However, these two families are too prestigious. Even some families from the Xu and Chang clans have found it difficult to curry favor with them in recent years. One is the maternal family of the Crown Prince, and the other is the maternal family of the Emperor. They are simply too illustrious.
As long as the relationship is maintained, that's fine. The Xu and Chang families both know how prominent they are, and they're not thinking about expanding their influence anymore. As long as they can maintain a certain level of wealth and ensure they have truly reliable connections, that's enough.
Therefore, Fu Youde is very necessary at this time, so that people will want to take the initiative to get close to him, especially the fallen military families, who are also quite anxious to climb up to him, as this may be their chance to regain their glory.
At this moment, Jiang Huan continued, "Your Majesty, the Duke of Ying is cautious and self-disciplined, much like Di Wuxiang and Li Weigong."
Zhu Yunying glanced at Jiang Huan and nodded slightly.
Although Di Qing, a military strategist of the Northern Song Dynasty, had achieved numerous military exploits, he was indeed subject to much suspicion in that era when civil officials were valued more than military ones. He could only be cautious and protect his reputation. Li Jing, who also had many military achievements, simply stayed at home in his later years, avoiding guests, in order to avoid the emperor's suspicion and thus be able to die peacefully.
Therefore, some military generals who have made great contributions need to be more cautious, otherwise it might not be a good thing.
Even though Zhu Yunying considered himself to be somewhat magnanimous and unwilling to kill meritorious officials, he certainly couldn't tolerate it if some of them abused their power.
At this moment, Jiang Huan continued, "The Duke of Ying's mansion, and the Imperial Son-in-Law Commandant, are guarding it with utmost caution."
Zhu Yunying thought for a moment and said, "The Ninth Imperial Aunt has been dead for many years. Please allow the Imperial Son-in-Law to take a concubine."
Fu Youde's eldest son, Fu Zhong, was a prince consort. Unfortunately, Princess Shouchun passed away many years ago, but fortunately, she left behind a son, Fu Yan. Over the years, Fu Zhong had other women in his household, but he had to consider the royal family's reputation and could only remain faithful to Princess Shouchun.
Jiang Huan remained calm and continued, "The second son of the Duke of Ying, Fu Chun, was adopted by his elder brother Fu Youren in his early years and has spent most of his time in the Duke of Ying's mansion. He has been somewhat arrogant and has been indulging in debauchery with the sons of military officers lately."
Zhu Yunying smiled and said, "As long as there is no great evil, you should not interfere."
This can be seen as Zhu Yunying's attitude. If some sons of military families are spoiled and dissolute, he won't say much. If their ancestors have made contributions, it's not wrong for their descendants to be content with enjoying life; it's all thanks to their ancestors' hard work.
At this point, Jiang Huan continued, "His third son, Fu Rang, was often arrogant in the martial arts world, and his words often showed contempt for the sons of other military merits."
Fu Rang was formerly a personal guard of Emperor Zhu. Although he was Fu Youde's third son, Fu Youde's youngest son died in battle during the campaign against Yunnan and Guizhou, so this third son became the youngest son and has been increasingly favored in recent years.
Zhu Yunying snorted coldly and said irritably, "Fu Rang is over forty years old, yet he still hasn't made any progress. He should have been the one to die in Yunnan and Guizhou, not Fu Tianxi!"
Jiang Huan could only lower his head at this moment. Every family has some spoiled brats who can't be brought to the table. The Duke of Ying's mansion was no exception. Even though Fu Rang was already in his forties and had children, some people's minds don't necessarily improve with age.
It was no secret that the emperor disliked Fu Rang. But Fu Youde seemed unconcerned, and Fu Rang himself was equally indifferent.
Because in everyone's eyes, Fu Zhongcai was the one to establish the family line and inherit the Yingguo Duke's mansion. The Fu family would naturally be left to Fu Yan. Fu Chun and Fu Rang, being from the second and third branches, were insignificant and unable to gain more resources in the court, let alone surpass the eldest branch.
Jiang Huan only needed to report what he knew to the emperor, which was what he was supposed to do.
As for how the emperor evaluates the affairs of the Duke of Ying's mansion, that is naturally the emperor's responsibility, and has nothing to do with the Eastern Depot. Just do your duty and don't overstep the rules, or things will turn out badly.
Jiang Huan was naturally well aware of these principles. As the head of a secret service, he was naturally familiar with the emperor's character. Given his background, he also understood the special status of being the emperor's henchman.
If you want to die peacefully and retire unscathed, you must not lose the emperor's trust and must do your duty well.
Zhu Yunying asked a number of questions, mostly related to Fu Youde. However, he also inquired about other nobles who had dealings with Fu Youde or who deliberately avoided him.
Judging from the current situation, Fu Youde probably has some sense of proportion. Perhaps he is unhappy about losing the opportunity to lead troops, or perhaps he feels stifled by being sidelined. But on the surface, he is still the Duke of Ying, still deeply trusted by the emperor, and a pillar of the Ming Dynasty's military forces.
This seems pretty good enough; there's no need to ask for more at this point. He's already reached the pinnacle of his position, so he needs to be content, because Fu Youde truly has nothing more to offer.
At this point, it seems even more important to be able to create a beautiful story of harmony between the ruler and his minister.
Being an emperor is no easy task, a fact Zhu Yunying knew all too well; he had too many things to worry about. Maintaining a proper balance was, at this point, an even more difficult task.
After finishing all these tasks, Zhu Yunying thought it best to rest for a while and also visit his second son, Zhu Wenjin.
Other families may have some spoiled brats, but our family is no different. And this is even a future prince, a prince of the Ming Dynasty.
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