For example, the Empress hasn't had any more children since giving birth to the Crown Prince. Old Zhu has heard about this, and it's clear that Little Zhu is intentionally preventing the Empress from becoming pregnant again, which infuriates Old Zhu. But his precious grandson always gives him the runaround.
"It's not easy to relax. We're at an age now, so it's normal to have more children." Zhu Yunying laughed and took a piece of silk to wipe Old Zhu's neck. "Grandpa, you're really something. Yin'er is being unreasonable and making a fuss. Don't you join in his fuss. It's so hot in here, isn't he afraid of the heat?"
Old Zhu enjoys Xiao Zhu's closeness and doesn't feel that Xiao Zhu is putting on an act. These actions are natural to both Xiao Zhu and Old Zhu, and most importantly, this has been the pattern all these years.
Little Zhu ran over and said to Little Zhu, "Dad, we didn't run away. Great-grandfather sent us. We came in a sedan chair, we're not riding horses anymore!"
That makes sense. In this sweltering heat, you'd be drenched in sweat even if you didn't move, let alone run around. Elderly people and young children are quite susceptible to catching a cold if they run around in the blazing sun and then suddenly go to the cooler hall.
Old Zhu sat down and drank some cold tea. He said to Zhu Yunying and Xu Miaoqing, "If you have any more children, we won't interfere. You can raise them yourselves. It's time for you two to teach your own children."
Zhu Yunying and Xu Miaoqing nodded repeatedly. Since Little Zhu was born, they had been diligently educating him. However, Old Zhu also often had to personally educate Little Zhu.
At this moment, Old Zhu continued, "Yin'er's identity is indeed extraordinary. Even if you have more children, you should know the importance of this. We don't intend to be ambiguous. The Ming Dynasty will be handed over to Yin'er in the future. Even before we leave, we will make a will."
"Grandfather, we know what we're doing," Zhu Yunying assured him again. "We will definitely follow the eldest son of the legitimate wife. Even if we sit on the dragon throne like this, we know it's the rule set by Grandfather and our father."
Old Zhu nodded slightly and looked at Young Zhu, saying, "That makes sense. If internal strife breaks out, the Ming Dynasty cannot afford it. Even if they are all legitimate sons, we must not let them have any improper thoughts."
"Grandson understands this principle, so we always give the best things to Yin'er, and we are always thinking about giving Yin'er a strong foundation and prestige." Zhu Yunying laughed, then said seriously, "Once the succession is contested, the court will lose its focus on its work and everyone will want to gain merit for supporting the emperor."
Old Zhu nodded. He knew that Zhu Yunying's words were justified; this was indeed the reason why he had initially considered establishing the eldest son as heir. The Ming Dynasty could not afford such a long process, and the succession of imperial power in the Ming Dynasty required strict rules from the very beginning.
Zhu Yunying continued, "Virtue? We don't know what exactly constitutes virtue! Besides, I am the emperor, whether someone is virtuous or not is up to me. The eldest son is the best, as there are established rules from the beginning."
Old Zhu was naturally even happier to hear Zhu Yunying's words. While he wasn't entirely without worry that Zhu Yunying might change his mind after his passing, his grandson's repeated assurances reassured him considerably.
The Empress giving birth to another son for the Emperor was naturally a good thing in Emperor Zhu's eyes. However, Emperor Zhu sometimes had a habit of overthinking things, fearing that the Emperor and Empress might favor the youngest son, which would not be a good thing.
Xu Miaoqing's pregnancy is naturally a good thing. As for whether there will be any hidden dangers in the future, there is no need to worry about that at all.
The eldest son of the legitimate wife—this was the foundation of the Ming Dynasty. Little Zhu was already the Crown Prince, with impeccable lineage and an increasingly solid power base; the throne was practically glued to his backside.
If we give young Zhu Yunying more time, even if he wanted to change the heir apparent later, it wouldn't be an easy task. Unless Zhu Yunying wants to see the court in turmoil, or unless young Zhu Yunying loses his mind and rebels.
The family chatted and laughed happily, not needing to worry about the future. Just focusing on the present happiness was enough; that was the most important thing.
Zhu Yunying was indeed very happy, because everything seemed to be good news, and the court was functioning smoothly. He was happy and content being emperor!
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