For Princess Ningguo and Princess Anqing, Xu Miaoqing's words made it impossible for them to remain calm; they were even somewhat flustered.
Compared to their brothers, even as legitimate daughters, they were indeed less valued than men. They were all well aware that their father, the emperor, favored sons over daughters, a stance that was made completely undisguised.
However, over the years, even though some princesses seemed to be neglected, Old Zhu never mistreated them. He still showed them affection occasionally and wouldn't allow anyone to bully them; protecting them was of utmost importance to him.
However, their father wasn't bad either; at least he ensured they had no worries about food and clothing and maintained a high social status. Moreover, even after they married out, not only were their own lives secure, but their children also didn't need to worry about their future.
It's safe to say that having such a background and such an emperor as their father was something they could be very proud of.
Xu Miaoqing was aware of this as well, and said to the two imperial aunts, "Actually, my grandfather's spirits haven't been very good these days. When he went to Xiaoling Mausoleum a while ago, he had some thoughts on it."
Princess Ningguo sighed and said, "I understand. Father Emperor misses Mother Empress and my elder brother the most. Now that His Majesty can control the court, to be frank, if it weren't for His Majesty and the Crown Prince, Father Emperor might have lost his will to live all these years."
Princess Anqing sighed and said, "We all know about these things. Everyone has talked about them in private. Some time ago, His Majesty insisted on going to Xiaoling Mausoleum. Many people understand that it's probably because Father's health isn't very good, and he's just forcing himself to stay healthy."
"Your Majesty and your grandfather have relied on each other for so many years. Everyone says that your grandfather is very lenient with Your Majesty, and Your Majesty also has a lot of affection for your grandfather," Xu Miaoqing said. "Both of your imperial aunts know Your Majesty's temperament. Like your grandfather, he values family ties the most. When the outer court talks about things, Your Majesty doesn't care much."
These are all facts. Many people say that Emperor Hongwu was domineering, but Emperor Yingshi was never a weak person.
Princess Anqing, who watched Zhu Yunying grow up, knew that Ying'er was just like her father and brother in the bones, but her domineering and decisive nature was the kind that left no room for argument. This was the character of the head of the Zhu family.
“Now that Yin’er is in the Qianqing Palace, she’s with her grandfather all day, which is a bit better,” Xu Miaoqing sighed and said. “But we also know that when Yin’er goes to the training ground and the main hall, her grandfather doesn’t want to talk or move. In the end, it’s because Yin’er is still young and doesn’t know many things, so she can’t take good care of her grandfather.”
Everyone knows this: His Highness the Crown Prince is not as precocious as the current Emperor; he is just an ordinary child. Even though his elite education has made him more sensible than other children, there are still many principles he doesn't understand. Expecting him to take good care of Old Zhu is unrealistic.
The truth is, it's actually the elderly and frail Old Zhu who's taking care of Little Zhu. This inevitably puts a certain burden on Old Zhu.
However, there was no way around it; no one dared to suggest that the Emperor and Empress bring the Crown Prince back to raise him personally, otherwise it would inevitably provoke Zhu Yuanzhang's fury, which was beyond doubt.
Old Zhu's greatest joy now seems to lie in caring for and educating his beloved great-grandson. The once ruthless and domineering Hongwu Emperor would feel extremely uneasy if he couldn't see his great-grandson for even a day.
Having experienced so much, the Hongwu Emperor was now truly afraid, and he could no longer accept certain things.
Xu Miaoqing and the two imperial aunts are currently discussing some matters, some of which are indeed their responsibility to undertake.
The emperor is now preoccupied with court affairs, and even with his deep concern for the retired emperor, he cannot personally handle every matter. Therefore, some responsibilities fall to the empress, and his elders also need to lend a hand.
Many people know that Old Zhu's health is not good, but as his children, they naturally need to shoulder some of their responsibilities at this time.
This was also because the succession of imperial power in the Ming Dynasty was relatively smooth. In an ordinary dynasty, when the emperor was about to die, there would probably be a somber atmosphere inside and outside the palace, and many people would be plotting something.
However, the Ming Dynasty did not need to care about these things. Emperor Ying Shi was not worried about his uncles appearing in the palace, nor was he worried about his relatives having any other ideas. Those things were simply not worth caring about.
"What we mean is, let's go and talk to Grandfather first, and have a meal together," Xu Miaoqing said. "We, the imperial aunts, know what kind of person Grandfather is. Even if he says a few words, we, his children and grandchildren, can only endure it."
Princess Anqing quickly replied, "Your Majesty, please do not worry. I will visit the palace more often these days. I also grew up with my father and mother, so I have some dignity."
These words might not be very convincing if spoken by someone else, but they are not a big problem for Princess Anqing.
Compared to her brothers, she might not have been as favored. However, she was still Zhu Yuanzhang's youngest biological child, so she naturally received some preferential treatment. She was also the last child personally cared for by Empress Ma.
"His Majesty will probably be coming too," Xu Miaoqing said with a smile. "To be honest, I haven't done a good job. I'm not very familiar with many of the princesses and sisters-in-law. I'm afraid the two imperial aunts will have to help out a bit."
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