Little Zhu Ruyi lay on the couch, diligently sticking her little legs up, and in the blink of an eye, she stuffed her little toes into her mouth.

Zhu Yunying watched with great amusement, finding the children's flexibility truly remarkable; each one always managed to strike a bizarre pose. Of course, children don't have bottoms and can't sit still, especially not on chairs.

Looking at the chubby Zhu Ruyi, Zhu Yunying said to Lian Qiongqiong, "Your mother's birthday is coming up in a few days. Ruyi shouldn't leave the palace, so you should go back to visit your family. You've been in the palace for so many years, and you rarely see your parents."

Lian Qiongqiong was taken aback, then said softly, "Your Majesty, now that I have entered the palace, I should naturally abide by my duties..."

“We’re not heartless people, and we’re not harsh on our family,” Zhu Yunying said irritably. “If we tell you to go back, then go back to visit your family. Otherwise, I reckon you’ll have to wait until the end of the year.”

It would be a lie for Lian Qiongqiong to say she didn't want to go home and visit, but as an Imperial Noble Consort, she couldn't easily leave the palace. Even though the Ming Dynasty was newly established, many rules were still somewhat lax in their adherence to etiquette. However, being in the royal family, Lian Qiongqiong naturally knew better than anyone that Emperor Zhu was very particular about rules, especially towards outsiders like them.

Zhu Yunying was very serious and said to Lian Qiongqiong, "After all, there are some differences in marrying into the imperial family."

Lian Qiongqiong said softly, "Let alone the imperial family, even in ordinary families, it's not easy for married women to go back."

“There are still differences, and we don’t know those things. When you go back to your parents’ home, even in a high-class family, there aren’t that many rules.” Zhu Yunying said with a smile. He knew these things. “People like you might not see your parents even once or twice a year.”

Lian Qiongqiong quickly replied, "Her Majesty the Empress is kind and has often summoned my mother to the palace."

In that sense, Xu Miaoqing did a very good job as the Empress. Actually, when she was the Crown Prince's wife, it was sometimes difficult to manage her. But as Empress, managing the harem became perfectly legitimate.

Even Zhu Yuanzhang's concubines were under Xu Miaoqing's jurisdiction, so there was no need to talk about seniority at this point. In front of Xu Miaoqing, the concubines basically had no concept of seniority; they were all well aware of this.

Picking up his beloved daughter, Zhu Yunying said with a smile, "You should also talk to your father-in-law. We've been reading some books lately. The Well-Field System, the Rites of Zhou, Educating the People, and Lenient Punishments and Simplifying Prisons—tell your father-in-law to prepare more of these."

Well, Zhu Yunying's decision to send his wives and concubines to visit their families did have a slightly ulterior motive. Sending Lian Qiongqiong to deliver the message was essentially to have the highly capable Lian Zining prepare in advance—a precautionary measure, after all.

Zhu Yunying did not actually intend to 'retrograde' or to create the kind of governing philosophy that scholars idealized.

However, some of the things he wants to do actually seem to have something to do with 'retro'. So it's quite normal for him to do something and give some feedback at this time.

Lian Qiongqiong was probably used to it. Whether she left the palace or saw her family in the palace, it was mostly by the emperor's decree. She was more grateful for these arrangements than anything else. After all, if the emperor didn't use her to relay messages, he would have many other ways to do so. This was also to give her some opportunities to see her family.

Zhu Ruyi is adorable and quite sweet. The little girl pressed her chubby cheek against Zhu Yunying's face, making him even happier. With such a precious daughter, it's hard for Zhu Yunying not to spoil her; she is indeed very affectionate.

"Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus has issued a decree." Wang Chengen's voice came from outside the hall, speaking cautiously, "Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus is waiting in the Qianqing Palace."

"Alright," Zhu Yunying said lazily as he got up, muttering, "It's hard to even take a break. He can't hide anything from the court. He's even more anxious than we are!"

The emperor isn't the highest authority; above the emperor is the retired emperor!