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

Chapter 77 The Embroidered Uniform Guards Monitor the Prince of Wu's Residence

Once Zhu Jixi began his operation, the secret guards had to follow up promptly. Zhu Gaoxu and Wuliang supervised and trained them daily in basic skills such as scaling walls, grappling, fighting, swordsmanship, horseback riding, and archery, without ever slacking off.

Zhu Gaoxi was interested in another skill: painting.

Unable to resist the urging, Zhu Jixi decided to secretly investigate Zhu Yunwen's birth mother, Lady Lü. Given his decisive personality, he would likely take action very soon.

Zhu Jixi would certainly not share the latest developments or major discoveries at any time.

Zhu Gaoxi needed to obtain this information in a timely manner to adjust his strategy accordingly. Therefore, he decided to send his secret guards to follow up secretly, keep abreast of the latest news, and record it.

Perhaps, one day, it could be presented to the emperor as crucial evidence, prompting the old emperor to make a decision.

The most urgent task is to find a trustworthy artist to teach the guards basic painting skills.

If all else fails, let the stewed horse come out.

When asking someone for a favor, one must first show sincerity. Zhu Gaoxi understood this principle well. He had Yunfei cook Zhu Youdun's favorite braised beef, and personally served it to Zhu Youdun, sweetly calling out, "Brother."

The voice was so sweet that Zhu Youdun instantly got goosebumps all over his body and asked warily, "Little brother, just say what's on your mind, no need to be polite."

"I would like to invite a painter to the Prince's residence," Zhu Gaoxi's voice returned to normal.

"What can I do for you, brother?" Zhu Youdun didn't want to beat around the bush at all.

"No ordinary painter can compare to my brother," Zhu Gaoxi said, skillfully patting the horse.

Zhu Youdun pondered for a moment, "There is a painter named Xu in the Zhou Prince's Mansion in the capital. He had a serious illness in his early years, which was cured by my father. He is loyal and trustworthy. Moreover, his parents, wife and children are in Kaifeng, so he can move to the Wu Prince's Mansion to live permanently."

He knows our thoughts better than the worms in our stomachs. Brother Dun truly deserves to be called a trusted confidant; he genuinely cares about us.

"It's settled then. Let's go find Painter Xu now."

Zhu Gaoxi was worried about missing crucial information from Zhu Jixi's side.

"It just so happens that Miaojin and I are going back for a while. Let your younger brother stay in the palace to keep Grandpa company," Zhu Youdun said frankly.

Zhu Gaoxi unfortunately became a disliked third wheel, yet he could not complain. He felt bitter inside, but he still said thank you.

Seeing this, Zhu Youdun explained, "Miaojin needs to go home to take care of some personal matters."

This was tantamount to stabbing Zhu Gaoxi in the heart again.

Zhu Gaoxi, enduring the pain, thanked him again.

Seeing his pained expression, Xu Miaojin chuckled and teased, "What's wrong, prodigy? Did your schemes backfire?"

Having been repeatedly tormented by Xu Miaojin, Zhu Gaoxi was almost numb. He was too lazy to argue with the heartless brat and talked to Youdun on his own.

Xu Miaojin is currently enjoying great success in love, and her IQ has dropped to negative numbers.

Zhu Jixi was preparing for the investigation, so he asked the old emperor for leave and did not come to the Qianqing Palace.

Zhu Yunwen was initially worried about letting a wolf into the house, but seeing that Zhu Jixi was only enthusiastic for a short time, he guessed that he was just a flash in the pan and felt much more relaxed. However, when he saw Zhu Gaoxi appear as usual, his resentment surged up again.

Zhu Yunwen didn't give him a friendly look, and Zhu Gaoxi was unwilling to put on a show of kindness. The two were polite but cold to each other, and neither was willing to say another word.

Seeing his two grandsons locked in a cold war, the old emperor felt a mix of emotions and couldn't help but sigh.

"Grandpa, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Zhu Gaoxi asked worriedly.

"Grandpa, let Huang Liang go and fetch the imperial physician," Zhu Yunwen said with a worried expression.

"I hope you two can get along like brothers," the old emperor said, then turned and walked out.

Zhu Gaoxi immediately realized his oversight and took the initiative to speak to Zhu Yunwen: "Brother, let's go see Grandpa and follow behind him."

