In the seventh year of Hongwu, the legitimate eldest grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang, the great ancestor of the Ming Dynasty, was born.
He who resides as the legitimate heir will surely ascend to t...
This was also Zhu Xiong Ying's true feeling. He would never treat the imperial clan like pigs, as Zhu Di did in history, allowing them to only eat, drink, and be merry, without any purpose in life. Zhu Xiong Ying felt that such a method was not good.
As for the entry of members of the imperial clan into the court, or their involvement in other fields, Zhu Xiong Ying was naturally aware of both the advantages and disadvantages. For example, when Zhu Xiong Ying planned to grant some princes fiefdoms remotely, some people would certainly say that keeping the imperial clan in the capital would have some drawbacks.
However, regardless of the circumstances, Zhu Xiong Ying believed that a nominal fiefdom still had some advantages over a real one. He knew that one couldn't have it all, and that some things simply couldn't be perfect. He understood that the best course of action was to maximize the benefits while minimizing the drawbacks, or to ensure long-term interests.
Zhu Xiong Ying was speaking his heart to his ancestors in the Fengxian Hall, while the court was in chaos.
Xu Yungong being reprimanded and confined by His Majesty the Emperor was actually nothing unusual. Even if Xu Yungong's status was special, it was normal for officials in the Hongwu era to be constantly reprimanded by Zhu Yuanzhang.
The fact that the Crown Prince was reprimanded by the Emperor in court and even confined to his quarters was something many found highly unusual. Such severe punishment was unfamiliar to many, and they worried that the very foundation of the state might be shaken.
Xu Miaoqing had naturally heard about it as well, and like many others in the Eastern Palace, she was completely bewildered. They were all used to the Crown Prince's secure position and the great favor he received. But now, the Crown Prince had been reprimanded, punished to go to the Fengxian Hall, and even threatened with confinement. This was clearly different; something was wrong.
However, something seemed amiss, and Xu Miaoqing was still unsure what had happened.
She possessed a certain degree of political acumen, given her noble family background. However, she hadn't personally handled many matters and had very limited exposure to important court affairs. At this moment, the conflicting information left her somewhat confused.
It wasn't until Wang Chengen came and said that the little fellow Zhu Wenyin had been taken away by His Majesty the Emperor, who had specially sent a palanquin.
Xu Miaoqing felt as if she knew something, but she was still incredibly worried. She was worried that her husband's position might be shaken, and she was also worried that her elder brother's arrogance would lead to the Crown Prince being punished as well. She was truly very worried now.
But she didn't dare to do much, because deep down she was still afraid of Old Zhu, and she didn't dare to plead for him.
The other concubines and princes in the harem also learned of the news, and they were all somewhat confused. Some were probably quite excited, some were probably quite worried, and of course, it couldn't be ruled out that some were trying to stir things up.
All of these are possible, because things seem chaotic right now, and nobody knows what will happen next.
Seeing Zhu Wenyin rolling around on the dragon bed, Old Zhu laughed, "Yin'er, are you hungry?"
Zhu Wenyin wasn't hungry; he wanted to play games. "Great-grandfather, great-grandfather!"
Zhu Wenying, who had raised his hands high, suddenly squatted down, his hands gripping the mattress, his big head resting on the dragon bed. His chubby little legs were kicking, but he couldn't put any force into it, so he couldn't do a somersault at all.
Old Zhu chuckled, gently lifting Zhu Wenying's chubby bottom, causing little Zhu to wobble and somersault. Happy, little Zhu immediately scrambled to his feet, running to Old Zhu with a pout.
He first hugged Old Zhu's neck and kissed him on the cheek, then leaned in with his fat face and asked Old Zhu to kiss him back.
Old Zhu was very happy and kissed Little Zhu's left and right cheeks, and even wanted to kiss Little Zhu's forehead.
"Just like your father! Your father was just as rascal when he was a kid!" Old Zhu said happily, holding little Zhu. "I don't like this kind of behavior! I've been brought under control by you two!"
He prefers holding his grandchildren to his own children and doesn't like overly affectionate gestures; Old Zhu used to dislike these things. But the former Zhu Xiong Ying was like that, loving kisses. Now, little Zhu is the same, still loving kisses.
Old Zhu appeared disdainful, but he was secretly very happy. These children were so endearing and sensible!