Xu Miaoqing then took the initiative to speak, "Grandfather, I know my place. I am grateful for Your Majesty's grace in bearing you two sons. Although Wenkun is also my beloved son, I will certainly discipline him well."

Old Zhu smiled and nodded upon hearing this, then said to Xu Miaoqing, "It's best if you can understand this. It's common to see favoritism, especially towards the youngest son and the eldest grandson. But we are the imperial family after all, so even if there is favoritism, it can only be towards the eldest son. As for the brothers' relationship, they shouldn't have conflicts over the throne. Take the emperor and his good-for-nothing younger brother, for example. They may make a fuss, but it's ultimately a good thing."

Zhu Yunying smiled and said, "That's true. I'm a bit of a loner, and there aren't many people around me I dare to get close to. If it weren't for my troublesome younger brother, I reckon I wouldn't have any humanity left. In the end, I would just be the Crown Prince and the Emperor."

This was clearly not something Zhu Yunying said casually, because that was the reality; emperors were inherently lonely and isolated.

Therefore, his younger siblings were also very important to Zhu Yunying. At least they ensured that his emotional needs were not neglected, and that he was not just seen as a simple grandson of the emperor, but also as an elder brother.

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Old Zhu nodded in deep agreement. The emperor was indeed lonely, with no one to talk to. So having someone to confide in was a blessing.

Given this, it naturally means that Xu Miaoqing needs to educate Zhu Wenkun well. She bears a heavy responsibility and cannot allow Zhu Wenkun to go astray.

The family chatted idly, talking about everyday matters, as well as important family and state affairs.

Zhu Yunying saw that it was about time and said to Little Zhu, "Go and tell the Prince of Zhou and the Prince of Wu to come and pay their respects."

Little Zhu immediately stood up. The Crown Prince, with a stern face, was serious. He was now the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty!