What does it mean to be arrogant because of favor? Zhu Xiong Ying's behavior can be described as such. He led his younger siblings straight into the Qianqing Palace.

This can be considered Zhu Yuanzhang's "double standard." Of course, he also doted on his other sons. However, for the sake of the future of the Ming Dynasty, he had to conceal some of his thoughts to prevent his other sons from having any inappropriate ideas.

Of course, the most important reason was Zhu Biao, the eldest son, who truly pleased Old Zhu and was naturally favored by him.

As for the grandchildren, let's set aside the issues of grandparent-grandchild affection for each other. The main point is that this is the eldest grandson, and according to Zhu Yuanzhang's wishes, it's natural to establish the eldest son as heir. Zhu Yuanzhang felt that the chaos of the Tang Dynasty and the lessons of other dynasties should still be learned.

The favoritism shown towards Zhu Xiong Ying was a case of loving the house because of the crow, and naturally, it was also because this eldest grandson had been very busy and sensible since childhood.

Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying with her younger siblings, Old Zhu chuckled and said, "Ying'er, did you teach Yun Tuo a lesson again?"

"No." Zhu Xiong Ying leaned over the table and 'inspected' it, then immediately grinned, "Grandpa Emperor, what day is this? There's so much delicious food!"

The main reason for this is that the Ming Dynasty had just been established, and it was not advisable to be too extravagant at this time. Furthermore, Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (the Hongwu Emperor) came from a poor background and wasn't particularly concerned about food and drink; simple meals were normal for him. Unless it was a special occasion or day, he generally wouldn't indulge in lavish meals.

Old Zhu was displeased and said somewhat irritably, "Ying'er, when have we ever skimped on your food and drink?"

That's true. Emperor Zhu himself was frugal, and Empress Ma was also very thrifty when she was alive. However, they were not stingy when it came to their descendants' food and drink. Many concubines in the harem sometimes had to do needlework with Empress Ma, but they ate and drank very well during their pregnancies and postpartum periods.

Zhu Biao smiled and said, "Even if it's a family dinner, don't stand. Ying'er needs to eat well; she'll be busy in a few days."

Zhu Xiong Ying immediately poured wine for Old Zhu and Big Zhu, and then poured himself a glass as well. He glanced at the expectant Zhu Yun Tong, but chose to ignore him; the child was too young to drink.

Old Zhu couldn't stand it anymore and said, "Yun Tong is ten years old now, he can have a drink."

“Wait two more years, and let him drink more when he’s a bit older.” Zhu Xiong Ying was still adamant, which was 'disobeying orders'. “This child likes to eat and drink, and I even caught him sneaking a drink last time. This child needs to be kept in check.”

Old Zhu clearly disagreed with Zhu Xiong Ying's statement. He understood Zhu Xiong Ying's thinking; just as Old Zhu himself could criticize his children, he couldn't tolerate criticism from others. He could sternly reprimand his children and grandchildren for their shortcomings, but more often than not, he would protect them.

If children make mistakes, it's because others are at fault, and the blame falls on them.

The second son, Zhu Shuang, favored his second wife, Deng, and together they tormented palace servants for amusement. Although the old Zhu reprimanded them for being "ignorant of human affairs and as stupid as beasts," it was Deng who was ordered to commit suicide.

Princess Tang, wife of Prince Zhu Tan of Lu, was obsessed with the words of wandering Taoist priests. She spent her days burning incense, chanting scriptures, and concocting elixirs in search of immortality. In her quest for immortality, she had several young boys castrated. Naturally, it was Princess Tang who was executed, even though she was Tang He's daughter.

This was a family dinner, and the atmosphere seemed quite pleasant. Old Zhu felt that this could be considered a truly joyous occasion for family reunions.

But even at this time, workaholic Lao Zhu talked about quite a few things. It's almost the end of the year, and there are many things to do.

Various sacrificial rites were indispensable, especially the worship of ancestors, which included a visit to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, followed by a court audience with all the officials. After such an audience, a banquet was naturally held for the civil and military officials and envoys from vassal states.

For the emperor, this was certainly not a time to be idle. As the crown prince Zhu Biao and the grandson of the emperor Zhu Xiong Ying, they naturally couldn't slack off on such an important occasion, and their every move was being watched by many people.

For Zhu Xiong Ying, some of the sacrificial rites and pilgrimages this year have a different meaning.

Previously, as a prince and grandson of the emperor, Zhu Xiong Ying mostly participated in sacrificial rites, especially those at the Fengxian Hall. However, even though many people knew that the emperor favored his grandson, he was never formally granted the title.

But things are different now. He is the 'second in line' after the Crown Prince. Now he is naturally the rightful heir, and the civil and military officials naturally feel a different sense of urgency and need to take it seriously.

Ultimately, it was just that I had only heard some things before and wasn't sure. But now it's certain that His Majesty the Emperor's attitude towards establishing the eldest son as heir apparent is extremely firm, which naturally includes the fact that the Crown Prince is truly favored.

Especially now that the Ming Dynasty has been established for over twenty years, its rules and regulations have become increasingly formal, and the Ming Dynasty is no longer what it was when it was first founded. Many people at this time have indeed felt the difference between Emperor Zhu and Commander Zhu.

Old Zhu was naturally happy. His beloved son and grandson were right in front of him, and this was a moment of true relaxation for him.

What follows is naturally a gathering of many imperial concubines, princes, and grandsons—a family banquet, though this time there are a great many people.

The princes who had already taken up their fiefdoms were one thing, but the princes and grandsons of the emperor currently residing in Yingtian Prefecture naturally had to stay in the palace. Of course, Zhu Xi wasn't there; Zhu Xiong Ying's twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth uncles weren't even a year old yet.

"Greetings, Imperial Uncle." Zhu Xiong Ying was of a lower generation, so at this time he could only offer greetings repeatedly.

Consort Li smiled and said to Zhu Jing, "My son, this is the Crown Prince, you should return the courtesy."

Two-year-old Zhu Jing said in a childish voice, "Crown Prince, you may rise."

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