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

Chapter 90 The Crown Prince's Consort is Pregnant

After receiving a private message from the old emperor, Zhu Jixi reappeared looking radiant, the gloom he felt after being kicked out of the Wenhua Hall completely gone, and he seemed to have rekindled his hope.

The old emperor truly turned decay into magic; in just half an hour, he completely transformed Zhu Jixi's condition, which Zhu Gaoxi secretly marveled at.

Zhu Jixi was able to join the team that handled memorials to the emperor as he had wished.

Zhu Gaoxi and Zhu Youdun exchanged a glance and tacitly changed the work process. Zhu Youdun first wrote down his proposed solutions and then handed them to Zhu Gaoxi for review.

We mustn't let Zhu Jixi find out that we are the successor the old emperor is grooming.

Otherwise, given his personality, he would definitely have made a big fuss about it so that everyone on Earth would know.

Although Zhu Jixi never showed any malice towards us, the two sides vying for the throne do not need preconceived malice to fight to the death.

Better safe than sorry; precautions are always necessary.

Zhu Youdun took the initiative to stand in front and draw fire for Zhu Gaoxi.

The old emperor sat beside his three grandsons, observed them silently for a while, and then turned to look out the window.

Gao Xi and You Dun quietly joined forces to deal with Ji Xi.

The contest was conducted secretly.

Zhu Gaoxi merely read the text and did not offer any opinions.

Zhu Jixi deliberately imitated him, but did not say a word.

The hall was quiet, with the occasional sound of turning the pages of memorials being read.

Zhu Gaoxi knew that Zhu Jixi had not gained the old emperor's approval and was not qualified to compete for the throne. Therefore, he did not reject Zhu Jixi, but was worried about how to continue the investigation of Lady Lü.

After Zhu Yunwen's marriage, it was difficult to find a suitable reason for Yishiha to approach the Crown Prince's Palace, and there was no way to make Zhu Jixi take the blame again.

How can we find a breakthrough?

Zhu Gaoxi was completely clueless and frowned deeply.

"Little brother, what's troubling you?"

Zhu Jixi noticed that Zhu Gaoxi looked worried and concerned about the matter.

"I can't bear to part with my brother, and I don't want him to return to his fiefdom," Zhu Gaoxi told a lie with ease.

"Don't be sad, little brother, I won't leave," Zhu Jixi said softly, seeing Zhu Gaoxi's eyes glistening with tears.

With the emotional groundwork laid, Zhu Gaoxi was about to subtly reveal Zhu Yunwen's scheme when Zhu Yunwen rushed in like a gust of wind, exclaiming, "Grandpa, Jia Hui is pregnant! The imperial physician just confirmed the pregnancy!"

The Jia Hui that Zhu Yunwen mentioned was the Crown Prince's wife, Lady Ma.

"What? Really? Yunwen, you're not lying to your grandfather, are you? Jia Hui is pregnant?" The old emperor was so happy that he was incoherent. He stood up, rubbed his hands, spun around a few times, and suddenly slapped his forehead. "Quick, hurry up, let Dai Sigong go and take a look."

"Don't worry, Grandpa, I've already sent someone to invite them," Zhu Yunwen said with a beaming smile.

This wonderful news came at the perfect time. Once the Crown Prince's wife gave birth to a son, it would undoubtedly mean that Zhu Yunwen's position as heir apparent would be even more secure.

The emperor was moved to tears, knowing that his empire had a worthy successor.

Zhu Gaoxi, Zhu Youdun, and Zhu Jixi all stood up and congratulated the Crown Prince in unison.

To celebrate, Zhu Yunwen had Wu Liang bring over the money pouch and rewarded each person with a gold leaf.

Zhu Gaoxi had a sudden inspiration and said with utmost sincerity, "Grandpa, my sister-in-law is pregnant and experiencing morning sickness, so it's inevitable that she'll vomit and lose her appetite. Yunfei, the palace maid in the vegetable garden, is an excellent cook and has some medical knowledge. I'm willing to let Yunfei go and take care of my sister-in-law."

Zhu Yunwen's face darkened, and he refused with great wariness, saying, "No need, Mother Consort has already found a female physician."

