Zhu Xiong Ying was dismissed again. Old Zhu and Da Zhu were busy dealing with state affairs, so naturally they had no intention of continuing to hand over the reins to Xiao Zhu.

Watching Zhu Xiong Ying leave, Old Zhu asked, "Biao'er, what do you think Ying'er is planning?"

"What can we possibly scheme about? It's all just worldly affairs." Zhu Biao laughed, somewhat annoyed. "Ying'er has been sensible and intelligent since she was little, and she's always been interested in power. And it's even more so now."

Old Zhu wasn't unhappy. His son and grandson were capable and competent, so he was only happy. He wouldn't break any taboos because of this, nor would he worry about his power being taken away.

Old Zhu chuckled for a moment, then said, “When we founded the country, we used severe punishments during the chaotic times. Once we've sorted things out, Biao’er should remember to recuperate and restore the nation's strength. By the time Ying’er takes over, our Great Ming will be at its peak. Ying’er is a kind and benevolent person, and by then, our Great Ming will have a solid foundation, making it easier to pass on the throne.”

Zhu Biao was displeased and said jokingly, "Father, don't think too simply. Everyone outside says that Ying'er is intelligent and kind, and he is indeed kind to the people in the palace. However, Ying'er is also fond of martial arts. I think he wants to move the capital to Beiping because he wants to fight the remnants of the Yuan dynasty."

"Good, this is a good thing!" Emperor Zhu was very direct. "Biao'er, you are a bit too weak. Biao'er, I know you study Confucianism and I am happy to see your benevolence. But Confucianism, Taoism, Legalism, and so on should not be just one school of thought. They should all be used for your benefit."

Zhu Biao also said with some helplessness, "Since the Han Dynasty, the status of Confucianism has become increasingly higher. Especially since the Song Dynasty, the status of Confucianism has become increasingly higher. Take the descendants of Confucius for example, they don't care about the changing dynasties, they only think about the benefits of their ancestors."

The Jurchens and Mongols vied to steal and win over the hearts of the people. The Jin dynasty destroyed the Northern Song dynasty. Due to the conflicts between the Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties, the descendants of Confucius were enfeoffed with the Southern and Northern sects, which can actually be considered as three sects coexisting, with three Dukes of Yansheng.

The current Duke Yansheng is Kong Ne, the fifty-sixth generation descendant. He holds the rank of First Rank, placing him at the head of all officials.

Looking out of the hall, Old Zhu said with some anticipation, "Ying'er is still young, so we can't see too much yet. But there's something in her bones. If she's properly nurtured, we don't have to worry about her going astray."

“Then Father will take him along. With Father’s guidance, Ying’er will surely learn something,” Zhu Biao said while reviewing memorials. “I will handle more matters of state. Father will oversee the court, and I will deal with the details.”

Old Zhu's eyes lit up, but he immediately pretended to be unhappy, "He's only been the crown prince for a little over ten years and he's already getting restless, wanting to seize the throne and become emperor?!"

If any other prince heard this, he would surely be terrified, but Zhu Biao would not. "Father, my subjects in the Eastern Palace are all civil and military officials in the court. Why would I want to usurp the throne now? Besides, Father, I am currently reviewing memorials."

There's absolutely no doubt that Zhu Yuanzhang was the biggest and most steadfast member of the Crown Prince faction during the Hongwu reign!

Zhu Biao didn't joke around and said seriously, "Father, in my opinion, although Ying'er has some of my kindness, he is more like you in his heart. I have thought about teaching him myself, but I am afraid that I will mislead him and make him learn from me and lose his true self. If I succeed to the throne in the future, I will definitely want to recuperate and avoid fighting."

Old Zhu thought about it carefully, then asked, "Biao'er, I'm not joking with you. Are you thinking about our Ying'er, and how she will destroy the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty and the Western Regions?"

“Yunnan and Guizhou have just been annexed, there are still remnants of the Yuan dynasty in the north, Liaodong is also restless, and there are still those Japanese pirates.” Zhu Biao rubbed his temples and said, “Our Ming dynasty has been established for more than ten years and has gained some national strength. We need to clean up the officials and suppress the arrogant nobles. How can I have the energy to wage war?”

Looking at Zhu Biao, Zhu Biao continued, "Your grandson, if Father doesn't move the capital, he'll definitely try to persuade me to do so later. If I don't move the capital, he'll definitely move it after he ascends the throne. Forget it, I'll just play the bad guy."

Old Zhu laughed and said, "Biao'er, if you move the capital, there will definitely be great resistance. Let us move the capital. Everyone in the court and the country knows that we want to move the capital. Let us pave the way and remove all obstacles so that you and Ying'er can have a better chance to implement your plans after you succeed to the throne."

That's just Old Zhu's personality: a workaholic, a control freak, and most importantly, he wants to leave the best for his children and grandchildren.

Being a little tired is nothing, I've been through a lot of hardship anyway. Some bad reputation is nothing, no one dares to curse me to my face, and besides, I don't care about a little more bad reputation after being cursed so many times.

Looking at Zhu Biao, Old Zhu tentatively said, "If that's really the case? From now on, shall we have the Crown Prince stand guard, and have him come to the Wuying Hall more often?"

"There's not much going on in court right now, so Father Emperor, you can spend these two years teaching Ying'er more." Zhu Biao smiled and said sincerely, "If we start moving the capital, I certainly won't have time then. If you teach the Crown Prince well these two years, it will be good for him in the future."

Old Zhu was immediately overjoyed; his son was sensible and his grandson was smart.

He has already founded the Ming Dynasty, and the Ming Dynasty is growing stronger and stronger. His son is also showing signs of becoming a benevolent ruler, and he has become increasingly adept at handling state affairs in recent years. Now, it is time to let go.

If this grandson is properly nurtured, the foundation of the Ming Dynasty will be solid. Even if it doesn't last a thousand generations, it could easily last for several more. Moreover, Emperor Zhu had long seen that his grandson was very much like him at heart—restless and perhaps destined to become a figure like Qin Shi Huang or Emperor Wu of Han.

As for letting the crown prince handle state affairs, there's even less to say about that.

Since Zhu Biao's birth, in Old Zhu's eyes, the family business he had built should be handed over to Zhu Biao. Over the past ten years, Zhu Biao has been governing the country and managing state affairs. Although there have been some flaws, Old Zhu has been very satisfied with his overall performance.

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