Old Zhu's illness suddenly improved, and at this moment, many people seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
Even knowing that Zhu Xiong Ying's position as the Crown Prince was secure, and even knowing that Zhu Xiong Ying was quite capable in handling state affairs, people still ultimately hoped that the legitimate Emperor Zhu would appear in court; he was undoubtedly the pillar of stability.
Zhu, who had reappeared in the court, seemed very angry. He looked at Xu Yungong and asked, "Duke of Wei, did you cause a scene at the Six Ministries?"
Xu Yungong immediately knelt down, though he was also somewhat puzzled. "Your subject is guilty!"
"Guilty?!" Old Zhu sneered, his voice suddenly rising, "If you ask me, I'm afraid they're just being arrogant and fearless!"
As soon as these words were spoken, many people felt something was amiss. Xu Yungong's identity was that of the eldest son of Xu Da, the Prince of Zhongshan—that was what everyone remembered before. But now, many people remembered him as the Crown Prince's elder brother and as a potential top noble general under the Crown Prince's command.
Now that His Majesty the Emperor has made these pointed remarks, it's quite intriguing to see who he's targeting or warning.
While many were still speculating, Zhu Xiong Ying quickly stepped forward, "Your Majesty, the Duke of Wei has been ordered to oversee the affairs of the Imperial Memorial Hall. The Governor-General's Office and the Six Ministries are assisting, and your humble servant has heard..."
Old Zhu immediately roared at Zhu Xiong Ying, "Arrogant! The officials of the Six Ministries are the pillars of the nation, how can they be so easily insulted! As the Crown Prince, don't you know how rare it is to find such talented people in the country? To treat such virtuous and capable officials with such contempt, where is the demeanor of a Crown Prince!"
This time, not only Xu Yungong, but also many civil officials were trembling with fear. The reason was simple: Zhu Xiong Ying, the imperial grandson, had almost never been severely reprimanded by His Majesty the Emperor.
His Majesty the Emperor has now made no attempt to conceal his dissatisfaction with the Crown Prince, severely reprimanding him in court. This is clearly an interesting development, and many people may well be making some common-sounding connections at this moment.
Old Zhu seemed still furious, and roared at Zhu Xiong Ying, "As the crown prince, you should treat the virtuous with respect and recruit talented people for the country. Look at your arrogant behavior! You caused a great deal of controversy when you presided over the imperial examinations. Now you are even more domineering, disrespecting the important officials of the Six Ministries! Go to the Fengxian Hall and apologize to our ancestors!"
Zhu Xiong Ying remained calm. He was going to Fengxian Hall to apologize, not because he had slighted the officials of the Six Ministries.
The more fundamental reason was that the treatment of some members of the imperial clan might be reduced, and Zhu Xiong Ying would naturally have to explain these matters to the ancestors personally. Since these matters were proposed by Zhu Xiong Ying, it was Zhu Xiong Ying's attitude to personally explain them to the ancestors.
At this moment, Xu Yungong panicked and hurriedly said loudly, "This guilty subject begs to report that His Highness the Crown Prince is unaware of my..."
Old Zhu roared, "Oh? Still protecting him at a time like this?! The Crown Prince is acting arrogantly, and you, as a subject, don't even know how to advise him? Is this what a virtuous minister should do?! The Duke of Wei is acting arrogantly, confine him to the Prince of Zhongshan's residence for a month, and deduct three months' salary!"
This caused panic among many people. Not only the nobles, but many civil officials also rushed to stand up. They could tell that His Majesty the Emperor seemed genuinely angry, and they were not pleading for Xu Yungong, but for Zhu Xiong Ying.
Emperor Zhu sat high on his dragon throne, observing with detached indifference. He wanted to see who truly cared about his grandson, who was stirring up trouble, and who was being insincere and two-faced.
Old Zhu snorted coldly and made a decisive statement: "The Crown Prince is to be confined to his quarters for three months and is not to leave the Eastern Palace!"
Watching Old Zhu storm off, it seemed this grand drama was reaching its climax. However, both Old Zhu and Zhu Xiong Ying understood that this was only the beginning; the real drama was yet to unfold.
The civil officials and nobles panicked at this moment, because the crown prince, whom they had thought was the most secure candidate, seemed to have encountered great trouble.
Seeing the panicked officials and the chaotic court, Zhu Xiong Ying didn't say much. The waters weren't muddy enough yet, so Zhu Xiong Ying needed to temporarily withdraw from the court to observe from the sidelines.
Most importantly, Zhu Xiong Ying was well aware that Zhu was actually putting on a show. Or rather, Zhu intended to temporarily remove Zhu Xiong Ying from the court so that he could reduce the privileges of some members of the imperial clan.
The decision to grant high privileges to members of the imperial clan was made by Emperor Zhu himself. Now, if those privileges are to be reduced, Emperor Zhu intends to do so personally. Only he has the authority to do so; if his grandson were to do it, there would certainly be much discontent within the imperial clan.
There are some things that Lao Zhu feels are better suited to do personally, as he doesn't want any issues to cause unrest at home.
Zhu Xiong Ying didn't say much. After the court session, he immediately went to the Fengxian Hall, as he really needed to give a proper explanation.
The Fengxian Hall is a place that ordinary people are not qualified to enter. Apart from the head of the family, Zhu Xiong Ying and the ignorant little brat Zhu Wen Yin are the only people who are rightfully allowed to enter.
As for other members of the royal family, they were certainly qualified to participate in the worship, but at that time they would only be 'accompanying the worshippers'.
Zhu Xiong Ying offered incense to each of his ancestors, then sat on the prayer mat, looking at the tablet of the eldest Zhu. "Father, don't blame me for being ruthless to my uncles. If our Zhu family's empire is to be passed down, we will definitely have to slightly reduce the treatment of the imperial clan. No matter how ruthless I am, I won't go so far as to draw my sword against them. They will still live very well."
"When it comes to our royal family members, I will definitely have to consider their future prospects," Zhu Xiong Ying continued, seemingly talking to himself. "Leaving aside other matters, let's not talk about Japan for now. Those royal family members who stay in the country will definitely be given some work to do; they won't be idle."
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