Prince of Yan Zhu Di (Part 1)

A dozen or so riders on warhorses charged in like a gale. The elder in purple at the very front, astride a black horse, roared in fury, "Are you trying to rebel?"

With a swish, all the soldiers dropped their weapons neatly onto the ground and knelt respectfully on one knee, shouting, "Long live Prince of Yan, long live, long live!" The civilians, who had been scrambling to hide, saw the elder in purple and immediately knelt down in droves, their voices a chorus of praise.

Li Feng, who was about to unleash the 'Five Thunders Art' in his hand and didn't care whether thunder in the dead of winter was reasonable, saw the elder in purple charging towards him. He quietly retracted the spiritual art in his hand, feigning exhaustion after a fierce battle, and propped himself up with his three-foot sword. His shifty eyes continuously sized up Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, the fourth son of Emperor Taizu, who was said to be the most capable and powerful.

Zhu Di wasn't handsome. He had a round, full face with slightly dark skin, but a large frame and an imposing presence. His eyes were exceptionally spirited; in fact, their brilliance was so intense that you could never quite tell what he was thinking. This was because, no matter the time, the light in his eyes never changed. In comparison, Zhu Xi was a dissolute young master, a pampered peony in the imperial garden. Zhu Cheng was a mountain peak, capable of reaching the heavens and piercing the clouds. And Zhu Di? He looked like the sea, possessing infinite potential, yet appearing ordinary on the surface. Only when a flash of brilliance occasionally flickered in his eyes, like waves on the sea, did you know that beneath the surface, it wasn't as calm as it seemed.

Zhu Di sat on his horse, his nearly triangular eyes blazing with furious anger. He raised his right hand and commanded, "All soldiers, return to your camps. Commanding generals, follow me back to the prince's manor... Xi'er, you, you, you, what madness has possessed you today? Why did you lead troops to surround the Northern Barracks? You, you, you, have you truly gone mad? Engaging in fratricide, do you want the other members of our clan to laugh at us? Our soldiers are meant to protect our homes and our people, but you? You actually fight amongst yourselves, disturbing the populace. This, this... it infuriates me!"

The nearby civilians, upon hearing Zhu Di's last two sentences, were deeply moved and immediately kowtowed, shouting, "Long live, long live, long live!" Li Feng silently praised, Amazing, I must learn this trick well. As for the common people, as long as you give them a little benefit, they'll treat you like a grandfather. This Prince of Yan, Zhu Di, seems to be a master at manipulating public opinion. He connects everything to the people, using the people's benefit as a guise for everything. Wouldn't that make the people incredibly grateful, supporting him no matter what he does?

A very old saying suddenly popped into Li Feng's mind: "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world."

Zhu Xi, however, looked like a frostbitten vegetable leaf. Having dismounted, he stood on the ground, unable to speak. The surrounding soldiers had already dispersed at Zhu Di's command. Zhu Xi's guards had no commanding generals. Now, standing in the field were only Zhu Xi, Li Feng, and a few eunuchs.

Zhu Di glanced at Zhu Xi, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes, then he looked deeply at Li Feng. Li Feng felt those two gazes pierce his heart like blades, as if trying to see through him completely. Li Feng was terrified, Good heavens, that congenital master from that day, it turns out to be the Prince of Yan? I say, shopkeeper, your lifelong dream of taking the Prince of Yan's position can now be woken up. A congenital master, as long as they maintain themselves well, can live for over two hundred years. You don't know any martial arts at all, and it looks like you won't be able to wait that long. As for that Second Prince, if he's willing to cultivate diligently, perhaps he might have a chance to become a prince.

Zhu Di's deep, resonant voice rang out, "Xi'er, come here. Return to the prince's manor and explain properly why you did this. What's going on with you all? General Murong, who beat you up like this? Is there anyone in Yanjing City who can defeat you?"

