The strongest eldest son of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 90 Even the Duke's legitimate daughter isn't tempted?!

That day, he couldn't help but probe softly, "Miaoyun, I've noticed you've been spacing out a lot lately. Is something on your mind?"

Xu Miaoyun snapped out of her reverie upon hearing the voice, her cheeks flushing slightly. She quickly shook her head and smiled faintly, "I'm fine, I was just sitting quietly and clearing my mind."

After speaking, she turned away to compose herself, but Xu Da had already taken in the fleeting shyness and melancholy that crossed her face.

Seeing this, Xu Da could only smile bitterly to himself.

As the Duke of Wei, who was the founder of the Ming Dynasty, he followed His Majesty in his campaigns to conquer the country and establish the dynasty. He made great contributions, held immense power, and enjoyed an unparalleled position.

Her own daughter, Xu Miaoyun, was born with a beautiful appearance, outstanding talent, and virtuous character. In terms of appearance, talent, and family background, she was among the best in Jinling and was admired by countless young men from prominent families.

Yet, this seemingly perfect daughter, after a trip to Chenzhou, actually fell in love with Zhu Yao.

What frustrated him even more was that, judging from the situation, it was clear that his daughter was deeply in love and secretly longing for him, but the other party had no interest in her at all and had never taken her to heart.

My mind was filled with complicated emotions. After several sighs and reflections, the sky gradually brightened, and it was time for the morning court.

Xu Da suppressed his frustration, stood up, straightened his dignified court robes, and tidied his appearance.

He stepped out of the mansion, boarded a carriage, and headed towards the palace to attend court.

When they reached the street corner halfway there, they happened to meet Deng Yu, who was also on his way to court.

The two met and stopped, exchanging glances, both filled with emotion, and spontaneously began talking about their own daughters.

Deng Yu sighed, his brows furrowed with confusion, and spoke in a low voice.

"Old Xu, my Shengnan has completely changed since she came back from Chenzhou."

"Now he is very opinionated, has a broad vision, and is calm and composed in the face of problems. He is much better than before."

"But sometimes I just space out, feeling restless, as if my soul has been stolen away."

He became increasingly puzzled as he spoke, and couldn't help but mutter in a low voice.

"Do you think... that nephew from Chenzhou might have secretly cast some kind of spell on our daughter?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Da chuckled and waved his hand.

"Don't talk nonsense. That child is insightful and upright, and is definitely not a wicked person. He would not do such a thing."

"Our daughter's love is all unrequited!"

The two walked side by side into the palace. As soon as they reached the outer corridor of the hall, a group of civil and military officials surrounded them.

Many ministers in the court who knew about the matchmaking event were filled with curiosity and eager eyes.

"Duke of Wei, Duke of Wei, was your trip to Chenzhou a great success?"

"I've heard that His Majesty is choosing husbands for his two beloved daughters. I wonder what kind of person this young master from Chenzhou is? Is he a suitable match?"

Everyone chimed in with questions, eager to know the details and the outcome of this marriage arranged by His Majesty.

Xu Da and Deng Yu exchanged a glance. When pressed by the crowd, they simply shook their heads and smiled without saying a word.

"The reasons are quite special, and you will all know them in the future. We two cannot say more about them."

Just kidding, your daughters are all your daughters' rivals, how could I tell you?!

Among the crowd, Lan Yu and his group of Huaixi generals strode out, the most straightforward and impatient of them all.

Lan Yu grinned and teased loudly, "Master Xu, I've heard that Miao Yun's good fortune is approaching?"

"We wonder whose young master he is. If he is of mediocre talent, we, the generals of Huaixi, will not allow it!"

"State your name, and we'll help you vet her. We absolutely cannot let the Duke's daughter suffer the slightest injustice!"

Xu Da rolled his eyes helplessly upon hearing this, remaining outwardly calm but inwardly complaining.

Those people with such vision, breadth of knowledge, and extraordinary abilities are not worthy of your judgment, you bunch of rough and uncouth warriors.

