After Zhu Ruyi changed her clothes, Little Zhu immediately shouted, "Let's go, let's go out of the palace. You go back and see your maternal grandfather, and we want to see if there's anything fun at Lord Lian's house. But we don't think it'll work; his family is too strict with rules."
After saying this, Little Zhu gave a simple bow and ran off. Zhu Ruyi bowed respectfully and immediately heard Little Zhu urging her on.
Despite their urging, the brother and sister happily headed out of the palace. Their steps were quick, showing their great anticipation for leaving the palace. Even though little Zhu often left the palace, she always loved it.
Zhu Ruyi, needless to say, could only leave the palace no more than three times a year, and each time she was very excited and looking forward to it.
Zhu Wenkun felt wronged. His older brother had run away, and his older sister had stopped teasing him. The child kept waving and gazing longingly towards the outside of the palace. But it was clear that his older brother and sister were going out of the palace to play, and they had no interest in teasing their beloved, chubby younger brother.
Xu Miaoqing coaxed Zhu Wenkun, saying with a smile, "Your Majesty is afraid that Lord Lian will offend people again. Over the years, Lord Lian has done quite a few things that have offended people."
Lian Qiongqiong replied with a smile, which was also her true feeling: "It is my father's duty to serve His Majesty and share his burdens, as he is eating the emperor's food."
Xu Miaoqing said with some emotion, "If it weren't for you, Ruyi'er, Lord Lian's career would have been much smoother. Grandfather and His Majesty have praised Lord Lian's talent and character quite a bit, but all these years Lord Lian has only been able to be a lonely official."
Lian Qiongqiong didn't say much, though she occasionally thought about these things. Perhaps if it weren't for her, her father's career might have been smoother, and becoming one of the Six Ministries Ministers wouldn't have been impossible. But now, he's basically stuck in the positions of Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, which is the end of his career.
Lian Qiongqiong didn't say much. Although she rarely had the opportunity to interfere in court affairs, she clearly understood certain principles. She knew that her father's career was essentially over, and she also knew that he obviously had no chance of advancing further.
Ultimately, Lian Zining was also considered a relative of the emperor, and the emperor needed a loyal minister. This was not only what the emperor wanted to see, but also a situation that all the officials in the court hoped to see.
In fact, not only Lian Zining, but Xu Miaoqing could also foresee that her elder brother might gradually fade out of the court in a few years.
Xu Huizu was already very prominent because of his status as the eldest son of the Prince of Zhongshan, and he was also quite capable. Now he was also the Crown Prince's uncle.
It can be said that if the Ming Dynasty did not still need Xu Huizu, and if the Crown Prince did not need strong external support, the wise Xu Huizu should have chosen to relinquish his power. He was not only a relative of the empress, but also a banner of military merit.
Everyone obviously understands the principle, but understanding the principle is one thing, and putting it into practice is another.
Of course, it's possible that both Xu Huizu and Lian Zining knew about these things and wouldn't feel resentful.
They might lose some opportunities, but it would also elevate their status in the court. Most importantly, although their own future might be somewhat affected, the benefits it would bring to the entire family made it all worthwhile.
In this era, in this position, one cannot be selfish most of the time, and one cannot only consider oneself.
Little Zhu didn't care about any of that. Sitting in the carriage, Little Zhu suddenly lifted the curtain and said, "Stop the carriage, we want to get off and take a stroll."
Shuang Quan's old face appeared by the carriage window, and he said ingratiatingly, "Young Master, the old master instructed that it would be better for you to travel by carriage more often when you are in the city."
"My great-grandfather also said that as long as we don't ride our horses recklessly in the city, it's fine!" Little Zhu didn't care about all that; he had plenty of support. "How can we see the lives of ordinary people from inside the carriage? Don't cause trouble. If you anger me, I'll jump out."
Shuangquan could only wear a long face and quickly brought over small stools to help Xiao Zhu and Zhu Ruyi down from the carriage. As for guards, there was no need to worry about that, and in fact, there really wasn't much to worry about.
Chang Sen was overjoyed; the carriage belonged to the Prince of Kaiping's residence. Ordinary people and officials alike would know at a glance that such a carriage was not to be trifled with. As for military officers, those with discerning eyes would certainly recognize the Chang family's carriage and, more importantly, the Third Master of the Chang family.
Moreover, although he was dressed in the Chang family's attire, the Third Master of the Chang family and the Third Master of the Xu family were both beside him. Many people wouldn't recognize Shuangquan, the old eunuch, but there were other strong and burly-looking guards beside him.
Even the guards surrounding the carriage were more than just one or two; perhaps ordinary people wouldn't know this. But anyone with a bit of knowledge would know that the young master with his hands behind his back was of extremely high status and absolutely not to be provoked.
"Brother, we can't eat things from outside the palace." Zhu Ruyi hesitated as he looked at the malt candy that Little Zhu was offering. "Mother will be unhappy."
Little Zhu shoved the maltose candy into Zhu Ruyi's hand and said, "What child doesn't eat candy? We'll give you some, so eat it. Let me tell you, we know who's selling candy and who's one of our people."
After saying this, Little Zhu took another malt candy from the candy seller and licked it as she walked. Paying was out of the question; either Shuangquan would pay, or they wouldn't give her any money at all.
After licking the candy, Little Zhu said, "Next time, let's change it up. Let's make some rice puffs. We're tired of this candy. Let's make some fermented rabbit."
Shuangquan glanced back; the malt candy vendor had vanished instantly. He had to hurry and prepare; His Highness the Crown Prince wanted rice puffs and fermented rabbit—he needed to get everything ready!
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
