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

Chapter 32 The Brothers' "Promise"

Zhu Gaochi looked at Zhu Gaoxu, and in fact he was also increasing his bargaining power to get Zhu Gaoxu to agree.

Because he had a deeper understanding of Zhu Gaoxu, although he didn't know the exact extent, he was well aware that it would be difficult to get Zhu Gaoxu to agree.

The difficulty lies not in the agreement itself, but in what Zhu Gaoxu resented: his exploitation of Xu Miaoyun.

This was Zhu Gaoxu's preconceived reaction. Now, not only has he not stopped, but he has also proposed this agreement, which has not actually solved Zhu Gaoxu's problem.

But Zhu Gaochi wanted Zhu Gaoxu to accept it; he genuinely wanted to resolve the matter with this agreement.

Even if Zhu Gaoxu accepts, it remains to be seen whether the agreement will ultimately be effective, but this move will be made first.

If it works, that would be a pleasant surprise; if it doesn't, we'll see how it goes later.

Zhu Gaoxu looked at Zhu Gaochi, his fists clenching tighter and tighter.

"Boss, did you not understand what I was saying?"

Zhu Gaoxu really wanted to beat someone up. Was this the core issue he discussed with Zhu Gaochi?

In fact, the condition proposed by Zhu Gaochi was very tempting to him, but as soon as he thought of Xu Miaoyun, no matter how tempting it was, Zhu Gaoxu held back.

Zhu Gaochi said something that Zhu Gaoxu himself knew very well: Zhu Di's choice was not limited to the three brothers.

Normally, if Zhu Di were to make a choice, he would definitely choose from among his three brothers.

But Zhu Yuanzhang is the best example of this. After Zhu Biao died, he skipped all his sons and chose his grandson instead.

It is common knowledge throughout the court that Zhu Di favors Zhu Zhanji; everyone is well aware of it.

With Zhu Yuanzhang as a precedent, if he wanted to seize the position of crown prince, he would not only have to defeat Zhu Gaochi, but also Zhu Zhanji.

This was also why he was so tempted just now, but his refusal was not only because of Xu Miaoyun. He also knew that Zhu Zhanji's future was actually beyond Zhu Gaochi's control.

But what he couldn't understand the most was that Zhu Gaochi was unrepentant and wanted to continue, as if he was determined to use Xu Miaoyun.

Even now, he still doesn't believe that Zhu Gaochi has the ability to cure Xu Miaoyun.

Zhu Gaochi frowned as he watched Zhu Gaoxu's seemingly explosive reaction.

This person always says that others can't understand what they're saying, but this person can understand what others are saying?

Let alone the current Zhu Gaochi, even the original Zhu Gaochi, never doubted that Zhu Gaochi must be crazy to do such a thing.

Even Zhu Gaoxu could see it, so how could he not see it?

No matter how much we tried to persuade him, he wouldn't listen to a single word he said.

They just assumed he was 'using' Xu Miaoyun and wouldn't use their brains to think it through no matter what.

Thinking about all this, Zhu Gaochi stopped caring. Sometimes you really can't be too tactful when talking to this person, otherwise they'll just seem clueless.

"Second brother, where's your brain? Don't you always say you're not a brute? Why don't you think about it?"

You can see that I'm using Mother, so can't Father see it? Can't Mother see it? Can't the entire court see it? Do you think I can't see it?

"It's so obvious, tell me, what's gotten into me that I have to do this?"

"Boss! You! Me! Boss, try insulting me again, and I'll really beat you up!"

How would I know you were going to do this against your conscience? Who would know if you were crazy? You're notoriously hypocritical and cunning; who knows what you're up to now?

bang~

Zhu Gaoxu slammed his fist into the wooden table, which cracked instantly. When he removed his fist, a dent was clearly visible.

Zhu Gaoxu was furious. This Zhu Gaochi was making a personal attack on him!

Not a single word of filth was mentioned, but every sentence was an insult to him. Is this even human?

But upon closer examination, Zhu Gaoxu couldn't refute it with a single word.

Based on his understanding of Zhu Gaochi, although the man was immoral and hypocritical, he seemed incapable of doing such a thing.

Thinking about all this, Zhu Gaoxu suddenly realized that he seemed to have acted rashly. Why did he disagree with that agreement just now?

This agreement is a powerful handle that can completely control Zhu Gaochi.

