“If things really come to that, let’s not talk about the proper etiquette between ruler and subject,” Old Zhu sighed and said to Zhu Yunying. “We are peasants, and you are the grandson of peasants. Let’s not talk about those things, is that alright?”
Zhu Yunying nodded silently, but also with some helplessness, "Grandson knows, but this is not a good topic to discuss."
Zhu Yunying had no mind to deal with state affairs; his mind was in complete turmoil.
Over the years, due to Zhu Yunying's status, he often found it inconvenient to visit the Kaiping Prince's Mansion. Especially after the decision to move the capital was made, the Kaiping Prince's Mansion was among the first to relocate to Beiping. Chang Lanshi wholeheartedly supported Zhu Yunying, not only leading the relocation to Beiping but also coordinating matters concerning the founding nobles.
Especially the Chang clan, the Changlan clan has a lot of influence. Even Lan Yu is currently under the control of the Changlan clan.
Zhu Yunwen was originally hunting, but when someone from the palace came to summon him to the palace, he naturally rushed to catch his horse.
Upon arriving at the Imperial City and the Wuying Hall, Zhu Yunwen felt uneasy. He noticed his elder brother's anxiety and his grandfather's somewhat troubled expression.
Zhu Yunying didn't hide anything and said directly, "Go to Beiping immediately to see your maternal grandmother. We've written something for you; you can read it slowly on the way."
At this point, Old Zhu also spoke up, saying that it was more convenient for him to say something: "If something really happens this time, you can handle it as my grandson. There are some things that your elder brother can't do, so you can handle them. We'll have the Embroidered Uniform Guard waiting outside, and the Beijing Garrison will also be waiting outside."
Zhu Yunwen panicked and his voice choked with emotion, "Grandpa, what happened to my maternal grandmother?"
"He's sick, quite seriously," Old Zhu sighed. "Don't panic, go see a doctor."
Zhu Yunwen was even more flustered. He didn't care about anything else, hurriedly took the letter from Zhu Yunying, stuffed it into his pocket, and ran away.
Watching Zhu Yunying's retreating figure, Zhu Yunying said, "Grandmother loves Yunying the most. In the years when Yunying established his own household, it was mostly Grandmother who took care of him. But I also understand that all these years Grandmother has always been looking after me."
Old Zhu said quietly, "We know that only your maternal grandmother can control Old Chang's volatile temper. And that Lan Yu, if it weren't for her, she would have been lawless long ago. We are grateful to her, but we won't talk about Lan Yu. She has a good daughter who is close to your father."
Zhu Yunying forced a smile and said, "My mother is also strong-willed at heart. If she didn't have some skills, she wouldn't be able to control my father."
Old Zhu was unhappy, but helpless. "That's true, your mother is shrewd. Don't be fooled by how favored Madam Lü seemed a few years ago. When your mother was alive, she even arranged where your father slept at night. It's just that we can't say anything, otherwise we would be unhappy. Of the three of us, you're the only one who's slightly better off."
Old Zhu was completely subservient to Empress Ma, and Zhu Biao was also heavily controlled by Lady Chang. It was only with Zhu Yunying that, although he and Xu Miaoqing seemed to be in a loving relationship, Zhu Yunying held absolute power and control.
Zhu Yunying forced a smile and said, "When choosing a wife, one should choose a virtuous one. My grandmother is good, so my grandfather's family and state affairs are all going smoothly. My maternal grandmother is also good, so the Chang family is also stable. As for Lan Yu, I have been able to serve her for many years."
Old Zhu had more to say on this matter, and sighed, saying, "Many of the old brothers we trained back then have troubled families. Since your Empress isn't here, we're not afraid to speak our minds. Tiande is good in every way, except for his family affairs. If it weren't for Tiande's composure, the Xu family would be in chaos too."
This refers to Xie, Xu Da's second wife, who was not only arrogant and jealous by nature, but also disrespectful to Empress Ma.
Zhu Yunying sighed, then said to the old Zhu, "Grandfather, you must live a few more years to help Yin'er choose a good empress. If you live a long life, please watch Yin'er have children before you pass away."
Old Zhu chuckled, then complained, "Then we'll really be old and never die?! Yin'er is still so young. If Yin'er is to have a Crown Princess, it will be at least another ten years. And when he has children, we estimate it will be at least fifteen years. By then, we'll be almost ninety."
"Ninety it is, Grandfather is not allowed to leave until he is eighty-five!" Zhu Yunying looked at Old Zhu and said fiercely, "Grandfather is the Emperor, and so is grandson. We said you're not allowed to leave, and that means you're not allowed to leave!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
