Daming: I am the Crown Prince

Although Princess Baoqing seems to be more valued by Zhu Yuanzhang now, it is basically unlikely that she will stay in the West Palace.

After Old Zhu finished washing Zhu Wenyao's face and hands, it was time to prepare dinner.

"My second uncle will be going back to his hometown in a few days, so he won't be allowed to come back to Beijing this time." Zhu Yunhuan said calmly, "Grandfather, why don't you take some time to go back to your hometown?"

Old Zhu was somewhat tempted. On the one hand, as he got older, he had to consider his lifespan, even though he was in very good health now.

But he is already 71 years old, and for many elderly people at this age, they have to consider returning to their hometown.

What’s more, at Mr. Zhu’s age, his sons are no longer around. In the past two years, he could only see them once a year.

Things are different now. With the new emperor Zhu Yunhuan ascending the throne, he can no longer see his sons once a year. If nothing unexpected happens, he may not see his sons for the next three years.

Take Zhu Chong for example. He had committed a crime and was returning to his hometown, but he had to take a detour and could not go directly through Yingtian Prefecture. This seemed to be a very cruel practice.

But Zhu Yuanzhang insisted on doing so, because once he and Zhu Yunhuan set a bad precedent, their descendants might follow suit, and at this time the royal family would be truly impartial.

"I haven't been back for many years." Old Zhu was moved and said with emotion, "I haven't visited my parents' graves for many years. They might blame me for being unfilial."

Nowadays, it is said that parents should not travel far away, but when there are certain festivals, we still need to worship our ancestors.

But in all these years, Zhu returned to Fengyang only a few times. After Zhu Biao's death, Zhu never went back to his hometown even once.

Zhu Yunhuan said, "Grandfather is just worried about Wen Yao. I thought if we walked slower, he wouldn't be too tired. My hometown is not far from Yingtian Prefecture, and the climate is similar, so he wouldn't feel uncomfortable."

Old Zhu wants to go back to his hometown now, but he can't go back because he can't let go of Zhu Wenyao. Everyone knows this.

If Old Zhu returned, there would be no one to take care of the child, and Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin would definitely not be able to handle Zhu Wenyao. In the past two or three years, Old Zhu's eyes were full of his great-grandson, and he would take him with him wherever he went.

Xu Miaojin also said, "Grandfather, I think what your Majesty said makes sense. Just walk slower. The weather is warm now, so it's suitable to go out for a walk."

The support of his grandson and granddaughter-in-law undoubtedly made Old Zhu even more excited. The temptation of returning to his hometown to worship his ancestors and seeing his son's motivation also included whether he really wanted to go back to his hometown.

Although he was the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, he had no control over many things. And now he is taking care of his great-grandson, but many times the old man will also consider the feelings of the younger generation.

As domineering as Zhu is, sometimes he would worry about Zhu Yunhuan and Xu Miaojin, worrying that he would not be able to raise the children well.

As for why Xu Miaojin supported Zhu in doing this, it was not only because the season was right, it was also a matter of filial piety, and it also proved Zhu Wenyao's status.

Although given Zhu Wenyao's status, it seems that there is nothing to worry about. As long as the child grows up, he will be the crown prince or the emperor, there will basically be no changes in this matter.

But in the final analysis, it is "basic", and it is better to have more guarantees. Now Lao Zhu takes Zhu Wenyao back to his hometown to worship his ancestors. This is the best way to announce it to the world and to respectfully inform the ancestors.

The most important affairs of a country are sacrifices and military affairs. According to convention, before the princes of the Ming Dynasty are enthroned, they must return to their hometown in Fengyang.

Zhu Yunhuan said seriously, "Grandfather, I'm serious. It's only now that your health is still good. If it's a few years later, you won't be able to go back even if you want to."

Old Zhu nodded, and became even more excited. "It's just that Wen Yao is too young. How can I take a child this young to travel hundreds of miles?"

"Walk slower, he won't ride a horse or walk, and the kid is making a lot of noise." Zhu Yunhuan said seriously, "There is a palace in my hometown, are you afraid he won't have a place to live?"

In fact, Zhu Yunhuan didn't need to worry too much. After all, Fengyang was not far away, so he basically didn't need to worry about things like acclimatization.

Xu Miaojin also said, "When the time comes, please ask Concubine Ning to go back with you, and the people around Grandfather Huang and Wen Yao to go with you, so you don't have to worry about the inconvenience of life."

