The strongest eldest son of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 85 Daughter, you must do everything in your power to win over Zhu Yao!

Zhu Yao thought of something amusing, and immediately straightened his expression, loudly instructing his men.

"Someone, draw detailed portraits of my two uncles as they look right now, and keep them as a record."

"Then bring paper and pen, and have the two uncles sign and affix their fingerprints, so that we can have some evidence of today's farce."

A portrait was quickly drawn.

Xu Da and Deng Yu blushed deeply, feeling extremely embarrassed, but dared not refute them and could only obediently sign and affix their seals as instructed.

After completing all the arrangements, Zhu Yao showed no sign of difficulty. Instead, he personally stepped forward and warmly saw the two off with a smile.

"Please take care on your journey, uncles. I would like to offer you this carload of drinks as a token of my appreciation."

The two thanked him repeatedly and practically fled, hurriedly leaving the Liu residence with the entire cart of wine.

After walking a long way away from the Liu residence, the two finally breathed a long sigh of relief, their faces full of embarrassment.

Deng Yu raised his hand to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead, and muttered a frustrated complaint in a low voice.

"What a disgrace! Two dignified dukes caught red-handed stealing wine by a junior! If word gets out, they'll lose all face!"

Xu Da also looked helpless, and sighed with a wry smile.

"We investigated the mansion overnight, thinking we had already figured out the traps, patrol posts, and personnel deployment."

"Who would have thought that the defenses here are so constantly changing, with so many hidden traps that we can't even detect, making it impossible to defend against them?"

Deng Yu turned back to look in the direction of the Liu residence, his eyes filled with amazement and admiration, and he sighed sincerely.

"Whether this nephew Yao'er can command troops in battle is still unknown, but he is definitely a top-tier defensive genius!"

"Such meticulous and comprehensive defenses, with layers upon layers of defenses and hidden dangers at every turn, are probably beyond the reach of even the imperial palace's defenses!"

In short, it can be summed up in two words: insidious!

"No... four words... this kid... treacherous and cunning!"

.....

The two pushed a cart full of fine wine and walked slowly back home. Only after they were far away from the Liu family's territory did their embarrassment begin to dissipate.

Deng Yu frowned, looking puzzled, and couldn't help but ask a question in a low voice first.

"Old Xu, there's been a question lingering in my mind that I just can't figure out."

"Judging from my nephew's words and demeanor yesterday, he is certain that he and His Majesty are father and son."

"But when Zong Yonghe introduced him to us before, he clearly said that His Majesty only recognized him as an adopted son."

"Do you think he and His Majesty are truly blood-related, or merely godfather and godson in name only?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Da smiled faintly, turned his head to look at Deng Yu, and asked a question instead of answering.

"Tell me honestly, how much of His Majesty's shadow does our nephew bear in him?"

Upon hearing this, Deng Yu stopped in his tracks, lowering his head to carefully recall Zhu Yao's appearance, demeanor, words, and bearing.

He pondered for a moment, his eyes resolute, and then spoke solemnly.

"They look at least 80% alike! Their eyebrows, eyes, bone structure, and overall presence are exactly the same as His Majesty's when he was young."

Xu Da chuckled and shook his head, his tone exceptionally certain.

"I think they are nine-tenths similar. Their appearance is secondary; what they resemble most is their clear and intelligent nature."

"I, Xu Da, have spent half my life fighting battles in the south and north, and have seen countless people. I have seen so many intelligent people in the world."

"Your Majesty is the most visionary, intelligent and insightful person I have ever met, and now, we have this great nephew."

Deng Yu nodded emphatically, a hint of lingering fear flashing across his eyes, his tone tinged with unease.

"That's true. This nephew usually seems gentle, modest, and harmless, but his methods and cunning are unfathomable."

"Last night we truly realized that if we are not careful, we, the founding dukes, could really fall into his hands."

Xu Da's face stiffened, and he looked embarrassed. He quickly raised his hand to stop him.

"Alright, alright, let's keep this embarrassing matter to ourselves and never mention it again."

The two exchanged a glance, both feeling a sense of admiration, their voices filled with envy.

"If we could have such intelligent, composed, and exceptionally capable offspring, we would have no regrets in this life."

Chatting and reflecting along the way, the two soon returned to their lodging with fine wine.

Xu Miaoyun and Deng Shengnan, who were guarding the post station, rushed forward to greet their father upon his return.

The two women, with their keen eyes, immediately noticed the minor bumps and bruises on the two men's necks and cheeks, and looked surprised.

Xu Miaoyun frowned slightly and asked softly, "Father, how come you have scratches on your face? Did you encounter any trouble on the way?"

Deng Shengnan quickly looked at her father, her face full of concern: "Father, you also have small scratches on your body, what happened?"

Xu Da's expression panicked for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure, forced a smile, and casually brushed it off.

"It's nothing, it's nothing. The mountain road was bumpy on the way, and I accidentally bumped and fell. It's just a minor injury, nothing to worry about."

Deng Yu quickly echoed this sentiment, feigning composure to conceal his embarrassment.

"It's just a minor injury, nothing to worry about. You're bound to bump into things when you're out and about, so don't worry."

The two men feigned indifference, deliberately avoiding their daughter's probing gaze, but deep down they both felt ashamed.

Such a meritorious founding father was caught sneaking into a mansion at night and being arrested for stealing wine; these were embarrassing incidents that his daughter absolutely could not know.

Just as they were about to return to their rooms, Xu Da and Deng Yu paused, and while turning around to straighten their sleeves, they quietly huddled together to discuss something.

Deng Yu remained calm and spoke in a low voice, feigning magnanimity: "Later, we'll each teach our own daughters, let things take their natural course, and let the two children compete fairly. Whoever has a stronger bond with the other will win."

Xu Da nodded slightly, his face fair and easygoing, and calmly agreed: "That's how it should be. Marriage depends on fate, and we will not show any favoritism."

"And you're not allowed to come up with bad ideas!"

The two looked at each other and smiled.

The two figures separated and quickly entered the guest rooms where their daughters were resting, their previous composure and magnanimity vanishing instantly.

Xu Da closed the door, his expression suddenly becoming serious. He earnestly instructed Xu Miaoyun, his tone full of sincerity.

"Miaoyun, I have something to say to you from the bottom of my heart today. When we meet again, you must give it your all and win over Zhu Yao!"

"This young man's vision, character, ability, and overall perspective are all among the best in the world, far surpassing all the princes in the court. He is a rare talent."

"You should temper your usual composure and showcase your talent and gentle charm, giving it your all. Don't miss this opportunity!"

In the next room, Deng Yu, unlike his usual composed demeanor, gave Deng Shengnan detailed instructions, his tone urgent and earnest.

"Shengnan, I've never been so demanding of you before, but today I must urge you to do everything in your power to win over Zhu Yao!"

"Such a person is someone you'll regret for the rest of your life if you miss out. Unleash your true nature, show your magnanimity, and make sure you outshine everyone else!"

Hearing their father's urgent instructions, both daughters were taken aback and filled with doubt.

They knew from a young age that their father, as the founding duke, had extremely high standards and ordinary sons of powerful and wealthy families were simply beneath his notice.

Even with the princes of the current dynasty, my father only treated them fairly, and never so strongly advocated or so eagerly wanted to arrange a marriage.

The two sisters secretly wondered what kind of amazing charm this mysterious young master Zhu Yao possessed.