Whether to rebel or not was not a question for Zhu Yunying. The reason he didn't need to consider such matters was largely because Zhu Yunying had always been "pure and upright," and his position had always been very stable.

The late Emperor Zhu Biao, the current Emperor Zhu Yunying, and the young Crown Prince Zhu Wenyin, who is currently rolling around in bed, all hold stable positions.

Leaving aside Empress Ma's exceptionally special status, Empress Chang and Empress Xu were clearly from noble families and were both mothers of the nation.

Their offspring were clearly in a secure position, guaranteed from birth. The Ming dynasty's imperial succession was also sufficiently stable; others might rebel, but the crown prince needed not worry. As long as they grew up, the throne was determined at birth.

"Great-grandfather, Yin'er has gotten fatter again." Little Zhu lifted his little bib, revealing his round little belly. "It's so cute."

Old Zhu stretched out his rough, large hand and gently rubbed Little Zhu's little belly. "Our Yin'er is the most fun, even better than your father was when he was a child."

Little Zhu was even happier. This little guy sometimes just wanted to be the 'best'. What's more, in Little Zhu's heart, he was always comparing himself to his great-great-grandfather, imperial grandfather, and father, thinking that he should be better than them.

Even if it's fun, it should be better than what his elders have done, and this little guy is very proud of that. This can be said to be ingrained in his bones; deep down, this little guy truly wants to be like his father and grandfather.

Old Zhu chuckled as he tucked little Zhu into the blankets, saying, "Get some rest. Your father has to attend the morning court session tomorrow."

"We're not going to court." Little Zhu hugged Old Zhu's neck and pressed his little face against Old Zhu's face. "Great-grandfather, let's not sleep."

Little Zhu was about to continue his antics, while Old Zhu indulged his great-grandson. Little Zhu had other options, such as resting in a side hall. Or, the so-called palace held little meaning for Zhu Yunying; he could go to the 'Eastern Palace,' his territory.

Zhu Yunying got up, put on his cloak, and decided it was more appropriate to return to his own territory. Staying in the Qianqing Palace would only make Zhu Yunying superfluous; he was merely a minor obstacle, a real nuisance.

"Yin'er and his great-grandfather are making a scene, I reckon they won't be able to rest for a while." Zhu Yunying returned to Chunhe Palace and complained irritably, "Your son is not considerate at all, we can't rest now, so we had to come back."

Xu Miaoqing couldn't help but laugh and said to Zhu Yunying, "It's all because His Majesty spoils Yin'er that he's so arrogant."

“That hits the nail on the head. But no matter how much we dote on Yin’er, it can’t compare to the Emperor.” Zhu Yunying took off his cloak and said, “Let’s rest. In a few days, you should also prepare. We’re going to summon members of the imperial clan to the palace, and you’ll be going with them.”

Xu Miaoqing nodded, but still asked, "Your Majesty, is it a grand banquet?"

"Grand banquet, go and report this matter to your grandfather." Zhu Yunying said with a smile, and said to Xu Miaoqing, "You should also talk to those princesses more about the matters discussed this time, which are mostly about the succession of the imperial family and the foundation of the imperial family's status."

Xu Miaoqing seemed to understand; these things were also her duty. As Empress, and the mother of the nation, she had to ensure the continuation of the Ming Dynasty and the stability of the empire. For Xu Miaoqing, there were certain things she needed to do well. Not only for her husband, but also for her son; a mother's strength is no joke.

Zhu Yunying also went to bed early, since he had to get up before dawn to prepare for court. Being an emperor was a tough job.

After finishing his 'breakfast', Zhu Yunying got up and left Chunhe Hall. He first went to Jinshen Hall to change into his court robes; even the emperor couldn't do as he pleased. Although the old Zhu and the young Zhu often didn't adhere to 'etiquette,' the etiquette they established was for others to follow, but there were indeed times when a little attention was necessary.

For example, when the emperor changed his court robes for court, he needed to go to the Jinshen Hall, not directly to the Fengtian Hall.

"Your Majesty, the compensation for the fallen soldiers has already been allocated during the war," Xu Huizu stepped forward and said. "There are still some matters concerning the care of the wounded soldiers that have not yet been addressed."

Zhu Yunying immediately frowned and asked, "The soldiers died for their country, yet the court cannot even provide them with compensation and resettlement, leaving the soldiers disheartened and their families suffering. Gentlemen, is this because I, the emperor, do not care for the soldiers, or are there people who are merely occupying positions without doing their jobs?"

This immediately drew a large number of people who declared themselves 'guilty,' indicating that this was the emperor's 'bottom line.'

Zhu Yunying was very unhappy, extremely unhappy. "The war has ended. The rewards and honors should have been distributed long ago. Look at what you have done! Those in the court have been granted titles and honors, while the soldiers and fallen warriors are being ignored? Officials, you should be punished!"

This was clearly harsh talk, basically meaning that anyone even slightly involved in the matter, including government officials, would be punished.

Zhu Yunying was very displeased and asked, "Lord Kaiping, how is the Imperial Guard Orphan Army doing?"

Chang Mao was taken aback for a moment, then quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, this is not my duty."

"Hmph!" Zhu Yunying snorted coldly, making no attempt to hide his displeasure. "The rewards and resettlement of meritorious soldiers are still inadequate. I suspect some people don't even know how to take in the orphans of fallen soldiers. The orphans of the Imperial Guards should be the Crown Prince's protectors. I order the Governor's Office, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Revenue to immediately investigate and prosecute them. I also order the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard to investigate immediately!"

Looking at the ministers below the court, Zhu Yunying said, "The Duke of Kaiping is in charge of this matter. The orphans of the fallen soldiers should be placed and cared for by the court. If any official obstructs this, they shall be punished according to military law! If any misappropriation of the merits and rewards of the fallen soldiers is found, they shall be severely punished without exception. If any oppression or confiscation of the orphans' property is found, I will execute them without hesitation!"

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