Emperor Ying Shi seemed somewhat displeased. In the past, the Chang faction boasted a wealth of powerful generals and was naturally quite formidable. Furthermore, with Lan Yu's numerous military achievements over the years, and with Zhu Yunying's protection and support, the Chang faction was now incredibly powerful and could hold its own against the Xu faction.

Given this, the emperor seemed to prefer seeing the Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall fall into the hands of the Chang faction, since the Chang faction was Zhu Yunying's natural supporter and one of the forces he could trust the most.

Chang Mao remained unperturbed by Zhu Yunying's dissatisfaction. "Your Majesty," he said, "I still believe that choosing from the Duke of Ying's side is the best course of action. He just finished fighting Goguryeo, so he deserves to be rewarded. Besides, the lineage of the Prince of Zhongshan is already prominent enough!"

Although he knew that his uncle was not a fool when it came to important matters, Zhu Yunying still couldn't help but look at him with new respect this time. His uncle was not a heartless playboy, nor was he a clueless simpleton. In fact, he understood many things very well!

Because of the achievements of Chang Yuchun and Lan Yu, the Chang lineage can be said to be very prominent, and they certainly do not lack opportunities and status.

Moreover, let's not forget that Zhu Yunying is also a natural protector of the Chang lineage, which naturally means that the Chang lineage is even more transcendent.

Being prominent is certainly a good thing, but being too prominent is not necessarily a good thing. The Chang lineage is currently like oil on a hot fire, and at this time they cannot rely on their background to think about getting all the benefits. They should be more low-key when necessary.

Of course, Chang Mao wasn't without cunning. The Chang faction needed to keep a low profile, but they also didn't want to see the Xu faction reap the benefits. This was deliberately using the Xu faction as a pretext; what the Chang faction couldn't obtain, the Xu faction shouldn't covet either.

It would be most appropriate to give it to Duke Ying, Fu Youde. This veteran general has made continuous progress and is now a pillar of the Ming military. If nothing unexpected happens, he will definitely receive the honor of being posthumously granted the title of king.

After this campaign against Goryeo, Fu Youde will undoubtedly receive some rewards, but he has already reached the point where he can no longer be granted any titles. It is unlikely that Fu Youde will have any more opportunities to lead troops into battle in the future.

Zhu Yunying didn't want to do the "discard the millstone after it has served its purpose" kind of thing, so at this time, he should give Fu Youde some hope. All of this was what Fu Youde deserved, and it was what he had earned on the battlefield.

Zhu Yunying smiled. He knew that Chang Mao was right to say that, and it could even be said that this was Zhu Yunying's own idea.

The position of Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall is, in many people's view, a move by His Majesty to appease military officers and limit the civil service. Although this position does not directly participate in military affairs, it can still deprive the civil service of the opportunity to interfere in military matters.

This can be considered a position of low rank but high power. This position is indeed quite sensitive, and it is generally not suitable for those with military merit.

Zhu Yunying smiled and nodded, saying, "Uncle is right, we'll remember that. Speaking of which, the two Qilin should have made some progress by now. In a few days, on my birthday, I'll have my second uncle lead them back to the Fengyang Imperial Mausoleum to offer sacrifices on my behalf."

Chang Mao immediately expressed his gratitude, for this was indeed a great favor, demonstrating the emperor's favor.

Although Yingtian Prefecture and Fengyang are not far apart, the emperor cannot easily leave the capital, and there is no reason for the elderly Hongwu Emperor to perform the sacrifice on behalf of Emperor Yingshi. Moreover, this is not Zhu Yunying's full birthday, so the crown prince does not need to rush back.

Therefore, it was quite normal for military officers to perform the ancestral rites on behalf of the deceased at this time. Over the years, various events, both major and minor, joyous and tragic, had occurred in the Ming Dynasty, and in most cases, it was necessary to offer sacrifices to the ancestors, which were usually done by military officers.

Even though the frequency isn't low, and there was even a grand event just a few days ago when sacrifices were offered at the imperial mausoleum to establish tributary relations with the Ryukyu Kingdom, being able to perform sacrifices on behalf of the emperor is still a privilege not afforded to ordinary military officers.

After Chang Mao left the Wuying Hall, Zhu Yunying smiled and shook his head. There were some pretentious and arrogant military officers in the Ming Dynasty, as well as some who were foolish and unambitious, but there were also some smart people. Many people were quite clear about the situation in the court, and many knew their own position, what they could do, and when they should keep a low profile.

Chang Mao, despite his seemingly muddle-headed nature, appears to be quite intelligent. He understands Zhu Yunying's high regard for the Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet, and he has been making quite a few jokes in court lately. He is also well aware that there are some things that are not suitable for the Chang faction to strive for.

Just as Zhu Yunying continued to review the memorials, Wang Chengen whispered, "Your Majesty, Prince Wu is requesting an audience outside the palace?"

Zhu Yunying was taken aback, somewhat puzzled. "What could this kid possibly have done? My lord, what kind of trouble has the Prince of Wu caused these past few days?"

It's not that Joo Yoon-young lacks confidence in his younger brother; it's mainly because he knows him too well, which is why he lacks confidence.

Wang Chengen immediately lowered his head and replied, "Your Majesty, how could this servant know!"

This statement is only partially true. It can be said that Zhu Yunying gave the Ming imperial family relatively favorable treatment, preventing them from being completely idle and only able to have children, eat, drink, and have fun. However, Zhu Yunying was not entirely without precautions against the imperial family.

Zhu Yunying's position was indeed secure, and normal members of the imperial clan wouldn't have any ulterior motives. However, members of the imperial clan naturally had some opportunities, and their special status gave them influence when they wanted to do something.

Moreover, there are many members of the imperial clan who are morally corrupt and lawless, so there is nothing surprising about that.

It would be a fantasy if there were absolutely no precautions or oversight against the imperial clan, and that would be the last thing an emperor should ever do.

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