Chapter Twelve: Defending with the Sword

After the Lü family and Zhu Yunwen left, Zhu Biao hurriedly opened the bag containing sweet potatoes and potatoes and presented it to Zhu Yuanzhang. "Father, take a look!"

Zhu Yuanzhang picked one up, weighing it in his hand. "At least half a jin!"

Zhu Biao nodded repeatedly. "I think it's even more, at least six or seven liang!"

"Great-grandson, are these sweet potato seeds?"

"That's right!"

Then Zhu Yuanzhang picked up a potato and asked, "What is this? Why is it different from the others?"

"This one is even more remarkable...!" Zhu Xiongying pointed at the potato with a small finger and continued, "This is called a potato. When food is scarce, it can be the staple! When there are no vegetables, it can serve as one! Fried, sautéed, steamed, or roasted, every method is delicious! After drying, it can be preserved for a long time—essential for marching and warfare!"

The old Zhu father and son were excited but also frightened.

If they had been even a step slower, all these seeds would have been lost!

Zhu Biao trembled with excitement. "Father, with these seeds, in less than five years, the people of the Ming will never worry about food again!"

"Yes! That will be a true era of peace and prosperity...!"

Zhu Yuanzhang began to look toward the future, but then suddenly crouched down, somewhat troubled, and said to the little one, "Xiongying, next time you see the old immortal again, could you ask him for more seeds? Relying only on these, development is a bit slow."

"Sure! Grandpa White Beard often visits me in my dreams!" Zhu Xiongying agreed without hesitation.

Today, he had brought out seven or eight jin each of sweet potatoes and potatoes.

There were still over ninety jin stored in the system space!

Keeping them was useless; it was better to plant them.

From now on, there would be a constant supply of sweet potatoes!

"Really? That's wonderful! Heaven bless our Ming!" Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes lit up, surprised by the little one's eagerness.

However, in the next moment, Zhu Xiongying stretched out his small hand. "How much money is Grandfather Emperor willing to pay?"

"Huh? You... you want money?"

"Of course...!" The little one’s eyes flickered as he surveyed Zhu Yuanzhang, pinching his chin thoughtfully. "If Grandfather Emperor is short on cash, a sword as payment would be fine!"

"Huh? A sword?" Zhu Yuanzhang was stunned.

Why would the boy have such a demand?

Zhu Biao furrowed his brows. "Don't be ridiculous. Father is the Son of Heaven; how could he stoop so low?"

Zhu Yuanzhang shot a displeased glance at Zhu Biao, who quickly corrected himself, "Heh heh, no... Father... I didn't mean that, it’s just this kid..."

"What are you two talking about?" This time, Zhu Xiongying was puzzled.

"Xiongying, Grandfather is quite old; you shouldn't let him stoop so low. If you really want, Dad can stoop for you!"

After saying this, Zhu Biao grinned wickedly and moved toward the little one.

But the boy suddenly whipped out the sword hanging at Zhu Yuanzhang’s waist and pointed it at Zhu Biao’s advancing face.

"Xiongying, what are you doing?"

"Dad! This is... too... much!"

"Didn't you ask me to stoop for you?"

"Dad, I want Grandfather Emperor’s sword! The sword!"

Zhu Xiongying brandished the treasured blade, producing a sharp whistling sound.

This sword seemed to be a relic from the Former Qin dynasty.

It was three feet long, with the hilt inlaid with thirty-six gems, razor-sharp!

It was said that when Grandfather first obtained it, he treasured it dearly!

"Oh... a treasured sword! Right! I guessed it was a treasured sword! Dad was just teasing you!" Zhu Biao felt embarrassed.

He suddenly realized his thoughts couldn’t keep up with his son.

Clearing his throat, Zhu Yuanzhang shifted the topic to ease the awkwardness. "Alright, great-grandson, what do you want to do with our treasured sword?"

"Grandson heard that this sword symbolizes power—it can sever tyrants above and rebels below! Is that true?"

The little one blinked and stared intently at Old Zhu.

"Indeed."

"That's great! If my dad ever becomes a tyrant, I'll use this sword to overthrow him and become emperor!"

At those words, Zhu Biao began coughing violently.

Goodness, he hadn’t even ascended the throne yet, and this kid was already plotting to oust him?

[Notification: Congratulations, host. You have caused Zhu Biao to tremble with fear. Reward: extended life by three months!]

"Hahaha! Great-grandson, rest assured, your dad wouldn't dare!" Zhu Yuanzhang laughed heartily.

He trusted this son one hundred percent.

Half of the current government affairs were already in Zhu Biao’s hands.

How well he managed them was not unknown to him.

"Then I’ll keep the sword for cutting down rebels...!" Zhu Xiongying waved the sword enthusiastically, growing more fond of it. "Grandfather Emperor, just say yes!"

"Um..." Zhu Yuanzhang pondered, then smiled kindly. "Good grandson, how about I trade the palace kitchen’s pastries for it? The pastries here are delicious!"

For a child, food was the greatest joy.

That would be the best deal!

However, the little one frowned and stamped his foot. "Hmph! Grandfather Emperor, don't try to trick me! I'm not five or six anymore! The kitchen pastries aren't tasty at all!"

Zhu Yuanzhang was slightly embarrassed and whispered, "That's right! You’re seven now, harder to fool!"

Besides, he had just tasted the sweet potato, which was far better than the pastries!

He was reluctant to part with the sword.

Helplessly, he glanced toward his son Zhu Biao and noticed the jade pendant at his waist.

It was a fine mutton-fat white jade from the South Sea tribute, warm to the touch, flawless.

Because of his service as regent, it had been granted to him a few months prior!

He pulled it off, startling Zhu Biao. "Father, what are you doing...?"

But Zhu Yuanzhang ignored him, holding the pendant gently and speaking softly to the boy. "Great-grandson, how about this jade pendant? It's priceless, better than the sword you have, isn't it? Besides, the sword will be passed down through generations—it will eventually be yours. Why worry?"

The boy looked at the pendant, then at the sword, seemingly torn.

"How about I add a thousand taels of treasure notes?"

Seizing the opportunity, Zhu Yuanzhang stretched out his hand, and someone immediately handed over a note worth a thousand taels.

Zhu Xiongying’s eyes lit up.

In this era, treasure notes were like banknotes.

With their purchasing power now, one could easily buy a decent house in Yingtian Prefecture!

Being emperor was truly impressive.

He could be so generous!

Zhu Xiongying’s eyes darted mischievously, and with a sly smile, he nodded, "Okay!"

"Hahaha! Then this jade pendant is yours!" Zhu Yuanzhang generously stuffed the pendant and the treasure notes into the boy’s hand.

He paid no mind to the sour expression on Zhu Biao’s face.

It was like bribing his own son with his own belongings.

No loss at all!

Even so, Zhu Biao dared not complain.

Otherwise, Old Zhu's slap was no joke!

Just as Zhu Biao mourned his mutton-fat jade pendant, the boy suddenly changed his mind.

He handed the pendant back to Zhu Yuanzhang. "Grandfather Emperor, after thinking it over, I still like the sword better. How about... I trade this jade pendant for the black iron sword?"