Despite his loud and assertive demeanor, Zhu Xiong Ying seemed to wield considerable power and had a strong inner circle. He even held sway over military and political affairs in Beiping for a period of time.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying's power largely stems from the grace bestowed upon him by Emperor Zhu. To say that Zhu Xiong Ying possesses any real ability to govern as regent would be an exaggeration. Currently, Zhu Xiong Ying can handle small matters without issue, perhaps even a single prefecture or county, but anything larger would be problematic.

There are some things that many people probably don't want to see happen, but in such situations, many people are silently making preparations in their hearts, so that they won't be caught off guard.

However, many people would rather keep such thoughts to themselves. To actually say them aloud would be a grave offense.

The atmosphere in the palace was extremely oppressive. Everyone in the palace was afraid of making a mistake and being caught red-handed. In fact, the same was true in the court. His Majesty the Emperor was in a very bad mood, and if you offended the Emperor, the consequences would be quite dire.

The dizzy and delirious Emperor Zhu had a persistent high fever. The imperial physicians stayed by his side day and night, constantly discussing prescriptions and other treatments, but it seemed that they were not very effective and could not change the fact that Emperor Zhu's condition was getting worse.

In November of the 26th year of the Hongwu reign, at the end of what everyone thought would be a peaceful and stable year, Crown Prince Zhu Biao passed away.

This caught many people off guard, yet it also seemed to be within many people's expectations. After all, the Crown Prince's condition was serious, which was known to many.

Nearly seventy years old, Old Zhu is struggling to accept this heavy blow. His wife is gone, and now his son is gone too; he is practically all alone. He worked so hard to build his empire so that he could provide his wife and son with a comfortable life, but now they are both gone.

Seeing Old Zhu weeping uncontrollably, Zhu Xiong Ying felt a pang of heartache. When Empress Ma passed away, Old Zhu wept bitterly. Now, with the death of the Great Zhu, Old Zhu made no attempt to hide his grief; he was truly heartbroken.

At this point, Zhu Xiong Ying was naturally just a filial son, and it seemed that these were all the things he could do. Zhu Xiong Ying was also well aware that many people were watching him at this time.

Some people might be plotting something, like seizing on the Crown Prince's rudeness or filial impiety. Even if this doesn't get Zhu Xiong Ying deposed, it might at least create some difficulties for him and make him appear morally flawed.

Those who are supposed to observe mourning must do so. The civil and military officials, especially those from the Crown Prince's vassal states, are all here to bid farewell and pay respects to their lord.

The Crown Prince's departure has stirred up even more undercurrents, and many people are now harboring their own ambitions. This includes not only civil and military officials and noble families, but also Zhu Xiong Ying's uncles; they all have their own thoughts at this time.

If Zhu Biao were to ascend the throne, Zhu Xiong Ying would be the crown prince, and everything would be fine. However, Zhu Biao is currently only the crown prince, and history is full of crown princes who never ascended the throne. Even if Zhu Biao wields great power and receives much imperial favor, he remains only the crown prince, not the emperor.

As for Zhu Xiong Ying, he is indeed the Crown Prince's grandson. Theoretically speaking, Zhu Xiong Ying seems to be the one closest to the throne. However, some princes feel that they might also have a chance, and they would be unwilling to give up if they didn't compete.

Even if the opportunity isn't the greatest, there is still some chance, and that is the throne!

If the eldest brother were to become the crown prince, there would be no problem; the younger brothers would accept it willingly and wouldn't dare harbor any other thoughts. But now that the eldest brother is gone, why should it be the nephew's turn?

We still need to strive and fight for it. When my elder brother was alive, he was like the bright moon in the sky. But now that he's gone, it naturally means many possibilities.

Whether there will be unrest, whether there will be any setbacks, or whether there will be some changes in the court in the next period or the next few years, it is hard to say. After all, the crown prince is gone, and many things seem to have become more delicate at this time.