Chapter 3: The Brotherhood of Tanghulu

Second brother? Third brother? Still calling me fourth brother? ... Ah ... ... Then he is ... ... .? Zhu Youcong did not mistake; the one who entered is indeed the later Southern Ming Hongguang Emperor Zhu Youzong. The second and third brothers he mentioned are naturally Prince Yingchong Zhu Youqu and Prince Dehuai Zhu Youhua.

Well, it's not bad. Our fourth brother is still so healthy; it seems he has recovered greatly! You have no idea, originally my two brothers and I were supposed to stay in Huaiqing Prefecture for a few more days, but as soon as we heard that you, fourth brother, had woken up and your actions scared us, we hurriedly traveled for several days without daring to delay! Zhu Youzong's gaze was still so... However, the words spoken made Zhu Youcong feel warmth in his heart

In fact, Zhu Youcong was also misled by history. According to the system of the Ming Dynasty, the political responsibility lay with the cabinet; even if the emperor was incompetent, the responsible ministers could still maintain the normal operation of the political institution. In terms of the situation, the ministers in the capital only needed a nominal spiritual leader, and it was not necessary to have a wise and capable ruler. Historically, Sima Rui was able to maintain a foothold in Eastern Jin, yet he was merely a weak and incompetent monarch. The key lies in the ministers working together to sustain the crisis. The reason why Emperor Hongguang is often regarded as the most incompetent emperor of a decaying dynasty, indulging in pleasure and neglecting state affairs, is largely due to the Eastern Lin faction's desire to support the Prince of Lu, as well as the continuous internal strife between eunuchs like Ma Shiying and Ruan Dazheng and the Eastern Lin faction after Zhu Youzong ascended the throne. This led to a series of unclear and ambiguous court cases, such as the Great Sadness case, the Crown Prince case, and the Young Concubine case, which contributed to the instability of the Southern Ming court. Most importantly, the Southern Ming was lost under his rule! In this way, having become a traitor and a slave to the Tartars, the Eastern Lin faction, eager to clear their names while still holding discourse power, could write whatever they wanted. Moreover, the later Qing Tartars were more than happy to see the Ming emperors become increasingly incompetent, as long as they opened the channels for expression. As long as one praised the 'Great Emperor of Crude Grain' and sang the praises of 'Crude Clamp Remaining Excrement', and did not disturb the Eight Banners, it was fine. They could even say nothing bad about the Tartar people, and of course, one had to shave their head and leave a pig's tail. It would be best if, under the leadership of the remnants of the Tartar Qing, such statements could be passed down for thousands of years, becoming a fact!

Father, the children have learned that the Fourth Brother has recovered well, and they have hurried back from Huaiqing Prefecture to celebrate! The Second and Third Brothers are also on their way and will arrive soon. The children were too anxious, which is why I rushed ahead and accidentally bumped into the Fourth Brother

Fourth brother

Let's go! We're going to eat candied hawthorn!

A child... another chubby one came in and suddenly panicked. Another one? Still a chubby one. Hmm, it seems the food at the Prince of Fu's residence is indeed quite good. The room already had one big and one small chubby person, and now another has arrived. It is important to note that this is the late Ming Dynasty, a time when poor families could barely afford to eat, with no foreign junk food or hormones available. Those who are overweight either have too good a diet and too little exercise, or they suffer from edema.

Little brother, thank you to the three elder brothers! What more can I say? With such brothers, merely saying thank you is insufficient to express Zhu Youcong's gratitude, yet no amount of words could adequately convey the appreciation in his heart

Ah... Zhu Youcong was stunned, could it be? Is there really someone who dares to withhold the salary of his fat father? It should be noted that this person is the Fortune Prince of the Ming Dynasty, the emperor's own uncle, not just some laborer! Moreover, this big brother is too much, getting into a conflict with local farmers over such a trivial matter as measuring land? How is he supposed to win people's hearts in the future? Even more absurd is that he argued with the governor over a mere two hundred taels? Oh big brother, what can I say about you? Furthermore, this big brother is really too much, getting into a conflict with local farmers over such a trivial matter as measuring land? How is he supposed to win people's hearts in the future? Even more absurd is that he argued with the governor over a mere two hundred taels? Oh big brother, what can I say about you? A certain well-known figure from later generations often on television has stated that the Fortune Prince's fief was two million acres with a salary of forty-six thousand taels, do you really need to quarrel over such a small amount of money? ... Sigh... It seems this family is truly stingy to the bone.

Hmm! Zhu Youcong nodded vigorously, secretly vowing to do everything in his power to protect this family, and no matter what, he could not allow his loved ones to be slaughtered or slandered! "It is my younger brother's fault. Let's go! Let's have some candied hawthorn!"

