Unfortunately, both of them had passed away, and they could only be posthumously granted the title of Duke. However, these two did indeed provide Zhu Yunying with considerable assistance.

"Just like your father." Old Zhu couldn't help but laugh, and said with some complaints, "You two are exactly the same. We gave you the military tally, and you accepted it without even refusing. Afterwards, you pretended to be confused when we didn't ask, and you didn't even remember to return it."

Pointing to Little Zhu, Zhu Yunying said, "This will probably be the case in the future. We'll just keep the rewards we give him. Anyway, if we don't chase after him for them, he definitely won't pay them back. We've given them, so what? Are we afraid he'll rebel?"

Old Zhu couldn't help but laugh. He wasn't afraid of the Crown Prince's rebellion, nor was he afraid of the Grandson's rebellion. He also had reason to believe that the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty had no reason to rebel; rebelling to ascend the throne would be illegitimate. Ascending the throne without rebelling was the only logical thing to do.

“Later, we’ll take the Crown Prince out for a trip, and Muchun has also returned,” Zhu Yunying said. “He’s my cousin’s eldest son, so he’s also my brother-in-law. We’re going to wage war against Annam, and this time we plan to make it even more significant.”

Old Zhu nodded, neither agreeing nor disagreeing, "We don't have the energy to clean up for you. You'll have to figure it out yourself. We're already doing pretty well that we've managed to get the north area sorted out. There have been quite a few changes over the years."

That's true. Zhu's initial plan was to have the king guard the border. A defensive line had been built in the north, so there weren't any major problems.

However, the Northern Expedition launched by Zhu Yunying after his ascension to the throne last year drove the Tartars even further north. Naturally, Zhu Yunying needed to revise the defenses in the north, a task that could not be taken lightly.

Old Zhu felt it was better to handle such matters personally, as he was quite dissatisfied with Young Master Zhu's abilities in leading troops. This was also Old Zhu's main task after retiring, taking care of his great-grandson and occasionally handling some political affairs. Old Zhu took it extremely seriously, as it concerned the defense line of the Ming Dynasty's foundation.

Zhu Yunying was well aware of whether Old Zhu was very busy. However, there were some things that Old Zhu would be more suited to do than he would.

Perhaps Zhu Yunying had a long-term vision, but he was capable of both strategic thinking and devising plans. However, when it came to practical implementation, that was where Zhu Yunying's hands were needed. To say that Zhu Yunying was "ambitious but incompetent" wouldn't be entirely accurate.

Moreover, even if Zhu Yunying had a strategic vision, he might not always be as effective as the seasoned Zhu Yunying. Some of the policies Zhu Yunying formulated might have been too advanced or unsuitable for local conditions, requiring Zhu Yunying to refine and revise them based on the actual circumstances.

Zhu Yunying could be considered quite at ease with these matters, since his imperial grandfather was so powerful that he could just do as much as he could.

Old Zhu followed them to the East Palace, took a bath, and then enjoyed a few drinks and some cool breeze in the courtyard, chatting away. It was quite pleasant. Although Old Zhu had a lot of work to do, it was much easier than when he was in power. With his grandchildren and great-grandchildren around, he was in a good mood.

"Great-grandfather," Zhu Ruyi said softly, cautiously approaching Old Zhu, "Father said that great-grandfather doesn't drink alcohol."

Little Zhu, who was catching fireflies, heard this and rushed over. "Great-grandfather, how much wine did you drink? Half a cup! Only half a cup!"

Old Zhu helplessly put down his wine glass and sighed, "I've been a hero all my life, who can control me?! I never thought that in my old age, I'd have to be told what to do even when I'm drinking!"

"Shuangquan, take the wine away!" Little Zhu exclaimed excitedly. He was the 'head steward'. "If Great-Grandfather drinks again, we'll beat you up!"

The old hero, now in his twilight years, finds it difficult to even satisfy his craving for alcohol, yet he remains happy. He understands perfectly well why his grandson and great-grandson forbid him from drinking too much. He isn't afraid of death, but he fears loneliness, of having no close relatives to talk to.

"Your Highness, the Emperor Emeritus usually forbids us from speaking," Shuangquan said, looking at Xiao Zhu ingratiatingly. "This servant has no choice."

Little Zhu readily agreed, saying, "Then, let's have a meal with our great-grandfather."

Well, Joo Yoon-young felt he was doomed. It would be difficult for him to eat with his son from now on, because, barring any unforeseen circumstances, little Joo would basically be eating all three meals a day with his father.

And indeed, that was the case. Old Zhu was overjoyed and continued to tease Little Zhu. Little Zhu, who had no particular interest in anything, fell for it. He was practically patting his chest, wanting to confirm once again that he would eat with his great-grandfather every day and keep an eye on him to make sure he didn't drink too much alcohol.

Looking at Xu Miaoqing, Zhu Yunying felt he needed to step up his efforts. His eldest son was "not coming back" anytime soon; he needed to create a second son to satisfy his overflowing fatherly love!