Chapter 99: Burden to the Zhao Family
"My Lord, the people from the Zhao family have been waiting for you for a long time!
It is said that Lord Zhao wants to discuss something important with you!"

Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun had just walked out of the room when a servant who had been waiting at the door came up to Zhu Chengwu and reported.

Zhao Yuguang wanted to meet Zhu Chengwu, but he actually asked someone to inform him in advance?

This has never happened before!
Given the strength of the Zhao family and Zhao Yuguang, after Zhao Yuguang arrived in Xuzhou City, who could Zhao Yuguang have asked to pass the message if he wanted to find Zhu Chengwu?
When have you ever waited?

Zhao Yuguang usually broke into where Zhu Chengwu was and told him his decisions or gave him orders in an imperative tone.

Now, however…

After a brief thought in his mind, Zhu Chengwu understood the reason why Zhao Yuguang and Zhao's attitude changed.

This was one of the follow-up effects of the battle a few days ago, in which Zhu Chengwu displayed combat power beyond that of an ordinary grandmaster.

It's true that only the strong can be respected!

Zhu Chengwu smiled secretly in his heart.

"Zhao?
Take me there!"

Zhu Chengwu's mind turned again, and he had already figured out why the people from the Zhao family came to see him now!

Zhu Chengwu also wanted to see whether Zhao Yuguang had gained anything.

Moreover, Zhao and he are still the most suitable allies. Since Zhao's attitude has changed, Zhu Chengwu will not think of getting rich overnight and continue to make demands.

Being so unreasonable will easily make you a lonely person!
"Yes! Mr. Hou!"

The servant bowed and stepped forward to lead the way.

Zhu Chengwu was about to take a step and catch up with the servant leading the way, but suddenly he thought of something, stopped, and turned to look at Cui Shuyun.

“You go back first!

As for cultivation resources, please tell Gao in advance what you need!
He will prepare it for you.

If you have any questions or confusions about your practice, you can always come to me!"

Zhu Chengwuru was admonishing Cui Shuyun.

After Cui Shujun demonstrated a talent for spiritual cultivation that exceeded Zhu Chengwu's expectations, Zhu Chengwu began to pay more attention to Cui Shujun.

After all, the higher Cui Shuyun's ability in refining her spirit is, the more likely she is to achieve the status of a Yang God.

Once Cui Shuyun achieves Yang Shen, even if Zhu Chengwu has already achieved the top master (grand master) by then, Cui Shuyun can still play a great supporting role in Zhu Chengwu.

There is no such thing as care without reason in this world. It's just that Cui Shuyun has shown the value that is worthy of Zhu Chengwu's care.

"I understand, sir!
You also have to be careful!
You haven’t slept for days!"

Cui Shuyun said she understood and looked at Zhu Chengwu with concern.

After the arrival of Duke Yan, Zhu Chengwu first fought with Duke Yan and Marquis of Xibei, then spent a day and a night rescuing the disaster-stricken people, and now he is arranging the affairs of the Marquis' Mansion...

Cui Shuyun was really a little worried about Zhu Chengwu's condition.

This worry was not mixed with any love between men and women, but was simply the admiration of a younger generation practitioner for a peerless genius with extraordinary talent in the path of practice.

“Don’t worry, for a first-rate warrior like me, staying up for three days and three nights is not a big problem.

And don't forget, I'm not just any ordinary first-class.

After I visit my grandpa, I will go back home to rest!"

Zhu Chengwu replied to Cui Shuyun.

Listening to Cui Shuyun's concern for Zhu Chengwu and seeing how familiar Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun were with each other, the servant beside them silently lowered his head and pricked up his ears.

Who said that the Marquis and his wife were just in a political marriage for their own benefit and that there was no love at all?

Now that it has been revealed that the Marquis deceived Cui, there is an even greater rift between the two of them?
Is this how a couple with an estrangement get along?

The servant secretly complained in his heart.

But soon the servant had no time to continue complaining and criticizing.

Because after Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun finished their conversation, they started moving again.

"Let's go!"

