The case of Marquis Zhang Wen of Huining was clearly no small matter. He and his sons were imprisoned, and it was probably only then that they learned what fear truly meant.
Zhu Yunying also sensed that some people, having become wealthy, might really be getting carried away.
Whether it was a secret report from the Eastern Depot, a report from the Ministry of Justice, or Zhang Wen's self-defense, Zhang Wen, who was in dire straits, spoke earnestly at this time, recounting his achievements in his youth while pleading incessantly.
As for Zhang Wen's eldest son, the heir of the Marquis of Huining, this young marquis, born into wealth, was even more terrified. In the dark, sunless prison, he could only plead with the jailers. The young marquis now probably understood the sentiments of the ancients.
This refers to Marquis Jiang, Zhou Bo. I once commanded a million troops, yet how could I have known the power and influence of a prison official!
Many people from the Marquis of Huining's household were also locked up and imprisoned, especially some of the wicked servants, whose fates were generally very tragic. As for Zhang Wen's family members, they shouldn't feel wronged; while enjoying such wealth and luxury, they felt no injustice.
You can't just accept wealth and status with equanimity when things go wrong and then feel innocent when they do. There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Xu Miaoqing, who is six months pregnant, has been very busy lately, but she also has some worries.
She herself came from the Prince of Zhongshan's mansion, making her a true member of the nobility. Now that the emperor seems to be targeting military families, this has naturally made many nobles feel quite nervous.
After all, many nobles were also burdened with a mountain of debts, and if the emperor were strict, their fates might be quite tragic. Although the leading nobles were trying to find a solution, and the matriarchs of those households were hoping to turn to Xu Miaoqing for help...
Putting everything else aside, Xu Miaoqing's status and position alone are enough. The emperor's harem wasn't particularly large to begin with, and Emperor Yingshi didn't seem to be particularly enthusiastic about women.
Most importantly, Xu Miaoqing gave birth to the Crown Prince for the Emperor. The current Crown Prince's position is very stable. Although he cannot compare with the former Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Yuanzhang, he is not far behind. The current Crown Prince is the Emperor Emeritus's darling and the apple of his eye.
Lian Qiongqiong, true to her word, said, "Your Highness, today several more ladies from noble families sent visiting cards, wishing to enter the palace for an audience."
As she received a massage for her calves from a palace maid, Xu Miaoqing said, "I'd better not see them. I'm feeling unwell right now and don't feel like seeing them."
"There are also several princes' residences requesting an audience," Lian Qiongqiong continued. "Many of them said they wanted to serve His Highness, but Princess Wu didn't join in. It's the two eldest princesses who are complaining that their residences have been worn down by footsteps these past few days."
Remembering something, Xu Miaoqing said, "It's time for my younger sister to return to Yunnan. His Majesty is reluctant to let her go through the long journey, but he is willing to let the couple be apart. My younger sister has complained about this quite a bit."
Lian Qiongqiong simply lowered her head and remained silent. Although she was currently acting as the acting head of the harem, she was very dutiful and dared not covet the Empress's throne.
Just then, Zhu Ruyi's clear voice came from outside the door, "Father, Father has finished court."
Zhu Yunying's happy voice came as he picked up the giggling Zhu Ruyi and said, "Our daughter is so thoughtful. She's helping the Empress manage the household! Our Ruyi is so sensible. When your younger siblings are born, you should play with them. Don't be like your older brother."
Mentioning her elder brother, Zhu Ruyi felt aggrieved. "My elder brother doesn't like to play with us. He always says we can't run fast. We're girls, and he knows that!"
The little girl's complaint was quite scathing; she clearly adores Little Zhu. It's just a pity her older brother is too playful and often hangs out in the Qianqing Palace, leaving him no time to play with his younger siblings.
Now that Zhu Wenjin has grown up a bit, and also has Princess Baoqing as a playmate, he's not lonely anymore.
Carrying Zhu Ruyi to the palace, Zhu Yunying said with a smile, "My grandfather sent a letter yesterday. He took our Yin'er to the countryside for a stroll. Our Yin'er is quite good; he has seen a lot of what a farmer's life should be like."
Xu Miaoqing smiled and said, "With Grandfather Emperor leading the way, Yin'er will naturally broaden his horizons, so I don't need to worry."
“It’s us who should be worried. We thought they would be back in their hometown by now, at least a month later,” Zhu Yunying complained with a smile. “But now, even if we give them another month, I doubt they’ll make it back.”
The journey was about 150 kilometers long. With such a large ceremonial procession, plus the presence of both the old and young Zhu, they naturally couldn't rush the procession. But if they continued like this, Zhu Yunying would probably start to get anxious.
Xu Miaoqing knew very well that she couldn't agree with them at this time. That's just how the Zhu family is; family matters should only be discussed by family members, and it wouldn't be good for others to complain.
Looking at Lian Qiongqiong, Zhu Yunying also said, "Help the Empress during this time. The Empress is not feeling well, and there are many things to do inside and outside the palace. Please help her out, and don't let anyone bother the Empress too much."
As Lian Qiongqiong hurriedly accepted the order, Xu Miaoqing said, "Your Majesty, it's time to send my eldest sister back to Yunnan. She's been living in the capital for over a year now, and it's time for Qi'er and Lin'er to go back and see their father. It's spring now, and the weather is nice."
Zhu Yunying was speechless for a moment, but still said, "In that case, it's time to let them go back."
Although he was reluctant to part with his sister and felt good having his nephew around, he couldn't let them stay in the capital forever. This might seem like an imperial favor, but those who didn't know better would think the emperor was holding hostages.
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