The video takes us to ancient times; Li Er transforms into the Tongtian Emperor of Shu Han.

Chapter 194 My Great Ming Dynasty may perish, but its backbone will never be bent!

"Grandpa, don't talk nonsense. Since the imperial physician said it's just a minor cold, it's definitely nothing to worry about. You should rest and recuperate."

"Once we return to the capital in triumph, the imperial physicians will surely be able to cure you."

"You are very strong. These five campaigns in the northern deserts will certainly not be your limit. Your grandson still has many things he does not understand on the battlefield and hopes to continue to listen to your teachings!"

Seeing Zhu Di's calm demeanor, Zhu Zhanji panicked.

He had never seen his usually domineering and powerful grandfather like this before.

Only now did he realize that his grandfather might really be getting old.

"You little brat, why do you have to say that to make me happy?"

"Since ancient times, who has ever escaped death?"

Supported by Zhu Zhanji, Zhu Di slowly walked to the tent entrance, looking at the military camp outside with eyes full of reluctance.

If given the chance, he would like to continue fighting on the battlefield.

"My life has been full of ups and downs. I pacified the grasslands, moved the capital to Shuntian, and compiled the Yongle Encyclopedia."

"Even if it can't compare to the Tang and Song emperors, it's probably not far off."

"Because of the four words 'illegitimately obtained position,' I have never dared to slack off in my life and have never wasted a single day."

"The world only knows that I am warlike and aggressive, but they don't know that I work day and night, crawling on ice and sleeping in the snow on the battlefield!"

"If it weren't for my five expeditions to the northern deserts, the borders of the Ming Dynasty would have been breached long ago!"

"I have lived up to your expectations, I have lived up to your father's expectations, and I have lived up to the expectations of the people of this world!"

"Even if my sins are committed in this era, I will still have merits for posterity!"

Zhu Di's face turned red as he spoke, and he couldn't help but cough repeatedly when he got excited.

He gripped Zhu Zhanji's hand tightly, wanting to say something more, but couldn't stop coughing.

Zhu Zhanji gently patted his back, his whole body trembling.

Before him, it was no longer the arrogant Yongle Emperor, but an old man nearing the end of his life.

He said these things not so much to show off, but more to get affirmation.

"Grandpa, I know, I know everything."

“Even if no one agrees, in my eyes you are a hero of the Ming Dynasty. You saved the Ming Dynasty and countless people who were taken away by the Tatars and the Oirat tribes on the border.”

"Even if Great-Grandpa were alive, he would definitely acknowledge you!"

Seeing Zhu Di's excited expression, Zhu Zhanji quickly said.

Upon hearing these words, Zhu Di's expression finally relaxed somewhat.

"Don't try to comfort me. In my father's eyes, taking the throne from that scoundrel Zhu Yunwen is probably a crime that deserves a hundred deaths."

"No matter what I do, my father will never forgive me."

"I did all this not for his forgiveness, but so that when I see him again in the afterlife, I can stand before him and tell him with all my might that I have done a much better job on this throne than that brat Zhu Yunwen!"

"Even if history records it all in the future and everyone condemns me as a traitor who stole the country, at least I have a clear conscience."

After saying these words, Zhu Di's expression gradually calmed down.

Looking back on his life, he realized that he had lived in constant fear and trembling for decades after ascending the throne, never having a single day of peace.

Right now, it actually feels like a desire for liberation.

"Grandpa Emperor, please don't say that. You have no sins in this era, only merits for posterity!"

"You'll be alright, we'll go back to the palace, you'll definitely get better once we get back!"

Zhu Zhanji's eyes were already filled with tears.

Even a domineering man like Zhu Di showed such a vulnerable side. Who could say they didn't feel a pang of sympathy upon seeing this?

"Little brat, I probably won't be able to go back. You go back for me."

"You know, a large part of the reason I made your father the crown prince and let him succeed to the throne is because of you."

“You are my good grandson, the future of the Ming Dynasty is yours, so there is something I need to make clear to you today.”

"Do you know why I moved the capital to Shuntian?"

At this point, Zhu Di mustered his spirits and his expression suddenly became more serious.

"Grandpa, you once told me that the emperor guards the nation's gates and the monarch dies for the country!"

"That's right!"

"I demand that you swear an oath that throughout the entire Ming Dynasty, you will never cede territory, pay reparations, or engage in marriage alliances or tribute payments!"

"The Ming Dynasty may perish, but its backbone must never be bent!"

Zhu Di gripped Zhu Zhanji's hand tightly, squeezing it until both hands ached.

Zhu Zhanji broke out in a cold sweat and nodded hurriedly.

"vow!"

Zhu Di, however, did not let go, still holding his hands tightly.

"Your grandson swears!"

Beyond the celestial canopy, countless people were moved.

Liu Che narrowed his eyes slightly.

"The emperor guards the nation's gates, and the monarch dies for the state—well said!"

"I only regret that I was not born in the same era as Zhu Di, otherwise I would definitely drink and make merry with him!"

"Those bandits outside the Great Wall should be beaten until they are terrified, hurt, and subdued!"

"Why are they the only ones who dare to invade repeatedly? Why can they rest easy outside the Great Wall?"

"From now on, the roles of offense and defense have reversed!"

He felt he had found a kindred spirit!

Zhao Kuangyin: "..."

He felt there was a generation gap between him and these people.

Offensive and defensive type?

That seemed to be the case for him too, but it was clearly not what these people were saying.

The Liao people of today, and the Jurchens of not long after.

He still had the idea of ​​a counterattack, but it seemed that the Song Dynasty would struggle even to defend itself from then on.

Not to mention they wouldn't cede territory, pay reparations, or engage in marriage alliances or tribute payments.

During the immortals' inventory, those who paid the yearly tribute were utterly shameless!

If you really want to discuss this topic, then I'm going to disconnect!

"Zhao Heizi, aren't you ashamed? Even our son has such high awareness, what about your Zhao Song dynasty?"

"If Emperors Huizong and Qinzong had even half the awareness, such a disgrace as the Jingkang Incident should not have occurred, right?"

Old Zhu even added a couple of poignant words.

Zhao Kuangyin indicated that he had disconnected.

Fortunately, Old Zhu wasn't in the mood for teasing at that moment.

His mind was still more focused on the images on the sky.

The fourth prince, who moved the capital to Shuntian, guarded the country's gates, and died for his country, seemed to have truly reached the end of his heroic path.

The Ming army was on its way back to the capital as quickly as possible, but Zhu Di eventually fell ill on his sickbed.

He remained in a coma for several days in a row.

When I occasionally wake up, I'm still in a daze and can't speak clearly.

Zhu Zhanji was extremely anxious and, while ensuring that the journey would not be too bumpy, he did his best to speed up the withdrawal.

Unfortunately, Zhu Di's premonition was correct.

On this stormy night, as Zhu Zhanji sat by the bedside taking care of Zhu Di, he suddenly regained consciousness.

Seeing that Zhu Di's complexion had suddenly become much rosier, Zhu Zhanji's expression tightened.

"How long have I been in a coma?"

"It should be about three to five days."

Zhu Zhanji's voice trembled slightly.

"Is that so? It's been three to five days. It seems my old man's premonition was right."

"Since ancient times, no one has ever escaped death. I thought I could take it easy."

"But at this point, I realized that I was not satisfied. I still wanted to fight on the battlefield and completely pacify the grasslands."

"If only I could have a few more years..."

"Give me a few more years..."

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like