Ming Dynasty: What's wrong with being a leisurely crown prince?

Chapter 22 Zhu Zhanji's Choice

Sweat began to appear on Zhu Zhanji's forehead, and he looked somewhat pained.

As Zhu Gaochi looked at Zhu Zhanji, he frowned even more deeply.

The fact that Zhu Zhanji was able to think and ponder for so long is enough to show that he actually knew a lot.

Zhu Gaochi was not surprised at all. In his view, the poor and the truly powerful actually matured much earlier.

Children from poor families have to shoulder the burden of their families' survival at a young age, while truly powerful and wealthy families cultivate their heirs by nurturing those who are intelligent and insightful from an early age.

Zhu Gaochi is dissatisfied that Zhu Zhanji has been thinking for so long.

The fact that Zhu Zhanji, being a sensible person, took so long to think about this matter indicates that there was something wrong with his thinking.

The more powerful and wealthy a family is, the more likely many of its members' futures are already predetermined.

Even though Zhu Zhanji was the heir apparent to the Eastern Palace and was deeply loved by Zhu Di, his fate was already sealed: he was destined to shoulder the heavy responsibility of the Ming Dynasty.

This is a principle that Zhu Zhanji must understand, and not only must he understand it, but he must also strive to do it well. This is Zhu Zhanji's mission.

Zhu Zhanji's current thinking precisely illustrates that he did not value these issues at all, believing that his current and future position was for enjoyment, not for enduring hardship.

For Zhu Zhanji, becoming emperor or crown prince was not difficult; barring any unforeseen circumstances, he was certain to reach that position.

However, it is difficult to do well; it requires effort from a young age.

Others may have a childhood, but Zhu Zhanji was destined not to.

In life, we are destined to lose something in the process of gaining something.

Unless Zhu Zhanji didn't want to shoulder that responsibility.

But he just didn't want Zhu Zhanji to continue as he always had.

For a time, Zhu Gaochi was disappointed in Zhu Zhanji, but at least he was not completely disappointed. At least Zhu Zhanji was only hesitant and had not yet made up his mind.

Zhang Yan, standing to the side, saw Zhu Zhanji still hesitating, and then saw Zhu Gaochi's expression begin to turn somewhat heavy, and her heart sank as well.

Even she had some feelings for Zhu Zhanji. Did she really need to think about this for so long?

Zhang Yan was about to speak when Zhu Gaochi reached out and grasped her hand tightly.

Seeing Zhu Gaochi shake his head, Zhang Yan could only remain silent.

Zhu Gaochi waited patiently for a long time before Zhu Zhanji slowly raised his head and met his gaze.

"Father, I understand. My identity is destined to be extraordinary. I will have to go through these things sooner or later. It's better to go through them sooner rather than later."

However, one thing needs to be made clear first: I will decide when to take a break!

Zhu Zhanji had indeed come to a realization; in fact, he had no choice but to. Zhu Gaochi's demeanor clearly showed that he had made up his mind.

He can't give up his current position and future just to have fun.

Now he knows quite a lot, and although his thinking may not be comprehensive, he is not unaware of the pros and cons involved.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Zhu Zhanji with great satisfaction.

However, Zhu Gaochi's expression remained solemn, showing no sign of relaxation.

"It's a good thing that you've come to this understanding, but I can also tell you that this is something you should definitely come to understand."

If you can't even understand this point, you're destined to be incapable of shouldering great responsibilities in the future.

You are almost nine years old now. In an ordinary family, you would have already started helping out at a young age, and at this age, you should be preparing to take on the heavy responsibilities of the family.

Now that you are the Crown Prince, you need to understand this simple truth even more.

Now you tell me, you say you've figured it out, but what exactly have you figured out?

Zhu Gaochi didn't mention anything about his childhood. That's something that only happens in peaceful times. In this era, the eldest son of the legitimate wife generally doesn't have any so-called childhood.

Zhu Gaochi himself had experienced hardship in his previous life and knew the difficulties of ordinary people.

In this day and age, life is only getting harder for ordinary people. Under those circumstances, how can anyone still expect to have a childhood?

But perhaps childhood is when everyone is the same.

Perhaps only in some wealthy families can one have what is called a true childhood.

But it's always difficult for the eldest son. As the eldest son in the family, he is destined to shoulder many responsibilities, a principle that applies in any era.

What Zhu Gaochi is curious about now is what Zhu Zhanji has finally figured out.

Whether it was because he was forced to do so, or because Zhu Zhanji came to his own senses, the difference is worlds apart.

One is out of necessity, the other is voluntary; these two represent different ideologies.

This is the root.

Zhang Yan, who had just breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Zhu Gaochi's question, immediately tensed up again.

The gentleness Zhu Gaochi displayed these past two days made her overlook the changes in Zhu Gaochi in other aspects.

The pressure Zhu Gaochi exudes when he gets serious is even stronger than before.

Zhu Zhanji was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected Zhu Gaochi to press him for details. He had thought Zhu Gaochi just wanted his opinion or a word from him.

Taking a deep breath, Zhu Zhanji's youthful voice slowly rang out.

"Father, what I've come to understand is that as the heir apparent of the Eastern Palace, I am destined to become the grandson of the Ming Dynasty, the crown prince, and eventually the emperor."

If I were to take those positions, I would need to have even greater abilities.

Mother just said that if you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.

Father, you just said that if you enjoy the benefits that come with status and position, then you must bear the responsibilities that come with it.

I don't know what I should do, but one thing is clear to me now: I must study hard so that I can shoulder important responsibilities in the future.

"Hehe, that's very well said. It's quite impressive that you can say these things at this age."

Zhu Gaochi's expression relaxed, and Zhang Yan and Zhu Zhanji both smiled, their tension instantly disappearing.

But then Zhu Gaochi's smiling voice continued, causing Zhang Yan and Zhu Zhanji's hearts to jump again.

"You speak very well, but ultimately it's your words. No one knows what you're really thinking."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Zhanji's smile froze, and he stared blankly at Zhu Gaochi.

Zhang Yan was a little anxious, but she also knew that at this point, she couldn't interrupt.

Even if she had any thoughts at this moment, she could only tell Zhu Gaochi when it was just the two of them after Zhu Gaochi had finished instructing Zhu Zhanji.

At this time, Zhu Gaochi was not only her husband, but also the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty.

Although she was the Crown Princess, on matters of principle, she could only stand with Zhu Gaochi.

Although she could arrange Zhu Zhanji's teachings, disrupting Zhu Gaochi's plans at this moment would be tantamount to interference in politics by the harem, and would also damage her relationship with Zhu Gaochi.

The consequences were equally enormous.

Distinguishing between different situations is a principle she must understand, or one she should have understood long ago.