My father, Zhu Di, was granted a second life by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Is Chapter 45 really the reincarnation of Zhu Biao?

Having mastered both literary and martial arts, they were offered to the emperor.

To hold a high position and serve the court is the dream of countless scholars.

It was truly remarkable that Zhu Gaoxi, at such a young age, could see Xie Jin's weakness, but Zhu Yuanzhang still found it somewhat difficult.

In the twenty-fourth year of the Hongwu reign, Zhu Yuanzhang made a ten-year agreement with Xie Jin when he sent Xie Jin back to his father's hometown.

"Great talents mature late. If you take your son home and encourage him to continue his studies, he will be able to put his talents to good use in ten years."

Xie Jin was exceptionally talented, and Zhu Yuanzhang greatly admired him, once telling him, "The bond between ruler and subject is one of loyalty, but the bond between father and son is one of affection."

Being treated like a son by the emperor made Xie Jin arrogant. He immediately wrote a lengthy article of over ten thousand words, criticizing the current affairs and blaming it on "the lack of loyal and virtuous officials." Soon after, he wrote "Ten Strategies for Peace" and submitted it for preview.

Xie Jin not only wrote memorials for himself, but also used his outstanding literary talent to write letters of complaint for others.

After Li Shanchang's death, Xie Jin helped Wang Guoyong, a senior official in the Ministry of Works, draft a memorial to plead for Li Shanchang's innocence; he also helped his colleague Xia Changwen draft a memorial to impeach Yuan Tai, the Censor-in-Chief, which incurred Yuan Tai's wrath.

Moreover, when Xie Jin went to the Ministry of War to demand servants, he spoke arrogantly, which led to Minister Shen Jin reporting him to the Emperor.

In short, Xie Jin's behavior was like that of a clueless newcomer to the workplace. He unknowingly offended many people and was attacked by the masses. Many high-ranking officials secretly plotted to deal with him.

Seeing that Xie Jin could no longer remain in the court, Zhu Yuanzhang had no choice but to send him home to avoid trouble for the time being.

Zhu Yuanzhang valued talent, and he sent Xie Jin home to protect him.

After tempering his temper and learning some social skills, he might still be useful. Zhu Yuanzhang initially set a ten-year agreement, actually intending to wait until Zhu Biao ascended the throne before bestowing favors upon him and employing him.

It was completely unexpected that Zhu Biao would die so young.

When Zhu Yuanzhang thought of Zhu Biao, his eyes welled up with tears. He looked at Zhu Gaoxi with deep affection, wishing that this intelligent child was the reincarnation of Zhu Biao.

Zhu Gaoxi closely observed Zhu Yuanzhang's changing expression and asked with understanding, "Grandpa, are you worried about the ten-year agreement?"

"It was agreed upon back then, Grandpa can't go back on his word," Zhu Yuanzhang said, looking quite troubled.

"Grandpa, this is easy to handle. Xie Jin's return to the capital this time is only because he was hired as the tutor of the Prince of Wu and will live in the Prince of Wu's residence. He is not serving in the court, so it does not count as a breach of contract."

This was the excuse that Zhu Gaoxi had prepared beforehand.

He had made up his mind to hire Xie Jin as his teacher and would do everything in his power to do so.

"The King of Wu's army?" Zhu Yuanzhang pondered without speaking.

"Yes, Grandpa, just like Fang Xiaoru, who was recommended to come to the capital many times, but Grandpa thought it was not the right time to appoint him, so he sent him back to his hometown temporarily. Later, my eleventh uncle hired him as the tutor of the heir apparent. Xie Jin's situation was similar to his," Zhu Gaoxi said.

That being said, Xie Jin and Fang Xiaoru were intended for use by the next emperor, not to become confidants of a certain vassal king.

With Xie Jin's talent and learning, and free from the troubles of officialdom, if he were to do his best to assist, wouldn't the power of the King of Wu surpass that of the Crown Prince?

The King of Wu's father was a formidable warrior, and his Iron Rod Brother You Dun was a rising star. In addition, the King himself was exceptionally intelligent. How would the Crown Prince manage him in the future?

Zhu Yuanzhang fell into deep thought.

The growing power of the regional princes inevitably sows the seeds of future trouble.

But what if Gao Xi really is the reincarnation of Biao'er...?

Or, we could summon Zong Le to the palace and ask him again.

Located on Fengshan Mountain outside Jubao Gate in the capital, stands a magnificent temple—Tianjie Temple.

