"And, as a leader, I even don't know whether I've done the right thing, or the contrary. I have enhanced Ming to be a very strong country, and also have eradicated rebellion, corruption, and all other kinds of depravity, but do I succeed? Am I doing the right things in the eyes of my people? And also, in the eyes of my own family?"
Emperor now stared straight at Zhu Su. "What do you think?" He asked. "Everything I do, is it right, or wrong?"
"T... that..." Zhu Su had to admit that his mind was blank as he pushed himself to find the answer. He quickly forced his brain to twirle fast, busy sorting out what he should and should not say.
"No need to think too much. Don't try to please me. I need an answer that really comes from the deepest part of your heart."
"Yes..." Zhu Su bowed down. "I... I know your difficulties as an emperor who has the burden of enormous responsibility. Even far beyond our responsibilities as Fan Wangs. Your duties and responsibilities can't be compared to mine, either. Because of that enormous difference... I don't know... I can't answer..."
Suddenly the emperor roared with laughter. Zhu Su gawked. "Hahaha! Living several times in Yunnan seemingly help you become more diplomatic. Comparing to the previous of you who were naïve and too apathetic, you have changed a lot right now. Such a good thing then, sending you to this kind of place! Well... I change my question. Don't you want to return to Kaifeng?"
Zhu Su's heart pounded. His chest was suddenly filled with excitement. "If... Fu Huang gives that permission... of course, I want to..."
"Yes. Actually, I have thought for a very long time, since you were sent to Yunnan. You won't commit treason for sure. To the contrary, you are the easy target for the antagonists to attack. Because of your nature; prone to be too focused on pursuing something - but that stuff isn't the mainstream commodity for society. I must admit, you are clever, talented, and you also have perseverance and a strong desire to get focused - but not for a matter of government. You're clumsy in politics, moreover in the military. And that precisely is, what makes you less alert," Emperor paused. "Then I myself, as a father, have misjudged my children. You are indeed kindhearted, but you are unalike your first brother Biao. At least Biao has good diplomatic intuition and can protect himself. You're too naïve, and your social skill is poorer than a royal should have. You can't examine whether what you are doing can harm you or not. If you want to do something, you will do it for sure - that's who you are. And I, as a father, have made wrong judgement about it. So I can get angry momentarily of you and then punish you..." He sighed.
Zhu Su looked down. "I am sorry, Fu Huang... I am wrong. You are right, I am a naïve, apathetic, and shortsighted person. My nature will exactly let me trapped in trouble. I am really sorry, Fu Huang, and I promise, to exert myself to correct my nature."
"Yes, you should correct it. No matter who you are, whether you are a commoner or a prince, this kind of trait will only burden you. In the palace, even a shrewd person can die fast if he becomes neglectful just for a moment. And don't forget, your position is the position of "Under one person and above tens of thousands of people" * - a position that can make others willing to die or become ruthless to fight over it. So, no matter how idealistic you are, no matter how big the urge you feel to do something, you must keep calm and remind yourself, what kind of consequence you will endure if you do that. Think carefully, so you won't regret it in the future."
Zhu Su bent down. "I will listen to your advice."
"Alright. Tomorrow I will return to the capital. You too, pack up before you go back to Kaifeng."
"Eh? So fast?!?"
Emperor furrowed. "Of course! You want to stay longer here?"
"T... that... eerrr..." Yes. In a sudden, he was really unwilling to leave Yunnan. The problem was, the mission of his Team of Wellbeing had not finished yet. The concoction collection book made by Li Heng had not even reached the half, stopped because of the opposition of his subordinates and Xie Wang's problem. Nevertheless, his tongue felt numb to speak up this mind. His father just advised him not to follow his own desires; he was not a wanderer who had no clear directions and goals so he could travel everywhere freely, he was a Fan Wang, he had the responsibility to take care of the country.
He could not follow his idealism, he must take his responsibility as a Fan Wang...
"Then, go back to your residence and have a rest. So do I. We prepare ourselves for our journey tomorrow."
"Please forgive me, Fu Huang. Let me stay in Yunnan much longer!"
Emperor looked at Zhu Su in disbelief. "What do you say?!"
Yes. Zhu Su's doubts had completely vanished. He became so sure in a sudden. "I still have unfinished work in Yunnan. To complete the medical project for helping sick people. It is my big delight that you have forgiven me and now permit me to return home, but please allow me to stay here until this mission is completed. After that, I will return back to Kaifeng."
Emperor sighed. "I just advised you to get rid of your idealism and be more realistic, yet you still want to keep it!..."
"As a leader, is it our main job to improve people's welfare? Now I want to improve the welfare of Yunnan people, Fu Huang. I want to follow Shennong who undertook a study of medicine to help all of the people."
Emperor got stunned. This time, Zhu Su no longer sounded childish - he was even more likely a great and wise leader. A great leader who was willing to leave all worldly luxuries and endure much hardship in order to dedicate his life to his people. His these words, became something very indisputable.
Slowly, the emperor began to smile, and his smile turned wider and wider. He patted Zhu Su on the shoulder. "My son! You are not as wise as Biao, not as mighty as Di, but you have a noble mindset that even I myself will never think of! Great... so great! Alright! I support you! Create a book like Shennong Bencao Jing immediately, and just tell me if you need some help! When it finishes, I will make sure that the results of your hard work will not only be useful in Yunnan. The entire Ming will get its kindness!"
This time it was Zhu Su who got stunned by his father. Little by little, the feeling of happiness blurted out inside his heart. Not only his father forgave him, he could also understand him... even be proud of him! His father was willing to help him! It really gave him such tremendous happiness.
"Thank you very much, Fu Huang. I will certainly fulfill your request!"
...
* a Chinese proverb, which refers to a person who has great power in ancient China. In the Ming Dynasty, the highest status at social class is Emperor or Huang Di, and right below Emperor is Fan Wang, or Qin Wang.