Chapter 2, Fu Ba

Zhu Yousong, also known as Zhu Fuba, grinned widely, causing the nearby Wanli Emperor to feel a pang of envy. He also leaned in to tease him, and thus the clouds of the day dispersed.

After a long time, one day, Zhang Mingda suddenly saw everything clearly before him. He saw a gigantic hand manipulating him, and Zhang Mingda was startled. Had he crossed over to the land of giants?

As soon as the Princess of the Duke of Fu left, the face of Emperor Wanli darkened. After a long while, he turned to Concubine Zheng and the Duke of Fu and said: "The Crown Prince's eldest son is already 2 years old, and the matter of the national foundation can no longer be reversed. Xun'er, you should prepare to establish your fief."

Upon witnessing Emperor Wanli's dissatisfaction with Crown Prince Zhu Changluo, and his satisfaction with the expectations he held for his eldest son, Prince Fu Zhu Changxun and Princess Yao once again knelt down to express their gratitude.

The Prince of Fu was suddenly in tears: "Father, regarding the throne, I have long since given up all hope. However, I still wish to fulfill my filial duties before you and Mother. If I am to be enfeoffed, there will be no chance for us to meet again in the future. I, I cannot bear it!"

The Prince kneels and requests: "I humbly ask Father Emperor to bestow a name!"

Zhu Changxun's expression suddenly became vivid, but how could he display malice when Zhu Youjiao timidly said, "I will take good care of my little brother"

At this moment, Emperor Wanli inquired, "Has the child's name been chosen?"

Zhu Youjiao's name was chosen by Zhu Changluo himself. As the saying goes, words reflect the heart. At that time, Zhu Changluo was troubled by his inability to leave home and pursue his studies, so he directly gave his son the character "jiao," which can be interpreted as meaning "school." Therefore, upon hearing this name, Emperor Wanli would likely snort in disdain.

Emperor Wanli chuckled: "Xun'er certainly knows how to flatter! However, I like it!"

Prince Fu and Princess Fu were leading Little Fu Ba towards the Xihua Gate when suddenly the torchbearer in front stopped and reminded, "Your Highness, the Crown Prince and the Yuan Sun are ahead!"

After receiving a positive response, Wanli pondered for a moment and decided: "The son of the Prince of Fortune was born on the 8th day of the 7th month, so let us name him Fu Ba!"

"Alright, alright, when the family is reunited, don't get angry over those trolls," said Consort Zheng, while persuading Emperor Wanli and once again taking the baby from the Yao family. "Fuba, don't you think so?"

Zhu Changluo then looked at the bowing Yao and said: "Can the child let me hold him/her?"

Zhang Mingda, who had come to a clear understanding, was filled with ecstasy; to be dead and then revived, what a miracle this is

The Princess Yao hurriedly explained: "In the royal residence, the child was crying and making a fuss, but unexpectedly, upon entering the palace and seeing Father Emperor and Mother Empress, the child actually smiled. This shows that the child's nature is close to Father Emperor and Mother Empress"

Nonsense! Wanli certainly knew that Zhu Changxun was afraid of being slandered by the reformists, claiming that he was coveting the position of the Crown Prince, which is why he had a stern expression. According to this reasoning, all children in the world with the character 'eight' in their names have committed a taboo, which is simply absurd!

Wanli urged the two to rise and then inquired, "Has the child not been given a nickname yet?"

Who am I

The Prince of Fu and the Princess of Fu, who were standing by, suddenly knelt down on the ground. The Prince of Fu spoke in praise, saying: "Father Emperor is blessed by the mandate of heaven and possesses great virtue. Although the young child is still unaware of worldly matters, his nature is one that admires such qualities!"

However, the sound seems somewhat fragmented, and the sunlight is too dazzling, making it impossible for him to see anything clearly

Is that so? Zheng Fei became happy and started to tease the child. After a while of teasing, the child suddenly began to cry. Zheng Fei hurriedly returned the child to Yao Shi. "Why is he crying again?"

Emperor Wanli said with a bitter smile: "Do I really have the heart to part with it? How detestable are those who seek fame and reputation, sowing discord among the royal family! Well, today is a day of celebration, so let us not speak of such disheartening matters. Xun'er, wipe your tears, do not let the princess see them."

