Chapter 23: A Resounding Victory! Crown Prince Biao's Suspicions!

Damn it! I've been outplayed by a toddler!

Zhu Yuanzhang cursed inwardly. He looked at the chubby little boy before him, feeling a mix of exasperation and amusement. His expression was incredibly complex—a blend of laughter and tears that betrayed his deep affection and growing annoyance toward the child.

This little brat was truly meticulous, every move calculated to lock him into a corner, leaving him absolutely no room to maneuver!

So, you have your eyes on the long-range telescopes, do you? Then pay up! And there was no getting out of it! Old Zhu understood the stubborn nature of that dog Xu Tiande better than anyone. Of course, Xu Da was a reasonable man; if Zhu Yuanzhang were to personally write a letter, the secret formula for the glass would naturally be his for the taking. But doing so would be like bowing his head to Xu Da, and who knew how insufferably smug that old man would become!

To maintain the dignity of an emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang gritted his teeth and chose to concede. However, he couldn't let this chubby little brat just name any price he wanted; the national treasury wasn't exactly overflowing with spare cash!

Thinking of this, Zhu Yuanzhang furrowed his brows deeply, his fingers unconsciously stroking the armrests of his throne. After a long period of contemplation, he offered a price he deemed appropriate.

"Five taels of silver per telescope. Not a copper more!" His voice was low and resonant, carrying an unquestionable authority.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Gaochi flew into a rage, his face turning as red as a ripe tomato. With his hands on his hips, he shrieked at the top of his lungs, "Impossible! The raw materials and labor costs alone are more than that!"

What the hell kind of bargaining is that? Are you using a Dragon-Slaying Saber to haggle?

Seeing the little chubby boy being so unyielding, Zhu Yuanzhang was provoked. He slammed his hand on the desk, causing the teacup to jump. Old Zhu sneered repeatedly and said, "Little fatty, don't you think you have me cornered! At worst, I'll just do without these telescopes; our Great Ming soldiers can scout enemy positions just the same..."

"Heh." Zhu Gaochi didn't even bother to respond. He grabbed Zhu Xiongying and turned to leave, his movements swift and decisive, without a hint of hesitation. As he walked away, he muttered, "Then there's nothing left to talk about. Go find somewhere cool to sit, Grandpa Emperor!"

Seeing this, Old Zhu was stunned, his eyes wide. You little rascal...

Lan Yu, standing by, grew anxious. His brows knitted together, and fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He immediately dropped to his knees and pleaded, "Your Majesty, this device can truly and significantly reduce the casualties of our soldiers!" You are the Emperor of Great Ming, after all; how can you lose your temper with a child?

Old Zhu glared at Lan Yu in annoyance. Seeing the two little ones nearly at the door, he finally conceded with a reluctant snort, "Ten taels of silver each!"

"If you brat dare to ask for more, even if I have to face the wrath of Tiande when he returns to the capital, I will seize your business..."

Before he could finish, he saw Zhu Gaochi’s eyes light up. A smile instantly bloomed on his face, looking like a cunning little fox as he scurried back.

"Ten taels each, deal! Ten thousand of them makes one hundred thousand taels. Pay up!" As he spoke, he extended his chubby little hand.

Looking at the small hand stretched out before him, Old Zhu felt a wave of darkness wash over him.

Damn it, the price went up! I’ve been fleeced by this brat again!

Beside him, Crown Prince Biao helplessly touched his forehead, shaking his head with a bitter smile. This price was indeed a bit steep. One had to realize that buying a decent two-courtyard house in the capital only cost a few dozen taels of silver. What kind of concept was this? If converted to the house prices of the imperial capital in the future, a single telescope would sell for millions... it was simply absurdly expensive.

When it came to spending money, Crown Prince Biao was always synonymous with frugality and stinginess. However, he understood the importance of matters concerning the state and the military. He knew that some places shouldn't be skimped on—in fact, spending more was sometimes necessary if it benefited the Great Ming and the prosperity of the nation. Therefore, he chose to remain silent and did not intervene.

