Volume One, Chapter 31: Zhu Yourong: I Have No Clothes to Wear...

At this moment, the look Zhu Biao cast toward Zhu Di was filled with admiration.

He knew that Jiang Lin, a man from the future, referred to his fourth brother as the "Yongle Emperor." From this alone, one could deduce that Zhu Di would eventually ascend the throne as a monarch of great merit.

It was fortunate that his fourth brother had arrived in time to salvage the situation!

Otherwise, if the Great Ming had continued to be governed by a mediocre ruler like Zhu Yunwen and his cohort of incompetent ministers, it might have followed the same path as the Qin and Sui dynasties within a few years, meeting an end that collapsed after only two generations.

Zhu Biao spoke up, "Fourth brother, after tomorrow’s morning court session, I will come to find you, and we shall visit Jiang Lin together."

"Very well, elder brother. I will have the carriage prepared and waiting for you!"

Zhu Di nodded, a sense of anticipation blooming in his heart at the thought of meeting Jiang Lin.

From childhood, he had always regarded his elder brother as his role model, the standard he strove to chase and emulate. Thus, he was burning with curiosity: what kind of achievements would he make after ascending the throne? Would he be more capable than his elder brother? And how would the people of the future judge him?

***

Meanwhile, Jiang Lin emerged from the kitchen.

He was carrying two bowls of steaming red bean porridge and a plate of soft-boiled eggs. After setting them on the dining table, he noticed that Zhu Yourong had yet to come out, so he curiously called out toward the bathroom.

"Yourong, aren't you finished yet? I’ve already prepared dinner..."

"I... I have no clothes to wear..."

The moment those words were spoken, Jiang Lin felt a sudden pang of awkwardness. He had only just remembered that he had forgotten to prepare clothing for the princess. The crux of the matter was that he truly did not possess any attire suitable for an ancient woman in his home.

Jiang Lin hurriedly opened his system inventory, his gaze quickly drawn to a black miniskirt. However, he did not take that piece out; instead, he selected a modest dress.

Women of the Ming Dynasty were naturally extremely conservative; he certainly could not present her with anything too revealing. Everything had to be done one step at a time.

Jiang Lin knocked on the bathroom door and said, "Princess, I only have clothing from the future here! It’s a dress; would you like to try it on? I would love to see how you look in it. I’m sure you’ll look absolutely beautiful!"

Hearing Jiang Lin’s words, Zhu Yourong found it difficult to refuse.

"A dress from the future? I... I will try it."

With that, she opened a crack in the door and extended a slender, jade-like hand to receive it.

When Zhu Yourong finally stepped out of the bathroom, a look of stunned admiration flashed across Jiang Lin’s eyes.

The cinched waist of the dress perfectly accentuated her slender, delicate frame and her proud figure. He had not expected that beneath the bulky, concealing ancient robes, Zhu Yourong possessed such a captivating silhouette.

The curves were clearly visible.

It is often said that the ancient tradition of naming children is full of wisdom. Looking at her now, he realized it was true—Zhu Yourong was truly worthy of her name.

Freed from the constraints of her heavy, traditional garments, Zhu Yourong appeared remarkably tall and graceful. Between the hem of her dress and her shoes, a glimpse of her fair, alluring ankles was revealed—a sight that was simply enchanting.

If she had worn that black miniskirt, it would have been even better!

Under the heat of Jiang Lin’s gaze, Zhu Yourong bashfully lowered her head, a deep crimson flush spreading across her fair cheeks, yet her heart felt delightfully sweet. She was very satisfied with Jiang Lin’s reaction.

"I told you, you look absolutely stunning in a dress."

After saying this, Jiang Lin took Zhu Yourong’s small hand and led her to the mirror. Feeling the warmth radiating from his palm, Zhu Yourong felt overjoyed. No girl could ever refuse a compliment on her beauty from someone she admired.

"The clothes of the future are very beautiful. I... I like them."

"I have a skirt as well; you would surely look even better in that!" Jiang Lin coaxed gently.

Zhu Yourong’s eyes lit up instantly. "Really? I want to try it!"

Jiang Lin handed her the skirt he had already prepared. Zhu Yourong, having no idea what kind of garment it was, took it and headed toward the bedroom.

Inside the room, looking at the short skirt in her hands, Zhu Yourong froze. The excitement she had felt was instantly crushed by a wave of intense shame.

In an instant, her face turned as red as a ripe apple.

Had he brought the wrong clothes? Was the skirt really this short? Was this what women of the future wore?

Zhu Yourong hesitated, unsure whether she should put it on. If she didn't, would Jiang Lin be unhappy? He seemed quite expectant...

In the end, Zhu Yourong took off the dress and put on the short skirt.

The skirt reached only to her knees, leaving her long, slender, and fair legs exposed. Her skin was so smooth and delicate that not a single pore or stray hair could be seen. Under the glow of the lights, they appeared like polished jade.

When she looked down slightly, she discovered she couldn't even see her own toes!

"Hmm..." Zhu Yourong’s face turned bright red as she felt the garment was a bit... intrusive.

"Princess, do you not like it? I thought you would!"

Seeing no movement from the room for a long time, Jiang Lin’s voice carried a hint of disappointment.

Zhu Yourong quickly opened the door and stepped out, saying, "I do like it..."

Jiang Lin was momentarily stunned. He had known she would look beautiful, but he had not expected her to be this breathtaking—it had completely exceeded his expectations.