Winter of the thirty-sixth year of Hongwu.

It's only half a month away from New Year's Day.

Today, heavy snow fell from the sky, which made the eunuchs and officials in the palace very anxious.

Everyone knows that the crown prince's coronation ceremony is coming up soon. If this delays the important event, then...

"Hurry up, hurry up, clean up all the snow today."

"Whenever a piece of snow falls from the sky, you should clean it up. Don't ruin things. No matter how much it snows, you have to clean it up. Not a single snowflake can be left on the ground."

The eunuch in charge hurriedly summoned the young eunuchs to clean the entire palace.

But human power is no match for the weather. The snow not only showed no sign of stopping, but was getting heavier.

Looking up at the sky, I saw a vast expanse of white, filled with snowflakes.

"What should I do?"

The eunuchs in the entire palace began to get anxious.

You have to know that the rules and regulations for the coronation ceremony have been issued, and many of the procedures are held in the palace. If the snow is slippery and there are bumps or scratches, it would be a serious crime.

When the superiors get angry, the ones below will naturally be punished.

But in the Qianqing Palace, the grandfather and grandson did not seem to be in a hurry at all.

"Auspicious snow indicates a good harvest. It looks like we will have a good harvest next year."

Zhu Ying looked at the heavy snow outside and said to the old man with a smile.

Zhu Yuanzhang was in high spirits and had a rosy complexion at this moment, as if the cold wind outside had no effect on him at all.

"This is God's gift to my grandson. Look, the snow won't stop falling anytime soon, but the weather isn't that cold."

"I wonder if it will snow this heavily again when our eldest grandson ascends the throne."

"Or the coronation ceremony, I think we may need to make some adjustments. If the snow is too heavy and it delays everything, it will become a joke."

Zhu Yuanzhang said happily that he was not too worried about the coronation ceremony.

The enthronement ceremony actually involves many processes, and the emperor himself is the main planner.

Of course, some details were filled in by the ministers.

When Zhu Yuanzhang ascended the throne, there was a step in which a set of imperial crown and robes were prepared, and Zhu Yuanzhang buried him personally. This was a way of offering sacrifices to heaven by burying objects. This was Zhu Yuanzhang's coronation ceremony for changing the dynasty, so there was this process.

Then all the officials took the lead in kneeling and reporting to the place where the emperor had buried the things, and the burial ceremony was completed.

Following behind him were Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, and this group of founding heroes who supported and surrounded Zhu Yuanzhang until he sat on the golden throne.

This picture is a little bit eye-irritating, but the implication is that it is supported.

The design of Zhu Ying's coronation ceremony this time was very different and had a completely different feeling from Zhu Yuanzhang's.

Rather than a coronation ceremony, it can be seen as more of a military parade.

Most of the procedures, except for offering sacrifices to the gods, are based on the military parade.

This is also to better demonstrate the power of the Ming Dynasty.

…

Military Headquarters, Five Military Commandery.

"The Crown Prince has issued an order. On the first day of the first lunar month, 300,000 troops will be conducting drills. This is the coronation ceremony. No one should delay it. Otherwise, you will lose your head."

"This time, the Crown Prince has entrusted me with such an important task, so there can be no mistakes. From today on, the entire army will conduct strict training, especially in terms of military appearance, which must be paid more attention to."

Lan Yu was in high spirits. He had not expected that there would be a grand military parade at the Crown Prince's coronation ceremony. Most importantly, the commander-in-chief of the parade would be him, Lan Yu.

This made him feel a little ashamed. Before, because of the matter of his adopted son, he had been thinking of returning to India to lead his own troops. Now it seemed that the Crown Prince really trusted him.

Because of this incident, everyone in the Five Military Commandery was excited.

In their view, the Crown Prince was sending a signal of his trust and importance to the military.

The Military Department is the new name of the Five Military Commission, which is also a part of the new policy.

From then on, the military was no longer under the control of the imperial court, but was directly under the emperor, responsible only for foreign wars and internal rebellions. The military farming area would also be gradually separated out.

The garrison troops set up by Zhu Yuanzhang will gradually fade out of sight from the day Zhu Ying ascends the throne.

In the future, the soldiers of the Ming Dynasty will undergo strict selection and assessment to ensure the excellence of the Ming Dynasty's military strength.

Faced with the military generals' joy, the civil officials were somewhat reluctant.

"Tell me, how can it be arranged like this? Can't Your Majesty give a word?"

"Throughout the dynasties, which emperor would go to such great lengths to arrange drills for his soldiers when he ascended the throne? Even though our Ming Dynasty is prosperous now, this cannot be the case. Governing the country depends on scholars, not warriors."