Though expensive, Old Zhu could accept it. In the context of national military affairs, a mere pittance like this was nothing. Could the lives of his soldiers be worth less than this bit of silver?

Old Zhu looked at Crown Prince Biao, who nodded in response.

"Father, if it is ten taels each, I believe we should allocate several tens of thousands of taels to procure a batch. This money cannot be saved. With five telescopes, the soldiers on the southern expedition will be able to grasp the enemy situation in Yunnan accurately, which will greatly reduce casualties."

Crown Prince Biao had finally said something sensible, preventing further public outcry. Old Zhu nodded and gave the final order.

"Then have five thousand manufactured first. The Ministry of Revenue shall allocate fifty thousand taels!"

Hearing this, the two little ones erupted in cheers and left in high spirits. This time, they had achieved a total victory. Not only had they made money, but they had also baited the Lady Lü and her son into revealing their ambitions; it was a win no matter how you looked at it.

Lan Yu felt a sense of relief and wore a gratified smile. After offering a few flattering words to Zhu Yuanzhang, he tactfully retreated.

In the grand hall, only Crown Prince Biao and Zhu Yuanzhang remained. Zhu Yuanzhang sat quietly on the throne, his gaze unfocused as he recalled the day's events. Suddenly, the corners of his mouth curled upward in a mysterious, meaningful smile.

He looked at Crown Prince Zhu Biao, his gaze as sharp as a blade, as if it could pierce through the human heart. "Biao'er, I know you are entirely devoted to state affairs, but Ying'er's actions today should be enough to alert you!"

Upon hearing this, Crown Prince Biao's expression darkened. A beautiful figure appeared in his mind—it was Lady Lü! Back when his original consort, Crown Princess Chang, passed away, Zhu Biao had thought about the several children at home who needed care, and since he was constantly busy with state affairs, he felt he needed a mistress of the house. Plus, Lady Lü had always acted gentle and virtuous, never competing for anything, so he had felt at ease letting her manage the Eastern Palace, eventually elevating her from a secondary consort to the primary one.

However, reflecting on today's events, even Crown Prince Biao had to admit that this Lady Lü... had been disguising herself too well.

It was only today that... she had been too impatient!

"Chi'er also went to great lengths. This strategy of 'luring the snake out of its hole' was well-executed. Otherwise, you and I, father and son, would have truly been deceived by her, and who knows what she might have done in the future!" Old Zhu's voice was laced with anger, and a cold light glinted in his eyes.

"Biao'er, handle this matter yourself."

"I have only one thing to say: if any harm comes to Ying'er, I will have her entire clan executed!"

Hearing this, Crown Prince Biao trembled, then bowed respectfully to accept the order. He knew his father too well; Old Zhu was certainly capable of such a thing. Thinking of this, Crown Prince Biao sighed and turned to leave in a hurry.

After he left, Old Zhu sat alone on the throne, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.

"Heh, interesting, truly very interesting."

"A mere child, and yet he dared to scheme against me!"

A while later, Mao Xiang, the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, rushed in. His steps were hurried, his forehead covered in sweat. Upon seeing Zhu Yuanzhang, he immediately knelt on the ground.

"Your Majesty, it has been verified: it was indeed Zhu Yunwen who tipped off Li Xiyan."

As expected! A cold light flashed in Old Zhu's eyes. He had truly underestimated this mother and son!

"From this day forward, monitor every action of the Crown Princess, Lady Lü. Report every detail, no matter how small!"

Mao Xiang trembled upon hearing this and nodded instinctively. Monitor the Eastern Palace? What was His Majesty planning to do?

"Also, investigate the eldest legitimate son of the Prince of Yan, Zhu Gaochi. Find out exactly whom he has met since leaving the palace and what he has been doing."

Mao Xiang bowed and left to carry out the order.

Old Zhu sat alone on the throne, his knuckles tapping rhythmically on the armrest.

These descendants of mine... they certainly aren't sitting still!

Good, very good! Truly worthy of being of my, Zhu Yuanzhang's, bloodline!