"Okay, let's go together."

Zhu Yunwen knew perfectly well that his grandfather was his greatest support.

Although his grandfather was dissatisfied with him and even considered changing the heir apparent, his grandfather was the only person he could trust and rely on.

The two walked outside the palace and saw the old emperor standing under the paulownia tree, talking to the imperial son-in-law, Wang Ning.

Zhu Gaoxi recalled that Wang Ning had invited him to the princess's residence last time, but he was unable to go. He felt that he should take the initiative to go and greet his uncle.

When Wang Ning saw the Crown Prince and the King of Wu approaching, he quickly stepped forward to pay his respects.

"You may rise, Your Highness," Zhu Yunwen said, raising his hand in a gesture of support.

"Uncle, when you have time, shall we play Cuju together?"

Judging from his physique, Zhu Gaoxi felt that Wang Ning's football skills should be quite good, and he could learn a few tricks from him.

"Alright, Your Highness, I will come to pick you up in a couple of days," Wang Ning said affectionately, taking Zhu Gaoxi's chubby little hand in his.

"Either stay in the palace, or go to your prince's residence. The princess's residence is too far away, you can't go there," the old emperor said, trying to stop him.

Seeing Zhu Yunwen's dejected expression, the old emperor added, "If Yunwen likes it, then go together."

Zhu Gaoxi did not want Zhu Yunwen to go to the Prince of Wu's residence, so he immediately said to Wang Ning, "Uncle, let's go to the horse farm. There's a grassy area there, which is perfect."

"Very well, I will come to the palace another day to play Cuju with Your Highnesses," Wang Ning said, releasing Zhu Gaoxi's hand and bowing to the old emperor before taking his leave.

"Grandpa, my brother and I have made up, please don't be angry," Zhu Yunwen said, taking the initiative to express his attitude.

Zhu Gaoxi readily took Zhu Yunwen's hand, as if to prove to the old emperor that what Zhu Yunwen said was true, and playfully asked, "Grandpa, aren't you being too nervous and overthinking things?"

"You brat, how dare you laugh at your grandpa!" The old emperor pretended to be angry and raised his hand to strike.

Seeing that his grandfather's anger had completely subsided, Zhu Yunwen couldn't help but laugh out loud, but a faint sense of worry lingered in his heart.

Just now, Zhu Gaoxi clearly didn't want anyone to go to the Prince of Wu's residence. Why was that? Was he hiding some unspeakable secret?

Zhu Yunwen thought about it more and more and realized that it was no small matter. He decided to send more people around the Prince of Wu’s residence with Song Zhong. If he could plant people inside, that would be even better. From then on, Zhu Gaoxi’s every move was under the surveillance of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Zhu Yunwen glanced at Zhu Gaoxi with a smug yet slightly provocative look.

Even with his eyes closed, the old emperor could sense the emotional fluctuations of his grandson, Zhu Gaoxi, who was no pushover either.

He knew in his heart that his two grandsons had only temporarily reconciled to please him.

However, he couldn't find a better solution, so he could only try his best to mend the relationship between the two.

Zhu Gaoxi didn't pay much attention to Zhu Yunwen's change in expression. After returning to the Qianqing Palace, he began to concentrate on reviewing the memorials.

Seeing Zhu Gaoxi focused on his work, the old emperor couldn't help but compare them in his mind.

In contrast, Gao Xi remained calm and composed, maintaining a facade of composure no matter how much he was threatened.

Yunwen, however, had too many selfish thoughts and often acted inappropriately.

Suddenly feeling his stomach rumbling, Zhu Gaoxi put down his memorial and was about to eat some snacks to replenish his energy when he saw Zhu Yunwen walk in from outside.

Since the last time Zhu Yuntong knelt in the Qianqing Palace with Zhu Jingyi, begging the old emperor not to change the heir apparent, Zhu Yuntong has never been to the vegetable garden again.

Zhu Gaoxi was slightly taken aback, but quickly put on a friendly smile and stepped forward to greet him, "Brother."

When Zhu Yunwen saw Zhu Gaoxi, he blushed with embarrassment and felt uneasy. When Zhu Gaoxi took the initiative to greet him, his eyes lit up with joy. He was about to explain when he noticed that Zhu Yunwen was also there. He simply hummed awkwardly and said nothing more.