After watching Ru Chang leave, Zhu Xiong Ying continued his work, approving direct decisions where necessary. As for matters requiring an audience with ministers, Zhu Xiong Ying would do so. He would finalize decisions directly when necessary, and discuss matters when appropriate.

Zhu Xiong Ying, adept at handling government affairs, received Ren Heng Tai's memorial, which concerned the investiture ceremony for princes. This was naturally no problem; the Ming Dynasty had held investiture ceremonies more than once, and everyone was familiar with them.

Looking at the memorials from the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Clan Court, Zhu Xiong Ying felt increasingly displeased. Ultimately, it was because Emperor Zhu was too kind to his offspring, granting the princes far too high a treatment, which put some pressure on Zhu Xiong Ying, the Crown Prince.

“When civil and military officials pass through the fiefdoms of the princes, they must bow four times. In the court, it is proper to observe the etiquette between the emperor and his subjects, which is fine. However, since the emperor is an elder, Yin’er and I will have to observe the etiquette of family members from now on. At that time, the princes can even sit down.”

“This is not good. We don’t need to kneel. But all the civil and military officials of the court, even the ministers of the six ministries, dukes, and generals, have to pay their respects to the princes. This treatment is excessive, and the more I look at it, the more I feel it is excessive.”

It seems that not only will some of the material benefits of the royal family be reduced, but their social status and treatment will also need to be weakened.

These were all civil and military officials of the imperial court, and for them to kneel and bow before a prince was rather inappropriate. In Zhu Xiong Ying's view, the princes' reverence was excessive and definitely not a good thing.

It's still necessary to discuss this with Lao Zhu, especially considering that persuading him is not a simple matter. It's best to be reasonable and have evidence to back it up. It's more appropriate to lay things out with Lao Zhu rather than playing riddles with him.

There was no need to consult with the court officials first. Zhu Xiong Ying was quite clear about some things. He knew that some things could be addressed by mobilizing the court officials, and he also knew that some things absolutely could not be treated as mere official business. Zhu Xiong Ying was quite clear about the difference between these, and he didn't want Old Zhu to overthink things.

After a long day of work, Zhu Xiong Ying leisurely returned to the East Palace, guessing that the court would know about Zhu Yunwen and the others' escape in a couple of days.

However, there won't be much that can be done by then. The main problem is that by then, it will be a fait accompli. Perhaps after paying homage to the Prince of Qin, Zhu Yunwen and his entourage will have already headed straight for Beiping and started their sightseeing tour.

No, how can you call it sightseeing? Zhu Xiong Ying felt this wouldn't do. Although she was somewhat amused and exasperated, she still needed to help clean up the mess and provide some explanation, even if it meant she had to clean up the mess herself.

Since the person in question was his imperial uncle and his own brother, Zhu Xiong Ying had no choice but to reluctantly admit to some things.

“This isn’t self-deception; I’m just taking advantage of the situation,” Zhu Xiong Ying sighed, muttering to himself. “The royal family still needs to shoulder more responsibility; they are all acting on imperial orders.”

Zhu Xiong Ying himself wasn't very confident in saying this, but this was the only plausible reason he could give at the moment, and this was really the only thing he could do.

It seems he's destined to play the villain, keeping Old Zhu sullen, and many members of the imperial clan might cause trouble. After all, Zhu Xiong Ying's arrival is essentially taking away from the imperial clan's interests; it would be strange if they were happy.

There was no other way; Zhu Xiong Ying was the successor of the Ming Dynasty. He wasn't just considering the feelings of the princes; he also needed to consider the development of the country and the fate of the empire.

Zhu Wenying stumbled over and called out in a childish voice, "Dad!"

He scooped up his chubby son and gave him a big kiss on his round face. "Yin'er, Daddy's taking you on an important mission! Once Daddy has taken care of these matters, you'll be able to secure your throne!"

Zhu Wenying didn't understand any of this, he just laughed in his childish voice. Xu Miaoqing, standing to the side, couldn't help but laugh, not only because of the heartwarming scene, but also because of her father, her son, and because of 'the country'!