Chapter 5, To Fight to the End

It is evident that, even if not for the impending downfall of the nation, Zhang Mingda must struggle for his own survival

Li An immediately responded: "Is it 'The Tale of the Yang Family'? It tells the story of the deeds of the family of Yang Ye, a general from the Song Dynasty."

The prince is the third son of the current Emperor Wanli, His Royal Highness the Prince of Fortune, hence he is referred to as the prince

However, the fact that Prince Fu Ba had no appetite caused great alarm among the servants of the Fu Wangfu. Unable to do anything else, the eunuch Li An, who was responsible for attending to Prince Fu Ba's team, cautiously asked him: "Little Prince, please tell me what you desire, and I will immediately fetch it for you"

Promotion chart? Horse pendant? Is this for my amusement?

Banfan, why do you call me Little Prince?

Having understood this era and his own identity, Zhang Mingda could not help but fall into a state of concern about the future

Looking at Zheng Guotai, who sat before him, unabashedly boasting, Wang Guochen, the eunuch appointed to oversee the Eastern Inspection Office after the death of the Grand Eunuch Chen Ju, said with a bitter smile: "The position of the heir has long been determined, and the status of the Eastern Palace is unshakeable. Although the son of the Prince of Fortune is exceptional, what can be done about it?"

Therefore, Your Excellency, after all these years, some matters should be let go. Wang Guochen advised. "There are eight sufferings in life, and one cannot always get what one desires!" Wang Guochen further cautioned. "Your Excellency, do not spread the words just spoken, for it may bring misfortune to both the Fu residence and the Young Fu residence in the future.

The trusted eunuch reminded Consort Zheng: "Your Highness, the matter should not be handled too hastily. It is advisable to wait for subsequent developments before taking action, lest we eliminate one thief only to have another appear!"

Speaking of which, this is indeed the best era of the late Ming Dynasty. Although natural disasters are frequent due to the climatic anomalies of the Little Ice Age, the three major campaigns of the Wanli era have been successively won, and the forces in Jianzhou are still consolidating their strength, having not yet raised the banner of rebellion. Therefore, the country is generally still in a state of peace and stability

Fu Ba was clearly unaware that his fondness for quietly listening to novels had been used as a supernatural phenomenon to persuade certain important figures

Concubine Zheng took a few steps inside the palace and coldly instructed: "Wang Guochen seems to be of no use now; we need to push our people up. Moreover, Wang Zhizhen's attitude has also been quite wavering; it is time to make him take action as well"

Kongming lanterns are not fun

The calculation has been determined, and Zhang Mingda let out a slight sigh of relief. From now on, he must better embody the role of Fu Ba, growing rapidly until he possesses the necessary authority and strength to implement his own plans

"You do not understand!" Wang Guochen shook his head. "I am a minister of the court, and I can only be loyal to His Majesty..."

Indeed, just as Zhang Mingda had anticipated, he traversed into a parallel world, being reborn in the Wanli era. His biological father was none other than the Fuwang, who was vilified by the "Qingliu". As for himself, if there are no unforeseen circumstances, he is the equally unfortunate Hongguang Emperor.

Indeed, as the son of the feared Prince Fu, he had no opportunity to lay claim to the supreme throne before the Jiashen national upheaval

Therefore, Zhang Mingda contemplated for a long time and finally devised a plan that he considered to be fairly acceptable—he estimated that he had about 40 years until the day the building would collapse, which was sufficient for him to accumulate the power to change everything

In a question-and-answer format, Zhang Mingda, who has been in this world for over 2 years and has become quite articulate, or rather, Fu Ba, has quietly figured out the era he is currently in

However, by the time he was truly able to ascend the throne, the Ming dynasty was essentially in its final countdown.

"What loyalty to His Majesty!" The favored concubine Zheng sneered upon receiving the report. "It is merely a bet placed on the Eastern Palace, but His Majesty's health is robust; these petty individuals will certainly not succeed in their schemes!"

Why is father a prince

Bamboo dragonfly? It is uninteresting

Wang Zhizhen is currently the Chief of the Jinyiwei, having held the position for over ten years. It can be said that apart from his loyalty to Emperor Wanli, he does not share the same sentiments as Concubine Zheng. However, he had previously been relatively obedient to orders. As the Crown Prince's position gradually solidified, he began to show signs of aligning with the past. Therefore, Concubine Zheng was determined to take decisive action and remove both him and Wang Guochen from their positions.

The factory manager, Young Fu, is inherently so intelligent, how does he compare to that grandson of the Ciqing Palace

Consort Zheng suddenly sighed in a moment of loss of composure: "You are absolutely right. Now everyone is focused on the stability of the Eastern Palace's position, and any association with me would lead to a dead end. Therefore, I have already lost the support of the people and have become like the mantis trying to stop a chariot."

Fu Ba nodded slightly: "Just this..."

However, the variety of toys available to children in this era is so limited that Fu Ba, who wishes to make up for the regrets of his childhood in a past life, quickly lost interest

Everyone in the hall lowered their heads, not daring to make a sound. Upon witnessing this scene, Consort Zheng wiped the corner of her eyes with a silk handkerchief and coldly stated: "However, this palace does not believe in fate; as long as I have breath, I will fight to the end"

You are the child of the prince, so of course you are called Young Prince!

Fu Ba sat there and yawned, then said in a soft and childish voice: "Ban Ban, tell me a story!"

Zhang Mingda, although he has read quite a few Ming dynasty novels in another time and space, is now uncertain whether there exists "San Yan Liu Pai." After pondering for a moment, he inquired, "Is there something about the Yang Family Generals?"

As she spoke, the eyes of Consort Zheng began to redden: "Why is my life so bitter? Why must that damned woman and her damned child weigh down upon me? Is this truly fate?"

Capture and release Cao, I do not like it

Over the years, Zheng Guotai, who had been tirelessly working for the ascension of Prince Fu, had long grown weary of various cold remarks. Logically, he should not have reacted strongly to Wang Guochen's refusal. However, Wang Guochen's admonition sounded more like an impolite reprimand. Therefore, Zheng Guotai let out a cold snort, cupped his hands towards Wang Guochen, and said: "The loyalty of the factory chief, I will certainly report to the noble consort. I suddenly remember that I have matters to attend to, so I take my leave!"

As a servant of the emperor, Wang Guocheng's rise and fall naturally depended on the preferences of Emperor Wanli, who was influenced by Consort Zheng. Therefore, Wang Guocheng had no choice but to bow to Consort Zheng. However, the issue was that while he could heed Consort Zheng's advice on other matters, he could never involve himself in the succession of the crown prince. Otherwise, not only would Emperor Wanli not spare him, but when the new ruler ascended the throne, he would also have to face a cup of poisoned wine.

Moreover, during that time, the commodity economy was vibrant, and the customs were open; strange attire and unusual tales were not surprising. Therefore, it was the worst of times and the best of times, representing the final brilliance of ancient Chinese civilization. Living in this era, and being the legitimate eldest son of the emperor's most favored prince, Zhang Mingda, or rather, Fu Ba, naturally meant that he should joyfully enjoy his childhood

Watching Zheng Guotai leave with a flick of his sleeve, a trusted aide approached and advised, "Godfather, with those foreign ministers taking the brunt of it, why should we unnecessarily offend the noble consort"

Li An hurriedly asked: "Does the young prince wish to hear 'Journey to the West: The Legend of the Monkey King' or 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms'?"

Tangram, childish

The Kongming lock is too troublesome