The Crown Prince's entourage reappeared at the Five Dragon Bridge. Not only were the princes and princesses in the palace unsurprised, but the maids and guards also showed no particular interest. Even some officials from the Ministry of Rites were unfazed by the sight of the Crown Prince's grandson riding in the Crown Prince's entourage.
Zhu Xiong Ying sat calmly on the palanquin. This trip to the Prince of Kaiping's mansion was meant to be a show of force, and he needed to maintain the proper demeanor.
Lan Shi, accompanied by her eldest son Chang Mao, waited respectfully at the gate of the Prince's mansion, not daring to be impolite. Especially recently, they had sensed that the atmosphere in Yingtian Prefecture was somewhat strange, so they naturally needed to be even more careful.
Seeing Zhu Xiong Ying step down from the palanquin, Lan Shi and Chang Mao naturally dared not be impolite.
"Your subject pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince."
Zhu Xiong Ying quickly stepped forward, looking displeased, "Grandmother, Uncle, you're making me feel so bad!"
While I feel comforted, I must not neglect etiquette.
Zhu Xiong Ying sat calmly in the main seat and looked at Madam Lan, saying, "Grandmother, my second uncle will be returning to the capital in a few days. He has accomplished a great deal in Quanzhou, and I have gained face in front of my grandfather."
Lady Lan dared not be polite, and smiled in flattery, "It's all because the Crown Prince considered family ties that he gave that good-for-nothing a chance."
“Grandmother, you’re being too polite,” Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile. “Second Uncle is quite capable, but this time when he returns to Beijing, he should go to Beiping first.”
Chang Mao immediately asked, "Your Highness, is it really time to move the capital?"
“My eldest and second uncles will go to Beiping first to keep an eye on things for me.” Zhu Xiong Ying said in a conciliatory tone, “Now many people are watching me and the Prince of Kaiping’s mansion. If my uncles don’t support me, then I won’t be able to get things done.”
Chang Mao nodded repeatedly and said hastily, "Of course, of course! Your Highness, please rest assured, the Kaiping Prince's Mansion will definitely support Your Highness."
The Crown Prince has the blood of the Chang family, and especially now that the Crown Princess is not here, many people are unsure about some things and are afraid that something might happen.
Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Chang Mao and asked, "Uncle, I didn't let you go when the Duke of Xin made a great contribution. Your great-uncle made a great contribution, but I'm still keeping you trapped in Yingtian Prefecture. Do you have any complaints?"
Chang Mao gave a slightly embarrassed smile and then said, "Sometimes we think that we are still young and have accomplished something. Being stuck in Yingtian Prefecture like this is indeed unpleasant at times. But Your Highness, rest assured, I know what's good for me."
Zhu Xiong Ying nodded and then said, "We're family talking, so outsiders shouldn't wait here."
Madam Lan immediately understood and waved for the maids to leave. Chang Mao stood up to apologize, then immediately ordered his trusted guards and servants to guard the main hall. Wang Chengen then walked out of the main hall to keep an eye on the Chang family.
"My eldest and second uncles definitely can't lead troops anymore; they'll be the emperor's brothers-in-law soon," Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile, revealing the bombshell news. "My uncles will go to Beiping first; the relocation of the capital is about to begin. Putting aside other families, the Kaiping Prince's Mansion cannot afford any mishaps."
Chang Mao's expression turned solemn, and he asked in a low voice, "Your Highness, is it the Emperor's physical condition...?"
Zhu Xiong Ying shook his head and said with a smile, "Grandpa is in good health. These days he's been managing the affairs of the Crown Prince's officials. The first batch of nobles, civil and military officials going to Beiping also need to be seen by Grandpa personally."
Lan and Chang Mao were overjoyed. They knew all too well what "subjects of the Crown Prince" meant. Once Zhu Xiong Ying ascended the throne, the Chang family would truly be imperial relatives. Barring any rebellion, they would be able to live and die with the nation.
Zhu Xiong Ying continued, "My grandfather is very loving towards his children, and since he wants to move the capital, he is preparing to abdicate. It's best if our family keeps this to ourselves and doesn't spread it around."
Lan Shi and Chang Mao nodded repeatedly, as the Crown Prince was only saying this out of consideration for the Crown Princess.
Suddenly remembering something, Lady Lan cautiously asked, "Your Highness, the harem?"
"The Lü family is the main harem, but Yunwen will be going to Beiping with me. My grandfather will take me and Yunwen to Beiping, while Yunwen will stay in Yingtian Prefecture. My maternal uncle will have to take good care of him then." Zhu Xiong Ying said naturally, "I understand my maternal grandmother's meaning. Now that I have been conferred a title, when my father ascends the throne, I will be the Crown Prince."
Lan Shi and Chang Mao were even more excited. If the Crown Princess were still alive, they wouldn't have so much to worry about. But now that the Crown Princess was gone, Lady Lü was bound to become Empress. Who knew what unexpected things might happen then?
Remembering something, Zhu Xiong Ying said, "My maternal great-uncle has made great contributions this time, and was originally going to be granted the title of Duke of Liang. But now, he can only be Duke of Liang."
Lan Shi and Chang Mao were taken aback. Aren't they the same?
His expression turned sour just from seeing Zhu Xiong Ying write it down. There's a big difference between the Duke of Liang and the Duke of Liang.
Zhu Xiong Ying continued, "I hope my maternal grandmother can persuade my maternal uncle. It is true that he is the father's right-hand man, but the court has its own laws. Allowing troops to destroy passes and seize farmland is not a good thing. I will need my maternal uncle's help in the future, so you must be careful."
Madam Lan immediately stood up and said firmly, "Whether he is the Marquis of Yongchang or the Duke of Liang, this old woman can handle him! If he is disobedient, we will sever all ties with him!"
Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and comforted her, "Grandmother, you're exaggerating. Your great-uncle has done a great service this time, and it makes me look good too. I know that your great-uncle doesn't have many children, so I got a decree this time. If my cousin has another child, we'll bring one back to the Lan family to continue the family line."
Lady Lan was taken aback, her joy quickly turning to worry. "Your Highness, is this plan likely to succeed?"
"After my maternal great-uncle returned to the capital, an imperial decree was issued," Zhu Xiong Ying said with a smile. "However, since the Lan family has a lineage to continue, these adopted sons and grandsons should be dispersed. My maternal great-uncle has made great contributions, and his position should be hereditary. Nowadays, the court is keeping a close eye on the mistakes of nobles. With the country now at peace, the enfeoffment and bestowal of titles will inevitably be reduced. My maternal great-grandmother and maternal great-uncle should also think about the Lan family's lineage."
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