Zhu Yunwen is probably quite unlucky, and perhaps this is partly his own fault.

It was because he had some inappropriate thoughts in his early years, and although his mother, Consort Lü, didn't dare to make too many moves in her early years, she did have some thoughts, which Zhu Yunying saw through.

So at this point, even if Zhu Yunying had already ascended the throne, or even if he had been formally named the Crown Prince, Zhu Yunwen would probably have resigned himself to his fate. Or perhaps, this kid could only say that he was born of a concubine and shouldn't have harbored such thoughts under his mother's instigation in the first place.

Of course, this was probably also because they were half-brothers, so Zhu Yunwen was never truly able to become close to Zhu Yunying. Even Zhu Yunying himself, while seemingly caring for his younger brother Zhu Yunwen, only maintained a superficial level of concern.

Zhu Yunwen is a thoughtful younger brother, though he may not be very capable, he is a considerate younger brother.

Zhu Yue, his younger sister, was also very considerate. She looked at Zhu Yunying and said, "Brother, we've heard rumors that Eleventh Uncle is going to Goryeo to establish a kingdom. But seriously, Eleventh Aunt is the eldest daughter of the Duke of Liang. Is this really a good idea?"

The Princess Consort of Shu was Lan Yu's legitimate daughter. This was because Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang had bestowed many titles upon meritorious officials in his early years, and many military officers had marriage alliances with the royal family. This kind of thing was not unique to the Ming Dynasty; other dynasties also had similar practices.

"There's nothing to worry about. After all, the Duke of Liang is the Duke of Liang of our Great Ming Dynasty, and also our maternal uncle," Zhu Yunying said with a smile. "If you really knew your uncle's character, you would know that he is the one with great wisdom."

Zhu Yunwen tilted his head and thought for a moment, then said, "Brother, my uncle is very much like me. I am also the kind of person who appears foolish but is actually wise!"

In response to Zhu Yunying's self-praise, Zhu Yunying said irritably, "You really have no shame. Your uncle has some wisdom, though not much. You, on the other hand, are just clever in small ways. Your uncle knows his special status, and most importantly, your uncle has always protected us."

That's the truth. It's fair to say that Chang Mao is useless. This "brother-in-law of the emperor" with a somewhat impatient temper is basically uncontrollable. He's the kind of person who even dared to cheat his father-in-law.

However, many people also know that Chang Mao, who seems unable to carry the banner of the Chang faction, is completely different from Xu Huizu of the Xu faction. But Chang Mao, this playboy, is not without ability; he is actually quite capable and competent.

Ultimately, Chang Mao was quite clear about some things. For example, he had always cared deeply for Zhu Yunying, his beloved nephew. Of course, now that nephew was the emperor's nephew.

Pointing at Zhu Yunying, Zhu Yunying said with a smile, "If you were half as worry-free as my eldest uncle, we would be at ease. Don't believe everything you hear. Think about what my eldest uncle has done over the years. Haven't he done every task we were asked to do very well?"

Zhu Yunwen tilted his head and thought about it carefully, then said, "Now that you think about it, it seems to make sense. Everyone outside says that my eldest uncle is a playboy, and that we were corrupted by him. But now that I think about it, it seems that my eldest uncle can handle all the things that my elder brother asks of him."

That makes sense, really. Chang Mao basically failed to accomplish what Zhu Yunying had entrusted to him.

Zhu Yue also remembered something and said, "Last time, the Prince Consort mentioned the estates in Liaodong, which were all run by our families. Although it is Second Uncle who is in charge, we all know that it was First Uncle who did the work."

Zhu Yunwen looked at Xu Miaoqing and complained, "Sister-in-law, tell the Second Imperial Uncle. We can handle things in Liaodong ourselves. Don't let the Second Imperial Uncle cause trouble. He should be keeping an eye on Yin'er and protecting him. Why should he bother with anything else?!"

Xu Miaoqing was speechless. She had initially thought Zhu Yunwen had made some progress, but now she realized she had been overthinking things. However, she still couldn't say anything about these matters; silence was the best course of action at this time.

Zhu Yue retorted, "Just drink your wine. If that doesn't shut you up, then eat something!"

Zhu Yue naturally knew something about what was happening in Liaodong. The things her eldest uncle had instructed her to have her second uncle lead the Chang lineage to cultivate estates there, or to bring back many serfs from Southeast Asia, and so on.

As for Zhu Yue's family's involvement, it's mainly because Chang Mao's first wife was Feng Sheng's eldest daughter, and Chang Mao's second son is now the Duke of Song. It's also common knowledge that Feng Sheng's nephew is the imperial son-in-law, the Duke of Ying, Feng Cheng.

This was a marriage alliance between families with military merits, and it was a deliberate arrangement by Old Zhu.

Therefore, it is indeed the norm for those born into families of military merit to have no concept of free choice in marriage. Arranged marriages for the sake of family interests are commonplace. This is not unique to families of military merit; it is even more so in imperial families.

Zhu Yunying was in a good mood and said to Zhu Yunying, "If you were really like your uncle, then we could truly feel at ease. You must understand, although your uncle is not good at leading troops, he can really get things done for us in the court."

Chang Mao was indeed Zhu Yunying's capable assistant, the best 'tool' for Zhu Yunying to control the court and military merits.

Zhu Yunying was indeed very satisfied with his maternal uncle, in every way.

To be realistic, if Chang Mao were as reliable as Xu Huizu, it might not be a good thing for Zhu Yunying. After all, Chang Mao was Chang Yuchun's eldest son, and naturally became the head and leader of the Chang lineage.

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