An elderly man not yet seventy and a young man just over twenty are now intently discussing topics like tombs. But they don't find anything unlucky about it; there's nothing they can't talk about.

According to custom, the construction of the imperial mausoleum should begin immediately upon the emperor's ascension to the throne. Moreover, Emperor Zhu was not one for many superstitions. For him, the well-being of his family was paramount; he had no concept of good or bad fortune.

Zhu Xiong Ying wasn't too concerned, as long as some archaeologist in later generations didn't dig him up, or at least he could be careful not to let tomb raiders visit. Zhu Xiong Ying didn't want to be exhibited after he had rotted into a pile of bones. Of course, even being exhibited might be difficult; he might be burned or thrown away, and nobody would know where he ended up.

A grandfather and grandson are discussing their funeral arrangements, and they seem to be getting along very well.

However, outside the palace at this moment, it naturally caused a great uproar. Originally, these important officials were summoned to the Wuying Hall after the court session, and many of them were already having all sorts of speculations, especially since there had been constant news of the emperor's poor health during this period, and this time of year was just too sensitive.

But now things are different. These high-ranking officials walked out of the Wuying Hall one by one with solemn expressions. Some of their colleagues wanted to find out what was going on, but they all remained tight-lipped and dared not reveal any information. They all looked preoccupied.

Zhu Xiong Ying returned to the East Palace in a good mood and chatted briefly with Xu Miao Qing. Her current task was to appease the families of some important officials. This naturally involved both bestowing favors and subtly conveying certain messages.

Everything went smoothly, which made Zhu Xiong Ying even happier, and gave him the time and inclination to see his beloved daughter.

Little Zhu appeared and disappeared like a ghost. The little guy stretched out his arms and said, "Dad, I want to go see my sister too!"

The main problem is the lack of playmates. This little guy, who loves to join in the fun, really goes wherever there's excitement. Zhu Xiong Ying felt there was no other way to deal with this mischievous child, so she simply decided to take him along; otherwise, the kid would definitely cause trouble.

Little Zhu is quite good at being affectionate. Not only did she swing her short legs to follow along, but she also naturally stretched out her little hand. She seemed to be squeezing hard, but it was immediately grasped by a big hand and held firmly.

Zhu Xiong Ying immediately took Little Zhu's hand with a cheerful smile. He knew this was his chubby son's habit, just like when he was with his great-grandfather; Old Zhu always held his hand happily. As for whether Little Zhu was trying to ensure he wouldn't be shaken off in this way, that was hard to say.

"I'll take you out of the palace tomorrow, it'll be a good day off," Zhu Xiong Ying said cheerfully to little Zhu. "Let's go see our great-aunt and then our uncle, what do you say?"

Little Zhu immediately perked up and said, "Dad, Auntie, and Cousin too!"

Zhu Xiong Ying laughed and quickly agreed, "Okay, then we'll go see the Imperial Aunt and Cousin again."

As for leaving the palace, Little Zhu has done so very rarely. On the one hand, his special status makes it inconvenient for him to leave the palace; on the other hand, it is naturally because Little Zhu is too young, and taking him out of the palace now would indeed be very inconvenient.

However, if Zhu Xiong Ying took little Zhu out of the palace, there would naturally be no problem. Zhu Xiong Ying also didn't want her chubby son to just grow up in the deep palace; she really hoped that little Zhu could see the outside world and learn more about it.

Zhu Ruyi was unhappy. She had been sleeping, but her unscrupulous brother had appeared and made her cry. Little Zhu found it noisy and wanted to leave. He could cry by himself, but she didn't like playing with a child who cried easily.

Zhu Xiong Ying naturally didn't need to worry. Little Zhu was well taken care of; many people were watching over him, and no one dared let him suffer the slightest grievance. Everyone knew that this little guy was protected wherever he went, no matter where he ran around the palace.

"My Ruyi has finally grown up a bit," Zhu Xiong Ying said happily, holding the little girl in her arms. "When she grows up a little more, she'll definitely be a stunning beauty! Our Ruyi is just gorgeous!"

Lian Qiongqiong smiled gently and said, "Yesterday, Mother came to the palace and said that Ruyi looks a lot like me when I was little."

Zhu Xiong Ying laughed heartily, genuinely happy. "That's good. I resemble my mother somewhat, with a touch of heroism. My nose is a bit high; if Ruyi were like me, it wouldn't be a good thing. You, on the other hand, look like a delicate woman from the Jiangnan water towns."

After spending some time with his wife and daughter, Zhu Xiong Ying leisurely made his way to Li Shi's side, who was, after all, also his wife and concubine. Although he didn't need to worry about any trouble in the harem, Zhu Xiong Ying still treated them all equally, at least on the surface.

Having slept in late for once, and having finished his breakfast with Li's help, Zhu Xiong Ying said to Wang Cheng En, "If there's nothing urgent, don't bother me."

Wang Chengen immediately said, "Your Majesty, the ceremonial carriage is ready."

Zhu Xiong Ying's departure from the palace was not a matter of simply leaving whenever he wanted. Besides the ceremonial procession, the guards were also of paramount importance. His destinations were notified at least one or two days in advance; there was no possibility of the Crown Prince enthusiastically visiting relatives only to find no one home.

Zhu Xiong Ying decided to go pick up his son. He didn't want to break his promise; his chubby son was waiting, and the little guy was definitely impatient.

Lian Qiongqiong couldn't leave the palace, but Xu Miaoqing could go with her. This was like visiting relatives; Zhu Xiong Ying really didn't intend for his wife to be confined to the palace forever, and wanted her to have opportunities to go out and about.

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