Li Feng cursed inwardly, Damn it, you prince are not being honest. In Yanjing City, at least you could easily defeat Murong Tian, yet you ask this question. Isn't this hypocrisy? Hmm, those old eunuchs behind you are all terrifyingly skilled masters. Any one of them could kill Murong Tian with a single punch.

Murong Tian swayed, trying to get up, but Li Feng's kick was too heavy, and he couldn't move. He could only reveal extreme anger, unwillingness, and a plea for Zhu Di's forgiveness in his eyes. Hearing Zhu Di's question, Zhu Xi's spirits immediately lifted. He said proudly, "Father, this Murong, he claims to be the top swordsman in Yanjing City. When I was traveling in the south, I happened to recruit a young master, and it was he who defeated this great swordsman of Yanjing City." After speaking, he brought Li Feng forward in front of Zhu Di.

Zhu Di looked at Li Feng with deep eyes and slowly said, "Heroes emerge from youth since ancient times... Heh heh." After saying this, he didn't say anything more, turned his horse, and galloped towards the city. The eunuchs and guards immediately rushed to surround him. Zhu Xi cast a triumphant glance at Murong Tian, whose mouth was bleeding, and with Li Feng's help, climbed onto his horse. He shouted "Giddy up" and slowly trotted away. He wasn't in a hurry to have Murong Tian release his men now.

Li Feng stood in place, yelling sternly, "You all remember this: brothers of the First Prince's guards, if you dare to harm even a single hair on their heads, I'll beat every single one of you I see in Yanjing City from now on. This time, I, this young master, showed mercy and didn't cripple you, Murong Tian. Next time you dare to cross my path, I'll castrate you alive... Damn it, I, this young master, hate pretty boys the most in my life." Li Feng arrogantly swept a lock of hair behind his shoulder with his left hand, then with a flick of his body, mounted his horse and galloped away. He didn't notice that, if anything, he looked more like a pretty boy than Murong Tian.

Murong Tian's subordinate generals were in a panic. A few were left to take care of Murong Tian, while the others helplessly ordered the soldiers to prepare their horses. They chattered and deliberated on their way to the Prince of Yan's manor.

In the main hall of the prince's manor, Zhu Di, having changed into a black robe, sat on the throne at the far end of the hall. At this moment, he exuded an even more peculiar and imposing aura. His presence enveloped the entire hall, and everyone standing within the hall trembled, not daring to breathe loudly. This was Zhu Di's innate, overbearing royal aura, combined with a subtle, almost imperceptible congenital true qi that he deliberately emitted, making everyone present feel as if a primordial beast stood before them, exuding a deep sense of danger.

Of course, perhaps only Li Feng and the old eunuch behind Zhu Di's throne were exceptions. Li Feng felt no threat from Zhu Di's aura; Zhu Di's true essence was not as profound as Li Feng's. As for the gaunt, tall old eunuch standing behind Zhu Di, his eyes flashing with cold light, he had been looking at Li Feng with surprise, joy, and an indescribable expression since Li Feng entered the hall. Li Feng sensed that the eunuch's cultivation was not much weaker than Zhu Di's, and his aura was even more peculiar.

Li Feng had learned from Zhu Xi's low introduction that the old eunuch was Eunuch Lü, the most powerful official under Zhu Di, in charge of the 'Imperial Guard' and the 'Soaring Dragon Secret Service'. Li Feng's doubts grew, "What exactly does the Soaring Dragon Secret Service do? Why does a mere prince need to deploy secret agents all over the world?"

Zhu Di sat on the throne for a long, long time before finally speaking, "Eunuch Lü, is everything as you said?"

The old eunuch smiled, "My Prince, isn't it exactly so? Everything is as it happened. It just so happens that I have a few children under my charge who witnessed the entire process while out on business. Therefore, hehe, I wouldn't dare to conceal anything from my Prince. It's just a pity that my Prince left too quickly earlier, and I didn't have time to report before you returned."

