There are many people in Kunning Palace today.

Zhu Yunhuan, Zhu Mingyue, Zhu Quan, and Zhu Yunwen all came.

Naturally, many imperial grandchildren came to pay New Year's greetings to Zhu Ying, but after doing so, they left tactfully.

Zhu Quan was an exception.

According to palace etiquette, these imperial uncles will come tomorrow to pay New Year's greetings to their father, which will also be on the second day of the first lunar month.

Because today, as the emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang has to accept congratulations from all officials, foreign ministers, and people.

The age difference between them was not much, so Zhu Ying specially asked someone to call Zhu Quan over.

There is still no sign of the accumulated snow melting. Judging from the weather, it will probably snow again in a few days.

The Ming imperial family also had a weather forecast, which was provided by the Imperial Observatory. Although it was not very accurate, it was probably not that far off.

The message reported means that there will be snow in the next few days.

That's all.

Zhu Ying still felt it was incredible to be able to observe the celestial phenomena at night with the naked eye. It seemed that some metaphysics always had principles that were difficult for outsiders to understand.

Zhu Yuanzhang sat in the stone pavilion in the courtyard with a brazier beside him.

Watching the children and grandchildren playing in the yard.

His eyes suddenly became moist.

He thought of his favorite older sister.

This was once where the elder sister lived. The elder sister’s figure could be seen in every corner and every place.

Once upon a time, on a snowy day like this, the eldest sister sat next to her and watched her sons play.

"Be careful, don't fall."

A vague voice seemed to be heard, and Zhu Yuanzhang looked over and saw that it was the eldest sister sitting next to him.

She is still so young and beautiful.

Looking at the children playing in the yard.

Zhu Yuanzhang choked up and wanted to say something.

Where have you been all these years? Do you know how I managed to get through it all alone?

Could you please stay and stay with me?

Even though he had thousands of words in his throat, Zhu Yuanzhang still didn't speak.

Looking at her quietly and greedily, he wanted to engrave the girl's face deeply in his mind.

"What's wrong, Grandpa? Is it because the wind is too strong?"

The familiar voice brought Zhu Yuanzhang back to reality. He turned around and saw that it was his eldest grandson.

Zhu Yuanzhang was suddenly startled and without answering, he quickly turned back and looked at the stone bench next to him.

It's quiet there, there's nothing there.

Zhu Yuanzhang sighed softly, his mood was as sad as the cold wind, and he said, "The wind is a bit strong, it blinds me, help me go back first."

Zhu Ying seemed to have noticed something as well. Instead of continuing to ask questions, he stepped forward and helped the old man up.

After sitting for a long time in this weather, even with a brazier for warmth, I still feel a little numb.

If someone else supported him, no matter who it was, Zhu Yuanzhang would only scold him because he could not accept his own aging.

Only the eldest grandson is different.

"Father."

"Grandpa Emperor."

"His Majesty."

Zhu Yuanzhang stood up, and the people who were having fun stopped immediately, and the eunuchs also hurried over.

No matter at what time, Zhu Yuanzhang is the focus of everyone's attention, and his every move will always be subconsciously paid attention to.

"I'm a little tired, you guys play first."

Zhu Yuanzhang said something casually, and with the help of Zhu Ying, he walked through the front yard and went to the Qianqing Palace.

Behind him was Liu He following closely.

Inside the palace, Zhu Ying said with concern: "Grandson, stay here with grandpa."

Zhu Yuanzhang hesitated for a moment, then said firmly, "You go with them. I want to be alone."

The time now is reserved for the older sisters.

From the tone of his voice, Zhu Ying knew that the old man didn't want to be disturbed. He also roughly understood the old man's mood at the moment, so he nodded slightly.

After going out, he told Liu He that he must listen carefully to the old man's movements at the door, but if anything happened, he must check the situation as soon as possible.

After seeing his eldest grandson leave, Zhu Yuanzhang stood up.

He walked over to the bookcase and took out a box from it.

When he opened the box, it was the jade pendant.

The jade pendant that was broken by Qin Wang Zhu Chong.

Now, after being restored by court craftsmen, it looks, at least on the surface, exactly the same as before.

Holding the jade pendant, Zhu Yuanzhang stroked it gently, feeling warm, as if the elder sister had just come back.

"Rebellious son!"

Not long after, Zhu Yuanzhang scolded.

A broken mirror cannot be mended. Even if the skills of the palace craftsmen are extremely superb, there will always be a tiny flaw.

This slight flaw was very obvious in Zhu Yuanzhang's hand. After all, since his eldest sister passed away, he has been carrying it with him, playing with it all the time, and thinking of her when he saw it.

It was only after his eldest grandson entered the palace that he put it in the bookcase and kept it.

But that familiar touch, after ten years, has long been engraved in my bones.

In the empty hall, Zhu Yuanzhang just sat there blankly, holding the jade pendant.

Zhu Yuanzhang once did not dare to stop and was dealing with a large amount of government affairs every moment. Even on New Year's Day in the past, after accepting congratulations from all officials, he would review memorials.

