While Zhu Yuanzhang was indeed domineering and often disregarded the opinions of his civil and military officials, he wasn't entirely immune to advice. In fact, he was sometimes quite capable of accepting suggestions.

Old Zhu didn't say anything more; he understood many things in his heart. The emperor was indeed the supreme ruler, possessing absolute power to control the world. However, even an emperor often needed self-restraint.

Old Zhu understood this principle, and Zhu Yunying naturally understood it as well. Many people believe that the domineering Emperor Ying Shi, even when faced with advice from his ministers or when his decrees could not be carried out, would not be particularly annoyed.

A wise emperor naturally knows which opinions should be adopted and which opinions should be ignored.

Little Zhu was very busy, snuggling in Old Zhu's arms and saying, "Great-grandfather, can we also be on Zijin Mountain in the future?"

“No!” Zhu Yunying said decisively, “We were born here, ascended the throne here, and will be buried here in the future, which is like returning to our roots. But you are different. Although you were born in Yingtian Prefecture, you will eventually move the capital to Beiping with us. You should choose a mausoleum there so that your descendants can stay there in peace, instead of thinking of moving the capital back to Yingtian Prefecture, which would be a waste of manpower and resources.”

Old Zhu could see that Little Zhu was unhappy, but he gently advised, "Your father is right. It would be a bit unreasonable for him to be buried here later. However, he has already ascended the throne here, and the construction of his mausoleum has begun. Even if the court officials have objections, they can only accept it. You can't do that. If you are buried here again, then all future emperors will have to be buried here."

If his great-grandson could also be buried here, Old Zhu would be very happy, for that would truly be a family reunion.

However, as an emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang was quite rational. He also needed to consider the realities of the Ming Dynasty and could not do everything according to his own whims.

Zhu Yunying patiently explained, “That makes sense. After you ascend the throne, you should build your mausoleum in Beiping. That will be the place where our Ming emperors return to their homeland and where they will be buried. Burying yourself in Yingtianfu would indeed cause too much of a commotion and would also block the way for your descendants to go.”

Ancestral rules and such matters still have a great influence. It is obviously not easy for later generations to overthrow the rules established by Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Yunying, and they are even powerless to resist them.

Zhu Yunying's previous efforts to prevent his father from proposing some grand, long-term plans were certainly motivated by this same reason. Otherwise, Zhu Yunying would have been frustrated and had no choice but to accept those 'long-term plans'.

Emperor Zhu was indeed confident in his grand plan for future generations, believing that his descendants would surely govern the Ming Dynasty well by following the rules he established. Because Emperor Zhu had always been confident, having risen from a novice monk and beggar to the throne, he certainly wouldn't underestimate his own abilities.

However, over the years, some of the things his beloved grandson has done have changed some of Old Zhu's views.

He also knew that if he followed the rules he had set, his grandson would inevitably be tied up and unable to do certain things.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang was indeed worried that such changes would prevent his descendants from governing the country better, he did not rule out the possibility of one or two incompetent rulers emerging, even though he was willing to believe that his descendants would be successful.

Despite all his worries, Old Zhu has no choice but to accept this situation. His children and grandchildren will have their own destinies; Old Zhu has considered many things, but he truly can't worry about what will happen after his death.

Although Xiao Zhu was a little reluctant, she couldn't say much more. Of course, this was only because Xiao Zhu was young, which was why she was speaking her mind.

But when he grows up a bit, he might not remember what he said. And when he actually becomes emperor, his thoughts and stance might change, which is perfectly normal.

After all, it's perfectly normal for one's thoughts to change as one gets older and gains more experience. It's also perfectly normal for one's perceptions to evolve, leading to shifts in one's mindset.

Xu Miaoqing also came over at this time and said respectfully, "Grandpa Emperor, the scriptures copied by your granddaughter-in-law are ready. I hope you will take a look."

Old Zhu patted Little Zhu's bottom and said to Xu Miaoqing, "That's good. It's more filial of you to copy the scriptures offered to your grandmother. It's not as good as someone else copying them."

Zhu Yunying was not at all surprised by what Zhu said. He would have been very surprised if Zhu hadn't said it that way. In Zhu Yunying's eyes, Zhu was a quintessential old feudalist, and he was always very strict about etiquette and rules for others.

As for Xu Miaoqing, although her hands were sore from copying scriptures these past few days, she was happy to do it. If Zhu Yunying's other concubines were also qualified to copy scriptures and offer them before Empress Ma's spirit, Xu Miaoqing would definitely feel resentful.

This is no joke. After all, they've been a couple since they were young, and after nearly ten years together, Zhu Yunying has come to understand Xu Miaoqing's personality much better.

As long as it enhances her status, Xu Miaoqing doesn't mind suffering a bit; that's something she cares about and would gladly endure. Her dignity and treatment are indeed the envy of many women, including Zhu Yunying's other concubines.

Some of the dignity and privileges were indeed reserved for the Empress, leaving others only to envy her.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!