The strongest eldest son of the Ming Dynasty

Chapter 82 Nephew, no one dares to say your father's business is illegitimate!

"As we got a little older, we started doing small business together, helping each other through wind and rain, and we've made it this far."

Xu Da spoke gently, slowly recounting the years they spent together in their youth, enduring hardships and struggles.

He deliberately avoided discussing court battles and the founding of the nation.

Hearing this, Deng Yu felt a pang of emotion, picked up his wine glass, and began to reminisce about the past.

"I met Brother Yuanlong a little later. In my early years, I was wandering around trying to make a living. I was confused about the future and everything was difficult."

"I met Brother Yuanlong by chance and found him to be resilient, insightful, sincere and responsible."

"I knew this man was no ordinary person, so I immediately made up my mind to give up my own business and devote myself to him, to partner with him in business and to make a name for ourselves."

Deng Yu cleverly transformed his past experience of joining the rebel army and fighting for the country into a story of joining a business together and starting a business.

The two spoke sincerely.

Zhu Yao listened quietly to their conversation, and seeing the two elders reminiscing about the past, he was deeply moved.

He picked up his wine glass and took a small sip, a hint of melancholy and gentleness in his eyes, as he slowly recounted his past.

"My two uncles and my father were childhood friends who worked together to build their lives; their friendship is truly rare."

"When I was young, my circumstances were quite harsh. I lived with my maternal grandfather from a young age, without any support, and we lived a very frugal life."

"In the early years, this land was barren and infertile, with scarce arable land. So I led my neighbors to reclaim wasteland and cultivate the land for growing grain."

"The mountain roads were rugged and difficult to travel, making it extremely inconvenient to get in and out. So I led people to open up the mountains, carve rocks, pave roads, and build bridges."

"There were countless hardships, setbacks, and setbacks along the way, but we persevered step by step, and that's how we achieved our current peaceful life."

"It's not easy...it's not easy for anyone!"

After these heartfelt words, both Xu Da and Deng Yu were slightly moved, and their eyes showed more genuine appreciation for Zhu Yao.

They finally understood that Zhu Yao's broad vision and outstanding abilities at such a young age were all the result of years of hardship.

The three of them chatted amongst themselves, not about court politics or royal secrets, but about the hardships of life, the struggles of making a living, and the various aspects of human nature.

He would also occasionally criticize the Yuan Dynasty!

Glass after glass of fine wine went down my throat.

The three of them got along very well and became more and more compatible as they talked. In just a few hours, they were already as familiar as old friends.

...

As night deepened and the moon began to set in the west, the hall lights remained bright and warm. The three of them showed no signs of fatigue and chatted more and more enthusiastically.

After several rounds of drinks, Xu Da and Deng Yu had long since let go of all their restraint and probing, and their eyes were full of genuine appreciation as they looked at Zhu Yao.

Deng Yu picked up his wine glass, his expression sincere and earnest, and spoke heavily.

"Nephew, you are a very rare child. You are calm, insightful, and sensible, and you are also hardworking and capable of building your career."

"We've officially recognized you as our nephew today! From now on, no matter what difficulties you encounter, just ask, and we, your uncles, will do everything we can to help you."

Xu Da nodded in agreement, his tone both gentle and resolute.

"That's right. With us here, in Chenzhou and Jinling, we will never let you suffer the slightest grievance if we can lend a hand."

Zhu Yao felt a warmth in his heart, his eyes crinkled with a smile, and he raised his wine glass, stood up, clasped his hands in thanks, and solemnly expressed his gratitude.

"Thank you both for your kindness, uncles. I will remember it in my heart. It is my good fortune to meet you two elders today."

After finishing his drink, Zhu Yao sat down and took the opportunity to bring up a question that had been lingering in his mind for a long time.

"By the way, my two uncles, my father had only mentioned to me briefly before that he runs a grain and cloth business in Nanjing."

"I wonder if my father only does these kinds of business in Nanjing? Does he have any other businesses?"

Xu Da and Deng Yu exchanged a glance and nodded slightly in response.

"That's right. Brother Yuanlong's main business in Jinling is the grain and cloth industry, which is a solid foundation and he does his job honestly."

Zhu Yao was still uneasy upon hearing this, his brows furrowing slightly as he asked another question, his tone tinged with caution.

"Has your father ever been involved in any shady dealings? Has he ever engaged in illegal or unethical business?"

Upon hearing this, Deng Yu immediately shook his head repeatedly, his expression completely frank.

"Don't worry, nephew. Your father is an extremely upright person. He has always lived a life of integrity and honesty, and all his businesses are legitimate and legitimate. He has never done anything illegal."

Xu Da hesitated for a moment, then truthfully added a sentence.

"In the early years, survival was difficult in the chaotic times. In order to make a living, I did some unconventional jobs."

"But those are all things of the past, long gone. Now I'm settled and have long been content with my lot."

"Nowadays...no one dares to say he's running an illegitimate business!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yao felt a huge weight lifted from his heart, and he breathed a long sigh of relief, his expression becoming much more relaxed.

He secretly felt grateful that his father was now behaving himself and had not crossed any legal lines.

His Majesty the current Emperor Zhu is decisive in his actions and strict in enforcing the law. He is most averse to favoritism, bending the law for personal gain, and committing crimes.

Let alone just having some vague connection with the royal family, even if he is a legitimate imperial son-in-law or a member of the imperial family.

Anyone who violates the law will be dealt with impartially and without leniency. Those who should be investigated and punished will be investigated and punished, and those whose families should be exterminated will be exterminated. No leniency will be shown.

If my father is secretly involved in illegal activities and I am being implicated for no reason, then it would be a tremendous injustice.

Seeing his relieved expression, Xu Da looked puzzled and asked a question.

"Nephew, you are so young, why are you so wary of breaking the law? Aren't you being a little too cautious?"

Deng Yu nodded in agreement, looking at Zhu Yao with great curiosity, waiting for his explanation.

Zhu Yao gave a wry smile and frankly explained the reason, his tone full of helplessness.

"Uncles, you may not know, but I have always heard that His Majesty is of a fierce temperament and ruthless methods, and he never shows favoritism in enforcing the law."

"Besides hating corrupt officials, I don't have much of an impression of businessmen!"

"What I fear most is getting into legal trouble and incurring the Emperor's wrath, at which point no one will be able to save me."

Upon hearing this, Xu Da and Deng Yu were instantly dumbfounded, sitting there speechless for a moment.

The two exchanged a glance, and instantly understood each other's true intentions in concealing Zhu Yuanzhang's identity.

So, in Zhu Yao's mind, the ruthless and strict Hongwu Emperor was simply a monster!

After a brief silence, Deng Yu looked at Zhu Yao, who had an extraordinary vision and outstanding abilities, and couldn't help but feel a pang of regret.

"Nephew, in terms of talent and vision, you far surpass ordinary scions of prominent families; you are truly rare."

"With such outstanding talent as yours, why are you unwilling to enter the imperial court and pursue a career of fame and fortune?"

As he spoke, a hint of pride lingered in his eyes, and his tone was resolute.

"To be honest, Brother Xu and I are both veteran officials and founding heroes of the court, with deep connections and solid foundations."

"As long as you are willing to enter the court, the two of us can pave the way for you and ensure your smooth career and rapid advancement."

Xu Da, standing to the side, nodded slightly, his eyes full of expectation, waiting for Zhu Yao's reply.

Zhu Yao gently shook his head, his expression calm yet firm, and refused the offer without hesitation.

"Thank you both for your kind offer, uncles. My father mentioned the matter of me becoming an official in the imperial court, but I have already declined!"