With the knowledge and perspective of later generations, Zhu Yunying was able to break through the limitations of his time and have a slightly longer-term vision.
However, Zhu Yunying was also self-aware. He knew he wasn't perfect and couldn't excel in every aspect. In military matters, Zhu Yunying felt that his highest achievement was probably as a strategist. Leading troops into battle or personally leading an expedition was something he only dreamed about; he didn't seem to have that talent.
Fortunately, Zhu Yunying had enough power, and he had countless elite soldiers and fierce generals under his command, so there was nothing to worry about.
Not caring about certain things, Zhu Yunying sincerely said, "Grandpa always praises his grandson for being intelligent, but I also truly believe that Grandpa is the one destined by Heaven. He is good at fighting, able to bring peace to the people, and handles state affairs very well. There is nothing that Grandpa cannot do."
If someone else said that, Old Zhu might have thought it was flattery. But when his own grandson said it, Old Zhu knew it was genuine. In particular, Old Zhu knew very well that his precious grandson had admired him since childhood and had been close to him since he was little.
I chatted with Lao Zhu for a long time, and we were both in a very good mood.
Both men were quite confident about this battle. This confidence stemmed not only from their belief in Xu Huizu, but also from the assurances of Lan Yu and Fu Youde; it was virtually impossible for the Ming Dynasty to suffer a crushing defeat in this war.
Old Zhu waved his hand and said, "Go back first and tell the Empress. It's a good thing that her eldest brother won the battle, and she probably knows that her second brother was injured. You should also reward that child. It's not just for Tiande's reputation, but also for the Empress and the Crown Prince's dignity, understand?"
Zhu Yunying nodded in agreement, as he had the same thought. "Grandson thinks so too. In recent years, we have reduced the number of marquises quite a bit. Xu Yingxu, this time let's give him a marquisate. But we won't give him the imperial edict and iron certificate. What does Grandfather think?"
A marquisate is definitely a high-ranking honor. No one else would receive such a prestigious title. However, the lack of a formal imperial decree means that Xu Yingxu's title is not hereditary and will be continuously downgraded.
Old Zhu nodded with a smile and said, "Very well, a marquisate is enough. Speaking of which, your uncle should also be rewarded."
Uncle doesn't need to worry; he holds the title of Duke. Building upon his original title of Duke of Zheng, he's now a 'Founding Duke.' Although his rank and benefits haven't increased, this title makes many people envious, since Chang Mao's nephew is the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
As for my second maternal uncle, Chang Sheng, he rendered meritorious service in Busan, Goryeo, and is now the Marquis of Cheng'en, but his title is not hereditary. My third maternal uncle, Chang Sen, is the Earl of Feng'en, who also rendered military merit in Goryeo, but his title is also not hereditary.
Zhu Yunying naturally knew that the titles of his mother's brothers could not be low. Aside from the contributions of his maternal grandfather, Chang Yuchun, it was also because of the saying, "When one person attains the Dao, even their chickens and dogs rise to heaven." Now that Zhu Yunying had become emperor, he naturally had to bestow honors upon his maternal uncles.
Zhu Yunying strolled leisurely towards the East Palace, amused. His beloved son was playing nearby. His playmate was Princess Baoqing, Zhu Yunying's aunt, an aunt even younger than his own son.
Princess Baoqing probably doesn't know that she had an emperor nephew right after she was born, and her current playmate is, without a doubt, the future grand-nephew of the Ming emperor!
Lady Zhang curtsied slightly. Theoretically, she was Zhu Yunying's elder, but she was only a "beauty," a relatively low rank in the harem. Most importantly, Zhu Yunying was the current emperor. Not to mention in front of Zhu Yunying, no woman in the Ming Dynasty dared to address him as an elder, not even in front of Xu Miaoqing.
The difference between a ruler and his subject is still significant. For example, Princess Baoqing wouldn't dare to act like an elder in front of young Zhu Yunying. However, she would genuinely be afraid of her nephew, Zhu Yunying.
Continuing his leisurely stroll towards the Eastern Palace, Zhu Yunying was in a good mood. Not only had the court won a great victory, but its domestic affairs had also been handled well. Moreover, judging from the current situation, there were virtually no natural disasters within the Ming Dynasty.
This is a year of favorable weather and abundant harvests!
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