"Fourth brother, your illness is quite alarming, it has made your elder brother very anxious! Come, let me take a good look at you!" As soon as he stepped out, Zhu Youzong grabbed Zhu Youcong's hand and began to examine him closely. The look in his eyes was... how should I put it? In any case, it made Zhu Youcong break into a cold sweat, fearing that his elder brother had some unusual preferences.

Fourth brother

Greetings to the three elder brothers! Zhu Youcong hurriedly clasped his hands in salute, as the situation before him was too frightening; if they continued to watch, it was quite possible that he would lose a couple of taels of flesh.

I said, "Second Brother, you usually can't stand those bald heads. Why, on the way back, when it's already past midnight, do you insist on going to the temple?" Next to him, Zhu Youhua looked disdainful and took off a jade pendant, handing it to Zhu Youcong, saying, "Fourth Brother, Third Brother doesn't have much to give you. This is what I got from the old Taoist at the Shangqing Palace when we went to Huaiqing Prefecture. It is said to be a talisman against evil from the early Tang Dynasty"

"What is there to thank between brothers? Do not act like a child. Although I, your elder brother, may not have much ability and have not sought any talismans or ancient amulets, I remember your kindness. Look, I have brought back the master from your favorite candied hawthorn shop in Huaiqing Prefecture. From now on, Fourth Brother can eat it whenever he wants, without having to wait for days to call someone to buy it." Zhu Youzong reached out to wipe away the tears on Zhu Youcong's face.

Is this still Zhu Youzong? Is it still the historically incompetent and corrupt figure, who only indulged in feasting, drinking, and entertainment, and even when he became emperor, ignored state affairs while enemies besieged the city, the "Frog Emperor" of the Southern Ming, Emperor Hongguang Zhu Youzong? Zhu Youcong was perplexed. Looking at his three brothers, he felt a deep sense of brotherhood, accompanied by an indescribable feeling in his heart

Before Zhu Youcong could free his hand from his elder brother's grasp, two hefty individuals approached and scrutinized him from head to toe. This was hardly an examination of a patient; it was more akin to a visit to a zoo to observe a giant panda.

That child takes his leave first! Now that the matter is settled, Zhu Youcong does not wish to stay here any longer. What if his plump father wants to do something else, or out of boredom, thinks about giving him a younger brother or sister? Staying here would only be asking for trouble

Zhu Youzong suddenly jumped up and shouted: "Well, you two little rascals have sent off all the Buddhist monks, do you expect your elder brother to find a foreign monk to pray for our fourth brother?" Zhu Youzong jumped out and shouted.

To outsiders, these may seem like trivial matters; however, to Zhu Youcong, everything feels so heartwarming. At this moment, he truly feels the deep affection that exists between brothers. Perhaps they are foolish, perhaps they are shameless, but they genuinely care for a half-brother, treating him with love and devotion without any complaints. Especially Zhu Yousong, who, as the son of the concubine Zou, despite being the eldest, had to relinquish his position as heir apparent for seven years due to Zhu Youcong's presence, thus forfeiting the inheritance of all that belongs to the Prince of Fu.

You ungrateful children, do you still remember this family and that you have a fourth brother? As your father, I ordered you to take charge and receive the fief, intending to give you some training. Instead, you took your second and third brothers to indulge in pleasures! The Prince of Fortune did not show Zhu Youzong any good face, his chubby face flushed with anger.

"Fourth brother, this is a talisman for peace that second brother specially sought for you at Baima Temple on his way back. I had a hard time asking Master Deqing, who happened to be traveling here, for it. It is said that this is the first time he has been asked to bless someone with peace. Hurry and wear it; from now on, my fourth brother will be free from illness and disaster." As Zhu Youqu spoke, he hung the talisman, still warm from being kept close to his body, around Zhu Youcong's neck.

What are you doing? You ungrateful child! This is your fourth brother! Aren't you afraid of causing harm to your younger brother with your reckless behavior? Before Zhu Youcong could respond, the King of Fu had already lost his temper.

Oh dear... Zhu Youcong had just turned around when he was bumped into unexpectedly.

Hmph... This matter will be handled by your father. Since you have returned, spend some time with your fourth brother! It is still the Duke of Fu's magnanimity not to dwell on such trivial money matters. Instead, he turned to Zhu Youcong and said: "Cong'er, why don't you go meet your three older brothers first?"

Your Majesty, I assure you that I did not delay on this trip. However, the governor of Huaqing is truly detestable! Not only did he allocate less than one hundred acres of land, leading to conflicts with the local populace, but he also paid only eight hundred taels of the promised one thousand taels of rice allowance. It was only after much argument that I returned late!" Zhu Yousong also wore a look of grievance; not only did he not indulge in revelry during this trip, but he also encountered considerable distress from conflicts with the local people.

Fourth brother