Zhu Yunying's happiness was simple; it was naturally because his plans and policies were being implemented well, which was the reason he was quite satisfied.

In fact, Zhu Yunying was well aware that there is no such thing as an everlasting dynasty; no matter how powerful a country is, it will eventually decline.

But for Zhu Yunying, it was enough to lead a thriving dynasty to greater prosperity and to make some seemingly correct strategies.

It's obviously impossible to be perfect in every aspect, but grasping the key points is enough for Zhu Yunying.

When the emperor is in a good mood, everyone else in the imperial city naturally feels good as well. However, sometimes, people's joys and sorrows are not shared.

For example, the second son of the emperor, Zhu Wenjin, is obviously not happy right now. He is not only feeling wronged, but also somewhat afraid and trembling with fear.

Consort Ning, née Wang, stood aside, not daring to speak. Zhu Yunying had relatively few concubines, so his concubines generally held higher status. In fact, according to the system established by Zhu Yunying, there was no such thing as an Imperial Noble Consort.

However, due to Xiao Zhu's suggestion, Lao Zhu abolished the system of concubines being buried alive with the emperor, so it was normal for him to select an imperial concubine.

In truth, Emperor Zhu understood that elevating Lian Qiongqiong to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort was merely a tactic by him to win over the civil service. After all, Lian Zining still held some influence in the court, and the main consorts in the harem were always nobles, which wasn't necessarily a good thing.

So even if Zhu Yunying and Xu Miaoqing were deeply in love, it was normal that the emperor preferred checks and balances.

In fact, Consort Ning, of the Wang clan, was the lowest-ranking consort. Following her were concubines, then imperial concubines, and then officials such as Zhaoyi, Jieyu, Meiren, Cairen, Xuanshi, and Shunu.

For example, the two concubines from Zhu Yunying's hometown that Zhu Yuanzhang brought back were both Zhaoyi (a high-ranking concubine), and it would be difficult for them to become concubines before they had children.

"You're so young and already behaving badly!" Zhu Yunying was furious. She had been happy, "You don't go to school, you just fool around!"

Zhu Wenjin didn't dare to cry, but he felt terribly wronged. His elder brother could go to school whenever he wanted and not go whenever he wanted, and no one ever said anything. Moreover, his elder brother had been riding his little pony around everywhere recently, while Zhu Wenjin only dared to ride horses in the Imperial Stables and the training grounds, which was much better.

As he said this, Zhu Yunying glared at Wang Shi and said, "It is the father's fault if the son is not taught. I have been busy with state affairs and have neglected to discipline Wenjin. What about you? You indulge him all day long. What kind of offspring can you raise like this?"

Lady Wang immediately knelt down, and could only beg for forgiveness, "Your Majesty, I know my crime!"

"Consort Ning's stipend will be halved, and she shall copy the 'Admonitions for Women' ten times." Zhu Yunying was equally ruthless in his punishment of Consort Wang. "After copying the 'Admonitions for Women,' submit them to the Empress for review. The second prince, Zhu Wenjin, shall copy the 'Hundred Family Surnames' and the 'Three Character Classic' once each. I will personally review them!"

Lady Wang didn't actually see anything wrong with this punishment, mainly because her upbringing included the principle of obedience to one's husband after marriage. Moreover, her husband was now the emperor, who was truly the 'heaven'.

She even felt a little smug; the greatest punishment would be if the emperor ignored her and Zhu Wenjin.

In earlier years, Wang did have some ulterior motives, thinking that if something happened to Little Zhu, or if Little Zhu failed to live up to expectations, Zhu Wenjin would still have a chance.

However, her schemes were exposed, and she was neglected by the emperor for a long time, which also implicated the infant Zhu Wenjin. All of this served as a warning to Lady Wang.

Most importantly, she realized that, regardless of whether young Zhu was capable or not, the emperor's attitude towards establishing the eldest son as heir was unwavering. Wang Shi accepted her fate; a prince was quite good. She only hoped that Zhu Wenjin could curry favor with young Zhu so that he would treat him better after ascending the throne.

Throughout history, there have been numerous cases of fathers and sons, brothers killing each other, spouses plotting against each other, and close friends turning against each other in pursuit of that position.

So the saying that there is no kinship in the imperial family is not without reason. The past history has already shown some things, and those examples are shocking.

Looking at the aggrieved Zhu Wenjin, Zhu Yunying said irritably, "I don't expect you to become a wise prince, but you should know that you should be knowledgeable and courteous. Tell me yourself, at your age, you can't even finish reading the first books of learning!"

The more Zhu Yunying thought about these things, the angrier he became. His second son was only slightly better than an illiterate man.

This is practically a glimpse into Zhu Yunwen's childhood. However, back then, Zhu Yunwen was deliberately misled and spoiled by Lady Lü. Even if Zhu Yunying kept an eye on him, it wouldn't work, since Zhu Yunwen spent most of his time in the Eastern Palace and was primarily raised by Lady Lü.

But this Zhu Wenjin was completely uneducated and only wanted to play. It was one thing that he didn't study, but he also didn't like to fight. He was just mischievous and naughty. He liked to cause trouble everywhere, and he had a bad temper. He often lost his temper with the maids and eunuchs.

He's so hot-tempered at such a young age. If he doesn't correct this soon, he might end up with the same violent temperament as Zhu Yunying's second and third uncles.

Although Zhu Yunying accepted the existence of the feudal class, and even felt somewhat at ease with it, what father would want his son to be so useless, and what father would want his son to almost become a menace?

"Wang Chengen, remember this: from now on, you must send someone to escort the second prince to the Grand Hall every day. Except for the birthdays of the Emperor Emeritus, myself, the Empress, the Crown Prince, and his mother, he is only allowed three days of rest per month, and one day off every ten days!"

By this calculation, Zhu Wenjin's good days were over. Out of twelve months a year, he only had forty-one days off. Even among Ming Dynasty officials, who generally had few holidays, his vacation time was still slightly better than Zhu Wenjin's.

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