The autumn wind was bleak outside, or rather, it was already winter, but Zhu Yunying didn't feel too cold. Mainly because he was wearing a thick fur coat, and of course, he had plenty of cotton-padded clothing, so he wasn't cold.

If even the emperor were to freeze, it would be utterly outrageous; it would be a scene straight out of the end of a dynasty.

Looking at Zhu Wenkun, who looked like a little ball, Zhu Yunying laughed, "It's better this way, it's nice to look chubby."

Xu Miaoqing couldn't help but laugh and said, "Kun'er is a bit fatter than Yin'er. To be honest, Kun'er is more mischievous than Yin'er. I'm already thinking that I'll have to keep an eye on Kun'er in the future, so he doesn't become like Yun Tong."

Zhu Yunying couldn't help but frown, and said seriously, "We finally got a break, so let's not talk about annoying people or annoying things anymore."

Xu Miaoqing couldn't help but laugh. Zhu Yuntong, this younger brother-in-law, was indeed a handful. Even though Zhu Yunying, the eldest brother, always protected Zhu Yuntong, everyone knew what kind of person that kid really was.

Footsteps sounded outside, and Lian Qiongqiong arrived with Zhu Ruyi. Wang Shi also came with Zhu Wenjin; all of Zhu Yunying's children were coming. After all, it was Zhu Yunying's birthday banquet, a major event in the court, but the family couldn't be neglected.

Zhu Ruyi was very happy, and Lian Qiongqiong's education was not bad. "This subject pays respects to His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness the Empress Dowager."

Zhu Wenjin followed suit and obediently bowed, saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty the Emperor and Your Highness the Empress Dowager."

Zhu Yunying smiled and raised his hand, saying, "No need for formalities, this is a family banquet. Ruyi and Wenjin, come and see your younger brother as well."

As for Lian Qiongqiong and Wang Shi, they naturally dared not be careless either. Their children called Xu Miaoqing "Empress Mother," which they felt was only natural, as Empress Xu Miaoqing was the nominal and true mother of all Zhu Yunying's children.

Zhu Ruyi and Zhu Wenjin naturally came over immediately; there was clearly no jealousy involved. They weren't only children; they were already used to their father having other children.

“Dad, look, Wenkun has gotten fatter again.” Zhu Ruyi looked carefully and made her own judgment. “We saw Wenkun just now, but he ignored me and just kept dozing off.”

At this moment, Zhu Wenjin muttered, "Father, why is my brother ignoring us? We've told him so many times, but he never listens."

“Wenkun is so young, how could he understand what you’re saying?” Zhu Ruyi immediately spoke up, also educating Zhu Wenjin, “When your little brother grows up a bit more, he’ll be able to walk and talk!”

Just then, the sound of running footsteps approached. Everyone knew that this kind of treatment was common in the Ming Dynasty. The retired emperor and the emperor wouldn't run around the palace without regard for decorum, but the crown prince didn't care. Forget about fighting on the training grounds; he could run anywhere else in the palace without hesitation.

"Dad, Great-Grandpa will be here soon!" Little Zhu ran into the hall and said happily, "Great-Grandpa wasn't supposed to come, but we kept pestering him! Dad, aren't we clever? We knew you wanted Great-Grandpa to come along so he could see our little brothers and sisters."

Zhu Ruyi and Zhu Wenjin naturally bowed to their elder brother, the Emperor. These imperial etiquettes were essential and it was important to clearly distinguish the differences in status.

Zhu Yunying was quite happy and handed Zhu Wenkun to the little Zhu, saying, "Our Yin'er is really amazing. Now you're allowed to hug your little brother. As the older brother, you have to take good care of your younger siblings."

"I don't like such young kids. They can't even poop or pee properly," Little Zhu said with his hands behind his back, looking disgusted. "And they just love to cry. We don't want them. We'll take them horseback riding and war when they're older."

There's not much to say about this, and perhaps we shouldn't have been so optimistic in the first place. Little Zhu really does lack a bit of patience; there's no need to make a fuss. Asking him to play with a baby in swaddling clothes does seem a bit unreasonable.

Only Zhu Yunying's concubines who had children were allowed to come, which shows that Zhu Yunying was significantly influenced by Zhu Yunying.

He didn't think he was a scoundrel, and many people thought it was only natural. Even the concubines who didn't receive Zhu Yunying's favor only felt they weren't charming enough and praised the emperor's diligence, believing the emperor was clearly infallible.

Old Zhu arrived leisurely. Although he always favored the eldest legitimate son, he was still quite pleased to see that Zhu Yunying had several children. As for the children being a little nervous, Old Zhu was used to it.

Old Zhu didn't even bother to look at Lian Qiongqiong and Wang Shi; in his eyes, their status was dispensable.

"Ruyi is quite well-behaved. Your elder brother praised you a few days ago." Looking at Zhu Ruyi, the old Zhu gave her some rare praise. "You are favored by your father and not spoiled. We are happy. We will bestow upon you a Ruyi and ten pearls."

Zhu Yunying smiled and said to Old Zhu, "That's a good thing, but Ruyi is still a bit too young. Grandfather, shall I hold this for Ruyi for now, and give it to her when she's a little older?"

Old Zhu glared and cursed, "She's still our great-granddaughter. We gave her to her as a gift, and she still remembers how good her great-grandfather was to her. If you give her to her when she's grown up, it'll be you who's scheming against her. What good will that do us?"

“That’s right!” Little Zhu chimed in, “Great-grandfather, Dad is the best at coaxing people. He coaxed so many of our things away, and he won’t give them to us even if we ask for them.”

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