However, Zhu Yunying was also well aware that even in a clan-based society like feudal society, not everything was decided by him, the patriarch. It was perfectly normal for some 'unfilial descendants' or members of the imperial clan to break the law; there was nothing new or surprising about it.
However, we need to be a little more careful with the imperial family in the future, so that these people don't become completely lawless.
Zhu Yunying had no objection to protecting the imperial clan and granting them certain privileges. This wasn't just something Zhu Yunying did; it was the same practice throughout history. Centuries later, many things remained largely unchanged, only appearing slightly more discreet.
Seeing that all the members of the royal family were present, the banquet seemed to be nearing its end, and the guests were already quite drunk.
At this moment, Old Zhu slowly spoke up, saying, "The emperor, like us, values his relatives the most, fearing that the imperial family members will not live well, and fearing that our descendants will suffer. We were raised in hardship, we have suffered a lot, and we do not want our descendants to suffer like us."
As soon as Old Zhu spoke, the previously lively banquet immediately quieted down. The adults were sensible and naturally knew the rules. The children, who had just been running around wildly, were now being restrained by their parents.
The retired emperor did indeed enjoy seeing a large, lively house full of children and grandchildren, but everyone also knew that once he addressed serious matters, no one dared to be careless. Even though he had abdicated, who would dare to truly underestimate him? His words still carried imperial authority, and he remained the ruler of the Ming Dynasty.
Although the new emperor has some prestige, he is far from reaching the level of the retired emperor. In the eyes of some of Zhu Yunying's uncles, this nephew emperor's prestige is far inferior to that of their elder brother, the crown prince; everyone knows this.
After handing Little Zhu over to Xu Miaoqing, Zhu Yunying stood beside Old Zhu; this was his place.
Looking at his children and grandchildren, Old Zhu said, "I have read a lot of books these days and had many ministers tell me about some things from the previous dynasty. Many people complained about me when I reduced the expenses of the imperial clan. But I want to say that even if I reduced the expenses of the imperial clan, the imperial clan of our Ming Dynasty is still better off than the imperial clan of the previous dynasty."
This is true; the treatment of the imperial family in the Ming Dynasty was far more generous than that of the imperial family in previous dynasties.
Old Zhu, with a serious expression, continued, "The lavish support we provide to the imperial clan is enough for you to live a life of luxury. Even if some of your unworthy descendants only know how to eat, drink, and be merry, and act like spoiled brats, it's enough to keep you busy. If you ask me, you scoundrels have never experienced hardship. Neither we nor the emperor can eat or drink as much as you, and we don't live as extravagantly as you!"
If this were in the imperial court, a whole bunch of people would probably be busy apologizing, because it seems to be a bit like 'attacking the heart'. Or rather, these words clearly carry a warning tone, and they must apologize.
However, this is not the imperial court, so there's no need to rush to apologize. Besides, the imperial family members all know that although the retired emperor is very powerful, he doesn't always need to be so cautious.
Looking at these unworthy descendants, Old Zhu was helpless. "Zhu Yunwen, if you had caused less trouble, your elder brother would have been much better off. The money your elder brother has given you from us, and the compensation he's provided, is countless, isn't it?"
Zhu Yunwen immediately ran out obediently, knelt down and shouted, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty, my imperial grandfather, for your great kindness!"
Such a lazy fellow was too much for Zhu Yunying to bear. Other members of the imperial clan couldn't help but feel envious; the treatment this Prince of Wu received was something most princes didn't have. He was so confident, enjoying the favor of two emperors.
At this point, Old Zhu continued, "Although Yun Tong acts recklessly and is extravagant and doesn't know how to save money, I think if he didn't have some business to make a living, his palace would probably be unable to make ends meet, and he wouldn't be able to survive."
Everyone suddenly became interested, because the emperor's birthday banquet, besides being a way to show respect for imperial authority, also served as a platform for celebration. They had all heard some things, especially rumors circulating recently, particularly from Prince Wu, Zhu Yunwen.
Since it concerns the royal family and their treatment, everyone naturally takes it even more seriously and absolutely cannot be careless!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
