Xu Huizu was quite reliable. He probably completed the handover immediately after receiving the imperial edict and then traveled back from Goryeo with minimal entourage and at full speed.
Given the current transportation situation, Xu Huizu was indeed determined, which is why the journey was so fast.
Thinking of something, Zhu Yunying slowly walked towards the training ground. Zhu Yunying had always had very high expectations for her son, Zhu Xiaozhu. Naturally, she hoped that Zhu Xiaozhu could excel in both literature and martial arts, so that he could be considered the best successor of the Ming Dynasty.
Besides hoping his eldest son would excel in both literature and martial arts, he also didn't want him to be a bookworm who only studied. In that era, medical care was relatively limited, so good health was extremely important, and exercise was essential.
Fortunately, Little Zhu was also a very active person. When he was little, he loved to ride his miniature pony around the palace. Now that he's grown up, he naturally doesn't ride miniature pony anymore, but he often leads his study companions to practice martial arts in the training ground.
Although I can't draw a hard bow, I can handle some small, flexible bows without any problem. Little Zhu, who aspires to be a great general, doesn't like spears; he often wields a two-handed sword, and his swordsmanship is quite good too.
Little Zhu, born into a noble family, naturally has no shortage of playmates. Whether they accompany him in studying literature or learning martial arts, they are all his closest and most reliable people, each born into a very prestigious and unapproachable background.
Upon arriving at the drill ground, Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh. It seemed that quite a few children were not spoiled because of their birth. They all knew that they were born into a military family and that they would have to take on the responsibilities of the Five Armies Commandery of the Ming Dynasty and become the successors of the Ming Dynasty's military achievements.
There were no banners waving or dust billowing; it was just a dozen or so children, around ten years old, repeatedly brandishing their knives. The moves weren't flashy, but they were the most effective methods on the battlefield—these were the true techniques for killing.
Zhu Yunying flicked his sleeve and said to Wang Chengen, "Go and prepare some soup and water. I want them to be thirsty and hot."
In fact, Zhu Yunying didn't even need to remind him. Leaving aside the fact that the one leading the drill ground was the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, those accompanying him were either heirs of dukes or nephews of the emperor. Even a marquis's son wouldn't have the prestige or opportunity to come; not everyone had the chance to be a study companion to the Crown Prince.
In a good mood, Zhu Yunying couldn't help but laugh as he watched Little Zhu Lingli's sharp blade slash at the clothing. He truly was a son of a military family; he hadn't lost any of the Zhu family's martial spirit.
Perhaps noticing the emperor's arrival, everyone else stopped using water. Children around ten years old actually understand a lot, especially those born into noble families. They grow up rapidly at this age and their minds gradually become more complex.
Don't be fooled by Xiao Xiao Zhu's seemingly unruly behavior in private. In the presence of outsiders, Xiao Xiao Zhu is actually very well-behaved, which can be considered a family tradition of acting skills passed down through generations.
"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty the Emperor."
"Your Majesty, we pay our respects."
There's nothing wrong with these titles, even though they're all around ten years old. In reality, they're all people of status, either holding titles like heir apparent or holding honorary official positions granted by the emperor.
Therefore, it was perfectly acceptable for him to submit to the emperor at this time, and all of this was in accordance with the established rites.
Zhu Yunying smiled and said, "Please get up, everyone. These are all family, so don't be shy. They are either our nephews or our brothers, so there's no need for formalities."
Remembering something, Zhu Yunying said, "Our little Qilin doesn't need to stay at the construction site today. Your father is back, so he can go back in a little while."
Feng Qi and Feng Lin immediately perked up and hurriedly asked, "Uncle, is it true?"
Looking at his two nephews, Zhu Yunying said indulgently, "What's wrong? When has your uncle ever lied to you? I'm not like your good-for-nothing second uncle who only knows how to tease you all day long."
Zhu Yunying was also very angry about this. He actually cared a lot about his nephews and nieces. However, his nephews and nieces generally didn't like their eldest uncle, or rather, their affection for him was limited, showing more respect than anything else. On the other hand, the children all adored their playful second uncle.
You must know that I am the emperor, and I will be bestowing official titles and honors upon you in the future. As for that second uncle who only leads you astray, he doesn't have that ability. These little rascals haven't been tempered by society, so they have no idea who they should really curry favor with.
Little Zhu held back his words. Actually, he also liked his second uncle very much. If there weren't other people around, Little Zhu would definitely have retorted. He couldn't say anything bad about his second uncle, but unfortunately, it was his father who loved to speak ill of him, which made Little Zhu feel very awkward.
Leaning against Lan Jizu, Zhu Yunying said, "You are, in fact, our cousin, and now also our maternal cousin."
Lan Jizu, naturally, is the second son of the Shu King's wife, Lady Lan. This kid was originally from the Zhu family, but now he's going to stir up trouble for the Lan family. He's also lost his chance to become a prince, but he and his descendants will receive the hereditary title of duke.
In the short term, it's definitely not worth it, but in the long run, it may not be a bad thing.
Zhu Yunying continued gently, "Your grandfather is currently training troops in the Northwest and cannot return. If anything happens, speak to your cousin, the Crown Prince. I remember you can also submit memorials directly to the emperor. You can also come to me if you encounter any problems, understand?"
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