Although it was a family banquet, it seemed that with some changes in the court, even Zhu Zhu and Zhu Yue could no longer truly treat Zhu Xiong Ying simply as their nephew or brother. After all, Zhu Xiong Ying was now the Crown Prince, and it seemed he was getting closer and closer to that position.

It started out as a family dinner, just casual conversation. But gradually, the atmosphere became a little strange. Even Zhu Xiong Ying's aunt and younger sister were exchanging glances and observing Zhu Xiong Ying's expression.

Compared to others, they naturally had more confidence and assurance, knowing that Zhu Xiong Ying was a person who cared about his family.

However, there have been too many true and false rumors circulating in and around the government lately, and people of their status feel confused and bewildered by all sorts of information. Many things do indeed make them somewhat worried.

Zhu Xiong Ying was a smart man, and his ability to assess situations was also outstanding, after all, he dealt with many people in the imperial court.

This is only the Crown Prince, and the atmosphere is already like this. If Zhu Xiong Ying really ascends to the throne, he will essentially become a lonely figure, and his family members will likely become not only family but also subjects.

Too lazy to even reminisce, Zhu Xiong Ying simply smiled and said, "Uncle-in-law, Grandfather has been giving you quite a few instructions lately, hasn't he?"

Mei Yin immediately stood up and respectfully replied, "Your Highness, His Majesty did indeed instruct me on some matters."

"That's good. I suppose you understand what Grandfather is thinking." Zhu Xiong Ying was quite frank, since there were rumors circulating in the court. "Things haven't been peaceful lately, and some people might have their own agendas. Uncle, just keep an eye on Yingtian Prefecture. If anything happens, report it to His Majesty, or you can come to me."

No one dared to answer, because Zhu's task for him was to keep an eye on the princes in Yingtian Prefecture and report to him immediately if there were any unusual movements. Moreover, Zhu also gave Mei Yin a memorial, naturally hoping that Mei Yin would assist Zhu Xiong Ying.

Looking at the others who seemed somewhat shocked, Zhu Xiong Ying said, "My aunt and uncle will go to Beiping after the New Year. Although my uncle has no interest in politics, he has been keeping an eye on Beiping for me these days. Yue'er and brother-in-law will also go there. My brother-in-law will take over the city's defenses there, and my third uncle will also go there, with military power in your hands."

These words were clear enough. Zhu Xiong Ying was indeed too lazy to play games with his family, after all, those in the house were his closest relatives. Blood ties were the strongest bond.

Everyone understands the matter of moving the capital, and everyone knows that the Ming Dynasty has officially begun the process. Some time ago, some civil and military officials tried to retire by being cunning, but without exception, they were either completely dismissed or are now in prison.

The emperor and his grandson's meaning was clear: anyone who dared to oppose the relocation of the capital should face the ruthlessness of the Zhu family.

Looking at Mei Yin, Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly asked, "Yesterday in the Wu Ying Hall, the Emperor had thoughts of abdicating. Did you know that?"

As Mei Yin broke out in a cold sweat, completely at a loss for words, Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and said, "You know about this matter, and Feng Cheng knows about it too. Don't make wild guesses about what Grandfather is thinking. Whether you are a subject or a son, just do what Grandfather tells you to do."

This was the first time Zhu Xiong Ying, the Crown Prince, had brought up the matter of his father's desire to abdicate in front of his family. It also made his stance clear: he was aware of the matter, and while he wouldn't say he fully supported it, he certainly didn't oppose it.

So don't have any presumptuous ideas. Just do what your superiors tell you to do, and that's enough. That's all there is to it. After all, we're all connected by blood, so just don't cause any unpleasantness in the face of such important matters.

Little Zhu, all talk and no action, returned and buried his head in Zhu Xiong Ying's arms. "Father, my cousin said he's the governor, but Grandfather said I'm the crown prince, I'm the eldest!"

This is a complaint they've come back to file, leaving Zhu Xiong Ying unsure how to resolve these lawsuits.

Princess Ningguo was somewhat embarrassed, mainly because all her children had already been "granted official titles" by Zhu Xiong Ying, which he mentioned in his spare time when teasing the children or encouraging them to be ambitious. As a result, the children remembered it.

Zhu Xiong Ying couldn't help but laugh, and holding little Zhu, he said, "We'll talk about this later. You are the Crown Prince, no one will take you away. Where is your uncle? Call him over, I need to give him a good test. If he succeeds, he'll be in the Central Military Commission; if he fails, he'll just be the Left or Right Commander of the Right or Left Army."

Mei Shunchang, the eldest son of Mei Yin and Princess Ningguo, arrived. He was already a young boy, and naturally sensible and understanding. "Your subject..."

"Cousin, no need for formalities. Come and tell me, it's good that the Commander-in-Chief knows about the troops." Zhu Xiong Ying chuckled, intentionally teasing his cousin, "Which volumes of military books are you reading?"

Mei Shunchang immediately replied, "I am not familiar with military strategy, but my father has taught me a great deal about the supply of provisions."

Zhu Xiong Ying couldn't help but frown, and said to Mei Yin and Princess Ningguo with a hint of reproach, "Aunt, Uncle, this is not good! We are all family, why are you avoiding suspicion here! In my opinion, we should send them to the palace to study another day. If you are unwilling to teach them, I will have someone else teach them!"

Mei Yin and Princess Ningguo were indeed wary. As nobles and relatives of the emperor, they feared that if their sons gained military power, it could lead to interference in politics by the imperial relatives. Such a situation had always been a taboo for those in power.

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