"Well done for killing him. He ran into your Highness's Chamber of Commerce. He deserves to die."

Upon hearing this, Lan Yu spoke directly and frankly without any hesitation.

He had many adopted sons under his command. When he returned to the capital this time, the news of the killing of his adopted sons outside the capital had not yet reached him.

However, Lan Yu's personality was extremely protective. He couldn't even remember all the names of his adopted sons. In fact, he had hardly seen many of them after they acknowledged him as their godfather.

How can this be compared with one's own nephew and grandson? Not to mention that Zhu Ying is the eldest grandson of the emperor, it is the same for other people, or even his sister's children, such as Chang Sen.

Zhu Ying was not surprised to hear Lan Yu say this. He had expected this reaction. However, what he wanted to explain was not just this.

Then he said again: "Duke Liang thinks that they have done so many evil things over the years, and the reason why they can get away with it until now is that they are all because of Duke Liang's influence, or are they doing things under the name of Duke Liang."

Facing Zhu Ying's suggestion, Lan Yu frowned slightly and asked, "What does your highness mean?"

"Good news doesn't travel far, but bad news travels a thousand miles. Duke Liang must be clear about his identity. He is not only a great general, but also my uncle, my father's uncle."

"From another perspective, these adopted sons of your uncle can all be considered as royal relatives. Your uncle thinks that we should enroll them in the Imperial Clan House."

Zhu Ying said in a cold voice that only the royal family members could enter the Zongrenfu. Even Zhu Ying's grandmother, Lan, or the prince consorts could not enter.

What Zhu Ying said was just an exaggerated suggestion.

Lan Yu obviously understood what Zhu Ying meant. It was not that he didn't understand, but he had never thought about these things.

For many military generals, eating meat with big mouthfuls, drinking wine with big bowls, and then fighting, if there is anything unhappy, just do it, and rarely consider the consequences.

In particular, Lan Yu was greatly influenced by Chang Yuchun during her growth.

The good side is that he is brave in battle and generous, while the bad side is that he easily causes trouble.

For example, Lan Yu had the Great Ming Code and the Great Edict, which Zhu Yuanzhang tried his best to promote, at home, but he had never read them.

A hint of hesitation flashed across Lan Yu's face. Logically speaking, after what Zhu Ying had said, it was impossible for Lan Yu to be too concerned about his adopted sons.

But with so many people coming at once, and most of them being in the military, this will have a huge impact on the military.

The main reason why Lan Yu was able to control the core command of the army was that he relied on these nominal adopted sons.

After struggling for a long time, Lan Yu said cruelly, "Your Highness, I will give the order right now to capture all the adopted sons. Those who should be killed should be killed, and those who should be exiled should be exiled."

Lan Yu was very clear that the person standing in front of him would be the future Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. It had been made so obvious, but he still did not understand. That would be no different from going against the Emperor.

Zhu Ying nodded slightly and said again: "There's no need to be too aggressive. It's not okay to beat them all to death with one stick."

Hearing this, Lan Yu felt relieved. He thought Zhu Ying thought that his control over the army was too tight and wanted to eliminate his followers in the army.

In ancient times, adopting a son might seem casual, but the father-son relationship was real, and filial piety was no joke.

These adopted sons are middle-level officers in the army. If Lan Yu is a big tree, then his adopted sons are the branches.

"Your Highness, please give me some advice."

At this point, Lan Yu was a man who could let go of things as he pleased. He stood up and bowed deeply to Zhu Ying.

It had been less than two hours since Lan Yu met Zhu Ying, but it seemed that Lan Yu had already completely determined that Zhu Ying was his nephew-grandson, and his attitude in words and deeds was not much different from that towards Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

Lan Yu is already 47 years old. He has followed Chang Yuchun into the military camp since he was a child. It has been 30 years now. No matter what, he has seen many people.

The moment he saw Zhu Ying and knew Zhu Ying's identity, Lan Yu realized that this would be his hope for the future.

Don't underestimate the wisdom of a top-level general of the Ming Dynasty.

Therefore, Lan Yu did not think about the authenticity of Zhu Ying's identity. Since he had already been approved by His Majesty, why should he still think about it? Besides, based on his appearance, he must be the son of Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

What Lan Yu wanted most urgently now was to get Zhu Ying's approval, so he invited Zhu Ying to Chang Mansion without hesitation at the Jinyiwei Yamen.

At present, the elder who is closest to Zhu Ying in terms of blood, apart from His Majesty, is only his sister Lan.

Zhu Ying looked at Lan Yu deeply, and then asked, "Is Dongchang Mintian still in the hands of my uncle?"

Hearing this, Lan Yu couldn't help but feel embarrassed, and could only say awkwardly: "It's still there."

After all, occupying people's land is not an honorable thing.

Zhu Ying nodded, not surprised by this, and said directly: "Tomorrow morning, Uncle will apologize to His Majesty, and ask the censor to examine the adopted sons under his command."

