Chapter 3, the fate is fraught with tribulations

Thus, he stood up, pulled her into his embrace, and said, "It is you who do not wish for it. If you truly wanted it, you would have given birth to ten or eight by now"

However, Zhu Gaoxu was unwilling to do so

No. Nanjing is currently experiencing continuous disasters, and he is calming the victims on behalf of the court, managing the aftermath. I cannot, absolutely cannot, at this moment... Zhu Gaoxu hesitated; among the old palace in Nanjing and the officials left behind, there are his people. Zhu Zhanji has been seriously injured, and if at this time the imperial physicians in the Tai Hospital were to make even a slight move, without the need for poison, just a simple examination, it could lead to his demise.

Inside the West Fudian of Hanwangfu

Together, we experienced the unpredictable storms and dangers at sea, and together we explored the ancient civilizations and splendor of the West. However, as time passed, Zhanji grew up, and the uncle and nephew could no longer travel together

Then you cannot leave the palace either. Either I or Xiao Shanzi can go to find Lord Xu, as I know the location of Lord Xu's residence

If there is a slight pause, Ziyan has already run out. "I will go. Your Highness, rest assured, whatever you wish to say or ask, Ziyan knows everything."

Yet, Li Qiutang, who appeared to be sorrowful while nestled in his embrace, secretly vowed in her heart, you see that I hate the one sitting on the throne more than you do, and covet that supreme imperial power even more. So what if you see it? You will never know the underlying reasons behind it. In fact, you are no different from the Moon Slave, merely a pawn in my hand.

"Yes. The imperial physician in the palace may be able to heal His Highness's injuries. However, there is always a possibility of unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, I cannot allow this 'possibility' to become a reality. I must go find him. I trust him." Ruowei spoke earnestly, with great determination

If one cannot bear to look any longer

"What are you shouting about?" Zhu Zhanji reprimanded, but with just a slight exertion, a sharp pain pierced through his chest, leading to another bout of wheezing and coughing

Now, as delicate as the rain beating on pear blossoms, it indeed evokes a sense of pity, yet it is somewhat difficult to withstand

Without children, to plan for one's husband is the true essence of selflessness and is harmless. This is also the reason why, for so many years, I have obeyed her every word and kept secrets from the princess, while secretly planning with her, and why the princess has always turned a blind eye to it.

It must be extremely painful

But what are the unwarranted worries and anxieties of Ziyan and Xiangting for?

The emperor's successors are most wary of women possessing the ambitions of Wu Zetian and the strategies of Lü Zhi. If Qiutang were to have a child, then both myself and the princess, along with the group behind the princess, would be unable to tolerate her

It was only a short while before two sandbags were sent in by someone.

Xiao Shanzi's exclamation brought Ruo Wei into the room, where she sat beside Zhu Zhanji and, without hesitation, grasped his wrist to take his pulse.

Could it be that the established pattern between myself, Zhan Ji, and Xu Bin will still change?

Due to enduring it with great difficulty, his originally handsome features have become somewhat distorted

As he unfolded the small piece of paper, a flicker of light and shadow played across Zhu Gaoxu's face

Ha! She laughed again, her eyes, which originally held a cold glimmer, suddenly softened. The resolute expression on her face instantly turned into one of confusion and helplessness. "My stomach is uncooperative; how can I be like Empress Lü? As long as I do not part ways with my beloved in a bitter manner, that is already a blessing!"

"Do you want to be Lu Zhi?" Zhu Gaoxu felt a chill run from his head to his feet

He is clearer than anyone else that it was his elder brother, the current Hongxi Emperor Zhu Gaochi, who took away his position as the Son of Heaven, and not that talented and likable nephew.

This woman has always been a mystery to herself

What he did was not wrong; it is only natural to plan for one's father.