Old Zhu suddenly said, "You two young people, it's as if I'm a hindrance in Yingtian Prefecture and you insist on letting me go back."

Zhu Yunhuan smiled and said, "I am afraid that you will have regrets. Although life is not perfect, it is good to have one less regret. You are already this age and your health is still good, so you must seize the moment."

In Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes, the most filial person in the Ming Dynasty is his good grandson, who always puts himself in his shoes and considers things.

But the person who speaks the most unpleasantly to Daming is his good grandson. He obviously has good intentions, but what he says always sounds harsh.

If someone who doesn't know the situation heard this, they might think this is a disobedient and unfilial junior. How could he speak like this!

Zhu Yunhuan didn't care about that and continued, "If you ever get sick and can't move, you won't be able to go back. If you insist on going back then, should I send you back or not?"

Old Zhu said angrily, "With your character, you must have pretended not to hear it. We want to go back and take a look, but we are worried that Wen Yao is too young."

"Go slowly on the way, don't rush back or come back, so you won't be tired." Zhu Yunhuan continued, "After seeing my second uncle, I'll trouble you to discipline me. This is also a big deal."

Hearing Zhu Yunhuan mention these, Old Zhu also got angry, "You are also unlucky. How come you have to deal with such useless elders, each of whom makes you worry."

Zhu Yunhuan said directly, "Second Uncle is pretty good this time. He didn't cause any big trouble. But he still needs to be disciplined. It won't be of much use if I say it. It's better for you to discipline him."

Hearing what Zhu Yunhuan said, Old Zhu naturally became even more helpless, and even felt a little embarrassed. It was really his sons who brought shame to him.

Over the years, his sons have indeed been able to play a role at times, but they have also caused quite a lot of trouble.

After Zhu Yunhuan became the crown prince, Zhu felt that his sons were generally in trouble and needed Zhu Yunhuan to help clean up and take care of them. He also felt that Zhu Chong and his friends were lucky because they had Biao'er to take care of them. Now that Biao'er was gone, it was Biao'er's descendants who were taking care of them, which made Zhu Chong and his friends so comfortable.

"Your uncle is greedy for money, and his character is incorrigible." Old Zhu sighed and said, "I heard that Yunwen is also here this time. I don't know what can be done to correct his poor management of the household."

Zhu Yunhuan said jokingly, "He is upright and understands the big principles. But he is ambitious but incompetent. When asked to do something, he thinks this is not big enough or that is unnecessary. Once he starts, he can't do anything."

Although he thought this might be Zhu Yunhuan's prejudice against Zhu Yunwen, Zhu did not refute it, mainly because he really had no way to refute it.

Zhu Yunwen's performance in the past few years, even when he was doing some small things in Hangzhou, made old Zhu unable to stand it. That kid really had high expectations but low skills. He talked a lot but did a terrible job of executing his actions.

Thinking about it now, I am scared. If I had chosen Yunwen, who had a better reputation, I don’t know how many troubles would have happened now. That kid just doesn’t seem to know how to do things in a down-to-earth manner.

Nowadays, problems often occur in the Palace of Prince Wu. Sometimes it's his wife's brother, sometimes it's his subordinates. It's such a small place with only a few people, but he can't manage them well. If he were to be in charge of the court, how chaotic it would be!
Zhu Yunxun then said, "Grandfather, I have made arrangements for Yunwen's affairs. Those who should be punished will be punished, and those who should be reprimanded will be reprimanded."

Old Zhu did not object. His sons had to accept the punishment, not to mention that this was his grandson who made a mistake. The most important thing was to understand Yun Hun's difficulties. His uncles were not worry-free, and his brother could not make people feel at ease.

If he were to go against the grain at this time, Yun Hu would be in a real dilemma, and Zhu Yuanzhang would definitely not do that. This is also the reason why he basically did not go to the court after abdicating, because he was afraid that the government would be divided.

He also understood that even though Zhu Yunhuan's prestige was growing, once he spoke in the court, it would be clear whose orders the officials would obey.

There is no doubt that if Zhu Yuanzhang issued an edict, even if Zhu Yunhuan did not agree with it in his heart, he would basically have to obey it obediently. This is the reality.

If you can avoid causing trouble for Yunhuan, then don't do it. This is also Zhu Yuanzhang's current mentality.

