Zhu Xiong Ying continued, “In our Great Ming Dynasty, there are many aristocratic families and common people who like to hoard gold, silver, and copper coins. It’s one thing if it’s just a few aristocratic families, but it’s not easy for ordinary people to save up a few coins. Now that a large amount of silver is flowing in, we can’t let it affect the silver in their hands.”

Zhu Xiong Ying couldn't allow the currency to depreciate too drastically; he still needed to ensure the economic stability of the Ming Dynasty. After all, too much silver was flowing in from overseas, which could have a significant impact.

Old Zhu wasn't completely ignorant of economics; he naturally understood what Zhu Xiong Ying was talking about. Gold, silver, and copper coins were certainly desirable, but if there were more of them than grain, that might not be a good thing.

Zhu Xiong Ying felt that he should offer some advice in this matter, and he did indeed provide a lot of suggestions and ideas for Lao Zhu and Da Zhu to refer to.

Under the current circumstances, Zhu Xiong Ying appears to be merely a grandson of the crown prince responsible for overseeing the outposts of the northern capital relocation. Although he can intervene in many military and local affairs, his role in some national policies seems limited to advisory power.

Old Zhu and Big Zhu are the backbone; these two are the ones who communicate more on these kinds of matters. Zhu Xiong Ying can offer suggestions, but when it comes to finalizing a plan, he doesn't have many expectations. He's not capable of making decisions on his own!

The family of three was in high spirits. The three generations seemed to be chatting about everyday things, but they were also talking about important world events, which might be some very alarming things.

Da Zhu remembered something and said to Zhu Xiong Ying, "At the beginning of the year, Ying'er had many complaints about that Duke Yansheng. That's a good thing, but Ying'er shouldn't be in a hurry. After all, the Kong family is the bloodline of saints in the eyes of scholars, so it's not good to make a move lightly."

"I studied some time ago, and those Confucian scholars are just taking advantage of the fact that we're good people!" Old Zhu was very angry and furious. "Back in the Yuan Dynasty, those Confucian scholars weren't as well-off as us!"

Da Zhu and Xiao Zhu were amused. Zhu Xiong Ying joked, "Grandpa Emperor, if you were a novice monk, they wouldn't be as good as you. Even when you travel the world, your status wouldn't be as high as those scholars."

"Wandering the world" is a euphemism; in reality, it means that Zhu Yuanzhang was begging for alms at the time.

Da Zhu chuckled and then said, "After the Yuan dynasty caused such a commotion, the morale of scholars was dampened considerably. With the founding of our Ming dynasty, many scholars have also had their arrogance suppressed. However, we cannot truly overturn the Confucian altar here."

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded firmly, which could be considered a guarantee. "Father, you can rest assured. I naturally understand the status of Confucianism. I just don't want Confucianism to be too revered. I just want those scholars to give up their thoughts of co-governing the world. I don't mean to destroy Confucianism. I know that's impossible."

Ultimately, it's because Confucianism is so deeply rooted; many of the genes of this nation contain some characteristics of Confucianism, so it's impossible to truly eradicate it completely.

Zhu Xiong Ying would not do anything too rash. He also knew very well that such things could not be rushed. He just needed to do things steadily and step by step.

He should continue managing affairs in Beiping and Tianjin, continuing his local government work, and researching science and technology. He might also handle minor military training and combat matters—this was within Zhu Xiong Ying's current authority.

After all, he was only an eighteen-year-old boy. Old Zhu and Da Zhu were willing to delegate authority, but they wouldn't give Zhu Xiong Ying too much power in many matters. Many things still required the approval of these "parents."

Zhu Xiong Ying wasn't in a hurry to seize power. He wanted to have another two or three years so he could do what he wanted in Beiping and better execute his plans. Right now, he really didn't want to be tied to Yingtian Prefecture; he was much more comfortable alone in Beiping.

Think about it carefully: in Beiping, far from the emperor's reach, Zhu Xiong Ying had enough power; how comfortable must that have been?

Right now, he just needs to do his job well and doesn't expect to immediately take a special position.