Princess Shouchun was Zhu Yuanzhang's ninth daughter, only four years older than Zhu Yunying. Among Zhu Yuanzhang's children, she was relatively insignificant and not particularly favored.
Zhu Yunying was fairly fond of his eldest daughter, Princess Lin'an, but her husband was Li Shanchang's eldest son, who had been living in Tianjin for years. It was only thanks to Zhu Yunying's guarantee that the entire family was spared; otherwise, given Li Shanchang's past actions, they might have been exiled.
Zhu Yuanzhang's two favorite daughters included Princess Ningguo, Zhu Yunying's eldest aunt. This made Mei Yin, Zhu Yunying's son-in-law, Zhu Yunzhang's favorite son-in-law, and he was highly valued by Zhu Yunzhang in his early years.
Another favorite daughter was also Zhu's legitimate daughter, Princess Anqing. She could be said to have watched Zhu grow up. She was also the last daughter raised by Empress Ma, and Zhu's 'youngest daughter,' so she was naturally very favored.
Fu Zhong, a burly man, is a bit simple-minded. Whether as a second-generation meritorious official or as a son-in-law, he is not outstanding, but fortunately, he is loyal.
Princess Shouchun, having finished putting on her jewelry, reminded Fu Zhong, "Your entry into the palace today must be due to the smooth progress of the war. His Majesty will likely praise the Duke, but you shouldn't accept it all. Don't let His Majesty think that our Duke Ying's mansion is ostentatious."
Fu Zhongze muttered, "Father is outside..."
"We know the Duke has rendered great service. But in our Duke Ying's mansion, no one is up to the task. The second son was adopted out, and the third son is a bit arrogant. Everyone says the fourth son was most like the Duke, but he's gone. Now that the Duke is here, the Duke Ying's mansion has nothing to fear. But what about the future? Who will take up the mansion?"
Fu Zhong remained silent. Of his three younger brothers, only the fourth brother had died in battle at a young age. The remaining two, including himself, were actually incapable of managing Fu Youde's team; their abilities were limited.
“Although I am His Majesty’s aunt, there are so many imperial uncles and aunts that His Majesty may not even remember me,” Princess Shouchun said with a hint of sourness. “His Majesty and I are about the same age. When I was young, I learned needlework and read the ‘Admonitions for Women’ with my mother in the palace. At that time, His Majesty was running around in the palace. When he went to my mother’s palace, he would bring out all the things that he usually wouldn’t use.”
Princess Shouchun continued, "Back then, none of us sons and daughters were not resentful. Even the children were not as favored as the eldest grandson. His Majesty was also precocious. If it weren't for the seniority, our uncles and aunts of similar age would probably be under His Majesty's control. The fourteenth prince is only a few months older than His Majesty, but he can't even play with him."
Fu Zhong thought for a moment and said, "I used to be a palace guard, so I know that His Majesty only has his most trusted confidants. Even if we wanted to go over, we couldn't, because we were always followed by people from the Duke of Kaiping's side."
“Don’t let His Majesty think you’re arrogant. The Duke of Ying’s family has made great contributions, and His Majesty will not neglect them.” Princess Shouchun sighed and said, “If you can’t bring honor to the family, our descendants might rise up in the future. Over the years, few of those who have opposed His Majesty have had a good ending. Even if they are given some respect, it’s just an empty shell.”
This made Fu Zhongxin feel uneasy. Although there were many nobles in the Ming Dynasty, many of them had been idle over the years.
Some were decided by Emperor Zhu himself, while others were achieved through Emperor Ying's methods of distancing themselves from the court and power.
Although she has now married into the Duke of Ying's family, Princess Shouchun still retains her princess regalia. Since she is entering the palace by imperial decree this time, it naturally means that the princess regalia needs to be displayed, and she needs to bring along her thirteen-year-old son, Fu Rong, and her twelve-year-old second son, Fu Jing.
Princess Shouchun had given her two sons many instructions, mainly because both were somewhat reckless. In fact, over the years, her two sons had attended the Imperial Academy, studying alongside other members of the imperial family and noble families. However, in terms of progress, it seemed limited.
Wang Chengen was already waiting at the palace gate. Upon seeing her, he said, "Your Highness, His Majesty has decreed that Your Highness should not dismount from the carriage but enter the palace."
Princess Shouchun immediately felt uneasy and quickly said, "Your Majesty's kindness is too much for me to bear."
"Your Highness, please don't make things difficult for me," Wang Chengen said with a fawning smile. "His Majesty said that if the princess gets off the carriage, he will punish me. Besides, Your Highness is His Majesty's elder, and the Duke of Ying has rendered great service."
Seeing that Princess Shouchun was still about to get out of the carriage, Wang Chengen quickly said, "Your Highness, please don't do this. If Your Highness is so formal, His Majesty will soon be holding court and will have to wait with his jade tablet."
After saying this, taking advantage of Princess Shouchun's hesitation, Wang Chengen said, "Your Highness, His Majesty has decreed that Your Highness shall lead the horse for the Prince Consort. As for the Assistant General, it is not appropriate for outsiders to drive the carriage, so we must trouble you to drive for His Highness."
Princess Shouchun was somewhat apprehensive, yet also pleasantly surprised. "Grand Master, what brings you the General Who Assists the State?"
"His Majesty will likely issue an edict in a few days. The Duke of Ying has rendered great service abroad. The young master need not worry; he's just about to be granted a title." Wang Chengen pretended to cautiously glance around and whispered, "The young master is also close to His Highness the Crown Prince. He won't receive much reward from the Duke of Ying this time. The young master has struck gold!"
Princess Shouchun was overjoyed, knowing that her eldest son would surely inherit the title of Duke of Ying, a hereditary title.
However, her youngest son will likely not receive a title in the future. Even if he enters officialdom from a high starting point, obtaining a title will not be easy.
Although he is currently only a General Who Assists the State, and his descendants will be demoted in rank in the future, it is still a title, and in effect, it is the treatment of a member of the imperial clan. This treats Fu Jing as a grandson of a prince.
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