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

Chapter 25 The Beauty Trap

Without revealing Zhu Youdun's name, one cannot enter Xu Miaojin's boudoir.

Zhu Gaoxi felt that all his sincere feelings had been wasted.

The moment Xu Miaojin saw Zhu Youdun, she burst into tears, tears streaming down her face like a torrential downpour.

Crying won't help. Zhu Youdun isn't here to take you away; he's here to persuade you to come to Beiping with him.

Zhu Gaoxi was furious and kicked the barking dog several times.

Ma Sanbao grabbed a big stick and stood there threateningly, and the little dog dared not fight back, whimpering as it hid in a corner.

Such a grand spectacle did not diminish Xu Miaojin's deep and affectionate gaze.

Zhu Youdun remained silent, standing quietly as she greedily gazed at him.

Gazing at Xu Miaojin's graceful figure as she landed on the ground, he gently placed his fingers on her lips.

Xu Miaojin was deeply moved and couldn't help but whisper, "There's stew."

I never imagined Zhu Youdun was so good at flirting; I really misjudged him.

Zhu Youdun stared at her intently, then took out a scroll of painting from his sleeve and placed it in Xu Miaojin's hand.

When their fingers touched, it was like an electric shock, and they immediately blushed.

Upon opening it, I found a lifelike portrait of Xu Miaojin, so vivid and expressive that every line conveyed a deep longing.

Zhu Gaoxi had Ma Sanbao lift him up so that he could see the entire painting at a glance.

Zhu Yunwen openly robbed, and Zhu Youdun secretly attacked; neither of them were good people!

Zhu Gaoxi cursed inwardly.

It's common knowledge that he likes Xu Miaojin, but nobody gives in to him.

Zhu Youdun painstakingly painted this portrait, conveying too much information that can only be understood intuitively.

Xu Miaojin's heart was completely captured.

"I understand, I'll wait."

Every word carries immense weight.

What do you know?! He won't marry you? What are you waiting for?!

He entrusted his entire life to just this tattered painting?

I've seen people who are a bit dim-witted, but I've never seen anyone this dim-witted!

Zhu Gaoxi was so anxious that he scratched his head and cheeks.

"When Gao Xi left Beijing, I went to Beiping with him first," Zhu Youdun said in a gentle and charming voice.

I never expected him to know this; I really underestimated him.

Zhu Gaoxi was amazed.

"Okay, I'll go," Xu Miaojin said docilely, like an obedient cat.

Zhu Youdun raised his hand and gently stroked her lips from a distance.

She closed her eyes in ecstasy.

That's enough, when will this end?

Do you really think I'm invisible?

Zhu Gaoxi raised his whip and lashed it down hard. The puppy let out a terrified yelp and shrank back.

Without making any promises, Zhu Youdun turned and left.

Xu Miaojin hurriedly chased after him to the door, but hesitated, speechless and choked with emotion.

Zhu Youdun stopped walking without turning back. After a long while, he finally lifted his leg and left.

Perhaps this will be the last time he and she see each other.

Who knows?

He didn't want to hurt her.

But it couldn't give her any hope.

If there is a future, I will never betray you.

If it's not meant to be, then find a good person and marry them.

There's no need to keep waiting.

Wasting your youth.

In life, there are too many things that are beyond our control.

He had no idea what his future held.

His grandfather personally chose him as his principal wife, and he found it difficult to refuse.

He cannot take her away.

There's no reason for her to suffer and take risks with me.

Looking at the star-crossed lovers, Zhu Gaoxi suddenly lost his temper.

They love each other, but they can't be together.

Only those who have experienced it can truly understand the bitterness and pain.

Hey, never mind, taking a step back will open up a whole new world.

I, Zhu Gaoxi, will not argue with him anymore.

It's because Miao Jin likes him.

To thank Zhu Gaoxi, Zhu Youdun went to the vegetable garden and cooked him a sumptuous seafood feast.

"Well done," Zhu Gaoxi said sourly as he ate crab roe.

"Have you ever seen a seal?" Zhu Youdun asked with a nonchalant smile, trying to ingratiate himself.

