Watching his lively great-grandson crawling around on the dragon bed, Old Zhu felt somewhat comforted, believing he could endure a few more years. He needed to see his beloved grandson take control of the court and watch his great-grandson grow up; otherwise, he wouldn't feel at ease.
Zhu Xiong Ying and Xu Miao Qing chatted and laughed, with Wang Cheng En and Shuang Quan following behind them.
Upon arriving at the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Xiong Ying laughed, "Grandpa Emperor, this little thing is quite obedient!"
"Better than you!" Old Zhu said irritably. "Yin'er doesn't make us angry, unlike you! You tell me, there are so many old women and maids in the Eastern Palace who insist that we take care of Yin'er!"
Zhu Xiong Ying laughed and said smugly, "Well, there's nothing I can do about it. The third brother and his wife have entered the palace, so as the eldest brother, I naturally have to go and see them. Yin'er is too noisy now, and I don't trust anyone else to take care of him, so I trust Grandfather."
In truth, Old Zhu understood perfectly well that his beloved grandson sending his great-grandson over wasn't because he distrusted others. It was mainly because he was worried that Old Zhu was too busy with state affairs, and sending his great-grandson over meant he could play and rest.
Xu Miaoqing smiled and began to serve the dishes, adding in a lighthearted tone, "Grandpa Emperor, your granddaughter-in-law is thinking that it's time for the Crown Prince to be selected for the imperial concubine selection. Currently, there are only two people in the Eastern Palace, and the number of heirs is still somewhat insufficient."
"That's it!" Old Zhu's eyes lit up, very satisfied with his sensible granddaughter-in-law. "It's time for the Crown Prince to be selected for the imperial harem. Many civil and military officials, as well as local gentry, are eagerly watching. Let's not choose noble families to fill the harem, but rather some daughters of middle and lower-ranking civil and military officials."
Zhu Xiong Ying had no say in his own 'marriage,' as he was now merely a physical body. He was also well aware that building his harem wasn't easy, and often required political considerations.
Just as Xu Miaoqing brought up the selection of concubines, she was well aware that she could never be the sole favorite, otherwise a reputation for jealousy would put her in a difficult position. Even if she were the daughter of Xu Da, the Prince of Zhongshan, things wouldn't be easy then. Perhaps even her elder brother, Xu Yungong, would lead the petition against it.
Empress Dugu, the wife of Emperor Wen of Sui, was not someone that ordinary people could achieve. Even the late empress would not have sought exclusive favor.
Since some things are unavoidable, it's better to bring them up proactively. Besides, Xu Miaoqing is now confident that as the principal wife, she will likely become the head of the six palaces in the future. Moreover, the little one crawling on the dragon bed has an even more secure position, and Xu Miaoqing is still thinking about her precious son.
Old Zhu seemed to remember something before asking, "How is Yunheng doing? I've heard quite a bit about his dissolute ways over the years. Now that he's married, he should be more settled. His wife is a bit spoiled, isn't she?"
While pouring wine for Old Zhu, Zhu Xiong Ying said, "The third son is alright, a little more mature, but still playful. His princess is acceptable, though. Miao Qing had her enter the palace to learn the rules. Although the princess is spoiled, she is sensible and doesn't have much ill intentions. She's just like the second son, and the two of them are quite a good match."
Xu Miaoqing added, "Grandpa probably doesn't know, but a few days ago my aunt sent the Princess Consort to the Princess's residence. The Princess Consort is naive, and my aunt tried many ways to subtly instruct her, but none of them worked. My aunt has complained to her granddaughter-in-law quite a bit."
Old Zhu couldn't help but burst into laughter, "That's a good thing, it's good that two fools are together. Tomorrow, have someone bestow a pair of Ruyi scepters upon them, so that our imperial grandfather can't really just ignore it."
After clinking glasses with Old Zhu and taking a leisurely sip, Zhu Xiong Ying said, "Don't be like the Second Prince, always getting cocky. Grandfather bestowed a Ruyi today, and she'll be wearing it around tomorrow. I regret it now. I've bought a lot of things for the Prince's mansion before, and those two have been showing off under the guise of banquets."
Old Zhu couldn't help but chuckle. In fact, over the years he had occasionally cared about and paid attention to his other sons and grandsons. Old Zhu was naturally very clear about Zhu Yunwen's behavior and temperament. Old Zhu sometimes had a headache with this second grandson, who was a complete playboy, but fortunately he didn't have any bad intentions.
As for Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Yunxuan, and Zhu Yunxi, Old Zhu only showed them a little concern. After all, they were the illegitimate sons of his eldest son, whom he cared about the most, but Old Zhu only paid them occasional attention, which could be considered a case of loving the house because of the people.
After all, Old Zhu can't even keep an eye on his own sons anymore, he has more than twenty sons. Furthermore, these sons have given him a whole bunch of grandsons, and Old Zhu really can't take care of them all. He doesn't even remember the names of many of his grandsons or has never even met them.
Ultimately, what Zhu Yuanzhang cared about most were his legitimate sons and grandsons, who were his true darlings and the inheritors of the Ming Dynasty. Naturally, Zhu Yuanzhang had even more reason to care about them at this time.
Just as the family was talking, Wang Chengen suddenly received a report, and his expression became very troubled, as he didn't know how to respond.
Zhu Xiong Ying naturally noticed this as well and asked, "What exactly is troubling you so much? Why don't you tell me?"
With a bitter expression, Wang Chengen knelt down and said, "Your Highness, the Marquis of Xiping has passed away."
Zhu Xiong Ying was stunned. Marquis Mu Ying of Xiping was gone just like that?
Old Zhu was stunned for a moment, his hand holding the wine glass trembling uncontrollably. This was his and Empress Ma's favorite adopted son. After the pacification of Yunnan, Mu Ying stayed in Yunnan to guard the region. During his ten years in southern Yunnan, he made countless contributions, promoted land reclamation, encouraged agriculture and sericulture, and stabilized the border. And now he's just gone like that?
Wang Chengen, his face contorted with grief, continued, "After the late Crown Prince passed away, the Marquis of Xiping wept uncontrollably and subsequently fell ill..."
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