Hearing this, although Lan Yu was a little reluctant, he did not go against Zhu Ying's wishes and said seriously: "I will follow your orders in everything."

Lan Yu was already extremely worried about his future, and now that his nephew was giving him advice, he naturally obeyed his orders.

Even if he were to give up all his military power now, as long as Zhu Ying supported him, he would not be afraid of not having the day to command the army again.

Chang Sheng just sat there like a wooden man, listening to the conversation between Zhu Ying and Lan Yu.

During this time, I didn't even dare to breathe.

Although he inherited the title of his father Chang Yuchun, he was not familiar with the generals in the army because he was the second son. He always respected his eldest brother.

Of course, he also knows about military affairs. When it comes to fighting, he is certainly not as good as some famous generals, but compared to some other generals in the army, he is still acceptable.

I was once ordered to go out for military training.

The current conversation between Zhu Ying and Lan Yu is obviously related to the future changes in military power, which can be regarded as a top-notch confidential matter.

It was at this time that Ye Yueqing came over supporting Lan.

"It's time for dinner. Xiongying, come and try grandma's cooking." Lan said with a smile.

"Okay."

Zhu Ying stood up and looked, only to see that Ye Yueqing and Lan had become extremely close after a short time together, and he didn't know what had happened.

There was a hint of shyness in Ye Yueqing's eyes when she looked at Zhu Ying, and she didn't dare to look him straight in the eye.

As soon as you enter the kitchen, you are greeted by bursts of fragrance, and then slowly a table full of delicious dishes appears.

It can be seen that a lot of thought was obviously put into it, and I'm afraid all the chefs in the Chang Mansion have been mobilized.

It was when Zhu Ying took his seat and prepared to eat.

In the Chunhe Hall of the Ming Imperial Palace.

At this time, Zhu Yunwen was sitting alone in the yard, staring blankly at the setting sun.

He felt that his life was just like the setting sun, constantly falling.

After the morning court session, the silence of his cousin Li Jinglong and his husband Huang Zicheng had made him realize that he was now unable to fight against his elder brother in any way.

But, isn't it possible for him to just accept his fate?

How can he be content with this?

Even some outrageous and even crazy thoughts flashed through his mind.

If the Emperor suddenly dies of a serious illness and my elder brother has not yet entered the palace, the throne will have to fall on me.

There was a ferocious look on Zhu Yunwen's face.

But it soon dissipated. It was just a delusion, and Zhu Yunwen even had some self-blame and guilt on his face.

Zhu Yunwen, who was deeply influenced by Confucian education since childhood, did not have many problems in his thinking.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhu Yunwen thought to himself: It can't be the emperor, it would be best if my eldest brother died suddenly.

At this time, Zhu Yunwen did not even realize that in his heart, he had already somewhat accepted the existence of his elder brother.

Perhaps it was also influenced by the rumors about Xiaoling Mausoleum.

After a lot of random thoughts, Zhu Yunwen felt exhausted. At this time, he felt that he had no help.

What else can he do when his trusted cousin and the husband he relies on are like this?

"Your Highness, the Queen said it's time for dinner." A palace maid bowed and said to Zhu Yunwen.

"I have no appetite and can't eat." Zhu Yunwen said impatiently.

How could Zhu Yunwen have the mood to eat now?

"This..." The maid was a little at a loss. If she went back like this, she would definitely be scolded.

"I said I couldn't eat, couldn't you hear me?" Zhu Yunwen saw that the palace maid had not left, and then he started yelling.

He was already extremely depressed, and it seemed like he had found an outlet.

Normally, His Royal Highness the Emperor's Grandson Zhu Yunwen was gentle and easy-going. The palace maid had never seen such an angry look before. She was immediately frightened and took several steps back, then bowed and left.

Only after seeing the palace maid leave did Zhu Yunwen stop and continue to lie in the yard somewhat disappointed, staring blankly at the setting sun in the west.

The setting sun was no longer dazzling at this moment, and Zhu Yunwen just watched it as it slowly set.

"Didn't I tell you that I won't eat it? Do you want to be beaten?"

"Mom! Why are you here?"

Not long after, Zhu Yunwen heard footsteps behind him. He thought it was the palace maid coming back, so he subconsciously shouted loudly. However, when he turned around, it was his mother who came.

The palace maid followed behind Lu and shuddered when she heard the scolding, feeling a little scared.

Mrs. Lu was very beautiful and had a graceful figure, but from her appearance, she was only in her twenties and one would never tell that she had given birth to six children.

That’s right, the current Lu has given birth to three sons and three daughters for the deceased Crown Prince Zhu Biao.

Zhu Yunwen was born in the tenth year of Hongwu, Zhu Yunwen was born in the eighteenth year of Hongwu, and Zhu Yunxi was born in the twenty-fourth year of Hongwu.

