My father, Zhu Di, was granted a second life by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Chapter 120 At worst, I'll just run away with my second brother in Beiping.

Upon hearing that his adoptive father was returning to Beiping, Zhu Gaoxi hurriedly boarded a palanquin and headed to the Qianqing Palace.

They kept urging us on the way, and when we arrived in a hurry, we found that my cheap father was having a friendly chat with the old emperor.

The old emperor spoke with great enthusiasm, seemingly imparting his experience as a shepherd to his son, Zhu Di, instructing him to distribute cattle, horses, sheep, and other livestock to the guards, teach them to graze outside the Great Wall, train the foals to behave, make a living from wool and sheep's milk, and build fortifications and manufacture firearms and chariots in their spare time.

The old emperor had a keen understanding of everything, big or small, and he spoke eloquently, gesturing from time to time, making his descriptions vivid and detailed.

Perhaps due to his apologies at the time of parting, the old emperor's voice was filled with deep reluctance. He instructed Zhu Di to be wary of the Hu people's treacherous schemes and to send out scouts to patrol the border "too far away".

Zhu Di was also moved and bid a reluctant farewell to his father.

After bidding farewell to the old emperor, Zhu Gaoxi immediately left the palace for the Prince of Wu's residence, where he held a farewell banquet. At the same time, he sent Sanbao to inform Youdun not to bring any guards with him for the time being.

After his adoptive father leaves the capital, it won't be too late for Youdun to take over the defense of the Wu Prince's mansion. Zhu Gaoxi doesn't want to see his adoptive father heartbroken.

Sitting in the spacious carriage, Zhu Gaoxi placed his chubby paws in his cheap father's broad palm, gave him an innocent and bright smile, and his eyes glistened with tears.

"Fourth son, don't cry. Your father is a prince and should be guarding the border. If he stays in the capital, who will defend against the enemy?" Zhu Di wiped his face haphazardly with his large hand.

Zhu Gaoxi nodded, forcing back tears, his tender face almost scraped raw by the thick calluses.

The father gently rubbed his son's hand, pondered for a moment, and earnestly advised, "I know you and Youdun are very close and have always been honest with each other, but there's no need to be too open with each other."

To speak frankly and without reservation is the way a subject addresses his ruler, not the other way around.

"You are the heir chosen by your grandfather. There cannot be no distinction between superiors and inferiors. A ruler must treat his subjects with both kindness and severity, allowing them to see through his thoughts at a glance. How can he maintain his authority? How can he instill willingness in his subjects?"

If someone reads your mind, whether they are friend or foe, you will lose the initiative.

Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle. Allowing others to see you clearly is like drawing a circle around yourself and getting stuck in a stagnant situation.

Running water never stagnates, and a frequently used door hinge never rusts; once water stops flowing, it becomes stagnant.

"Fourth brother," Zhu Gaoxi's cheap father squeezed his fat hand tightly and emphasized, "If you fail to win the throne or if other changes occur, go back to Beiping with your second brother. That will be your eternal home."

Zhu Gaoxi was so moved that he could not express his feelings and nodded repeatedly.

"I've left you a foal, a Akhal-Teke horse. It's strong, fast, and very beautiful, with a deep red coat," the father gently stroked his son's hair. "Keep this horse in the palace for emergencies. There's no need to mention such a small matter to Youdun."

"I've got it," Zhu Gaoxi said, nestled in his adoptive father's arms, tears streaming down his face.

Inside the Wu Prince's residence, the Princess Consort of Yan was directing the guards to pack their belongings. Everyone was busy in an orderly and efficient manner.

It must be said that, as the mistress of the Prince's mansion, the stepmother was truly impeccable, managing all affairs in an orderly manner and firmly supporting any decision her husband made.

"Fourth Prince," Princess Yan rushed over, grabbed Zhu Gaoxi's hand, and led him inside.

They stopped outside the stable, and the stepmother said mysteriously, "Fourth son, guess what treasure your mother has prepared for you?"

