Zhu Xiong Ying is now reflecting on the changes in his status, and some of his attitudes and thoughts have also changed.
He's in a position of power now, so he doesn't need to do everything himself; he just needs to set the tone. Right now, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of War, and the Military Governor's Office are the ones that are truly busy.
Zhu Xiong Ying was naturally busy with other things, some of which he considered more important.
Zhu Xiong Ying, dressed in a scarlet cloak, burst into the Wu Ying Hall and dragged Old Zhu, who was sitting on the dragon throne reviewing memorials, to his feet.
Old Zhu complained a little, but he couldn't bear to say anything harsh. "Ying'er, we still have some memorials to review. Give us two hours, and then your grandfather will go and fool around with you again. Is that alright?"
"Father, you're busy reviewing the memorials. Let's go outside and have a heart-to-heart talk." Zhu Xiong Ying was quite nonchalant; he truly wasn't afraid of his grandfather. "Grandpa, this is a rare opportunity for me to have a heart-to-heart talk with you. Once this opportunity is gone..."
Da Zhu couldn't listen any longer, "It's just about having some heart-to-heart talks with your royal grandfather?"
"I'll return to the East Palace tonight, and then I'll have my heart-to-heart talk with Father." Zhu Xiong Ying said smugly, sounding incredibly arrogant. "Don't worry, this matter can't be taken lightly. Grandfather, you'd better think this through."
Old Zhu stood up and said, feigning displeasure, "Over the years, you're the only one who dares to talk to us like that!"
Zhu Xiong Ying disagreed, stating bluntly, "Grandmother and Grandfather have argued quite a bit, I remember it all. Grandfather, I've used all these tricks of mys quite a bit..."
Old Zhu chuckled and urged Zhu Xiong Ying, "Let's go. If we don't have anything important to do, we'll see how we deal with you!"
As soon as they stepped out of the palace gate, Zhu Xiong Ying took the cloak from Wang Cheng En's hands. Old Zhu smiled as his beloved grandson draped the cloak over him, feeling quite proud. This was probably what Old Zhu was most proud of; his beloved grandson was very filial.
Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand and said to Wang Cheng En, "Everyone, stay away."
While Wang Chengen and the others had all moved away, Old Zhu's expression turned serious. "Ying'er, is there really something you want to tell us?"
“Grandpa, of course it’s important.” Zhu Xiong Ying didn’t hide anything and said, “Grandpa, actually I just wanted to tell you about Father’s matter. This is a very important matter.”
Old Zhu tensed up, but he was also puzzled. "Your father? What did Biao'er say?"
Zhu Xiong Ying didn't hide anything and said, "Father naturally knows about my grandfather's love and care. But grandfather, these past few years, I reckon only a scoundrel like me wouldn't be afraid of you. Grandfather, your power has been too overwhelming these past few years."
Old Zhu looked at her suspiciously. "Ying'er, did you and Biao'er discuss this? We know you want to persuade us not to execute the civil and military officials?"
Zhu Xiong Ying, however, was annoyed and somewhat disrespectful. "Grandpa, if I want to protect some people, I have many ways to do it. If all else fails, I'll just rely on you. What I want to say is that sometimes, even after court, you still exude too much power and influence."
Old Zhu was getting annoyed. He said defiantly, "Are we being too aggressive? If we didn't have that kind of aura, how could we hold onto our throne? Go and find out for yourself how corrupt the previous dynasty's officials were and how hard it was for the people to survive."
Zhu Xiong Ying was somewhat displeased, but still tried to persuade him earnestly, "Grandpa, I am sincere. I know that you love your children and grandchildren, and that you care about us. But sometimes, you should lower your guard a little."
Old Zhu snorted coldly and said irritably, "So, according to you, we're supposed to give in to you? Is this how fathers act? Is this how grandfathers act?"
"Grandpa, I'm not joking. You're too powerful. Among your generation, only I am not afraid of you." Zhu Xiong Ying said, putting his arm around Old Zhu's shoulder. "But among the sons, even Father is sometimes afraid of you, Grandpa."
Old Zhu was a little angry and nudged Zhu Xiong Ying with his shoulder, "How dare you speak to your imperial grandfather like that?"
"I'm no ordinary grandson!" Zhu Xiong Ying was genuinely unafraid. Over the years, he had truly never feared Old Zhu, which made him fearless. "Grandpa, I'm not afraid of you. That's because I know you dote on me. But it's also because you treat me differently."
Zhu Xiong Ying continued, "In my eyes, Grandfather is Grandfather, and he dotes on me. But in my father's eyes, it's different. Even with my father, Grandfather is relatively lenient, but sometimes he can put some pressure on my father."
Old Zhu was displeased and said to Zhu Xiong Ying, "Get out! How can a real man shoulder great responsibilities if he can't even endure hardship? You're always so preoccupied with your own thoughts. Instead of wasting your time thinking about this, go and figure out how to take Mu Ying back."
Well, there's nothing Zhu Xiong Ying can do to change things now. Some things are just impossible to change the minds of an old-fashioned, feudal man like Zhu Xiong Ying, at least not for the time being.
Zhu Xiong Ying felt that some things still needed to be prepared for properly, or rather, they needed to be done step by step, requiring constant reminders, and so on. Expecting Lao Zhu to accept advice all at once was unrealistic.
This can be considered Zhu Xiong Ying's true feelings, and it also reflects some of her understanding. Let's take it slow and gradually. Some things really can't be rushed.
Zhu Yunwen returned to the Eastern Palace, and now the Zhu family was reunited, which made Zhu Yunwen quite gratified.
Da Zhu was quite happy and said to Zhu Xiong Ying, "You should pay more attention these two days. Since you set the standards for the Duke's Clan Ceremony, you should set a good example. The second, third, and fourth brothers should also follow you."
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