If my elder brother were alive, I wouldn't say anything and would just obediently be a good prince. But my elder brother is gone, so why is he the crown prince? Are we uncles supposed to kneel before our nephews in a few years?!

It's normal to have some complaints in private, after all, that position is too tempting. But now they can only talk about it in private, or even just grumble in their hearts. After all, they all know whose idea it was. Moreover, the Crown Prince has a wealth of powerful generals and countless strategists, and the power he holds is something that these princes cannot compare to.

Zhu Xiong Ying remained calm, mainly because there was no need to rush. The so-called "Nine Princes' Struggle for the Throne" drama wouldn't happen in his time. And barring any unforeseen circumstances, it wouldn't happen in the Ming Dynasty either. If a fight for the throne truly occurred, it would be rebellion.

Just as Zhu Xiong Ying was about to rest after finishing his business, Wang Chengen arrived again, this time bringing an imperial decree from Zhu. Naturally, there was nothing more to say, and Zhu Xiong Ying obediently went to the Qianqing Palace, guessing that something was about to happen.

When Old Zhu saw Zhu Xiong Ying, he immediately said, "Ying'er, many people are not happy with the course you are in charge of."

Zhu Xiong Ying chuckled and poured himself a cup of tea. "Grandfather, did those people say that many of the candidates I approved for the imperial examinations lacked talent and knowledge?"

Seeing his grandson's lazy appearance, Old Zhu was both annoyed and amused. "Yes, this year's imperial examination is indeed difficult to convince the public."

"That's why my grandson said we need two separate lists, one for the North and one for the South!" Zhu Xiong Ying said with heartache and helplessness. "The North is not known for its literary culture. If we judged everything based on the quality of the writing, I'm afraid fewer than ten students from the North would make it onto the list this time. Most of them would probably be second or third place."

Old Zhu also fell silent, then said, "But if these students' papers are published, the students in the south will probably start making a fuss."

Zhu Xiong Ying narrowed his eyes slightly and asked with a smile, "Grandfather, is someone instigating this?"

“We gave you the power to manage the Embroidered Uniform Guard. If you want to set up that damned Eastern Depot, we’ll watch you do it.” Old Zhu was even more heartbroken and criticized Young Zhu, “You should know these things! Your agents, are you just letting them collect their salaries for nothing?!”

Zhu Xiong Ying chuckled and said, "The Eastern Depot is still in use, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard grandson hasn't been rendered useless either. There are other things to do these days."

Old Zhu understood, and glared at Zhu Xiong Ying, "What kind of tricks are you trying to play on us?!"

"This time, I'm going to make a scene in the court. Grandfather, please don't alert them," Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile, explaining his plan. "I've never been a big fan of some civil officials. This time, I'll get rid of some of them by moving the capital, and demote a few more for the imperial examinations. By then, these people will understand what I mean."

The Zhejiang East civil official group couldn't grow too large and powerful; this was one of Zhu Xiong Ying's intentions, and he seemed to be putting it into practice. However, it's clear that Zhu Xiong Ying's intentions weren't just to suppress the Zhejiang East civil official group; he had other plans.

Old Zhu glanced at the exam paper and said, "Ying'er, are you saying you want to prevent this scholar who loves writing beautiful essays from having any path to advancement?"

"No, that's not it. I still need some writing skills," Zhu Xiong Ying explained with a smile. "But the court can't just be a place for writers. I hope to see people who do practical things. Otherwise, I'll end up beating people like my grandfather."

Old Zhu's expression brightened; this really was one of Old Zhu's great achievements.

The current censor, Ru Taisu, once submitted a memorial of 17,000 words, outlining five matters. However, these could have been explained in 500 words. This memorial was merely a display of literary talent, and Emperor Zhu ordered Ru Taisu to be beaten!

"We'll drink from the golden cup together, but we'll show no mercy to each other with sharp blades," was what Old Zhu said to Ru Taisu.

"Alright, alright, I don't want to argue with you. You know what I mean!" Since his grandson knew what he meant, Old Zhu was relieved. "Where's Yin'er? Why didn't you bring him over so we can see him?"

Zhu Xiong Ying was both amused and exasperated. Love really could be transferred. "He's sleeping, so I didn't bring him. He woke up yesterday and was lying there relieving himself; it was quite amusing. Why don't you go to the East Palace, Grandfather, and see if that kid will relieve himself today?"

Old Zhu's eyes lit up. He wasn't just going to see his great-grandson; he wanted to check on his grandson's daily life. He usually couldn't go, but today he was going with his grandson. Even with reports from spies and maids, Old Zhu wouldn't feel at ease; he had to see for himself!