He seldom has free time, because he doesn't want to, and doesn't dare to, allow himself to have free time.

Just like now, I am reminiscing alone.

At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang was no longer the Hongwu Emperor, but just an ordinary old man who missed his deceased wife.

In the courtyard of Kunning Palace, Zhu Ying frowned slightly.

"Brother, is there something going on with Grandpa Huang?"

Being a girl, Zhu Mingyue was much more thoughtful, so she plucked up the courage to ask.

Zhu Ying heard this and said with a smile: "Grandpa, there is nothing wrong. It's so cold in this month, so naturally I can't stand it. Do you think I have as much energy as you guys?"

Hearing this, Zhu Mingyue and others breathed a sigh of relief.

But after this incident, I lost interest in having fun a lot.

"Brother, can you tell us the story of the monkey? Last time we talked about the monkey being suppressed for five hundred years. What happened next?"

Zhu Yunhuan suddenly had an idea and asked.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Mingyue also became a little excited.

The eldest brother had told them this story before, but he only told them the beginning and didn't say much about the rest.

Novels are popular in the Ming Dynasty.

Works like Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Investiture of the Gods were extremely popular.

However, no matter how good a story is, it will lose its novelty after being heard dozens of times.

Journey to the West was written in the middle of the Ming Dynasty. Although there are "Poetry and Stories of the Tang Monk's Journey to the West", "Tang Sanzang" and "Peach Banquet" by the Jin Dynasty Academy, and Yuan Dynasty dramas include Wu Changling's "Tang Sanzang's Journey to the West" and an anonymous author's "Erlang Shen Locks up the Monkey King".

But the overall story is not as complete as Journey to the West.

So when it comes from Zhu Ying's story, it is very attractive.

Zhu Yunwen also came over curiously, and Zhu Quan also had anticipation in his eyes.

Who could resist hearing a novel narrated by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince himself, especially since this novel seemed so good.

Zhu Yunhuan and Zhu Mingyue, as descendants of the royal family, although they felt that their status was a little low before, but in the current Ming royal family, they naturally have everything they need, with Zhu Yuanzhang sitting in the palace.

There were no such things as blind officials who dared to make things difficult for the concubines. Even if it was Lu, at least there was nothing wrong with her on the surface.

As for novels, even the teachers in the Imperial Academy would occasionally tell stories about them.

The novels of this period are not considered to be unworthy of being published. On the contrary, they can be said to be appreciated by both the elite and the masses.

A novel that can make Zhu Mingyue and Zhu Yunhuan so enthusiastic must be good.

Seeing the expectant eyes of the children, including Zhu Quan, Zhu Ying smiled and said, "Okay, let's go inside and talk. It's cold outside. Don't freeze yourself by listening to a novel."

Zhu Ying himself was naturally not afraid of the cold. With his physique, he would not feel any cold even if he was wearing only a single layer of clothing.

In the house, there is a fire.

Considering that Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Quan had never heard it before, he started telling the story from heaven.

"Before the chaos, the world was in chaos, and no one could see it. Ever since Pangu broke through the chaos, the world has been clear and turbid. ..."

The Journey to the West narrated by Zhu Ying is actually quite different from the original version, and is mixed with a lot of personal opinions.

It includes some conspiracies of gods and Buddhas, as well as the vast ancient continent, and a lot of narration.

Such a complete system of gods and immortals was something that everyone had never heard of before, and they were immediately fascinated by it.

Even the minor official in charge of making fire and Guo Zhong were all addicted to it and couldn't extricate themselves.

Following the words of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, I was immersed in that dreamy and colorful story.

Different from the leisurely atmosphere in the palace, the Heroes Chamber of Commerce is now extremely lively.

Especially the backbone members of the Chamber of Commerce, they are busy from morning to night.

Zhu Ying gave instructions for a lot of things, including the construction of five factories, the construction of prisons, preparations for the Lantern Festival, and the arrangements for subsequent programs in the palace.

Whether it is the renovation of Zhengyang Avenue, the formula of cement and other matters, almost all matters are handled by the Qun Ying Chamber of Commerce.

The Capital's Heroes Chamber of Commerce has already mobilized key personnel from the Western Regions, the grasslands, and the desert. Even so, there is still a feeling of insufficient manpower.

Moreover, every matter here is extremely important to the Ming Dynasty and cannot tolerate any mistakes.

There can be no problems in any link.

In such cold weather, there was a little sweat on Uncle Zhang's forehead. You can imagine how busy he was.

Ye Yueqing went to the palace in the morning to pay New Year's greetings to His Majesty, Concubine Ning, and Zhu Ying, and then rushed out without stopping.

Ye Yueqing is responsible for no less things than Zhang Bo.

For example, in terms of intelligence security, Ye Yueqing is not only responsible for the Chamber of Commerce, but also has to check the files sent by the Jinyiwei.

An investigation into the current dangerous people in the capital.

Behind all the calmness are the silent efforts of countless people.

