Zhu Yunying and Old Zhu chatted about some things. For them, New Year's Eve was naturally an extremely important festival. However, for them, it was just a festival, not something that meant they would necessarily neglect many other things.

They could discuss politics anytime, anywhere, which is a characteristic of both Zhu Yunying and the old Zhu. There's no need to be surprised by such behavior. They were both workaholics, valuing the Ming Dynasty and the Zhu family's rule immensely; they both had their own pursuits and ambitions.

The two of them only chatted briefly; after all, they weren't in the imperial court, nor were they discussing politics.

Xu Miaoqing held a rather special position. Not to mention Consort Zhang, even Consort Guo Ning cooperated with Xu Miaoqing at this time. During this imperial celebration of the New Year, Xu Miaoqing was clearly the mistress of the house, for she was the Empress of the Ming Dynasty.

Old Zhu was quite pleased and looked at Xu Miaoqing, saying, "Your granddaughter-in-law is indeed from a military family. She is decisive in handling matters and is a virtuous helpmate to Ying'er."

Xu Miaoqing quickly declined, not daring to be as shameless as Zhu Yunying. "Grandpa, you flatter me. This is just what your granddaughter-in-law should do."

“I remember there’s a pair of jade ruyi scepters in the warehouse. Let’s give them to our granddaughter-in-law,” Old Zhu said with a smile, looking at Zhu Yunying. “And a few pearls from the East, let’s give them to our granddaughter-in-law so she can make some jewelry.”

Zhu Yunying laughed and then said, "Forget about the Dongzhu, I have some good stuff in my treasury too."

"Your stuff?" Old Zhu said with disdain to Zhu Yunying, "Those good things from Southeast Asia, you either gave them to your subordinates or Yunying took them. Don't mention it anymore, they were given to our granddaughter-in-law."

Zhu Yunwen's wife, Lady Sang, felt a little wronged; she was the youngest granddaughter-in-law. However, it seemed her grandfather didn't care much for her at all. He only cared about his eldest granddaughter-in-law, reserving the best things for her. The youngest granddaughter-in-law was just that—the youngest.

Little Zhu grabbed a longan and handed it to his great-aunt, saying, "Great-aunt, longan."

Princess Baoqing took the longan and said in her childish voice, "Your Highness, Father hasn't eaten yet."

Upon hearing this, Old Zhu immediately said, "You all eat, don't worry about us."

The princes and princesses were all envious, not because Emperor Zhu doted on his youngest daughter, but simply because he favored the current Crown Prince, Zhu Wenyin, who was the Emperor Emeritus's true darling.

Zhu Yunying laughed and then said, "Grandpa, I've been quite idle lately, so I had some craftsmen look for a piece of land. If you're free, Grandpa, you can plant some. Whether we can eat green vegetables in the winter will depend on you."

Off-season vegetables weren't actually considered particularly fresh in the Ming Dynasty; they were simply high-end produce. Generally, they were only available to the royal family, and even then, they weren't something people could eat freely.

Some extravagant noble families might even be able to obtain some off-season vegetables.

Old Zhu originally wanted to tease Zhu Yunying a bit, but seeing that there were other princes and others present, he didn't say anything. He was joking that Zhu Yunying was 'idling' him, sending him off to grow vegetables. The princes, however, probably had other thoughts in their minds.

It's obvious that there are some things Old Zhu wouldn't say to some of his descendants, to avoid causing unnecessary trouble.

This is the time for family reunions, a time to properly spend New Year's Eve together.

Old Zhu took the seat of honor without hesitation, while Zhu Yunying declined, not intending to sit below him. The other princes, however, grumbled to themselves, remembering that their nephew had already ascended the throne. Old Zhu shared this sentiment; normally, family hierarchy might be somewhat respected, but with Zhu Yunying now on the throne, it was no longer appropriate for anyone else to sit above him.

Xu Miaoqing smiled and said, "I'd better go and sit at the same table with the imperial aunts. That way I'll feel more at ease."

Old Zhu nodded and readily agreed, "Alright, we still need to drink."

Well, despite Xu Miaoqing being the Empress, in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, she was nothing more than that. If it weren't for Zhu Yunying's sake, whether this granddaughter-in-law would even be qualified to sit at the table is uncertain.

Just look at Lian Qiongqiong; she's been busy running around and doesn't have the right to sit down. The same goes for Consort Guo Ning and Consort Zhang; they don't deserve to sit either. Old Zhu doesn't want anyone else serving him at this time; they're all family.

Little Zhu was left behind and held by Old Zhu. "Yin'er, it's New Year's Day, you should have a drink with your great-grandfather."

"I don't drink alcohol, Dad won't let me drink alcohol." Little Zhu nestled in Old Zhu's arms, raising his little hand, "Great-grandfather, I'm four years old."

Four years old, which is naturally his age according to the traditional Chinese age reckoning. However, this four-year-old's chubby little hands couldn't count from one to ten. This little guy is probably best at being cute, quite different from his monster father.

Overall, the atmosphere was quite pleasant, mainly because Old Zhu was relatively relaxed at this time. Even though Old Zhu is usually quite strict, he was clearly more relaxed on this occasion. After all, it was New Year's Eve, so there was no need to keep a stern face.

"Yin'er, you will go to the Fengtian Hall with your great-grandfather for the banquet." Old Zhu said with a smile while holding little Zhu. "Today is New Year's Eve. All the civil and military officials will come to the palace to pay their respects. You can go with them too. It will be very lively."

Little Zhu perked up immediately upon hearing this, struggling to wriggle out of Old Zhu's arms and lying face down on the ground.

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