Zhu Chengwu said this to his servant.

"Yes, Lord Marquis!"

The servant who had stopped to listen to the conversation between Zhu Chengwu and Cui Shuyun quickly started walking again and led the way.

Although Zhu Chengwu would not go wrong on these roads in the mansion even with his eyes closed!
Although Zhu Chengwu could easily detect the breath of the person who delivered the message from the Zhao family if he wanted to.

Even with the help of the "Earth Core Fire Lotus", Zhu Chengwu could sense Zhao Yuguang's aura.

If Zhu Chengwu wanted, he wouldn't need a servant to lead the way.

But as long as it is not a matter that is too urgent, Zhu Chengwu will not bypass the servant who leads the way and go directly to meet the visitor.

Having servants lead the way and informing people in advance were customary practices and "etiquette" formed during the Ming Dynasty.

Once he crossed the guiding servant, it would mean that Zhu Chengwu was ignorant of etiquette and that he did not respect the visiting guests.

Zhu Chengwu doesn't want to offend anyone because of some trivial matters!

"Courtesy" is why when Zhuo Yihang, Gu Santong and others came to challenge Zhu Chengwu, they did not hand in visiting cards in advance, but directly shouted to convey the challenge information. The result was the same, but they were hated by the people in Fu'an Marquis' Mansion.

Because their behavior was not in accordance with "propriety", according to the current etiquette rules of the Ming Dynasty, it was disrespectful to Zhu Chengwu, the Marquis of Fu'an, and looked down on the Marquis of Fu'an's Mansion.

As members of the Marquis of Fu'an's Mansion, they share the same fate as Zhu Chengwu and the Marquis of Fu'an's Mansion.

Naturally, I will hate Zhuo Yihang, Gu Santong and others!
There is a natural reason why these rules are formed.

Even if Zhu Chengwu felt that these rules were a waste of time and bad habits and wanted to change them, he had to abide by them until he was powerful enough to change the rules.

Led by the servant, Zhu Chengwu quickly arrived at the reception room where Zhao's guests were.

Then a familiar figure came into Zhu Chengwu's sight.

“It turns out that Uncle Taurus has arrived!
Chengwu is late!

I hope you can forgive me!"

Zhu Chengwu smiled and clasped his fists.

In fact, as early as when the servant reported, Zhu Chengwu had sensed Zhao Jinniu's breath and knew that the person coming was Zhao Jinniu.

Zhu Chengwu had a lot of contact with Zhao Jinniu and was very familiar with Zhao Jinniu's aura.

"Brother Wu...Your Excellency is too polite!
Taurus comes at the wrong time!
I just happened to run into the Marquis and his wife discussing matters in their boudoir!"

Zhao Jinniu's reply was awkward.

Although Zhao Jinniu and Zhao Yushan are not biological siblings, Zhao Jinniu holds a high status in the Zhao clan.

In the past, when Zhao Jinniu faced Zhu Chengwu, the Marquis of Fu'an who was pushed forward by their Zhao family to compete with the prince, he always communicated with Zhu Chengwu in a capacity similar to Zhu Chengwu's maternal uncle.

Now that he suddenly had to treat Zhu Chengwu as a collaborator and with an official title, Zhao Jinniu felt really uncomfortable.

But there is no way to deal with it.

This was a death order and a death request from Zhao Yuguang, and he had no choice but to obey.

Moreover, reason also told Zhao Jinniu that the situation had changed and Zhao Yuguang's order was correct.

With Zhu Chengwu's defeat of the two masters and one Yangshen, Zhu Chengwu has taken the initiative in his relationship with the Zhao family.

The Zhao family, which has no new master, needs Zhu Chengwu more than Zhu Chengwu needs the Zhao family.

Without meeting Zhao Yuguang, the clan leader, Zhu Chengwu's grandfather would have to send someone to inform Zhu Chengwu in advance if he wanted to see him now!

However, although I understand it intellectually, the emotional gap cannot be controlled by reason.

This was why Zhao Jinniu felt awkward. Because of this awkwardness, Zhao Jinniu even teased Zhu Chengwu unconsciously.