Your Highness! Xiang Ting solemnly knelt before Ruo Wei, no longer uttering a word of persuasion, but merely shook her head at her, her gaze filled with concern and restraint

"Yes, it must be done." If she frowned slightly, she was indeed somewhat angry inside, secretly blaming Zhu Zhanji for putting himself in danger, and after being rescued, not allowing Xu Bin to treat him, which was truly somewhat childish in nature

"Because I do not wish to be Yu Ji." She retracted the smile on her face, her eyes cold and somewhat intimidating. "In terms of martial prowess and strategy, Xiang Yu has never lost to Liu Bang, yet ultimately he suffered defeat because standing behind him was Yu Ji and not Lü Zhi."

Your Highness! Xiang Ting's eyes were filled with worry, "I know what you are thinking. Where do you intend to go? However, at this critical moment, Your Highness cannot be without you by His side. You also cannot leave the palace without permission. We are in the old palace of Nanjing, and although it is not as grand as the capital, there are many pairs of eyes watching us, and it is certain that news will reach the capital. If it reaches the Empress, it is likely to stir up trouble again. Moreover, the imperial physicians in this palace are quite capable. Is it really necessary to go out to find him?"

Therefore, Zhu Gaoxu was never willing to carry out the conspiracy against Zhu Zhanji

At this moment, Wei recalled having read in a book titled "Collection of Difficult Injuries" that if a person falls from a height or suffers a severe impact, and the surface of the chest cavity remains undamaged while bones are fractured and tendons are severed, resulting in internal bruising, heavy objects should be placed on the affected area. This serves two purposes: first, to stabilize the broken bones, and second, to balance the internal and external pressures of the body, allowing the lungs to breathe normally. Otherwise, it is very easy to cause a reversal of qi and blood flow, or conditions such as pneumothorax and atelectasis. If this persists over time, it may become increasingly difficult to heal. Otherwise, it is very easy to cause a reversal of qi and blood flow, or conditions such as pneumothorax and atelectasis. If this persists over time, it may become increasingly difficult to heal

Moreover, if he were to express dissenting opinions, the old officials of the Imperial Medical Institute would undoubtedly launch a verbal and written attack against him, leading to yet another dispute over propriety and righteousness

On his sickbed, Zhu Zhanji would rather endure the torment of pain than seek his miraculous hands for healing

Zhu Zhanji endured the pain, and a violent cough brought another surge of blood and qi to his chest. A mouthful of metallic-tasting liquid surged out, and he realized he had coughed up blood again. However, Ruowei should be just outside in the hall, so he forced himself to swallow it down, but still, he was discovered by Xiaoshanzi.

Having changed into the attire of a palace maid within her own tent, she was just about to quietly leave the palace when she was intercepted by Ziyan and Xiangting who entered.

Miao Jin is in the palace of Concubine Guo, and there are plenty of opportunities; we need not resort to extreme measures. Zhan Ji is, after all, still a child. Zhu Gaoxu sat on the intricately carved screen bed by the window, his eyes fixed on the wooden lattice shelf not far away, which held white jade and agate dishes, a glazed octagonal vase, a Western self-striking clock, and other ornaments. However, Zhu Gaoxu's gaze was firmly locked on a beautifully crafted treasure ship made of gold.

He is to set sail for the Western Ocean together with the Treasure Fleet

"The kindness of a woman?" Zhu Gaoxu was rendered speechless, his scrutinizing gaze assessing the woman before him from head to toe. Over the span of ten years, her appearance seemed to have aged not at all; rather, she appeared even more enchanting and vibrant. The Han Wang suddenly found himself somewhat uncertain about this closest companion. "Qiutang, in my heart, I have always regarded your background as a mystery. At times, it seems you desire that position even more urgently than I do. You also feel more deeply about the Emperor Brother and Zhanji; what could be the reason for this?"

When Zhang Ji grew up, they set sail together

After Xu Bin listened to the diagnosis results from the Imperial Medical Institute, he always wore a worried expression. Although he did not explicitly state it, it was evident that he knew there was a problem. After all, Xu Bin was an official from outside the court and did not serve in the Imperial Medical Institute, so he could not offer any medical opinions regarding the health of royal family members; otherwise, it would be a grave offense.