Zhu Gaoxi shook his head slightly.

In fact, he had seen all kinds of marine animals in his previous life, and his family had many picture books when he was a child.

Zhu Youdun took out a painting from the book.

Although I was mentally prepared, I was still instantly captivated.

It's a little seal, leaping off the page, so cute and adorable, it seems like it could talk.

You have a conscience, I'll forgive you for the sake of the painting.

Zhu Gaoxi looked relieved and was no longer sullen.

Zhu Youdun picked up his cup, his expression solemn. "I entrust Miaojin's matter to you. If there is a future, I will gladly serve you."

What? Willing to be driven?

Zhu Gaoxi's eyes widened with excitement; this matter was exactly what he had in mind.

It's not about driving him; he just needs to share half of the profits Zhu Youdun earns in the future.

Zhu Gaoxi also picked up his water cup and clinked it with Zhu Youdun's.

This can be considered an agreement to accept the commission.

This is a risk-free, highly profitable business; only a fool wouldn't take it.

I've really hit the jackpot lately!

It's like a pie falling from the sky.

Happiness came too suddenly, and Zhu Gaoxi was dizzy and somewhat giddy.

I am so fortunate; how blessed I am by Heaven!

In addition to his cheap father, Zhu Youdun has become a long-term meal ticket.

It will be hard not to lie flat from now on.

Zhu Gaoxi was full of hope for the future.

He then focused on farming, growing grains and vegetables, and developing royal tourism for the powerful and wealthy.

May wealth flow in from all directions, and may you earn mountains of gold and silver.

In early February, after the investiture ceremony, the three princes were required to leave the capital within a specified period, according to regulations.

Zhu Gaochi wanted to take Zhu Gaoxi away, but Zhu Yuanzhang refused outright.

Zhu Yunwen also chimed in, "How can Gao Xi leave? He's Grandfather's source of joy; Grandfather can't live without him."

Left with no other choice, Zhu Gaochi had to set off back to Beiping with his wife, Lady Zhang.

Speaking of his eldest sister-in-law, in terms of looks, she is indeed somewhat inferior to Madam Lü.

Although Lady Lü came from a humble background, her appearance was truly unforgettable.

What word would be best to describe it?

Charming and alluring?

No, that's not quite right. She was born with stunning beauty.

It's so captivating that you can't take your eyes off it.

She was both innocent and alluring, delicate and charming, with sparkling eyes that revealed an indescribable beauty.

The Emperor treated Zhu Youdun well, finding him such a beautiful wife.

Miao Jin's position in Zhu Youdun's heart is in danger.

What kind of terrible tricks wouldn't Zhu Yunwen use to deal with Xu Miaojin?

Zhu Yunwen would only feel truly gratified if he could successfully make Zhu Youdun fall in love with someone else.

Xu Miaojin, don't you like him?

Then I'll show you just how philandering and lustful the person you like really is.

Your sincere feelings mean nothing to him!

In addition to his principal wife, Zhu Yunwen specially selected four concubines, each with their own unique characteristics, for Zhu Youdun. This was a privilege that Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Shangbing did not enjoy, and it was unique to him.

Zhu Yunwen's despicable thoughts made Zhu Gaoxi grit his teeth in anger.

Do you like Miaojin?

You are plotting against her.

Before leaving, Zhu Youdun mentioned Miaojin and repeatedly instructed her, "When will you return to Beiping? When will you take her with you?"

Zhu Gaoxi readily agreed.

Even if Zhu Youdun didn't ask for help, he wouldn't let Miaojin fall into a den of wolves.

This time, Xu Miaojin did not secretly run out to see him off.

She was probably afraid of seeing Zhu Youdun's wife, the Crown Prince's consort.

He watched as his beloved married a new bride.

Miao Jin must have woken up crying countless times at night.

Zhu Gaoxi wanted to comfort him, but after several visits, he was turned away each time. So he simply hid in the vegetable garden and ignored worldly affairs.

Zhu Yunwen always showed up uninvited.

He chatted with Zhu Gaoxi with great interest about the six founding dukes.

Zhu Gaoxi kept his mouth shut, determined never to discuss Miaojin with him.