It is widely known that Emperor Yingshi was a poet, much like the long-standing reputation of his precocious talent.

After the Lantern Festival, many people were not talking about how lively this year's Lantern Festival was, but rather about a wonderful poem that had emerged.

Titled "Magnolia Flower," some have analyzed it and felt that it depicts a woman heartbroken by love resolutely breaking up with the man who hurt her. It borrows from the stories of Ban Jieyu's abandonment and the tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Yang Guifei to create a melancholy and sorrowful atmosphere, expressing the resentment of being abandoned.

However, some people feel that this poem should not be interpreted as a love poem. Instead, they believe it is a farewell poem in the style of ancient folk songs, written for a friend.

Many people didn't know who wrote this poem at first, only that it was supposedly written by a young man. Although the handwriting was immature, it was also said to have been written by the young man's daughter.

However, there's no need to delve too deeply into it; the characters '雄英' (Xiong Ying) cannot be written casually. Even if the emperor changed his name, everyone still knows the former name of the one currently sitting on the dragon throne, and knows that he was the only member of the Ming imperial family who did not follow the naming order established by the Hongwu Emperor.

It is quite obvious that Emperor Ying Shi was traveling incognito. Combined with what some people said about seeing a burly old man and a lively young man, we can basically confirm his identity.

Ru Chang had been suffering greatly for a year, his beard almost falling off from being stroked so much. As the Minister of Personnel and a confidant of the emperor, he certainly needed to submit a memorial to the emperor. It was already risky for the emperor to travel incognito, let alone when it appeared that the retired emperor and the crown prince had also gone out of the palace incognito.

Ru Chang's eldest son, Ru Jian, said with a smile, "Father, in my opinion, you should not submit a memorial."

“I know that submitting a petition is useless, but as a father, I am an official of the court and should fulfill my duty as a subject.” Looking at her eldest son, Ru Chang said, “After you return, you should also tell Her Highness the Princess…”

Ru Jian, that's the imperial son-in-law, Zhu Yuanzhang's son-in-law. Even though she's his daughter-in-law, Ru Chang still has to maintain his proper status at home; he's still a subject. As for Ru Jian, it goes without saying. Although he doesn't have to pay his respects every morning and evening, being an imperial son-in-law isn't an easy job.

Ru Jian also wore a bitter expression; his wife wasn't particularly favored by the Hongwu Emperor. Of course, according to Ru Chang's family upbringing, whether as a subject or a son, one should still speak out. Whether the emperor would heed his advice was another matter entirely.

"My father worked in His Majesty's residence in his early years..."

Ru Chang immediately glared at Ru Chang and said, "His Majesty dislikes anything about precociousness. You are now serving in the court, so you should know your place. The Song Dynasty praised precociousness and child prodigies, and many children were granted official positions. But how many of them became pillars of the court?!"

Child prodigies have existed since ancient times. Gan Luo became prime minister at the age of twelve, and Luo Binwang of the Tang Dynasty could compose poetry at the age of seven.

The Song Dynasty was an era of child prodigies. Not only did Yan Shu pass the imperial examination at the age of fourteen, but Cai Boxi also passed at the age of four. The Song Dynasty even established the "Children's Examination" specifically to select child prodigies.

However, in reality, only a limited number of these child prodigies become pillars of society; many are simply examples of "the tragic loss of talent."

Ru Jian naturally didn't say anything more. He knew something about Emperor Yingshi's precocious intelligence, and his age was similar to Emperor Yingshi's. However, when he was still a child, Emperor Yingshi had already traveled to Yingtian Prefecture. In fact, Ru Jian had also received a jade pendant as a reward from Emperor Yingshi when he was young and naive.

Since Emperor Ying Shi is unwilling to mention it, then we can talk about it privately. It absolutely cannot be brought up in public, otherwise it may not be a good thing.

At this point, Ru Jian probably knew what he should do and what he shouldn't say.

Who could blame him when his father was a confidant of the emperor, holding the high-ranking position of Minister of Personnel, the head of the Six Ministries? Moreover, Ru Jian himself, while not particularly talented, was not exactly a spoiled brat; he understood many things and principles.

At the Lian residence, Lian's wife gazed greedily at the words on the lantern, "Was this written by Ruyi'er?"

Lian Zining smiled with satisfaction and said, "Your Highness is skilled in calligraphy. I have heard that Your Highness often wrote down the Crown Prince's lessons. His Majesty has many children. Although the Crown Prince is somewhat arrogant, he cares about the people and is kind and benevolent. Your Highness is kind and gentle and is greatly favored by His Majesty."

Lian's wife glanced at Lian Zining, but she didn't say much. However, Lian Zining's smug expression was hard to hide.

Lian Qiongqiong is their daughter, a specially appointed Imperial Noble Consort by His Majesty, second only to the Empress. Currently, there is no such thing as a secondary consort in the Ming Dynasty. If the current Emperor hadn't abolished the position of secondary consort, Lian Qiongqiong might very well have been one.

As for the current emperor's favor towards Zhu Ruyi, it is not only known to the Lian family, but also to everyone in the court and among the people.

At this moment, Lian's wife asked again, "Since that's the case, will you still offer your loyal advice when you go to court tomorrow?"

Lian Zining, with a dignified expression, solemnly said, "This is the duty of a subject!"

Lian's wife wasn't surprised at all; it would have been strange if her husband hadn't done anything. This wasn't just because Lian Zining was the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, practically the head of all censors in the land, but also because Lian Zining himself was known for his upright and honest character.

In fact, it wasn't just Lian Zining and Ru Chang who were prepared; many other civil and military officials were also ready. There were things they were unaware of, and things they couldn't stop in time, which was truly unavoidable.

However, it's not in their nature to pretend not to know something they already know. Of course, some people will also pretend not to know even if they do, because they don't want to displease the emperor.

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