Zhu Ying's gaze quietly fell upon Zhu Ying.
"This, this minister does not know."
After pondering for a moment, Zhu Ying replied calmly and sincerely.
Even so.
Though Zhu Ying vaguely suspected that Zhu Biao might intend to win him over, such speculation naturally could not be spoken aloud.
Once it was laid bare, the situation would only become awkward. It would benefit neither himself nor anyone else.
"Perhaps..."
A faint smile appeared on Zhu Biao's face. "In many people's eyes, my taking Xi'er as my adopted grandson was meant to win you over..."
At that point, Zhu Biao suddenly paused. Smiling, he quietly gazed at Zhu Ying, his eyes seemingly concealing endless meaning.
Those unexpected words left Zhu Ying momentarily at a loss.
Zhu Biao is not playing by the usual rules.
Zhu Ying thought to himself, finding it truly strange.
He actually said it outright.
But what exactly is his purpose?
A wave of doubt rose in Zhu Ying's heart.
With Zhu Di's example before him, Zhu Ying remained exceptionally vigilant whenever dealing with Zhu Yuanzhang's sons, never daring to relax in the slightest.
After all, he still needed the Ming Dynasty warship to strengthen himself. Being able to develop under the Ming Dynasty's protection was naturally the best outcome.
Yet Zhu Biao's unusually candid manner only made Zhu Ying more suspicious and unable to read him.
Zhu Di was an exceedingly deep and calculating man.
Ever since Zhu Ying had met him, he had understood the depth of Zhu Di's scheming. Every meeting had been filled with verbal probes, as if Zhu Di wished to keep every one of Zhu Ying's movements in the palm of his hand. That calculating air had left a deep impression on Zhu Ying.
For that very reason, Zhu Ying had already