Everyone in the hall understood. Zhu Di's changing clothes was a pretense; listening to this old eunuch's report was the real reason. Li Feng thought strangely, Does the Prince of Yan believe what this old eunuch says so readily? He didn't know that the 'Imperial Guard' under Emperor Taizu of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang, knew even a poem casually composed by a minister upon waking up in the morning. The Ming Dynasty's secret intelligence agencies were arguably unprecedented. And Eunuch Lü was the head of Zhu Di's 'Imperial Guard', so gathering a little intelligence was a small matter.

Zhu Di nodded slowly, closed his eyes, and pondered for a moment. He then sneered, "Heh heh, have you all grown so bold that you want to climb over my head because I haven't been managing affairs much lately?"

Zhu Xi bowed slightly, "Your son dares not... Father, your son has always been honest, how could he dare?"

As for those subordinate generals of Murong Tian, they could only kneel on the ground aggrievedly and confess loudly. At this moment, they were internally complaining furiously, Second Prince, where are you now? With the First Prince speaking to His Highness here, we don't have his favor with the Prince. We are definitely at a disadvantage.

Zhu Di sneered and closed his eyes, lowering his voice, "Enough. I don't want to pursue this matter too deeply this time. Hmm, Xi'er, I have been neglecting your feelings all along. Let it be this way. Eunuch Lü, transfer all six guard divisions under Murong Tian to Xi'er's command. Select capable generals from my central army to lead them. Hmm, as for Murong Tian, hehe, the top swordsman in Yanjing City? His military post will be temporarily suspended. We'll discuss it further when he recovers from his injuries."

Zhu Di said slowly, "As generals, spending all day not training or nurturing troops, but instead causing trouble and fighting outside, is this what a general should do? Cheng'er is truly incapable of disciplining his subordinates."

These words, one by one, struck the hearts of Murong Tian's subordinates like iron hammers. Their faces turned ashen, and they were speechless. Zhu Xi, on the other hand, was beaming with joy and exclaimed incessantly, "Father is wise, wise... that Murong Tian is truly detestable. Every time a new guard joins my manor, he would find fault and beat them up. Haven't the guards assigned to me by Father suffered at his hands?"

Zhu Di let out a stern roar, "You still have the nerve to say that? As the eldest son, you can't even discipline a subordinate general of your brother, is this your talent? Xi'er, besides drinking, composing poetry, and chasing women, what else can you do? What else are you capable of? If Cheng'er's men bully you, isn't it your own fault? Hmph." Zhu Di knew well that this was an opportunity to severely reprimand Zhu Xi.

The eunuch Lü chuckled softly, "My Prince, please quell your thunderous rage. This cannot be blamed on the First Prince. He has been talented and refined since childhood, and his heart is kind. What interest does he have in matters of warfare? It is fortunate that it is so, otherwise, today's events would be difficult to resolve."

Zhu Di's body trembled slightly, and he slowly nodded, "Very well, this is also your strength. Xi'er, you go to the Northern Barracks and bring your guards back. Do not pursue the charges against Lei Zhenyuan anymore. Hmm, this strategy is very malicious. It would be best used to frame an opponent. Unfortunately, the person who devised the plan overlooked many issues. Think carefully about where you went wrong."

Li Feng's forehead was covered in a cold sweat. He hadn't expected that these matters would be thoroughly investigated by Eunuch Lü. He figured that Eunuch Lü must have had informants in the 'Drunken Fragrance Tower'. And his biggest mistake was not staying at the tower, which resulted in Murong Tian taking Lei Zhenyuan and the others away. Otherwise, if the conflict had broken out at the 'Drunken Fragrance Tower', all it would have taken was for someone to check Lei Zhenyuan's lower body, and the charges would have been firmly pinned on them.