"Everyone, I think we need to make a report and advise the Crown Prince not to attach so much importance to the military. Our Ming Dynasty is a great country of etiquette. Now that all nations are paying homage, etiquette should be the first priority. Isn't this a loss of face to show off our weapons?"

Inside the Ministry of Rites, an official from the ministry spoke passionately and eloquently.

He was an old veteran and an old scholar, and he had always been critical of the Crown Prince's reforms. However, in the court, the grandfather and grandson were so powerful that those who sang against him had their graves covered with grass three feet high, so he dared not say anything.

I only dared to say these words when I was in the yamen.

The other officials in the Ministry of Rites were already accustomed to this and no one responded, making the atmosphere a little dull.

Minister of Rites Ren Hengtai simply glanced at him indifferently, and then said, "The music that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince chooses must be majestic and grand, so that we can maintain the majesty of our Celestial Empire and shock the barbarians in all directions."

"The arrangement of this coronation ceremony is an important task for us in the Ministry of Rites. We must strictly follow the rules and regulations set by the Crown Prince."

In today's situation, even if a cabinet is established and all government affairs are arranged by cabinet ministers, who can ignore the Crown Prince's intentions?

The new policy is the new policy of the crown prince. If anyone really thinks that the emperor doesn’t have to worry about anything from now on, that person is a fool.

You can only watch and decide whether you want to care or not.

…

The night before New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve.

The main hall of the Qianqing Palace is very lively.

All the princes gathered together.

Including Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunhuan, and other imperial grandchildren also appeared.

There are hundreds of people in the group.

Although Zhu Yuanzhang has more than a hundred grandchildren, many of the princes are not married yet, and there are only a few dozen grandchildren at the moment, so the main hall of the Qianqing Palace can still accommodate them.

Although it is a bit crowded, it also feels more intimate and lively.

Zhu Yuanzhang did not sit on the dragon throne, but at the first table of the banquet.

Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Ying sat next to Zhu Yuanzhang respectively. The others were Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang, Zhu Di and Zhu Su.

As for the other princes, they sat at another table.

Zhu Yuanzhang himself was born into a peasant family, so unlike the previous Song Dynasty's system of separate dining, family banquets were basically communal dining, which seemed more harmonious.

It can be seen from their positions that in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart, the two grandsons he loved the most were Zhu Ying and Zhu Yunwen.

Next came the sons.

Of course, this is also because the eldest brother Zhu Biao passed away.

"Second, third, fourth."

Zhu Yuanzhang shouted, and the three of them sat up straight.

For Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di, their father was a character whom they both loved and feared. Even though they had killed countless people on the battlefield, when facing their father, they were like children and dared not disobey in the slightest.

That was a fear engraved in their bones. As the earliest batch of sons, Zhu Yuanzhang had raised them personally. When they were disobedient and naughty when they were young, they did not receive the same treatment as the eldest son Zhu Biao.

When they fight, it's real fight. He has been traumatized by his father since he was a child.

Zhu Yuanzhang saw his three sons sitting down and continued, "Tomorrow will be your eldest nephew's coronation ceremony. After the ceremony, we will prepare to go to Dongsheng Shenzhou."

"In this regard, you should be grateful to your eldest grandson instead of harboring resentment. The royal family has always been ruthless. To be able to do this is already the utmost of benevolence and justice. You should be clear about this."

"No matter what, we are all family. In the future, when you go there, develop well and strengthen the bloodline of our Zhu family. If you encounter any difficulties, I think our eldest grandson will not stand idly by."

"Blood is thicker than water after all."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Ying immediately expressed his opinion: "Don't worry, Grandpa, I will save it."

Zhu Yuanzhang's words were meant to point out Zhu Ying and to show some mercy to the three kings. Although he had some preferences for the eldest son and the eldest grandson, he was always thinking about family harmony.

Zhu Yuanzhang was also very satisfied with Zhu Ying's answer.

He continued, "Second brother."

Zhu Chong quickly responded, "Your son is here."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Chong carefully, then sighed and said, "Except for your elder brother, you are the one I value most, and you are also the leader of all the kings, so you should set an example."

"However, you are the one who disappoints me the most. You have been smart since childhood, and you are good at both literature and martial arts, but you are cruel and tyrannical. You don't understand human nature and the will of heaven. You conspired with Deng to do some cruel things. You are simply hated by heaven and man."

"Even now, you are still a vicious person. Although you have restrained yourself a little, that's all. If you can be a little more like your elder brother, we..."

Having said this, Zhu Yuanzhang paused slightly.

In fact, according to the inheritance system, after the eldest son Zhu Biao, Zhu Chong was the most qualified to inherit the throne.

