The strongest eldest son of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 77 Xu Miaoyun: Freedom Points are really useful!

Princes Zhu Gang and Zhu Di were completely unaware of the situation. The ministers, filled with surprise and doubt, quickly bowed and took their leave, then turned around and continued their discussion.

Someone frowned and said in a low voice, "Since it's not the Third Prince or the Fourth Prince, then it must be someone else."

Immediately, someone chimed in with speculation: "In my opinion, it's most likely the Second Prince Zhu Shuang and the Fifth Prince Zhu Su!"

"Both princes have been away from Jinling City recently. His Majesty has secretly sent them out to train and gain experience."

"His Majesty's secret selection of a princess must be a fitting match for these two princes who are away on their training journey!"

This speculation was so reasonable and well-founded that it immediately drew nods of agreement from all the ministers present, who wholeheartedly agreed.

A military officer stroked his beard and smiled, "His Highness is exceptionally brave and has an extraordinary spirit. My daughter is cheerful and outgoing; they are a perfect match!"

A civil official quickly chimed in, not to be outdone: "His Highness the Fifth Prince is learned and courteous, with a gentle and kind nature. My daughter is well-versed in literature; she and His Highness are a match made in heaven!"

For a time, everyone expressed their opinions, each convinced that their daughter was a good match for one of the two princes sent abroad, and eagerly hoping to be chosen.

On the other side, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di watched the officials leave, then stood still and chatted in hushed tones.

Zhu Gang's eyes held a hint of anticipation as he murmured softly to himself.

"Could it be that Father is secretly preparing to choose suitable marriage partners for us brothers? But he hasn't told us yet?"

Zhu Di's eyes were also full of eagerness, and he nodded repeatedly in agreement.

"Very likely! Father has always been a man of deep thoughts and doesn't like to announce his actions in advance. He must want to give us a surprise."

Zhu Gang straightened his robes, his expression becoming serious.

"If that's really the case, then we brothers must behave well during this time, be diligent and respectful, and lest we displease Father."

Zhu Di agreed wholeheartedly and immediately curbed his playful and restless nature.

"That makes sense. Let's put aside our pleasures for now and not let them ruin our marriage."

The two exchanged a glance and immediately abandoned their idea of ​​wandering around the palace. They turned around and walked back to their study in the palace to study and pursue their studies.

They were waiting for their father, Zhu Yuanzhang, to find them wives!

.....

Xu Da returned to the Duke of Wei's mansion, took off his court robes, and put on casual clothes, his eyes still carrying the smile of the banquet in the palace.

He found Xu Miaoyun studying in the courtyard, walked slowly to the stone table, sat down, and asked her a question with a smile.

"Miaoyun, His Majesty has urgently summoned me to the palace for a banquet today. Can you guess why?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Miaoyun gently put down the book in her hand, her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, she lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment, then looked up with a determined expression.

"I suspect that His Majesty's banquet is related to the marriage arrangements of us women of marriageable age."

Xu Da was startled, his eyes widened, and he stared at his daughter in astonishment.

"You...you never leave your residence and have never heard any news from the palace, how could you guess so accurately?"

Xu Miaoyun smiled slightly and calmly analyzed the situation with clear logic.

"Recently, the Emperor has summoned several high-ranking officials of the third rank or above, all of whom have daughters of marriageable age."

"A banquet held without cause is either a sign of good fortune or a scheme. Now that the court is stable and there are no disasters or plans, the only possibility is that the royal family is choosing a wife."

Xu Da nodded repeatedly, his eyes full of approval, and exclaimed in sincere praise.

"My son is exceptionally intelligent and meticulous, in no way inferior to men; he has truly surpassed his father!"

Xu Miaoyun raised her eyebrows slightly, a hint of curiosity in her eyes, and asked softly.

"In that case, Father, do you know which prince His Majesty is selecting a principal wife for?"

Xu Da spread his hands slightly, a helpless expression on his face, and slowly shook his head in reply.

"This is the most puzzling part; even your father doesn't know which prince it is."

"His Majesty only revealed that it was his child, who was exceptionally talented, capable, and extremely wealthy, and very good at business and making money."

"Most importantly, this marriage is a proper and legitimate union, with only a principal wife and no concubines, which is a true and auspicious match."

Xu Da gave a solemn and earnest instruction.

"Such a good match is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You should take good care of yourself and prepare well in the meantime, so as not to miss it."

Upon hearing this, Xu Miaoyun frowned slightly, her delicate brows furrowing, her expression growing increasingly solemn as she lowered her head to ponder and deduce.

She hesitated for a moment, then slowly spoke, her tone tinged with surprise and doubt.

"Father, as far as I know, among the princes in the court, the Crown Prince is kind but not good at business, while the other princes are either skilled in martial arts or fond of literature."

"But no one can match the wealth of all the princes and the extraordinary abilities of ordinary people. There is no one who can fully meet these conditions."

She looked up at Xu Da and boldly guessed aloud.

"I wonder if... His Majesty has another prince who is unknown to the world and has never been made public?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Da's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly waved his hands, his tone extremely resolute.

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Miaoyun, don't make wild guesses!"

"Since Your Majesty raised your army, I have followed you closely and I know everything about Your Majesty's family and private affairs."

"Moreover, after the banquet ended, many officials had already sent people to the Empress's palace to inquire about the situation."

"Her Majesty is extremely concerned about this matter and fully supports it, and her words are full of affection for that prince."

"If it were a secret, clandestine offspring, why would Her Majesty the Empress be so fond of it and openly support it? Absolutely illogical!"

After saying this, Xu Da took out the gift box bestowed by His Majesty from his bosom and gently placed it on the stone table.

"This is a novel item bestowed upon you by His Majesty today. Take a look at it; he says it is something women use close to their bodies."

Xu Miaoyun reached out and took the box as instructed, slowly opening it to see the delicate and clean little package inside, along with the instructions for use.

The moment she realized its purpose, her fair cheeks flushed crimson, her ears burned, and she quickly lowered her head, not daring to look closely.

She gently touched the fabric of the small bag with her fingertips; it felt soft, delicate, light, and dry. She was secretly amazed by the exquisite craftsmanship of the item.

A few days passed in the blink of an eye, and just as Xu Miaoyun's period began, the discomfort of heaviness and dampness that she used to experience returned as scheduled.

She remembered that novel and interesting item, and decided to give it a try, carefully following the instructions.

A moment later, Xu Miaoyun's eyes widened slightly, her face filled with disbelief.

The cloths we used to wear were rough, thick, heavy, stuffy, sticky, and restrictive, but today they felt dry, light, and weightless.

There was absolutely no feeling of stuffiness or heaviness; my body felt relaxed and comfortable, more relaxed than ever before.

Xu Miaoyun sat quietly for a long time, carefully savoring this comfort, and had already made up her mind.

A person who can devise such a tender and considerate object that empathizes with a woman's subtle suffering must be gentle, delicate, kind, and insightful.

They are by no means the ruthless, brutal, and fierce royal children that people stereotype them to be.

Her curiosity and fondness for the mysterious prince grew stronger, and she immediately got up to find Xu Da.

With a serious expression and earnest tone, she said, "Father, I am willing to keep the appointment. Please ask that you arrange for us to meet as soon as possible."

Xu Da was overjoyed to see that his daughter had taken the initiative to express her interest. He dared not delay and immediately tidied his court robes and rushed to the palace to see Zhu Yuanzhang.

When Xu Da arrived outside the Imperial Study, he found it already bustling with activity...