In the seventh year of Hongwu, the legitimate eldest grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang, the great ancestor of the Ming Dynasty, was born.
He who resides as the legitimate heir will surely ascend to t...
As if remembering something, Old Zhu said, "Your father is a troublemaker. He wants to go to the west to plant cotton. If you ask me, now that we've conquered the Western Regions, we should be planting some grain. But your father won't allow it. He says he wants to plant cotton there. He's sending weavers over there so the ready-made cotton cloth can be transported back."
Little Zhu was overjoyed and said with immense pride, "Great-great-grandfather is a great hero, and my father is the wisest!"
"You're the most shameless one of all!" Old Zhu said, amused but also a little jealous. "We spend all our time taking care of you and pampering you, but in the end, you're still closer to your father! We've spoiled you for nothing!"
Little Zhu pulled out his trump card, hugging Old Zhu's neck and pressing his chubby little face against him.
"We still want to drink, how can we drink with you holding us like this!" Old Zhu said, with one arm around little Zhu. "How about our Yin'er offers a toast to his great-grandfather?"
Old Zhu took Little Zhu on another incognito trip, which seemed to have become a 'routine' to broaden Little Zhu's horizons. This also allowed Old Zhu to relax a bit, instead of always being confined to the capital.
Looking at the world he ruled and his people, this was a great pleasure for Zhu Yuanzhang.
As for security, there's no need to worry. There are countless guards, both overt and covert. Just like this time at the restaurant, Old Zhu didn't clear the place outright. But there's no need to worry about that either. The surrounding area is almost entirely staffed by skilled individuals from the palace, elites from the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot. Feng Cheng, along with the elite troops of the Five Cities Garrison, is also on high alert.
Being under the emperor's nose is relatively safe, and with the presence of both overt and covert guards, Old Zhu can now confidently take his grandson out for a stroll.
As for some civil officials who had heard rumors, let's not even talk about the immense power of Emperor Zhu. Throughout history, there have been many instances of emperors leaving the palace for short trips. Moreover, even though the rules of the Ming Dynasty were constantly being improved, some of them did indeed seem imperfect at times.
Just as Old Zhu and Little Zhu were watching the prosperity of Yingtian Prefecture and the various aspects of life, Old Zhu suddenly stopped laughing.
A group of people in fine clothes and riding spirited horses rushed out. Although it was only a fleeting glimpse, Old Zhu knew it was his grandson's doing. The Ming Dynasty currently had a large number of princes, and many more dukes or heirs.
Old Zhu knew his eldest grandson was very successful, but he also had some grandsons who weren't so successful. Some of his sons weren't of good character and didn't know how to care for the common people. As for his grandsons, they no longer considered themselves to be of ordinary birth and had absolutely no empathy for ordinary people.
"Great-grandfather, let Dad scold you!" Little Zhu said angrily, pointing to the street below the window, "You can't ride a horse, there are too many people!"
Old Zhu nodded to Little Zhu, very pleased. "You are Biao'er's grandson and your father's son after all. You are kind and gentle like them. Among the palace, you are the most considerate of the servants, and among the imperial clan, you are the most loving towards the people! As for those scoundrels, we'll talk to your father about it and have him discipline them!"
Little Zhu nodded repeatedly and said hurriedly, "Father is in charge, and Great-Grandfather is in charge too. Great-Grandfather is the most powerful and the greatest. Father is the second most powerful. Great-Grandfather, we are the third most powerful!"
Old Zhu was even happier, delighted that little Zhu could understand such principles so clearly. Although little Zhu might not grasp some specifics, having these concepts was undoubtedly a good thing.
Even emperors need to be nurtured from a young age. The old Zhu and the young Zhu were remarkably in agreement on the education of young Zhu.
Other members of the imperial family could study and learn literature, following the example of princes. But little Zhu was different; this child should be educated according to the imperial method, and his education should be the most unique.
Old Zhu is teaching Little Zhu step by step. Little Zhu also often takes Little Zhu along, hoping that through constant exposure, he can lay a solid foundation in the little guy's mind.
In such a feudal dynasty, the emperor's character and ability could truly determine the course of the world.
Zhu Yunwen arrived in a hurry and greeted him vaguely, "Grandfather."
"Sit down," Old Zhu said with a smile. "There are still some outsiders who don't understand the ways of the court."
Little Zhu was overjoyed and quickly opened his arms, "Second Uncle, hug me!"
“I don’t even want to hug you anymore.” Zhu Yunwen, being the same old brat, said irritably, “Your little brother is always eating and pooping, and he doesn’t sleep at night either. I’m scared of that kid now.”
Little Zhu was confused and didn't understand the situation. His younger brother was still in the palace; he had just visited him a few days ago, and he was so ugly and not fun at all. Little Zhu still preferred playing with his little imperial aunt and sister.
As for the young prince's study companions, forget about them. Although they all come from noble families, many are even relatives. But those who can work for the young prince are basically older children who know a little about things. Those who are not much older than the young prince are basically just honorary titles; it's impossible to really expect them to serve him.
Old Zhu couldn't help but stand up and said, "I'm talking about your second uncle's son, not your brother in the palace."
Zhu Yunwen held little Zhu with a happy smile. He had always liked this nephew. He still liked him very much now, but after having his own son, Zhu Yunwen inevitably preferred his offspring even more.
Even with his playful and unreliable nature, he has become somewhat more responsible and improved since becoming a father.
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