Take Chang Mao, for example. He hummed a tune and drank his wine. He naturally knew some things, and even more than the average person.

Madam Chang Feng smiled and poured Chang Mao a cup of wine, saying, "His Majesty is exceptionally talented, yet it is only a blockhead like you who insists that His Majesty is not good at poetry and literature. Since His Majesty is precocious, he must be very learned. In our opinion, the reason His Majesty does not show his talent is probably because His Majesty is not close to Confucianism."

Chang Mao chuckled and said, "His Majesty is precocious; few know more about him than his own family. When my sister was still alive, she said that His Majesty could read ten lines at a glance from a young age, could write ten characters at two years old, and could write at three. We still can't compare to His Majesty."

As Feng Sheng's daughter, Chang Fengshi was quite talented. "His Majesty's previous work, 'On Poetry,' was indeed bold and unrestrained. However, I feel that during these few days of court sessions, many people will surely offer their advice. I have heard that not only His Majesty went out of the palace incognito, but the Emperor Emeritus and the Crown Prince also went out of the palace together. This is no small matter."

Of course, this is no small matter. None of these three can be allowed to get into trouble. What's more, all three of them have left the palace at once. If something unexpected happens and they are all wiped out, the Ming Dynasty might be thrown into turmoil.

Chang Mao chuckled. He figured it was best not to say too much about it. He decided to use his best trick again: simply pretending to be deaf and dumb. If His Majesty became enraged or found himself unable to back down, he, the Duke of Kaiping, would have to play the role of a tough nut to crack in court once more—which wouldn't be difficult.

For Chang Mao, this was indeed not difficult; it could be considered one of his specialties. Let alone the civil service, even the military officials, faced with Chang Mao's unique and cunning nature, could only shake their heads and sigh; they had no other options.

Madam Chang also laughed. She naturally knew how to do certain things and also knew what kind of personality her husband had.

The Chang family and Emperor Ying Shi were so deeply intertwined that their fates were intertwined; they shared both glory and ruin. Chang Fengshi was well aware that as long as her descendants didn't commit any heinous acts, the lineage of the Prince of Kaiping would be secure and would undoubtedly be passed down alongside the Ming dynasty.

Think about it again. Her father was Feng Sheng, and her second son had been taken to the Feng family. The eldest son was the future Duke of Kaiping, and the younger son was the Duke of Song. Chang Fengshi, who had been unable to bear sons in her early years, could now be said to be very successful and glorious, not only because of her good birth and good marriage, but also because she was fertile.

Moreover, his cousin was the brother-in-law of Emperor Ying Shi, and inherited the title of Duke of Ying from his uncle, Feng Guoyong.

To be honest, Chang Fengshi was the envy of countless women. Although she couldn't compare to her mother-in-law, her life was still worthwhile. As for her eldest nephew, he was not only a wise and powerful emperor who commanded the respect of the entire court, but also exceptionally talented, which made Chang Fengshi even more proud.

Zhu Yunying was unaware of these matters, mainly because he had returned to the palace to rest after leaving to admire the lanterns. Everyone else seemed quite excited and happy, appearing very satisfied. But for Zhu Yunying, it was simply time to rest.

Lying on the tatami mat, Zhu Yunying hummed a song, while Zhu Ruyi happily draped her shoulders over him. This wasn't intentional coquetry; it was mainly because Zhu Ruyi was naturally close to Zhu Yunying, and this little girl was indeed quite considerate.

"The reason we like Ruyi so much is because Ruyi is so considerate." Zhu Yunying said with a contented squinting eye, "That Crown Prince, it's hard for us to even catch a glimpse of him. If that kid taps us on the shoulder, we're afraid. He's definitely just trying to curry favor for no reason."

Lian Qiongqiong dared not speak ill of Xiao Zhu, so she could only say good things, "His Highness the Crown Prince is pure and kind, and most mischievous..."

"It's alright, but Grandfather spoils him terribly." Zhu Yunying smiled and said to Lian Qiongqiong, "That kid really doesn't give us any peace of mind, but he's still alright. He still acts like an older brother in front of Ruyi'er."

Zhu Ruyi's chubby little face appeared, and she said in her childish voice, "Daddy, my brother is the best. When we want lanterns or kites outside, my brother brings them for us. Every time he goes out, he sends someone to ask us if we have anything we like, and he brings it back for us."

Zhu Yunying then asked directly, "Then tell me, when your imperial brother brought back those clever gadgets for you, did he ask for your share?"

The princes and princesses each received a monthly allowance, and little Zhu was basically living beyond his means, spending money quite extravagantly. This wasn't just because he lacked financial sense, but mainly because he genuinely knew how to spend money, constantly giving gifts and rewards everywhere, and frequently freeloading off others.

Even though Zhu Yunying would occasionally cover for him, or Old Zhu would give Little Zhu some subsidies, Little Zhu still managed to cheat and swindle quite often.

“That’s different,” Zhu Ruyi said unhappily, defending her imperial brother. “He uses all of his allowance on us. He never comes back empty-handed from the palace. He always has people send us big and small things. He doesn’t ask for our allowance every time; he only asks for it when he’s really out of money.”

Zhu Yunying sighed and said, "You know, your imperial brother has never been short of money. Your great-grandfather gave him plenty. Your second uncle and second aunt always put some in his pocket. He can become incredibly wealthy after just one trip to your maternal uncle's place."

Zhu Ruyi was angry. Although she was still patting Zhu Yunying's shoulder, she refused to speak.

Although her father was very close, it seemed that her brother was closer, and Zhu Ruyi was unwilling to listen to her father 'slander' her brother.

Zhu Yunying smiled but didn't say much; it was better to remain silent at this point. Adults often can't fully understand the thoughts of children.

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