As an emperor, even one with great power, Zhu Yunying was still quite sensible.

Although he could act unilaterally in many matters, wielding the emperor's power to its fullest extent, he was also well aware that some things couldn't be done so domineeringly; at the very least, procedures needed to be followed, and the power of the civil and military officials could not be underestimated.

Ultimately, no matter how great the emperor's power, he still needs the help of civil and military officials to govern the country. If these officials become disloyal to Zhu Yunying, it would obviously be a bad thing, and it would be a blow to a domineering emperor.

This is why Zhu Yunying consulted with his civil and military officials beforehand, and why he would discuss his decisions with them in court even after making them.

Even though the outcome was already decided, Zhu Yunying still had to do what he was supposed to do, as a sign of respect for the civil and military officials.

The arguments and debates in the court had little impact on Zhu Yunying. Although the issue of merging the poll tax into the land tax seemed to be undecided, the emperor's will was clear to everyone.

At this point, there's no point in trying to persuade the emperor to change his mind, because the emperor has already made up his mind. It's clear that the land tax reform will be the national policy, and anyone who obstructs the emperor from implementing this policy will be severely punished.

All the civil and military officials were well aware of this matter, and what they needed to do now was to help the emperor improve this system.

Zhu Yunying was not in a hurry. Once the major systems and directions were determined, the details could be continuously improved.

After the court session, Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh, "Why did you all come here?"

“Let’s come and take a look. This is the national policy of our Great Ming Dynasty. We won’t feel at ease if we don’t see it.” Old Zhu said, holding Little Zhu’s hand. “We underestimated you. We used to think you were steady and reliable. Who knew you would be so domineering in court?”

Zhu Yunying beamed and said smugly, "I think it's alright. Before, when I came to court with my grandfather, I was just an accessory. Now that my grandfather isn't here, I can handle things on my own, so naturally I have to be a bit more domineering. Although my grandfather is powerful, I am now the emperor, and I can't always rely on my grandfather to protect me."

Old Zhu was even happier and had complete confidence in Little Zhu, saying, "We're willing to pass the position to you because we believe in Ying'er's ability!"

"Our father is the emperor, I am Yin'er!" Little Zhu cried out anxiously, "Our father has changed his name!"

Faced with this jealous little fellow, Old Zhu and Little Zhu simply smiled and coaxed him. After leaving Fengtian Hall with Little Zhu, they could stroll and chat, or go to Wuying Hall and Qianqing Palace for further conversation.

"Go on, it's time for your morning class." Patting Little Zhu's bottom, Old Zhu said with a smile, "Remember, we'll test you later."

Little Zhu immediately turned around, lowered his head, and started running like crazy. This child was fine in every other way, except that when he ran, he liked to keep his head down and rush forward, basically only staring at the ground, not worried about bumping into anyone. Anyway, even if he did bump into someone, everyone else would quickly get out of the way; who would dare block the Crown Prince!

"This child!" Old Zhu said affectionately, looking at Little Zhu's back. "He's much more mischievous than you were when you were little. It's fun taking him around."

Zhu Yunying didn't mind, and said while holding Old Zhu's arm, "I know, I was too precocious when I was young. Although I sometimes deliberately tried to win favor and entertain my parents, I was never as innocent as Yin'er. Taking care of me was less of a worry, but it lacked some of the fun of raising children. Taking care of Yin'er is much more interesting."

Old Zhu did not deny it, saying, "We were happy to have Yin'er with us. After all, we are the retired emperor, and we have nothing to do anyway. You are precocious, and we, your grandmother, and your parents were all happy back then. At that time, the Ming Dynasty had just been established, and only with a precocious and decisive crown prince could the succession of our Ming Dynasty be stable."

“If we, grandfather and grandson, govern the country well, our Yin’er can live a peaceful life in the future.” Zhu Yunying laughed and said, “Just like now we are under pressure to implement the land tax reform, the resistance is less at this time, and it is easier for us to do things.”

Old Zhu nodded upon hearing this and said, "It is indeed suitable for you to do these things. Our imperial power is now supreme, and we have power in our hands. People below are afraid of us. If, in a hundred or ten years, those wealthy families have more land, and civil and military officials have more land, it will be difficult to control them if they cause trouble."

That's the logic, so Zhu Yunying said, "Let's start doing things now and not give those people a chance to talk nonsense. We'll act swiftly and decisively, and once we've laid a solid foundation, things will be easier when Yin'er succeeds to the throne."

Old Zhu thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the imperial city with his own grandson, who was holding his arm. The two chatted about state affairs and everyday matters.

As for those who might notice these things, they might feel envious or jealous, but they have little chance of getting close to them.

When he saw Xu Miaoqing with her slightly protruding belly, Old Zhu immediately smiled and said, "Granddaughter-in-law, come here."

Xu Miaoqing greeted him with a smile, "Granddaughter-in-law greets Imperial Grandfather. This morning, I sent someone to the Qianqing Palace to say that Imperial Grandfather took the Crown Prince to court. Imperial Grandfather, you really are something, the fog is so thick this morning."

"In this entire palace, only your family of three can keep us in check," Old Zhu complained with a smile. "Even if I'm no longer the emperor, I'm still your grandfather. Do I need to tell you where I'm going?!"

Zhu Yunying pointed to Xu Miaoqing's belly and said, "That's hard to say. Maybe soon there will be four people taking care of the Emperor. Judging from the Empress's round belly, it's probably a boy. We can switch Yin'er back then and let the Emperor take care of the baby."

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