A major event was about to occur: Zhu Yuanzhang was returning to court. This was an extremely important matter and could not be taken lightly.
Emperor Zhu Yunying naturally had to personally go out of the city to greet him, and his imperial regalia was displayed. This wasn't about showing off; these kinds of activities simply carried a strong political signal.
For Zhu Yunying, there were many times when he couldn't do as he pleased; his every move was analyzed and interpreted by many people. And there were indeed many rules that Zhu Yunying needed to abide by; he couldn't act recklessly and had to set a good example.
Looking back at Zhu Yue, Zhu Yunying said with some annoyance, "Royal sister, why have you only sent me greetings these days? Tell me yourself, how long has it been since you last visited your royal brother?"
Zhu Yue muttered to herself, "My sister is married now, so it's not convenient for her to go to the palace anymore."
"Yun Tong is married too, but he still keeps running to the palace!" Pointing at Zhu Yun Tong, who was dressed in princely robes, Zhu Yun Ying said irritably, "You're just being hypocritical. You don't recognize your brother just because you're married?"
Zhu Yue quickly said, "Brother, you're overthinking it, your humble sister..."
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty!" Zhu Yunying said irritably, "You are my sister. When did I become the emperor in front of you? You better remember this: I am your brother first, and then the emperor!"
After saying this, Zhu Yunying looked to the side and said, "Second brother, call me."
Zhu Yunwen, who had been lost in thought, subconsciously spoke, "Your Majesty..."
Zhu Yunying was furious. His troublesome younger brother had let him down at this crucial moment, which was utterly exasperating. This kid was usually so perceptive; how could he have messed things up at a time like this?!
Just as Zhu Yunying was playing with his younger siblings, Zhu Yunxuan rode up on a fast horse and said, "Your Majesty, the Emperor Emeritus's carriage will arrive in ten li."
Zhu Yunying nodded, then smiled and said, "You should also tidy up. You did a good job this time, though.
Zhu Yunxuan was also pleased. This time, he was simply accompanying the emperor, though he didn't do much in general. However, as a prince, he had a rare opportunity to gain some military power, which was a valuable training opportunity.
Joo Yoon-young was quite happy; his younger brothers were doing well, which was something to be happy about.
At this moment, Zhu Yunying straightened his court robes and took a few steps forward with a serious expression. Meanwhile, the imperial family members and civil and military officials also straightened their robes and began preparing to receive the emperor with solemn expressions.
The imposing Imperial Guards appeared, many of whom were actually members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the emperor's personal troops. Putting aside other considerations, one could easily mistake the vanguard for a ceremonial guard; they appeared robust and handsome, effectively showcasing the strength of the Ming army.
Zhu Yuanzhang was never one to follow the rules strictly. In fact, he had many rules, but they were mostly for outsiders. If any official dared to break them, Zhu Yuanzhang would strip them of their title. But he was incredibly lenient with his own family.
Seeing his beloved grandson kneeling in front, Old Zhu smiled and patted Little Zhu's bottom, "Tell your dad to get up."
Little Zhu immediately walked to the front of the imperial carriage and said in a childish voice, "Father, Grandpa Emperor tells you to rise."
Zhu Yunying bowed respectfully again and said, "Your subject thanks you for your kindness."
"Come on, keep us company and have a chat." Old Zhu said to Zhu Yunying with a smile, "Yin'er hasn't seen you in a long time, so come and keep us company and have a chat."
As for his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren kneeling beside him, Old Zhu simply waved them off. It was enough that they came; too many people wouldn't be recognized, and Old Zhu only needed to remember the names of those who couldn't attend.
Zhu Yunying climbed onto the imperial carriage with a smile, and then said loudly, "By order of the Emperor Emeritus, all my beloved ministers, rise!"
Amidst the sounds of gratitude, Old Zhu teased Zhu Yunying, "Only you dared to forge an imperial edict. When did we ever tell them to rise?"
"Speaking of imperial edicts, I do recall something," Zhu Yunying said, as if remembering something, and immediately asked, "When did I acquire Consort Jing and Consort Hui?"
Old Zhu laughed heartily and said to Zhu Yunying, "Our godmother's little granddaughter is perfect to be Consort Jing for our grandson. Marquis Yihui's granddaughter will be Consort Hui for our grandson. We remember their kindness, so let's strengthen our family ties through marriage!"
Zhu Yunying, rather helplessly, said to his grandfather, "Grandfather, I already have four in my palace..."
"Four isn't enough. That's only given you a son and a daughter. Your offspring are too few." Old Zhu immediately felt justified and was also a little unhappy. "If you ask us, you should have more children. Since you don't want to participate in the imperial concubine selection now, we'll help you find a husband."
Little Zhu sat in Zhu Yunying's arms and said happily, "Father, Yin'er will have many wives in the future. Grandfather has granted Yin'er ten wives!"
Old Zhu was very happy and proudly said to his promising great-grandson, "Look, our Yin'er is more ambitious than you!"
Joo Yun-young was speechless. If little Joo's ambition could be considered admirable, then Joo Yun-young had nothing to say. This was probably truly admirable.
Grandparents' affection for their grandchildren is one thing, but Zhu Yunying felt it was more about children's innocent remarks; little Zhu couldn't possibly understand so many things. If nothing unexpected happened, he would basically just go along with what his father said—he'd been fooled.
Seeing that Old Zhu was in good spirits, Zhu Yunying was also happy, "Grandpa Emperor, you seem to be very happy to have returned to your hometown."
"We even saw our childhood playmates, the ones who used to herd cattle with us!" Old Zhu said excitedly to Zhu Yunying. "We went back for a visit, and we almost didn't recognize them. It is indeed the capital, but it is also our hometown. We'll take Yin'er to herd cattle and sweep the graves of your great-grandfather and great-grandmother."
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
