Chapter 23: Zhu Biao—Seeking from His Younger Brother the Path to Defying Fate

In truth, Emperor Zhu was not ignorant of the reasoning the Empress Ma had spoken. Yet, every man has his flaws, and Zhu Yuanzhang reflected that perhaps it was Zhang Yi’s mention of Chang Yuchun and the misfortune that befell his own eldest son, which stirred his instinct for self-preservation.

Chang Yuchun was not only a minister to Zhu Yuanzhang, but also a brother in his heart, and family was the one thing Zhu Yuanzhang could never bear to have touched. After the empress’s words, the old emperor indeed felt the matter was a blessing rather than a curse. If he could foresee the future, he might amend his mistaken decisions, and make things right.

Can fate be changed? Faced with the elusive future, even the emperor was not certain. But he was Zhu Yuanzhang; what he wished to change must be changed.

Seeing the emperor slowly regain his vigor, Empress Ma smiled gently, her gaze upon Zhu Yuanzhang like that of a mother watching a sulky child. She recalled the day he married her, excitement mingled with a hint of self-doubt. She had guided him as one would a child, taught him to read, devised plans for him.

That man, once tinged with insecurity, had grown into a mountain she could rely upon—her idol. No matter how many concubines he took thereafter, his childlike innocence belonged only to her.

“Hmph! That boy cursed the descendants of the Zhu family. He must find me a solution, or I’ll show him what’s what!” Zhu Yuanzhang’s angry demeanor made the empress laugh.

“Biao has gone to see off the girl from the Chang family. I find her learned and gentle, a future good wife—if only they cherish each other well!”

...

The Zhu Biao mentioned by Empress Ma was, at that moment, sitting in a carriage with his future wife, gazing at each other. The girl from the Chang family lowered her head, not daring to look at her future husband.

Although the emperor had not bestowed the marriage, their betrothal was long decided by their elders, and they were well acquainted. Since the founding of Ming, the emperor allowed the children of meritorious officials to freely enter the palace, becoming childhood companions to the princes. Even before the Ming dynasty, Chang Yuchun and Xu Da had treated Zhu Yuanzhang, then Prince of Wu, as a brother.

Zhu Biao and the girl from the Chang family were not strangers; on the contrary, they were quite familiar. Yet, as they grew older, a shy affection blossomed between them, leaving the girl feeling uneasy.

“Sister Chang, my condolences,” said Zhu Biao gently. “Life rarely goes as we wish, but we must look ahead.”

His gentle words eased her sadness; she murmured thanks to the Crown Prince, and they exchanged a smile. Zhu Biao gazed at her delicate features, feeling ever more tender. He placed his hand atop hers. The girl trembled, but did not withdraw; Zhu Biao was pleased.

They spoke softly, and before they knew it, had arrived at the Chang residence.

The household was already preparing the mourning hall, and faint sounds of weeping echoed from within. The girl led Zhu Biao inside, and the servants, seeing the Crown Prince, moved to announce his arrival.

At that moment, discordant voices rang out—someone was beating and scolding the servants.

“You useless lot! You failed to watch over my brother. Today I’ll kill you all to accompany him in death!”

Chang Mao?

Zhu Biao frowned, displeased. As the Crown Prince, and future son-in-law of the Chang family, he had heard tales of Chang Mao’s conduct. His temperament and reputation were poor—even infamous. Yet, be