My father, Zhu Di, was granted a second life by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Chapter 48 Xie Jin, the Commander

Zhu Gaoxi sent Sanbao to the dock to pick up Xie Jin, while he waited at the Prince of Wu's residence.

Since Xie Jin was not holding a position in the court upon his return to the capital, Zhu Yuanzhang temporarily avoided seeing him to prevent Xie Jin from developing arrogance and becoming difficult to control.

Although Zhu Gaoxi had already been granted the title of prince, he was still young, and the matter of becoming a disciple required the involvement of an elder in his family. Coincidentally, the Imperial Son-in-Law, Captain Mei Yin, was in the capital, so he acted as the head of the family.

Zhu Gaoxi already knew of his uncle's great reputation from history books.

During the Jingnan Campaign, Mei Yin was ordered to guard Huai'an.

Zhu Gaoxi's adoptive father intended to enter the capital via Huai'an and sent an envoy to see Mei Yin, asking him to make an exception. However, Mei Yin sternly refused.

Mei Yin ordered the messenger's ears and nose to be cut off, and said to the messenger, "Leave your mouth and talk to the King of Yan about the principles of loyalty between ruler and subject."

Zhu Di was furious but helpless, so he had to change his route and go to the capital via Yangzhou.

Upon seeing Mei Yin in person for the first time, Zhu Gaoxi couldn't help but sigh, "The imperial son-in-law's profession truly relies on good looks."

This young man looks so energetic!

Tall and upright, thick eyebrows and big eyes, chubby and robust... no, these words cannot capture its essence.

He was both dashing and unrestrained, yet gentle and refined, with an elegant and graceful bearing, like a celestial being descended to earth, pure and otherworldly.

This perfectly fulfilled Zhu Gaoxi's every imaginable fantasy about handsome men.

Compared to him, Li Jinglong was somewhat arrogant and extravagant.

According to the old emperor's prior introduction, Mei Yin was not only skilled in riding and archery and resourceful, but also well-versed in classics and history, and was known as the "Confucian Master".

She could easily make a living based on her looks, but she insists on relying on her abilities.

So this is how complicated the circles of royalty are!

"Nephew greets uncle."

Zhu Gaoxi's admiration for the powerful was overflowing, and his voice was filled with deep respect.

Mei Yin crouched down, her eyes gentle and warm. "Is Your Highness ready?"

Zhu Gaoxi felt a sense of warmth and satisfaction. "I'm ready."

"Let's go then," Mei Yin said, taking Zhu Gaoxi's hand and walking out of the palace.

Upon arriving at the Prince of Wu's residence, the two had barely sat down when Sanbao brought Xie Jin back.

Zhu Gaoxi had long admired the talented scholar Xie Jin, and hurriedly came out of the house to greet him.

Xie Jin's image is far less stunning than Mei Yin's.

A person of average talent, with a thin face, well-dressed, and refined and unassuming.

Perhaps due to the weariness of his journey, Xie Jin looked somewhat haggard, with a hint of restraint and unease, far less composed than Mei Yin.

What's most striking is the strong scholarly air about him.

Xie Jin was nine years younger than Zhu Di and five years younger than Mei Yin, but for some reason, Zhu Gaoxi sensed a sense of powerlessness and vicissitude from him, something neither his adoptive father nor Mei Yin possessed.

Perhaps it was due to the ups and downs of his circumstances.

Although the old emperor's decision to send him home was out of a desire to protect him, it inevitably left a shadow of frustration in Xie Jin's heart.

Hopefully, he'll learn from his mistake.

Zhu Gaoxi sighed inwardly.

After the apprenticeship ceremony, Zhu Gaoxi wanted to speak with Xie Jin alone, but Mei Yin excused himself and left first.

"Sir, you probably didn't expect to return to the capital in this capacity, did you?" Zhu Gaoxi asked.

"Your humble servant thanks Your Highness for your appreciation," Xie Jin said, still somewhat reserved.

He couldn't quite figure out this legendary child prodigy in front of him.

At such a young age, how can he possess such strong self-confidence? His words and actions exude calmness and composure.

"I heard that the Xie family produced three Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) back then?" Zhu Gaoxi led Xie Jin to sit down in the pavilion.

"Your humble servant, along with my elder brother Xie Lun and brother-in-law Huang Jinhua, participated in the imperial examinations and all passed the provincial examinations at the same time," Xie Jin replied, rising to his feet.

Zhu Gaoxi gestured for Xie Jin to sit down, saying, "Sir, there's no need for formalities. I don't value these things."

