For Zhu Xiong Ying, her current life seems to be going well, and everything appears relatively stable. Everything is under control, and there haven't been many unexpected events, which is certainly good news.

Actually, both Old Zhu and Little Zhu are extremely controlling people. However, the grandfather and grandson care for and understand each other, so there are no conflicts. Most importantly, they share the same overall goal and work towards a common direction, naturally leading to a clear division of labor. Even if they wanted to scheme against someone, it would be someone outside their circle.

For example, Zhu Yuanzhang punished several officials who had expressed strong grievances about the relocation of the capital.

Zhu Xiong Ying glanced at the list and quickly approved it; he was familiar with demotions and the like. Officials had to be prepared for demotion if they weren't careful, and be prepared to die far from home.

Zhu Xiong Ying was becoming increasingly adept at the position of Executive Vice Emperor. After the departure of the First Zhu as Executive Vice Emperor, the Younger Zhu took over.

After finishing his official duties for the day, Zhu Xiong Ying went straight to the East Palace and looked at his chubby son who was stumbling around.

"The more I look at them, the more mischievous they become!" Zhu Xiong Ying was a little worried. "They're so young, yet they're already so ruthless with flowers. It's really adorable!"

Little Zhu, clutching the flower, seemed to realize something. She turned around and saw Xiao Zhu, revealing a silly grin with only tiny baby teeth. Drooling streamed down her face as she laughed, but Little Zhu remained completely oblivious.

Zhu Xiong Ying was in a good mood and walked towards her chubby son, saying, "I'm back now, and you don't even greet me!"

Little Zhu, laughing in her babyish voice, turned and ran away, perhaps just not wanting to be held at that moment. The little one stumbled and staggered away, still laughing in her babyish voice—was she deliberately provoking him?

Xu Miaoqing, holding her son, said with a smile, "Husband, is this Yin'er...?"

"Dad!" Little Zhu cried out immediately, displeased. "Dad! Dad!"

Zhu Xiong Ying was overjoyed. His chubby son had been able to greet people before, but he simply couldn't resist such a cute little boy. What Zhu Xiong Ying loved most, of course, was the affection his chubby son expressed.

After playing with his chubby son for a while, Zhu Xiong Ying's mood relaxed. However, given his position and job, he naturally couldn't expect to have any rest or off-duty hours; when something came up, he had to deal with it.

Wang Chengen was quite anxious. Upon seeing Zhu Xiong Ying enter the study, he immediately reported, "Your Majesty, these days, many people are flocking to the princes and dukes, and quite a few have failed the imperial examinations."

Zhu Xiong Ying frowned slightly. These people certainly weren't trying to emulate Huang Chao, Song Jiang, or an unborn Hong Xiuquan. These scholars who had failed the imperial examinations were mostly looking for a way out. Going to the prince's court was a good option, and even in the barbarian lands, they could take up an official position. Perhaps through some twists and turns, they could even return to the central government.

However, Zhu Xiong Ying was also somewhat reluctant, as the Ming Dynasty was still in dire need of scholars. Despite the apparent intention of both the old and young Zhu to suppress Confucian scholars, they were well aware that the current Ming Dynasty's civil service system truly needed these scholars.

If it were just a Xiucai (a degree in the imperial examination system), that would be fine, but if it were a Juren (a degree in the provincial examination system), Zhu Xiong Ying would definitely be quite unhappy. After all, a Juren is already very good; they can directly become an official, even if it's just a minor one.

Zhu Xiong Ying seemed to understand, "Now the court knows that princes of the Great Ming can establish states overseas, so it's normal for some scholars to want to go and join them. The Great Ming is full of talented people, and they might have a chance to make a name for themselves there. Besides, the imperial uncles do need help."

What an understanding and magnanimous Crown Prince Zhu Xiong Ying is! That's exactly how he appears to be now.

However, as someone close to Zhu Xiong Ying, Wang Chengen knew that the Crown Prince was definitely not just like that; he knew the Crown Prince must have other plans. That was the Crown Prince he knew, that was the Crown Prince's consistent style.

"Write down the list and report it to me later." Zhu Xiong Ying said calmly, her face expressionless. "Has anyone tried to get close to my second son?"

Wang Chengen wasn't surprised at all; this was the Crown Prince's consistent style. The seemingly magnanimous Crown Prince wouldn't get angry over trivial matters, but once his bottom line was crossed, things would get complicated.

Wang Chengen immediately replied, "The Prince's residence is quiet; no one goes there."

This is a double entendre, because logically speaking, Zhu Yunwen was the second son. However, Wang Chengen and others understood that Zhu Yunwen, his full brother from the same mother, was the Crown Prince's biological brother and had always been looked after by the Crown Prince, which was why he held such weight.

As for Zhu Yunwen, many people have forgotten about him and his two younger brothers, and are unwilling to have much contact with them. After all, the crown prince is dead, and even if Lady Lü and others have some ideas, they dare not think about them now, for fear of arousing Zhu Xiong Ying's displeasure.

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded calmly and said to Wang Cheng En, "Let those scholars who go to the Prince's and County Prince's residences go. If any officials from the imperial court visit, just keep a close eye on them."

Zhu Xiong Ying, the Crown Prince, remained as magnanimous as ever, seemingly unconcerned and not taking certain matters to heart. However, Wang Cheng En, who had always been by Zhu Xiong Ying's side, needed to think more carefully. If the Crown Prince had to explain everything, Wang Cheng En was likely not far from falling out of favor.

Given Zhu Xiong Ying's current status and position, he naturally doesn't need to worry too much about certain things. However, this doesn't mean he doesn't need to pay attention to anything. Some of Zhu Xiong Ying's uncles are still quite restless, and some princes are not very happy about their nephew, Zhu Xiong Ying.

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