However, Zhu Yuanzhang deeply understood Zhu Zong's temper. If he were allowed to take the throne, the Ming Dynasty would probably be similar to the Qin Dynasty, and there was a high possibility that it would perish in the second generation.

This scourge is a complete tyrant who disregards human life.

Hearing this, Zhu Chong also felt a little guilty.

In fact, he still had some ideas about the throne. It is certainly impossible to say that he had no ideas at all.

Although Zhu Chong was tyrannical, he was not stupid. He knew that his father would never give the throne to him. Therefore, even after his elder brother Zhu Biao passed away, he never thought about the throne.

Moreover, at that time, he was still under house arrest in the capital. If it were not for the persuasion of his elder brother Zhu Biao, he would have been demoted to a commoner.

"I am an unfilial son and have caused my father trouble." Zhu Chong was afraid that this would make his father angry, so he replied obediently.

Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly and said, "You must change those bad habits in the future. If you were not my son, I would have torn you to pieces ten times."

"The only thing that makes me feel relieved is that Shang Bing is not like you. When you go to Dongsheng Shenzhou, you should treat the people well and let Shang Bing take charge. Don't let him make a fool of himself in the end. I understand."

In response to his father's suggestion, Zhu Chong immediately nodded and said, "I will follow your instructions."

Zhu Shangbing and other imperial grandchildren studied in the palace in their early years, and only left the palace when they grew up a little.

Therefore, Zhu Shangbing was not as tyrannical as Zhu Chong, so Zhu Yuanzhang understood that the task of governing the vassal state would ultimately fall on the shoulders of Zhu Shangbing's grandson.

Zhu Yuanzhang had no expectations at all for his second son, Zhu Chong.

After ordering the second one, it was time for the third one.

"The third one."

"My son is here."

Zhu Yuanzhang was much more pleased with the third son, Zhu Gang. Although Zhu Gang was a bit proud, it was not a big problem.

If Zhu Gang was the second son, then Zhu Yuanzhang would consider the possibility of him inheriting the throne.

But, he is the third child after all.

"I am quite confident in you. We don't have much to tell you. Once you go to Dongsheng Shenzhou, you should manage it well. If you have any difficulties, you can tell your nephew." Zhu Yuanzhang said with a little relief.

Historically, Zhu Gang died of illness at the age of 33, which made Zhu Yuanzhang very sad. It is probably because of Zhu Ying that he is still alive and well.

All the kings who were granted fiefs and lived in remote areas were involved in military affairs, and the two kings of Jin and Yan were given especially important tasks.

Twenty-four years before the Hongwu reign, Zhu Gang ordered his generals to march out of the border and build cities and cultivate farmland. Generals such as Feng Sheng, Duke of Song, and Fu Youde, Duke of Ying, were all under Zhu Gang's control.

In terms of military affairs, it can be seen that Zhu Yuanzhang attached great importance to Zhu Gang.

Even if Zhu Ying had not been there, if Zhu Gang had not died of illness, Zhu Di would not have been able to succeed in his Jingnan Rebellion.

To a large extent, Zhu Yuanzhang used Zhu Gang to check and balance Zhu Di.

"Thank you for the compliment, father." Zhu Gang smiled and looked at Zhu Di with a hint of pride in his eyes.

Anyway, he never had any problems with Zhu Di.

After talking about the third son Zhu Gang, Zhu Yuanzhang turned his attention to the fourth son Zhu Di.

"Old Four, you are the most like me, and you have always satisfied me. Whether it is in your temperament or in the way you handle things and lead the troops, I don't have much to say about you."

"But I still need to give you a few words about Gao Chi."

"We also know that you don't like him, but you have to understand that he is the eldest son, and his achievements over the years, shouldn't you be satisfied?"

"When you were in Yancheng, Japan, if you didn't have Gao Chi's help, could you have surpassed the second and third brothers?"

"He created so much annual revenue for the imperial court in Annan. He is a person who can truly govern a place, not just someone who relies on brute force."

"It's hard to conquer a kingdom, but it's even harder to keep it. I hope you understand this, Old Four."

Zhu Di was highly skilled in martial arts, but was not good at literature. Strictly speaking, he had not read many books. This was also because he had been hanging out in military camps since he was a child.

Even in history, Zhu Di was just Zhu Gaochi's general who conquered the north.

Zhu Yuanzhang felt some guilt towards his son in his early years, but for now, Zhu Di still made Zhu Yuanzhang more satisfied. At least he did not have the violent temper of his second and third sons.

In fact, Zhu Yuanzhang still didn't understand. As the bloodline of the Zhu family, Zhu Di was actually willing to lag behind. After all, he was the first and only emperor in history to execute the ten-clan extermination policy.

"I understand, son."

