Old Zhu and Little Zhu were chatting in the Fengtian Hall, sharing their respective understandings. Overall, the atmosphere was quite pleasant.

At this moment, the Yang residence was bustling with activity. Although Yang Jing held the prestigious position of Minister of Justice during his tenure, his integrity and uprightness meant that most people dared not get too close to him. Furthermore, despite being a first-rank minister, Yang Jing came from a commoner family and did not possess any substantial wealth.

However, whether out of respect for the deceased or to comply with the emperor's instructions at court, countless people began to visit the Yang residence to offer their condolences. Even those who were unable to attend in person sent their closest relatives or younger family members.

As for the military officials, their involvement was largely out of courtesy to the emperor. But the civil officials, whether genuinely or feigning interest, now needed to step in. The affairs surrounding Yang Jing's death also fell under the purview of the civil officials, and they had to work hard to secure their interests.

Just as everyone in the Yang household seemed to be still grieving, the steward hurriedly whispered, "Young Master, Prince Xu has arrived."

Yang Jing's eldest son, Yang Shen, immediately stood up, wiped away his tears, and hurried towards the gate of the mansion. Many others followed him out. Regardless of whether Zhu Yunwen was the emperor's favorite brother, he was a prince of the Ming Dynasty, a status that held immense prestige. Moreover, many knew that Zhu Yunwen had come by imperial decree.

"No need for such formalities." Zhu Yunwen strode forward and helped Yang Shen up. "Master Zhongning was well-versed in the classics and history, erudite and skilled in writing, and of outstanding character and conduct. He was truly a role model for us all! The passing of Master Zhongning is a great loss to the court!"

Yang Shen didn't think Zhu Yunwen's words were overstepping his bounds, even though he was only at the Imperial Academy and didn't yet hold a formal official position. However, he knew a bit about the situation, and he knew that Zhu Yunwen's words were definitely at the emperor's behest.

Although it was only Zhu Yunwen, the entire Yang family felt honored. Even if he wasn't the emperor's most favored Prince Wu, he was still the emperor's brother. Most importantly, it would certainly be 'respectable' for Prince Wu to come. However, everyone knew what kind of person Prince Wu was, and they all understood that Prince Xu was more suitable for this occasion.

People came to pay their respects in an endless stream, and it seemed that the Yang family's influence had reached its peak.

Just when many people thought it was about time, a voice suddenly came from outside: the imperial edict had arrived.

Standing outside the Yang residence, Wang Chengen looked at the somewhat shabby mansion and knew that he would not make any mistakes in this mission.

The main gate of the Yang residence was wide open. Not only the residents of the Yang family, but also the guests who came to offer their condolences, were all waiting outside the gate. This was naturally a sign of respect for imperial authority, and there was no question about it.

Wang Chengen took out the imperial edict covered with yellow silk from the offering tray and, as everyone else knelt down, announced loudly, "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees..."

In fact, the opening of the imperial edict was also set by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Imperial edicts also come in three forms: '诏曰' (zhao yue), '制曰' (zhi yue), and '敕曰' (chi yue). '诏曰' naturally means to announce to the world, and is used when important political matters need to be announced to the people. '制曰' is used to express imperial favor and to proclaim to the officials. As for '敕曰', it is used by the emperor when granting officials higher ranks and titles, and to admonish them to guard against arrogance and impetuosity.

Yang Shen and his two younger brothers were overwhelmed with gratitude, for the emperor posthumously conferred upon their father the title of Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince and ordered him to be buried in the Eastern Mausoleum—undoubtedly an extremely prestigious position. As for the gold and silver bestowed by the emperor, that was a minor matter.

Moreover, Yang Shen's funeral attire was a bullfighting robe specially bestowed by the palace, along with other funeral rites.

Of Yang Jing's three sons, the eldest, Yang Shen, was originally a student at the Imperial Academy, and he was eligible for an official position through hereditary privilege. However, he was currently in mourning and did not need to take up his post immediately. The second son was a captain in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and the youngest son was a junior captain in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, both of which were hereditary positions.

It is clear that Zhu Yunying bestowed unparalleled honor upon Yang Jing, and it can even be said that Yang Jing has become a banner for civil officials.

The Yang family was moved to tears of gratitude, a fact unknown to Zhu Yunying at this time. However, these were indeed things Zhu Yunying felt he should do, and a form of recognition for his loyal and dutiful ministers.

It could even be said that very few high-ranking officials in the Ming Dynasty could retire unscathed. Although Yang Jing died in office, this kind of posthumous honor can be considered a small change.

The Ming Dynasty will no longer engage in the insane slaughter of meritorious officials. As long as these civil and military officials are not corrupt or lawless, there is no need to worry about purges or similar issues. The Ming Dynasty no longer needs to resort to drastic purges to reform its bureaucracy.

Little Zhu came running happily, the chubby-cheeked little fellow showing off his newly learned characters, reciting them with great seriousness. This made Old Zhu and Little Zhu very pleased; the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty seemed to be becoming more and more like a proper prince.

This is definitely a good thing, and Old Zhu and Little Zhu are naturally full of expectations for Little Zhu's future. They have never slacked off in raising and educating Little Zhu. Their approach to Little Zhu's education is basically hands-on.

This is only natural; Little Zhu should be raised in the manner of an emperor, which is the most correct approach.

"Father, we've seen it today, and none of our study companions have official titles." Little Zhu said, lying on Zhu Yunying's lap, dissatisfied. "Father, all your officials have official titles, so why don't our study companions?"

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