It is said that the imperial family is the most ruthless, and Emperor Zhu (Zhu Yuanzhang) sometimes felt this deeply. Some of the things he did could be said to have erased some family ties. If an ordinary family had done the same, it would have easily led to a complete upheaval.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang also felt quite proud because he was the emperor, and therefore had to do certain things, many of which couldn't be viewed through the lens of ordinary reasoning. Moreover, in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, even though his own family had its share of problems, overall he couldn't be considered 'heartless'; even the imperial family had kinship ties.

Everyone thought that Emperor Hongwu only loved his eldest son, but how many people could understand that this was actually a form of care that Zhu Yuanzhang showed to his other children?

The Ming Dynasty did not have the problem of vying for the throne, which naturally reduced the number of brothers killing each other. The foundation of the state was established early on, which made the princes and grandsons of the emperor understand their position, reduce unrealistic fantasies, and help them understand how to get along with their brothers and sisters.

Like Zhu Yunwen, he was also a legitimate son, but he knew that with an elder brother as bright as the moon in the sky, he could live a life of leisure and wealth as a prince. He never had such thoughts about becoming the Crown Prince, the Crown Prince, or even the Emperor.

For example, Zhu Yunwen and Lady Lü, in their early years, felt that Lady Chang had died young and that if they tried harder, they might still have a chance. However, they never dared to make any big moves, only daring to make small, cautious actions. Gradually, they resigned themselves to their fate; as long as Zhu Yunying was alive, they had no chance.

So this can be considered a good thing; if he can't be the emperor, he can be a wise and learned king in peace.

A prince can have some free time, but the crown prince can't, especially on special occasions when he's even busier.

On the Empress's birthday, the Crown Prince was naturally obliged to attend and show his filial piety. Putting aside the fact that young Zhu was the Crown Prince, his age alone meant that he had to project an image of harmony within the imperial family, which was being closely watched by many.

Celebrating his mother's birthday, playing with his younger brother, caring for the elders of the imperial clan, and urging the younger members of the imperial clan to make progress—these are all responsibilities of young Zhu, and these are things that young Zhu should do.

Seeing Zhu's performance, everyone, from the imperial family to the officials, kept praising him, saying that the Ming Dynasty was truly virtuous and capable.

Xu Miaoqing looked around before saying, "Imperial Aunt, His Majesty has assigned Yin'er the task of receiving the King of Zhongshan. Uncle has not yet set off, and I hope he can give Yin'er some guidance."

Princess Ningguo quickly said, "Your Highness is overthinking it. I have heard that Prince Xu is assisting the Minister of Rites, so there is naturally no problem for His Highness the Crown Prince to meet with the King of Zhongshan. It is just that I am afraid that the King of Zhongshan is a barbarian and may not know etiquette."

Princess Zhu Zhu of Anqing hurriedly added, "If you ask us, that barbarian is certainly ignorant of etiquette. Upon hearing of his father's death, he immediately ascended the throne. If the court hadn't issued an order to reprimand him, this man wouldn't have known to come to court to plead guilty."

It's quite normal that people look down on the Ryukyu Kingdom. Nowadays, many people in the Ming Dynasty regard places outside of the Ming Dynasty as uncivilized lands and as barbarians.

The officials of the Ming Dynasty regarded the visit of the King of Zhongshan to the court as a major event, because it was a matter concerning a vassal state, and therefore a major event that had to be taken seriously. There could be no carelessness, as it might become a momentous occasion for the dynasty.

To many women and children, this was a major event: a local barbarian chieftain had committed a crime and was being punished by the imperial court. They didn't really care about, or perhaps didn't understand, the political implications.

Xu Miaoqing actually knew to some extent that this matter was quite important, and she also knew that Mei Yin was well-versed in classics and history, and had even served as the Shandong Provincial Education Commissioner in his early years. In Zhu's eyes, this son-in-law of his most beloved eldest daughter was well-versed in classics and history, a Confucian scholar, the kind of mature, loyal, and trustworthy man who could be entrusted with the young emperor—a truly talented individual.

Although Mei Yin, the "uncle-in-law," did not seem to be given important positions during the Hongwu reign after Zhu Yunying ascended the throne, his status remained high, and he was often required to handle certain matters, which proved to be more effective.

Xu Miaoqing looked at Princess Ningguo and said, "I do want Yin'er to go, but Yin'er is not close to Confucian disciples, nor is he close to Prince Xu. He may not listen to others, so it would be more effective if Uncle-in-law gave him a lecture."

Princess Ningguo and Princess Anqing were naturally pleased that Xu Miaoqing only considered kinship with them. However, they were also clever enough not to use their seniority to actually teach Xu Miaoqing a lesson, nor could they take it for granted that they were elders and blood relatives and could act recklessly just because they had taken care of Zhu Yunying for several years.

Therefore, Princess Ningguo said, "Your Highness flatters me! In my opinion, His Highness the Crown Prince is quite kind and good at accepting advice."

While Xu Miaoqing was chatting with her aunt and younger sister, a female official stepped forward and said, "Your Highness, Prince Wu and Duke Cao are requesting an audience outside the palace. His Majesty has decreed that Prince Wu come to offer his birthday greetings."

Xu Miaoqing immediately laughed and said to her sister-in-law, Sang, "Wasn't it said that the King of Wu was still on his way back? How come he's back already?"

After saying this, Xu Miaoqing said to Xiao Zhu, "Your Highness, your royal uncle is outside the palace. Go and greet him for us."

Little Zhu, who was playing with his younger brother, was stunned and asked, "Is the Imperial Uncle outside the palace? That's not proper etiquette; he's a big fan of Confucianism."

Unable to bear it any longer, Xu Miaoqing quickly explained, "It's your Uncle Wu."

Little Zhu immediately jumped up happily, ignoring her chubby little brother who was eagerly reaching out his arms for a hug. "Second Uncle is back! Let's go pick him up! Wengeng, come with us! Wenjin, you come too! Ruyi, Ruyi, you go too!"

Zhu Wenkun cried. Little Zhu looked at her chubby little brother and said, "Then take Wenkun with you and let the wet nurse hold him."

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