Zhu Xiong Ying needed to build his own team, which obviously wasn't limited to the military or simply had the support of nobles. After all, governing the country still required civil officials and a reliable system.

Zhu Xiong Ying felt it was no problem to start cultivating his own team and system now, and Old Zhu was happy to see it happen. After all, he was getting on in years, and even though Old Zhu considered himself to be in good health, he still worried about not waking up and about the succession of his empire.

The situation is quite good now. There are some reliable officials in the imperial court, and Zhu Xiong Ying also has officials he is focusing on cultivating.

As one of the earliest civil officials to join the Crown Prince's faction, Ru Chang held a very special position. He had once been the Crown Prince's study companion. Even if the Crown Prince had not become the kind of figure expected by Confucian scholars under his influence, as long as the Crown Prince did not appear to be tyrannical, everything was still manageable, and there would be opportunities in the future.

Moreover, even if some officials feel that the grandson of the crown prince is very much like the current emperor at heart, it is a good thing in a way.

The current emperor is very oppressive to civil officials, and he is also ruthless towards nobles. The current emperor is very prestigious... But no matter what, the current emperor is the one who drove out the barbarians and restored China. The current emperor is also the one who founded the country and established a dynasty, so that the people of the world can have food to eat and do not need to worry about the world falling into chaos.

Moreover, many people have also realized that although the current emperor is not good to his civil and military officials, he truly loves his people like his own children.

If the grandson of the crown prince can achieve these things after ascending the throne, a prosperous dynasty might truly arrive. At that time, it would be the great era of peace and prosperity that many civil officials have been hoping for, allowing them to realize their ambitions and leave their mark on history.

Arriving at the Eastern Palace held a different meaning for Ru Chang.

Normally, the Crown Prince is received in the Wenhua Hall or the Qianqing Palace, or in a more official place like the Fengtian Hall. The fact that the Crown Prince is now in the Eastern Palace clearly sends a signal.

Zhu Xiong Ying is actually used to these things. Many people will interpret his behavior, and some of his actions do indeed have some obvious signals.

"Your subject Ru Chang greets His Highness the Crown Prince!" Ru Chang was very proper and immediately bowed.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and raised her hand, saying, "Liang Yu, you're too polite. There's no need for such formalities here. Speaking of which, in a couple of days, I will be evaluating the descendants of meritorious officials at the Eastern Palace. I remember Ru Jian has grown up now; he can come along then!"

Although Ru Chang was excited, she still said, "Your Highness, this is against etiquette."

The imperial court had previously issued a decree to begin assessing meritorious officials, but it did not mention assessing the sons of civil officials. This is easy to understand: the titles of the nobility can be inherited, but even if a civil official's family is known for its scholarship, if they fail to pass the imperial examinations, there is nothing that can be done.

Ru Chang was a little excited. Sometimes it seemed that traditional civil officials like him did not think much of military merit, but they were also very clear that those titles were hard for them to obtain. It was difficult for them to live and die with the country, and it was difficult for them to have a title that would ensure their descendants would have no worries about food and clothing.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and said to Ru Chang, "I remember visiting Liang Yu's residence when I was young, and more than ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. Over the years, I have grown up quite a bit, and Liang Yu is even more talented. I have high expectations for Liang Yu."

Ru Chang immediately knelt down, her voice choked with emotion, "Your Highness, I will repay you with my life!"

Ru Chang's attitude was perfectly normal; in such a feudal dynasty, the hierarchical relationship between ruler and subject was still highly valued. Universal values ​​also included the concept of gratitude for being recognized and rewarded.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and said to Ru Chang, "Liang Yu, there are probably quite a few people in the court discussing the relocation of the capital, and there are bound to be some complaints and grievances. In Liang Yu's opinion, what should be done about relocating the capital?"

Ru Chang blurted out, "Your Highness, Yingtian Prefecture is prosperous, but if the capital is established in Yingtian Prefecture, it's likely that within two dynasties, there will be singing and dancing, and extravagant enjoyment. This trend is already present in Yingtian Prefecture, and the prosperity of Jiangnan..."

Zhu Xiong Ying interrupted with a smile and said to Ru Chang, "Liang Yu, there's no need to say more. The matter of moving the capital has already been decided. In fact, my grandfather had also considered this a lot before. Yingtian Prefecture has its advantages, and Guanzhong has its own benefits. There is no such thing as a perfect place. We can only find a balance when we move the capital."

This was also Zhu Xiong Ying's true feeling. Of course, there is no such thing as a perfect capital city. What the Ming Dynasty needed was a capital city that met the needs of the vast majority of people. Even if it had some shortcomings, they could be tolerated.

Looking at Ru Chang, Zhu Xiong Ying asked bluntly, "The matter of moving the capital is beyond question. Liang Yu has also accompanied me on official business in Beiping before. If we let Liang Yu be among the first to move there to settle the officials, their families, and the gentry, would that be alright?"

Without a word, Ru Chang bowed and accepted the order, "Your subject obeys!"

Ru Chang naturally accepted the assignment. To be honest, he didn't want the job, but since the Crown Prince had spoken, he wouldn't refuse. He knew this was also a way for the Crown Prince to train him.

Doing more work naturally leads to more achievements. Some of these tasks can be considered as the Crown Prince's trust in him, and he cannot refuse such work. He wants to prove his abilities and hopes to grow into a true pillar of the Crown Prince's heart.

His status as a companion in his studies gave him an advantage, and his impressive performance over the years has provided him with more opportunities to shine. However, Ru Chang understands that he cannot be arrogant or complacent; there are many talented people in the court, many of whom simply lack the chance to demonstrate their abilities.

You can't think you're irreplaceable, especially since Ru Chang has many expectations and ambitions!

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