Zhu Yunying was silent for a moment before saying, “When my grandmother was alive, we didn’t fulfill our filial duties, and my mother passed away early. They both died young, and since we couldn’t fulfill our filial duties while they were alive, we can fulfill them after we die. We feel that the location of the mausoleum chosen by my grandfather is good, and it would be good for us to guard your tombs in the future.”
With his son's and grandson's tombs located to the left and right of Xiaoling Mausoleum, Zhu Yuanzhang would be quite satisfied with what happened after his death.
Looking at Zhu Yunying, Zhu Yunying said, "Yin'er is all grown up now. It's not right that Grandfather hasn't visited Grandmother all these years. Why don't you take Yin'er and me to visit Grandmother this time?"
No one dared to doubt Emperor Zhu's feelings for Empress Ma, but nearly twenty years after her death, he visited the Xiaoling Mausoleum only a handful of times. It wasn't that he didn't miss Empress Ma; it was simply that he dared not go there. His wife was buried there, and his most beloved eldest son was buried nearby.
When Zhu Yunying remained silent, he continued, "Grandmother has not had a proper look at Yin'er yet. It would be good for us to take him with us. Putting aside everything else, if the capital is really moved, Grandmother will not have seen her great-grandson more than a few times. What kind of situation would that be? Grandmother raised us, and she loves us the most."
Old Zhu was immediately tempted and said, "It's understandable if we don't go, but it would be unreasonable if you didn't go. Yin'er has only been there twice in all these years, it's not a big deal. You should take Yin'er with you, so your grandmother can have some fun too."
“Grandpa will go along too,” Zhu Yunying decided. “Grandmother does like us, but the person she cares about most is definitely you. Let her see you, let her know that her grandson can still take good care of you, so that we can talk to her more easily in the future. Sometimes Grandmother doesn’t believe what you say.”
Old Zhu was both amused and annoyed, and somewhat suspicious. "If that's really the case, I reckon that when your grandmother used to criticize us, it was because you were the one whispering behind our backs. Your grandmother used to dote on us, but ever since you came out, she's always finding fault with us."
Zhu Yunying chuckled, knowing he certainly didn't believe Old Zhu's statement; it was just Old Zhu deceiving himself.
Old Zhu seemed increasingly unsure of himself as he spoke. In reality, if it weren't for this precious grandson, he would have visited Kunning Palace far less often in his earlier years. With the other concubines, they were all incredibly attentive and gentle. It was only in Kunning Palace that he was constantly being criticized and nagged, and many times his anger had no effect.
"Alright, we'll bring Wenkun along too." Old Zhu thought for a moment and then said, "Your grandmother couldn't let you go before she passed away, and she'll be happy to see you with both a son and a daughter. After all these years, it's just the two of us, grandfather and grandson."
While Old Zhu and Young Zhu were chatting, footsteps sounded outside the Qianqing Palace. It was obvious that only Young Zhu dared to walk so hurriedly; the eunuchs and guards here practically walked without making a sound.
“Great-grandfather, father!” Little Zhu stood outside the hall and shouted, “We’re going in now!”
Old Zhu laughed and called out, "Come in quickly, why are you pretending in front of us?"
Old Zhu was very proud. As he watched little Zhu push open the door and enter, he praised him while criticizing Zhu Yunying, "Yin'er is so sensible at such a young age and knows manners. You, as his father, are no good. You didn't learn these manners when you were young, and you haven't improved much as you've grown up."
Zhu Yunying was displeased and said, "When we go to Fengtian Hall and Wuying Hall, we always observe proper etiquette. This little brat Yin'er is just trying to sow discord between us; he would never normally act like this."
Dressed in court attire, little Zhu said happily, "Father, today is the main court session! If we're going to court, shall we lead all the officials into the court?"
Old Zhu laughed heartily and patted the bed. "Alright! We agree. You go to the officials first and lead them into court! You're more capable than your father. Back then, all he knew was to follow us. He was just being lazy. It's better for him to lead the officials into court."
Since Old Zhu had agreed, Zhu Yunying naturally wouldn't object. "Alright then, let's have our meal first. Remember what we told you, today you only need to speak on Li Shanchang's matter. Listen to everything else. Today we're going to discipline and punish people, so don't get involved in these things."
Old Zhu also reminded him, "Today is the regular court session, which is different from the regular court session. It's okay if your father gets angry with you and kicks you out during the regular court session, but it's not good during the regular court session. Besides, if you are kicked out of court too often, it will also damage your reputation. Today you must stand in the court and stand there the whole time."
Little Zhu nodded eagerly. Although he was spoiled rotten and could be a bit willful and mischievous at times, he was very obedient. He always listened to Old Zhu and Little Zhu.
Especially when it comes to matters of the court, Little Zhu knows what's important and what's not, and he knows he can't act recklessly at this time.
After having breakfast at the Qianqing Palace, Zhu Yunying took the young Zhu to court. Meanwhile, the old Zhu lay on the couch, taking a little more sleep. He was getting old and his sleep was indeed lighter, but he still slept quite a lot.
"You go to the Meridian Gate," Zhu Yunying laughed and said to Zhu Yunying, "but forget it. Come with me to the Hall of Literary Glory first, and we'll go after the palace officials have paid their respects."
Little Zhu naturally had no objections. At this time, he needed to fulfill his duty as the crown prince, and obedience was the most important thing.
The civil and military officials were already prepared in front of the Meridian Gate, the main gate of the imperial city. Only through this gate could they reach Fengtianmen Square, and only there could they truly line up to enter the court.
Xu Huizu remained silent at this moment, but everyone was used to his behavior. He had always been this meticulous, and even if someone wanted to get close to him, Xu Huizu would put on a distant and unapproachable demeanor.
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