Xie Jin cupped his hands and said, "Your Highness, since ancient times, there has been an order of hierarchy and respect, and etiquette must not be disregarded."

Zhu Gaoxi did not want to be too lenient with Xie Jin, lest he become as undisciplined and willful as before, so he did not insist any further.

"Besides explaining the classics and history to me, there is also a school in the palace that needs to be managed by a teacher. There are not many students there, and they are all unfortunate children. The teacher should do his best to ensure that they are well-fed, warmly clothed, and have meat in their three meals a day. He should also teach them to read, write, and understand principles."

Sanbao will take you there tomorrow so you can get familiar with the area.

"You will make a list of the expenses required for the school and give it to Sanbao. The money will be withdrawn from the Prince's Mansion. The Chief Secretary will send someone to check the accounts regularly."

The school's money only goes out and doesn't come in, which is a long-term expense that requires careful planning. Auditing rules should be established from the beginning to prevent staff from tampering with funds and embezzling money.

Entrusted with this important task, Xie Jin was greatly encouraged and gladly promised, "Your humble servant will do his utmost to run the school well."

Zhu Gaoxi nodded slightly and then said, "Sir, you are temporarily unable to serve in the court, which is a great injustice."

Xie Jin rose again, trembling with fear and trepidation. "Your Highness's favor is an honor beyond measure; how could I possibly feel wronged?"

Zhu Gaoxi smiled and said, "Sir, there's no need for such formalities. I will have many questions to ask you in the future."

Xie Jin replied respectfully, "It is my great honor to be able to answer Your Highness's questions."

The first conversation between the teacher and student ended in a harmonious and pleasant atmosphere, which can be considered a good start.

Most of the courtyards in the Prince's Mansion were vacant. Yesterday, the eunuchs had prepared a quiet courtyard, cleaned it, and furnished it with all the necessities for daily life. Xie Jin could move in with just his bags. Zhu Gaoxi instructed Li Hui to take Xie Jin there to rest.

Zhu Gaoxi planned to have eight young eunuchs help out at the school. Since he was not yet familiar with their new names, he asked Sanbao to bring them out and have them introduce themselves one by one.

The eight names Sanbao came up with were quite unique, all of which were surnamed Wu: Wu Sheng, Wu Chao, Wu Zao, Wu Shang, Wu Jiang, Wu Fu, Wu Jia, and Wu Mei.

Of the eight, Wu Sheng was the oldest, at fourteen years old; Wu Zao was the youngest, at eleven years old.

Wu Chao, Wu Shang, and Wu Jiaquan are thirteen years old, while Wu Jiang, Wu Fu, and Wu Mei are twelve years old.

Zhu Gaoxi grouped them by age. Wu Sheng, Wu Chao, Wu Shang, and Wu Jia were in charge of purchasing for the school, while Wu Jiang, Wu Fu, Wu Mei, and Wu Zao were in charge of storing goods, keeping accounts, and handling the receipt and disbursement of money.

After the division of labor was completed, Zhu Gaoxi gave each person a general explanation of the key points of their respective tasks and the details that required special attention.

The eight people were enthusiastic and eager to get started, wishing they could begin working immediately.

After making the arrangements, Zhu Gaoxi took Sanbao and Li Hui back to the palace to try and build a relationship with them at the Qianqing Palace.

He had a favor to ask of the old emperor.

The time since the king was conferred the title of king has been short, and the officials of the Wu King's Palace have not yet been appointed, especially the chief secretary of the palace, whose position has been vacant.

Zhu Gaoxi set his sights on a suitable person: Guo Ming, the second son of Marquis Guo Ying of Wuding.

Because Guo Ying's daughter was made the principal wife of the Prince of Liao.

The old emperor originally arranged for Guo Ming to serve as the Treasure Keeper of the Liao Prince's Palace, responsible for managing the imperial seals.

However, Guo Ming has been bedridden for the past two years and has not been able to take up his post in Guangning.

Zhu Gaoxi valued Guo Ying's network of connections.

Guo Ying's eldest son, Guo Zhen, was the husband of Princess Yongjia, the twelfth daughter of the old emperor.

Princess Yongjia was the eldest daughter of Consort Guo Hui.

Guo Ying's younger sister, Consort Guo Ning, needless to say, had taken care of Zhu Gaoxi for a long time and they had a deep bond.

Zhu Gaoxi's plan was this: with this relationship, if all his efforts were in vain and history repeated itself, leading to the Jingnan Rebellion, it would make it easier for his adoptive father to create an opportunity to win over Guo Ying in the future.

Only by making well-planned strategies that allow for both offense and defense can one calmly deal with unexpected events.