Ye Yueqing brought a few eunuchs and a lot of gifts to the courtyard that used to be on the Qinhuai River, where there was also the Gunpowder Department.

Go to visit Princess Chen Muyue of Annan and Princess Zhao Xiangxi of Goryeo.

Although His Royal Highness the Crown Prince did not say anything, Ye Yueqing already treated her as a younger sister.

Everyone has feelings. The Crown Prince may have forgotten it, or may not have taken it to heart, but Ye Yueqing must remember it.

From the perspective of etiquette, it should be Zhao Xiangxi and Chen Muyue who wish Ye Yueqing a happy new year, but their current situation is a bit special.

Even on New Year's Eve, she stayed alone because she could not go to the palace without the order from His Royal Highness the Crown Prince.

"Sister, has His Royal Highness mentioned me recently?"

Chen Muyue asked shyly.

Now, she no longer has the confidence she had before, and she thinks that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince must like her very much.

However, it turned out that since the 50,000-strong army left the capital, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince seemed to have forgotten her, and no news of her ever came.

I stay alone in my room every night and am not even allowed to go out.

I can only look forward to it, hoping that the day will come when His Royal Highness the Crown Prince will take me into the palace.

"Your Highness naturally remembers it, but you also know that there are many things to do in the palace right now, and your Highness has a special status, so it is impossible for him to spend all day and night in this private affair."

"This is the gift that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince asked me to prepare for you."

Ye Yueqing said with a smile.

There were two large boxes outside. Chen Muyue wanted to see what was inside, but because Ye Yueqing was there, she couldn't bring herself to speak.

"Open it and take a look."

Ye Yueqing smiled.

The officials opened the boxes immediately and found one box was filled with silks and satins, and another box contained various food boxes with a fragrant aroma, which were obviously palace delicacies.

Chen Muyue didn't focus on the food. Instead, she picked up the fine silk and felt it for a while. Then she asked Ye Yueqing coquettishly, "Sister, do you think I can embroider a cape for His Highness?"

Ye Yueqing was slightly startled. She didn't expect Chen Muyue to have such an idea, but she didn't think too much about it. Instead, she encouraged him, "Of course you can, but you have to be quick. If you can finish the embroidery before the Lantern Festival, I think His Highness will be very happy."

"Yeah." Chen Muyue nodded heavily.

Compared to Chen Muyue, Zhao Xiangxi is completely different.

Perhaps in terms of personality, Zhao Xiangxi has experienced more, shouldered more, and is more stable in mind.

When faced with the gift sent by Ye Yueqing, he knew in his heart that it must have little to do with His Highness.

"You have been very hard-working during this period, but we will be conquering Japan in the spring, so the production of gunpowder cannot be stopped, and it needs to be in large quantities."

"When the time comes, your Highness's Black Armor Guards will have to accompany you to Shaanxi to redress the injustice, and they will need a lot of matchlock guns."

After a brief greeting, Ye Yueqing said in a deep voice.

I have to say that Zhao Xiangxi really helped a lot in the Gunpowder Bureau and played a very important role.

Ye Yueqing felt that even if she did it herself, it would be like this at best.

Management talents are sometimes more difficult to find than professional talents. Things like coordinating the overall situation cannot be achieved by just having talent and knowledge.

Although Zhao Xiangxi was a woman, she had an unparalleled talent in gunpowder. Moreover, as she was the eldest daughter of the Zhao family of Pungyang, Goryeo, she had sufficient experience in management.

In addition, the people in the Gunpowder Bureau generally thought that Zhao Xiangxi would be the Crown Prince's future concubine, so no one dared to be a troublemaker.

The operation of the entire Gunpowder Department was very smooth.

"Sister, is there any news from my family?"

This was her first time to celebrate New Year's Day in the Ming Dynasty, and she was all alone, so she couldn't help but miss her hometown.

Ye Yueqing said: "After Master Daoyan went to Goryeo, he was regarded as the national teacher. Now he is gathering troops in Busan, and the vanguard has occupied Tsushima Island."

"The Zhao family of Fengrang also followed."

Ye Yueqing said it simply, and Zhao Xiangxi understood it clearly.

This shows that the family has now been tied to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince's big ship. If one prospers, all prosper; if one suffers, all suffer.

The implication is that one should make contributions to the Ming Dynasty. If Japan can be conquered, the Fengyang Zhao family will naturally benefit from it.

If not, no one knows what the situation will be like then.

"Don't worry, sister. Xiangxi will not slack off and will do her best." Zhao Xiangxi said seriously.

Ye Yueqing nodded gently, and then comforted him: "Your contribution is remembered by His Highness. As for your family, I have also sent a message to Master Daoyan to take good care of it. Don't worry."

Ye Yueqing did write a letter to Yao Guangxiao.

However, what Ye Yueqing didn't know was that when her letter arrived in Goryeo, the members of the Fengyang Zhao clan who joined the army had already been arranged to be the vanguard and go to Tsushima Island.