Discussing matters with your wife in the boudoir?
Listen, what are these words!

If Zhu Chengwu was a little narrow-minded, just because of this sentence, Zhu Chengwu would let Zhao Jinniu understand what it means that trouble comes from the mouth.

In fact, as soon as Zhao Jinniu said this, he regretted it in his heart!

Unfortunately, once the words are spoken and the water is spilled, they cannot be taken back.

Fortunately, Zhu Chengwu is not a narrow-minded person. He also felt the awkwardness of Zhao Jinniu, his uncle from the maternal clan.

So Zhu Chengwu didn't care, but skipped the question and asked, "I wonder why Uncle Jinniu came to see Chengwu?"

The question took a very abrupt turn, and Zhao Jinniu felt it.

After all, Zhao Jinniu had previously instructed the servant of Fu'an Marquis' Mansion to pass on the message to Zhu Chengwu, pointing out that it was Zhao Yuguang, Zhu Chengwu's grandfather, who wanted to see him.

Before this, Zhao Jinniu had lived in the Fu'an Marquis Mansion for quite a few days, and he had a good idea of ​​the quality of the servants there.

He knew that even if the servant swallowed words to save time when reporting to Zhu Chengwu, he would not swallow such important information.

Zhu Chengwu's abrupt turn of asking the question knowing the answer was clearly an expression of his dissatisfaction, and was also a way to give Zhao Jinniu, his uncle from the maternal clan, a way out.

Zhao Jinniu regained his senses and, realizing that he had said the wrong thing, he immediately went down the stairs.

"My Lord, the old clan leader wants to see you. He has something important to discuss!"

This time, Zhao Jinniu's change of address became very smooth.

The reason why Zhao Jinniu was able to overcome the psychological barrier so quickly was that Zhao Jinniu and other elders of the Zhao family had already had experience in this.

Zhao Yushan has gone from being a cousin who grew up together to the Queen of King Ming, who must be greeted whenever one sees her.

“Since grandpa wants to see me, let’s go!

By the way, where is grandpa now? "

Zhu Chengwu signaled Zhao Jinniu to lead the way.

At the same time, Zhu Chengwu was also asking about Zhao Yuguang's whereabouts.

Zhu Chengwu just used the "Earth Core Fire Lotus" to sense and found that Zhao Yuguang was not in Fu'an Marquis' Mansion.

Previously, Zhao Yuguang did not live in Fu'an Marquis Mansion in order to restrict the powerful Zhu Zhiying.

But now, with the development of things, the sudden arrival and action of Duke Yan and Marquis of the Northwest, it no longer matters whether the assassination of Zhu Chengwu has anything to do with Zhu Zhiying and the prince.

Now the Prince's Party and the Zhao Party that supports Zhu Chengwu have openly torn their faces apart.

Under such circumstances, Zhu Zhiying is no longer of much use!

Logically speaking, it would be normal for Zhao Yuguang to return to the Marquis of Fu'an's mansion and live there.

After all, Zhu Chengwu and Zhao Yuguang are the closest people in Xuzhou City.

"My Lord, the old clan leader is staying in the government office temporarily now!"

Zhao Jinniu gave Zhu Chengwu an answer that was both surprising and not surprising.

Zhao Jinniu was also puzzled by Zhao Yuguang's choice.

Why doesn't he live in the Marquis of Fu'an's mansion where his own grandson is, but instead goes to the government office for help?

As for what Zhao Yuguang said openly, that it would be more convenient to investigate the assassination of Zhu Chengwu in the government office, Zhao Jinniu did not believe it at all.

In the current situation, does it still matter what the truth behind the assassination of Marquis Fu'an is?

However, although he didn't believe it, Zhao Jinniu didn't have the courage to get to the bottom of it with Zhao Yuguang.

Under the guidance of Zhao Jinniu, Zhu Chengwu quickly arrived at the Xuzhou government office.

