Zhu Yunwen was startled. His precious nephew was trying to show off his horse-riding skills. No way! The pony was still walking! Actually, Zhu Yunwen didn't understand either. His elder brother, whom he remembered as always being very composed, was so mischievous.
"Grandson pays respects to His Majesty."
"This humble servant pays respects to His Majesty the Retired Emperor..."
......
"Your elder brother is dozing off, don't disturb him." Old Zhu waved his hand with a smile and said, "We've had some dishes prepared, you can dine with him. Yunhu, bring Wengeng over so we can take a look at him."
Zhu Yunwen immediately took his son from Sang's arms and brought him over for Old Zhu to see. Old Zhu chuckled and teased Zhu Wengeng, not forgetting to treat both of Zhu Yue's sons equally.
"Take your cousins out to play." Old Zhu chuckled and patted Little Zhu's head, saying, "You dug up earthworms in our yard yesterday, how about your great-grandfather takes you fishing?"
Zhu Yunwen and Zhu Yue were embarrassed, and the Imperial Son-in-Law Feng Cheng and Princess Consort Sang of Wu were even more embarrassed because they were ignored.
As for Old Zhu, he happily took his great-grandchildren to feed the fish. Little Zhu boasted to his cousins that his pond had many koi, and they all swam out as soon as the bait was thrown in.
"Yue'er and Sang Shi, come help us." Xu Miaoqing appeared just in time, which was a relief. "Prince Wu and his consort, go with Grandfather."
Now that the Empress Dowager had spoken, everyone suddenly felt reassured. The arrangements she made were certainly correct and would never go wrong.
"Xi'er is coming back." Xu Miaoqing said while setting out the dishes. "Although she also has a princess's residence, it hasn't been well maintained in recent years. When the time comes, you two should remember to submit a memorial to the emperor so that he can grant permission."
Zhu Yue's eyes lit up. She and Zhu Xi were almost the same age, and having grown up together, they naturally had a deep bond. If her elder sister could stay at her residence when she returned to Yingtian Prefecture, that would be perfect.
As for Lady Sang, despite her seemingly petty or overly shrewd nature, she was very clear about certain things. For example, she would definitely listen to her sister-in-law. Moreover, although she and Zhu Yunwen had a good relationship, Lady Sang knew even better that her husband would obey his elder brothers and sisters without reservation.
"According to the report I received today, judging from the travel time, he should be back in about five days." Xu Miaoqing said with a smile, also quite expectant. "Your brother is very happy. He kept pestering Grandfather to hold a family banquet and invite you all to come."
Zhu Yue was even happier, but then, as if remembering something, she said, "Sister-in-law, I reckon my elder sister should be arriving soon. Perhaps I or Yun Tong could go and greet her? The Duke of Qian has also come along."
Xu Miaoqing smiled and shook her head, saying, "It's in the capital. Your brother's idea is that Yin'er will come out of the city to pick him up, and it will be done with dignity."
Zhu Yue was overjoyed. If she or Zhu Yunwen had gone out of the city to greet them, that would have been much more dignified. But now it was the Crown Prince who was making the appearance. Even if the Crown Prince was a bit clueless and didn't know any better, his presence was still a tremendous honor.
“Yin’er is probably too young to understand anything, and he’s never even met his aunt.” Looking at Zhu Yue, Xu Miaoqing continued, “We think Yun Tong and Sang Shi are also muddleheaded, so you’ll go with them.”
Lady Sang kept her head down and silently served the dishes. She knew that in the eyes of her elder brother and sister-in-law, she and her husband were 'good-for-nothings'. But it didn't matter if they were good-for-nothings; everyone knew that the most esteemed member of the Ming imperial family was the Prince of Wu.
Zhu Yunying also got up, rinsed his mouth, and sat down casually. "Where is Grandfather? Where are the children?"
"Grandpa Emperor took them to feed the fish," Xu Miaoqing said. "Your Majesty, why don't you go and take a look? It'll be another half hour..."
Zhu Yunying glanced at the table and said irritably, "What do you mean another half hour! The food is all prepared, we're just waiting for them!"
After saying this, Zhu Yunying flicked his sleeves and left.
"Yin'er, go back and have your meal!" Zhu Yunying called out, addressing the children who were still clinging to the railing and shouting. "Qi'er, hurry back!"
"The Emperor's Uncle!"
"father!"
After chattering away, the children turned and ran towards the Qianqing Palace in a swarm, heading back for their meal.
Zhu Yunying walked beside Old Zhu with his hands behind his back, saying, "Grandpa Emperor, we just like these things."
Old Zhu, with his full head of white hair, beamed with joy, "That makes sense. We like these kids being noisy."
Old Zhu enjoys this kind of life and scene: taking his great-grandchildren out to play, and when it's time to eat, his beloved grandchildren come to call him back.
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