Zhu Yunhuan smiled and said to Old Zhu, "Grandfather, you are the one who has to worry about Second Uncle's affairs. It will be useless for me to say more."

Old Zhu said disapprovingly, "You are the emperor now, so why is your opinion useless? If your second uncle committed a crime, then you should deal with it. This is the right way."

"Isn't this sending him back home? If I can't punish him severely, it's useless to say more." Zhu Yunhuan said with a smile, "You old man, just scold Second Uncle more severely in one breath, so that I can have an easier time in the future."

Old Zhu also understood Zhu Yunhuan's difficulties, because what Zhu Chong was doing now was wrong, but it was not to the extent that he would be demoted to a commoner.

Now verbally scolding them a few times actually has no effect. Now scolding them a few times can only work for a while. But if they scold them a few more times without actual punishment, Zhu Chong and others might get used to it.

Seeing that Old Zhu had no objection, Zhu Yunhuan continued, "Grandfather, I was thinking that since we are taking Wen Yao back, you should take the trouble to take a closer look at the Resident Office."

Old Zhu immediately became concerned, "Liushou Division? What's the problem with the Liushou Division?"

The Fengyang Garrison was under the jurisdiction of the Central Army Commandery, and had eight guard posts and one thousand households under its jurisdiction. Because it was stationed in the central capital Fengyang, its status was naturally even more different.

"Aren't we preparing to train the new army? There is no war going on now, so we can only train instead of fighting." Zhu Yunhuan said, "I've thought about it and decided that it's not a good idea to move the Beijing Guards. Let's move the garrison first."

Old Zhu instantly understood what Zhu Yunhuan meant. If he thought about it carefully, it was because Yunhuan was more cautious in doing things. This child was relatively calm and not rash at all.

In the final analysis, the Beijing Guards are special. They are the most powerful army in the Ming Dynasty and the most core one, so it is naturally not easy to change anything.

Old Zhu thought about it carefully and said, "My Ming Dynasty has a strong army and has made countless military achievements over the years. I think nothing will change."

The confidence to say this is naturally because the Ming army has experienced countless fierce battles and destroyed all powerful enemies. This is the greatest affirmation of the Ming army, and it seems that there is really no need to change anything.

In Zhu Yuanzhang's opinion, it is enough to maintain the army's current combat effectiveness. By then, there will still be no enemies in the world and they will still be invincible.

Training a new army and so on are obviously unnecessary. It is just a waste of time. It will be easier to implement by continuing with some existing policies, which is also very safe.

Zhu Yunhuan smiled and said, "Grandfather, this is what I think. In the past, we were surrounded by powerful enemies, so it was natural for us to have grandfather's battle-hardened army. Now a large-scale war must be difficult, so the previous way is not appropriate."

After hearing what Zhu Yunhuan said, Old Zhu did not refute. The main reason was that everyone was well aware of some situations. Times are different from the past, and some situations have indeed changed significantly.

"Let's talk about this later. You still need to have a detailed discussion with Lan Yu, Xu Huizu and others." Old Zhu said, "If it really comes to that, we will help you deal with it."

After Lao Zhu finished talking about these things, he suddenly felt something was wrong. "Why do you say now that we have to go back whether we want to or not?"

Zhu Yunhuan couldn't help but laugh, as if it was really the case. Now Old Zhu was really going back to his hometown, and it seemed that many things had been completely arranged.

"Then you can make the arrangements. We will take Wen Yao back with us when the time comes." Old Zhu said proudly while holding Zhu Wen Yao in his arms, "Let our parents see Wen Yao too. They will definitely be happy."

Seeing Old Zhu's happy and expectant expression, Zhu Yunhuan also felt happy. He felt that his arrangement seemed to be quite appropriate.

In the final analysis, Lao Zhu has a very strong sense of attachment to his hometown. He has not gone back to pay homage in all these years, and this is also a knot in Lao Zhu's heart.

It means a different thing to Old Zhu to be able to bring his great-grandson back while he is still healthy, and to discipline his son, who is not a good person but has always been his concern.

As for whether Old Zhu or Zhu Wenyao was more tired, Zhu Yunhuan did not think there was anything wrong with it. After all, these things would not tire the old and the young at all.

As long as Old Zhu has no regrets, this is enough for Zhu Yunhuan.

These things are indeed one of the most important things in his heart. (End of this chapter)