Zhu Xiong Ying returned to the capital in triumph, or at least that can be considered a triumphant return.

The troops in the garrisons returned to their respective posts, and the princes also led their troops back to their fiefdoms. Zhu Xiong Ying led his troops back to Beiping, continuing to play his role as the king who ruled Beiping.

Xu Miaoqing and Lian Qiongqiong naturally had to welcome their husbands, while Zhu Yue, unable to stay still, came along with her aunts.

Zhu Xiong Ying put down his teacup and said to Princess Anqing, "Uncle has been a great help this time. I was thinking that with you in charge in the rear, my army has been well supplied with supplies. As for military merit, you certainly deserve it."

Princess Anqing's expression brightened, and she asked, "Is that enough to be granted a marquisate?"

“Aunt, I would like to talk to you and Uncle about this matter,” Zhu Xiong Ying said. “The Earl of Chengyi was both a scholar and a warrior, but he rarely led troops into battle. Uncle is the same way. If Uncle is granted a title, I’m afraid it will be difficult for him to become a prefect in the future.”

Liu Zhi, as Liu Bowen's grandson, was actually a man of considerable literary talent. While Liu Bowen did offer some excellent advice when assisting Zhu Yuanzhang in conquering the country, it was primarily strategic advice.

We might call him a 'strategist,' but that would be too high an honor for Liu Bowen. In reality, Liu Bowen didn't have much experience in leading troops into battle; he was essentially a civil official. Given his family background, Liu Zhi's attributes were also more inclined towards civil service.

Princess Ningguo then said, “Don’t make things difficult for Ying’er. Your husband is currently a good earl, and when he retires, he may be granted a title. If he is granted a title now, will he be a civil official or a nobleman? In recent years, the Emperor has been suppressing civil officials. Liu Zhi should also be a role model for civil officials in Zhejiang, so as not to disrupt the national policy.”

Princess Anqing pouted, feeling somewhat aggrieved, but dared not say anything more. Mainly, she was well aware of Liu Zhi's special status. Calling him a nobleman was no problem, as he inherited the title of Earl of Chengyi. Calling him a member of the imperial family was even more accurate, as he was the son-in-law of the emperor. However, Liu Zhi was also a representative of the Zhejiang East civil official group, and he himself enjoyed reading.

Looking at Princess Ningguo, Zhu Xiong Ying said, "My uncle is the same way. He is not only well-versed in the classics and history, but he can also revitalize the academic atmosphere. I think my uncle should make some more contributions so that he can learn from Prince Qiyang and take charge of the national education."

Princess Ningguo was naturally delighted by Zhu Xiong Ying's words. Her husband, Mei Yin, was considered Zhu's favorite son-in-law, and he was indeed a man of letters, having made significant achievements during his tenure as the Shandong Provincial Education Commissioner.

Zhu Xiong Ying continued, "The academic atmosphere is not strong in the north, so Uncle should do more. It's impossible for him to be appointed as a general, but he can be granted a title."

Princess Ningguo joked with a smile, "Ying'er, you're becoming more and more like your royal grandfather. I don't even dare to guess what you're thinking."

“My nephew’s thoughts are easy to guess, just like my grandfather’s. It’s hard to say about others, but he certainly hopes for the best for his own family.” Zhu Xiong Ying spoke tactfully, but it was the truth. “After you aunts go back, talk to your uncles and aunts, so that I can make some plans.”

As she said this, Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Zhu Yue with a wry smile, "Is it really necessary to do this? Your husband will definitely be granted the title of Duke in the future, so he certainly won't wrong you!"

Zhu Yue stood up, looking aggrieved, and tugged at Zhu Xiong Ying's sleeve. "That was just an additional title of Duke. His father was posthumously granted the title of Duke of Ying. It wasn't a hereditary title. Besides, he didn't inherit the title."

Zhu Xiong Ying was both amused and exasperated. She said irritably, "You've really grown up. You don't even side with your brother anymore! You used to always think about your brother, but now, before you've even married into the family, you're already thinking about getting titles for your husband's family!"

Seeing that Zhu Yue was about to fake cry, Zhu Xiong Ying quickly said, "Wait a little longer. You definitely won't get the title of Duke, but your offspring will still get a hereditary marquisate. You're making a scene here, and I'm scared of you!"

Zhu Yue immediately beamed with joy. He didn't want the title of Duke, or rather, he only wanted the additional title of Duke. If it was hereditary, the title of Marquis was more reliable. After all, the Ming Dynasty was becoming increasingly stingy with titles. The rulers of the Ming Dynasty were focused on reducing titles rather than lavishly bestowing them.

After all, once a title is conferred, the imperial court will provide a stipend. A hereditary title is extremely valuable.

Princess Anqing and Princess Ningguo were somewhat envious; their elder brother was very good. However, their elder brother didn't take such good care of them. Only Zhu Xi and Zhu Yue had an elder brother who always protected them.

Of course, that foolish Zhu Yunwen didn't need to care about certain things. He was currently in Yingtian Prefecture indulging in pleasure and living a carefree life, almost to the point of being universally disliked. But who really dared to say anything? Even if they didn't care about the monk, they had to consider the Buddha. Zhu Yunwen's elder brother was the Crown Prince, the very lifeblood of the current emperor.

After spending time with her family and having a family dinner, Zhu Xiong Ying was finally able to rest.

Lian Qiongqiong had no objections; she was merely a concubine. The Crown Prince returned to Beiping and initially stayed at the Crown Prince's wife's palace.

While helping Zhu Xiong Ying wash up, Xu Miaoqing said, "Nothing major has happened these days, but I heard that a ship sank with 100,000 taels of silver and some Korean ginseng on board."

"There's nothing we can do about it. If you choose the sea route, you have to be prepared for the possibility of your ship sinking," Zhu Xiong Ying sighed, then said, "Whether it's ships going to Korea, Japan, or Southeast Asia, these kinds of things have happened in recent years. By the way, is the compensation for those who lost their ships in accordance with the proposed regulations?"

Xu Miaoqing quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I dare not ask any further questions. I suppose it was done according to the rules."

That's good. Some natural disasters are beyond our control. But man-made disasters should be avoided if possible. Zhu Xiong Ying doesn't want the families of those soldiers who died fighting for the country to suffer even more; they should receive the compensation they deserve.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!