This does not include silk and cloth, nor does it include the responsibility of providing for the weddings and funerals of relatives. The granted land is also tax-free.

However, some people wanted to complain, even arguing that if it weren't for Emperor Ying Shi's influence, the imperial family members would have received even better treatment. It's worth noting that previously, a prince's annual stipend was 50,000 shi (a unit of grain measure). Moreover, the current princes are unable to take up their fiefdoms.

Zhu Su looked at his younger brothers and nephews and continued, "Even if the Maritime Trade Office doesn't do any work, a prince can still receive two thousand taels of silver every year. Not to mention that each household also has its own ships and earns even more."

Zhu Xi stood up at this moment and said in a serious tone, "The kindness shown by my grandfather and brother to the imperial family is unprecedented in history!"

What is a good straight man? Zhu Xi is a qualified straight man. Moreover, in Zhu Xi's eyes, her imperial brother is naturally the best, and she will unconditionally support him.

As for the other members of the imperial clan, they may not have had the same thoughts and ideas. It's probably true that it's easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but difficult to go from extravagance to frugality. Although the treatment of the imperial clan members in the Ming Dynasty seems unprecedented, at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, the power and treatment of the imperial clan members were better.

The treatment of the Ming Dynasty's imperial family has been significantly reduced, which naturally makes some people want to complain. However, they only dare to complain in their hearts; they know the current situation perfectly well.

Zhu Su continued, "Now I am also the Imperial Clan Commander, in charge of the clan register and recording the crimes and faults of the imperial clan members. If I were to say a few words about matters concerning the imperial clan, you wouldn't have any objections, would you?"

At this point, what else could everyone say? Naturally, they all agreed that Zhu Su was right, and that was basically the truth.

This is indeed one of the duties of the Imperial Clan Court, and given Zhu Su's seniority, there's naturally no problem with him saying this. Even if they disagree in their hearts, they wouldn't dare to talk back on the surface.

"His Majesty has treated the imperial clan very well, and the imperial clan should also be grateful." Zhu Su slowly said, "You should also know what happened in the court a few days ago. Many ministers were thinking of taking over the Maritime Trade Office."

This immediately sparked a torrent of foul language from the imperial family members, as the output of the Maritime Trade Office was no less than their salaries. Aside from the fact that the profits from the Maritime Trade Office were substantial, the most important factor was that the office granted the imperial family members certain privileges, allowing them to earn even more money at sea.

Some officials in the court wanted to expel members of the imperial clan from the Maritime Trade Office, which naturally angered the clan. Had the emperor not forcefully suppressed the civil officials, the imperial clan might have started a rebellion at this point.

Zhu Su continued, "As for the Maritime Trade Office, everyone need not worry. His Majesty will not mistreat the imperial family. However, you should all know that the Maritime Trade Office settles all transactions using Tongbao coins."

Some members of the imperial family fell silent, even though Zhu's Tongbao coins could circulate. Many people felt that paper money was of little use; nothing beat real gold and silver, and they preferred settlements in cash.

At this point, there's not much more to say. At worst, once we get the silver notes, we can immediately exchange them for real gold and silver and take them back to the treasury.

It wasn't just one or two members of the royal family who shared this sentiment; it naturally represented the thoughts of many. If members of the royal family thought this way, one can only imagine how eager ordinary merchants and common people were to exchange their silver notes for gold and silver.

Therefore, changing some people's minds and their ingrained beliefs is definitely not an easy task. Many people feel insecure about paper money; silver and copper coins are the most liquid assets, and even gold is less liquid than silver.

Zhu Su was naturally aware of some of these people's thoughts. Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Xi, and Zhu Yue were even more unhappy at this moment, as they could also see through the thoughts of some members of the imperial clan.

They all rushed forward because they saw the benefits, without considering the emperor's difficulties at all, only thinking about their own advantages.

Zhu Su snorted coldly; he was well aware of the moral character of the imperial family members.

"We know what you're thinking. Don't let a few good days make you forget who you are!" Zhu Su said earnestly and seriously. "You are all surnamed Zhu, you are all members of the Zhu family! This country also belongs to the Zhu family!"

Zhu Yunwen stood up at this moment and said, "Since all of you uncles are here today, it is not appropriate for us juniors to say anything. However, I still have to say that it is my imperial brother who sits on the dragon throne. But you uncles should also know that no one else is as qualified as my imperial brother to sit on the dragon throne."

Only Zhu Yunwen dared to say such treasonous words. He not only dared to say them in front of the imperial clan, but he also dared to say them in front of the younger and older Zhu brothers, and he wouldn't be punished for it; at most, he would be scolded.

Zhu Yunwen continued, “Your Majesty is a man of great talent and ambition, and the nation is thriving. It would be unfortunate if our clan were to hinder Your Majesty’s work.”

Zhu Su immediately added, "If you still consider me your fifth brother, then you'd better behave yourselves for the time being. We can't control your eating, drinking, and having fun. But you all need to follow the direction of the Imperial Maritime Trade Office and the court."

These words seem rather harsh, but at this time it is necessary to emphasize certain things. After all, the imperial clan is a mixed bag, and many members of the clan don't actually care about the country or the world. Since they are not the ones sitting on the throne, there is no need for them to bother with anything.

Zhu Su continued, "You must also fully cooperate with the bank's affairs. If we find out that you dare to run on the silver, we will not let you off! If you dare to hinder His Majesty the Emperor's important affairs, the Emperor Emeritus will certainly not forgive you!"

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!