Old Zhu patted Zhu Xiong Ying's head and said, "You and your father can both be good emperors of peace. Your father is better; he is better at governing the people's livelihood and regulating civil and military officials than we are. If he were to become emperor, he would surely be able to achieve the same level as Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing. As for you, you should think you have foresight; in this respect, you are better than your father."
I understand. In Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, Zhu Yuanzhang was an excellent ruler who could maintain the status quo, and he was also a skilled political man. In terms of domestic affairs, Zhu Yuanzhang clearly still highly regarded his eldest son.
Old Zhu looked at Zhu Xiong Ying and said, "You have a good vision and strategic thinking. At first, we didn't quite understand some of your actions, but now we see that our grandson's ambitions are far-reaching. Whether it's opening the sea ban, building ships, or laying the groundwork for Japan and Korea, these are all minor matters. You haven't forgotten about Southeast Asia or the Western Regions!"
Looking at Zhu Xiong Ying, Old Zhu was very happy. "Ying'er hasn't forgotten the north either. Throughout history, foreign threats have always come from the north. Our Ying'er has been planning things for the north for many years. If Ying'er succeeds in her plan, these foreign tribes will not only fail to recover their strength, but they probably won't even be able to eat! Good, we can rest assured."
"Grandfather, if that's the case, why do you say that your grandson is not qualified to compete with you for the throne?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked with a smile, puzzled. "Hearing you say that, Grandfather, your grandson is ambitious and must be a remarkable person!"
Old Zhu rolled his eyes at Zhu Xiong Ying and said, "Which of your schemes didn't cost money? Is conquering the world that easy?! If we weren't going to leave you a solid foundation, we wouldn't be able to withstand your squandering! We used to be afraid you were like Yang Guang, all talk and no action!"
That makes sense. Without a certain level of national strength, Zhu Xiong Ying's schemes could easily cause trouble. In that case, it might be seen as militarism, and the newly pacified country might be plunged into chaos again!
Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying grinning foolishly, Old Zhu said with a smile, "Our Ying'er has one good quality: she's not impatient for quick success or instant benefits."
Zhu Xiong Ying spoke frankly, "My grandson doesn't need to rush to achieve anything immediately. I know my position is secure, and it's safe to lay out long-term strategies. It doesn't matter if there are no results now; I can wait five or ten years!"
Old Zhu stared at Zhu Xiong Ying seriously and said, "This is why we established the eldest son as heir. The throne is none of anyone else's business, so don't try to please us or flatter us. Our foundation for the country was established from the beginning, so the other sons should be more at ease. Like your father, like you, they can focus on their work and lay out their plans. They can wait ten or twenty years!"
Zhu Xiong Ying nodded, also very seriously, "When my grandson ascends the throne, he shall appoint an empress and a crown prince!"
"We can appoint an empress, but our family has never had a woman in charge." Old Zhu said, looking at the still sleeping little Zhu. "We'll appoint Yin'er when he's ten. Our ancestral teachings are clear! If we're still alive then, we can take the crown prince out for a stroll. If our great-grandson sends us back to our hometown then, we'll have a lamp lit."
After a moment of silence, Zhu Xiong Ying said, "Grandfather, why don't you go back to your hometown? Your grandson is in the court."
Old Zhu was genuinely moved; he was a man deeply attached to his hometown. Even after becoming emperor, he still missed his family's impoverished life. The main reason, of course, was that he had parents and siblings; although his life was hard back then, he didn't lack family.
Little Zhu woke up and saw his great-grandfather smiling happily. Rubbing his eyes, Little Zhu reached out and said, "Great-Grandpa, hug me!"
He had originally wanted to enjoy the sight of his great-grandson lying down and relieving himself, but the grandson's sweet, childlike voice was irresistible to Old Zhu. For this great-grandson, Old Zhu lowered many of his expectations. For example, regarding the way the child addressed him, he only needed to say what was natural for him. He had previously been annoyed that his great-grandson could call him "father" and "mother," but not "great-grandfather."
It's too difficult to pronounce; we need to reduce the difficulty.
As a result, once the difficulty was reduced, Old Zhu found it even more pleasing to the ear and thought that was the proper way to address someone.
Little Zhu nestled on Old Zhu's broad shoulder, still a little drowsy and needing to be woken up. Old Zhu, usually clumsy and rough, was holding Little Zhu with unusual tenderness, humming a folk tune.
Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly realized, Huagu Opera?
No way! Ever since the Zhu Emperor came along, there have been nine out of ten years of famine!
If things don't go well in his hometown, Old Zhu will be teased again and again!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
