Hot pot is said to have existed since the Zhou Dynasty, and it became very common in the Song Dynasty.
And now there's no need to feel surprised. Although there are no chili peppers now, China has never lacked chili peppers throughout its history.
Cornelian cherry, pepper, ginger, and other spices are all major sources of spiciness, and pepper was considered quite valuable and precious in ancient times. However, the royal family naturally had no shortage of pepper, especially now that large quantities of pepper were being sent from Southeast Asia.
After warming a pot of Shaoxing wine, Zhu Xiong Ying and his two younger brothers ate a soup made with antique ingredients, both pork and mutton, which was quite good.
Zhu Xiong Ying cooked a slice of mutton in the hot pot, then said to Zhu Yunwen, "Yunwen, we're going to Fengyang in a few days, do you know?"
Zhu Yunwen nodded, then asked with some concern, "Brother, is it too early for me to go to Zhongdu now?"
"It's getting late. Yunhu will also be going back to his hometown next year," Zhu Xiong Ying said calmly. "You're not young anymore. You've been living in the palace all this time since you were twelve, which isn't convenient. Most of the imperial uncles go to their hometown of Fengyang before they are enfeoffed, and you will go too."
Zhu Yunwen remained silent, which can be considered a tradition, one of Old Zhu's rules.
Before reaching adulthood, princes naturally resided in the palace. However, after they grew up and before being enfeoffed, they would typically live in their ancestral home of Fengyang for a period of time. This was not only for ancestral rites but also to prevent any potential trouble.
It wasn't a good thing for too many adult princes to remain in Yingtian Prefecture; Emperor Zhu didn't want them to have any ulterior motives. He also didn't want too much collusion between some civil and military officials and some princes—that was his bottom line.
This also includes the regulations now established by Emperor Zhu that the princes who have been enfeoffed are not allowed to leave their fiefdoms except when they receive an imperial edict. Moreover, when the princes come to the capital, they are not allowed to come together. Not only are there regulations on the length of stay, but basically, only when one prince leaves the capital can the other set off for the capital.
Zhu Xiong Ying then added, "If you really don't want to go to Zhongdu, I'll find you a house in Yingtian Prefecture."
Zhu Yunwen's eyes lit up, but then he became worried, "I'm afraid my grandfather won't agree, and neither will my father."
“We definitely have to go back to our hometown. We’ll hold the ancestral rites for a while and then come back. That way, there’ll be no reason for us to complain.” Zhu Xiong Ying said calmly. “There are quite a few imperial uncles in our hometown. You’re a grandson, so your imperial grandfather won’t say much.”
At this moment, Zhu Yunwen put on a fawning smile and said, "Brother, can I also stay outside?"
"You can only move out next year, after you're twelve," Zhu Xiong Ying said to Zhu Yun Tong. "But remember this: even outside the capital, don't cause trouble. You still need to go to school, don't go to shady places. Otherwise, without your grandfather saying anything, I'll deal with you!"
It's no wonder Chen Li is so worried; there are just too many cautionary tales to follow.
Inside the palace, the princes were naturally quite well-behaved, focusing on their studies. But once outside, they were princes, members of the imperial family, and no one dared to say anything to them. This made them the most morally bankrupt group of people in the Ming Dynasty.
Once a prince comes of age, he will definitely leave the palace before being enfeoffed. Apart from going to his hometown of Fengyang for a period of time, these people also have their own royal residences in Yingtian Prefecture, where they can reside for a period of time.
Zhu's meaning was clear: the Crown Prince and the Imperial Grandson could live in the palace indefinitely after reaching adulthood. Other princes and grandsons, however, could not!
As for the lives of these princes and grandsons, there was certainly no need to worry. In addition to their generous stipends, these princes and grandsons would also receive some rewards, and would bring along some maids, guards, and their own personal staff from the palace.
Zhu Yunwen will be the first imperial grandson to move out of the palace. If nothing unexpected happens, Zhu Yunwen will also move out next year.
After his two younger brothers left, Zhu Xiong Ying thought for a moment and wrote a letter. Wang Chengen immediately went to find Song Zhong, the Deputy Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, who was Zhu Xiong Ying's sword.
We still need to be careful, and it's not enough to just give them a warning. Even if we give them a warning, some people might just pretend to listen to the lesson and apologize sincerely, but behind our backs they'll still do what they always do.
Zhu Xiong Ying did not care about court affairs, but that does not mean he was indifferent to everything.
News from Japan indicates that the Muromachi Shogunate, established by Ashikaga Takauji, is very powerful, and the influence of Emperor Go-Kameyama of the Southern Court is steadily declining. Emperor Go-Komatsu of the Northern Court appears to be very strong, and they have a chance to unify the two courts.
The present-day Japan is like the Northern and Southern Courts, with two emperors, each with their own lineage and the so-called Sacred Treasures. These are the sword, mirror, and seal, and the current Three Sacred Treasures are in the hands of Emperor Go-Kameyama of the Southern Court.
This is not in Zhu Xiong Ying's interest. It would be better if these people continued to fight amongst themselves. It seems like it's time to send someone to help the Southern Dynasty.
Goryeo also needed help. A few years ago, when the Ming Dynasty defeated Nahachu, King Wang U of Goryeo wanted to take advantage of the situation and seize Liaodong. However, General Yi Seong-gye returned to Wihwa Island and forced King U to abdicate.
The current king of Goryeo is Wang Chang, the son of Wang U, who is essentially a puppet.
This matter can be made a big deal out of. Zhu Xiong Ying originally refused to grant Wang Wu's father, Wang Zhuan, a posthumous title. In addition, the relationship between the Ming Dynasty and Goryeo has deteriorated due to the Tieling Guard issue.
It is also necessary to retain a reason for military action. After all, even though the Ming Dynasty was powerful, in this era, punishing the wicked and suppressing the disobedient still required some sense of 'righteousness'.
Just like the world police of later generations, they use laundry detergent as an excuse and justification.
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