Old Zhu's Blood Pressure Is Through the Roof: This Generation of Descendants Is Hopeless

[Historical what-if + System-driven + lighthearted power fantasy + imperial perspective]

Crown Prince Zhu Biao suddenly dies, and sixty-five-year-old Zhu Yuanzhang goes gray overnight.

His fourth son, Zhu Di, takes after him and knows how to fight, but he’s far too ambitious;

His eldest grandson, Zhu Yunwen, is kindhearted, but can’t keep the veteran generals and ministers in line.

With the throne left vacant, the old emperor spends night after night staring blankly at the broken bowl he used when he was a beggar.

Then an ancient, mysterious voice rings out in his bedchamber:

“My name is Zhuang Zhou. I can let you see with your own eyes the futures that different choices may bring.”

Zhu Yuanzhang chooses Yunwen.

The next moment, he is standing in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, but the assembled officials act as though they cannot see him.

He watches Huang Zicheng step forward and passionately argue for “strengthening the center and weakening the branches.”

He watches the civil officials kneel and cry out in unison, “Let us strip the vassal princes of their power!”

He watches his well-behaved grandson Zhu Yunwen rise, his face resolute:

“I’ve wanted to move against all of you imperial uncles for a long time!”