Don't be fooled by the fact that during the Hongwu reign, the crown prince or grandson often held court, and the emperor rarely appeared in court. But even if the emperor didn't come, there was always one of the crown prince or grandson in charge of the government, which provided a central figure. This was the first time in the Ming Dynasty that no one was in charge of the government.

Now that they knew the emperor was in the Fengxian Hall, there was no need to worry. Since nothing seemed amiss and nothing untoward had happened, everyone felt much more at ease.

However, many people couldn't help but become curious. Emperor Ying Shi was a diligent ruler, and there had never been a case where the morning court was delayed for any reason, nor had there been any instance of civil and military officials waiting in the Fengtian Hall.

Even if they were curious, they could only wait and see, because all the civil and military officials knew that if they were to behave improperly at this time, they would be punished. These matters could be serious or minor, depending on how the emperor thought.

This could even become a black mark on history, something the emperor could use to bring up old grievances later.

Zhu Yunying finally arrived late, and his appearance in court attire surprised many. This was just a regular court session; the emperor usually wore everyday clothes, not such formal court attire. Clearly, something important had happened.

In high spirits, Zhu Yunying did not allow the civil and military officials to continue speculating. He smiled and said, "The Empress has given birth to my third son. All my beloved ministers, please congratulate the Empress."

Xu Zengshou was stunned for a moment, then his expression brightened with joy. This undoubtedly further solidified the Xu family's position.

At this point, all the civil and military officials ceased their curiosity and knelt down in unison, saying, "Your Majesty, we offer our congratulations..."

In truth, whether it was the third prince or the second son of the legitimate wife, it all depended on the empress's status and the emperor's mood. Many civil and military officials in the court understood that among the princes of the Ming Dynasty, only the eldest son of the legitimate wife truly had influence.

However, since the emperor was in a good mood, the civil and military officials naturally followed suit and offered their congratulations. They didn't want to be insensitive at this time, as that would only cause them trouble.

Zhu Yunying smiled and said to Wang Chengen, "Order the Prince of Wu to return to Fengyang to offer sacrifices at the imperial mausoleum, and order the Prince of Xu to return to Xuyi to offer sacrifices at the ancestral tombs."

The imperial mausoleum in Fengyang is where Zhu Yuanzhang's parents are buried. The imperial ancestral mausoleum in Xuyi is a cenotaph for his great-great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, and grandfather, as well as the actual burial site of his grandfather.

Actually, the ancestral mausoleum is not fully completed yet. Emperor Hongwu only began construction of the ancestral tomb in the nineteenth year of his reign (1388) and reburied his grandfather. Although the main hall was built long ago, the surrounding walls and other structures were not fully completed. After all, this is an imperial mausoleum, and it cannot be perfected in a short period of time.

Both Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yunhua have missions now. The third prince's uncle is to return to the imperial mausoleum. As for Zhu Yunwen, his uncle, he is to return to the ancestral mausoleum.

There are still some differences, after all, everyone knows that Emperor Hongwu was filial to his parents. Therefore, the status of the Fengyang Imperial Mausoleum is naturally extraordinary, and this is a task that ordinary members of the imperial family could not even obtain.

Zhu Yunying then looked at Chang Mao and said, "I am too busy to attend to the ceremony, so the Duke of Kaiping will conduct the sacrificial ceremony at Xiaoling Mausoleum on my behalf. The Ministry of Rites will assist in the process."

The significance of Xiaoling Mausoleum is self-evident; it is the final resting place of Empress Ma and Zhu Yunying's parents. It's understandable that Chang Mao was buried there, given he was the emperor's uncle. Moreover, Chang Yuchun's tomb is also one of the accompanying tombs of Xiaoling Mausoleum.

Zhu Yunying then said, not wanting to show favoritism, "The Vice Commander of the Left Army Commandery shall accompany the ceremony."

Xu Zengshou was overjoyed. He knew he couldn't compare to Chang Mao unless his elder brother returned in triumph. Even being a sacrificial attendant was an honor.

The emperor's arrangements were generally accepted without objection, as they were considered reasonable and justifiable. Had the emperor not done so, many officials would have immediately reminded him to offer sacrifices to the ancestors.

At this moment, many people couldn't help but think that the empress's position seemed too secure, and the emperor was clearly extending his affection to her.

Although his face was beaming with joy, Zhu Yunying didn't overreact. After all, it was just his third son, his third son, and he wouldn't be ecstatic about it, lest it lead to misunderstandings.

The joy is real, and there may even be some favors bestowed upon him. But too much of that is unnecessary for the emperor.

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