Zhu Yunying could be said to have a clear conscience about some things. He was also very clear about some principles.

For example, the law of the jungle, the survival of the fittest, and the saying "a weak nation has no diplomacy." Let alone in this feudal era, even thousands of years from now, some of these things will continue to play out.

Powerful nations can naturally advocate for or even create peace. Smaller, less populous countries are better off not having too many ulterior motives; otherwise, it might not be a good thing.

Weakening the surrounding vassal states and firmly controlling them were some of Zhu Yunying's plans.

Old Zhu was naturally aware of some of Zhu Yunying's thoughts. Although he felt it was time-consuming and laborious, there was no harm in it.

For example, sending princes of the Ming Dynasty to establish new kingdoms overseas was never a bad thing. Although it seems that sending some members of the imperial family to remote and uncivilized lands is unfair to the imperial clan, doing so would ensure the safety of the Ming Dynasty's surrounding areas. This system of enfeoffment and establishment of new kingdoms would better protect the Ming Dynasty's territory.

It may be time-consuming and laborious, but if we do this well, we can ensure the long-term prosperity of the Ming Dynasty.

While Old Zhu and Little Zhu were chatting, Little Zhu, at the suggestion of Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yunwen, came to the tent with a worried look on his face. Although Zhu Yunwen asked most of the questions, Little Zhu still vaguely understood some things and knew that he should continue to sit down.

We still need to encourage the students and give them some confidence. This can probably be seen as a reflection of the Ming Dynasty's generosity and good treatment of scholars; we can't just rely on arrogant and ruthless generals to govern the country.

Zhu Yunwen nodded, and then Zhu Yunwen winked at Little Zhu.

Little Zhu understood immediately. Although his voice was clear and childish, the little guy had a stern face. In addition, the child was now dressed in a five-clawed leather cap, which naturally meant he was even more noble, making ordinary people dare not look him in the eye.

“If you achieve success in your studies, you will be rewarded.” According to the script, Little Zhu said, “Remember the teachings, be loyal to the country, and care for the people.”

The scholar was moved to tears, even though he was almost thirty. However, this was not the time to care about age. Having received the Crown Prince's reward, he was now considered a disciple of the Crown Prince, a truly glorious achievement.

Even if they were to die tomorrow, let alone have it recorded on their epitaph, local gazetteers and clan genealogies would certainly record that they received praise from the Crown Prince in a certain year and month, and were rewarded accordingly.

Although some scholars still want to make a name for themselves, they may not be able to compare with the bookish Prince Xu.

Since they couldn't even get past Prince Xu, they shouldn't expect a recommendation from Prince Wu or a reward from the Crown Prince. Besides, given the Crown Prince's status, he couldn't possibly stay here forever to test scholars.

Even though the students of the Imperial Academy were either from wealthy families or possessed considerable talent, there was absolutely no reason for the Crown Prince to accommodate them, nor could it be that these individuals were affecting his travel plans.

In particular, Shuangquan and Wang Chengen saw the female official appearing outside the tent and naturally knew that she was someone from the Empress's side. They also knew very well that His Highness the Crown Prince would be returning to the palace at that time.

Although many haven't yet shown their abilities, or some haven't performed as expected, even if it's regrettable now, all they can do is obediently leave—that's their role.

"Mom, we don't want to go back!" Little Zhu rushed to Xu Miaoqing and immediately started to whine, "We want to play more, so we don't want to go back."

Zhu Ruyi stumbled over and hugged the little Zhu he hadn't seen in so long, "Royal brother."

Little Zhu probably realized at this moment that his younger sister had also come out with him. However, when they were playing, he was playing wildly with some boys of similar age, so he never thought about his little sister who was a burden to him.

Zhu Xi couldn't help but laugh and said, "You're nothing like your father! When your father was your age, he didn't play by himself; he just protected your aunt and uncle and teased us all day long. But you, you can't find anyone here."

“Auntie, my cousins ​​are playing with us.” Little Zhu said confidently, as he was not completely ignorant. “My elder brother said that my cousin is a Duke and my younger cousin is a Governor.”

Princess Ningguo and Princess Anqing, who came along, couldn't help but laugh, especially Princess Anqing, Zhu Zhu, who was Zhu Zhu's own aunt and had taken Zhu Zhu out to play quite a bit in the past.

Zhu Zhu laughed and said, "In that case, he really is the emperor's son. When the emperor was his age, he always said the same thing. If he were to follow his example, both his cousins ​​would be governors."

Xu Miaoqing was naturally not particularly aware of these interesting anecdotes. Zhu Xi and Zhu Yue also did not remember such things.

As for the commanders of the Five Military Commissions, it seems that they were simply appointed and given titles, which is actually quite normal. Currently, the Five Military Commissions also have many commanders who were granted hereditary titles, all of whom were fathers or grandfathers who made great contributions to the Ming Dynasty.

Those with ability can naturally rise quickly and stand out. Those with mediocre talent may only have a seemingly prestigious official position, but no real power.

Although little Zhu was sullen, he could only obediently sit in the carriage. In fact, leaving the palace was not so new to little Zhu. Old Zhu would take little Zhu out of the palace every now and then to see the people's lives.

When the large contingent arrived outside the city gates of Yingtian Prefecture, new troops naturally took over their defense. Upon reaching the palace, yet another group of troops assumed the responsibility of guarding it.

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