There are also Zhu Baoqin, who was born in the 12th year of Hongwu, Zhu Qianxue, who was born in the 15th year of Hongwu, and Zhu Mengjie, who was born in the 21st year of Hongwu.

The naming rules for his descendants set by Zhu Yuanzhang did not include girls, so girls were more casual in naming.

During the fourteen years starting from Zhu Yunwen's reign, Lu gave birth to Zhu Biao's children every two years or so. This shows that Zhu Biao was very fond of Lu.

In fact, as far as Zhu Biao is concerned personally, his relationship with Zhu Yunwen is deeper than that with Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Xiongying.

The most important thing is that Zhu Xiongying has always lived with Zhu Yuanzhang and Empress Ma.

Zhu Yunwen was always by Zhu Biao's side.

Being able to become the prince's second wife, although Lu's family background was nothing compared to the top circles in the capital, if it were in the local area, it would also be considered a big shot.

After Lu became the Crown Princess, his father was promoted from the seventh rank to the fifth rank. After Lu became the Crown Princess, he was promoted again to the third rank of civil servant.

However, Lu's father was not in the capital, but was serving as a councilor in the local government.

This official position was not small. Compared with later generations, it was close to the vice-provincial level and had real power. However, in the capital of the Ming Dynasty, where princes and nobles gathered, it seemed inconspicuous.

Local officials were one rank lower than those in the capital, which was equivalent to the fourth rank in the capital. Almost a hundred ministers of this rank died at the hands of Zhu Yuanzhang.

Mrs. Lu had been a lady from a wealthy family since she was young. She was proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. When she saw her son acting so abnormally, she immediately realized that something must have happened.

"You go down first." Lu ordered the palace maids and eunuchs.

When there was no one around, Zhu Yunwen, who was on the verge of collapse, could no longer hold back. He walked up to his mother, hugged her, and began to cry.

When people are at their most vulnerable, they will realize that their parents are the real safe haven in their hearts, and the same is true for Zhu Yunwen.

Mrs. Lu did not say anything to comfort him, but just patted Zhu Yunwen's back gently, just like when they were children.

After a long time, Zhu Yunwen finally stopped sobbing. Lu took out a handkerchief calmly and wiped Zhu Yunwen's tears.

After everything was done, Lu asked softly, "Tell mother about what injustice you have suffered."

Hearing his mother's voice, Zhu Yunwen's heart slowly calmed down, and he began to slowly tell his speculations about himself, his cousin Li Jinglong, and Huang Zicheng.

And everything that happened in connection with my eldest brother Zhu Xiongying.

When she heard the news that Zhu Xiongying was not dead, shock flashed in Lu's eyes.

Things like coming back to life from the dead are really too exaggerated and hard to accept.

However, when Zhu Yunwen said that he knew some information about the Xiaoling Mausoleum through investigation, Lu understood.

Faking death happens all the time. Although Zhu Xiongying's case is a bit bizarre, at least it is not a resurrection and is within the acceptable range.

Of course, Lu knew about the Xiaoling Mausoleum, and even knew more versions of the story than Zhu Yunwen.

As the current Crown Princess, apart from practicing music, chess, calligraphy and painting, Lu's daily life basically consists of staying in the harem, chatting about gossip with the other concubines and strolling around the back garden.

The harem would also hold some court meetings, or invite some people from outside the palace to perform and sing operas for the concubines' daily entertainment.

Although there are many concubines in the harem, they are all elders of the Lu family and are Your Majesty's concubines.

But in fact, the status of the Crown Princess was much higher than that of an ordinary concubine, and Lu lived a very comfortable life in the harem.

Although there are thick palace walls, which makes her feel like a bird in a cage, as a lady from a wealthy family, she has been accustomed to this kind of life since childhood.

"Just this alone makes you depressed and unable to recover."

After listening to her son Zhu Yunwen's words, Lu hesitated for a moment and then spoke.

"Mom, but what else can I do?" Zhu Yunwen said dejectedly.

Mrs. Lu said, "When mother gave birth to you, she was only your father's concubine. You were not even a legitimate son."

"Look at it now. His Majesty has personally announced that you are the Crown Prince, and you are only waiting to be crowned in September. So, there is nothing to be disappointed about."

"A temporary loss does not mean a permanent loss. My mother went through the same thing back then. Besides, we don't know how this will turn out in the end."

"Not to mention that your eldest brother has not yet entered the palace, even if he has entered the palace, His Majesty cannot immediately enthrone the crown prince."

"Your elder brother has been in the opposition for ten years. What kind of life did he lead? He didn't have the great scholar teaching him every day like you do. Whether he can read or not is another matter."

"The emperor of the Ming Dynasty is not someone that anyone can become. It is related to the prosperity of the whole country. Now you are so depressed without even seeing him. I am so disappointed."