Chapter 11: The Lonely Soul in the Snow! Deep Brotherly Affection!
Accompanying Zhu Biao was a tall, heroic-looking young man. Zhu Biao wore a robe with four-clawed dragon designs. The young man also wore a splendid garment. The two shared some resemblance in their facial features.
As they walked in the snow, they conversed freely. Four attendants dressed in sturdy clothes followed behind them.
Zhu Biao, with a slightly solemn expression, said, âFourth Brother! You must be prepared for your journey to Taijing City for your fiefdom. After the Empty Seal Incident, tens of thousands were implicated and executed. Father is sending you to your fiefdom for your own good. To prevent you from being attacked by the court officials! However, after you go to Taijing City, you can only return to Jinling once a year! Our chances of meeting will be few from now on!â
The heroic young man, upon hearing Zhu Biaoâs words, showed a trace of reluctance on his face.
âBig Brother! Among all the brothers, my fiefdom assignment is already considered late. I understand Fatherâs care for me. But the Empty Seal Incident implicated too many people! After I leave, Iâm afraid some in the court might still act in secret. Big Brother, you must take care of your health, donât overwork yourself!â
Zhu Biao nodded slightly upon hearing this.
He extended his right hand, opening it in the cold wind. A few snowflakes fell into his hand.
Zhu Biao quietly said, âFourth Brother! In this cold wind, some snow is normal! But our Ming Dynasty has only been established for fifteen years! And already there are so many parasites in the country! If we let them be! Iâm afraid our Ming Dynasty will follow the same path as the Yuan Dynasty! I can endure hardship and exhaustion, itâs nothing! No matter how hard or tiring, can it be harder than what Father endures? Sigh âŠ
âSince Mother passed away, Father seems to have aged several years overnight. Although he doesnât say it, he is very reluctant for you to go to Taijing City for your fiefdom! In the future, during the holidays, you must personally choose some gifts for Father!
âWhen people get old, they become nostalgic and want to enjoy familial happiness, often gathering with their children and grandchildren. But our royal family is not like ordinary families. In terms of familial happiness, we are even worse off than ordinary families! Both you and I! Must contribute to the Ming Dynasty. These are responsibilities we cannot shirk!â
The young man in splendid clothes stopped and respectfully clasped his hands towards Zhu Biao.
âI will heed Big Brotherâs teachings!â
Seeing this, Zhu Biao smiled and pulled the young manâs arm, leading him forward.
âThis yearâs snow seems heavier than in previous years! The mountain road is difficult to walk. Today, letâs first pay respects to Mother. After all, you are leaving. We should inform Mother. We brothers were born of the same mother! Mother always worried most about you during her lifetime. After paying respects to Mother, you should come with me to see Xiongying! When Xiongying was alive, he loved to pester you to teach him horse riding! Unfortunately ⊠his life was short âŠâ
At this point, Zhu Biaoâs eyes couldnât help but redden.
The young man in splendid clothes held Zhu Biaoâs arm, remaining silent.
At this moment, the wind and snow intensified!
Zhu Biao tightened his cloak.
In the distance, a large mountain dog stood on the hill, gazing at them. The young man in splendid clothes saw the large mountain dog, pointed, and said to Zhu Biao, âBig Brother! Look! Thereâs a large mountain dog over there! It has such good fur and strong bones! In this icy world, thereâs such a majestic mountain dog! I wonder who owns it!â
Zhu Biaoâs attention was diverted by the young manâs words.
He also looked at the hill. The large mountain dog stood there in the cold wind, looking quite imposing!
What Zhu Biao and the young man in splendid clothes couldnât see was, beside the large mountain dog, stood a boy in Daoist robes!
The boyâs face was calm, his eyes slightly moist.
âDamn it ⊠The cold wind is stinging my eyes! Why does it make me look like a lonely ghost!â
The boy didnât watch Zhu Biao and the young man in splendid clothes leave. Instead, he softly said to the large mountain dog, âLetâs go! Da Huang!â
Da Huang turned its head and quickly ran down the hill! Kicking up a flurry of snow!
Zhu Xuanji followed behind Da Huang. He looked back at the two brothers in the snow, feeling a bit emotional. It was rare in the royal family to see such brotherly affection.
If he hadnât misheard, that heroic young man in splendid clothes should be his fourth uncle, Zhu Di!
Without thinking too much, he had already stepped into the immortal path. There was a clear distinction between immortals and mortals.
Zhu Biao, his nominal father, couldnât see him. Perhaps this was a way to sever earthly ties! However, he made a new discovery today. His nominal father Zhu Biao and fourth uncle Zhu Di could actually see Da Huang!
This meant, in front of outsiders, except for himself and the buildings created by the system, others couldnât see them. Those spirit pets he had enlightened, could still be seen by others.
In this case, it wasnât too bad! In the future, he could pretend to be a deity, scare some people!
It wasnât impossible!