Xuzhou prefect Fu Bisheng did not come out to greet him. The explanation given by the government servants was that Fu Bisheng was on official business somewhere else in Xuzhou city at the moment and was unaware of the arrival of Zhu Chengwu, the Marquis of Fu'an, and asked Zhu Chengwu to forgive him.

Zhu Chengwu did not comment on this!
laugh it off.

Go straight to see Zhao Yuguang.

Zhu Chengwu was led to a courtyard by Zhao Jinniu and the government servants.

Immediately, Zhao Jinniu and the yamen runners stopped in their tracks!
Zhu Chengwu took a deep breath and pushed open the gate of the courtyard alone.

Under a locust tree in the center of the courtyard, a familiar figure of Zhu Chengwu came into view.

"Grandpa!"

Zhu Chengwu clasped his fists and bowed.

Master of Heaven and Earth!
As long as he has not reached that position, Zhu Chengwu has to maintain the respect of a junior when facing his biological grandfather Zhao Yuguang.

This is also a "gift"!
"Brother Wu is here!"

Zhao Yuguang turned his head and looked at Zhu Chengwu with his tiger eyes, kind and complicated.

This grandson really exceeded Zhao Yuguang's expectations.

To defeat a master with a first-rate opponent, this is something that only the martial arts legend - Grand Master Sanfeng has ever accomplished.

Although Zhu Chengwu was not like Grandmaster Sanfeng, who directly killed the evil master of the Yuan Dynasty!
But this time, Zhu Chengwu was fighting one against two, and the difficulty was no less than that of Grandmaster Sanfeng.

"Grandpa, you asked me to come this time, but did you find the whereabouts of the Refining God and the Demon Cult Archer who acted in secret?"

Zhu Chengwu went straight to the point.

When facing strong people who are smarter and more intelligent than himself, Zhu Chengwu always communicates directly and simply.

"Brother Wu, you are still as straightforward as you were when you were little!"

Zhao Yuguang was slightly stunned by Zhu Chengwu's directness, then he chuckled and said.

"That's because I know that in terms of wisdom, IQ, and rhetoric, I have never been a match for you, my father, and my mother. The more I communicate and talk with you, the more I will be exposed!
You will extract too much information from some of my unconscious words and actions!

I'm not being direct, but I don't dare to talk to you for too long!"

This was the first time Zhu Chengwu said this in front of Zhao Yuguang.

Over the past twenty years, Zhu Chengwu has lived too cautiously and too aggrievedly!
Now that he has the ability to protect himself, Zhu Chengwu doesn't want to live so cautiously and feel so frustrated anymore!

More importantly, in the deduction of the "Jade Book", psychological discomfort can affect the success rate of breaking through to the Grandmaster level.

Zhu Chengwu's first heartfelt confession left Zhao Yugang stunned for a long time!

Zhao Yuguang stared at Zhu Chengwu closely.

"So this is the real reason why you have always spoken directly and expressed your true feelings since you were a child!
Your uncle Jin Yu also said that you are simple-minded and cannot handle important tasks!

Your mother is also worried that you are too straightforward and not fit to be a king!
Now it seems that you are not innocent and honest at all.
You have great wisdom!
Your uncle and mother have worried in vain!

You are a truly smart person!

Prince, I can’t stop you!
Even King Ming cannot stop you!

With your wisdom, with or without Zhao, you will eventually achieve your own goals!
Now it seems that the Zhao family, who are regarded as your biggest supporters by the world, may actually be a burden in your eyes!"

Zhu Chengwu was direct, and Zhao Yuguang also started to be direct.

This was the first time that Zhu Chengwu revealed his true feelings to Zhao Yuguang. After thinking about it, Zhao Yuguang understood what was going on. This might also be the last time that his grandson Zhu Chengwu revealed his true feelings to him and Zhao.

If he continues to hide the truth at this time, then Zhao and his grandson will only drift further and further apart!
And the Zhao family needs Zhu Chengwu.

"Indeed, Zhao is a burden to me!"

Zhu Chengwu also stared at Zhao Yuguang and admitted without any hesitation that in his heart, Zhao was a burden.

(End of this chapter)