Performing is essential for people of all ages and backgrounds.

For princes and their descendants, this was even more true; it was something they had to do. Perhaps it was simply because it suited their status, and their lives required performance.

The situation in the Ming Dynasty was a bit simpler. The chances of seizing the throne were slim, and birth determined everything. So for the vast majority of princes and grandsons of the emperor, they only needed to play their dutiful roles as members of the imperial clan. If they were ambitious enough, they could probably also act like wise princes, and that would be sufficient.

However, for the Crown Prince and the Grandson of the Crown Prince, it's essentially the same: playing the role of being courteous and respectful to those of lower rank. This is determined by their positions; even if the heir apparent is certain, they still need to win over more people's hearts and minds in the court and among the public.

In the past, Da Zhu was an extremely skilled actor. Everyone knew him as a scholar well-versed in Confucian classics and a kind and benevolent person. Those who didn't know him might even think he was just gentle, refined, and kind, and they would overlook Da Zhu's ruthlessness and decisiveness.

Zhu Yunying was actually a very skilled actor. He showed signs of precocious intelligence from a young age, and coupled with his birth, this made his position as crown prince a foregone conclusion. However, Zhu Yunying also displayed wisdom and a love of learning. His persona was also that of a decisive and benevolent person, seemingly strict with the imperial clan but ultimately showing more leniency.

These can be considered the personas of the pillars of the Ming Dynasty, and perhaps they are also their true nature. However, there is indeed an element of performance involved, which is beyond question.

Little Zhu is like that now. Although he is still just a child, his royal education has given him a good understanding of power and so on. In many situations, in front of outsiders, Little Zhu naturally presents himself as the ruler of the Ming Dynasty.

Treating the virtuous and talented with respect is extremely important for the crown prince. Befriending capable ministers and generals also seems to align with the image of a wise ruler, and all of this is what the crown prince should do.

Little Zhu sat on his bicycle frame, excitedly discussing some battles in Goryeo with Fu Youde and Xu Huizu.

Although some of Xiao Zhu's views were rather naive, Xu Huizu and Fu Youde did not hesitate at all and did their best to explain some military strategies to Xiao Zhu, which was what they should do.

The large procession of carriages and horses was heading towards Yingtian Prefecture. Just as they were about to enter the city, it was the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty's turn to perform.

Although the imperial edict had already been read aloud, it seemed insufficient to recognize Fu Youde's achievements. Therefore, when Wang Chengen read the edict, Fu Youde, being a prince of a different surname, could only be given a promotion, an increase in his annual salary, and numerous gifts of silver, silk, and so on.

The upright Fu Youde harbored no resentment; he knew he was now at the pinnacle of his position. For Fu Youde, he was practically on par with Chang Yuchun, the Prince of Kaiping, and Xu Da, the Prince of Zhongshan; he finally had the opportunity to approach the two most brilliant and meritorious officials of the Ming Dynasty.

Zhu Yunying was quite skilled at acting. After dismissing Zhu Gui, Zhu Yunying appeared in Fengtian Hall in imperial robes to receive Fu Youde's reply and to reward Fu Youde.

Of course, Zhu Yunying also needed to personally visit the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the Fengxian Hall. With such great victories for the Ming Dynasty, it was natural to offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth and pay homage to the ancestors. These were all things that the emperor should do.

Fortunately, these things were not too difficult for Zhu Yunying. In fact, over the years, whether as the emperor or as the crown prince, Zhu Yunying had participated in such activities, so he was quite familiar with them.

The imperial court also had a sufficient set of rituals in this regard, which meant that everything could be done by following the rules and everyone knew what to do.

When the emperor, his ministers, and foreign envoys of the Ming Dynasty celebrated together, Empress Xu Miaoqing also celebrated in the inner palace with the noble ladies and female members of the imperial family. The atmosphere there was relatively relaxed.

This is absolutely a joyous moment for everyone. As long as the Ming Dynasty continues to win victories, such a celebratory feast can be held in Yingtian Prefecture in the future. Let us celebrate the golden age of the Ming Dynasty and cheer for its strength.

Old Zhu seemed to have no intention of going to the previous dynasty to celebrate. There was only silence in the Qianqing Palace, and it seemed that no one could notice it.

For Zhu Yuanzhang, it didn't matter. He had held far too many celebratory banquets, constantly celebrating his victories. Now, he preferred to avoid those occasions, even though his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren had been invited. Zhu Yuanzhang preferred to stay alone in the Qianqing Palace, enjoying his moment of peace.

Most importantly, Old Zhu knew that when night fell, his drunken grandson would come over, and his beloved great-grandson would follow. That was enough; there was no need to bother with those things in the previous dynasty.

As if to confirm Zhu's conjecture, when footsteps and the light of palace lanterns came from outside the palace gate, Zhu slowly got up.

Reeking of alcohol, Zhu Yunying pushed open the palace gate and said, "Hurry up and go inside, it's cold outside."

Little Zhu quickly slipped into the bedroom, took off his cloak, and said, "Father, we're not cold. Great-Grandfather was worried we'd be cold, so we're wearing plenty of layers."

Old Zhu smiled and said to Zhu Yunying, "You've drunk quite a bit of wine, don't catch a cold. Shuangquan, bring hot water so the emperor can have a good bath."

“Great-grandfather, Father didn’t drink much.” Little Zhu quickly ran to the bedside, urging him as he spoke, “Great-grandfather, just lie down, otherwise the warmth from the wine will dissipate. We’re just kids, we get hot, but Great-grandfather is old and doesn’t have enough warmth.”

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