Chapter Seven: Fraternal Harmony!

Outside, the torrential rain had ceased. The fierce winds had died down. The world had returned to calm. Within the grand hall, silence reigned as well. Above, Zhu Yuanzhang seemed lost in deep contemplation. Below, the civil officials and military generals were all hushed, no one uttering a word.

Setting aside the intrinsic quality of the poem, just those two lines—"Pity the Qin Emperor and Han Wu, somewhat lacking in literary grace; Tang's ancestors and Song's founders, slightly less refined in their romantic flair. The pride of an era, Genghis Khan, only knew how to bend his bow and shoot mighty eagles"—if penned by anyone else, they would surely be condemned to the imperial dungeon, awaiting execution come autumn.

How outrageous to dismiss Qin Shi Huang, Han Wu Di, the Tang and Song emperors, even Genghis Khan in such a manner! What kind of arrogance is this? If it weren’t for imperial authority, what scholar would dare write such verses? Yet Zhu Yunxu had done just that. And it was precisely during the fierce contest for the crown prince’s position that he wrote this poem.

Not only did the poem fit the theme and the occasion, but it also captured the very spirit of the day, striking at the core of imperial grandeur. The final line, “To count the heroes, look to the present age,” boldly revealed the poet’s intent: if I become emperor, I shall surpass Qin Shi Huang, Han Wu Di, and the emperors of Tang and Song!

This was the understanding among the assembled literati in the hall. Of course, they never suspected that the line actually referred to the vast masses of common people! To them, Zhu Yunxu was merely expressing his feelings through poetry, taking the opportunity during the contest to petition old Zhu for the crown prince’s seat once more.

With this poem’s appearance, Zhu Yunwen’s earlier, more conventional poem was rendered obsolete. Yet, how would His Majesty the Emperor view this? Everyone quietly turned to Zhu Yuanzhang. Huang Zicheng stood frozen in place, unable to offer any judgment at this moment.

To say Zhu Yunxu’s poem was inferior to Zhu Yunwen’s—no literati, nor even the rough military men, would accept that. But to say Zhu Yunxu’s poem was good? That would be mistaken. For this poem was excessively arrogant, outright treasonous!

Zhu Yunxu, however, remained utterly unconcerned. After reciting the poem, he said humbly, “I have never cared much for poetry and prose. Today, I did it out of necessity. As for its merit, I invite Mister Huang to critique it openly before all the court’s civil and military officials.”

Huang Zicheng offered no response but bowed respectfully to old Zhu and said, “I humbly await Your Majesty’s judgment.”

The eunuch presented the written poem. Old Zhu gazed at it silently for a long while. Finally, he sighed deeply.

Majestic! Truly majestic!

Having only attended private school for two years and then becoming self-taught, old Zhu differed from traditional scholars largely in his disdain for their pedantic airs. For instance, he detested the verbose, flowery language of official memorials. Why not speak plainly? Yet they insisted on showing off literary talent! Thus, even his imperial edicts were often written in vernacular.

Yet even so, it was difficult to dispel the stale scholarly atmosphere. Sometimes, he could only sigh in helplessness.

Regarding poetry, old Zhu once composed:

“Slaughtered a million soldiers in Jiangnan, the sword at my waist still stained with blood! The old monk knows nothing of heroes, only babbling to ask names.”

He was very proud of this poem, believing its plain language expressed his heroic spirit far beyond the stale literati.

But after witnessing Zhu Yunxu’s poem today, he realized what true grandeur and world-shaking vigor meant—so stirring and memorable.

“This child is like me!” a thought flashed through old Zhu’s mind as he fixed a deep gaze on Zhu Yunxu.

“We are tired. Let’s end today’s court session,” he said, rising and turning to leave.

“Your Majesty!” Huang Zicheng and the officials hurried to stop him.

They had agreed to settle the crown prince’s position today. How could they adjourn halfway? Who then would be named heir apparent?

“Your Majesty, the crown prince’s position…” “We shall discuss it another day!” came the distant voice of old Zhu.

“Your Majesty, I recommend the third prince…” “Your Majesty, I also recommend the third prince…”

“Court is adjourned!”

——

In the Eastern Palace.

Though Zhu Biao had died months ago, no new heir had been appointed. Therefore, Zhu Biao’s wife and children still resided there.

Zhu Yunxu had just returned when he saw Zhu Yunwen waiting for him.

“Third brother!” Zhu Yunwen bowed with perfect courtesy.

“If I have ever wronged you, I hope you will forgive me. After all, we are brothers, not by the same mother but by the same father.”

“If you wish to be crown prince, I will yield to you. But do not anger Grandfather the Emperor.”

His words were sincere, heartfelt, his demeanor humble to the extreme.

“I never wished to be heir. Especially since Father passed, I long to follow him to the afterlife and serve him there.”

“But if I did so, I would shame Grandfather.”

“For loyalty and filial piety, I cannot act otherwise.”

“I do not desire the crown prince’s seat; Grandfather insists on giving it to me, and I am helpless.”

“But rest assured, third brother. Today I will submit a memorial requesting to observe mourning at Father’s grave and will not contest the heir apparent’s position.”

“We are brothers; we must not become enemies.”

Tears glistened in his eyes as he spoke. Any onlooker would be moved to tears by his performance—a model of a good elder brother, unselfish and devoted.

Zhu Yunxu, however, was unmoved, inwardly amused.

He knew Zhu Yunwen’s true thoughts all too well. But such acting—only an Oscar was missing!

Indeed, history recorded Zhu Yunwen as mediocre in all respects. His winning of old Zhu’s favor and eventual designation as heir was largely due to this masterful performance.

Old Zhu was a shrewd man. For Zhu Yunwen to fool him into believing in his pure filial piety and sincerity, the acting had to be superb.

Zhu Yunxu did not expose him. After all, he still resided in the mansion, now under the control of Zhu Yunwen’s mother, Lady Lü. If they fell out, though she dared not harm him outright, she could make life difficult.

Since Zhu Yunwen insisted on this charade, Zhu Yunxu would play along.

“Second brother is right,” Zhu Yunxu said. “My contest for the crown prince’s seat is not for selfish gain. We are brothers, always brothers!”

“Brothers may quarrel within the walls but unite against outside foes. Even if our bones break, the sinews remain connected.”

“We may compete, but our brotherly bond is genuine.”

“Whoever wins or loses, it shall not affect our fraternal affection.”

Whether that affection was deep or shallow only Heaven knew.

“Ha ha ha!” Zhu Yunwen laughed heartily. “Well said, third brother! Brothers should always live in harmony.”

As they spoke, they embraced—brotherly affection and respect.

At that moment, a quacking voice sounded outside.

“By imperial decree, the Third Prince is summoned to the palace for questioning.”