Chapter 660
: Kunning Palace holds a family dinner, and the six brothers gather together
Inside Kunning Palace.
The red walls, green tiles and vermilion lacquered palace doors exude a sense of solemnity in the quietness of the afternoon.
The candlelight in the hall flickered, and the light and shadows swayed slowly on the walls, as if telling the depth of time.
Zhu Yuanzhang was wearing casual clothes with the corners of his robe hanging down slightly, sitting quietly in front of Empress Ma's bed.
He leaned forward slightly, his eyes occasionally falling on the other's slightly pale face full of pity, as if he was gazing at the most precious treasure in the world.
From time to time, Zhu Yuanzhang looked outside the hall, with a flame of expectation flickering in his eyes.
It is like the eager wait for the dawn in the endless darkness.
At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang was looking forward to the arrival of his six sons with unspeakable eagerness.
In this solemn palace, power struggles are surging like undercurrents.
Deep down in his heart, he was looking forward to gathering here with his sons and surrounding Empress Ma's bedside.
Zhu Yuanzhang imagined that moment when the father and his sons were in the same room.
There is neither distinction between high and low in the court nor the complexity of government affairs.
Only the simple and warm family happiness flows slowly in the air, comforting my tired body and mind.
Not only that, Zhu Yuanzhang also knew that Empress Ma's virtue and wisdom were like a deep abyss containing endless wisdom.
He fully hoped that his sons could sit by the bed and listen to Queen Ma's teachings.
Draw wisdom and strength from it, just as young seedlings long for the nourishment of sweet rain.
Only in this way can these sons firmly shoulder the heavy responsibility of governing the Ming Dynasty in the future.
Let this hard-earned foundation of the Ming Dynasty last forever for thousands of years.
Zhu Yuanzhang sighed, shook his head slightly, and said to himself: "I hope all the children can be safe and do something."
The sound seemed to be swallowed up quietly by the thick and quiet air, so faint that it was almost inaudible.
It was like the sound of a huge bell, echoing in the depths of Zhu Yuanzhang's heart for a long time.
Every syllable struck hard at his heartstrings.
At this time, Empress Ma was lying on her side on the bed. Seeing Zhu Yuanzhang like this, she quickly pulled herself together with the gentle help of the palace maid, and tried to sit up inch by inch.
Now Empress Ma was seriously ill and her movements were slow and difficult.
Every slight movement seemed to drain away her limited strength.
The originally rosy complexion has now turned as pale as paper.
Her cheeks were slightly sunken, making her look sickly.
However, at this moment, Queen Ma's eyes still showed determination and tenderness.
Even though she was so weak, her concern for Zhu Yuanzhang remained undiminished.
The palace maids had a clear division of labor: one carefully supported Empress Ma, while the other gently supported her back, fearing that any slight force would hurt her.
After Empress Ma, who was breathing slightly, sat down steadily, she immediately looked at Zhu Yuanzhang who was in a state of contemplation with a loving gaze.
It seemed that he wanted to dispel all the worries in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart through this concerned look.
Empress Ma said softly, "Chongba, I heard a saying in my early years that children and grandchildren have their own blessings.
They are older now and have each started their own families with wives and children of their own.
It’s time for us parents to learn to let go.”
Her voice was weak, but it carried unquestionable power.
However, Zhu Yuanzhang, who was immersed in deep thought, seemed to be unable to recover for a long time.
Until his eyes became sore and unbearable, he slowly raised his hand and rubbed them.
Zhu Yuanzhang raised his head slightly and closed his eyes, as if trying to dispel the myriad thoughts that were lingering in his mind.
At this moment, the eunuch chief Wu Cheng walked into the hall cautiously with small and steady steps.
He was dressed in a black eunuch's uniform, the hem of his clothes swaying gently with his steps. Wu Cheng looked respectful, holding a bowl of steaming ginseng soup steadily in his hands.
Then he half bent his body, slightly bent his knees, and carefully handed the ginseng soup to Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang slowly opened his eyes and his gaze fell on the bowl of ginseng soup.
Although the rising heat blurred his vision, it also brought a hint of warmth.
I raised my hand to take the ginseng soup. The porcelain bowl felt warm to the touch and the aroma of the ginseng soup lingered around my nose.
The ginseng soup was rich in color and shone with a soft luster under the candlelight, as if it contained endless nourishment.
Zhu Yuanzhang took a sip, and the mellow taste spread on his tongue.
It slowly flows down your throat, and warmth spreads throughout your body.
This moment of relaxation made his frown relax a little, and his tired look slightly alleviated.
"This ginseng soup is really delicious. It seems that Xu Xingzu's cooking skills are getting better and better!"
Zhu Yuanzhang narrowed his eyes slightly, a look of satisfaction on his face.
Empress Ma forced a smile and tilted her head slightly and said, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten that you promoted Xu Xingzu to the position of Minister of the Imperial Household Department a long time ago?
This ginseng soup was not made by him personally."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang immediately acted as if he had suddenly realized something and gently patted his forehead.
"Sister, look at my memory. I even forgot that Xu Xingzu had been promoted.
Wu Cheng, please find out who made this ginseng soup and give him a generous reward."
After Wu Cheng received the order, he bowed slightly and replied "yes" respectfully.
Then he took a few steps back respectfully, turned around and walked away quickly, his figure quickly disappearing in the shadows of the palace.
Not long after, a soft and gentle sound of footsteps came from far away.
Chunlan, Empress Ma's personal maid, walked slowly into the bedroom of Kunning Palace with lotus steps.
Chunlan was wearing a plain palace dress, and the well-tailored clothes fluttered slightly with her steps.
A light blue silk ribbon is tied around her waist, making her figure look more graceful.
Chunlan looked gentle, with a hint of worry between her brows.
At this moment, she lowered her eyes and walked forward very lightly, for fear of disturbing the people in the hall.
After entering the bedroom, Chunlan bowed slightly and then said softly, "Empress, Your Majesty.
His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and several princes are already waiting outside Kunning Palace. His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin wants to know when they will be summoned into the palace."
Before she finished speaking, the worry in her eyes revealed her concern.
Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Chunlan with a little confusion and frowned slightly.
"I clearly remember that my sister has given you to the third brother, so why are you still staying in the palace?"
Before Chunlan could speak, the maid Xia He, who was in charge of supporting Empress Ma, answered on her behalf: "Your Majesty, since the Empress's illness became more and more serious, His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin has rarely come to Kunning Palace.
Many people said that because His Majesty did not agree to His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin marrying Fan, he deliberately did not come to Kunning Palace in order to avoid Sister Chunlan. "
Upon hearing this, Queen Ma slightly tilted her head and shot a lightning-like gaze at Xia He.
Her eyes were full of anger and she glared at Xia He fiercely.
This look seemed to be full of power, filled with blame and dissatisfaction.
Then Queen Ma exerted a little effort and forced her weak body to slowly sit up.
Every movement seemed extremely strenuous, yet revealed an unquestionable determination.
She was originally leaning on the couch, but now she straightened her back, as if she had instantly gathered all her energy and spirit.
His already somewhat sagging face gained a bit of majesty as he sat up straight.
(End of this chapter)