Everyone has their own ideals and ambitions, which is perfectly normal.

Zhu Yunying had his own pursuits and ambitions, and so did Yan Zhenzhi. These weren't actually in conflict; as long as it wasn't a matter of principle, there was no problem.

Even in many things, they are all working in the same direction, striving to make the Ming Dynasty develop better and bring more help to the country.

Having just finished his official duties, Wang Chengen immediately said, "Your Majesty, His Highness the Crown Prince has taken Princess to the Qianqing Palace. He said that His Majesty the Retired Emperor wants to test Princess."

Slightly stunned, Zhu Yunying cursed irritably, "That little bastard, does he really think he has us under his thumb now?!"

Despite his complaints, Joo Yun-young knew he still needed to go to the Qing Palace. It seems that Joo Yun-young has been controlled by his father and son for life; he wouldn't feel this 'awkward' when facing others.

Remembering something, Zhu Yunying asked, "Where is the second prince? Didn't he go?"

Wang Chengen immediately and cautiously replied, "Your Majesty, the Second Prince has also been summoned for examination, but His Majesty the Retired Emperor is displeased."

Zhu Yunying was at a loss for words. He had three sons and one daughter, but his second son, Zhu Wenjin, was the least noticeable. This wasn't just because of Zhu Wenjin's background, but also because the boy was indeed unruly.

Now I really have to go to the Qing Palace; I have no choice but to go and see it.

Zhu Yunying strolled leisurely towards the Qianqing Palace, feeling that this was quite good. Old Zhu's eyes were almost entirely on his youngest son, Zhu Yunying; his favoritism was obvious to everyone. Now, Old Zhu could also pay a little more attention to and educate Zhu Yunying's other children, which wasn't a bad thing.

As soon as Zhu Yunying entered the Qianqing Palace, he saw Xu Miaoqing holding Zhu Wenkun and standing to the side, while Zhu Ruyi was obediently reciting the "Admonitions for Women".

Zhu Ruyi clearly didn't notice Zhu Yunying's arrival and continued reciting her text fluently. Old Zhu nodded slightly, seemingly quite satisfied with his clever and obedient great-granddaughter. Perhaps there was also a slight pity that she wasn't his legitimate daughter.

Little Zhu looked proud, as if he had taught his younger sister. He didn't feel ashamed of his poor academic performance or uneasy about having his sister help him with his homework.

"Ah!" Zhu Wenkun, who was being held in Xu Miaoqing's arms, suddenly became excited, jumping restlessly and waving his hands.

Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh. It seemed that her efforts over the past few days had some effect; spending time with the child regularly did have its benefits. At least the little guy now recognized people; he knew that the person in front of him was his father.

Zhu Yunying walked over with a smile, and Zhu Wenkun immediately bent down and pounced on Zhu Yunying.

Holding Zhu Wenkun, Zhu Yunying smiled and said to Zhu Ruyi, "Keep reciting. Your great-grandfather is in a good mood today and is willing to test you. That's your blessing."

Old Zhu glanced at Zhu Yunying, then at Zhu Wenkun who was clinging to Zhu Yunying's neck and nibbling at her, but didn't say anything more.

After Zhu Ruyi finished reciting, Old Zhu said, "Your second son is really unruly. Even Yun Tong is better than him. At least Yun Tong can read and write. Your second son can't even understand what he's reading from the book."

Before Zhu Yunying could speak, Xu Miaoqing stepped forward to take the blame, saying, "The second prince's poor academic performance is mostly due to my lack of strict discipline. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."

Xu Miaoqing's statement is not problematic; according to current universal values, this is indeed the case. Xu Miaoqing was Zhu Yunying's first wife, which means that all of Zhu Yunying's children were nominally Xu Miaoqing's children as well.

Even someone like Zhu Ruyi could only address Xu Miaoqing as "Empress Dowager".

Old Zhu nodded slightly and said, "Although the Empress has been busy these days, you should also do your job of disciplining the Emperor's children. You don't need to worry about Yin'er; the Emperor and I can raise him well. As for the others, keep an eye on them and make sure they don't become unruly and cause the Emperor any trouble."

At this point, Xu Miaoqing could only obediently accept the order. It was only because Old Zhu dared to reprimand her that Xu Miaoqing showed any respect. Old Zhu was generally too lazy to say much to his children. And with his grandchildren, he was even less inclined to pay them any attention.

Zhu Yunying, holding the restless Zhu Wenkun, laughed and defused the situation, "Grandpa, the only thing Yin'er's face doesn't resemble ours is his chin. But look at Wenkun, why doesn't his chin look like ours either? In our Zhu family, only we have pointed chins?"

Old Zhu glanced at the chubby, round Zhu Wenkun and said, "You look like your mother, and your eyebrows and eyes are somewhat like ours, but your chin is different. Our Yin'er is no ordinary child; he's like his imperial grandfather and like us at heart. You can tell at a glance that he's from our Zhu family."

Little Zhu immediately said proudly, "When we were in Yingtian Prefecture, everyone who saw us said we looked just like each other! You can tell at a glance that we're the young master of the Zhu family. Father is no good; he's too delicate-looking and doesn't resemble Second Uncle at all! Second Uncle is definitely from the Zhu family!"

Little Zhu's words resonated with Old Zhu. His eldest grandson was good in every way, except that he was a little too delicate-looking.

Zhu Wenkun didn't think so. The boy excitedly hugged Zhu Yunying's neck, opened his mouth with a few little milk teeth, and kept nibbling at Zhu Yunying's face, looking quite excited.

"Hold your younger brother." Zhu Yunying handed Zhu Wenkun to Zhu Ruyi and said, "We know you like to read. From now on, supervise Wenjin's studies and don't let him fool around all day. Also, remember, no matter what your elder brother says, don't do his homework for him."

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