However, Li Jinglong was different; he still represented the power of the Ming Dynasty's imperial family. To be considered a general under the Duke of Cao was to be absolutely loyal to the emperor. This threshold was incredibly high; ordinary military officers had no chance of even getting close.
Chang Sen lowered his voice and whispered, "Why don't you go and show your face at the Prince of Zhongshan's residence? Our eldest nephew hasn't returned yet, and relying solely on the second and third sons isn't quite enough. Just go and sit there, even if you don't say anything."
The military officers were all busy tidying up, not wanting the emperor to find any fault with them and punish them severely. Everyone here was busy, but the Zhongshan Prince's Mansion seemed to be keeping a slightly lower profile.
The main problem is that Xu Huizu hasn't returned yet, leaving a lack of a legitimate leader. Of course, this is also because Xu Huizu took many members of the Xu faction with him during this expedition to Goryeo, and they haven't returned yet.
Chang Mao shook his head and said, "Let's not get involved in this. It's none of our business. We should use that time to help my nephew. That kid must be getting anxious. His Majesty has confined him to his residence, and I reckon he's not happy about it."
My eldest nephew is a child prodigy and has always been very sensible, requiring no worry at all. But my youngest nephew is different; he lost his mother at birth and was not well-liked in the palace. He has been a source of pity since he was little.
Now that he's confined to his home, he must be feeling incredibly frustrated.
It's one thing if outsiders don't care, but the uncles who watched this child grow up can't help but care, as this is also the sister's flesh and blood.
Chang Sen glanced around furtively and said, "Don't worry, little nephew. I slipped in to take a look and found that my little grandnephew and I were very busy. They just can't wander around the city now. The mansion already has quite a few courtesans, and now they're letting some women from brothels and pleasure boats go there as well."
Being confined to his residence only meant that His Highness Prince Wu was not allowed to go out and wander around. Some more cautious people would also refrain from visiting Prince Wu's residence at this time. However, it did not affect His Highness Prince Wu's current happiness at all. At most, his life only lacked the pleasure of wandering around Yingtian Prefecture.
Hearing Chang Sen say this, Chang Mao felt relieved.
That makes sense, given the eldest nephew's personality, he certainly wouldn't want to wrong the younger nephew either; it's just a show.
It's normal for older brothers to feel sorry for their younger brothers most of the time.
"Great-grandfather, our father is thinking about a royal title!" Little Zhu couldn't keep the secret any longer and blurted out to Old Zhu, "How old is Wen Kun? They're already thinking about a royal title for him, and they're even considering making him the King of Han. Wen Jin is about to be officially enfeoffed, but Father hasn't given us an answer yet. If you ask us, we should prioritize Wen Jin."
Hearing Xiao Zhu say that made Lao Zhu even happier; he was the kind of person who cared deeply about his family.
"Then what do you suggest? Your father came to discuss this with you, probably just wanting to hear your thoughts," Old Zhu teased Little Zhu. "How about leaving the Prince of Han to Wen Jin? What do you say?"
Little Zhu was taken aback. Even the sunflower seeds that his great-grandfather had peeled didn't taste good anymore. "Let's leave the Prince of Han to Wenkun."
Old Zhu laughed heartily; this child couldn't hide his thoughts. He also felt it was unfair to his half-brother, but then he thought that his biological brother was closer, and naturally, he would give the best things to his younger brother.
“But Father said that Wen Jin is a spoiled brat, and even if he is given a title, he should still be disciplined.” Little Zhu was very unhappy and said, “He’s just a bit playful, and he likes to eat. He doesn’t like to study. How old is he? He’s not as smart as the people around here, and he wasn’t personally taught by our great-grandfather and father like us.”
Old Zhu found the best solution: "Then you should treat him better from now on. That kid is really hopeless. Don't be fooled by your second uncle's carefree and playful nature. Although he may lack ambition, he listens to your father."
Little Zhu said with immense pride, "Dad always says that Second Uncle doesn't use his brain, and Second Uncle says that he only needs to listen to Dad. We should do the same, and make Wenjin and Wenkun listen to us."
Holding little Zhu in his arms, Old Zhu said happily, "You're capable, just like your grandfather and your father, who were able to discipline your younger siblings. You're even more amazing; you even dared to let your sister help you cheat!"
Little Zhu lowered his voice and said slyly to Old Zhu, "We just need to coax Ruyi; she loves to hear nice things. We always bring her little trinkets, and naturally she'll like us as her older brother."
Looking at his mischievous great-grandson, Old Zhu was even happier. His son and grandson both acted like big brothers, taking care of and disciplining their younger siblings with great seriousness. But his great-grandson was different; at such a young age, he already knew how to read people and had a whole set of tricks up his sleeve—this was a good thing.
He is, after all, the Crown Prince. It's not a good thing if he's too naive. Without some means, he can't control his younger siblings, let alone manage the civil and military officials in the court.
Zhu Yunying suddenly appeared and said, "Tomorrow, leave the palace and take your younger brother ten miles outside the city to pick up your maternal uncle."
Old Zhu was displeased and said, "The Crown Prince's uncle traveled light this time, how could he have known that Yin'er's uncle was leaving the city? If you really want to show favor, wait until Fu Youde returns to the capital in triumph before letting Yin'er go."
Little Zhu chimed in, "Exactly! Who said Uncle won the battle? What will we say if we go out this time? When the royal army returns to the capital, will Father personally lead the army out of the city?"
Old Zhu was even happier, and he proudly hugged little Zhu, saying, "Look, even a child under ten years old knows this principle. You're the emperor, aren't you? You don't even know these basic principles. I don't know how you've been emperor all these years! Some people outside say you're wise and mighty, but we say you're a tyrant!"
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