After handling official business in the Wuying Hall for a day, Zhu Xiong Ying returned to the East Palace for dinner.

Zhu Xiong Ying, holding her chubby son, asked with a smile, "How is it?"

"He is respectful, but a bit petty," Xu Miaoqing said to Zhu Xiong Ying. "If the Prince were to get married, it would be a bit of a delay. I was thinking that once the Prince is married, I would have the Princess Consort come to the palace to establish proper etiquette."

Sang Jing, the Earl of Huixian, was the wife that Zhu Yunwen chose for him, but it seems that Xu Miaoqing is not very satisfied with her now.

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned slightly and asked, "What's wrong?"

In fact, Sang Jing, the Earl of Huixian, was the son of Sang Shijie, the Marquis of Yongyi. Sang Shijie had followed Zhu Yuanzhang from the beginning and had made many military achievements before dying in the Battle of Shipai. His defection gave Zhu Yuanzhang the means to cross the Yangtze River. It can be said that Sang Shijie and Liao Yong'an were the backbone of Zhu Yuanzhang's navy and made significant contributions.

Sang Jing could be considered a worthy son of a tiger father, having risen to the rank of Vice Commander-in-Chief through his father's influence. However, he lacked talent. Now, under Xu Yungong's command, Sang Jing was somewhat mediocre, achieving little in battle and his training of troops was rather ordinary.

Xu Miaoqing continued, "The Earl of Huixian favors her, and she is somewhat arrogant and competitive. The Prince of the County also dislikes being restrained. If they were to get married, I reckon there would be some discord."

“Then we should set some rules. My Yunhu is free-spirited, so it’s better if she’s more gentle,” Zhu Xiong Ying said, clearly showing double standards and favoring her own family over reason. “We should set some rules so that Yunhu won’t blame me later.”

As for Zhu Yunwen's situation, it's fine to just ask casually; after all, he's a younger brother. It's just a casual question, though. Everyone knows that Zhu Yunwen is a half-brother, so as long as there's not too much of a connection, it's fine. Let Zhu Yunwen continue being a prince who loves Confucianism; he can continue to be gentle, refined, and well-read.

Lian Qiongqiong started setting the table, and the family of three chatted about what had happened that afternoon, mainly Xu Miaoqing and Lian Qiongqiong's evaluation of their sister-in-laws. The warm atmosphere only ended when their chubby son burst into tears.

Zhu Xiong Ying checked the time and said, "Come with me to the Qianqing Palace later. Grandfather hasn't seen Yin'er for quite some time."

Xu Miaoqing nodded naturally; the time and weather were suitable. Although Zhu Xiong Ying's position was secure, Xu Miaoqing also knew her own position was secure. However, her mindset had changed somewhat; for example, she was now constantly thinking about her chubby son's position.

It's clear to everyone that Zhu Yuanzhang (Emperor Zhu) intended to establish the eldest son as heir. However, the situation in the Ming Dynasty is somewhat complicated now. The positions of the previous crown prince, including Zhu Xiong Ying, are very secure. But with Zhu Yuanzhang's unexpected death, some things have become uncertain. Furthermore, it's essential that the founding rules of the Ming Dynasty be clearly defined.

Old Zhu, who had just eaten a simple meal, suddenly heard a voice. He quickly put down his brush and walked out of the palace gate in surprise.

"Our Yin'er is here?!" Old Zhu was overjoyed, taking the swaddled baby from Zhu Xiong Ying's hands. "Yin'er, you've gotten fatter!"

Zhu Xiong Ying laughed and said with a hint of pride, "Grandpa, my aunt said today that Yin'er is fatter than I was when I was little. He slept for several hours and I reckon he'll sleep for another two hours, so I brought him over to disturb your peace and quiet."

Old Zhu smiled broadly and said, "I'm old and don't like to sleep, so I'll play with Yin'er."

Chubby Zhu Wenying was starting to show signs of shyness around strangers, but he was quite familiar with his parents and great-grandfather. After a moment of eye contact with his great-grandfather, the chubby little hand quickly reached out and grabbed Old Zhu's beard.

This kid is even bolder than Zhu Xiong Ying; Zhu Xiong Ying didn't get this kind of treatment.

"You've got some real strength!" Old Zhu laughed heartily, holding little Zhu in his arms. "Our Yin'er is just so strong, even stronger than his father."

Xu Miaoqing chimed in, "Grandpa, Yin'er has started teething. He even bit him and made him cry while he was playing."

Old Zhu's eyes lit up, and he examined the baby closely with great excitement. Worried that his clumsy hands might hurt his great-grandson, he kept peering closely at the little boy. When he saw the baby's tiny, rice-grain-sized milk teeth, he smiled with immense joy.

Little Zhu was quite obliging. Sitting on the dragon bed, Little Zhu seemed to realize that his toes were too lively. After aiming for a while, he grabbed them. Children are so flexible. Little Zhu bent down, grabbed the little toes, and stuffed them into his mouth.

Zhu Xiong Ying did not handle government affairs, and Old Zhu was not in the mood for them either. Xu Miao Qing would occasionally tell some amusing stories about Little Zhu.

Old Zhu was quite relieved, but when he saw little Zhu starting to doze off and cry, he was still a little reluctant to part with him. However, he quickly instructed the palace maids, eunuchs, and guards, and carefully told Zhu Xiong Ying and Xu Miao Qing to take good care of little Zhu.

In the palace, Zhu Xiong Ying rarely rode in the imperial carriage, but Xu Miao Qing was enjoying this privilege, which was certainly an advantage for her. The sturdy servants carrying the palanquin walked steadily, with almost no bumps, ensuring that little Zhu could continue sleeping.

Zhu Xiong Ying stayed in the Qianqing Palace and said, "Yin'er is a bit naughty, and everyone knows to revolve around him."

"Our Yin'er is great!" Old Zhu was still very happy and said to Zhu Xiong Ying, "You were boring when you were little. Your great-grandmother used to say a lot about you. She said you were well-behaved and sensible, and the easiest to take care of. But she also said you weren't like a child, and it was no fun taking care of you."

That's right, I was trapped inside a baby's body back then, so naturally I didn't have any childlike fun. But I'm pretty good at being cute, otherwise Old Zhu and Empress Ma wouldn't have gone to such lengths to take me to Kunning Palace. That's practically taking away the Crown Prince and Crown Princess's rights; even ordinary princes don't get that kind of treatment.

In truth, Zhu Xiong Ying really did grow up under Zhu De's watchful eye. After all, when Zhu Xiong Ying was born, Zhu De was always away fighting. By the time peace was restored, Zhu Xiong Ying was already a teenager, so Zhu De had essentially missed his childhood. Zhu Xiong Ying, on the other hand, was different; Zhu De watched him grow from a small regimental commander into a spirited young man.

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