Zhu Yunwen, that rascal, has arrived. He's almost twenty, but he's still like a child who never grew up. Perhaps he's been too well protected and too playful, making him seem a bit mischievous and unrestrained. To say he lacks ambition would be perfectly accurate; he simply wants to be a happy prince.
Looking at his troublesome younger brother, Joo Yoon-young said irritably, "You went out and ran around, and now you come back spouting nonsense?"
"This isn't nonsense, even Fifth Uncle and the others know about it." Zhu Yunwen didn't mind and sat down with a smile. "Sister-in-law, where's my nephew? Bring my eldest niece over too, your uncle has prepared a gift!"
Mentioning this made Zhu Yunying angry, and she said irritably, "Your imperial aunt and elder sister sent gifts after Ruyi was born. Even Yunwen knows etiquette. But your own uncle is nowhere to be found, so we had to send the princess over."
The lazy Zhu Yunwen didn't care and sat loosely in the chair. "Anyway, we won't be able to see our niece then. This time, I touched a piece of precious jade from Uncle Wang and had a master craftsman make a longevity lock for me."
This didn't bother Zhu Yunying, who smiled and said, "Master craftsman? Master craftsmen are either working for the royal family or in Beiping."
“There are hidden talents in the wilderness.” Zhu Yunwen immediately took out the longevity lock as if presenting a treasure. It was indeed quite exquisite. “The one we gave to our nephew was not this good. Back then, when we first established our mansion, we could only get a nice thing from the imperial treasury.”
In the palace, Zhu Yunwen was the only one so fearless, because everyone had 'abandoned' him, and also because of his special status. So everyone intentionally or unintentionally gave way to him, after all, they all knew that the Crown Prince doted on his younger brother.
Xu Miaoqing had someone bring Zhu Wenyin, and naturally she also wanted to inform Lian Qiongqiong to bring Zhu Ruyi to see her uncle.
"Uncle!" Little Zhu was overjoyed. He used to be shy around strangers, but now he loves his uncle the most. "Uncle, ride a horse!"
Seeing Zhu Yunying playing with Zhu Wenyin, Zhu Yunying became more vigilant. He had to be careful not to let the future crown prince of the Ming Dynasty be led astray, becoming a pleasure-seeking prince who only knew how to eat, drink, and be merry under the tutelage of Zhu Yunying, who was about to become the Prince of Wu.
Lian Qiongqiong also arrived, bringing Zhu Ruyi with her. Zhu Yunwen smiled happily as he looked at his chubby little niece.
"Uncle, this is my sister!" Zhu Wenyin said solemnly, looking very serious. "I'm the eldest brother, I'm the oldest!"
Pointing to Zhu Yunying, Zhu Yuntong said with a smile, "Like your father, he is also the eldest brother. Yin'er, you are the eldest brother, so you have to take care of your younger brothers and sisters. Your father did a good job, protecting me and your imperial aunt."
Zhu Yunying suddenly felt a little teary-eyed. His silly boy was still sensible and clear-headed about important matters; he was just a little playful.
Zhu Yunwen, that lovable troublemaker, is back, and the Eastern Palace is bustling again. Zhu Yunying is in a good mood and has summoned the equally lively Lady Sang. She and Zhu Yunwen are a perfect match; Zhu Yunying had initially worried that the couple would make a mess of their lives.
As it turned out, the two were quite compatible and lived a comfortable life together. When Zhu Yunwen was asked to take a concubine, the boy was not very willing. As long as they were in the capital, he and Lady Sang treated each other with respect and affection.
As the Empress's sister-in-law, Xu Miaoqing urged Sang Shi, "You're not young anymore, and neither is Yunhuo. Look at your elder brother, he already has two children. You should start thinking about it too. Besides, your two elder sisters also have children, so now it's just the two of you."
Before Lady Sang could speak, Zhu Yunwen had something to say, "Sister-in-law, your younger brother is not yet grown up and cannot raise a child."
“If we really can’t raise them, there are governesses in the palace. I’ll find some more people to take care of them.” Xu Miaoqing said in a very elder sister-in-law manner, “I’d like your children to accompany Yin’er when she goes to school and studies.”
Zhu Yunwen chuckled immediately and said, "That won't do. My offspring will definitely be playful too. Besides, it was different when my elder brother was studying. He never went to the main hall, and Yin'er will definitely be the same."
Zhu Yunying frowned and said to Zhu Yuntong, "Don't talk nonsense. Yin'er will definitely go to school in the future. He should go to Dabentang. Even if our father is as intelligent as him, he will still go to Dabentang to study, and he will have his uncle as a companion."
As for Zhu Yunying himself, it was probably because he was too clever when he was young. While following Empress Ma, he 'naturally' learned to read, and after going to the Wuying Hall a few times, he learned to read memorials. He could understand the Four Books and Five Classics after reading a little bit.
Of course, it was also because the old Zhu and the first Zhu did not allow Zhu Yunying to study Confucianism too deeply, and Zhu Yunying himself was also unwilling. Otherwise, Zhu Yunying, the crown prince, might have really become famous for his literary talent at a young age and could have attracted a large number of scholars.
It seems there won't be a 29th year of the Hongwu reign; Emperor Zhu is already eager to abdicate. Although the Crown Prince has been staying in seclusion in the Eastern Palace, many civil and military officials know that he is still handling state affairs.
The reason is evident from the annotations on the memorials; everyone could recognize the Crown Prince's handwriting.
Emperor Zhu's calligraphy is natural and fluent, with a lively style. Although some people feel that his calligraphy lacks a bit of discipline, it is still elegant and unpretentious yet vigorous. However, considering his background and achievements, one cannot help but admire the strength and domineering nature of his calligraphy. Powerful and forceful strokes are a prominent characteristic of Emperor Zhu, reflecting his personality.
Previously, Crown Prince Zhu Biao's calligraphy appeared fluent and elegant, just as many people perceived him as a kind and refined person.
It is said that the Crown Prince disliked poetry and books from a young age, preferring only martial arts and military strategy. Therefore, his calligraphy was not particularly beautiful, somewhat resembling that of the late Emperor Zhu. However, some calligraphers felt that his calligraphy was too sharp and somewhat contrived.
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