Zhu Yunying was naturally unaware of Old Zhu's smugness, and he couldn't care less about anything else at the moment.

Upon arriving at the Wuying Hall, Zhu Yunying, seated on the dragon throne, chuckled and patted his thigh. Xu Miaoqing, though a little shy, glanced at the mere palace maids and eunuchs and felt no embarrassment.

Sitting gently on Zhu Yunying's lap, Xu Miaoqing said, "Your Majesty, if Grandfather knew about this, he would probably scold you. As for me, I would also inevitably be reprimanded by Grandfather."

This was a double entendre; what she was worried about was the rule that "the empress must not interfere in politics." Over the years, she had heard Zhu Yuanzhang's subtle but firm warnings, and she had taken them to heart. This matter was indeed not to be taken lightly.

Besides, Xu Miaoqing knew a little about Old Zhu's old-fashioned ways. Old Zhu was mostly happy to see the young people being sweet and flirtatious, and seeing his children and grandchildren's happy families was certainly a good thing.

However, there are some things that Old Zhu feels are immoral, and that's not a good thing. Furthermore, in Old Zhu's eyes, although his granddaughter-in-law is family, his grandson is still more important. He can't stand seeing his grandson lower himself to coax his granddaughter-in-law. Old Zhu feels that this is a lack of patriarchal authority and that his grandson is being bullied.

Moreover, this is the Wuying Hall, a proper occasion, and such frivolous behavior is inappropriate.

Zhu Yunying didn't mind, and simply smiled as he asked Xu Miaoqing some questions. Although he had discussed it with Xu Miaoqing before, it was just a brief explanation. As for how Xu Miaoqing found the breakthrough point and how she found some reasons, it was necessary to ask her in detail now.

Just as the young couple were plotting their scheme, they suddenly heard the sound of drums and bells, which startled Zhu Yunying.

I, the legitimate emperor, am still in the Wuying Hall. I haven't even issued the decree to start the court session yet. Who is this?!

Forget it, there's probably no one else here. Let's hurry up and get ready for court; this is important. It was originally just a young couple plotting to scam someone, but now a super-powerful boss has jumped out and stolen the show. There's no way to reason with them.

Although this was not a routine morning court session, the civil and military officials dared not slack off for even a moment.

Those officials still in the capital or government offices are relatively safe, as they are simply making hasty preparations to go to the Fengtian Hall. Those civil and military officials who have already left the palace also need to rush back to the capital.

Such incidents are not numerous, but they are not uncommon either. Occasionally, in case of emergencies, it is necessary to go to the imperial court.

Zhu Yunying and Xu Miaoqing moved relatively quickly. Actually, Xu Miaoqing was originally planning to return to the East Palace, but Zhu Yunying stopped her. Since Old Zhu was planning to cause trouble, the whole family should be involved, and Xu Miaoqing, as the person involved, couldn't be absent.

Upon arriving at Fengtian Hall, Zhu Yunying saw Old Zhu sitting on the dragon throne, his face stern and looking very serious and angry.

"Emperor, kneel!" Old Zhu said directly, without saying much more. "Empress, kneel down and listen to my instructions as well."

Well, the emperor and empress can't escape it now either; they'll be punished. But the couple doesn't have any psychological barriers; they still have to listen to Old Zhu, and they know this matter can't be taken lightly.

Wang Chengen and Shuangquan immediately came over. The emperor and empress knelt down, but they had to be on soft cushions so as not to hurt them.

"Great-grandfather!" Little Zhu cried anxiously, grabbing Old Zhu's arm and about to burst into tears, "Father, Mother."

Old Zhu picked up little Zhu and whispered, "Be good, your great-grandfather is comforting your parents, and we all have to comfort people too. Wait a moment, just stand in front of us. When we tell you to cry, then cry."

Little Zhu, who trusted Old Zhu completely, couldn't understand and said, "Great-grandfather, let's cry now."

“You can’t cry now. You can cry when we pat your bottom later.” Old Zhu picked up little Zhu and said softly, “Our family should put on a good show. Your dad needs to comfort people, so let’s help comfort him, okay?”

Little Zhu immediately agreed with a grin. The little guy was full of fighting spirit because of the important task he was shouldering, which filled him with enthusiasm. He kept discussing things with Old Zhu and kept asking questions about things he didn't understand yet.

Zhu Yunying pitifully raised his head and said, "Grandpa Emperor, the officials haven't entered the palace yet."

"Can't you even handle this little bit of hardship?" Old Zhu, holding little Zhu, said irritably. "Then sit down for now. We don't know what you're up to. We've set up this stage for you today, so you'd better be smart."

Patting Xu Miaoqing's arm, Zhu Yunying leaned to one side and sat on the cushion. "Grandpa, you can just reprimand us and the Empress. It's just that our parents-in-law are unfilial and incompetent. They can't even manage Grandmother's red granary properly."

Old Zhu disagreed, saying, "It's not about being unfilial, but that's not good for you and the Empress. It's just that you two are young and don't know any better. We know exactly how to reprimand you. Ying'er, you are the Emperor. If we reprimand you today, it won't be good for your prestige. Think it through."

"What kind of prestige does it have if the grandfather scolds his grandson?" Zhu Yunying chuckled, pointing to little Zhu. "You have to coax our Crown Prince, don't really scare him to tears, otherwise the three of us will have to coax him later. This little guy holds grudges, he's not easy to coax."

The Fengtian Hall, one of the three main halls of the imperial city, was now filled with this family chatting about everyday matters.

The maids, eunuchs, and guards serving nearby stood like wooden figures. They certainly wouldn't reveal what the Emperor Emeritus and the Emperor had said. Those who served in the palace knew what they should and shouldn't say.

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