It should have been a grand event, a momentous occasion in the eyes of many scholars and writers, a time to celebrate. Many were even anticipating it, hoping it would signify that the imperial court was beginning to value scholars.
But right now, everything is in chaos, and many people are caught completely off guard by this unexpected event.
However, the banquet turned into a farce because Zhu Zhaohui, the heir apparent of the Prince of Lu, attacked the lineage of the Duke of Yansheng. The retired emperor was furious, the imperial family members hurriedly pleaded for mercy, and the civil and military officials could only 'beg for mercy' at this time.
Needless to say, the most embarrassed person is Duke Yansheng, Kong Ne, because of the actions of his father and grandfather, he is now in an extremely awkward position. He originally said he wanted to speak up for the scholars of the world and that he wanted to become the "literary patriarch" of the Ming Dynasty, but all his past misdeeds have been exposed.
The event ended unhappily, leaving many people confused.
Old Zhu was still furious, while Little Zhu was still looking miserable and begging for mercy for his cousin.
Just as he left the Jinshen Hall, Old Zhu couldn't help but laugh, "Ying'er, our Crown Prince is quite magnanimous!"
"Haha!" Zhu Yunying laughed and said to Old Zhu, "It's all because Grandfather spoils him that this child doesn't know fear. If it weren't for Grandfather's kindness to him, this child wouldn't be so bold. In fact, let alone Yin'er, even grandsons and uncles would be afraid if Grandfather were angry."
Old Zhu paused for a moment upon hearing this, then corrected him, "You're not afraid of us, we know that."
"That depends on the situation. If my grandson hasn't made a mistake, he's naturally not afraid. But if he has, I reckon he's just a bit too cowardly." Zhu Yunying chuckled and said to Old Zhu, "As for Yin'er, I reckon he's genuinely unafraid of his imperial grandfather. But I'll have to coax him a bit later; that child has such an innocent heart, and I'm probably heartbroken right now!"
Old Zhu felt a pang of heartache and quickly said, "Have someone send him to our place later. It's not convenient for us to come to your place to pick him up now. You go back first and bring Yin'er over. We have no other choice. We have to shut everyone up, so this is the only way."
Zhu Yunying nodded hastily. The emperor may seem to have absolute authority, but there are some things he can't do at will. Even someone as powerful and domineering as Zhu Yunying needs to consider the bigger picture in certain matters; this is probably the attitude an emperor should have.
At this moment, in the Eastern Palace, the brothers Zhu Yunxuan and Zhu Yunxi were still shaken. Their grandfather's rage would have terrified most people. They figured that even their elder brother was finding it hard to cope.
Zhu Zhaohui was also somewhat worried at this moment, mainly because his grandfather's imposing presence was too overwhelming; it would be a lie to say he wasn't worried. However, there was nothing he could do about it; he had to complete the task assigned by his elder brother. Angering his grandfather would certainly frighten him, but Zhu Zhaohui knew even more clearly that to inherit the title, he had to diligently follow his brother's instructions.
Moreover, Zhu Zhaohui was well aware that his elder brother, the emperor, could protect him.
Just as the three brothers were still worried, Zhu Yunying strode back.
Zhu Yunxuan, Zhu Yunxi, and Zhu Zhaohui quickly greeted him, saying, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."
"No need for formalities. You did well today, and we're pleased." Zhu Yunying smiled and said to the three brothers, "You can sit here for a while. I bet you didn't eat or drink very well at the banquet. Let's have someone prepare some antique soup, and we brothers can have some later."
Zhu Zhaohui and the others' eyes lit up; this was a rare opportunity to dine with their imperial brother. Naturally, they accepted the order.
Little Zhu was feeling very wronged at this moment. He lay on his tatami mat like a little frog, his little bottom sticking up high.
Zhu Yunying picked up his chubby son and said, "Yin'er, let's go talk to your great-grandfather."
Little Zhu naturally wrapped his arms around Zhu Yunying's neck, resting his little head on Zhu Yunying's shoulder, "Father, Great-Grandfather scolded me."
“I didn’t scold you, I scolded your uncle.” Zhu Yunying smiled and comforted the little Zhu, saying, “Your father is the emperor, and your great-grandfather is the retired emperor. There are times when we can’t do anything about it. But Yin’er is the most well-behaved and sensible. Your great-grandfather won’t scold you.”
Holding his still pitiful-looking chubby son, Zhu Yunying left the 'Eastern Palace' once again.
Originally, he planned to go directly to the Qing Palace, but not long after leaving the East Palace, Zhu Yunying saw the old Zhu who had been heartbroken for so long.
Old Zhu was truly heartbroken, and looked at little Zhu with great anticipation, "Yin'er, your great-grandfather will take you to play."
Little Zhu turned around and looked at Old Zhu with a face full of grievance, tears welling up in his eyes. "Great-grandfather, you're being mean to me."
Old Zhu trembled with heartache, and as he hurried over, he said calmly, "We didn't scold you. We love Yin'er the most. It's your father who's disobedient, and your Uncle Wang who's disobedient, that's why we scolded them."
Little Zhu was completely appeased. When he saw Old Zhu reaching out his hand, he immediately turned and lay down. Old Zhu immediately hugged him, and Little Zhu wrapped his arms around Old Zhu's neck and pressed his chubby little face against Old Zhu's face.
“Great-grandfather, you’re not mean to Father. Father is the best.” The chubby son is so considerate. Even now, he’s still pleading for Father. “Great-grandfather is angry. Yin’er is scared.”
Zhu Yunying felt that there was nothing left for him to do now, and that there really was nothing left for him to do.
In the past, Old Zhu's eyes were always on his beloved grandson. But now it's different. Holding his great-grandson, Old Zhu turned and left, comforting his great-grandson, and no longer cared about his grandson.
As for Little Zhu, he's currently just chatting with his great-grandfather; let's forget about his father and such for now.
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