzhang, and only him.

However, he could see the reluctance and concern in Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes for Zheng He, so he nodded and said, "Okay!"

Watching Cao Tai and Zheng He leave, Zhu Xiong Ying stood in the courtyard for a long, long time.

The night was slightly cool, the moonlight rustled, winter was deep and spring was shallow, and the weather was still chilly despite the warmth.

On the wide Zhuque Avenue, massive marble blocks were transported from Yunnan to Yingtian, paving the street with an incredibly smooth surface.

In less than six months, under Zhu Yuanzhang's rule, the construction of roads in the country had spread to all the major thoroughfares.

As for the construction of rural and off-rural roads, it will remain a policy focus this year.