Zhu Xiong Ying felt helpless because her uncle and younger brother were causing her so much trouble, but there seemed to be no better solution. Especially regarding her third son, Zhu Xiong Ying was certain she would write a letter home and give him a good scolding.
However, Old Zhu and Big Zhu were prepared for such things, and Zhu Xiong Ying didn't need to step forward.
It's likely that Yi Seong-gye submitted a memorial in the name of King Wang Yao of Goryeo, expressing his strong dissatisfaction with the Ming army's occupation of the Busan region. However, this didn't matter much, as Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang and Emperor Xiaozong didn't care about the opinions of the Goryeo monarch and powerful ministers, because Feng Sheng's memorial had also been sent back, and the Ming navy had begun its voyage across the sea.
Busan became a springboard for the Ming army. Although the area had only recently been captured, the Goryeo army had already reacted. However, things were stable for the time being, and the priority was to seize the mines.
It's estimated that Zhu Xiong Ying's second uncle has already arrived in Goryeo and become a commander. And if everything goes smoothly, the Ming army has successfully landed in Japan, assembled, and is heading towards Iwami.
Emperor Zhu was overjoyed. Zhu Shou escorted grain, craftsmen, and troops towards Goryeo, and Zhu Xiong Ying's third uncle also went along. The second uncle was to be granted a marquisate later, and in Emperor Zhu's plan, the crown prince's third uncle would be given an earldom.
Although it was a gilded ceremony, and although many people understood the reason why the three sons of the Chang family were granted titles, it was still necessary to maintain appearances. After all, the Ming Dynasty had just been founded, and titles were still very valuable.
After staying in Tianjin for half a month, Zhu Xiong Ying was somewhat reluctant to leave, but he still needed to return to Beiping.
In fact, Zhu Xiong Ying had been away from Beiping for nearly two months, having previously traveled to the north. Now, affairs in Beiping also require Zhu Xiong Ying's presence, even though the reigning emperor is currently overseeing matters in nearby Tianjin.
"Just thinking about it makes me feel terrible!" Old Zhu said, tying a cloak around Zhu Xiong Ying's neck. "Ordinary families don't have our wealth, but at least they can stay together as a family. But the three of us are scattered all over the country. Your imperial grandmother... never mind, let's not talk about it. After all, we're royalty!"
Zhu Xiong Ying smiled and comforted him, saying, "The war between Goryeo and Japan should be resolved in a month or two. At that time, Grandfather will come to Beiping. Grandfather will take his grandson to the north. I used to think that the Retired Emperor would take the Crown Prince on a tour of the world, but now it seems that's not going to happen. So it will be the Emperor taking his grandson on a border tour, just to cover less ground!"
Old Zhu smiled and whispered, "Your father said we're not allowed to go to the battlefield, and he also said you'd definitely try to get us to go north. We agreed, so let's see what he can do when we get there!"
Zhu Xiong Ying gasped, then said with some worry, "Grandpa, I'm in big trouble then!"
"It's alright. Once we get back to Yingtian Prefecture, you can stay right next to us. He won't dare to scold you!" Old Zhu said confidently and boldly. "If he scolds you, we'll scold him back. If he hits you once, we'll hit him ten times!"
Zhu Xiong Ying didn't give him any face and directly exposed his mistake, "Grandfather, if your grandson is punished, you will at most feel sorry for him and may even have to apply medicine to him yourself. At that time, the punishment will definitely not be returned."
Old Zhu laughed heartily, amused by Zhu Xiong Ying. "Then you should follow us. When will he find a chance to punish you? If you don't want to be beaten, then follow us! You're always trying to instigate us. Don't be afraid of being punished if something happens!"
Although there was still some reluctance, the sorrow of parting was largely dispelled. Perhaps everyone has gradually gotten used to this, after all, this wasn't the first time Zhu Xiong Ying had left Old Zhu's side.
There's no need to dwell on the sorrow of parting, since we'll probably see each other again soon. It's better to go hunting in the autumn when the horses are fat and strong, and actually fight against the nomadic tribes. That's what Zhu Xiong Ying is looking forward to.
At that point, it will no longer be an armed parade, and that will be very interesting. Now, we should also consider preparing for the real war to come. The emperor and the crown prince going on campaign is clearly no small matter, and preparations must be thorough.
This is because Zhu Yuanzhang was the founding emperor and possessed considerable power. He also managed to secure the support of some civil and military officials in Yingtian Prefecture, who then came to Tianjin to oversee the situation. Otherwise, if Zhu Yuanzhang had merely expressed a desire to personally lead an expedition, many officials would have become agitated and would have undoubtedly tried everything to stop him.
When the Crown Prince returned to Beiping, the civil and military officials left behind naturally had to go out of the city to welcome him, and Zhu Xiong Ying simply accepted it all calmly.
Upon returning to Fulong Palace, Zhu Xiong Ying immediately listened to reports on the construction of the Forbidden City, the construction of Beiping City, the administration of Beiping Prefecture, and matters concerning ordinary people and craftsmen—there were quite a few of these.
This also includes silver, grain, and so on. Each matter may involve many small details, and there are many more things that need to be handled. All of this is the reason why Zhu Xiong Ying could not stay idle. This is probably the responsibility that a crown prince needs to bear.
After all, Zhu Xiong Ying was different from ordinary imperial grandsons. He needed to shoulder these responsibilities. He was the future successor of the Ming Dynasty, and these were things he needed to take on. This was his responsibility.
Zhu Xiong Ying didn't feel particularly annoyed. Right now, he was only in charge of the affairs of Beiping Prefecture and some garrisons, handling both military and political matters.
If we can't handle these things now, then we'll be even less able to govern a vast empire in the future. That will be the real problem, the real trouble.
By this time, Li Shanchang had essentially given up hope, although he also felt that this might be the Crown Prince intentionally putting him on a cold shoulder. The seasoned Li Shanchang could naturally deduce this.
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