“When the time comes, let our Crown Prince go to welcome the royal army, just like our father did. That’s what we did when we were young.” Zhu Yunying laughed, maintaining the fine tradition. “It’s just that our Crown Prince is too young. I’m afraid he can’t handle the might of the army.”

Old Zhu began to get serious, because he knew that Zhu Yunying's concerns were not unfounded.

Aura and presence are mysterious things; they are indeed invisible and intangible, yet they truly exist. The aura of an invincible army is overwhelming even for ordinary adults, let alone a little kid.

“Isn’t that bastard Lan Yu in Yingtian Prefecture? Let him come to the palace these days.” Old Zhu made a quick decision and reminded him, “Our Crown Prince’s maternal uncle isn’t a commander either, let him come back first.”

That's fine. When it comes to ordering people around, Old Zhu doesn't feel bad at all. As for his civil and military officials, Old Zhu is afraid they'll be too idle, so he makes them do two jobs for one salary.

That's fine. Let Xiao Zhu get used to it a little. With some close people taking care of him, he'll feel much more at ease and have a greater sense of security.

Old Zhu was very confident, and he always had a mysterious confidence in his descendants. "Our Yin'er has always been bold, we are not afraid of these things."

"He's still breastfeeding!" Zhu Yunying said through gritted teeth, looking at Old Zhu. "We weaned him a long time ago. How can a child his age still be breastfeeding? This is a bit unreasonable!"

"Anyway, we had a wet nurse, so Yin'er was weaned early when he was little." Old Zhu glared and said irritably, "Why wasn't Yin'er weaned?! He doesn't need us to coax him when he eats! You, as his father, are always saying bad things about Yin'er!"

Zhu Yunying really didn't know what to say. Whether little Zhu had been weaned or not was really hard to say. In short, there was no way to say anything about this child. So sometimes Zhu Yunying wondered why the little guy always ran to his sister; maybe he was trying to steal her food.

The power of the nobility needs to be cultivated, and Zhu Yunying also hopes to see a balance between civil and military officials. However, he also does not want the military nobility to become too powerful, or for them to become corrupt and decadent.

Therefore, at this time, it's necessary to replenish the workforce with fresh talent from time to time. And naturally, some natural selection and weeding out of the weak are also essential.

Aside from a very few exceptional nobles who wouldn't be easily affected, even ordinary meritorious officials might not be able to rest easy. After all, Zhu Yunying had previously established an evaluation system, and there were certain thresholds for the sons of officials to inherit titles.

They discussed the matter of the title with Old Zhu in detail. This wasn't just about giving someone a title. It meant providing a salary and a status. This could mean establishing a core group of people to share the family fortune. It wasn't just a matter for one generation; it was about the wealth and status of an entire family.

After discussing things with Zhu Yunying for a while, Zhu Yunying leisurely returned to the East Palace, intending to discuss some matters with Xu Miaoqing.

Of course, this so-called discussion was actually just a one-sided notification. Zhu Yunying's position in the family was very secure and absolutely top-notch.

Looking at Xu Miaoqing, Zhu Yunying said, "If you have some free time these next few days, take Yin'er to practice her courage. This time, when the army returns in triumph, we must let our Yin'er go."

Xu Miaoqing was somewhat excited, but she also cautiously probed, "Your Majesty, is it inappropriate to have Yin'er welcome the army?"

“That’s appropriate. I plan to have the Duke of Liang enter the palace in the next few days. I’ll also have someone ask my elder brother and second elder brother to come back sooner.” Zhu Yunying said to Xu Miaoqing with great expectation, “I just hope that Yin’er can keep things in order. It would be even better if Yin’er could accompany my elder brother to inspect the army.”

Xu Miaoqing suddenly realized what she needed to teach Xiao Zhu over the next few days. Naturally, Xiao Zhu's education needed to be tailored to his specific role as Crown Prince and Heir Apparent.

Zhu Yunying lay lazily on the couch and said, "If my elder brother comes back, tell him this too. This time, he shouldn't be too respectful. After all, he is the Duke of our Great Ming, and we need him to keep the military achievements in check."

Xu Miaoqing seemed to understand, but perhaps the imperial court was about to make some major move, and her elder brother was likely to be at the forefront.

These things should be done, they must be done. Xu Huizu is, after all, the emperor's brother-in-law, the crown prince's uncle. There are some things that he must do!