Chapter 1: I Ask You to Be Kind

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Chapter 1: Please Be Kind

Xu Jingchang had a dream. In the dream, he became a fifteen-year-old youth with the same name, born to a distinguished family of powerful nobles. His grandfather was Xu Da, the founding Duke of Wei under the Ming dynasty, posthumously honored as King of Zhongshan. His father was Xu Zengshou.

He also had an aunt who was married to the Prince of Yan, Zhu Di.

That meant that Zhu Di was his uncle!

Such a status was beyond impressive—and then, as if the dream had become reality, he woke to find it was true.

In the sweltering July heat of Nanjing, Xu Jingchang sat on a stone bench under a grape trellis, dressed in plain mourning garments. Looking around at the small garden, which covered nearly an acre, the grandeur of the Xu residence was evident without need for words.

Yet, this illustrious military household now faced the moment of its rise or fall. Even during the bloody purges of the Hongwu era, when countless noble heads rolled, things had never been so desperate.

For the past four years, the country had been consumed by the Jingnan Campaign. Zhu Di, against all odds, had overthrown his nephew Zhu Yunwen, and only days ago, had stormed into the capital, Ying Tian, sword in hand.

Xu Jingchang’s father, Xu Zengshou, had continuously provided intelligence to his brother-in-law Zhu Di, rendering invaluable service. Just as victory seemed assured, tragedy struck on the eve of triumph—he was killed by Zhu Yunwen.

That was why Xu Jingchang now wore mourning.

His eldest uncle, Xu Huizu, who inherited the Duke of Wei title, had chosen to remain loyal to the Jianwen Emperor and thus became a loser in the civil war.

The one who bet correctly was dead; the one who bet wrong was still alive, but might as well have been dead.

In the space of a single night, the two pillars holding up the Xu family had collapsed.

Now, the immense burden of the family fell squarely on Xu Jingchang’s young shoulders.

His grasp of history was far from perfect. He vaguely remembered that the Xu family had produced two marquises, but had no idea how they weathered this crisis. Still, one thing was certain: his aunt, Empress Xu, must have played a significant role in their survival. Perhaps he should write her a letter, ask the only elder left with real influence to help her nephew.

Or he could go directly to his uncle, Zhu Di, and say, “My father is dead; you cannot turn your back on us…”

Xu Jingchang racked his brains, unable to settle on a plan. Just then, a one-eyed old retainer hurried in and bowed deeply.

His name was Xu Yi. He had lost an eye campaigning with Xu Da against the Northern Yuan in the fifth year of the Hongwu reign. Since then, he had served the Xu household faithfully for decades, respected by all.

“Young Master, His Highness the Prince of Han and the Imperial Son-in-law Wang Ning have come to visit.”

Xu Jingchang frowned slightly. The Prince of Han was Zhu Di’s second son, Zhu Gaoxu, known for his martial prowess and courage, much like his father. During the Jingnan Campaign, he had distinguished himself, and after Zhu Di’s enthronement, was made Prince of Han. Among the noble generals, his reputation was considerable, and he was technically Xu Jingchang’s cousin.

With so much happening at court, his sudden visit could not be just a social call.

Xu Jingchang considered and decided to go out and greet them. Before he had taken more than a few steps, a resounding, powerful voice reached his ears—the visitors had already come in, regarding themselves as family.

“Dear brother, are you here?”

Striding in came a tall, robust young man in his early twenties, full of vigor and authority—clearly the Prince of Han, Zhu Gaoxu. Behind him was a refined middle-aged man: Zhu Yuanzhang’s imperial son-in-law, Wang Ning.

Zhu Gaoxu strode up to Xu Jingchang, grasped his arm, and after a careful look, began to express his concern: “I accompanied you to your father’s burial a few days ago. I heard you fell ill afterward—are you better now?”

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Xu Jingchang nodded slightly. He was not ill—he had transmigrated, but of course, that was not something he could say.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am much better.” Xu Jingchang welcomed the two inside and they took their seats as host and guests.

Zhu Gaoxu spoke first: “Dear brother, the Jingnan Campaign has just ended, and there is much to be done. His Majesty is busy, and your father’s funeral was a bit rushed. I will speak to my father and find an opportunity to have him reburied with all the honors due a Duke. Your father gave his life for us—just thinking of it fills me with remorse!”

Xu Zengshou had been killed by Zhu Yunwen. Zhu Di was indeed extremely busy, and it was Zhu Gaoxu who had arranged the funeral with great care. At the time, Xu Jingchang had been very grateful, eager to pledge his undying loyalty.

“Your Highness’s great kindness, I am endlessly grateful,” he replied, though his thoughts had shifted.

Zhu Gaoxu, oblivious, went on cheerfully: “Our two families have always been close, like real brothers, with nothing to hide. To be frank, my father once told me to strive hard. After all, my elder brother is frail and bookish—hardly fit to inherit the empire. Sooner or later, this throne will rest on my shoulders.”

You?

Xu Jingchang was taken aback. His history might be spotty, but he knew it was the “fat one” who had the last laugh! And who would ever believe an emperor’s promise?

Clearly, Zhu Gaoxu was not the brightest.

“Congratulations, Your Highness,” Xu Jingchang said blandly.

Zhu Gaoxu, full of confidence, smiled: “Since that is so, I have prepared a memorial to the throne, hoping to gather signatures urging His Majesty to appoint the Crown Prince early. I hope you will add your name as well.”

He glanced at Wang Ning, who promptly produced a memorial and set it before Xu Jingchang with a smile.

“His Highness is right. This is a matter of going with the flow—everyone thinks so,” Wang Ning said, coaxing as if speaking to a child.