Zhu Gaoxi felt that it must be the Akhal-Teke horse that his cheap father had mentioned. He had already built up the atmosphere, so it would be a shame not to continue the performance.

"Mother, what wonderful thing is it?" Zhu Gaoxi asked excitedly, full of curiosity.

"Close your eyes," Princess Yan asked with a childlike smile.

Zhu Gaoxi immediately did as instructed.

Only after being pulled into the stable did Zhu Gaoxi open his eyes as instructed by his mother.

Wow, so energetic! So handsome!

It held its head high, wild and untamed, with a smooth body line, strong muscles, and hair as smooth and delicate as silk, shimmering with a metallic luster in the sunlight.

Although he was prepared, Zhu Gaoxi was still amazed and deeply attracted by the energetic foal in front of him, and couldn't help but walk over.

"Thank you, Mother Consort!" Zhu Gaoxi was so happy that he danced with joy, not knowing how to express his happiness. "If his second brother, who loves horses like his own life, saw this, he would be so envious and jealous."

He now feels with an overwhelming sense that he is absolutely his parents' most beloved child, without exception.

"Fourth brother, you see, your father and mother are biased. They only think of you when there are good things."

Zhu Gaoxu's sour voice suddenly rang out, full of jealousy.

"You don't even study properly, yet you expect rewards? Not beating you is already an act of mercy," said the Princess Consort of Yan, brandishing her fist.

Zhu Gaoxu quickly begged for mercy, and taking advantage of his mother's inattention, he grabbed his fourth son and ran away.

"Slow down, don't let your brother fall," Princess Yan shouted from behind.

This speed was nothing to Zhu Gaoxi.

When they arrived at a secluded courtyard, Zhu Gaoxi stopped and stared into Zhu Gaoxi's eyes, asking, "Fourth brother, I have something to ask you, so don't hide anything from me."

"What is it, Second Brother?" Zhu Gaoxi asked without blushing or panting.

"Great job, fourth brother, aren't you tired at all?"

Seeing this, Zhu Gaoxi carefully examined his younger brother with great interest, completely forgetting the question he had just asked.

"Second Brother, I drink milk every day, and I'm in great health," Zhu Gaoxi replied with a slight smile.

"Our father told me to supervise your martial arts training to strengthen your body, but I always feel uneasy because I think he wants me to teach you survival skills. Will Prince Zhou replace you?" Zhu Gaoxu asked earnestly, growing increasingly angry. "He's been highly regarded by Grandpa since he was little. What if he ends up replacing you, and all our efforts are for nothing? Is he using you as a scapegoat?!"

"No, I believe in Brother Stew," Zhu Gaoxi replied with absolute certainty.

"Just believing him won't help; you still have to be careful. Don't be fooled by how respectful he is to you; who knows what he's really thinking? Look how much his father is favored by his grandfather," Zhu Gaoxu said bitterly.

"Second brother, don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Zhu Gaoxi said confidently.

"As long as he is wholeheartedly devoted to you, our family will not be unable to tolerate him. I, Zhu Gaoxu, am the first to agree," Zhu Gaoxu pondered for a moment, then said fiercely, "If he harbors ulterior motives, our Prince Yan's Mansion is not to be trifled with either."

"That will never happen," Zhu Gaoxi replied firmly.

"If things look bad, don't fight them head-on. Anyway, Second Brother is always here. At worst, we can escape back to Beiping," Zhu Gaoxu patted Zhu Gaoxi on the shoulder. "Survival is the most important thing. As long as we're alive, we can always fight again."

Just as Zhu Gaoxi was about to say something encouraging to his second brother, he saw Sanbao running over and quickly stood up to ask, "What's wrong?"

"The Crown Prince has come to visit, saying he wants to see the Prince off and has also written a personal letter for the Heir Apparent, asking the Prince to be sure to pass it on," Sanbao replied in a low voice.