To manage all Buddhist temples in the country, the Ministry of Rites established the Department of Buddhist Registry, which was located in Tianjie Temple.

The current high-ranking monk in charge of the Sangha Registry is Zuo Shanshi Zongle.

Amidst the drifting clouds and mist, Zong Le was brewing tea to entertain his guests.

The guest opposite him had triangular eyes and looked like a sick tiger.

This person was none other than Daoyan, the black-robed prime minister who later became Zhu Di.

Zong Le and Dao Yan were friends for many years.

After Empress Ma passed away, Zhu Yuanzhang selected eminent monks to accompany the various princes to their fiefdoms to chant scriptures and pray for blessings. Daoyan was recommended by Zong Le.

"Does the monk also believe in reincarnation?" Zong Le slowly poured the freshly boiled tea into the cup.

"Otherwise, how could it be such a coincidence?" Daoyan picked up his teacup and smelled the refreshing aroma of the tea.

"Perhaps it's just a coincidence," Zong Le said, refilling the kettle with water.

"That's not what you told the Emperor back then," Daoyan said, taking a small sip of tea and savoring it slowly.

Zong Le slammed the long, thin spoon down under the tea table, his face full of anger, "He has ulterior motives."

"It is the will of Heaven," Daoyan said slowly, setting down his teacup. "Does the Master believe in Yuan Gong?"

"He's seen it?" Zong Le's eyes showed a hint of surprise.

Dao Yan nodded slightly.

Zong Le hesitated for a moment, then resolutely refused, saying, "I cannot agree to that."

"Master, there's no need to rush to reply. Perhaps you'll change your mind once you see the person," Dao Yan said calmly, showing no annoyance whatsoever.

Zong Le scoffed, not believing that a four-year-old could be that amazing.

Several days later, Zhu Yuanzhang arrived at Tianjie Temple under the escort of a large group of armored soldiers.

"Grandpa, please take the sedan chair up. I'm worried that your health won't be able to handle it," Zhu Gaoxi said with heartfelt filial piety, looking at the more than eight hundred steps leading to the Buddhist temple.

"If you're worried about getting tired, just have the guards carry you up. Your grandfather is in good health, so don't worry about it," Zhu Yuanzhang said, refusing to admit he was getting old.

"Grandpa, I'll go up with you," Zhu Gaoxi said, worried that his small body might break down here.

Zhu Yuanzhang fell silent and led Zhu Gaoxi straight up the stone steps.

They walked and stopped frequently, their energy running out time and time again. Luckily, Zhu Gaoxi had brought plenty of snacks: sweet potato fries, dates, walnuts, chestnuts, pine nuts...

When you get tired, stop and eat something to replenish your energy.

Upon hearing the news, Zong Le immediately descended the mountain along the bluestone path to greet him.

"Your Majesty, this old minister deserves to die a thousand deaths. I have troubled Your Majesty to come in person," Zong Le said apologetically.

"We brought our grandson to sincerely worship Buddha, and just happened to visit you," Zhu Yuanzhang comforted him.

"Master, there's no need to blame yourself. My grandfather and I came to the temple to offer incense and pray. It's not your fault," Zhu Gaoxi comforted him.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang vehemently denied it, Zong Le knew perfectly well why the grandfather and grandson had come.

He followed behind with humility and caution, not daring to let his guard down in the slightest, while secretly observing the legendary child prodigy.

Having finally reached the top of the mountain, Zhu Gaoxi was exhausted, but he still tried his best to maintain a proper sitting posture, leaning against the back of the chair and relaxing as much as possible.

Zhu Yuanzhang was also exhausted, so he closed his eyes to rest amidst the birdsong and fragrant flowers.

Zong Le sat quietly brewing tea, with no other noise except for the gurgling sound of boiling water.

What should he say if the old emperor asks?

The idea of ​​reincarnation was merely a way to comfort the old emperor in a moment of panic and should not be taken seriously.

Even if this young King of Wu is very intelligent, he may not necessarily be the reincarnation of Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

But what if he changes his mind and the old emperor is furious? Would he be prosecuted for deceiving the emperor?

Or should we stick to the mistake and never change our tune?

Daoyan was not a devout Buddhist. Zongle saw through his ambitions clearly: he wanted to help the Prince of Yan ascend the throne.

Now, Daoyan has suddenly changed his mind and wants to support the Prince of Yan's son as the crown prince.

Should we help Dao Yan, who seems to thrive on chaos, or expose him?

Zong Le was extremely conflicted, torn between two options.