Volume One, Chapter Fifteen: The Mind's Whispers

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Zhu Biao felt a flicker of relief in his gaze upon seeing his son so sensible. Then his tone softened, carrying a gentle admonition: “Xiong Ying, remember, no matter what happens, your life is the most important thing.”
“At all times, preserving your life must be your first priority.”
“You are the heir apparent of the Ming dynasty, the future of the Zhu family. No one shall take that away from you.”
Upon hearing this, Zhu Xiongying’s heart stirred slightly.
He lifted his head and looked at Zhu Biao with a childlike innocence in his eyes. “Father, I shall remember.”
Zhu Biao lightly patted the back of his hand, a faint smile playing on his lips, yet the worry in his eyes remained stubbornly.
His fingers tightened ever so slightly as he said in a low voice, “This incident made me realize that some areas have been managed too loosely.”
Zhu Xiongying keenly caught the unspoken implication behind his father’s words, his gaze flickering.
He said nothing, quietly watching him instead.
He listened attentively to Zhu Biao’s advice, his eyes warm and obedient, a perfectly measured smile curving his lips.
But inside, turbulent waves churned beneath the calm.
Just as Zhu Biao finished his admonition, a familiar electronic chime rang in his mind:
[Ding—Host unlocked “Advanced Character Insight Function.” Function description: This function allows the host to read the target’s inner state and psychological motives.]
[Current function usable once, costs 800 points. Host, do you wish to use it?]
Zhu Xiongying did not respond immediately. He lowered his eyes, feigning caution as he sipped from the medicinal bowl.
His thoughts raced: “Father’s attitude is clear; this event has struck a nerve.”
“But what exactly does he mean by ‘loose management’?”
“Is it mere self-reflection on his oversight, or is there a deeper meaning?”
Silently, he uttered, “Use ‘Advanced Character Insight Function.’” Instantly, the system interface appeared in his mind.
[Target: Zhu Biao]
[Current psychological state: Complex (a blend of worry, guilt, and responsibility)]
[Future expectations: Zhu Biao holds high hopes for you, wishing you to inherit his benevolent and people-centered governance philosophy and become a wise ruler of the future Ming. Yet, at the same time, he is deeply uneasy about your youth and the power struggles you face, hoping to pave the way for you swiftly.]
Seeing this, a subtle movement stirred in Zhu Xiongying’s heart.
He glanced covertly at Zhu Biao, whose gentle and jade-like visage concealed profound anxiety.

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This complexity stirred conflicting emotions within him.
“Father not only harbors suspicion toward Lady Lü but also realizes her influence might threaten the management of the Eastern Palace…”
Zhu Xiongying analyzed silently, his thoughts growing ever more composed. “His guilt is evidently not merely for neglecting me, but also for reflecting on his leniency toward Lady Lü.”
He quietly withdrew his gaze and closed the system interface in his mind.
A thoughtful expression flickered in his eyes.
That his father trusted him so deeply and placed such great hopes on him was undoubtedly his greatest leverage at this stage.
As his mind turned, the system chimed again:
[Ding—New mission issued: Please consolidate your position as heir apparent through strategic means.]
[Mission rewards: +1000 points, unlock system “Power Network Map” function.]
Zhu Xiongying frowned slightly but swiftly regained his composure.
He gently gripped the medicinal bowl, bowing his head to mask the stir of emotions. “Consolidate the position of heir apparent… It seems every step ahead must be taken with utmost caution.”
Meanwhile, outside the Imperial Medical Office where Zhu Xiongying resided, in the Qin King’s Mansion, Qin Wang Zhu Zhu strode briskly through the study.
He was burly, with a dark complexion like a ripe jujube, and his brows furrowed with anger.
Suddenly turning, his burning gaze locked on Jin Wang Zhu Heng seated nearby.
“Third brother, how much longer do you think Zhu Xiongying can keep playing around?”
Qin Wang’s voice dripped with contempt. “During the autumn hunt, he almost died, and Father scolded us black and blue instead. Life’s unbearable!”
At these words, Zhu Heng’s eyes gleamed with a profound meaning. He sat calmly, gently rubbing his teacup, his tone measured: “Second brother, don’t rush. That kid is clever but still just a child.”
“No matter how favored he is, it’s only due to the protection of the Crown Prince and Father.”
“What we need to do is make Father realize he’s not the safest bet.”
Zhu Zhu snorted coldly, rage flashing in his eyes. “Father won’t listen to such words! We were just a bit late arriving at the hunting grounds and got chewed out for it.”
“As long as Zhu Xiongying remains, none of us royal uncles will have a chance to rise!”
Zhu Heng sipped his tea, eyes deep and inscrutable. “You can’t say it quite like that. Second brother, the autumn hunt incident already showed the heir is not invincible.”
“Besides, the Crown Prince’s health has always been fragile. If anything happens to him someday…”

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He paused, then looked toward Zhu Zhu with a probing tone: “Who do you think will be more suitable then?”
Hearing this, Zhu Zhu’s brow twitched, arrogance glinting in his eyes.
He was about to reply when footsteps sounded outside.
Shortly after, Zhu Di entered the study slowly.
He wore a deep blue informal robe, his features sharp and spirited, yet his expression was calm.
Casting a glance at the tense pair, he spoke evenly: “Second brother, third brother, quite an animated discussion.”
Zhu Zhu’s face stiffened momentarily at Zhu Di’s arrival but quickly relaxed.
He sneered, “Fourth brother, you’re just in time. We were talking about Zhu Xiongying.”
“What do you think of the autumn hunt incident?”
Zhu Di smiled faintly, walking steadily to the table. He poured himself a cup of tea casually, his expression unruffled.
“What else could it be?”
“The heir nearly lost his life, and Father was furious.”
“It’s natural for second and third brothers to feel disgruntled after being scolded.”
Zhu Heng narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone probing: “Fourth brother, what’s your take?”
“Are we royal uncles really going to keep watching Zhu Xiongying swagger over us forever?”
Zhu Di calmly set down his teacup, his demeanor composed as always.
His gaze swept between the two as he said lightly, “If second and third brothers feel displeased, by all means, discuss it with Father.”
“As for me, the emperor is far away and the heavens are high—I just want to return to my fief quietly and live my days in peace.”
He paused, then his eyes suddenly sharpened:
“But there is one thing I must remind you.”
“Father dotes on the heir very much. If anyone harbors ill intentions toward him, you all know the consequences.”
At this, Zhu Heng’s expression shifted slightly. He narrowed his eyes, looking at Zhu Di with a teasing tone: “Fourth brother, what do you mean by that?”
“Could it be we would dare harm that boy?”