Volume One, Chapter 19: Your Highness, It's Not That Simple!
“Jiang Lin, you haven’t told me yet—what exactly happened to our young prince Xiongying?”
“How could he suddenly vanish without a trace? Surely, there’s no record of this in the history books?”
Faced with Old Zhu’s persistent questioning, Jiang Lin gave him a thumbs-up.
“Your Majesty, congratulations, you’re right—there’s indeed no clear record in the official histories!”
Zhu Yuanzhang’s breath caught; the look in his eyes betrayed his attempt to conceal his irritation!
He nearly lost his temper. If Jiang Lin weren’t truly a talent worth keeping, he might have been tempted to give this impudent young man a harsh lesson on the spot!
Surely, he was deliberately trying to mess with his mind!
What was there to praise about such a matter? The audacity was growing by the day!
Meanwhile, Jiang Lin chuckled quietly to himself.
He loved seeing Old Zhu so furious yet utterly powerless.
Ha ha ha!
This feeling was simply exhilarating!
Only by provoking such resistance from Old Zhu would he associate Jiang Lin with nothing but bad news, ensuring he wouldn’t want to come around anymore!
Thus, he wouldn’t disturb his and the princess’s private moments.
“Brother Jiang...”
A hoarse voice suddenly broke in; Zhu Biao’s eyes had lost their sparkle.
“Is there truly no record in the future about the cause of Xiongying’s death? He... he was so young, so adorable, so smart and clever, so obedient and sensible...”
Jiang Lin was startled by Zhu Biao’s appearance.
But then he thought, who could easily accept the news that their beloved son had died at eight years old?
The fact that Zhu Biao could still stand before him was proof of his strong mental fortitude.
Jiang Lin’s heart softened; he frowned thoughtfully before replying to Zhu Biao:
“Your Highness, although the history books don’t record the cause of young Xiongying’s death, later generations have rumors that he contracted smallpox, which is what you call the pox disease.”
“!!!”
Hearing this, Zhu Biao’s eyes widened in shock.
He knew well what smallpox was—a fatal disease with no cure, highly contagious and dangerous.
Zhu Biao spoke slowly, “Brother Jiang, do you mean... young Xiongying passed the smallpox on to the Empress?”
Jiang Lin nodded: “That’s right, Your Majesty. Xiongying grew up by Empress Ma’s side. I suspect that by caring for the gravely ill boy, she became infected.”
“It’s over, it’s all over!” Zhu Biao’s face was filled with despair.
Zhu Yuanzhang spoke up: “Biao’er, why are you afraid? Xiongying hasn’t fallen ill yet!”
“When we return to the palace, we’ll arrange for the imperial physicians to check on Xiongying daily. This will greatly reduce the chance of illness!”
“That’s all we can do for now!”
Zhu Biao nodded weakly, worry still clouding his gaze.
Jiang Lin smiled lightly and waved his hand.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, rest assured. Smallpox has been completely eradicated in the future, and there are ways to prevent Xiongying from falling ill.”
“The cowpox method: find a cow infected with smallpox, take the pus from its blisters, and apply it to the patient’s skin.”
“This stimulates the immune system—using a mild poison to fight a deadly one—which can prevent the disease!”
Zhu Biao nodded repeatedly. Though he didn’t fully understand, he now placed complete trust in Jiang Lin.
“Phew... Xiongying is out of danger.”
After noting Jiang Lin’s treatment method, Zhu Biao finally exhaled in relief.
“Brother Jiang, so according to you, as long as Xiongying’s smallpox is controlled, the Empress won’t be infected.”
“If the Empress doesn’t die unexpectedly from illness, Father won’t change so drastically in temperament, losing control over his ruthlessness.”
“In that case, there would be no rift between Father and me...”
“In other words, if we save Xiongying, then we save the Empress, and by extension, save myself!”
“Is that right?”
After Zhu Biao’s analysis, joy instantly spread across the faces of those present.
Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily:
“Excellent! Our little sister, Biao’er, and Xiongying—all are safe!”
From now on, the course of history would change dramatically.
But...
Who would succeed the throne according to the original timeline?
Old Zhu’s mind gradually conjured the image of his grandson, Zhu Yunwen, who was only a year old.
By the rule of primogeniture over merit, with Biao’er gone, Xiongying gone, and Lady Chang gone as well, once Lady Lü became Crown Princess, only Yunwen could ascend.
But Yunwen’s succession wasn’t bad either!
After all, Jiang Lin had said the third Ming emperor was the Yongle Emperor.
By sequence, he should be Yunwen’s son, and a flourishing era is never born overnight—it must have been Yunwen who laid much of the foundation, surely a wise ruler.
Yet, even if Yunwen did well, Old Zhu still favored his eldest grandson, Zhu Xiongying.
He turned swiftly to Zhu Biao and ordered:
“Biao’er, you must remember, from now on, carefully educate Xiongying. Don’t be negligent, and pay close attention to those around him...”
“In short, the three of us must work together to raise Xiongying into a wise ruler, so he doesn’t stray and endanger the Ming!”
Zhu Biao shared a similar resolve.
Hearing this, he vowed solemnly:
“Father, don’t worry. I will keep Xiongying by my side and lead by example!”
“As long as the three of us work together, we will surely usher in a prosperous era for the Ming, giving the people a good life!”
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded happily.
At this moment, visions of a thriving Ming Dynasty filled his mind, and a smile threatened to break free on his lips.
Zhu Biao couldn’t help but laugh aloud.
“???” Jiang Lin wore a puzzled look.
What was going on?
He hadn’t said a word just now!
Uh... what now?
Should he reveal the truth?
Would that spoil their current enthusiasm?
Eh, wait—what was he hesitating for?
There was nothing to hesitate about!
After all, they had already disturbed his peaceful life!
“Your Majesty, Your Highness, though your analysis is correct, the matter is not so simple.”
...