Upon hearing Zhu Yunying's words, Zhu Chun knew that Zhu Yunying was serious. This "Hongwu Encyclopedia" truly could not rely on just a small group of people. Without the guarantee of a powerful imperial court, it would be impossible to compile such a monumental work.
"Father." Little Zhu suddenly ran out and then suddenly ran back. "Great-grandfather told us to call the Eleventh Prince to the Qianqing Palace. You all said it's taking too long, and Great-grandfather can't wait any longer."
Zhu Yunying's face darkened immediately, and he said, "We're having a great chat with you, the Eleventh Prince, can't we wait a little longer?"
Zhu Chun was incredibly embarrassed. He'd never dared disobey his father since childhood. But now, looking at his nephew, who dared to "bargain" with his father?
Little Zhu wouldn't tolerate this. He ran up to Zhu Chun, grabbed Zhu Chun's hand, and said, "Eleventh Uncle, Great-Grandfather has ordered a meal to be prepared. Let's go over there. If we don't go soon, Great-Grandfather will scold us and spank me."
Zhu Chun quickly replied, "Your subject dares not."
This man was indeed a scholar from Shu (Sichuan), and he was particularly fond of Confucianism. When he was in Shu, he hired Fang Xiaoru, a professor from Hanzhong, as the tutor of the crown prince. Although Fang Xiaoru had also studied under Song Lian and had left a very good impression on Zhu Yuanzhang, he wouldn't have stood out if he hadn't been so capable in his work at the Shu Prince's residence.
Of course, Fang Xiaoru is currently an official in charge of foreign affairs, although Zhu Yuanzhang once wanted to leave him for future Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Yuanzhang to use. However, like Huang Zicheng, he now has a good reputation and is well-regarded among scholars. Moreover, their important task is not to participate in national affairs, but to educate and civilize those foreign barbarians.
These people are good at persuasion; it would be good to cultivate some public intellectuals for the Ming Dynasty. Of course, these public intellectuals will all have to return to their respective countries.
Zhu Yunying looked at Zhu Chun and said with a smile, "Then let's go together. We can talk about this later. I still prefer to talk about these things with Uncle Eleven. That kid Yunhu only knows how to eat, drink, have fun, and talk about romance. We can't talk about these things together."
Zhu Chun smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "The King of Wu is simple and honest, but not unlearned. I have exchanged many letters with the King of Wu, and have invited him..."
Seeing Zhu Yunying's strange expression, Zhu Chun immediately realized what was going on. It wasn't that corresponding with Zhu Yunying violated the emperor's taboo, but rather that Zhu Yunying had a history of such behavior, as he liked to travel around.
The first prince in the Ming Dynasty who dared to defy imperial orders and leave the emperor's residence was Zhu Su, the former Prince of Wu and now the Prince of Zhou. Now, a second Prince of Wu has emerged, who is also known for his wandering ways. It seems that the title of "Prince of Wu" was not only a title bestowed upon Zhu Su before he became emperor, but also represented "excessive freedom."
Little Zhu led the way, and Zhu Yunying and Zhu Chun chatted as they walked, seemingly getting along quite well.
"Ying'er, haven't you finished chatting with our Shu scholar yet?" Old Zhu chuckled as he watched the group enter the Qianqing Palace. "If we don't let them in soon, I reckon none of you will have a meal."
Zhu Chun immediately knelt down, his voice filled with emotion, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty!"
"Get up!" Old Zhu waved his hand and said, "We're not in the imperial court. Learn from your nephew; he's the least polite to us. Your little grand-nephew is also good; he's always disrespectful to us. We've been worn down by these two, father and son."
This might seem like a complaint, but Zhu Chun isn't stupid. This isn't Old Zhu saying that Little Zhu and Little Little Zhu are unfilial; it's an undisguised expression of Old Zhu's joy and affection. Zhu Chun naturally wouldn't even dare to dream of such treatment.
Old Zhu looked at Zhu Chun and said, "What are you and Ying'er talking about? When your brothers came back a few days ago, he only met them and chatted for a few words. It's nothing like this, where you've been talking for so long."
Zhu Chun quickly replied, "Your Majesty the Emperor and I were discussing matters related to the grand ceremony."
"Alright then, this is something our Shu scholar should do." Old Zhu laughed and said, "We'll suggest a name for it, let's call it 'The Great Ceremony of Filial Piety and Kangxi'!"
Zhu Yunying rolled his eyes. He had originally intended to name it "Yingshi Dadian" (Great Dictionary of Heroic Deeds), since it was compiled during Zhu Yunying's reign, and using his reign title would be fine. However, after thinking about it, he decided to give face to Zhu Yunying, since Zhu Yunying had laid a good foundation.
But Zhu Biao, on the other hand, was troubled by the fact that his beloved eldest son hadn't ascended the throne. The "Xiaokang Grand Ceremony" was meant to let everyone know about Emperor Xiaokang, Zhu Biao, the most literary emperor of the Ming Dynasty!
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