Madam Yao glanced at Prince Fu, who nodded heavily. Then, Madam Yao handed Little Fu Ba to Zhu Changluo, who held him in his arms and played with him for a while. Then he turned to Zhu Youjiao and said: "This is your third uncle's son, remember, you must take good care of your little brother in the future"

Zhu Changxun trembled and said: "Father Emperor, this name is similar to that of Emperor Taizu's childhood name, and I, your son, dare not show any disrespect!"

Consort Zheng, with tears in her eyes, said to Emperor Wanli: "How can it be reasonable to drive out one's children and grandchildren just after a grandson is born? If you do not wish to see your son and grandson, I cannot bear to part with them."

"Fu Ba? This name is good; it sounds like one is blessed with good fortune."

Therefore, he could only watch the performance of Zhu Changluo and his son stiffly, and in the end, he had to express his gratitude by saying: "Thank you, Your Highness, for your favor towards Fu Ba!"

He ate and slept like this, and he didn't know how long it had been. Zhang Mingda began to perceive light in front of him, and at the same time, he could hear various sounds

The Wanli Emperor, playfully teasing the child, heard the reminder from his trusted eunuch. He focused his gaze and saw the infant in the swaddling cloth grinning widely. The Wanli Emperor was overjoyed: "This child is destined to be connected with me!"

Zhang Mingda was about to shout when he suddenly remembered that his physical body had already died. Could this be a rebirth?

Prince Fu Zhu Changxun obediently wiped away his tears, and after waiting for a while, Princess Fu Yao returned after changing the baby's diaper

Yao took a look and reported: "It is urine, uncomfortable, needs a diaper change"

The Prince's expression momentarily froze, but he walked over and bowed, saying: "I have met His Royal Highness the Crown Prince!"

Consort Zheng immediately gave Zhu Changxun a glance: "Prince Fu, why aren't you apologizing to His Majesty yet!"

Prince Fu, Zhu Changxun, hypocritically praised, "Your grandson is truly well-behaved!"

Zhang Mingda woke up from a state of confusion, feeling as though his entire body was tightly wrapped. He couldn't help but feel puzzled; had he not already died? Then where exactly was he now?

But in front of him was complete darkness, and he could see nothing. Therefore, Zhang Mingda could only struggle and shout desperately. However, after a moment, he felt someone pry open his mouth and then insert a straw. Instinctively, he began to suck, and a warm, slightly fishy liquid surged into his mouth, which he then swallowed.

Wanli pondered for a moment and said: "The eldest son of Changluo is named Youxiao, with 'You' being the generational name passed down from our ancestors. As for 'Xiao', hmm, let’s do this: the child's full name will be You Song, meaning 'to stand firm against the flowing waves', with 'Song' referring to the flourishing of the hills and mounds. I wish for him to grow tall and strong, as robust as the mountains."

Emperor Wanli hastily commanded, "Someone, take the Princess of Fortune to the side hall."

"By the school, pay respects to Uncle San!"

Two-year-old Zhu Youjiao said: "Third Uncle!"

As he spoke, Emperor Wanli handed the tiny infant to the nearby Consort Zheng, saying, "My beloved consort, come and hold the baby too!"

The favored concubine, Zheng, received the child from the emperor's hands, and the baby was smiling just like Gege. Zheng could not help but express her concern: "The child only smiles and does not cry; this may not necessarily be a good thing"

"It cannot compare to the grandeur of the school's name!" Zhu Changxun said with a smile that did not reach his eyes, while simultaneously taking his son from Zhu Changluo's hands. "Your Highness, the palace will soon be locked down, so I shall not stay long. Farewell!"

Very well, let us have the opportunity to chat again in the future, my brother

"What crime is there to confess? What wrong has he committed? He is merely being cautious," Wanli said angrily. "In the end, it is all the fault of those self-serving scholars who seek fame and reputation."

Is this milk? With a sense of drowsiness after a hearty meal, Zhang Mingda fell asleep once again

Indeed, I must have been reborn as a child. This hand gently resting on my body feels as if it is caressing me; it must be my parents in this life who are playfully teasing me.

Your Majesty, look, the young prince is smiling; he is smiling at you