Prologue

Feeling his son's attachment, Zhu Youlang moved the corners of his mouth, striving to display a comforting smile. However, he soon made an effort to free himself from his son's grasp, then extended a finger, first pointing to his own heart, and then to Zhu Houzhao, his gaze bursting forth with a fervent emotion.

Seeing his son with a face full of tears, the dying Zhu Youzhuang extended his withered arm, seemingly wanting to wipe Zhu Houzhao's tears. However, as his time was drawing near, the strength in his body was gradually fading. Raising his arm had already exhausted all his energy.

Regarding this action that only he and his father understood, Zhu Houzhao nodded heavily, his eyes filled with tears as he spoke: "Father, rest assured, I understand your meaning. No matter what difficulties I may encounter in the future, I will help you fulfill this unaccomplished wish!"

On the 7th day of the 5th month in the 18th year of the Hongzhi era, Emperor Zhu Youzhang of the Ming Dynasty, having caught a cold by chance and mistakenly taken medication, died from a continuous nosebleed at the age of 36. He was posthumously honored with the temple name Xiaozong and the posthumous title Jian Tian Ming Dao Chun Cheng Zhong Zheng Sheng Wen. He was also known as the Emperor of Divine Martiality, Benevolence, and Great Virtue.

Although Zhu Houzhao said he would not cry, the tears in his eyes flowed more and more. After all, he was still just a fifteen-year-old boy, and he was usually very spoiled and heavily reliant on his father. Now that his father was about to pass away, Zhu Houzhao felt an unprecedented sense of confusion and pain.

In the eighteenth year of the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty, within the inner court of the Forbidden City in Beijing, the diligent Emperor Zhu Youzhang, although only thirty-six years old, was already marked by a face full of wrinkles. His life was nearing its end, and his complexion was pallid. Even more alarming was the continuous flow of blood from his nose, which could not be stopped, requiring the young attendant beside him to wipe it occasionally.

Upon seeing his father's condition, Zhu Houzhao hurriedly grasped his father's hand and placed it against his cheek, while sorrowfully exclaiming: "Father Emperor, your son will not cry! Your son will not cry! Your son will no longer cause you any worry!"

Unable to speak any longer, Zhu Youtang heard his son's promise, and a look of relief appeared on his face. He then made a strenuous effort to extend his finger, wanting to wipe away his son's tears one last time. However, just as his finger barely touched the corner of Zhu Houzhao's eye, he suddenly felt his entire body relax, and everything before him turned dark. His body felt incredibly light, as if he had taken flight at that moment

Zhu Houzhao felt the weight of his father's body in his arms, and then there was no further sound. This made the young Zhu Houzhao immediately understand what had happened, and he began to weep loudly. The ministers outside the palace also received the news and similarly wept and mourned uncontrollably

Zhu Houzhao is only fifteen years old this year, tall and handsome. Although his face still bears some youthful innocence, it is evident that he will surely grow into a charming and handsome young man in the future. However, at this moment, his face is filled with sorrow as he silently sheds tears while helping his father wipe away the nosebleed

Zhu Youzang also sensed that his time was drawing near. Previously, he had summoned ministers such as Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, and Xie Qian into the palace, instructing them to take care of the Crown Prince and formally passing the throne to Crown Prince Zhu Houzhao, who was the young man currently serving by his side. After that, Zhu Youzang dismissed everyone from the Qianqing Palace, leaving only Zhu Houzhao.