Zhu Gaochi's feelings immediately became complicated, because what Old Zhu said really struck a chord with him.

His father was busy fighting wars, constantly expanding territory and conquering new lands. As for the logistics behind the scenes, or the lands seized and the people subjugated, the vast majority of these were left to Zhu Gaochi to manage.

The chubby Zhu Gaochi felt he had lost a lot of weight compared to before, largely because he now had too much to do. Fortunately, having studied in Yingtian Prefecture as a child, Zhu Gaochi was now able to barely support the family business.

Zhu Gaochi was also worried. Although he now had his own territory and some taxes, he still needed the support of the Ming Dynasty for many supplies and provisions. Did his grandfather's words just now mean that support would be cut off?!

This left Zhu Gaochi with no choice but to think things through. Although the war at the front was going relatively smoothly and the territory was relatively stable, if he really lost the support of the Ming Dynasty, he would probably only be able to hold his ground and govern the country. In the short term, he probably wouldn't have much spare strength to further attack the so-called Emperor.

After all, the Ming Dynasty is currently engaged in a war of annihilation, and Goryeo will likely expend considerable effort on it. Moreover, the war against the Tatars just two years ago also drained the Ming Dynasty's national strength, so it is very likely that the Ming Dynasty will have to reduce some of its support.

Just as Zhu Gaochi was lost in thought, the old Zhu asked, "Did you bring your official letter?"

Zhu Gaochi quickly replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the imperial letter has been brought. Please take a look."

Zhu Mengwan quickly took out his letter of credence and prepared to hand it to Old Zhu.

Old Zhu glared at him, somewhat displeased. "You two fools, now that we've abdicated, you should present the official documents to the emperor."

Zhu Mengwan simply kept his head down, while Zhu Gaochi's feelings were incredibly complicated.

He was born in Fengyang Prefecture and grew up in Yingtian Prefecture, and he also studied at Dabentang in his early years. However, these imperial grandsons and the one sitting on the dragon throne now probably had an insurmountable gap and difference from the moment they were born.

As children, Zhu Gaochi and others felt uneasy, believing that their grandparents were biased, because they only had eyes for their cousin. The other child, who grew up in the Kunning Palace, had no inhibitions in front of his grandfather and even began to govern at a young age.

But what about the other imperial grandsons? Not only could they not see their imperial grandmother, but it was also difficult for them to see their imperial grandfather. In fact, in order to ensure that one of them could ascend the throne smoothly, the imperial grandfather not only abdicated early, but also purged a large number of nobles early on, and even many members of the imperial clan had to make way for him.

Even though they wanted to complain, Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Mengwan still said, "This subject knows his crime!"

"Uncle Wang!" Little Zhu's voice came as the boy ran straight into the Qianqing Palace. "Father has prepared a family banquet. Let's hurry over. Father also said that after the banquet, you should all go with him to the Fengxian Hall to offer incense. We should go too."

Old Zhu chuckled and said, "Your father is so improper! Those two are going to offer incense now, what time is it?!"

"We should go at any time!" Little Zhu said emphatically. "Other times are hard to say, and we might have to follow the proper etiquette. But the Fengxian Hall is where our Zhu family's ancestors are enshrined. Now that our children and grandchildren are successful, we should naturally go to offer incense. Our father even said that if he goes, our great-grandfather should go too!"

Old Zhu glared and said, "Only your father is capable of causing trouble. Let him take your Uncle Wang over there. What would it look like if we went!"

Little Zhu rushed forward, grabbed Old Zhu's hand, and said, "Of course it should be Great-Grandfather who goes, since these are all his grandsons. It would be best if Great-Grandfather went, so that our Zhu family ancestors could see that not only was Great-Grandfather capable, but all the sons of our Zhu family are also successful!"

Old Zhu beamed with joy. Little Zhu's words had really struck a chord with him. It was just that Little Zhu hadn't invited him, which made Old Zhu feel a little awkward. But since Little Zhu had made such a request, Old Zhu could only go along with it.

Old Zhu was naturally aware of his great achievements. And with his children and grandchildren now so successful, Old Zhu was even happier and prouder, and could certainly be even more pleased with himself in front of his ancestor!

Zhu Gaochi and Zhu Mengwan were also deeply moved. It was said that their eldest brother was the most favored by their grandfather, so he never behaved properly in front of the emperor. However, the emperor liked that brother's closeness.

Looking back now, it seems the rumors circulating within the imperial clan were rather mild. The Emperor's attitude towards the Crown Prince reveals a lot. His supposedly precocious elder brother, though sometimes impolite, never went too far. But this Crown Prince truly knows no fear in the presence of the Hongwu Emperor.

"Uncle Wang, hurry up and catch up." Little Zhu urged, holding Old Zhu's hand. "Our father is waiting over there. The Fifth Prince will be coming later too. Don't let the Fifth Prince be waiting over there as well."

Old Zhu paused for a moment, then asked, "Why would I send your Fifth Prince over?"

“The Fifth Prince is the Imperial Clan Court’s Chief Clan Officer, so naturally he has to go.” Little Zhu relayed the message, saying, “Great-grandfather, if you’re not satisfied with the arrangements, go talk to our father. We’re just a errand boy, we can’t make the decisions.”

Zhu Gaochi kept his head down. In truth, he was close to his fifth uncle's family, since they shared the same grandmother. However, after arriving in Yingtian Prefecture yesterday, he didn't dare to visit the Prince of Zhou's residence to pay his respects, given that he was now an envoy of a vassal state, making his position even more sensitive.

In fact, it wasn't just Zhu Gaochi; Zhu Mengwan did the same. Once he returned to his residence, he closed the door to all visitors, refused to see anyone, and didn't send anyone from his household or relatives to inquire about his well-being.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!