However, in recent years, especially after the decision was made to move the capital to Beiping, although Zhu Yuanzhang still granted his sons the status of princes, they were all in name only, and they all stayed in Yingtian Prefecture. This was the change Zhu Yuanzhang made.
Originally, the plan was to have these princes guard the borders and become border kings, but gradually it was also realized that the military affairs in the north could not be given to the princes. The Jiangnan and Jingxiang regions were rich and fertile lands, and Old Zhu was reluctant to grant them away.
"There's one thing that puts our minds at ease: although you're going to reduce the power of the princes, you've found a place for your uncles to go and haven't abandoned them." Old Zhu looked at Zhu Xiong Ying and said with a smile, "Even if your uncles have many complaints, you haven't targeted them."
In fact, Old Zhu was well aware that after his eldest son passed away, some of his other sons had their own thoughts about the matter.
Especially after Zhu Xiong Ying's status as crown prince was confirmed, some princes even harbored resentment. Prince Qin, Zhu Shuang, and Prince Jin, Zhu Gang, felt they had a chance, since it was only natural for them, as princes, to 'fill the vacancy' according to convention.
Zhu Xiong Ying laughed, saying nothing more. It was perfectly normal to strive for the supreme position. While a prince held a high position, nothing compared to the exhilaration of being the emperor—the true supreme ruler of the world!
Zhu Yunwen was incredibly obedient at this time. Ever since Crown Prince Zhu Biao passed away, he had completely given up on his ambitions. Or rather, after the Crown Prince fell seriously ill a couple of years ago and was practically sent back to his hometown of Fengyang, Zhu Yunwen became much more obedient.
With a powerful elder brother who possessed considerable influence, coupled with his brother's skill, ability, and prestige, Zhu Yunwen actually dared not have too many ideas.
Ultimately, if he hadn't harbored some lingering ambition for the throne, he would have long since followed Zhu Yunwen's example and settled into a life of leisure and indulgence. Of course, it was probably also because his mother had been instilling certain ideas in him that made Zhu Yunwen feel that he still had some chance.
As for now, Zhu Yunwen is naturally extremely obedient. Only if his elder brother is happy will he have a chance to survive and become a prince living a life of luxury. Of course, for now, he is only a county prince.
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty the Emperor, and your younger brother pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince." Zhu Yunwen was indeed well-read and seemed to follow the rules, all in accordance with the "Imperial Ancestral Instructions of the Ming Dynasty."
Old Zhu raised his hand and said, "Your imperial brother is worried about you and has summoned you to the palace. Listen to your imperial brother's instructions, and don't worry about us."
Zhu Yunwen was already used to his grandfather's favoritism. Although he was the emperor's grandson, from the time he could remember, Zhu Yunwen knew that he and his elder brother were treated very differently. He was also aware of his grandfather's 'coldness' towards him and his favoritism towards his elder brother.
Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Zhu Yun Wen and asked with a smile, "Is everything alright at the manor?"
"Reporting to Your Majesty, all is well," Zhu Yunwen replied hastily, appearing genuinely obedient. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand and said irritably, "You've never been close to me since we were kids. You're just so boring with your rigid manner. Learn from the third brother, so I can feel more like an older brother."
Old Zhu, standing nearby, couldn't help but laugh out loud, then interjected, "If you ask me, we still shouldn't be like Yun Tong. One Yun Tong is enough. If everyone is like him, we'll have a headache. If you ask me, Yun Tong's current behavior is all because you spoiled him."
Zhu Yunwen began to sweat; he started to get nervous. As for why Zhu Yunwen was the way he was now, he hadn't known before, but now he was slowly beginning to understand.
When I was a child, I used to envy Zhu Yunwen. But gradually, Zhu Yunwen began to look down on his younger brother, Zhu Yunwen, because they had different pursuits and different goals.
If his elder brother were to seek revenge later, Zhu Yunwen was genuinely worried that his brother would cause trouble for him and his mother. After all, Lady Lü, who raised Zhu Yunwen, deserved much credit for his current state.
Zhu Xiong Ying couldn't help but laugh and said, "That third brother is really unreliable. We originally wanted him to be the military supervisor, but he ran away just like Fifth Uncle. There's nothing we can do about it. Let Yunwen go."
Old Zhu's expression darkened. Only his precious grandson could provoke him like this; no one else would dare to do it.
It's only because the fifth brother, Zhu Su, wasn't around that Old Zhu would have definitely taken his anger out on him. That troublesome kid is a real headache!
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