Zhu Biao retorted irritably, "You're so cunning! With me in charge of the Eastern Palace, which of your uncles would dare to make a move?"
“Father, my uncles certainly wouldn’t dare to act rashly, and they probably don’t have any improper thoughts, but my uncles are not well-behaved either.” Zhu Xiong Ying said irritably, “My third uncle once again ran amok in his fiefdom, captured people, and even tore apart the servants of the royal palace by chariots.”
Zhu Yuanzhang's face immediately darkened. His third son, Prince Jin, Zhu Gang, had already taken up his fief in Taiyuan. The handsome and intelligent Zhu Gang was also cruel. On his way to his fief, he had already flogged a cook and was reprimanded by Zhu Yuanzhang. Now he had gone further, enjoying riding a horse while dragging his servants along, and had even had a servant torn apart by chariots.
Zhu Biao glared at Zhu Xiong Ying and quickly said, "Father, I will reprimand my third brother. He is indeed becoming more and more domineering."
"Wait here." Old Zhu glanced at Zhu Biao and said, "We'll issue an imperial decree to reprimand him. If he continues to be so arrogant and reckless, we'll strip him of his princely title!"
Zhu Xiong Ying sensed a familiar scent; Old Zhu was playing the role of a strict father, while Comrade Da Zhu immediately stepped in to protect his younger brother.
As for Zhu Xiong Ying, he should just watch the show.
After a long silence, Old Zhu asked, "Ying'er, do you know why we bestowed a title upon your imperial uncle?"
Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and said directly, "Although the remnants of the Yuan dynasty have retreated to Lingbei Province, they are still very active and frequently invade southwards, which remains a threat. Furthermore, the imperial uncles are stationed on the border, and the benefit of the princes guarding the border is to protect the court. Besides, our Zhu family has a weak foundation, so we need to take back military power from the veteran generals."
Old Zhu and Zhu Biao nodded in satisfaction; that was basically what they thought.
But then Old Zhu continued, "With us here, your father is here, and your uncles are all behaving themselves. Ying'er, you are a clever child. What do you plan to do if you ascend the throne?"
These enfeoffed princes wielded considerable power, commanding three guards and having the authority to mobilize local troops and appoint officials in their own courts during times of war. Some of these guards commanded over ten thousand soldiers, which was no small feat.
Zhu Xiong Ying thought for a moment and said, "Let's try to influence him with his virtue first. If that doesn't work, then issue an imperial edict and have the Imperial Clan Court reprimand him. If that still doesn't work, please don't blame me, Your Majesty. Maybe I'll have to lead troops then."
Old Zhu was silent for a moment, then said irritably, "You insist on weakening the power of the princes, don't you? Can't you let your imperial uncle live a better life?!"
"It's not that I want to make my uncles suffer, I just want to take away their military power," Zhu Xiong Ying said. "It's not a good thing for the uncles to have too much power. If I ascend the throne, I will definitely take back their military power."
Old Zhu slammed his hand on the table, both amused and annoyed. "You're hoping we die soon, aren't you? Ascend the throne, ascend the throne, how many times have you said that!"
Zhu Xiong Ying laughed and suddenly said, "Grandfather, why don't you abdicate and become the Retired Emperor? Anyway, Father can handle state affairs, so you can keep an eye on him for a few years. Once Father has sorted out the affairs of state, your grandson can accompany Grandfather to travel around the country."
Zhu Biao lowered his head and remained silent; this wasn't the first time he'd uttered such treasonous words.
Old Zhu wasn't angry. He smiled and asked, "Shall we abdicate? You'll be the Crown Prince then. You're quite clever! Father? You're quite a filial son, changing your address so quickly!"
"Anyway, there are no outsiders, so I'm not afraid." Zhu Xiong Ying put on a rogue-like attitude and said to Old Zhu, "Grandpa, when the time comes, you will take your grandson to tour the world. Grandpa has conquered the Ming Dynasty, so it's time for you to see the world. If Grandpa really gets too old, you won't be able to travel around anymore."
Old Zhu wasn't tempted, because he knew it was unrealistic. He just smiled and asked, "Then tell me, where shall we go?"
Zhu Xiong Ying suddenly got excited and began to plan ahead, seemingly arranging retirement life for Old Zhu.
Zhu Biao found it amusing and after a long while said, "Father, it's time to review the memorials. Ying'er, don't talk nonsense. Father can't get away. The matter of moving the capital is not yet settled, the remnants of the Yuan dynasty have not been destroyed, and the problems of nobles and corrupt officials have not been resolved. Your imperial grandfather doesn't have time."
Old Zhu was annoyed. His grandson really loved him; the route he had arranged for his inspection tour of the country was excellent. He could inspect the people's conditions, enjoy the scenery, and even visit his other sons. This was filial piety; he was worried that his old grandfather might not be able to travel much.
But what about the Crown Prince?!
We've built this empire for you, and we're going to pass it on to you. But now you keep making excuses when we ask you to do something, and we're already so old that we have to work ourselves to the bone!
The grandson is the most filial!
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