Xu Miaoqing had known Princess Anqing and Princess Ningguo since childhood, but things were different now, with a complete change in status. Leaving aside the change in generation, the distinction between ruler and subject was now crystal clear, leaving no room for complaint.

Princess Ningguo, being older, said, "I also feel that Fifth Brother is, after all, the Imperial Clan Court Master. If other brothers enter the palace, it would be a good thing for Fifth Brother to be by their side."

Xu Miaoqing immediately smiled, seemingly very surprised, "Your Highness is so thoughtful, we didn't think of these things. In that case, we'll have to trouble Fifth Uncle."

Princess Ningguo smiled but didn't say much. She felt that the Empress had probably thought of some things, but it was just not easy for her to say them out loud.

Although the change of imperial power is now certain, since it concerns the supreme ruler, it means that being extra cautious is never excessive. It's not necessarily a concern about causing major upheaval, but simply a desire to avoid any trouble.

Therefore, the importance of Prince Zhou, Zhu Su, became apparent at this time. Putting aside his status as the Imperial Clan Court Official, the main reason was that among Zhu Yuanzhang's sons, Prince Zhou, Zhu Su, was the oldest in the Ming Dynasty and also Zhu Yuanzhang's beloved yet resentful 'youngest son'.

As they spoke, under the protection of some palace maids and eunuchs, Xu Miaoqing and her companions headed towards the Qianqing Palace.

Outside the palace gates, Xu Miaoqing said with a smile, "Go and announce that I request an audience."

This is quite normal. Even though Xu Miaoqing was Zhu Yuanzhang's granddaughter-in-law, she still needed to request an audience with him. The eunuchs and guards serving in front of the Qianqing Palace would not allow Xu Miaoqing to enter the palace without an imperial decree.

The only ones who could enter the Qianqing Palace without prior notice were the Emperor and the Crown Prince. If they were stopped, not only might the two of them take action, but the Emperor Emeritus would also not spare those "dutiful" guards.

The young eunuch immediately went to the Qianqing Palace to report, and Shuangquan came out quickly. "Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus is resting. Your Majesty, please return."

"Master, go and inform them again that the two imperial aunts have also arrived," Xu Miaoqing said. "His Majesty will also be coming after finishing his official duties."

Princess Anqing immediately said, "That's right, we still have some things to discuss with Father Emperor."

What else could Shuangquan say? Of course he knew that the two Grand Princesses had also come, but what could he do if His Majesty refused to see him? But he still had to hurry and report, since it concerned the current emperor and the retired emperor might have some ideas.

As expected, Shuangquan soon delivered the imperial decree, which allowed Xu Miaoqing and the others to enter the palace.

Princess Anqing then exclaimed, "We knew it! It was always like this when we were little, Ying'er's side was always the most important!"

Princess Ningguo tugged at her younger sister's sleeve, feeling that her sister shouldn't complain. Of all people to compare herself to, why did she have to compare herself to her brother and Ying'er? That was just asking for trouble.

Reclining in his chair, Emperor Zhu opened his eyes slightly and said to Xu Miaoqing and the others who were bowing, "What brings you to me at this time of year? Empress, you should have properly raised the Third Prince, not come to the Qing Palace."

Xu Miaoqing quickly replied, "Your Majesty, the Third Prince eats and sleeps well, and has inexhaustible energy all day long, always making a ruckus. A few days ago, His Majesty had someone weigh him, and he's already twenty-three jin."

Upon hearing this, Old Zhu immediately smiled, genuinely delighted. "That really is a chubby little boy. In a few days, have the Crown Prince bring him over so we can see him. A chubby little boy is wonderful; our Emperor was chubby when he was a child too."

Princess Anqing said, "Of course! Mother has raised Ying'er so well, she's so chubby and healthy! When Ying'er was little, she was sensible, well-behaved, and never cried. I remember my uncle liked Ying'er a long time ago. He was so frugal, he would always bring back things for Ying'er."

Old Zhu laughed and said, "Speaking of my brother-in-law, he also likes Ying'er. Ying'er was adorable even when she was little, who wouldn't like her!"

After saying this, Old Zhu looked at his two daughters and said, "Is it the emperor's overthinking that led him to send you here? If you ask me, those children are good in every way, except that they've always been thoughtful. Did he think our days are numbered and wanted you to come and talk to us?"

Princess Ningguo's expression changed drastically, and she hurriedly said, "Father, this matter has nothing to do with His Majesty."

Princess Anqing hurriedly said, "Father, it's just that Qi'er was a bit naughty a while ago and got into a fight with the Crown Prince at the training ground. Your son is terrified and has come to apologize."

Old Zhu waved his hand with a smile and said to Xu Miaoqing, "We've read the history books and told the emperor not to cause any trouble. It's better to avoid trouble. He just needs to take care of his uncle and aunt and not make things difficult for them."

"Grandfather, how would I know about those things?" Xu Miaoqing said with a smile, following Zhu Yunying's instructions. "I don't understand those important court matters, so I won't think about them. His Majesty can handle them. The only reason I came here was because Qi'er and the Crown Prince were arguing. They are all cousins, and they argue today and make up tomorrow. I can't understand it at all."

"Let them make a fuss. The little thing isn't even as tall as a stick, how much trouble can it cause?" Old Zhu said with a smile. "To be honest, the Crown Prince prefers to make a fuss with his own family. He's too lazy to bother with the families of many nobles. He's either fighting with his brothers or arguing with his cousins."

Princess Ningguo poured tea for Old Zhu while saying, "That makes sense. Our three sons are no good either. They just cause trouble when they're out there. Only the Crown Prince can keep them in check. Our third son seemed to have made a mistake during the military exercise a while ago, and the Crown Prince reprimanded him."

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