“That’s good enough. We can’t expect the royal family to support all these people.” Zhu Yunying seemed indifferent, but he was telling the truth. “The royal family can take care of them, but the royal family also has to take care of the common people. If those people are just trying to save face or are lazy, even if they pass the imperial examinations in the future, they will mostly be parasites. Washing and needlework are fine too. Although they earn less, they can at least help supplement the family income.”

The aloofness of scholars can be terrifying in some ways. Especially during the Ming Dynasty, when there was a strong interest in Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism, the status of women declined significantly.

Zhu Yunying felt it was alright. Although the Cheng-Zhu school of Neo-Confucianism existed in the Southern Song Dynasty and had been further promoted by the Yuan Dynasty, ultimately, Zhu Yunying's reign was relatively short, and the Cheng-Zhu school of Neo-Confucianism and the eight-legged essay system had not yet completely bound some people to its constraints.

If Zhu Yunying were to implement reforms now, it would be a relatively convenient time. Some ideas haven't yet taken root in people's bones, and haven't yet subtly influenced them to choose to follow them.

Just as Zhu Yunying and Xu Miaoqing were talking, Wang Chengen rushed over and said, "Your Majesty, the Consort is about to give birth."

Xu Miaoqing, who was serving Zhu Yunying to bed, immediately got up and said to Zhu Yunying, "Your Majesty, please rest. I will come over."

"Alright, you can go and take charge." Zhu Yunying smiled as he lay down, then said, "Let's go to the Consort's place. Our daughter can talk now, we need to go and tease her!"

Xu Miaoqing smiled gently and didn't say much. Zhu Yunying's favoritism was obvious to all; he doted on the little princess Zhu Ruyi. However, Xu Miaoqing wasn't worried about raising a princess like Princess Taiping or Princess Guantao. Princesses in the Ming Dynasty basically had no access to power, and Xu Miaoqing was well aware of this.

Most importantly, although Zhu Yunying doted on Zhu Ruyi, there was a difference in the nature of his doting. The affection that little Zhu received was the source of Xu Miaoqing's confidence.

As for his woman being about to give birth, Zhu Yunying sent his legal wife to watch over her while he went to rest with another concubine. This is the epitome of a scumbag, showing absolutely no sense of responsibility.

However, there was nothing wrong with Zhu Yunying doing this, because he was the emperor, and moreover, if Zhu Yunying went to stay with Lady Wang, he might develop some misconceptions. It wasn't just Lady Wang who might have misconceptions; people inside and outside the palace would be the same.

If it's a daughter, that's fine, but if it's a prince, misunderstandings could be a bad thing.

Lian Qiongqiong was somewhat surprised and said while draping her clothes over herself, "I wanted to go and lend a hand, but my status is not appropriate."

"With the Empress here, you naturally don't need to worry." Zhu Yunying looked her over and asked, "Where's our daughter? She can already call people. We're going to hold her more often; this girl is very close to us."

Lian Qiongqiong glanced at Zhu Yunying cautiously and said, "Ruyi'er is asleep. Should I wake her up?"

"Then forget it, let her rest." Zhu Yunying was more reliable. "If Lady Wang gives birth, you should send her some provisions. After all, you are a Noble Consort. Besides, she needs to be in confinement, so we won't go over. We'll have dinner here tomorrow night. Our daughter won't be resting then."

Lian Qiongqiong laughed and said, "Ruyi rests early and gets up early too."

That's a euphemism; in reality, the little girl wakes up at night and starts fussing. Luckily, the wet nurse and maids help out, otherwise, the whole family would probably be in turmoil.

With Lian Qiongqiong's help, Zhu Yunying rested. He seemed to have come to understand some of Old Zhu's feelings.

When little Zhu was born, Zhu Yunying was excited and thrilled. When Zhu Ruyi was born, Zhu Yunying was also very happy. But now that Lady Wang is about to give birth, Zhu Yunying is happy, but he doesn't have the same initial excitement.

It's not just because Zhu Yunying already has two children, but also because Zhu Yunying is the emperor. Sometimes people say that kinship within the imperial family is weak, and there's some truth to that.

Wang Chengen woke Zhu Yunying and said, "Your Majesty, it's time for court."

Zhu Yunying opened his eyes, slowly got up, and asked, "By the way, how is the Wang family doing?"

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Your Ladyship has given birth to a prince." Wang Chengen immediately knelt down, smiling as he congratulated her, "They say he weighs six pounds and eight ounces."

Zhu Yunying smiled and said, "Alright, after Grandfather wakes up, inform Grandfather of the good news. After the Crown Prince wakes up, if the court session has not yet ended, have the Crown Prince send someone to report the good news."

With a second son, it's even more important to solidify Little Zhu's position!