After dinner, Zhu Yunying had a brief discussion with Zhu Yuanzhang about matters of state.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang has abdicated, he is not completely indifferent to affairs. He pays close attention to many things, especially the Northern Expedition planned to build momentum for Zhu Yunying, which he is extremely sensitive to.

His military talent was undeniable, having swept across the land and established his dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang was well aware that despite his grandson's early martial prowess and apparent ambition to become a military emperor, his military talent was only average in Zhu's eyes. However, he possessed foresight and a very prudent approach to warfare.

This Northern Expedition was not only intended to build momentum for Zhu Yunying, but also to deliver another heavy blow to the weakened nomadic tribes. In this way, his grandson would have another opportunity to prove himself militarily, and to accumulate strength for future Northern Expeditions.

Zhu Yunying naturally wouldn't hide anything from his father, Zhu Yuanzhang. He didn't claim that becoming emperor meant seizing all power, nor did he say he wouldn't communicate with his father on any matters. There weren't many gaps between them; the two were quite in sync on these issues.

After washing up, Zhu Yunying fell fast asleep. He snores, but it doesn't bother Lao Zhu, because Lao Zhu snores too. Neither of them is afraid of disturbing the other; it's not that they're trying to hurt each other, they've just gotten used to it.

Wang Chengen quietly woke Zhu Yunying, who then got up to prepare for washing up.

Old Zhu also woke up and said to Zhu Yunying, "Let's eat something here. We can't fall back asleep now that we're awake."

Zhu Yunying agreed, and after washing up, she ate pastries and porridge while chatting with Old Zhu.

"Did you bring your court robes?" Old Zhu pointed at Zhu Yunying and said, "Change into a court robe and show us."

Zhu Yunying lowered his head. He was wearing a dragon robe, which was his everyday attire. Court robes were more formal and were not usually worn. As for whether he brought one or not, court robes were kept in the Eastern Palace and the Jinshen Hall, so there was no need to carry them with him all the time.

But since Old Zhu had already said so, Zhu Yunying naturally didn't care. He smiled and asked Wang Chengen to bring Old Zhu's court robes and put on his crown.

"Grandpa, you are still more robust than your grandson." Looking down at his court robes, Zhu Yunying chuckled, "They fit me well, but they're a little loose. My shoulders aren't as broad as yours."

Old Zhu leaned back on the bed and said with satisfaction, "It's alright, but your chin doesn't look like ours. It looks too much like your mother's, a pointed chin. Your eyebrows and eyes are like your father's, and your nose is like his too, just like your grandmother's."

Zhu Yunying, who was chatting idly, suddenly seemed to realize that something terrible had happened. Although Zhu Yunying was usually as tough as an iron man, he was, after all, almost seventy years old, and according to some historical records, he might be nearing his end.

Although Zhu Yunying always felt that his existence had changed many things, such as the fact that the eldest Zhu seemed to have lived a year or two longer than in history, he was still quite worried about the old Zhu's health.

Or perhaps he was worried that Zhu Yuanzhang had lost the will to live. Zhu Yuanzhang might have truly been exhausted long ago. He was forcing himself not to see the person he cared about most, probably because he wasn't entirely at ease with his grandson, Zhu Yunying. Zhu Yuanzhang was thinking of continuing to protect his grandson, and seeing him completely secure the throne and control the court before leaving.

Without saying anything about feeling sad, Zhu Yunying simply smiled and chatted with Old Zhu for a few words before leaving the Qianqing Palace.

For Zhu Yuanzhang, the company of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was certainly important. However, in Zhu Yuanzhang's view, handling state affairs and governing the Ming Dynasty well were even more important matters.

Wang Chengen and the others lowered their heads, not daring to speak. They had been following Zhu Yunying closely and could clearly sense his displeasure. Despite the Emperor's usual magnanimous and benevolent demeanor, and his lack of harshness towards those who served him, his coldness was chilling when he was angry or made a decision.

After the whipping ended, the court officials stood in their assigned positions according to their rank and duties.

Many were surprised to see Zhu Yunying, dressed in court robes, ascend the throne. Nothing major was happening, and it wasn't a special holiday, so why was His Majesty dressed so formally? Had something important occurred?

What the court officials thought was unimportant; Zhu Yunying was simply presiding over the morning court session, discussing various matters, seemingly no different from usual. He only needed to have a general understanding of some things.