In front of Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Di was just a child.

I ordered the second, third, and fourth ones.

The only ones left on the table were the fifth brother Zhu Su and Zhu Yunwen.

"Old Five."

"My son is here."

Seeing Zhu Su looking like an old farmer, Zhu Yuanzhang didn't know what to say. In the early years, he thought that the fifth brother might have colluded with Feng Sheng, and took the opportunity to seize Feng Sheng's military power and demoted Zhu Su to Yunnan.

Now it seems that the eldest grandson is the best at judging people, and the fifth grandson is just a complete fool obsessed with plants and trees.

"It's your preference, that's all. There's nothing much to say. If you can achieve something, you will be a saint who benefits the world. Just follow your heart."

Zhu Yuanzhang said this and then stopped.

After all, although Zhu Su was a prince, he had no soldiers or power and posed no threat to the throne. The eldest grandson also attached great importance to agricultural development and was obsessed with plants.

Such a prince is no different from an idle and wealthy prince.

In the past, Zhu Yuanzhang felt that he had brought shame to the royal family, but now, he no longer cares so much.

"Yes, father." Zhu Su responded in a deep voice, a little hoarse, probably because he had been alone for a long time.

Now he is not so afraid of his father anymore, as he has his eldest grandson to support him.

Zhu Yuanzhang finally looked at Zhu Yunwen, with a more amiable look on his face.

In fact, Zhu Yuanzhang has always been very satisfied with Zhu Yunwen. In Zhu Yuanzhang's heart, Zhu Yunwen is most similar to his eldest son Zhu Biao. On the contrary, his eldest grandson Zhu Ying looks similar, but their temperaments and other aspects are completely different.

When the throne of the crown prince was established, Zhu Yunwen was very tactful and did not make a fuss, nor did he have any other evil thoughts or tricks. This made Zhu Yuanzhang very satisfied and he also felt very sorry for Zhu Yunwen.

But now that his eldest grandson had returned, it was impossible for Zhu Yuanzhang to give the throne to Zhu Yunwen.

"Yunwen, you are used to being in Champa. It's okay if you are too tired. I miss your elder brother. He should be very happy that you are back in the capital."

Upon hearing these words, Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang and Zhu Di pouted or rolled their eyes.

It is true that a son cannot be compared with a grandson. One side is driving the three of them away, while the other side is welcoming them back.

Zhu Ying also nodded and said, "If you don't like it, Yun Wen can come back anytime."

Upon hearing this, Zhu Yunwen hurriedly said, "Thank you, Grandpa Emperor. I miss you so much. I am doing very well in Champa. There are abundant seafood and a pleasant climate there. My grandson and mother are living very comfortably."

"The capital has its own hustle and bustle, while Champa has its own tranquility. There are many merchant ships coming and going on a daily basis. Many of the things that are available in the capital can also be bought here, and they are even much cheaper."

Zhu Yunwen didn't want to go back to the capital. As the saying goes, it is better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix. Being restricted in the capital would not be as happy as living in Wucheng.

With the support of the Ming Dynasty, few dared to mess with him. Wucheng itself had a good location and no worries about taxes, but as for wealth and glory, it was more than enough for Zhu Yunwen to enjoy himself.

Recently, Zhu Yunwen has begun to participate in maritime business. The title of King Wu of the Ming Dynasty is not very useful in the palace, but outside, it is a real golden signboard. How could Zhu Yunwen, who has already tasted the sweetness, want to return to the capital?

"Okay, if that's the case, then we can rest assured. If you encounter any problems, just tell your elder brother."

"Today is New Year's Eve, a day for family reunion. I'm afraid it will be difficult to have such a reunion in the future."

"Come, raise your glasses and drink together."

Zhu Yuanzhang picked up the wine glass and said with a sigh.

When others heard this, they felt inexplicably uncomfortable.

Especially the princes who were going to Dongsheng Shenzhou after Zhu Ying ascended the throne, they knew very well that this would be a farewell forever.

By the time I came back, my father had probably... passed away.

Zhu Chong, Zhu Gang, and Zhu Di also realized this, and their eyes immediately became red.

Although the emperor favors the eldest brother's family, he has never treated them unfairly. Emotionally, they have always respected and loved the emperor.

Thinking that the next time I would get news about my father, it would be that he had passed away, and that I wouldn't be able to see him the night before he left, I couldn't help feeling sad.

Zhu Ying wanted to move his lips because of his grandfather's drinking, but in this situation, he knew he couldn't stop him.

Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes swept across the hall.

These are his sons and grandsons, hundreds of people in total, and they are all the bloodline of the Zhu family.

In the future, when the family expands, the Zhu family will become even more prosperous.