Old Zhu was naturally satisfied with this answer, and he knew that Little Zhu's statement was correct.

Old Zhu found it amusing and said, "If he goes to Chunhe Palace, he won't see your father. Wang Chengen, where is the Emperor?"

Wang Chengen immediately replied, respectfully reporting, "Your Majesty, after finishing his breakfast, the Emperor went to see the Princess. I just heard that Your Majesty went to Fengxian Hall."

Old Zhu paused for a moment, then said expressionlessly, "It's not a birthday or a death anniversary, what's the point of going to the Ancestral Hall?! He's just pretending to be filial. He hasn't gone over for quite some time now, what kind of excuse is that? If he were truly filial, he would have gone earlier. Going after lunch, what kind of nonsense is this!"

Little Zhu couldn't stand these words and quickly said, "Great-grandfather, judge by actions, not intentions! Our father was busy with court affairs a while ago, he didn't have time."

“We’ve always taken care of you, so you’re not allowed to say anything bad about your father?” Old Zhu said, pulling on Little Zhu’s ear. “We’ve been so kind to you two, father and son, it’s no use how good we are to you, you don’t even remember our kindness! Fine, you can put on your paper, I’m too lazy to care about you!”

Little Zhu, all smiles, wasn't nervous at all, and even deliberately snuggled closer to Old Zhu. Old Zhu seemed angry and wanted to push Little Zhu away, but faced with Little Zhu's persistent attitude, Old Zhu just smiled and hugged Little Zhu, continuing to guide Little Zhu in reviewing the memorials.

While Old Zhu and Little Zhu were busy reviewing memorials, Zhu Yunying was offering incense and paying respects to his ancestors in the Fengxian Hall.

As for Chang Mao, who was completely bewildered, he arrived at Chunhe Hall and, according to the rules, presented his palace token to request an audience.

Xu Miaoqing was initially a bit confused, as she was not supposed to receive Chang Mao. However, with the explanations from the eunuchs and female officials, Xu Miaoqing understood the situation and there were no problems.

Putting aside the fact that this was Little Zhu's arrangement, the fact that Emperor Hongwu had given his approval meant that Xu Miaoqing dared not object. Moreover, there was nothing presumptuous about such a matter, so naturally there was no problem.

The Empress's airs could not be put on in front of Chang Mao. Upon seeing Chang Mao, Xu Miaoqing immediately said, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle. May Your Majesty be well."

Chang Mao glanced at Xu Miaoqing, who seemed somewhat pleased, and forced himself to speak, "Your Majesty, may I request an audience with His Majesty?"

Understanding what was going on, Xu Miaoqing looked at the female official and asked, "Where is His Majesty now?"

The lady-in-waiting immediately said, "Your Highness, His Majesty stayed at Changchun Palace last night and had his meal at Chuxiu Palace. He has now gone to Fengxian Hall."

Chang Mao was taken aback. Wasn't His Majesty supposed to be working hard day and night, and even ill? But looking at him now, His Majesty is very busy.

Looking at Chang Mao, who seemed completely bewildered, Xu Miaoqing said with a smile, "Speaking of which, it's been quite a while since Uncle has seen Mother. Since Uncle has some free time today, I hope Uncle will accompany his niece to Fengxian Hall. I think Mother will be happy."

Chang Mao seemed to understand somewhat, but he still quickly said, "Your Highness, this is probably against the rules."

Xu Miaoqing said with a smile, "After all, Uncle is the Empress Dowager's brother, so there's nothing wrong with that. But Uncle shouldn't look so happy, or it might not look good if someone sees it. If anyone asks, Uncle should have an explanation."

Chang Mao, who was shameless in lying, immediately replied, "Your Majesty, I am praying for Your Majesty's well-being, I know!"

Remembering something, Chang Mao continued, "I am now in charge of the Imperial City Guards. I will go and give them a heads-up so that I can go to the Fengxian Hall."

Xu Miaoqing smiled and nodded, saying, "Then let's go in half an hour. I'll pack up and go pray for blessings too. It's true that I've been a bit negligent lately and haven't been able to go to the Fengxian Hall to offer incense to my grandmother, father, and mother as often as I should."

Those unaware of the situation might mistakenly believe that His Majesty was seriously ill, requiring the Empress to personally go to the Fengxian Hall to pray for him. However, this is unusual, as the Emperor's other concubines and consorts continue as usual. Clearly, no one else knows about these matters.

As for Chang Mao, the fact that he was able to go along was to put Chang Mao at ease; he probably wouldn't be at ease until he saw Zhu Yunying. Even if Old Zhu, Little Zhu, or Xu Miaoqing said something, it might not actually be of any use.

Chang Mao's identity is indeed special, and there's no need to doubt his loyalty, so there's no need to continue hiding things from him. The entire court has been kept in the dark; now it's time to let some people know the truth.

Inside the Fengxian Hall, Xu Miaoqing slowly walked up to Zhu Yunying and said, "Your Majesty, my uncle intends to offer incense to the Empress Dowager."

Zhu Yunying glanced at Xu Miaoqing and nodded with a smile, "Then let Uncle come over. Uncle hasn't been able to offer incense to the Empress Dowager much over the years, so it's really our fault."

After saying this, Zhu Yunying stood up and slowly took three incense sticks. Chang Mao respectfully entered the Fengxian Hall and saw Zhu Yunying lighting incense.

Somewhat blankly, Zhu Yunying accepted the incense offered by Zhu Yunying. Looking at Chang Shi's memorial tablet, Zhu Yunying said, "Mother, my eldest uncle has come today. He now has children and is in good health, so Mother can rest assured."

Chang Mao immediately knelt down. His once most beloved younger sister was now merely a name on a memorial tablet, and it would be a lie to say that Chang Mao wasn't heartbroken. Fortunately, his nephew was successful, becoming a brilliant and ambitious emperor, and his sister could also be considered accomplished.

Xu Miaoqing took the incense from Chang Mao. It was a blessing for Chang Mao to enter the Fengxian Hall today, but he was clearly not qualified to offer more sacrifices to the immortals of the Zhu family. Not only did Old Zhu care about these rules, but Xu Miaoqing also cared a great deal about them. Such matters of status and etiquette could not be taken lightly.

Watching Xu Miaoqing place the incense, Zhu Yunying said, "Uncle, you were also raised by the Empress Dowager, so please offer some incense to her. As for Father, you can go to the Eastern Mausoleum to pay your respects tomorrow. If outsiders say it's to pray for our well-being, do you understand, Uncle?"

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