As the generals were about to continue their banter and questioning, a loud, clear voice of a eunuch suddenly rang out from inside the hall.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

Upon hearing this, the noisy area outside the hall fell silent instantly, and the officials composed themselves and straightened their clothes.

The sound of majestic footsteps slowly approached as the Hongwu Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang strode into the Fengtian Hall.

.....

Xu Da and Deng Yu stepped into the Fengtian Hall, standing at the head of the civil and military ranks respectively, their postures upright and solemn.

The civil and military officials frequently glanced at the two of them, their eyes filled with barely suppressed curiosity.

Everyone was filled with questions and eager to know the final outcome of the matchmaking event in Chenzhou.

However, in the Golden Palace, the rules were strict, and with court affairs underway, no one dared to ask questions in private.

The officials could only suppress their gossip and curiosity, and stand respectfully in the court.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt the same way; he was eager to inquire about Xu Da and Deng Yu's experiences during their trip to Chenzhou.

Therefore, during this morning's court session, he spoke extremely quickly and decisively.

The solutions were finalized in just a few words regarding local memorials, military and political affairs, and financial and tax matters.

Many ministers had just raised their hands to hold their tablets, preparing to step forward and present their petitions, when Zhu Yuanzhang directly interrupted them by raising his hand.

"There's no need to go on about trivial matters. We can report them all to the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister later. There's no need to elaborate in court."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang sat upright on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over the assembled civil and military officials, and loudly proclaimed.

"If there is nothing else, court may adjourn!"

The ministers in the hall were all taken aback, having never seen such a hasty and efficient morning court session before, and they all bowed to receive the decree.

The curiosity in everyone's hearts was completely suppressed, and there was no chance to find out anything.

All the civil and military officials rose and left, but Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly spoke up and asked the two to stay.

"Xu Da and Deng Yu, you two stay here for now and come with us to the Imperial Study."

Upon hearing this, the two stopped, bowed, and followed Zhu Yuanzhang into the solemn imperial study.

After all the eunuchs had left and the door was closed, Zhu Yuanzhang finally relinquished his imperial authority and eagerly began to inquire.

"We sent you two to Chenzhou for a blind date with your daughter. How did it go? Did Yao'er take a fancy to any girl?"

Xu Da and Deng Yu exchanged a glance, their expressions both helpless and regretful. Xu Da then stepped forward and bowed in response.

"Your Majesty, this trip to Chenzhou did not result in any matchmaking arrangements."

"My daughter and Lord Deng's daughter disguised themselves and infiltrated the Liu family for half a month. During that time, they followed the young master to study and learn, and never talked about marriage."

Zhu Yuanzhang, who had been full of anticipation, stiffened slightly upon hearing this and stood frozen in place.

His eyes widened, his face filled with disbelief, and he stood there for a long time, his heart filled with doubt and confusion.

He secretly thought to himself that his son was top-notch in appearance, demeanor, intelligence, and temperament, and was of marriageable age.

Two daughters of dukes came to see him off. With such an excellent marriage opportunity right in front of him, how could he not be tempted at all?

Zhu Yuanzhang couldn't help but wonder if his secret eldest son had some kind of personality problem.

Seeing the emperor's unusual expression, Deng Yu quickly stepped forward and earnestly praised Zhu Yao.

"Your Majesty misunderstands! Young Master Zhu Yao is by no means eccentric; on the contrary, he is a prodigy whose temperament, vision, insight, and ability are all rare in this world."

Xu Da nodded emphatically, his tone full of regret and sincerity.

"We both witnessed it with our own eyes. Young Master Yao'er is exceptionally talented and far-sighted, far surpassing ordinary young men in the world."

"We all sincerely hoped to form a marriage alliance with you, young master, but unfortunately the time was not right and we were unable to make it happen."

At this point, the two bowed in unison, their tone pleading.

"I implore Your Majesty to intervene and mediate, so that this junior may be granted this happy marriage."

"Give our daughter another chance!"