When it comes to frugality, the emperors of the Ming Dynasty certainly seemed to be quite frugal.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang, who came from a poor background, sat on the dragon throne, he was not a nouveau riche and did not indulge in extravagance after gaining power. He was single-mindedly focused on governing the country, and pleasure held little appeal for him; his current lifestyle was already quite affluent.

Compared to the easily satisfied Lao Zhu, Xiao Zhu seems less frugal. However, Xiao Zhu's apparent lack of frugality only manifests in small matters, and this is only relative to Lao Zhu. Xiao Zhu's 'luxury' lies only in his food and clothing, where he is slightly more extravagant than Lao Zhu.

Zhu Yunying was reluctant to spend money on things like repairing palaces or building temporary residences, as those would require too much silver.

Moreover, Zhu Yunying felt he was still young, although he knew he was the emperor and couldn't afford to be low-key even if he wanted to. But in any case, he had set the tone for a grand celebration, so the scale of the birthday banquet would naturally be modest.

"Father-in-law, you've done a good job this time, but it's also a cause for concern," Zhu Yunying said with some emotion, holding Zhu Ruyi in his arms. "When those people first entered the court, most of them were full of enthusiasm. But it hasn't been long, and there are already many signs of corruption."

Lian Qiongqiong was usually quite sensitive about court affairs and didn't want to say much. However, seeing Zhu Yunying in this state, she was still a little worried. Although she couldn't share Zhu Yunying's worries, she could still try her best to help him adjust his mood.

"Your Majesty, has something gone wrong?" Lian Qiongqiong asked softly as she massaged Zhu Yunying's temples.

Zhu Yunying smiled and said, "Last year's imperial examinations produced many second and third-class graduates who were assigned to various prefectures and counties. We originally hoped that they would govern their respective prefectures and counties well and become people-friendly officials of the Ming Dynasty. However, this time, many of the new officials are corrupt. Compared to some of the older ones, they are even more reckless and unruly."

Hearing Zhu Yunying say that, Lian Qiongqiong could understand Zhu Yunying's frustration, and indeed he was frustrated.

The people Zhu Yunying mentioned were those from the first imperial examination after he ascended the throne. Although this examination was generally mediocre, those who passed with flying colors were all diligent students who had studied for ten years and were among the elites of the dynasty.

But now, things are really messed up. They've only just taken office, and some of them haven't even learned how to handle government affairs or how to be qualified officials. Yet, when it comes to favoritism, corruption, and collusion between officials and businessmen, they seem to have mastered it almost without any instruction.

This would indeed frustrate Zhu Yunying; it seems that corruption is something that can never be eradicated. Let alone now, even hundreds of years from now, corruption will still exist.

As long as someone has power, it will naturally become a means for them to amass wealth, and there's nothing to say about that.

Although Zhu Yunying appeared to be discussing court affairs with Lian Qiongqiong, it was merely a casual chat. He certainly wouldn't discuss any policy-related matters. And even if he did, it was only to convey the information to certain individuals through Lian Qiongqiong.

"Father, brother," little Zhu Ruyi said, pointing outside the hall, unwilling to be left out.

Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh and said, "Your brother runs around the palace all day long, with many companions following him. That little thing, how could he have any thoughts about you, his sister? It's you who thinks about your brother all day long."

It's not that Joo Yoon-young is having bad luck with Little Joo; it's just that Little Joo is playful by nature. Little Joo is now at an age where even dogs would avoid him. If it weren't for Little Joo's special status, he wouldn't receive this kind of treatment.

Despite saying that, Zhu Yunying still said, "Grand Master, let's have dinner at Chunhe Palace. Have Consort Ning bring the Second Prince along, so we can all eat and drink together as a family. And remember to tell the Crown Prince to come back too."

Zhu Yunying's other concubines obviously did not receive such treatment, since they had not yet been able to bear him any children.

In the imperial palace, a concubine's status wasn't solely determined by her favor with the emperor. Even if she was currently favored, the emperor might eventually lose patience. Without an heir, her status, no matter how high, wouldn't be very high.

Many things are just like that—that's the reality. Zhu Yunying didn't see anything wrong with these differences in status. After all, he was a beneficiary of the system; one's perspective is determined by one's position. It's perfectly normal for Zhu Yunying to have such thoughts.

After chatting with Lian Qiongqiong for a long time, Zhu Yunying then led the bouncy Zhu Ruyi toward Chunhe Palace.

"Dad, we're back!" Little Zhu, covered in sweat, rushed over to Zhu Yunying as soon as he saw her. "Little sister, come play with us!"

Zhu Ruyi, who had been a sweet and considerate daughter, instantly broke free from Zhu Yunying's large hand. Now that she had a brother, she no longer needed a father. As for the fact that her brother hadn't included her in games before, that was even less of a concern; she had long forgotten about it.

Zhu Yunying immediately chuckled and said to Wang Shi, who was holding Zhu Wenjin, "Thank goodness, they left one for us!"

Unfortunately, although Zhu Wenjin knew Zhu Yunying, the child was clearly not 'clever' enough. This was the time to act cute, this was the time to vie for favor. There was nothing to be ashamed of; this concerned the throne...

Even though Zhu Yunying harbored these sordid thoughts, the children were still very innocent, especially those who knew nothing. At this stage, even if one wanted to instill certain ideas in them, they would be unable to accept or understand them.

"Your Majesty, I have come to pay my respects."

"Your Majesty, I have come to pay my respects."

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