Ascending the throne and becoming emperor was a completely new experience for Zhu Yunying. This time attending court was also a completely new experience for him, so he got up a little earlier.

Accompanied by Wang Chengen, Zhu Yunying first went to the Jinshen Hall, changed into his court robes, and then went to the Huagai Hall, one of the three main halls of the outer court. He received the homage of the palace officials before going to the Fengtian Hall to receive the congratulations of the officials.

Even emperors cannot do whatever they want; many things require following necessary procedures and adhering to rules.

After the whips were cracked, civil and military officials lined up for court. This morning's court was different. Although Emperor Zhu himself did not appear in court, almost all members of the imperial family were present. Even some princes who had not yet left the palace, as long as they were not too young, were all there, all following orders from Emperor Zhu.

Zhu Yunying was indeed a junior, but his eldest nephew was now sitting on the dragon throne. So, even if his uncles were somewhat unhappy, they still needed to establish the relationship between ruler and subject at this time, as this was a crucial matter for the grandfather and grandson.

Without any guilt or fear, Zhu Yunying strode onto the dragon throne and looked down at the imperial family members, civil and military officials in the hall.

At this moment, Wang Chengen took two steps forward, turned to face the civil and military officials in the hall, and shouted, "Hail!"

The imperial family members and officials knelt down, shouting, "Long live the Emperor!"

Wang Chengen shouted again, "Hail!"

The civil and military officials, supporting their foreheads with their hands, responded, "Long live the Emperor!"

Wang Chengen continued to shout loudly, "Hail!"

The courtiers immediately responded loudly, "Long live the Emperor!"

Sitting on the dragon throne, Zhu Yunying's expression remained almost unchanged. He had now accepted the homage of all the officials, and it could be said that the relationship between the emperor and his subjects had been officially confirmed. He was now the second emperor of the Ming Dynasty!

Slowly raising his hand, Zhu Yunying said, "My beloved ministers, rise."

After all the civil and military officials had risen, Zhu Yunying spoke, "Having just ascended the throne, I will certainly be diligent and cautious in governing. The Ming Dynasty has been entrusted to me, and I hope that all my beloved ministers will wholeheartedly assist me to build a lasting dynasty!"

At this moment, all the civil and military officials immediately knelt down, and naturally responded to the emperor's instructions, "Your subjects will remember this!"

It's not true that kneeling and bowing only became popular during the Qing Dynasty. In fact, throughout history, the status of civil and military officials has been steadily declining. Previously, discussions were conducted sitting down, based on equality, but gradually this shifted to standing. Now, kneeling is a common occurrence, which is quite normal.

Especially with a highly centralized system of power like that of Zhu Yuanzhang, he could naturally exert considerable influence over both civil and military officials. While continuously elevating imperial power, he also constantly suppressed civil and military officials, making imperial power increasingly supreme.

After the officials rose again, Zhu Yunying slowly spoke, "Wang Chengen, announce the decree."

This imperial edict primarily established that the new year would mark the start of a new reign title. Zhu Yunying's reign title was 'Yingshi,' a choice that drew criticism from many. However, both the first and second emperors of the Ming Dynasty were known for their domineering nature, and these matters were not discussed extensively with their court officials.

At the same time, the imperial edict issued by Zhu Yunying naturally posthumously honored his father Zhu Biao as Emperor Xiaowen and his mother Chang as Empress Xiaowen. This was standard procedure, and no one was surprised at all; it was the most normal course of action.

This is just the beginning. Many people understand that a large number of people will soon have their status 'upgraded'.

For example, Zhu Yunying's four younger brothers, Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunxuan, and Zhu Yunxi, would naturally be granted the title of Prince. The fifth son is not yet ten years old and can wait a bit, while the fourth son has just turned ten. It wouldn't be a problem for Zhu Yunying to hold back for a while.

Zhu Yunying's sisters will naturally be promoted from county princesses to princesses as well, which is not surprising at all.

Princess Lin'an, being Zhu Yunying's eldest aunt, was naturally also known as the Grand Princess. However, Princess Lin'an wasn't particularly close to Zhu Yunying. Many people knew that Princess Anqing and Princess Ningguo, these two Grand Princesses, were the new emperor's closest elders.

Similarly, among the princes to be appointed by the new emperor, only Zhu Yunying's younger brother will be the one to be 'flattered' and hold a superior position. Among Zhu Yunying's four sisters, it is estimated that only Zhu Xi, who married Muchun, and Zhu Yue, who married Fengcheng, will be the true eldest princesses, and their status will also be very superior.

In the Ming Dynasty, the emperor's aunt was called the Grand Princess, the emperor's sisters were called Princesses, and the emperor's daughters were called Princesses.

Regarding the bestowal of titles upon members of the imperial clan, there was no need to rush. Zhu Yunying had other matters to attend to, including other important affairs. For example, the appointment of an empress and a crown prince were truly momentous events.

Little Zhu was currently in the Jinshen Hall, playing with his great-grandfather. When the ministers arrived in turn, Old Zhu was still reluctant to leave his beloved great-grandson. As people age, they become more sentimental and concerned about the continuation of their bloodline, especially since Old Zhu himself valued family ties.

Zhu Yunying also arrived. After reaching Old Zhu's side, he said, "Grandfather, the ceremony should begin now."

Old Zhu, holding his little Zhu whom he was reluctant to let go of, said with a smile, "Alright, let's begin."

Zhu Yunying was speechless for a moment. The little Zhu who was about to become the crown prince was still being held by you, old man! But then he thought that this was just Zhu's habit. It wasn't the first or second time that Zhu had broken the rules, so there was nothing to worry about.

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