As expected, there were no fragrant fine wines and delicacies, nor was there the so-called world-famous Nanjing osmanthus duck

Zhu Di naturally would not allow it. However, Zhu Zhanji did not cry or make a fuss; he firmly grasped Zheng He's robe, refusing to leave the ship even in death. It was still his second uncle who coaxed him down with a model of a treasure ship, and at that time, they made a promise.

You. Zhu Gaoxu has become accustomed to this woman gesturing and interfering in various matters before him. He is already used to her independence, her ruthlessness, her aloofness, and her wisdom.

"If it has to be pressed down to be good, it would be better for you to bring Xin'er here, let her lie on my chest, it is certainly better than these two sandbags." Zhu Zhanji was still joking, his voice carrying a lightness, but his complexion was pale. After only two sentences, he began to gasp for breath, and a layer of sweat was densely beading on his forehead.

Is he a flame, and if one approaches him, will they be ignited

She smiled, her lips curling into a tragic smile, "If that is the case, would you still treat me as you do today?"

When Ruo Wei initially placed the sandbag on Zhu Zhanji's wound, he showed a bitter expression, "Do we really have to press this thing down? I fear I won't be able to breathe."

Your Highness. Little Shanzi put down the medicine bowl and reached out to gently stroke Zhu Zhanji's chest, but suddenly noticed the blood at the corner of his lips, "Your Highness!"

He is hiding in Zheng He's command room and refuses to come down no matter what.

In the old palace of Nanjing, Zhu Zhanji was still lying flat on the couch, while Xiao Shanzi was standing beside him, serving a bowl of medicine.

Thus, although he appeared worried, he could not express his stance, and ultimately he left the palace quietly

If tears brimmed in his eyes, he held back and did not cry out; the sandbag was sent by him

Your Highness, how did you remove this sandbag? The Empress has instructed that it must not be taken down under any circumstances. Applying pressure to the fracture will minimize the damage to the lungs. Little Shanzi caught a glimpse of a corner of the sandbag peeking out from under the quilt on the couch and immediately gasped.

Zhu Gaoxu was rendered speechless.

There is, merely a small message tube. It is tied to the leg of a bird, used to convey messages between Nanjing, Beijing, and Le'an for Zhu Gaoxu.

-

"Alright, it's nothing, no need to make a fuss about it," Zhu Zhanji said to comfort, but unexpectedly, he spat out another mouthful of fresh blood

In that year, Zhu Zhanji was still very young. Zhu Di sent off Zheng He's treasure fleet to Liujiagang Wharf, and he accompanied Zhu Zhanji to the event. The grandeur and momentum of the treasure ships astonished the world and deeply shook the ambitions of the young boy. After the ceremony concluded, the cannons of the treasure ships fired in unison, preparing to set sail, but at that moment, the imperial grandson Zhu Zhanji was nowhere to be found

After calming herself down, she managed to suppress her emotions, took his hand, and hummed the nursery rhyme they had sung together in their childhood, watching him sleep peacefully. Only then did Ruowei rise and leave.

Why? Li Qiutang smiled, her originally beautiful eyes, akin to a pool of autumn water, now resembled an unfathomable abyss, where the love and hatred stored within surged forth, immeasurable and profound

I must go by myself. "Ruo Wei hesitated slightly. Yes, she could be indifferent, but she could not affect him.

Confused. Even if he were perfectly fine, and even if Miao Jin succeeded, and your plump brother passed away, the one sitting on the throne would still not be you. Li Qiutang interrupted Zhu Gaoxu's recollections, her voice low yet powerful as a thousand pounds, her beautiful eyes sharply fixed on Zhu Gaoxu: "You should know that now, we hold countless lives in our hands. We cannot turn back on this journey, and we absolutely cannot allow for the weakness of a woman."

Purple Smoke! If Ruowei could not be stopped at all, she slowly sat down beside them, staring blankly at Xiangting. From the tense expressions of Xiangting and Purple Smoke, she could not help but reflect deeply: how could she and Xu Bin appear so dangerous in the eyes of others?

Standing behind him, Li Qiutang let out a soft snort, "What, now that the moment has arrived, are you afraid?"

This ship reminded him of the unfulfilled promise between him and Zhu Zhanji