As for Zhu Yunying's or Old Zhu's birthday, that was a major event for the dynasty, and Xu Miaoqing couldn't interfere in such matters. Even Little Zhu's birthday had to be celebrated according to custom, with officials offering their congratulations being the most normal thing to do.

Wang Chengen came over with small, quick steps and said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus has sent an edict, asking Your Majesty to come over. He said that His Highness the Crown Prince has had a long day and that Your Majesty should also take a bath to relax."

Zhu Yunying was delighted; he liked this activity. "Alright, let's go over there. Miaoqing, you should also get ready. Prepare some dinner here. Just prepare some of the things that Grandfather and Yin'er like to eat. We'll come over after you've taken a bath."

Xu Miaoqing didn't always obey Zhu Yunying's every word. She said, "Your Majesty, it's a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings of autumn. Let's go to Grandfather's place. It wouldn't be good for Grandfather and Yin'er to catch a cold. After we finish our meal, I'll come back with Your Majesty."

"You still don't understand us!" Zhu Yunying pointed at Xu Miaoqing and said irritably, "After you have your meal here, Yin'er can rest here. We'll take him to rest."

Although she was tempted, Xu Miaoqing still didn't want her precious son to catch a cold. She didn't mind being a little tired or suffering a few minor grievances herself. Besides, her precious son was always running around during the day, and Xu Miaoqing spent a considerable amount of time with him, even though the little prince now had some schoolwork.

Upon arriving at the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Yunying headed straight for the 'bathhouse,' and before even entering the palace gate, he could hear the happy laughter of the little Zhu.

The eunuchs and maids helped Zhu Yunying undress, and Zhu Yunying smiled as he stepped into the warm bath. Little Zhu stood on the edge of the bath, the chubby little guy waving his little arms, and then jumped into the water.

Old Zhu happily picked up little Zhu and said with great joy, "Next summer, let's take Yin'er swimming. I loved swimming when I was a kid. Do you remember that little ditch in our hometown?"

Little Zhu shook his head defiantly. Although Old Zhu had taken him back to his hometown once, children forget things easily, and Little Zhu had almost no memory of his hometown anymore. He only remembered that his great-grandfather had taken him riding an ox.

"My grandson can't swim either, and Grandfather never taught him," Zhu Yunying complained. "When we were kids, if we went to the water, either Grandmother or Grandfather would scold us. Now, you're taking Yin'er swimming?"

Old Zhu wasn't upset at all. Holding Little Zhu, he said, "Now that we've retired, we'll just be helping you take care of the kids all day. If you want to play, come find us next summer, and we'll teach you again!"

Looking at Old Zhu, Zhu Yunying said with a smile, "Grandpa, we think you are doing very well now. You help us take care of Yin'er, and you help us handle state affairs in your spare time. Your health is also good. We see that Grandpa's spirits are much better than they were two years ago. Grandpa may even be able to see Yin'er get married and have children."

Old Zhu paused for a moment, patted Little Zhu's bottom and said, "Ever since your grandmother passed away, we've felt lonely. Two years ago, your father also passed away, and we felt that there was no point in living. If it weren't for the fact that we couldn't let go of you and the country, we would have followed you. This year is better; we don't go to court, and we spend our days with this monkey, so we sleep soundly. Who knows, we might actually live a few more years."

Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh. He felt that with Zhu Yunying's physical condition and current health, he might actually live a few more years. After all, Zhu Yunying was probably living a slightly more comfortable life now than in history.

With his most beloved eldest grandson still alive, and the Ming Dynasty's rule secure, and now spending his days with his great-grandson, Old Zhu wasn't so eager to die; he felt there was still some hope for the future.

"That Fu Youde came to complain today, saying you wanted to change the garrison system." Old Zhu chuckled, looking a bit like a playful old man. "We turned the tables on him. We're all retired emperors now, we don't do anything! If he has something to say, let him talk to the emperor!"

Zhu Yunying chuckled and said with a hint of pride, "Fu Youde is still too straightforward. It's only because my grandfather is so magnanimous that he can tolerate him."

“We can’t do it. A lot of our old brothers have left. If we go down there, we’ll probably have to apologize.” Old Zhu said cheerfully, not taking it to heart. “You’re alright. You’re as tolerant as your father. Keep the useful people, and let us take the useless ones down with us.”

Let's set those aside for now and continue discussing the garrison system and Zhu Yunying's reform plans. The abdicated Zhu was still quite interested in these matters.