Zhu Yunying truly had no resentment; some things were indeed predetermined. For example, regarding his bloodline, if he hadn't been Zhu Biao's eldest son, Zhu Yunying wouldn't be sitting in his current position.

Zhu Yunying believed he had performed well over the years, and the old Zhu (Emperor Zhu) also favored him. However, in the palace, countless princes and grandsons were eagerly waiting to impress the old Zhu. The reason why the young Zhu and the little Zhu were so favored was ultimately because they were the eldest son and eldest grandson of the first emperor, which was enough to make the old Zhu show favoritism without reservation.

Now that he had already obtained the throne, Zhu Yunying naturally didn't care whether it was the "Hongwu Grand Ceremony" or the "Yingshi Grand Ceremony." Right now, the "Xiaokang Grand Ceremony" wasn't a problem; perhaps Old Zhu would change his mind in a few years.

For example, some people say that he actually abdicated long ago, and that his eldest son was actually emperor. This Emperor Xiaokang wasn't posthumously conferred; it was simply the reign title of the Zhu dynasty.

However, this might just be something Zhu Yuanzhang thought to himself. Although scholars sometimes feared him, there were some things they would persist in even under his pressure. For example, Zhu Yuanzhang never became emperor; when he was buried in the Xiaoling Mausoleum, he was only given the posthumous title of "Crown Prince Yiwen." It was only after Emperor Yingshi ascended the throne that he was posthumously granted the title of emperor.

Although history is like a young girl, allowing the victors or those who come after to dress her up, some things are hard to change.

Zhu Yunying was probably aware of some of Zhu's thoughts, so he didn't say much. Zhu Yunying also felt that this was no big deal; it was just a 'naming right,' and sometimes there was no need to make such a big deal out of it.

In matters of great importance, Zhu Yunying was quite sensible. But in matters of lesser importance, he felt that being a little oblivious was no big deal.

In reality, whether such a big or small matter is a matter of great importance, Old Zhu and Young Zhu are actually quite in agreement. The naming rights for a grand ceremony are a minor issue, even if it might be an unprecedented work.

An ancient encyclopedia is quite meaningful, not only for showcasing literary talent, but also for accomplishing certain tasks. Cultivating the seeds of scholars in the Ming Dynasty was no easy feat, especially since most of the current scholars were Confucian scholars. This naturally meant that Zhu Yunying needed to give this matter much thought.

For a grand ceremony, it's possible to do something to help him.

Back at the Eastern Palace, Zhu Yunying was in a good mood. "How was it? Did our imperial aunts complain about us?"

"If anyone really wants to complain, it should complain about me," Xu Miaoqing said with a smile. "No one would dare to complain. I reckon even if they did, they would only complain privately back in their palace. It's not a big deal, I know what I'm doing."

Zhu Yunying chuckled and said to Xu Miaoqing, "Grandfather has left Yin'er there again. We've tried to coax him for ages but haven't been able to. We're not sure about this child anymore; we don't know if he's closer to his parents or to his great-grandfather."

Xu Miaoqing didn't know how to respond, but this was also a happy kind of trouble; her precious son was truly the apple of everyone's eye. Sometimes, Xu Miaoqing couldn't help but envy the little guy's status.

Although there is no precedent for this in the Ming Dynasty, it is possible that the empress could be deposed. The crown prince, however, is not a concern; his position is very secure. With the early emperors Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Yuanzhang setting the precedent, the succession to the throne in the Ming Dynasty was essentially governed by established rules and regulations.

The bloody power struggles that occurred in other dynasties for the throne were unlikely to happen in the Ming Dynasty.

“You should also be a little more careful these few days. We don’t mean anything by it, so don’t overthink it,” Zhu Yunying said to Xu Miaoqing. “When the Empress Dowager was alive, she often led the palace staff in doing needlework. During this time, you should also lead the staff in doing needlework. At least we need to prepare summer clothes and winter coats for the poor students at the Imperial Academy in advance.”

Xu Miaoqing smiled and said confidently, "Your Majesty can rest assured. I will send someone to inquire with the Imperial Academy. If Your Majesty approves, I would like to give each scholar of the Imperial Academy two sets of clothes."

Zhu Yunying shook his head and said with certainty, "Then there's no need for that. Clothes bestowed by the royal family cannot be given away lightly. It's fine for those poor students, but most of the students in our Imperial Academy come from well-off families. Besides, these clothes are respectable to wear, and those who excel in the examinations can be rewarded."

There still needs to be some system of rewards and punishments. Although the Imperial Academy in the Ming Dynasty was quite strict, and corporal punishment of students was commonplace. The heavy academic pressure also meant that these students generally had some ability.

They either had exceptional learning abilities or came from outstanding families; ordinary people had no way to get into the Imperial Academy.

Then give these scholars a small favor. Apart from those from poor families, only a few outstanding students can receive the royal gift of clothing.

This may be a small favor, but isn't it also a form of dignity for those scholars?

Zhu Yunying continued, "You should also go and see the families of those poor students. They should be given more care. We can't say too much, but Hongcang can send someone to collect some needlework done by those families. Or you and our imperial sister can do something to find some work for these families."

Xu Miaoqing thought for a moment and said, "I have heard that some scholars study hard for years and their families scrimp and save in order to get ahead. What I mean is that we can't take care of things in other places, but we can take care of things in Yingtian Prefecture. Even if my sister and I step in, I'm afraid we can only find some washing and needlework jobs."

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