Zhu Zhanjun's question about a "designation" made the atmosphere, which had only just eased, tense once more.
Giving his private army an official name was no small matter.
It was so serious that even Zhu Gaochi, the Regent Crown Prince, didn't dare readily agree.
This wasn't just a matter of the Ancestral System; it was also a major political taboo.
If he dared give Second Son's troops a designation today, wouldn't the other feudal princes follow suit tomorrow?
Wouldn't Great Ming then become a land of Warlord Separatism, like the Late Han Dynasty?
"Um... Second Son, this is a serious matter. We need to consider it carefully."
Zhu Gaochi wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and began to talk in circles. "Look, you should take your troops to rescue Grandfather first. That's the most urgent matter. As for your official title, once you've earned great merit and returned victorious, Father will personally ask Imperial Grandfather for one. I guarantee you'll get the most imposing title in all the land!"
"Father, don't make promises you can't keep."
Zhu Zhanjun curled his lip, seeing right through his father's stalling tactics. "Those three thousand brothers of mine have risked their lives alongside me. They can't be left without even a name. If we win, whose credit will it be? The 'Zheng Prince's Mansion Household Guards'? That won't sound very good in the history books."
He paused, his tone turning serious. "Father, I'm not trying to make things difficult for you. Just give me a temporary banner and let me go through the pass and fight under it. Once we've rescued Grandfather, whether this army stays or disbands will be entirely up to him. Surely that's acceptable?"
He had kicked the ball back to Zhu Di.
Hearing this, Zhu Gaochi breathed a sigh of relief.
A temporary banner left much more room to maneuver.
At least politically, there would still be room to back out.
Just as he was about to nod, a violent coughing fit interrupted his thoughts.
"Cough... cough, cough, cough!"
Zhu Gaochi clutched his chest and began coughing violently. His already pale face flushed crimson, and his whole body swayed as if he were about to fall.
"Your Highness!"
"Father!"
Crown Princess Zhang and Zhu Zhanjun cried out at the same time, hurrying forward to support him.
"Quick! Fetch the Imperial Physician!"
Zhang was so anxious that tears were nearly falling from her eyes.
"Don't... don't make a fuss..."
Zhu Gaochi weakly waved his hand and gasped, "It's an old ailment... I was startled today, and caught a chill... Give me a moment, just a moment..."
Supporting his father's heavy, frail body, Zhu Zhanjun furrowed his brows.
He knew his father's health had been ruined by years of overwork, the gloom of never winning Zhu Di's favor, and a lack of exercise. He was practically a walking collection of chronic health problems.
Historically, his cheap father had been emperor for less than a year before passing away. His health had been the greatest hidden danger.
Zhu Zhanjun was about to set out for Mobei. The journey would stretch for thousands of miles, and he might not return alive.
If his father fell ill as soon as he left, who would manage the mess in the capital?
Someone like Fang Bin?
Beijing City would probably be sold off by him the very next day.
He had to find a way to secure the rear!
[Ding! A family member of the host (father: Zhu Gaochi) has been detected with dangerously low vital signs and is at risk of sudden death. This will severely affect the host's future plans.] [The system shop's "Health" section has been temporarily opened to the host.] [Recommended item: Basic Vitality-Strengthening Pill. Effect: Clears chronic ailments and old illnesses from the body, replenishes depleted vital energy, and greatly improves physical functions and lifespan. Exchange price: 10,000 National Fortune Points.]
Ten thousand National Fortune Points?
Zhu Zhanjun glanced at his system panel.
When the system had activated, Great Ming had been on the brink of collapse, and he'd started with a pitiful 50,000 National Fortune Points.
The mission to rescue Zhu Di wasn't even complete yet, and now he had to spend a fifth of them?
"Exchange!"
Zhu Zhanjun didn't hesitate for a moment.
Money could be earned again, and National Fortune Points could be farmed again. But if his father died, he'd be gone for good!
Besides, a healthy Zhu Gaochi could hold down the rear for him. The value he could provide was far greater than ten thousand National Fortune Points.
[Exchange successful! The Basic Vitality-Strengthening Pill has been stored in the system space. The host can retrieve it at any time.]
Almost as soon as the system notification sounded, a smooth jade bottle appeared in Zhu Zhanjun's hand.
He slipped it into his robes without drawing attention, then said to Zhang, "Mother, help Father back to the carriage to rest. It's windy out here. Even if the Imperial Physician comes, he'll only prescribe some tonics. They'll treat the symptoms, not the cause. I happen to have something good."
As he spoke, he supported Zhu Gaochi and half-dragged, half-carried him back into the warm carriage.
"What good thing? Don't tell me you're about to pull out some weird contraption and scare me again."
Zhu Gaochi said weakly.
"Of course it's something good."
Zhu Zhanjun pulled the jade bottle from his robes with a mysterious air and poured out a pill the size of a longan, which gave off a faint, pleasant fragrance.
"What is it?"
Zhang asked curiously.
"Pill for Cultivating Origin and Solidifying Foundation."
Without batting an eye, Zhu Zhanjun began spinning a tale. "A few years ago, remember how I liked wandering all over the place? Once, on Zhongnan Mountain, I met a scruffy old Daoist. He said we were fated to meet and insisted on giving it to me. He said it could cure every illness, bring the dead back to life, and restore flesh to bare bones. I thought he was a swindler at the time, so I kept it on me and never paid it any mind. Father, why don't you... try it?"
The story was full of holes.
But coming from Zhu Zhanjun, the "Chaos Demon King," who had never played by the rules, it seemed just plausible enough.
Before you continue