Zhu Xiong Ying seems to be at a loss for words now, all she can say is, "Grandparents love their grandchildren more!"
Just as the first month of the lunar calendar arrived, Zhu Xiong Ying received an imperial edict, which naturally ordered him to respond to the call of the emperor to celebrate the New Year.
However, Zhu Xiong Ying wasn't surprised by this. His trip to Beiping was indeed just a preliminary investigation; he was only there to take a look and wasn't going to stay permanently.
Moreover, even in the next few years or more, Zhu Xiong Ying will likely need to travel between the two places, making two or three trips a year. There's nothing to be surprised about; it's a perfectly normal thing.
With Fu Youde and others in charge, Zhu Xiong Ying naturally didn't need to worry about things in Beiping. Leading three thousand men, Zhu Xiong Ying set off in the heavy snow to return to Yingtian Prefecture.
As Zhu Xiong Ying led his men back through the wind and snow, Old Zhu looked outside the palace with some worry, "It's freezing cold. We shouldn't have let Ying'er come back. What if she gets cold!"
“Ying’er has a good foundation and is good at martial arts, so Father doesn’t need to worry.” Zhu Biao said with a smile, “Even if Father doesn’t issue an order, he will definitely run back on his own.”
Hearing Zhu Biao say this, Old Zhu couldn't help but laugh. He had no doubt that Zhu Xiong Ying would do such a thing. If Zhu Xiong Ying didn't come back for the New Year, that would be the most unexpected thing for him, and that would probably be the hardest thing for him to bear.
Remembering something, Old Zhu said with considerable pride, "Our Ying'er is decisive and precocious; we've always known that. She did a great job going to Beiping this time!"
Zhu Biao smiled and nodded. Although Zhu Xiong Ying seemed to be doing nothing, just looking around and walking around, he seemed to be dispensable.
However, whether it's Lao Zhu or Zhu Biao, Zhu Xiong Ying's approach is the most correct. Right now, Zhu Xiong Ying doesn't need to immediately try to achieve anything; stability is the most important thing.
Initially, Lao Zhu and Zhu Biao were somewhat worried, fearing that Zhu Xiong Ying might try to intimidate them or start acting recklessly as soon as they left. However, judging from the current situation, Zhu Xiong Ying's performance was much better than they had imagined; his composure was unlike that of a young man.
Of course, Old Zhu was also extremely proud. His precious grandson had been smart and extraordinary since he was a child, so it was not surprising that Zhu Xiong Ying was performing like this. People were used to it and there was no need to make a fuss about it.
Old Zhu was actually quite used to it. When his sons were in Yingtian Prefecture, they were all well-behaved and sensible. But once they were enfeoffed, they did countless things that angered both heaven and the people.
What makes Old Zhu feel proud and gratified is that his beloved eldest grandson has always been very sensible. After arriving in Beiping, his eldest grandson has done many things in an orderly manner, mostly doing his duty and without any outrageous behavior.
After all, Zhu Xiong Ying wielded considerable power, even more so than those of the vassal kings. However, Zhu Xiong Ying was very honest and obedient, making him an excellent child who was easy to manage.
The Crown Prince's return to Yingtian Prefecture was quite a lively and impressive affair.
Others were not suitable to greet him, but Zhu Xiong Ying's brothers were naturally more appropriate, as it was their duty. Their elder brother had returned to Yingtian Prefecture after inspecting Beiping.
Zhu Yunwen was naturally overjoyed; his elder brother had returned, which gave him immense confidence, and no one in the capital would dare bully him now. As for his so-called second brother, Zhu Yunwen wasn't truly naive; he was simply somewhat unambitious and cowardly.
As for Zhu Yunwen at this time, he was probably not very happy, and his smile was somewhat forced.
Ultimately, it would be unrealistic for a prince to have no interest in the throne. Even Zhu Yunwen understood that his elder brother was so brilliant that there seemed to be no other choice for the position.
However, Zhu Yunwen sometimes had his own thoughts. What if his elder brother were to pass away? What if his elder brother had difficulty conceiving in the future? What if his grandfather were to pass away in a few years? At that time, perhaps he could then make a proper effort to fight for his brother's success.
Zhu Xiong Ying didn't say much either. He seemed to be just a gentle older brother, looking at his younger brothers who had grown up with a sense of satisfaction. That seemed to be all.
The civil and military officials were also present, after all, Zhu Xiong Ying's status was different. He was the Crown Prince and the second in line to the throne of the Ming Dynasty, which naturally meant that these civil and military officials needed to pay more attention to Zhu Xiong Ying.
Especially since Zhu Xiong Ying was returning from Beiping this time, which was an absolutely important and serious matter, all civil and military officials naturally had to go out of the city to welcome him.
The Crown Prince, Zhu Xiong Ying, with his extraordinary bearing, sat upright on a tall horse, clad in golden armor and a scarlet cloak that fluttered in the cold wind. At that moment, he might have attracted the attention of some young ladies who were secretly observing him.
While young ladies haven't yet attracted attention, it's certain that Zhu Xiong Ying has caught Old Zhu's eye.
There was no way around it; Zhu Xiong Ying's status was simply that special. According to the established rites, Zhu Xiong Ying naturally needed to report back and go to the Fengxian Hall, which was a fairly standard procedure.
But Zhu Yuanzhang was different. In the Fengtian Hall, he simply smiled as he looked at his beloved grandson. After reporting back, he immediately dismissed the court. If it weren't for the Crown Prince's instructions regarding etiquette, Zhu Yuanzhang wouldn't have bothered with this show of respect.
Old Zhu tugged at Zhu Xiong Ying's arm and said cheerfully, "Ying'er, are you tired?"
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