Although such matters are somewhat superficial, they are not necessarily bad things, as they prevent the Ming Dynasty's imperial family from completely forgetting their roots.

Zhu Yunying continued, "This time, at the end of the year, I intend to bring back the regional princes. I hope that Your Majesty will lend a hand then, so that they will not have to go to their respective territories again."

Old Zhu frowned, seemingly lacking confidence. "Should we just cut them off directly? That's not a good idea. Although we haven't made them take up their fiefdoms for many years, if we cut them off now, they'll definitely cause trouble."

"It's precisely because my uncles are causing trouble that we had no choice but to ask my grandfather to intervene." Zhu Yunying was quite straightforward and said frankly, "There are still some uncles who want to take up their fiefdoms, which is somewhat due to their concern about scarcity rather than inequality."

The logic is indeed that simple: some of the princes of the Ming Dynasty have already been enfeoffed. Although the court has also brought back a few, there are still quite a few princes enfeoffed elsewhere.

It's best to treat everyone fairly. Since there's such a policy, it would be better to have some continuity.

Although Zhu Yunying could have been more patient and waited for the princes who had been enfeoffed outside the capital to make mistakes, so that he could legitimately "reduce their power," this seemed like a good option.

However, if this were to actually happen, it would likely take a considerable amount of time. Furthermore, once it reaches that point, the reduction of the power of the vassal states would not simply involve reclaiming their fiefdoms; some of the vassal kings would also have to be punished, which would be no small matter.

Old Zhu was a little unhappy and disgusted. "Couldn't you have waited until we're done with this before doing these things? Do you think we could refuse?"

“Grandfather, you’re going too far with that. If we were to reduce the power of the princes at that time, it would be no small matter,” Zhu Yunying said bluntly to his father. “Just like my thirteenth uncle, if we were to reduce the power of the princes at that time, he would at least be demoted to a commoner.”

Old Zhu fell silent, probably realizing that Zhu Yunying's words made a lot of sense. As for Zhu Gui's actions, it was up to the emperor to decide. He could either rightfully reduce the power of the princes and punish him, or he could raise a high banner and then let it fall gently.

The silent Emperor Zhu remained silent, mainly because, as the emperor, he could naturally understand some of Zhu Yunying's thoughts.

In reality, Zhu Yuanzhang (the Hongwu Emperor) could understand some of Zhu Yunying's difficulties. Although Zhu Yunying had considerable prestige, he was ultimately a junior. If Zhu Biao were to reduce the power of the princes, there would be no need to worry about any opposition; he could simply reduce their power directly.

However, if Zhu Yunying's situation is not handled properly, there will definitely be some rumors circulating outside. It is very possible that the reputation of the emperor mistreating the imperial family will spread.

Old Zhu broke his silence and could only say, "Now that you mention it, we really have to get these things sorted out while we're still alive. There are some things we didn't anticipate."

For example, the early death of Zhu Yuanzhang, the relatively smooth weakening of the military clique, and Zhu Yunying's performance after ascending the throne exceeded some of Zhu Yuanzhang's expectations.

All of this was somewhat beyond Zhu's expectations, so the original plan to weaken the power of the princes could indeed be implemented, and it was good for Zhu to carry it out.

After all, the decision to grant fiefdoms was made by Zhu Yuanzhang himself. Now, it's only natural that Zhu Yuanzhang himself should handle this matter. He is clearly the most suitable person to step forward, far more so than Zhu Yunying.

After a moment of silence, Old Zhu said, "Ying'er, I think even after we're gone, you should still show some consideration for the imperial clan. Blood is thicker than water."

Seeing Joo Yoon-young nod, Old Joo was very pleased; he didn't think Joo Yoon-young was just being perfunctory.

Suddenly, however, Old Zhu became worried again. "Don't be too soft-hearted. You are the emperor after all, and you have to consider the people of the world. Some of your uncles are indeed incompetent."

Although he cares about his sons, Old Zhu also worries about his beloved grandson being bullied. He still needs to remind his grandson that he knows his grandson is also someone who values ​​family ties and is easily swayed by emotions.

Zhu Yunying simply smiled and didn't respond. He understood some things, and that was enough. Some of his decisions weren't so easily changed.