What kind of turmoil was taking place inside and outside the palace, or what many people were thinking, seemed to have little to do with Zhu Yunying. He was used to being 'high and mighty' and often didn't seem to pay attention to the feelings of others.
As for the others, they can't remain so calm right now; naturally, they need to gather more information from various sources. Knowing some information will allow them to handle things more calmly and avoid being caught off guard.
It's normal for people to be restless at this time; many people can't help but overthink things.
Especially before the morning court session, many people were whispering among themselves, sensing an eerie atmosphere and realizing that something might be going to happen. Rumors were circulating that His Majesty might be seriously ill.
Although Lian Zining was also worried, he still did his duty diligently: "Censor, record the words and deeds of all the officials."
Many people didn't care much about what Lian Zining said, because if something big happened, it wouldn't matter at all.
However, some people are more sensitive. If they are caught doing something wrong at this time, they might run into some trouble. It's better to be careful with their words and actions.
When the whip cracked, the civil and military officials, following the established rules that distinguished between civil and military officials, lined up and headed towards the Fengtian Hall.
Many people are actually quite nervous. If His Majesty appears at the morning court today, it will naturally quell many speculations. Of course, if His Majesty does appear in court, everyone can also observe his complexion and make some judgments.
If His Majesty does not appear in court, or if the morning court session cannot continue, then it indicates a rather serious situation. The fact that even the Founding Duke is personally guarding the imperial city speaks volumes.
When the civil and military officials stood in the Fengtian Hall, looking expectantly at the imperial steps, Wang Chengen stood expressionless on the steps. This reassured many people a little, as it seemed that the morning court could continue.
Just as everyone was starting to feel a little more at ease, a young man suddenly appeared and walked directly to the imperial steps. Standing on the steps, the young man faced the civil and military officials, his face expressionless.
The next moment, a burly, white-haired old man appeared and slowly walked toward the dragon throne.
Although it was only a few meters long, even though the civil and military officials dared not whisper among themselves, they couldn't help but exchange glances, and they all seemed to feel nervous and worried.
After Old Zhu was seated, Little Zhu turned to Old Zhu and said, "Great-grandfather Emperor, may we begin the court session?"
After Old Zhu nodded, Little Zhu slowly walked down the imperial steps and naturally stood in the first position on the left side of the officials. No one dared to compete with Little Zhu for this position.
Little Zhu led all the civil and military officials in kneeling and kowtowing three times, which was naturally in accordance with the rules.
Old Zhu appeared very calm. After the officials rose, he said, "The Emperor is quite tired from his diligent duties, so I will let him rest today. My dear ministers, I see that your expressions are strange. Do you perhaps think that I should not be attending to state affairs?"
At this moment, all the civil and military officials knelt down in unison, saying, "Your Majesty, we dare not!"
Although Emperor Hongwu seemed to have distanced himself from the central government in recent years, and his influence in the court was declining, everyone knew that when Emperor Hongwu appeared in court, everyone needed to be on high alert, and no one dared to truly believe that Emperor Hongwu had lost his power after abdicating.
Old Zhu looked at little Zhu and said slowly, "Crown Prince, step forward and stand properly. In the past, I brought your father to court, and today I bring you to court. A ruler should meet with his ministers every day, listen to and review reports from various government departments, and learn how to handle affairs."
Little Zhu immediately knelt down, listening to Old Zhu's reprimand. Although Old Zhu had said many things in private, it was a completely different matter from what was said in court, and the meaning was naturally different.
Looking at little Zhu, the old Zhu spoke gently, “In my early years, I also instructed your grandfather to sit before his ministers and hear reports from various departments to practice governing the country. One must be benevolent and clear-headed, diligent and decisive, in order to govern the country well. Now that you are getting older, you should learn from and assist your father in handling daily affairs.”
Little Zhu immediately and decisively replied, "Your subject obeys the decree!"
The military officers of the Xu faction were all overjoyed. Although they had long known that His Highness the Crown Prince's position was secure, there were always uncertainties as long as the heir apparent had not yet ascended the throne.
Now, Emperor Hongwu not only designated a successor skipping a generation in his early years, but he is now designating a successor skipping a generation again.
It is clear that the Crown Prince's position is secure. Regardless of Emperor Yingshi's health, even if he were to recover, there would be no need to worry about certain matters in the future. After all, he is the heir designated by the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and Emperor Yingshi cannot depose the Crown Prince.
Sitting on the dragon throne, Emperor Zhu spoke up, saying, "Some time ago, the emperor was in charge of state affairs, while I was enjoying my retirement in the Qianqing Palace. I know very little about the affairs of the court. Do any of you ministers have anything to report?"
Standing respectfully before the civil and military officials, young Zhu tried his best not to laugh out loud. What didn't his great-grandfather know? Not to mention that his great-grandfather knew about those important court affairs, even young Zhu knew a lot. Unlike his imperial brother, he wasn't forbidden from participating in politics.
While Old Zhu took Little Zhu to the morning court, Zhu Yunying slept very soundly, which was good because he didn't need to get up early.
Zhu Yunying, who rarely gets to sleep until he wakes up naturally, gets up and washes with the help of Lady Wang. Zhu Wenjin also has a rare opportunity to greet his father, the emperor, in the morning. He rarely receives such treatment; at most, he would ask someone to go and inquire after him.
Zhu Yunying was in a good mood. He had breakfast with his wife and children and also gave Zhu Wenjin a brief test.
Although Zhu Wenjin was a poor student and quite unruly, Zhu Yunying had a lot of headaches with her second son and could even be said to have little expectation of him.
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