Zhu Gaochi glanced at the table, listened to Zhu Gaoxu's words, his eyelids twitched, and he sighed helplessly.

Zhu Gaoxu was indeed very strong. This was a solid wood table, so thick, and Zhu Gaoxu destroyed it with a single punch.

When others pound on a table, it hurts their own hands, but when Zhu Gaoxu pounds on a table, he can actually smash it to pieces.

Zhu Gaochi was momentarily amazed by Zhu Gaoxu's strength; even the phrase "as strong as an ox" seemed insufficient to describe it.

Despite the astonishment, Zhu Gaochi was not happy at all.

"Second brother, this table is made of the finest pear wood that was just transported from Zhuya, and you've already smashed it?"

Your personality is really... well, you can't change it anyway, let's not talk about it.

Now you believe me, don't you? Do you think I'm the kind of person who would do something like this by using my mother?

"Boss, you've already insulted him, and you still want me to pay for the table? You're dreaming!"

"What I believe in, you are that kind of person."

Zhu Gaoxu believed it in his heart, but he didn't believe it at all.

But at the same time, I'm curious: if Zhu Gaochi was so confident, where did he get that confidence from?

Zhu Gaoxu suddenly realized that he seemed to have forgotten about Zhu Gaochi.

Seeing that Zhu Gaoxu was suppressing his emotions and not making a move, Zhu Gaochi stopped provoking him.

After all, too much of a good thing can be bad.

"Second brother, like I just said, if I can't cure Mother, I'll resign. As for that kid's matter, I'll also explain it to the old man."

However, if I cure Mother, you should stop making things difficult, and we can make up.

"Then you can choose any place within or outside the Ming Dynasty, how about that?"

Upon hearing Zhu Gaochi bring up the agreement again, Zhu Gaoxu remained silent, lost in thought.

At this moment, Zhu Gaoxu was very puzzled, not understanding what Zhu Gaochi was going to do.

He didn't know where Zhu Gaochi got his confidence from, as if he was certain that he could cure Xu Miaoyun.

It should be noted that even the Imperial Medical Academy and many renowned folk doctors were helpless in dealing with this.

Now that Zhu Gaochi can make such an agreement, he has obviously made preparations. But what exactly is Zhu Gaochi's basis for this?

The more Zhu Gaoxu thought about it, the more agitated he became.

"Eldest brother, where do you get the confidence to cure Mother's illness? Just from these medical books you've read?"

"Second brother, don't worry about that, just tell me if you agree or not."

Seeing Zhu Gaochi's smiling face, Zhu Gaoxu clenched his fists.

After a long silence, Zhu Gaoxu slowly spoke.

"Boss, I get it. You're trying to provoke me. You think I wouldn't dare?"

Let me tell you, you underestimate me!

I accept this offer!

I hope you'll keep your word; otherwise, I won't hesitate to help you save face.

Zhu Gaoxu couldn't figure it out, so he simply stopped thinking about it.

Anyway, he thought it was impossible to do. Zhu Gaochi was digging his own grave, so how could he not be satisfied?

As long as Zhu Gaochi doesn't take advantage of Xu Miaoyun's intentions, he's still happy to gamble with Zhu Gaochi.

No matter how you look at it, Zhu Gaoxu believed he had a 100% chance of winning.

But deep down, Zhu Gaoxu still harbored expectations.

He hoped that Zhu Gaochi could really cure Xu Miaoyun, although that was an impossible thing.

Zhu Gaochi watched as Zhu Gaoxu agreed, then stood up and smiled slowly.

"Second brother, then it's settled. You said it, so you have to do it."

"Hmph, don't think I'm as hypocritical, cunning, and shameless as you."

Seeing Zhu Gaoxu's retort, Zhu Gaochi laughed even harder.

He extended his right hand, clenched it into a fist, and gestured to Zhu Gaoxu with his eyes.

Zhu Gaoxu was taken aback at first, then reluctantly extended his right hand, clenched it into a fist, touched it with Zhu Gaochi's, and quickly pulled it back, his face full of resistance.

"Haha, second brother, I never knew you had such a shy side."

"Heh, I only bumped fists with you because I was afraid you'd get my hands dirty. Don't flatter yourself."

Zhu Gaoxu looked at Zhu Gaochi, whose face was full of teasing, no longer the effeminate man he used to be, but full of sunshine. The admiration in his eyes made Zhu Gaochi very unhappy and puzzled.

After a long while, the two of them laughed together.