It won't be long before the news spreads throughout the palace. By then, the retired emperor's concubines and unmarried princesses will probably all be flocking here.
This is not an exaggeration; it's the truth. After all, this is the emperor, and he's already sitting on the dragon throne.
He gently pressed on Wang's belly, and the little one inside her immediately responded. Zhu Yunying was also enjoying it, playing 'hide-and-seek' with the little one; this little game was quite fun.
After having dinner with Lady Wang, Zhu Yunying said, "The rules in the palace are strict, and there are some things I can't say. Starting tomorrow, have your mother come over every day during the day, and send her back before the gates of the palace close. Once she's in the palace, she won't be able to go back normally."
Lady Wang was even more excited, tears streaming down her face, and she wanted to kneel down to express her gratitude. However, Zhu Yunying stopped her in the end, as the heavily pregnant woman was currently unable to move around easily. It was better not to engage in any formalities at this time; it was really unnecessary, at least Zhu Yunying didn't care about such things.
Although Zhu Yunying only spent an hour with Lady Wang, playing with the 'child' for a while and having a meal there, Lady Wang was very happy, and the palace maids and eunuchs serving her were also honored.
Their masters were favored by the emperor, so their lives were naturally much better, and they would also have some success.
She couldn't possibly compare to the Empress, but considering the Imperial Noble Consort, perhaps she could give it a shot. There were no Imperial Noble Consorts before the Ming Dynasty; it was only given to Lian Qiongqiong that way, precisely because her father was a high-ranking official and she had a daughter who was greatly favored by the Emperor!
Although the harem was not chaotic, Zhu Yunying's concubines sometimes had their own little schemes.
Little Zhu didn't need to worry about these things; his great-aunt, Princess Baoqing, was eagerly watching the miniature horse. Little Zhu was very generous and naturally happy to share. However, when he tried to help his great-aunt onto the horse's back, Old Zhu wasn't so keen.
These tasks should be left to palace maids and eunuchs; the crown prince of the Ming Dynasty cannot do everything himself.
In a good mood, Zhu Yunying readily accepted the greetings from Consort Zhang, the mother of Princess Baoqing. After all, Zhu Yunying was the emperor. At this point, there was no need to worry about seniority; it didn't matter.
“In a few days, we’re thinking of having the Empress take the ladies of the court out of the city for a spring outing,” Zhu Yunying said with a smile to Old Zhu. “I remember there’s still my aunt’s marriage that hasn’t been arranged yet, and it’s time to arrange a marriage for my uncle as well.”
Old Zhu nodded slightly and said, "Empress, this matter is entrusted to you."
Xu Miaoqing naturally accepted the decree immediately, as such an order was no small matter. Previously, she wouldn't have dared to even consider such things, nor did she think she would have the opportunity to get involved. But now, His Majesty was willing to let her manage these affairs, and her grandfather had also granted permission; this was clearly giving Xu Miaoqing an opportunity.
Although Xu Miaoqing's position was secure, which everyone knew, the officials of the Ming Dynasty only knew the Emperor and had no idea about the Empress.
Therefore, at this time, it's still necessary to let Xu Miaoqing do some work; she also needs some prestige. Even if it's a gift from the emperor, even if it's something the emperor is deliberately cultivating, there's no harm in doing such a thing, and the things that need to be done must still be done.
Thinking of all this, Zhu Yunying said again, "Spring plowing is coming soon. When that time comes, will Grandfather lead the ox and we hold the plow?"
Encouraging agriculture and sericulture was something emperors of all dynasties were obligated to do. These rituals were also essential.
Old Zhu nodded, this task must be done well, "Our Crown Prince will also go, even if he can't help with the plow, he'll still accompany us."
"A cow?" Little Zhu, like a small cannonball, suddenly plunged into Old Zhu's arms. "Great-grandfather, let's ride a cow!"
Zhu Yunying had originally intended to have a serious conversation with Little Zhu, but Old Zhu agreed in the blink of an eye.
In Zhu's view, this was not just about encouraging agriculture and sericulture, nor was it merely a matter of etiquette that an emperor should perform. These were also sources of joy for him as he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, taking his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren to work in the fields—just thinking about it made him feel wonderful.
Since Old Zhu had agreed, Zhu Yunying naturally had no choice but to accept it. With Old Zhu around, little Zhu could truly act with impunity!
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