Having already experienced leaving Yingtian Prefecture once before, Zhu Xiong Ying wasn't particularly reluctant to leave this time. As for Old Zhu and Big Zhu, they were somewhat reluctant, but there was nothing they could do about it.
Not only were the children grown up, but the main issue was that the situation in Beiping was far too important, and they didn't trust anyone else.
The bumpy ride was unimportant to Zhu Xiong Ying. Neither Old Zhu nor Big Zhu gave him any specific instructions regarding his trip to Beiping. In their view, this was simply a trial for Zhu Xiong Ying.
They believed that Zhu Xiong Ying was a sensible person and could handle things well in Beiping.
As for Zhu Xiong Ying making mistakes, it doesn't matter; they are confident they can cover for him. It's not a big deal if Zhu Xiong Ying makes a mistake; he can learn from it and gain experience. And the blame will definitely not fall on Zhu Xiong Ying; others will be punished instead.
If Zhu Xiong Ying were to achieve merit or success, that would be the best possible outcome, as all the civil and military officials would be obliged to sing his praises. In short, Zhu Xiong Ying was essentially invincible, a fact he himself recognized.
Zhu Xiong Ying, weary from his journey, had just returned to Fulong Palace. After a brief rest, he immediately summoned all the civil and military officials.
This is his own little court, his own little clique. Whether these people can be properly trained during this period is another matter, but they are now definitely getting an opportunity that many civil and military officials and nobles would envy.
The Crown Prince's position is secure, and the Crown Prince's position is also incredibly secure; everyone here is a smart man.
Zhu Xiong Ying sat in the main seat and said to Fu Youde with a smile, "Duke Ying, the Emperor has ordered that the Imperial Son-in-Law will be setting off soon. Duke Ying should also be able to reunite with his family, which is worthy of congratulations."
Fu Youde hurriedly thanked the emperor for his grace. His eldest son, Fu Zhong, was married to a princess. However, Fu Zhong's wife, Princess Shouchun, Zhu Xiong Ying's ninth aunt, had passed away two years ago at the age of eighteen.
Zhu Xiong Ying then adopted a family-like tone, saying, "The early death of Ninth Aunt is something no one wanted to see. The Imperial Son-in-Law should also consider remarrying. Duke Ying, do you have a satisfactory candidate?"
Fu Youde immediately refused, saying that his son, having become a prince consort, would often lose his freedom. Moreover, in the Ming Dynasty, being a prince consort wasn't considered a high-risk profession; some prince consorts even wielded considerable power. However, his daughter-in-law had only recently passed away, and Fu Youde truly dared not let his eldest son consider remarrying.
But it would be a lie to say he wasn't anxious. His eldest son was currently unmarried. His second son had been adopted, and his third son, who was serving the Crown Prince, also had no marriage prospects. As for his fourth son, he died in battle during the campaign in Yunnan.
Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and comforted him, "Duke Ying, your aunt has passed away. She would surely have wanted the Imperial Son-in-Law to be happy. How about this, I'll ask around again in a few days. The youngest daughter of Duke Xin is of a suitable age. If Duke Ying doesn't mind that she is born out of wedlock, I'll act as matchmaker."
Fu Youde quickly knelt down. At this moment, he had no right to complain; he could only express his gratitude.
Although Tang He had retired to his hometown, his status as a high-ranking military official remained formidable. While it was true that Tang He's youngest daughter was born out of wedlock, Fu Zhong was a second wife, and at this point, the feelings of the imperial family had to be considered. This was the reason why Fu Zhong had not dared to remarry.
Nobles and royalty often have no real say in their wedding leave, and many people are aware of this.
Simple casual conversation is enough; Zhu Xiong Ying is now more concerned with a series of work-related matters.
Fu Youde and Xu Yungong gave a detailed report on the troop training, the movements of the Mongols, and some matters concerning Goryeo. This was their main task, and they both guessed that in the new year, they would likely be carrying out small-scale military operations.
Chen Xuan, as the representative, quickly spoke about dredging the Grand Canal. This was originally Chang Mao's responsibility, but since he was stationed at Tianjin Garrison, he didn't return to Beiping this time. This was because Chang Mao had the confidence; while others were focused on impressing the Crown Prince, Chang Mao didn't need to.
Ru Chang, Li Jinglong, and others were actually stationed at Jinmenwei. This time, it was Li Jinglong who was reporting on a series of tasks such as the construction of Jinmenwei and the canal transport transshipment. He still wanted to show off in front of Zhu Xiong Ying.
In fact, Li Jinglong was also puzzled. Over the years, he could sense that the Crown Prince treated him fairly well. However, he could also sense that the Crown Prince was distant and aloof, as if it was difficult for him to become someone the Crown Prince truly trusted.
This worried Li Jinglong. His father, Li Wenzhong, was the emperor's most trusted maternal relative. But it was difficult for him to become the maternal relative that the crown prince could rely on, so the pressure naturally increased.
Chang Mao, that spoiled brat, was always fearless because he was the maternal uncle of the Crown Prince. He was incompetent and immoral, yet he was trusted.
Xu Yungong, needless to say, is the eldest son of the Prince of Zhongshan and a standout among young talents. Furthermore, as he is about to become the brother-in-law of the Crown Prince, Xu Yungong's rise to prominence is becoming increasingly evident.
While Li Jinglong was anxious, Huang Zicheng was also very anxious. His current official position was Taichang Temple Taile Doctor, whose main task was to manage sacrificial rites. In fact, Taichang Temple was one of the "Five Temples," along with the Court of Judicial Review, the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, the Court of Imperial Stud, and the Court of State Ceremonies.
Huang Zicheng understood that he was not highly regarded, while Zhuo Jing was more favored by Zhu Xiong Ying. Moreover, Ru Chang was a formidable obstacle that neither Huang Zicheng nor Zhuo Jing could overcome for the time being; he was the Crown Prince's trusted confidant.
There was nothing they could do; Ru Chang had entered the Crown Prince's palace at a young age and was his study companion, giving her an astonishingly high starting point.
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