Lady Zhang spoke cautiously and timidly, "Your Majesty, I have not heard any complaints."
Old Zhu pinched Zhang Meiren's chin, somewhat sternly, "Don't lie to us, you're not skilled enough!"
Lady Zhang trembled slightly, then whispered, "I've heard that everyone in the harem is worried about having to move out of the East and West Palaces."
Zhu Yunying and his grandson didn't mind continuing to live in their current location; the Qianqing Palace remained Zhu Yunying's residence. Zhu Yunying slightly renovated the East Palace, making it worthy of the emperor's sleeping quarters. However, in the East and West Palaces, the concubines in the harem were worried about having to move out.
Old Zhu snorted coldly and said irritably, "I don't know what you're thinking all day long!"
While Old Zhu was teasing Zhang Meiren, Xu Huizu, dressed in full armor, was personally inspecting the altar in the southern suburbs of Yingtian Prefecture.
Looking at Xu Yingxu, he said, "Keep a close eye on things here, and make sure there are no oversights."
Xu Yingxu nodded immediately, his expression resolute and certain, "Brother, don't worry, we'll keep a close eye on things here and won't let His Highness's important matters be delayed. Yan Zhenzhi of the Ministry of Works is His Highness's right-hand man, and Ren Hengtai has been working very hard these days..."
"Do not discuss other ministers." Xu Huizu immediately became extremely serious, lowering his voice to speak solemnly, "These days you should be more careful and attentive, do more and talk less! His Highness no longer goes to court, only stays in the palace, you should understand that!"
Xu Yingxu nodded immediately. His elder brother, like their father, was a cautious and meticulous person. Of course, Xu Yingxu also understood that he had indeed become a little arrogant these days. His sister was about to become the empress, and his nephew was about to become the crown prince. It was impossible for him not to be excited about such things.
Just as they were getting excited, a voice came, "Both nephews are here!"
Without a doubt, upon hearing that voice, one knew it was the mischievous devil. Chang Mao returned to Yingtian Prefecture to escort his mother, Chang Lan, back. The meaning was clear: they couldn't miss the Crown Prince's enthronement ceremony.
Xu Huizu forced himself to remain calm, turned around, and bowed, saying, "Greetings, Duke Zheng."
"Don't be so formal. Speaking of which, our grand-nephew is about to become the crown prince." Chang Mao patted Xu Huizu on the shoulder casually. "We're happy for you both."
Xu Huizu grew anxious and immediately lowered his voice, "Duke Zheng, you should also be careful with your words and actions these days."
Chang Mao didn't care and said, "Everyone knows our identity and our character. Duke of Wei, it's not really suitable for you to take charge of the Five Armies Commandery. Your nephew is about to become the crown prince, and you're still attached to military power. I'm afraid that's not a good idea."
Xu Yingxu immediately became anxious and hurriedly said, "Duke Zheng, His Highness has decreed that my elder brother is to guard Yingtian Prefecture."
"Guarding Yingtian Prefecture?" Chang Mao looked like a rough and uncultured man. "Everyone knows the rules of our Great Ming Dynasty. My grand-nephew will soon become the crown prince, but his uncle is in charge of the secondary capital? Second brother, come with me hunting in a few days. If you're really bored, go to a brothel with my little nephew to drink and listen to music. Bring your third brother along too, it'll be more lively."
Before Xu Yingxu could say anything, Xu Huizu immediately cupped his hands in thanks, saying, "Thank you for your guidance, Duke Zheng."
“As elders, this is all we can say. People of higher seniority tend to overthink things. Listen if you want, ignore if you don’t.” Chang Mao patted Xu Huizu’s shoulder, speaking earnestly. “You’re different from us. You have the talent to lead troops and are His Highness’s pillar of strength.”
Xu Huizu lowered his voice and whispered, "If I, the Grand Commandant, were to lose my military power, it would be better for the Crown Princess."
Chang Mao laughed heartily, showing none of his usual mischievousness. "My Chang family no longer holds military power. But my uncle can work for the Crown Prince. The Xu family should be the same. If things don't go well, it's because you've intervened. You should understand now, right?"
Xu Huizu understood that the Crown Prince also had Chang family blood. The Chang family was no longer suitable to hold military power. Therefore, although the Crown Prince's three maternal uncles seemed to have been on the battlefield, they had rarely truly led an army independently, let alone controlled an army for long.
And the Xu family should do the same now.
The reason is simple: once the Crown Prince ascends the throne, Xu Miaoqing will be the Empress. Zhu Wenyin, who carries the Xu family bloodline, is the Crown Prince!
Military power is not a good thing for the Xu family. Xu Huizu may have some strength and can protect the "Crown Prince," but the Crown Prince's uncle is not suitable to be the Grand Commander of the Five Armies Commandery, nor should he continue to control Yingtian Prefecture for long.
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