Otherwise, these offspring might develop inappropriate thoughts, and those around them might also have all sorts of messy ideas.

Therefore, the only option is to be straightforward, and at this point, a little favoritism is necessary. Making sure some people clearly understand their position early on, so they can't harbor any ill intentions, is the most correct approach.

Zhu Yunying had no regrets about his decisions, nor did he feel there was any need to change them. He had to stick to his course; it was for the better of the entire empire and would not cause any harm to his family.

After all, there is no kinship in the imperial family, so Zhu Yunying needs to take precautions to prevent certain things from happening in advance. This is what Zhu Yunying feels is the safest thing to do.

Just look at Old Zhu and you'll understand. Even though Old Zhu is now very old, he still cares about his sons and doesn't usually take the initiative to see them.

Even though he has now abdicated, he doesn't want to do anything that might give his descendants pause for thought. Nor does he want any actions that could lead to misunderstandings about his beloved grandson or bring any negative impact on his grandson's future as emperor.

Zhu Yunying, who had gotten up early, was going to court again. His life these past few days seemed to have remained unchanged; it was basically just work, and more work.

The only change is that the vassal kings are now arriving at court one after another. Preparations begin a few days before each king's arrival, and the arrival of princes naturally requires an audience. This is probably the only change in Zhu Yunying's administration compared to before.

When Zhu Yunying arrived, he was very familiar with this kind of thing, so he sat up naturally and felt comfortable with it.

Including Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yuntong, who, as Zhu Yunying's younger brothers, already held princely titles and were of suitable age and status, they had been representing Zhu Yunying in welcoming the visiting princes outside the city in recent days.

Doing your job well and fulfilling the duties appropriate to your role is of utmost importance. This puts everyone at ease, makes interactions easier, and helps prevent many unpleasant situations from arising.

In the imperial court, Prince Qi, Zhu Fu, also arrived in Yingtian Prefecture. Zhu Yunying did not actually make much effort to suppress this imperial uncle who had been somewhat disobedient during Zhu Yunying's northern tour.

The current Prince Qi, Zhu Fu, is relatively well-behaved. Although he is capable of leading troops, he is indeed somewhat fierce and lawless. However, in front of Zhu Yunying, Zhu Fu dares not act recklessly, after all, Zhu Yunying is now the emperor.

Therefore, it is also possible to "let bygones be bygones" and the current appearance of harmony among the imperial family in the court is not a bad thing.

Moreover, it was almost Zhu's birthday, and anyone who dared to cause trouble at this time would be courting death. Even though these princes were usually arrogant and domineering, they were relatively well-behaved at this time.

It was the same old routine. Matters like the princes coming to court were governed by strict rules and regulations. The princes had to follow them, and Emperor Zhu Yunying could simply act according to those rules.

"Dad!" Little Zhu came again, somewhat excitedly, "Great-grandfather's birthday is tomorrow, why isn't our cake ready yet!"

Zhu Yunying was furious. Since Old Zhu wasn't around, she pulled Little Zhu over and gave him a few light pats on the bottom. "You have the nerve to say that? Do you think it's easy for us to make a cake? We hadn't even finished making the cake, and you'd already eaten it all!"

Little Zhu was probably the happiest person at Old Zhu's birthday party. He and his father made a cake together, although most of it failed. But Little Zhu ate most of the failed cakes.

This kid is all chubby, who else would be fat if not him!

However, given the current situation, let's not talk about anything else; it's more important to make another cake as soon as possible.

Moreover, it's Old Zhu's birthday, a major event for the imperial court. Now that the cake is ready, we can celebrate Old Zhu's birthday in advance, a real birthday celebration for the family in private!