Zhu Yunying was even more proud and happy to receive such praise from Lao Zhu, as this affirmation was also an encouragement to him.

Receiving affirmation and encouragement from Zhu Yuanzhang was, in essence, the greatest recognition Zhu Yunying could receive. Ultimately, it was the things Zhu Yunying had done over the years, and his recent performance, that showed him to be more than just a competent emperor; he was someone who, while not as powerful as Zhu Yuanzhang, still wielded considerable power and commanded respect throughout the court.

The grandfather and grandson continued their conversation, naturally about a series of events in Liaodong, and how the large-scale development would continue.

As they chatted and laughed, the sound of running footsteps suddenly came from behind them. In the entire Ming Dynasty, only two people would dare to do such a thing in the Qianqing Palace. Even Emperor Zhu himself wouldn't do it; only Emperor Xiaozhu and his son, Emperor Xiaowu, would be so disrespectful.

"Why didn't you call us?" Little Zhu, with his tiger-like head, rushed into the bedchamber shouting, "You all lied to us, thinking we didn't know?"

Faced with his great-grandson's outburst and seeing little Zhu's puffed-up cheeks, old Zhu laughed, "We didn't hide it from you. We just felt that you hadn't visited your mother for several days, so we let you go back. Your mother is carrying your younger brother and sister, so you should go and see them."

“We don’t like the youngest kids.” Little Zhu climbed onto the stool by herself. “We like older kids. We like younger sisters. My second brother is too small and can’t even walk steadily. We don’t play with him.”

This is very young Zhu. This child is still very playful and always wants to play with children his own age.

Xiao Zhu was having a headache. His precious son was spoiled rotten by his father. Even when Xiao Zhu was a child, he had to be a little careful. But with little Zhu, as soon as Xiao Zhu tried to discipline him, his father would immediately give him a good scolding and might even punish him.

“We went to see Mother today, and we even summoned the imperial physician to ask her about it.” Little Zhu stretched out his hands, letting Shuangquan help him wash and dry them. “The imperial physician wouldn’t dare to lie to us; Mother is the best.”

See, this is the result of family tradition. Even though young Zhu looks very innocent, both the old Zhu and the young Zhu intentionally protect his naivety. However, as the crown prince, young Zhu also takes some things for granted.

Zhu Yunying casually asked, "Oh, you also know about the Imperial Physician? When did you go to the Wenhua Hall when we asked you to go?"

The Crown Prince's office is in the Wenhua Hall, and Little Zhu is now the Crown Prince. However, the child doesn't like to go there, and even when Little Zhu specifically reminds him, the boy still won't go.

"We're not going!" Little Zhu said matter-of-factly, though with a hint of embarrassment and anger. "If we go, they'll all treat us like a child, not like the Crown Prince. All they know are the Retired Emperor and the Emperor, not the Crown Prince!"

Okay, who says kids are easy to fool? In fact, many kids are quite perceptive about things; they know what's going on.

Old Zhu and Little Zhu just smiled at Little Zhu's complaints; they didn't pay much attention to them.

Ultimately, Little Zhu is still just a child. Although he is the Crown Prince, there's really no way to make him more prominent in court right now. For now, Little Zhu is merely a 'mascot,' a figurehead to maintain order.

If we're really going to wait until Little Zhu appears in court, or has any impact on the court, then we'll have to wait until he's at least fourteen or fifteen years old. Or, in the most extreme case, Little Zhu's health might suddenly give out, and we'll have to force him into this role.

Little Zhu suddenly remembered something and said, "Dad, we're going to the Martial Arts Academy! A lot of our study companions and playmates are going to the Martial Arts Academy!"

Pointing at little Zhu, Zhu Yunying said with a wry smile, "People used to say we were the Martial Emperor, but now look at what it means to be the Martial Emperor! Of all the emperors of our Ming Dynasty, only my father and I are the least capable and can't become Martial Emperors."

Old Zhu was not very satisfied and said to Zhu Yunying, "It's just that you can't become a martial emperor. Your father knew about military affairs in his early years. Look at your uncles, they all know how to lead troops and fight battles. Your father is no worse than them. If we talk about the four generations of our family, you are the least talented and the most fond of making trouble!"

Zhu Yunying was speechless for a moment. Old Zhu must be right to say that.

Although some believe that Zhu Yuanzhang's consolidation of power was due to the presence of a large number of elite generals like Xu Da and Chang Yuchun, it's possible that Zhu Yuanzhang himself was no less capable than Xu Da and his ilk in leading troops.

In his early years, Zhu Yuanzhang was not the crown prince, but the heir apparent of the Prince of Wu, who was the successor to a warlord who controlled a region. He had also learned a great deal about leading troops and fighting battles. Many of Zhu Yuanzhang's younger brothers were also skilled in military command, and Zhu Yuanzhang had learned a great deal from them as well. In fact, when the country was first pacified, a large number of elite soldiers and generals in the Eastern Palace were impressed by Zhu Yuanzhang.

Xiao Zhu was very hurt and took a sip of wine in frustration. "I am the emperor. I don't need to charge into battle or personally lead the army."

This wasn't self-consolation; it simply meant that Zhu Yunying had come to terms with his status and reality. For someone of his status as emperor, governing the country was paramount; warfare was a distant prospect for him.

"Let Yin'er go to the Martial Arts Academy, we'll take him there to have a look." Old Zhu said with a smile, making a decision. "I'm the only one suitable to be the headmaster. As long as I'm alive, you can only wait. Let's take Yin'er there and see that military power still needs to be in the hands of the royal family."

Without sufficient military power and the support of a sufficient army, it is difficult to maintain control of the country.

Old Zhu understood this, and so did Young Zhu. Therefore, the grandfather and grandson never dared to take the matter of military power lightly.

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