Zhu Xiong Ying was quite clear about Lao Zhu's mindset.

With his civil and military officials, meritorious nobles and generals, Zhu Yuanzhang (Emperor Zhu) was more like a monarch. Even with his other children, he was often not a kind and loving father.

In fact, Old Zhu is really good to his children. He is afraid that his children will suffer, so he tries his best to provide them with a better life. He has even thought about the future of his descendants.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang probably did not expect that the Zhu family clan would later almost completely bankrupt the Ming Dynasty's finances.

Zhu Xiong Ying didn't say anything during this time because it would be useless; it would only make Old Zhu angry. He could act like a mischievous grandson in front of Old Zhu, but there were some things Zhu Xiong Ying would never do.

In front of Zhu Biao and Zhu Xiong Ying, Zhu Yuanzhang was more than just an emperor. He was indeed an emperor, but he was more of a father and grandfather. He wanted to leave everything the best to his legitimate son and grandson, and he didn't care about anything like seizing power.

Old Zhu often felt quite comfortable hearing Zhu Xiong Ying's "outrageous" words, because his grandson was close to him and wouldn't hide anything from him.

This could be considered a sign of being fearless, which is why Zhu Xiong Ying is becoming increasingly arrogant. Old Zhu and Da Zhu have adopted a tacit attitude towards some things, knowing that Zhu Xiong Ying is aware of the situation.

For example, they heard Zhu Xiong Ying request permission to leave the palace again. His reason was to inspect some important institutions in Yingtian Prefecture. This reason was deemed necessary by Emperor Zhu and the First Emperor, so they approved it.

After all, the Crown Prince's departure from the palace requires their approval. Most importantly, matters such as the Crown Prince's ceremonial procession and security need their careful attention and arrangements.

"Brother, we want to leave the palace too!"

"Brother, I promise I'll obey. Please take me out of the palace."

Zhu Xi and Zhu Yue were tugging at Zhu Xiong Ying's sleeves, acting spoiled, while Zhu Yun Tong just grinned foolishly beside them. The silly boy holding the puppy clearly wanted to come along for a stroll outside the palace as well.

Zhu Xiong Ying sat askew in the chair, saying, "This is a difficult situation. My brother has important business to attend to when he leaves the palace tomorrow, and it would be inconvenient to take you all with him."

Zhu Xi squeezed Zhu Xiong Ying's shoulder and said, "Brother, I'm not a child anymore! You'll probably just be looking around tomorrow, it won't hurt if you take me with you!"

"That's right, Your Majesty! What important business could you possibly have!" Zhu Yue retorted, not to be outdone. "If you don't take me out of the palace tomorrow, I'll definitely bother you every day!"

Zhu Xiong Ying, with a stern face, slammed his hand on the armrest, "Is this how you speak to your imperial brother?!"

Zhu Xi and Zhu Yue weren't afraid at all; they just smiled and looked at Zhu Xiong Ying with complete confidence. As for Zhu Yunwen, he was a little scared. Although his elder brother hadn't disciplined his elder sisters, he had certainly disciplined him quite a bit.

Forget it, Zhu Xiong Ying should find a way to save face himself. "Third brother, go ask the second brother if he wants to leave the palace, and he can go with him."

Seeing Zhu Yunwen run away, Zhu Xi pouted and said, "Why does Your Majesty need to call him? Lady Lü will definitely not let him go out with us, just as Your Majesty would harm him."

"Don't talk nonsense." Zhu Xiong Ying patted Zhu Xi's head and said with a smile, "By the way, is it because the Lü family has treated you badly?"

Zhu Yue immediately said, "She wouldn't dare, but Yue'er isn't stupid. She's always secretly teaching our second son behind our backs, constantly pressuring him to study and get into school. Our third son, on the other hand, just eats, drinks, and plays all day long."

Zhu Xi chimed in, "Exactly! The third brother pretends to be refined and studious all the time, but to be honest, he's just all show. He's easily influenced and lacks his own opinions. All his attempts at being courteous and diligent are just for show. As for being filial and kind, I doubt it!"

"Don't talk nonsense. The third son is not bad at all." Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and said to his two younger sisters, "Father will be unhappy to hear these things."

Zhu Xi and Zhu Yue immediately shrank back and remained silent, but this did not diminish their dislike for Zhu Yunwen. Their closest confidant was still their reliable elder brother, and they often had to take care of their younger brother, Zhu Yunwen, who was always grinning foolishly.

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled but didn't say much. He naturally had his own opinions about Zhu Yunwen. However, he was certain that as long as Zhu Yunwen was alive, he could never become the future Jianwen Emperor.

As for Zhu Yunwen, he seemed filial and benevolent, but what he did after ascending the throne could hardly be considered benevolent.

Even though the power of the vassal kings made him uneasy, his methods for weakening them were incredibly ruthless. Many vassal kings were forced to commit suicide, and many princes were imprisoned within the high walls of Fengyang.

This emperor was misled by some idealists and couldn't control the situation at all. Not only was he bad at judging people, but he also lacked his own judgment, which resulted in his fourth uncle Zhu Di ascending the throne, Zhu Yunwen disappearing without a trace, and his children being either killed or imprisoned.

We can't let Zhu Yunwen ascend the throne, otherwise the line of Crown Prince Zhu Biao will be extinct. It's unclear whether it was Zhu Yunwen's own son or Zhu Yunwen himself, but he was imprisoned by Zhu Di within the high walls of Fengyang for decades, and when he was released, he couldn't even distinguish between cattle and horses.

Zhu Yunwen came running back excitedly. Zhu Yunwen certainly wouldn't follow him out of the palace, and no one thought it was anything unusual; that was to be expected.

The brothers Chang Mao and Chang Sen haven't done much lately, just staying in the mansion all day waiting, because the Crown Prince is leaving the palace and they will inevitably have to follow.

Fu Rang and Feng Cheng were also being groomed as part of the Crown Prince's inner circle. This seemed to be a way for them to gain an advantage and become the Crown Prince's confidants.

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