Xu Jingchang, with the wisdom of two lifetimes, would not be so easily trapped. A signature in black and white would be impossible to explain away.

He frowned, searching for a way to refuse. “Your Highness, I see the choice of crown prince as a family matter, at the emperor’s sole discretion. There’s no need to trouble everyone. You and your father should speak openly.”

His tone was sincere, but his refusal was clear: this is between you and your father—don’t drag me in. If you can’t handle your father, that’s your own failing!

Zhu Gaoxu nearly choked. Was Xu Jingchang feigning stupidity? If he could talk to his father directly, would he need all this fuss?

He glared at Wang Ning, who hurried to persuade: “The issue of the crown prince is not just a family matter, but a matter of state. As courtiers, we may offer our advice. His Highness is both virtuous and talented, admired by all—he is the best candidate.”

Xu Jingchang now saw it clearly: the two were trying to coerce him into supporting Zhu Gaoxu’s cause.

Unfortunately, how could Zhu Gaoxu compete with that “fat cousin”—who in a past life had been Grand Secretary Di?

Under no circumstances could he get involved.

He replied, “Lord Wang, so we are talking about state matters! I am but a youth, and my father has just passed. I am deep in grief and cannot concern myself with affairs of state—my apologies.”

Zhu Gaoxu’s head buzzed with frustration. He had canvassed so many, but none had been as slippery as Xu Jingchang.

“Dear brother, you tell me to seek the emperor for family matters, and you won’t get involved in state matters either—what exactly do you intend?” Zhu Gaoxu’s voice rose.

Xu Jingchang replied calmly, “I have just lost my father and am distraught and confused. I can’t think clearly. I ask Your Highness to be understanding. I plan to observe mourning for three years and study behind closed doors. When I turn eighteen, I may know more and be able to participate.”

“No!” came the immediate retort.

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Zhu Gaoxu was truly anxious now. The Jingnan victory was fresh; the generals who had fought beside him were the most persuasive voices. His elder brother Zhu Gaoxi was still guarding the north, and even the empress hadn’t come to the capital yet.

This was a heaven-sent opportunity, and advantage was on his side.

As long as he could rally the officials and pressure Zhu Di, he would become the heir apparent of the Ming dynasty.

In three years, it would all be over.

Wang Ning was sweating with anxiety. Why was this boy as slippery as an eel?

He pressed, “His Highness enjoys His Majesty’s deep affection. To make him crown prince is only natural—why make it so complicated? The Xu family is the foremost among the founding nobles and closely related to His Highness. You should take the lead. The credit for settling the succession will be yours. Besides, His Highness and the late Marquis of Wuyang were so close—at the funeral, he wept bitterly. Everyone saw it.”

The Marquis of Wuyang was the posthumous title Zhu Di had bestowed on Xu Zengshou. Wang Ning was using Xu Jingchang’s father to pressure him.

But Xu Jingchang was unmoved. He replied calmly, “It is true that Your Highness and I are relatives, but is not the eldest prince also so? If he had presided over my father’s funeral, I am sure he would not have done less. We are all family—how could I favor one over the other?”

Even Wang Ning was at a loss. This youth was impervious to both coercion and persuasion, utterly ungrateful—what could they do?

Zhu Gaoxu glared at Xu Jingchang, gritting his teeth. He had thought Xu Jingchang would be easily manipulated, but this youth had grown shrewd and was not easily used.

With no other choice, Zhu Gaoxu revealed his true offer.

“Dear brother, His Majesty will soon decree that you inherit your father’s Marquisate of Wuyang. But a mere marquisate is hardly worthy of you. I want to help you—if you sign your name and pledge the Xu family’s support for me as crown prince, I will ensure you become a hereditary Duke. Xu Huizu remained loyal to Zhu Yunwen, even tried to arrest me, led troops against my father—since he chose to follow Zhu Yunwen, let him die with him. No one can save him.”

“Not just him—his sons must be eradicated too. When the Duke of Wei’s line is cut off, the title will naturally be yours. The entire Xu family will be yours to command. All you have to do is agree, and I will see it done at once.”

Zhu Gaoxu was smug, convinced Xu Jingchang would accept.

Glory and wealth are what matter most; what’s family to that? After all, Zhu Gaoxu himself had fought and killed his own cousin for four years.

A classic maneuver.

But to Xu Jingchang, this proposal was outrageous and repugnant.

If before he had only been evasive, now he was furious. To nod and betray Xu Huizu and his sons—never.

To harm his kin and seize power—how could he ever be secure, even inheriting the Duke of Wei’s title?

Even Zhu Di, when seizing the throne from his nephew, had to do so under the pretense of “rectifying the court.” If the Xu family turned on itself, who could respect them?

Especially with his aunt still alive—if he overstepped, punishing her brothers and nephews, and provoked her wrath, he would be in real danger.

Zhu Gaoxu, it seemed, only came up with terrible ideas. Under no circumstances could Xu Jingchang get involved.

Xu Jingchang stood abruptly. “My uncle’s life or death depends on His Majesty’s will—I have nothing to say. But I ask Your Highness not to forget: my uncle is also Her Majesty the Empress’s brother. His children, like me, are your cousins! If you wish to exterminate them, whose roots do you mean to cut?”

He dares to shout at me?

For a moment, Zhu Gaoxu was stunned, hardly believing his ears. Who gave you the courage?

“Xu Jingchang, what do you mean by this?”

Xu Jingchang replied coldly, “Nothing. Only this: I urge Your Highness—be generous, be kind!”

(End of chapter)