The Imperial Grandson of the Great Ming

In the seventh year of Hongwu, the legitimate eldest grandson of Zhu Yuanzhang, the great ancestor of the Ming Dynasty, was born.

He who resides as the legitimate heir will surely ascend to t...

Chapter 456 Good Reputation

Zhu Yunying really didn't care about some things, and said, "Grandfather, you founded our Ming Dynasty. Now, the decree to never increase taxes is yours. If future generations want to do anything, that's not allowed. These things still have to be done in your name."

“Use our name?!” Old Zhu was not easily fooled. He said, “If you issue an edict, will Yin’er dare to overturn it in the future? Will Yin’er’s son and grandson dare to overturn it in the future? If you ask me, you shouldn’t think so much. Your reputation should be improved.”

Other emperors would go to great lengths to enhance their prestige in order to become a 'sage ruler' or a 'wise ruler' and to become a 'great emperor for all time' and so on.

But in Old Zhu's family, the situation was slightly different, quite different.

For example, Zhu Yunying made considerable efforts to enhance Zhu Yunying's reputation. Before Zhu Yunying ascended the throne, everyone knew that the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty was the undisputed heir apparent, the most legitimate heir possible.

Moreover, Zhu Yuanzhang at that time wielded terrifying power, and even if he were to rebel, he would likely have a certain success rate. Furthermore, to enhance Zhu Yuanzhang's reputation and prestige, Zhu Yuanzhang frequently entrusted him with handling political affairs and making public appearances in court.

Even after Zhu Yuanzhang ascended the throne, a major battle immediately broke out in the north, and the pursuit of the fleeing Tartars dealt a heavy blow to some of their remaining forces. This further enhanced the new emperor's prestige.

However, Zhu Yunying had almost no involvement in that great battle; the planning, troop deployment, and other aspects were all personally orchestrated by Zhu Yunying.

Often, Zhu Yuanzhang (Emperor Hongwu) hoped to bestow good deeds and a good reputation upon his sons and grandsons. As for his own reputation, he said he didn't care what others said; he genuinely didn't care about such things.

"If none of you want it, we will!" Little Zhu couldn't stand being left out, which also shows that Zhu Wenyin was smart and filial from a young age, knowing how to share the burdens of his father and grandfather. "We'll give it all to us!"

Old Zhu picked up little Zhu and said with a laugh, "You greedy little devil, you don't even understand what's going on, yet you're already eyeing it? Tell us, what is it that your father and I want?"

Little Zhu tilted his head and leaned against Old Zhu's chest. His secret weapon in front of Old Zhu was to act cute, which allowed him to get through smoothly.

And Xiao Zhu's father, Xiao Zhu, has always been, and still is, used to getting through minor difficulties with jokes and banter.

Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh, complaining to his father, "See? Our son is so greedy. We used to urge our grandfather to abdicate because he was old and our father could handle state affairs back then. This little rascal, it seems he'll be urging us to abdicate when he grows up."

This is obviously a joke. As long as Little Zhu grows up healthy, there is no need to "take the risk".

“This little thing is greedy, but it’s better than the two of us,” Old Zhu said. “We probably won’t be able to take care of Yin’er anymore. If anything happens in the future, remember to give Yin’er some.”

Zhu Yunying smiled and said, "The Imperial Guard Orphan Army has always been under the command of our Yin'er. We take in so many soldiers' children, not only because those people truly deserve the support of the state, but also to give our Yin'er a reliable army. When he grows up a bit more, the Orphan Army can be incorporated into the Three Great Camps and the garrisons."

Old Zhu patted Little Zhu's face and laughed, "Alright, he's definitely our grandson, just like us."

Little Zhu was unhappy and immediately pressed her little face against Old Zhu's old face, saying, "Our dad doesn't look like him, I'm the most like him!"

This little guy doesn't understand much at all; he listens but doesn't comprehend the underlying meaning. It was clearly about character and work style, but to little Zhu, whose comprehension isn't yet fully developed, he thought it was about appearance.

"Chengcheng, you're just like me!" Old Zhu said quickly, which was also what he really thought. "Remember in the future, don't give us any good reputation. You should take it yourself. After all, you're the emperor now. If you don't want it for yourself, give it to Yin'er. He's also the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty. Even though he's the legitimate heir, he should still have prestige."

What else could Zhu Yunying say? At this point, he naturally nodded obediently. He also admitted that what Old Zhu said made some sense.

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