Even the Grand Eunuch Liu Baoer dared not be careless in front of Wang Chengen, even though he was the Grand Eunuch and theoretically a fourth-rank official.
The Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs (司礼监) was headed by twelve other directorates, which in turn comprised four departments and eight bureaus, collectively known as the "Twenty-Four Offices" (二十四衙门). However, the current emperor and crown prince habitually used eunuchs to handle affairs, though they were not close to them. The eunuchs serving the emperor and crown prince did not have an easy life.
Therefore, some of the chief eunuchs envied Wang Chengen, this little brat, who actually gained the favor of the Crown Prince.
Those living in the imperial city, especially those who had risen through the ranks, needed to be perceptive to survive; otherwise, they would have no chance of getting by, and naturally, they dared not offend anyone. They all knew that even a seventh-rank official before the prime minister and a lowly personal eunuch serving the crown prince were more respected than these unimportant eunuchs holding the seal of office.
So at this time, he was just smiling and talking to Wang Chengen about some things, which were naturally about the imperial treasury and the Crown Prince's private treasury.
Zhu Xiong Ying wrote a letter and handed it to Wang Chengen, who had returned to report the situation, saying, "Send it to the Prince of Zhongshan's residence."
Wang Chengen immediately picked up the letter, held it above his head, and tiptoed back a few steps. He turned slightly at the threshold and quickly left. In fact, in the palace, if anyone from the palace secretly sent a message out of the capital, they would be killed without mercy.
However, there are some special cases, such as a few powerful figures whose letters can be sent out without any hindrance.
Encouraged by his two older sisters, Zhu Yunwen came to Zhu Xiong Ying's palace. His whining and babbling made Zhu Xiong Ying find it amusing.
Looking at his younger brother, Zhu Xiong Ying asked, "What's going on this time? Are your two older sisters plotting something against you again? If anything happens, don't cover for them. I have high expectations of you."
Zhu Yunwen plopped down in a chair, looking rather lazy. “Brother, I’m almost ten years old, and it’s time for me to be granted a title. According to our grandfather’s ancestral teachings, I can only be a Prince of the County.”
"That's alright. When Father ascends the throne, you will naturally be granted the title of Prince." Zhu Xiong Ying comforted him with a smile. "Besides, Your Majesty is here. Tell me, which fiefdom have you set your sights on?"
Zhu Yunwen glanced at Zhu Xiong Ying and muttered softly, "Your Majesty, I do not wish to take up my fief."
The child lacked a sense of security, mainly because his birth mother, Lady Chang, passed away before he was even a month old. Although he had been well taken care of in the Eastern Palace these past few years, Zhu Yunwen could sense that his Crown Prince father sometimes disliked him, partly because he felt that Zhu Yunwen's birth had drained the Crown Princess's vitality.
Furthermore, although Lady Lü seemed to be taking care of Zhu Yunwen, she was not his biological mother. Moreover, Zhu Yunwen was not stupid; he could sense that Lady Lü's teachings to him were not always well-intentioned.
If it weren't for his eldest brother and two older sisters taking care of him, Zhu Yunwen might have become even more timid, or have a strange temper or become gloomy.
Zhu Xiong Ying thought for a moment and said, "You are still young, so you don't necessarily have to go to your fief. Stay by your brother's side, study hard, play hard, and don't think too much. If it really doesn't work out, your brother will allow you to go to the Imperial Clan Court."
The Grand Clan Court is actually the Imperial Clan Court, but it hasn't been renamed yet.
They were responsible for managing the clan register of the emperor's nine generations of relatives, and for compiling imperial genealogies on time, recording the legitimate and illegitimate children of the imperial clan members, their names and titles, succession to the throne, birth and death dates, marriages, funerals, and posthumous titles. They were also responsible for reporting all requests made by members of the imperial clan to the emperor, recommending virtuous and talented individuals, and recording gains and losses.
The current Imperial Clan Court Official is Prince Qin, Zhu Shuang, who is also Zhu Xiong Ying's second uncle. However, Zhu Shuang is currently enfeoffed in Xi'an, which, barring any unforeseen circumstances, will become the next capital, demonstrating Zhu Shuang's high standing in the Emperor's eyes.
Zhu Yunwen's eyes lit up, and he asked excitedly, "Your Majesty, can my Prince's residence be next to the Princess's residence?"
Zhu Xiong Ying got angry at this and said irritably, "Go tell your two elder sisters that I don't approve of their marriage. Wait a few more years and we'll talk about it again!"
In this day and age, women are getting married at a very young age, some as young as thirteen.
In other words, barring any unforeseen circumstances, Zhu Xiong Ying's two younger sisters will also be getting married. In fact, Old Zhu and Zhu Biao are seriously considering these matters, hoping to find two reliable brothers-in-law for Zhu Xiong Ying.
Zhu Yunwen slunk away, knowing he was in for a beating from his two older sisters hiding outside the palace. He couldn't even handle such a small matter; it would be strange if he didn't get a scolding. They usually protected him, but when it was time to discipline him, they were ruthless.
Zhu Yunwen just grinned foolishly. With his elder brother protecting him and his sisters doting on him, Zhu Yunwen hardly ever felt lonely. He was not lacking in relationships.
"Xi'er, Yue'er, I'm leaving the palace in a couple of days," Zhu Xiong Ying said loudly, somewhat amused. "Do you want me to take some things back to the palace?"
Zhu Xi and Zhu Yue stopped disciplining their younger brother and immediately ran over, "Royal brother, please let us leave the palace. Rouge and face powder are things for young ladies, and it's inconvenient for you to buy them yourself."
Zhu Xiong Ying found it somewhat amusing and said, "You all want the Emperor to get scolded again, don't you?"
Zhu Xi and Zhu Yue immediately clung to Zhu Xiong Ying's arm and began to act coquettishly; they were already familiar with this routine. It wasn't easy for other princes and grandsons to leave the palace, but it was much easier for their elder brother. Moreover, their elder brother frequently took them out of the palace, which was truly remarkable.
Moreover, on both of his recent trips out of the palace, Zhu Xiong Ying had people escort his two cousins, letting them shop on their own. Xu Da's two daughters also frequently "shopping" with Zhu Xi and Zhu Yue.
As for Zhu Xiong Ying, he was bound to be scolded by Old Zhu and Big Zhu, but he remained obstinate and had no intention of changing.
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