Xu Miaoqing didn't think much of it, she just talked about her fat son and things in the East Palace.
In reality, Zhu Yunying was only away from the Eastern Palace for two days and one night. How much could have happened? It's just that Xu Miaoqing was very clever. Her husband was busy with state affairs, so when he returned to the Eastern Palace, she let him relax and chat about everyday matters.
After all, Xu Miaoqing wasn't entirely without cunning; she was quite observant in many ways. For instance, when Old Zhu and Young Zhu were chatting, they mentioned Empress Ma, as well as some information about Zhu Yunying's birth mother, Empress Chang.
A wise empress would not interfere in state affairs; such thoughts are not those of a qualified empress. Her duties included managing the affairs of the inner palace, helping the emperor govern his concubines, and most importantly, educating the emperor's children and ensuring the peace and tranquility of the inner palace.
As for what to do after the emperor has finished court, it's best not to discuss anything upsetting, unless it's something particularly important. Letting the emperor clear his head and relax is something a wise empress should do.
With his wife and children by his side, Zhu Yunying enjoyed a fairly comfortable and relaxing time, and he also had a good time chatting about everyday family matters.
"The imperial examinations will be held in a few days. You should go and take a look at the Imperial Academy," Zhu Yunying said lazily, lying on Xu Miaoqing's lap. "Many students from the Imperial Academy are studying in the capital, and their families are not having an easy time."
Xu Miaoqing immediately understood and said, "Your Majesty, I have been keeping a close eye on Hongcang and dare not forget the grace of the Empress Dowager."
Hongcang was established by Empress Ma, and it housed thousands of students at the Imperial Academy, a veritable treasure trove of talent. However, some of these students lived in poverty, and despite receiving living allowances, their wives and children struggled to make ends meet.
Empress Ma collected a sum of money and grain and set up more than twenty red granaries specifically to store grain to support the wives and children of the students of the Imperial Academy.
Over the years, Hongcang has actually been managed by Zhu Biao and Zhu Yunying. Empress Ma was one of the people they respected the most. Her kindness and love for the people were something that her descendants naturally needed to maintain.
Not to mention that the imperial court's finances have improved considerably in recent years, even if the finances were slightly worse, Emperor Zhu would still generously provide funds. This is not only because his children and grandchildren acted with great benevolence, but also because it was an achievement of his wife.
“I haven’t trusted anyone else with the affairs of Hongcang over the years, so I’ve kept them under my control.” Zhu Yunying laughed and said, “After all, I was raised by my grandmother, so I naturally value these matters. Now that you are the Empress, it’s time to entrust these matters to you.”
Xu Miaoqing was slightly invigorated and continued to gently massage Zhu Yunying's temples. "Your Majesty, please put it down. This is my duty. I dare not compare myself to my grandmother, but I will certainly learn from her."
Zhu Yunying squinted contentedly and said softly, "When the time comes, bring the Crown Prince along and have him go to the Imperial Academy as well. Don't let Huang Zicheng and his ilk get too close. The Crown Prince just needs to show his face. Those people are not fit to be our Crown Prince's tutors!"
Zhu Yunying didn't need a benevolent emperor who spouted empty rhetoric; he needed a wise and decisive emperor with great talent and vision. Even if he couldn't achieve that, he should at least be a competent ruler who could maintain the status quo.
Thinking about Confucian theories and focusing solely on restoring the Zhou rites was something Zhu Yunying would absolutely not allow. As for young Zhu, Zhu Yunying allowed the boy to be mischievous and naughty for now, and was willing to preserve the little guy's innocence.
However, deep down, Zhu Yunying still hoped that his son could become a qualified crown prince, and he had high expectations for the young Zhu. Because in such a feudal society, an emperor's ability and character could truly determine the course of a dynasty.
The Ming Dynasty has only just begun to rise, and its future holds even greater potential for exploration.
Zhu Yunying knew that he couldn't do everything well by himself, so he naturally hoped that his successor would be capable and lead the dynasty and the nation to greater glory.
As for whether Little Zhu feels pressured, that's really not important anymore, after all, Little Zhu comes from a different background. His current wealth and status at the top of the pyramid are naturally due to the responsibilities he needs to shoulder.
Rights and obligations are always complementary.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