He refused outright and without leaving any room for negotiation. The old emperor felt awkward and quickly tried to smooth things over, saying, "Gao Xi meant well."

Zhu Gaoxi had expected that his good intentions would be met with ingratitude. Undeterred, he pressed on, saying, "Brother, one female doctor certainly can't handle it all. We need at least three female doctors to take turns. Let Yunfei go instead. She's an excellent cook, and my sister-in-law will definitely have a good appetite."

Zhu Yunwen's tone softened slightly, "Thank you, brother, but no need. There are enough female doctors."

"If we don't have enough manpower, we'll talk to Gao Xi."

What a great opportunity to ease tensions! The old emperor was a little worried for his grandson.

Zhu Gaoxi smiled magnanimously, not taking it to heart at all.

The old emperor longed for a great-grandson and repeatedly instructed Zhu Yunwen to take good care of the Crown Prince's wife.

As noon approached, seeing that the old emperor looked tired, Zhu Gaoxi made up an excuse and pulled Zhu Jixi back to the vegetable garden for lunch, so that the old emperor could catch up on his sleep.

Upon arriving at the vegetable garden, Zhu Jixi spoke freely without any reservations, "Look how proud he is. So what if he had a son? Besides, it's not even guaranteed to be a son."

This sarcastic tone may indicate that Zhu Jixi had realized his chances of seizing the throne were slim.

While pondering a solution, Zhu Gaoxi enthusiastically served food to Zhu Jixi, trying to curry favor. "Brother, the chef at the Prince of Wu's residence was brought over from the Duke of Wei's residence by Miaojin. His dishes are delicious and beautifully presented. Brother, go and try them before you return to your fiefdom."

Zhu Jixi was so moved that his nose tingled, and he nodded while holding Zhu Gaoxi's hand.

During his most distressed time, Zhu Gaoxi's friendliness and kindness brought him great comfort.

The throne was never his for the time being, yet Zhu Jixi felt as if he had lost a priceless treasure, a sentiment Zhu Gaoxi lamented inwardly.

"Let's stop the investigation into the Lü family for now. Brother, please return to your fiefdom in peace. We'll talk about it again when the opportunity arises," Zhu Gaoxi said softly with a hint of regret.

With the Crown Prince's wife pregnant, it is truly inappropriate to forcibly investigate the Eastern Palace at this time.

Otherwise, it would frighten the unborn child in the Crown Princess's womb, and she would be in deep trouble.

You can't catch the fox, but you end up getting yourself into trouble.

There was no chance left; Zhu Jixi was already disheartened.

He knew all too well how difficult it was to return to the capital, though others might not have known.

He submitted numerous memorials requesting permission and went to great lengths to please his grandfather before finally being granted permission to return to the capital once every three years.

"But Brother Xiong Ying and his mother died under mysterious circumstances..." Zhu Gaoxi said, tears welling up in his eyes. "Brother, is there any other way to find out the truth?"

How dare a woman in the harem lay a hand on the emperor's grandson? It was utterly lawless! Zhu Jixi grew increasingly furious as he thought about it.

"Brother..." Zhu Gaoxi cried even harder.

Zhu Jixi was deeply moved. "Brother Rong, think about it again. We certainly can't keep going to the East Palace; that's Zhu Yunwen's territory. However..."

A thought flashed through his mind: "Just because we can't get in doesn't mean others can't. Ma's pregnancy will definitely require advance preparation of midwives, wet nurses, and female doctors."

He said he wasn't short-handed, but was just wary of his younger brother causing him trouble.

"It's best to find out the truth from somewhere."

As Zhu Jixi spoke, he thought and his thoughts gradually became clear. Suddenly, he slapped his forehead and exclaimed, "How could I have forgotten him?"

"Who?" Zhu Gaoxi pressed.

"The marriage between Cao Guogong Li Jinglong's daughter and my third brother Jihuang has been arranged. They will be personally welcoming her at the end of the year," Zhu Jixi said excitedly, his eyes shining. "I heard that he has close ties with Zhu Yunwen. It shouldn't be a problem to place someone through him."

"This is a very important matter, brother, you must act with caution," Zhu Gaoxi kindly reminded him.