Zhu Xiong Ying gave her cousins ​​a severe scolding. This matter was not a secret at all; it would spread very quickly, and many people would know about it.

Seeing his eldest son return to the East Palace, Da Zhu said with a smile, "Your second uncle, third uncle, and fourth uncle also have to thank you for helping them discipline their son."

"Father, my uncles will really have to thank me in the future." Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile, seemingly unaware of the slight complaint from the eldest Zhu. "If my uncles continue to try to smooth things over like this, they will inevitably run into some trouble in the future. I think not only my uncles should thank me, but my grandfather will also support me."

Da Zhu was amused. He felt that Zhu Xiong Ying's statement was definitely not a big problem, because he knew very well what Lao Zhu was thinking.

Establishing the eldest son as heir was Zhu Yuanzhang's firm decision. He genuinely hoped to set a good precedent and avoid as many of the problems that plagued the previous dynasty as possible.

Remembering something, Da Zhu asked with a smile, "Didn't you go a little overboard with the protocol for the Marquis of Xiping's return to the capital this time?"

Zhu Xiong Ying was somewhat speechless and said irritably, "The Ministry of Rites is really unreliable. I had only just said a few words when they immediately betrayed me. However, I think there is no problem with the etiquette for a Duke or a member of the royal family."

“That’s true. Brother Wenying is a member of our royal family.” Da Zhu laughed, then said to Zhu Xiong Ying, “Your imperial grandfather also said that he plans to marry Xi’er to Mu Chun.”

Zhu Xiong Ying was taken aback, and then hesitated slightly. “Mu Chun will definitely inherit the title in the future. If Xi’er marries down, it will inevitably be… well, Mu Chun is a good match. I can understand these things.”

Born into royalty, one naturally needs to be mentally prepared for the riches and honors one enjoys. Things like freedom of love are unrealistic; Zhu Xiong Ying had long been aware of this.

Let alone the Crown Prince, even the Emperor and the Crown Prince faced some helplessness at this time, and some people in their harems were also acting out of political considerations.

There needs to be a balance among civil officials, nobles, and aristocratic families. Among Zhu Yuanzhang's concubines were Koreans and Mongols.

Upon hearing how sensible Zhu Xiong Ying was, Da Zhu smiled and said, "Mu Chun has followed his father on campaigns since he was young, and he has inherited his father's literary and martial talents. This child is worthy of our Xi'er."

Zhu Xiong Ying smiled but didn't speak. To be honest, there was definitely no problem. Mu Chun was absolutely a young hero, and there were practically no women in this world who were unworthy of him. But such things were relative.

In fact, many civil and military nobles in Yingtian Prefecture know that the Crown Prince values ​​family ties the most, cherishes his two full-blooded sisters as his own flesh and blood, and also takes great care of his full-blooded brother.

Establishing connections with the Crown Prince opens up more options, such as princes or princesses, who are also quite desirable. However, such treatment is not something most families can afford.

Da Zhu looked at Zhu Xiong Ying with a smile, and then said, "Ying'er, when Wen Ying returns to the capital this time, talk to him more. With Wen Ying in charge of the southwest, there will be no worries about the southwest!"

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded, finding no problem with such an assessment. In fact, if Mu Ying hadn't been in charge, Yunnan would have easily slipped out of the central government's control, as local chieftains and ethnic minorities would frequently stage rebellions.

Moreover, Mu Ying's role in governing the southwest was not simply limited to warfare. He vigorously developed agricultural settlements to solve the food problem; he repaired water conservancy projects to prevent floods; he emphasized commercial development, attracting merchants to Yunnan; he developed salt wells to increase revenue; he repaired roads, protected grain transport, and ensured that the people lived in peace and prosperity.

Beyond military and economic matters, the Ming Dynasty also vigorously promoted education, leading to greater cultural acceptance among the people of Yunnan.

Zhu seemed to remember something and said, “Now our Great Ming is sparsely populated and has a vast territory, so there shouldn’t be too much pressure on food. However, looking at the lessons of past dynasties, the end of a dynasty is mostly marked by land annexation and financial corruption.”

Zhu Xiong Ying nodded solemnly, saying that there was no problem with that statement. "That is indeed the case, especially since our Great Ming Dynasty has just been established and many places are still being restored and developed. The issues of food and land are not really that big of a problem. However, we still need to pay attention to issues such as land annexation in the future."

Remembering something, Zhu Xiong Ying urged, "Last time I told Father that we shouldn't be too generous to some scholars and gentry. Tax exemption is fine, but there should be limits on the amount exempted, and we must also crack down on the practice of offering gifts."

"In the future, history books might portray Father Emperor as more tyrannical. Our Ying'er might not receive a kind evaluation either," Da Zhu joked, but still asked seriously, "Ying'er, your grandfather and I have discussed what you're saying. Aren't we thinking too far ahead?"

Zhu Xiong Ying was a little excited and quickly said, "I know that my grandfather and father need to win over scholars. The literary style of the Ming Dynasty is indeed not flourishing now, especially in the north. But once the ancestral system is established, it will be too difficult for future generations to change some rules."

Da Zhu carefully considered Zhu Xiong Ying's statement and felt that there was actually not much of a problem with what Zhu Xiong Ying said. Once some rules are established, it will be extremely difficult for future generations to change them.

Zhu Xiong Ying continued, “Father, I know that there is no such thing as a perfect plan. Good policies now do not necessarily mean they will be good for the Ming Dynasty in the future. If we do not consider things from a long-term perspective, the burden and pressure on our Ming Dynasty will be greater in the future.”

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