Zhu Di once again looked at Li Feng with a scrutinizing gaze, hesitating for a moment. Eunuch Lü, as if understanding what Zhu Di was about to say with just a flick of his finger, immediately said in a low voice, "My Prince, this Li Feng, though young, has a mind full of schemes and has the potential to be cultivated. Especially since his martial arts are also not bad. The First Prince's subordinate is precisely lacking such a person. Of course, the nature of youth is prone to causing trouble, but young people causing trouble usually don't have too many ulterior motives. Occasionally fighting or brawling is not a big deal."

Anyone with discerning eyes could see that Eunuch Lü was speaking favorably of Li Feng. Li Feng felt a chill run down his spine, Do I know this old eunuch? I don't, do I? Why is he speaking so favorably of me? Could it be that the beads and silver notes I gave to those eunuchs had an effect? That's great. Tomorrow I'll send a generous gift to this Eunuch Lü, it should be very beneficial for me, right?

Zhu Di lightly tapped his fingers on the armrest of the throne, a mocking smile appearing at the corner of his mouth, "That's right, causing trouble, but without too many ulterior motives. This sentence is noteworthy. Heh, do you all think I'm senile, nearing death, and you're all starting to scheme now? Hmph. Li Feng, I appoint you as the Commander-in-Chief, directly under Xi'er's command. Are you willing?"

Li Feng walked forward with a grin, kowtowed clumsily a few times, and said with a laugh, "To be promoted and get rich, why would I be unwilling?"

Zhu Xi was horrified. Li Feng was the first person to dare to be so nonchalant in front of Zhu Di. Zhu Di, however, did not mind and waved his hand lightly, "Let it be. This time, both sides are at fault, so I won't pursue it too much. Cheng'er has a hot temper, hehe, a hot temper. Xi'er, if you encounter any problems, don't argue with him too much. If there's anything, come directly to Father. Li Feng, remember, you are now a subordinate of my Prince of Yan's manor. You are not allowed to use those methods of sowing discord and framing others against your own people, understand?"

Li Feng was stunned for a moment, then suddenly laughed, "This young master... ah, this subordinate understands. In the future, if Your Highness has enemies, I will definitely use those framing and malicious tactics against them."

Zhu Di was actually made to smile by Li Feng. He shook his head and sighed, "Enemies? Heh heh, where do I have any enemies... Enough, all of you withdraw. Eunuch Lü, quickly handle the matter of those six guard divisions. All the current commanding generals are to be transferred back to the central army, understand?"

Eunuch Lü bowed deeply, indicating his understanding. Zhu Xi, having suddenly received such a great windfall, was filled with joy and didn't say much. He took Li Feng and swaggered away, full of pride and satisfaction. Murong Tian's subordinates hadn't said a word before Zhu Di's appointment left them trembling with fear, and they didn't dare to say anything more. They hurriedly returned to the barracks. Even a fool would understand that Murong Tian had been constantly provoking Zhu Xi's subordinates in Yanjing City, and Zhu Di had seen all these matters. This time, he was simply giving him a small lesson.

After all, they were his sons, and a subordinate general dared to ride over his son's head. This was a major taboo. Zhu Di not directly ordering someone to execute Murong Tian was already showing consideration for Murong Tian being a fierce general.

Zhu Di sat on the throne and suddenly asked, "Eunuch Lü, what do you think of my handling of this matter?"

The eunuch Lü was silent for a moment before cautiously saying, "It is proper and fitting, and it shows Your Highness's wisdom. The First Prince is naturally weak and dislikes dealing with various matters, which has led to a mere military general daring to bully him. This should not happen. As for the Second Prince, he is also a bit too impatient. After all, the First Prince is his elder brother, yet he shows no respect. If the brothers turn against each other, it would be a great trouble."

"This Li Feng arrived at a most opportune time. This old servant feels that this person is full of wicked energy and rarely does anything properly. Heh heh, Your Highness has also seen his information, right? He destroyed the Golden Tiger Gang in Suzhou Prefecture and actually framed them for a million taels of silver. His methods are despicable, but very effective. With him under the First Prince's command, some people will probably have to act cautiously."