Zhu Chun and Zhu Quan were a little nervous because the person standing in front of them was the current emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

In Zhu Chun's memory, it was incredibly difficult to see his father and mother when he was a child. But his nephew grew up in Kunning Palace and was the object of his father and mother's affections.

Although Zhu Chun was three years older than Zhu Yunying, his mother, Consort Guo, taught him to please and flatter Zhu Yunying when he was young, because the difference in their social status was too great.

As Zhu Yunying's uncle, Zhu Quan was actually the same age as Zhu Yunying. While these princes and grandsons were still receiving their early education at the Imperial Academy, Zhu Yunying rarely went there. Even when he did go, he appeared to be educating his peers within the imperial clan.

However, Zhu Quan was also well aware that his elder and younger brothers had actually received a great deal of education from Zhu Yunying, who was still a teenager at the time. And those things were actually approved of by his elder brothers and father, who even welcomed them.

Actually, among the princes like Zhu Chun and Zhu Quan, only the first few were not too afraid of Zhu Yunying. This was mainly because by the time Zhu Yunying was around, those princes had all grown up.

Even though Zhu Chun was three years older than Zhu Yunying, he was still quite afraid of him. The precocious Zhu Yunying was a source of childhood trauma for them, not only because of the difference in their social status, but also because when they were still innocent children, Zhu Yunying acted like a little adult.

Don't be fooled by the current friendly demeanor of Emperor Ying Shi. Everyone knows he's a 'smiling tiger,' and while he's speaking kindly, he might already be preparing to hand over a knife.

This is not an exaggeration. It's simply because they all know Joo Yoon-young quite well. They have practically grown up alongside Joo Yoon-young and have always been incredibly concerned about his growth and health. Naturally, they are also very clear about some of Joo Yoon-young's affairs.

Zhu Yunying didn't care about so much. His birth was special, and his identity made him the focus of attention from an early age.

He didn't care what his uncles were thinking, nor did he care that Little Zhu had been left in the Qianqing Palace by Old Zhu. He didn't need to care about any of that.

In fact, Zhu Yunying was quite clear about what the old Zhu was thinking. It wasn't that young Zhu was too young to participate in court affairs; it was simply that the old Zhu didn't want young Zhu to have contact with these members of the imperial clan, especially those who might be enfeoffed.

Zhu Yunwen chuckled, unconcerned. "Brother, it seems you've upset Grandfather again. Usually, Grandfather wouldn't refuse you, but this time he's not going to be so lenient. If you ask me, it's because you're too cunning."

Zhu Chun and Zhu Quan kept their heads down and remained silent; they didn't even want to hear what he was saying. Only a fool like Zhu Yunwen would dare to speak like that; it was as if he thought the princely title beneath him was too hot to handle, and he was practically trying to strip him of his title.

Zhu Yunying smiled and said irritably, "Do you think you know so much? If Grandfather is really angry, he'll come and scold us."

Zhu Yunwen thought about it and realized that it made sense. If his grandfather were really angry, things would be different.

Zhu Yunying didn't mind and said to Zhu Chun and Zhu Quan, "Uncle Shu and Uncle Ning, I suppose the Emperor summoned you to the palace some time ago. There are some things you probably already know."

Zhu Chun and Zhu Quan naturally dared not hide the truth; they had indeed entered the palace a few days ago and were summoned to the Qianqing Palace, where they could be said to have seen the long-lost Old Zhu. As for what they talked about, it was nothing more than some ambiguous conversation.

Both Zhu Chun and Zhu Quan felt that they might be enfeoffed, no longer as princes guarding the territory of the Ming Dynasty, but, if nothing unexpected happened, they would have a fiefdom overseas like their fourth brother, and could become a true ruler.

Actually, these past few days, they've all been feeling quite uneasy and a bit anxious.

This matter was indeed very meaningful to them, and they all hoped to have their own base of operations. Goryeo was a very good choice, at least compared to the barbaric lands, Goryeo could be considered a 'civilized land'.

Moreover, the imperial court's war in Goryeo is progressing smoothly. If nothing unexpected happens, this year will basically see the annihilation of Yi Seong-gye and his son, the treacherous father and son who usurped the throne.

Even though the Emperor's side seemed to have given a slight hint, everyone knew that Emperor Ying Shi was essentially in charge of these matters. After his abdication, the Emperor truly had no attachment to power and basically relinquished control over everything, big or small.

Therefore, what the Emperor said made people think a lot, and they felt that, barring any unforeseen circumstances, they would definitely have a chance. However, if Emperor Ying Shi did not agree, this matter might encounter setbacks, and it was even very likely that it would fail completely.

Zhu Yunying continued, "Actually, we also know that many members of the imperial clan harbored some resentment because we spearheaded the reduction of the power of the princes in our early years."

Zhu Chun quickly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I dare not speak to you."

He was the Prince of Shu, enfeoffed in Chengdu Prefecture, living a carefree life. However, even before Zhu Yunying ascended the throne, he instigated the reduction of the power of the princes, and Zhu Chun and others could only return to Yingtian Prefecture from their fiefdoms, or be settled in Beiping.

Zhu Quan quickly replied, "Your Majesty, we dare not harbor any resentment."

"Dare not?" Joo Yoon-young smiled, as if there was a hidden meaning in his words, "Dare not have resentment? That just means you dare not say it out loud. Who knows what you're cursing at us in your heart."

Zhu Quan's heart skipped a beat. He was one of those unlucky ones. He was about to be enfeoffed, but because Zhu Yunying, who was only the Crown Prince at the time, was stirring up trouble, these princes didn't have the opportunity to be enfeoffed. They were lucky if they could get the chance to go out and lead troops to patrol the border.

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